Monday, August 25th, 2025
A glimmer of hope for SAARC? Pakistan and Bangladesh mend ties, but the India factor looms
Recent positive developments in the relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh offer a sliver of hope for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). While the road to a fully functional and effective SAARC remains long and fraught with challenges, the apparent thaw in bilateral ties between these two significant member states could inject some much-needed momentum into the stalled regional body. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the revival of SAARC’s fortunes hinges largely on the resolution of the far more deep-seated and complex issues plaguing the relationshipRead More
UAE ambassador pays farewell call on PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD, AUG 25 /DNA/ – Ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan, paid a farewell call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House this evening. Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch were also present during the meeting. The Prime Minister congratulated the Ambassador on the successful completion of his tenure in Pakistan and thanked him for his contribution towards theRead More
PM Shehbaz commends heroic shepherds for averting disaster in Ghizer Valley
ISLAMABAD, AUG 25 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a delegation of local shepherds from Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan, today at the Prime Minister’s House, honoring them for their critical role in saving countless lives during a recent Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). The shepherds, Mr. Wasiyat Khan, Mr. Ansar, and Mr. Muhammad Khan, were hailed as national heroes for their vigilance and courage. Their timely warning of the impending GLOF in the Ghizer Valley enabled the complete and safe evacuation of all local residents, preventing a major human tragedy.Read More
Dar meets Malaysian FM, urges humanitarian access for Gaza
JEDDAH, AUG 25 /DNA/ – – The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Mr. Mohamad Haji Hasan, the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers today. The meeting was marked by a strong expression of bilateral solidarity and a shared deep concern for the ongoing crisis in Gaza. A Unified Call for Peace in Palestine Both ministers emphasized their nations’ firm solidarity with the peopleRead More
NHA begins design work on Mansehra–Chilas expressway
ISLAMABAD, AUG 25 (DNA) — In a major move to boost regional trade, tourism, and connectivity, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has commenced design activities for the upgradation of the existing N-15 National Highway (Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad–Chilas) into a four-lane divided expressway, spanning approximately 235 kilometers. The project aims to transform this critical route into a modern expressway, significantly enhancing travel efficiency and safety, while unlocking economic potential in northern Pakistan. According to the official document, the “Feasibility Study and Detailed Design for Upgrading of N-15” officially began on June 17, 2025. This initiative marksRead More
Hajj 2026: Pakistan to open bookings for private scheme soon
ISLAMABAD, AUG 25: The government has completed bookings under the official Hajj scheme, while preparations for the private Hajj scheme are expected to begin in the coming days, according to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Private Hajj scheme to begin shortlySources confirmed that private operators who complete all necessary documentation and requirements will soon be allowed to start Hajj bookings under the private scheme. The ministry has instructed operators to act promptly to avoid delays in the process. Documentation and requirementsThe Ministry of Religious Affairs has outlined several conditions forRead More