The writer is Head of News at Pakistan Today. He has a special focus on current affairs, regional and global connectivity, and counterterrorism. He tweets as @mian_abrar and also can be reached at [email protected]
President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif reviewed Pakistan’s security, law and order, and economy, focusing on federal budget priorities, plus updates on Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan’s Federal Budget 2026-27 will be presented on June 10, following consultations with coalition allies and the IMF. Talks also cover tax enforcement, no new citizen burden, and PSDP priorities.
Pakistan, Seven Muslim Nations Condemn Israeli Settlers’ Incursions into Al Aqsa Mosque
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts in US-Iran dialogue during talks with PM Shehbaz. Both sides pledged deeper cooperation on trade, climate, digital and security, with GSP+ key to exports.
Top HeadlinesPM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan-China private-sector B2B engagement has entered a new phase, with 207 MoUs worth $7.54bn signed in Hangzhou. He urges ministries to convert MoUs into agreements, joint ventures and projects.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas tells Pakistan it is a key regional power as both sides pledge stronger cooperation through expanded trade, diplomacy, security, climate resilience and regional peace efforts.
Top HeadlinesForeign Minister Wang Yi lauded Pakistan’s dialogue efforts during talks with Ishaq Dar in New York. Dar also plans Washington meetings and urges de-escalation over the Iran-US dispute at the UN.
Pakistan and China reiterated opposition to unilateral actions and urged dialogue to resolve Jammu and Kashmir, while stressing regional peace. The leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation and expand CPEC 2.0.
Top HeadlinesPresident Xi and PM Shehbaz pledged a new era for Pakistan-China ties as the countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming One-China support and planning deeper cooperation in CPEC 2.0, space, clean energy and digital transformation.
Putin’s Beijing visit underscores a strengthening China-Russia “dragon-bear” partnership. Trade, energy, military ties and diplomacy are reshaping global power as U.S. influence wanes.
Top HeadlinesPM Shehbaz Sharif met Zhejiang Party leadership in Hangzhou, highlighting expanded cooperation in digital, agriculture, renewables and manufacturing. The visit included a Punjab–Zhejiang sister-province MoU and a joint technology research centre agreement.
NATIONALPM Shehbaz Sharif visits China for three days to strengthen Pakistan-China strategic cooperation and push forward CPEC 2.0, with a focus on industrialization, innovation, and Gwadar and the Karakoram Highway.
