Wednesday, August 19th, 2026
Pakistani coordinator for SCO affairs meets ambassadors of member countries on Heads of State Summit 2027
As Pakistan is preparing to host the high-level Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit in Islamabad in 2027. ISLAMABAD, AUG 19 /DNA/ – Seasoned diplomat , Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Faisal is Pakistan’s National Coordinator for SCO Affairs. On 19 Aug 2025, he invited Ambassadors of the member countries at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad to discuss the matters related to the Summit.⠀The preparatory meeting was attended by ambassadors and chargés d’affaires of SCO member states accredited in Pakistan, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan includingRead More
Bilawal warns withholding PML-N-led govt support until ‘all concerns addressed’
ISLAMABAD, AUG 19: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said the party would withhold its support for the PML-N-led government until its concerns, including over the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, were addressed. Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Bilawal questioned whether such treatment was appropriate for an ally, whether in the context of the AJK elections or the political agreements the PPP had reached with the PML-N before electing the prime minister. He said the PPP raised issues with the government in every budget forRead More
Ishaq Dar, UN chief discuss mutual interests
ISAMABAD, AUG 19 /DNA/ – DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone call with UN Secretary-General H.E. António Guterres @AntonioGuterres this evening. Both leaders exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for multilateralism and the central role of the UN, and commended Secretary-General Guterres for his leadership and efforts over the years. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.
Norway drops case against Umar Farooq Zahoor due to lack of evidence, vindicating him after 16 years
Monitoring Report LONDON/OSLO: In a landmark legal victory, the Norwegian government has given a clean chit to Norwegian-Pakistani businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor by dismissing a 16-years-old alleged corruption case against him – citing a lack of sufficient evidence to prove corruption and wrongdoing. The decision to dismiss the alleged corruption case against Umar Farooq Zahoor has been made by Norway’s top prosecuting authority after establishing that there is not enough evidence against Umar Farooq Zahoor either to prosecute him or to justify keeping the case file open because there isRead More
Indian hotel fire kills nine
KOLKATA, 19 AUG (DNA) — A fire ripped through a hotel in the Indian city of Kolkata on Wednesday, killing nine people, including five Bangladeshi nationals who were seeking medical care, officials said. “Nine people were killed, including a child, in the fire that broke out early on Wednesday,” Anuj Sharma, the fire services director of West Bengal state, told media. “Thick smoke enveloped the hotel. Some victims were found in the bathrooms.” Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and routine disregard for safetyRead More
PM wants cut in petrol, diesel prices
ISLAMABAD, 19 AUG (DNA) — Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik to immediately travel to Karachi and hold urgent negotiations with local oil refineries in order to secure a reduction in diesel prices and provide relief to the public. The directive was issued during a high‑level meeting attended by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, and Member of the National Assembly Hamza Shehbaz. The Prime Minister emphasized that sinceRead More