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ISLAMABAD : Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Ambassador of China Jiang Zaidong on Tuesday expressed their commitment to elevating Pakistan-China ties to new heights and further solidifying their strategic partnership. In the meeting, they reaffirmed the Pak-China all-weather strategic partnership, which was a cornerstone of bilateral relations between the two states, according to a Foreign Office press release. They reviewed the progress of CPEC 2.0, calling it a significant project aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and regional connectivity. On behalf of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Ambassador Jiang extended an invitation to DPM Dar to…

Pakistan has signed a landmark agreement with Chinese and local investors to establish the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marking a significant step in the corridor’s second phase of development. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) spearheaded the initiative, which aims to transform the area near Thatta into a major industrial hub. The project, structured under a public-private partnership model, is expected to attract investments worth $3 billion and create more than 100,000 jobs. Strategically located near Karachi’s ports, the DSEZ is positioned to provide optimal access to global trade routes. This geographical advantage…

The spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee, Irfan Siddiqui, talked to the media outside the Parliament House and addressed the uncertainty surrounding the fourth round of talks with the opposition. “If the opposition committee does not attend, it will indicate their final decision to end negotiations,” Siddiqui stated. He further noted that if the meeting does not take place, the government committee will consult on the way forward, as “we cannot keep our seven-party alliance bound indefinitely.” Siddiqui explained that the government’s negotiation committee is composed of representatives from seven political parties, and if the opposition refuses to participate, dissolving…

ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS) : In December 2024, Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for 2024-2026. This period opens new prospects for enhancing pan-Asian cooperation, strengthening mutual trust between regional countries, and promoting initiatives aimed at ensuring security and sustainable economic development of the continent. In an interview with Report, CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay noted that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship provides a unique opportunity to strengthen the organization’s role in addressing key challenges facing the continent. He also discussed CICA’s priority areas and plans for deepening dialogue between member states. – In 2025,…

Pakistan Navy is organizing the ninth iteration of AMAN multinational maritime exercises in February this year, expecting the participation of more than 60 countries. The exercise has become the flagship event of the Pakistan Navy towards fostering inclusive maritime community to fight against non-traditional threats, including terrorism and organized crimes, in the maritime domain. These threats, according to the most recent report of International Maritime Organization (IMO) remain significant, and complacency could lead to a resurgence in piracy and maritime terrorism. Besides exhibiting united resolve against terrorism and organized crimes in the sea, AMAN also attempts to build bridges during…

The fourth round of negotiations between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) hit an impasse as PTI refused to participate in the meeting called by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The session, scheduled to take place at the Parliament House, was aimed at resolving key disagreements between the two sides. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had reached out to Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and PTI leader Asad Qaiser, urging them to attend the meeting to address the stalemate through dialogue. “Issues can only be resolved at the negotiation table,” said the Speaker during his conversation with PTI leadership.…

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday instructed the Ministry of National Health Services to modernize the healthcare institutions under the federal government’s purview and make Islamabad a model for healthcare facilities for the entire country. The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the matters about the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, said that the government was prioritizing to ensure access to healthcare facilities across the country, a PM Office press release said. He asked the health ministry to expedite the work on Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center and start the pre-qualification process for…

WASHINGTON : The United States has confirmed halting aid to Pakistan, leaving several projects related to development, health and others in limbo. A US official said the aid will remain suspended for Pakistan until a review is conducted. The move has caused suspension of work on five projects related to energy sector. It has also affected four economic development programmes and five agriculture-related projects besides suspending aid for human rights and governance temporarily. The foreign aid has initially has been suspended for 90 days and it would be resumed after a review by the US authorities. Earlier, the US, the…

ISLAMABAD : A local court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in six cases until February 11. Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka heard the bail applications. Lawyers Ansar Kiani and Shamsa Kiani represented Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in court. During the hearing, Ansar Kiani requested an exemption from Bushra Bibi’s appearance, citing her imprisonment in the £190 million case and proposing her attendance via video link from Adiala Jail. The judge granted the request for exemption and noted that hearings for cases under PECA (Prevention of…

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik held a press conference on Monday to address concerns about gas pricing and explain the government’s initiatives aimed at easing economic challenges. The minister revealed that discussions have been held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to introduce uniform gas rates for industries across the country. He highlighted disparities in gas pricing, stating, “One factory is receiving cheap gas while another pays higher rates. This imbalance is unfair and must be addressed.” In the first phase of this plan, the price of gas for industries has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs3,500 per…