海角直播

Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties

Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties
In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Saudi and Pakistani military officials attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)
Short Url
Updated 15 February 2025

Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties

Pakistan, Saudi military officials agree to deepen defense and security ties
  • General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is in 海角直播 for the Joint Military Cooperation Committee meeting
  • His discussions with Saudi officials focused on military exchange programs, ongoing training initiatives

KARACHI: Senior Pakistani and Saudi military officials have agreed to further consolidate bilateral defense and security cooperation during their meetings in the Kingdom, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.
Pakistan鈥檚 Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is currently visiting 海角直播 to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting.
The Kingdom remains one of Pakistan鈥檚 key defense and security allies, with ties encompassing a range of activities, including counterterrorism collaboration.
鈥淏oth sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation between Armed Forces of Pakistan and 海角直播, focusing on mutual exchange programs, training initiatives and other defense-related activities,鈥 the ISPR said.




In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Pakistan鈥檚 Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza reviews the Guard of Honor at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

鈥淭he military leadership reaffirmed their commitment for further strengthening existing defense and security cooperation between the two brotherly countries,鈥 it added.
During his visit, General Mirza held meetings with Major General Talal Bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Assistant Minister of Defense, and General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Chief of General Staff of 海角直播.




In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Pakistan鈥檚 Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza (left) reviews the Guard of Honor at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

Their discussions covered strategic and security issues, the evolving regional environment and bilateral defense collaboration.
The JMCC meeting, which Mirza and Al-Ruwaili co-chaired, serves as a key platform for defense dialogue and coordination between the two nations.




In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Saudi military officials welcome Pakistan鈥檚 Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh, as he arrives to attend the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)

The ISPR said Saudi military officials praised the professionalism of Pakistan鈥檚 armed forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against militancy.
Upon his arrival at the Armed Forces Headquarters in 海角直播, General Mirza was given a Guard of Honor by a smartly turned-out military contingent, reflecting the strong defense ties between the two nations.




In this handout photo, released by the Saudi Ministry of Defense on February 14, 2025, Saudi and Pakistani military officials gesture for a group photograph following the 8th round of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy: Handout/MOD)


Pakistan stresses close cooperation with OIC to promote women empowerment, gender equality

Pakistan stresses close cooperation with OIC to promote women empowerment, gender equality
Updated 22 October 2025

Pakistan stresses close cooperation with OIC to promote women empowerment, gender equality

Pakistan stresses close cooperation with OIC to promote women empowerment, gender equality
  • Pakistan will host the ninth meeting of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women early next year
  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar underscores importance of advancing women鈥檚 issues within OIC framework

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan鈥檚 Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday called for close coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to promote women empowerment and gender equality, the foreign office said in a statement.

The statement came after Dar chaired a meeting to review preparations for the ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, which Pakistan will host early next year.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan鈥檚 commitment to ensuring the success of the upcoming conference and underscored the importance of advancing women鈥檚 issues within the OIC framework.

鈥淗e (Dar) highlighted Pakistan鈥檚 proactive role in promoting gender equality and women鈥檚 empowerment and underscored the need for close coordination with the OIC to achieve these shared goals,鈥 Pakistan鈥檚 foreign office said.

Pakistan鈥檚 government has said it has been working toward promoting women鈥檚 empowerment and gender equality through legal reforms, educational initiatives and partnerships with global organizations to increase the participation of women in public and economic life.

In January, Pakistan hosted a global conference titled 鈥楪irls鈥 Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities鈥 in Islamabad. The international conference was attended by 150 representatives from 44 Muslim and other states. 

The conference outlined steps to advance girls鈥 education in Islamic countries.


Pakistan, Romania discuss joint air exercises, training programs and defense ties听

Pakistan, Romania discuss joint air exercises, training programs and defense ties听
Updated 22 October 2025

Pakistan, Romania discuss joint air exercises, training programs and defense ties听

Pakistan, Romania discuss joint air exercises, training programs and defense ties听
  • Pakistan Air Force chief meets Romanian counterpart, discusses regional security听
  • Several nations have sought closer collaboration with PAF since May conflict with India

KARACHI: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu on Wednesday discussed joint air exercises, exchange training programs and expanding bilateral defense ties with his Romanian counterpart, Lt Gen Leonard-Gabriel Baraboi, during his visit to the European country, the Pakistani military said.

