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RIYADH: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to bring about a qualitative change in their economic, trade and investment relationship. The understanding to the effect reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz on the sidelines of the ‘One Water Summit’ in Riyadh. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the pace of progress of the implementation of the Saudi MoUs and agreements regarding investment in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Crown Prince for his most genuine affection for the people of Pakistan. He reiterated his invitation…

During the hearing of a contempt of court petition against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding the November 24 protest, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Amir Farooq, expressed strong disapproval of both the government and the administration. Justice Farooq criticized the authorities, stating, “The court had directed the protection of citizens’, traders’, and protesters’ fundamental rights, but you shut down the entire city.” He added that while petitioners had sought the court’s permission to keep their businesses operational, officials publicly misrepresented court orders, claiming restrictions were imposed due to the High Court. The Chief Justice also demanded an explanation…

Baghdad: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, visited Iraq, where he held high-level meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Al-Shi’a Al-Sudani, Minister of Defense, Minister of Interior, and Chief of Defense Forces. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), discussions focused on regional security, defense cooperation, and strategies to enhance bilateral military relations. Both sides agreed to explore new avenues for increasing collaboration in defense and military training. The visit underscored the commitment of Pakistan and Iraq to strengthening defense ties. Iraq’s civil and military leadership expressed appreciation for the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and acknowledged…

ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday unveiled the squads for the upcoming series against South Africa, scheduled to begin on December 10. The series will feature both red-ball and white-ball formats, and the announcement has brought notable returns, including some key players who had been sidelined due to injuries or workload management. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is set to make his return to the white-ball squad after a hiatus from the last two Tests against England. His inclusion is seen as a vital step in ensuring peak fitness ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.…

Snowfall continued intermittently in the upper regions of Swat, with scenic views enhanced the charm of Kalam and Malam Jabba . According to details, the tourists flocked to these areas, drawn by the mesmerising sight of snow-covered landscapes. The snowfall, which blanketed Mahodand Lake with one foot and Kalam Valley with nine inches of snow, also lowered temperatures to minus one degree Celsius. The chilly weather attracted visitors eager to witness the winter spectacle. In Mansehra, the surrounding mountains of Naran, along with Saiful Malook Lake and other tourist destinations, were also covered in a thick layer of snow. The…

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong met Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Zardari House in Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon. Chairman Bilawal and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong discussed enhancing bilateral relations, social and cultural cooperation, and matters of mutual interest during the meeting. Former foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar was also president in the meeting.

The Khunjerab Pass, a key trade route linking Pakistan, China, and Central Asian states, will now remain open year-round for the first time in 77 years, overcoming its usual winter closure due to heavy snowfall. Located at 16,000 feet and part of the CPEC, the pass facilitates the trade of goods like machinery, textiles, and food items, crucial for regional economic growth. Following an agreement at the 2023 Belt and Road Forum, Pakistan and China committed to infrastructure enhancements, including central heating systems and other facilities, ensuring uninterrupted trade and strengthening regional trade ties.

During the Strategic Cooperation Summit on E-Commerce held in Kunming, Yunnan, Chinese and Pakistani enterprises signed nine agreements worth RMB 1.918 billion (approximately $263.8 million), focusing on sectors like investment, trade, minerals, agriculture, and the digital economy. Key participants included Yunnan Yunshangyun Big Data and Northern Frontier Mines Pakistan. Gilgit-Baltistan’s Planning Minister, Raja Nasir Ali Khan, highlighted the agreements’ potential to enhance bilateral trade and investment, especially in digital technologies and e-commerce.

Pakistani agricultural by-products, including Himalayan pink salt, dried mangoes, and almond oil, stood out at the 21st China International Agricultural Trade Fair (CATF) in Guangzhou, attracting buyers and visitors. Cindy Chen of the Zhitong Batie platform highlighted their authenticity and freshness, emphasizing Pakistan’s efforts to promote agricultural exports, which reached a record $8 billion in 2023-2024. The fair, showcasing over 20,000 products from nearly 3,000 enterprises, provided a prime platform for Pakistan to boost its agricultural trade and promote the 2025 FoodAg Manufacturing Expo in Lahore.

China hopes that the incoming U.S. administration will properly handle its first steps in China-U.S. relations, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with a delegation led by Susan Elliott, president and chief executive officer of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP). Wang said that China’s foreign policy, including its U.S. policy, has maintained its stability and continuity, which shows its determination and credibility as a major country. China will always improve and develop its relations…