Pakistan Archives - Page 7 of 19

IMF approves fresh $1.2b aid package for Pakistan

May 8, 2026 by Newsdesk

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund has approved a new tranche of $1.2 billion for Pakistan, marking a significant boost for the country’s external financing and economic stability.

According to details, the approval was granted during a meeting of the IMF Executive Board held in Washington, where Pakistan’s financial assistance program was reviewed.

Under the decision, Pakistan will receive $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility, while an additional $210 million will be disbursed under climate and sustainable development support initiatives.

The approved amount will be transferred to the State Bank of Pakistan, which is expected to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves and provide short-term relief to the external account.

Officials noted that the IMF program is also likely to improve investor confidence and support Pakistan’s broader macroeconomic stability, particularly in meeting external payment obligations.

The new disbursement comes as part of ongoing cooperation between Pakistan and the IMF aimed at stabilizing the economy and implementing structural reforms.

Bangladesh take control on day one of Dhaka Test against Pakistan

May 8, 2026 by Newsdesk

DHAKA: Bangladesh national cricket team dominated the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan national cricket team in Dhaka with an impressive batting performance.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a superb century, scoring 101 runs off 130 deliveries to put the hosts in a commanding position.

He was well supported by Mominul Haque, who played a composed innings of 91 runs. Their strong partnership helped Bangladesh recover from early setbacks and build momentum against the Pakistani bowling attack.

Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 48 at stumps as Bangladesh finished the first day on 301 for 4.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Noman Ali picked up one wicket each.

The second Test of the series is scheduled to begin on May 16 in Sylhet.

Meanwhile, Babar Azam was unavailable for the match due to a knee injury.

Iran sends negotiation proposal to US via Pakistan amid ongoing diplomatic efforts

May 1, 2026 by Newsdesk

TEHRAN: Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal for negotiations to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media outlet IRNA.

The report stated that the proposal was delivered on Thursday. Earlier Iranian proposals had demanded an end to hostilities, guarantees against future attacks, and included readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if maritime blockades were lifted, followed by discussions on the nuclear issue. However, those earlier proposals were rejected by the US President at the time.

News agencies reported that when asked about Iran’s use of Pakistan as a channel, the White House said it does not comment on private diplomatic communications, adding that discussions are ongoing.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Pakistan is acting as the formal mediator in talks between Tehran and Washington. He said several countries are willing to assist, but Pakistan holds the official role of mediator in the process.

Baghaei added that if a formal decision is made to hold negotiations, it will be officially announced.

He also reiterated Iran’s position regarding recent tensions, calling the US seizure of an Iranian vessel “piracy at sea” and saying the matter is being raised through Pakistani mediation to secure the release of detained Iranian citizens.

Separately, he rejected US claims that recent strikes were defensive in nature, stating that the actions represented “open aggression against Iran” rather than self-defense.

Pakistan street child football team to compete in 2026 World Cup in Mexico

April 30, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Street Child Football Team is set to depart for Mexico on Friday to participate in the Street Child World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 15, featuring teams from 30 countries.

The tournament will include separate events for both boys and girls and serves as a global platform advocating for the rights, protection, and identity of street-connected children through youth-led initiatives.

The Pakistan team, participating under the banner of Muslim Hands an organization dedicated to promoting education and social change through sports will also attend a session of the United Nations General Assembly during their visit.

It is worth noting that Pakistan secured the silver medal at the Street Child Football World Cup 2022 held in Qatar, finishing as runners-up in the international tournament.

Pakistan successfully conducts test launch of Indigenous Fateh-II missile

April 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Army Rocket Force Command successfully carried out a training launch of the locally developed Fateh-II missile system.

The Inter-Services Public Relations has announced that, Fateh-II missile is equipped with advanced avionics and modern navigation technology. The test aimed to validate various technical parameters and assess the performance of its enhanced accuracy systems.

The launch was witnessed by senior officials from the Strategic Plans Division, Army Rocket Force Command, and the Pakistan Army, along with scientists and engineers from strategic organizations. Officials praised the successful test of the indigenously developed Fateh series missile.

ISPR stated that the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence Forces, and the Services Chiefs appreciated the technical expertise, dedication, and commitment of all personnel involved in the successful trial.

Pakistan, China discuss Middle East situation and peace efforts in high-level meeting

April 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, during which discussions were held on the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace.