Sidhu was given a guard-of-honor at the Romanian Air Force Headquarters in Bucharest upon his arrival, the Pakistani military鈥檚 media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said. Later, he and Baraboi discussed regional security dynamics and reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation to strengthen regional and global security, according to the ISPR.

The meeting in Romania follows Pakistan鈥檚 military confrontation with India in May, when the PAF claimed it downed six Indian fighter jets. India鈥檚 defense chief acknowledged that it lost fighter jets to Pakistan but rejected the claim that six had been shot down by Pakistan. Several countries have sought closer ties and collaboration with the PAF since then. 

鈥淭he Air Chief held detailed discussions with Lt. Gen. Baraboi centered on advancing operational cooperation, including joint air exercises, exchange programs and training of air and ground crew,鈥 the ISPR said. 

鈥淒uring the meeting, the two air chiefs discussed expanding air force cooperation and strengthening defense-industrial partnerships in advanced aerospace technologies.鈥

The ISPR highlighted that the PAF chief鈥檚 visit to Romania marked a milestone in the military relations between the countries and their enduring commitment to peace and development in a rapidly evolving security environment.

Pakistan has also attempted to enhance defense ties and initiate air force training programs and exercises since its skirmishes with India in May. 

In June, the PAF committed to providing basic and tactical-level training to Belarusian fighter pilots, followed by Sidhu鈥檚 visit to the US, the first by a serving PAF chief in more than ten years.

Senior PAF and Turkiye air force officials also agreed in September to enhance cooperation in joint training, mutual exercises and multi-domain operations.

In September, the PAF and Iraq resolved to enhance training initiatives and joint exercises between the two countries to improve interoperability.


Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan听

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan听
Updated 22 October 2025

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan听

Saudi KSrelief launches project to distribute dates among vulnerable families across Pakistan听
  • KSrelief will distribute premium quality Saudi dates among families affected by floods, economic hardships
  • With KSrelief, 海角直播 has contributed to flood recovery, health, education and other programs in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: 海角直播鈥檚 King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) announced on Wednesday that it has launched a Dates Distribution Project through which it would distribute dates among vulnerable families across the South Asian country. 

Under the initiative, KSrelief will distribute premium-quality Saudi dates across all provinces and regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The project will be carried out in collaboration with the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal charity organization.

The project aims to support thousands of families, especially those affected by floods and economic hardships, by helping meet their basic nutritional needs, the Saudi agency said in its press release. The project was officially launched by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki. 

鈥淪peaking at the launch event, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of 海角直播 to Pakistan highlighted that this initiative embodies the deep-rooted friendship, brotherhood, and humanitarian partnership between 海角直播 and Pakistan,鈥 KSrelief said. 

The launching ceremony was attended by Senator Captain Shaheen Khalid Butt, the managing director of the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, along with representatives from government institutions, international organizations and humanitarian partners. 

Butt expressed gratitude to 海角直播 and KSrelief for their continued support for the Pakistani people. He acknowledged KSrelief鈥檚 long-standing humanitarian partnership and reiterated Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal鈥檚 commitment to working hand in hand with the Saudi agency to ensure that the assistance reaches the most deserving families across the country.

海角直播, through KSrelief, has been one of Pakistan鈥檚 largest humanitarian partners, contributing to flood recovery, health, education and livelihood programs across the country.

The humanitarian organization announced on Tuesday it has launched a project in Pakistan鈥檚 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to strengthen livelihoods and boost food security for vulnerable rural households through livestock distribution and training programs. 


Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore鈥檚 Nawaz Sharif IT City

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore鈥檚 Nawaz Sharif IT City
Updated 22 October 2025

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore鈥檚 Nawaz Sharif IT City

Imperial College London denies plan to open campus in Lahore鈥檚 Nawaz Sharif IT City
  • Punjab clarifies upcoming project is a collaboration between NovaCare, UK鈥檚 Imperial College Healthcare NHS听
  • Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz鈥檚 government says it aims to turn Lahore into a regional hub for education

ISLAMABAD: Imperial College London on Tuesday rejected media reports that it was opening an overseas campus in the eastern city of Lahore as part of the planned Nawaz Sharif IT City. 

A flagship infrastructure project spanning about 853 acres near Bedian Road in Punjab, the initiative aims to serve as an education and tech hub with commercial and residential zones.

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a social media post on October 18 that the chief minister had chaired a meeting in which 鈥渋mportant decisions were made.鈥 She said an Imperial College London campus will be established in the Nawaz Sharif IT City, which would also include a state-of-the-art 300-bed hospital. She added that the project鈥檚 foundation stone would be laid in November.

鈥淩eports that Imperial College London plans to open a campus overseas are incorrect,鈥 the UK-based institution said on its website.

鈥淭here have been erroneous reports in the media and online that Imperial is opening a campus at Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, Pakistan,鈥 it added. 鈥淚mperial has no such plans, with all the university鈥檚 campuses based in the UK.鈥

However, the Central Business District Punjab (CBD) clarified that the upcoming project at the Nawaz Sharif IT City [NSIT] was a health care university and affiliated medical college, adding that it is a collaborative initiative between NovaCare and the Imperial College Healthcare National Health Service (NHS) Trust of the UK. 

It clarified that Imperial College NHS Trust was an independent institution of the NHS. 

鈥淭he project remains firmly on track under the NovaCare鈥揑CHT partnership, advancing our mission to establish a world-class hub for health care education, research, and innovation at CBD NSIT [Nawaz Sharif IT City], Lahore, under the direct supervision of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (UK),鈥 it added. 

Nawaz Sharif IT City is backed by the Punjab administration of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz who has named the initiative after her father who previously served three times as the country鈥檚 prime minister.

The project promises to make Lahore a major regional hub for technology, education and innovation.


Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan
Updated 22 October 2025

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan

Muthusamy, Rabada take South Africa into 71-run lead over Pakistan
  • South Africa managed to pile up 404 in reply to Pakistan鈥檚 333
  • Pakistan won first Test match against South Africa by 93 runs

Rawalpindi: Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada hit fighting half-centuries as South Africa took a crucial 71-run lead over Pakistan on day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Muthusamy made a career-best 89 not out and Rabada struck his highest score of 71 as the visitors added 169 for the last two wickets.

Veteran Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi ended the innings on 404 at the stroke of tea.
The 38-year-old Asif finished with figures of 6-79 and is the oldest man to take five wickets on a Test debut.

The afternoon session though belonged to South Africa as the World Test champions bid to square the two-match series, after losing the first Test by 93 runs in Lahore.

Muthusamy defied the Pakistan spinners, hitting eight fours to improve on his previous highest of 68 not out against Bangladesh at Chattogram last year.

Muthusamy added an invaluable 71 runs for the ninth wicket with Keshav Maharaj (30) and then increased the lead with a last-wicket stand worth 98.

Rabada smashed four sixes and as many fours, improving on the 47 he made against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022.

The morning belonged to Asif, who at 38 years and 301 days overtook England鈥檚 Charles Marriott as oldest debutant to take five wickets.

Marriott did so against the West Indies at The Oval in 1933 aged 37 years and 332 days.
Like fellow left-armer Maharaj 鈥 who took seven wickets for the visitors in Pakistan鈥檚 333 all out 鈥 Asif used the dry conditions to maximum effect.

South Africa resumed on 185-4 and added 100 runs in the morning session.

With the turn on the Rawalpindi stadium pitch increasing considerably, Asif dismissed Kyle Verreynne caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 10 with the fourth ball of the day.

Tristan Stubbs defied Pakistan鈥檚 spinners for 256 minutes before a fastish delivery from Asif trapped him leg-before for 76. 

His knock was studded with six fours and a six.

Asif completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Simon Harmer leg-before for two while Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen in the same manner for 12.