The meeting in Islamabad focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. The prime minister expressed pride in Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China and said that close cooperation with Chinese leadership would continue to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif also conveyed good wishes for the Chinese President and Premier, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations.

The Chinese ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting lasting peace in the region and reiterated the commitment of both countries to further strengthen their longstanding friendship.

Iran defeats Pakistan in Kabaddi at Asian Beach Games

April 23, 2026 by Newsdesk

Sanya: In the ongoing Asian Beach Games in China’s city of Sanya, Iran defeated Pakistan national kabaddi team in a competitive match.

Iran secured a 38–28 victory over Pakistan in the kabaddi contest, delivering a strong performance throughout the game.

Meanwhile, in the aquathlon events, Pakistan’s Hamza Asif finished 28th in the men’s final, which featured 31 athletes. He recorded a personal best time of 37.26 minutes.

In the women’s aquathlon final, Pakistan’s Ayesha Waqas secured 25th position among 27 competitors, also achieving a personal best with a time of 56.32 minutes.

The Asian Beach Games continue to feature multiple sporting events with athletes from across the continent competing for top positions.

Over 2000 children diagnosed with HIV in Pakistan over 15 months

April 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: More than 2,000 children have been diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Pakistan over the past 15 months, according to data released by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.

Figures from the Common Management Unit (CMU) show that among the affected children, 1,274 are boys and 834 are girls.

The highest number of cases has been reported in Sindh, where 1,515 children were diagnosed during the period. Of these, 1,186 cases were recorded in 2025, while an additional 329 cases emerged in the first three months of 2026.

Punjab ranks second, with 418 cases reported in 2025. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a total of 111 cases were recorded, including 90 in 2025 and 21 in early 2026.

Meanwhile, Balochistan reported 38 cases (33 in 2025 and 5 in 2026), while Islamabad recorded 22 cases, including 17 in 2025 and 5 this year.

Additionally, three cases were reported in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and one case in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Health officials have expressed concern over the rising numbers and stress the need for enhanced prevention, awareness, and early diagnosis efforts to curb the spread of the virus among children.

Pakistan steps up diplomatic efforts to bring Iran to second round of talks

April 22, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has intensified high-level diplomatic engagement with Iran to persuade Tehran to participate in the second round of negotiations aimed at sustaining a fragile ceasefire and paving the way for lasting peace, informed sources said.

According to officials familiar with the development, Pakistan’s top leadership is in active contact with Iranian authorities. Key figures involved include Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Sources said Islamabad’s primary objective is to prevent any potential escalation while ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire. Pakistan is also working to bring both sides to the table for direct negotiations to achieve long-term regional stability.

A well-placed source stated that Pakistan is making every possible effort and is currently awaiting a formal response from Iran regarding its participation.

Officials indicated that once confirmation is received, Pakistan is prepared to host the second round of talks in Islamabad. “We are ready to facilitate and host the talks,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar clarified that Pakistan is still awaiting official confirmation from the Iranian side regarding the proposed peace talks.

He emphasized that Pakistan continues to play a mediatory role and remains engaged with Iranian leadership through ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Tarar also noted that the current ceasefire is set to expire early on April 22 (Pakistan time), underlining the urgency for Tehran to make a timely decision on joining the next phase of negotiations.

JD Vance visit to Pakistan postponed as Iran talks remain unclear

April 21, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The planned visit of US Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for the second round of Iran-US negotiations has been postponed, according to American media reports.

Sources said the delay comes after Iran did not respond regarding participation in the upcoming talks. However, US officials familiar with the matter indicated that the visit could be rescheduled at any time.

Meanwhile, Minister for Information Atta Tarar stated that the ongoing Iran-US ceasefire is set to expire at 4:50 AM (Pakistan time) on April 22.

According to reports, the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States is nearing its end, with uncertainty still surrounding the next steps from both sides.

US media further reported that negotiations could resume at any moment, although President Donald Trump has indicated he is not in favor of extending the ceasefire without a long-term agreement.

On the other hand, Iran has stated that no decision has yet been made regarding sending a delegation to Islamabad for talks. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that participation in the negotiations would depend on whether they prove meaningful and productive.

He also strongly criticized US actions against Iranian vessels, calling them a serious violation of international law, “maritime piracy,” and “state terrorism.” He added that such actions further deepen Iran’s distrust of the United States and raise serious questions about Washington’s intentions.