International

The Thursday Times brings the globe into focus, delivering clear, comprehensive reporting on pivotal events shaping nations and communities. With The Thursday Times‘ on-the-ground insights and expert analysis, we connect readers to the stories that matter across borders, helping make sense of our fast-changing world.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement at Al-Safa Palace, a trilateral pact under which an armed attack against any one of the three states will be regarded as an attack against them all.
International

سعودی عرب، پاکستان اور ترکیہ نے مکہ مکرمہ میں تاریخی ”مکہ مشترکہ دفاعی معاہدہ“ پر دستخط کر دیئے

سعودی عرب، پاکستان اور ترکیہ نے مکہ مکرمہ میں تاریخی مشترکہ دفاعی معاہدے پر دستخط کر دیئے ہیں۔ معاہدے کے تحت کسی ایک رکن ملک پر مسلح حملہ تینوں ممالک پر حملہ تصور ہوگا، جبکہ دفاعی، عسکری اور تزویراتی تعاون کو مزید مضبوط بنایا جائے گا۔
International

Russia recognises Taliban government to deepen regional foothold

Russia officially recognises Taliban rule in Afghanistan, removing legal barriers to engagement. Kremlin eyes deeper regional influence as West keeps distance from Kabul.
International

روس نے افغانستان میں طالبان کی قیادت میں قائم اسلامی امارت کو باضابطہ طور پر تسلیم کر لیا

روس نے افغانستان میں طالبان کی قیادت میں قائم اسلامی امارت کو باضابطہ طور پر تسلیم کرتے ہوئے طالبان حکومت کے ساتھ تعلقات کا نیا باب کھول دیا۔
International

SIFC celebrates two-year mark with PayPal debut for Pakistani freelancers

The SIFC has celebrated its second anniversary by enabling PayPal payments for freelancers, launching IT parks and E-Rozgar centres, securing global tech investments, and driving a digital transformation boosting exports and international competitiveness.
Economy

PIF debuts Dollar-Euro commercial papers to tighten global capital grip

Saudi Arabia’s PIF has launched a dual commercial paper programme in U.S. and Euro markets to diversify its funding sources and enhance short-term liquidity while securing top credit ratings from Moody’s and Fitch.
Business

GCC slams Iranian strikes on Qatar as blatant sovereignty violation

The Gulf Cooperation Council has condemned Iran’s strike on a U.S. base in Qatar and Israel’s ongoing aggression in Gaza, calling for an end to hostilities and praising Qatar’s role in brokering the recent ceasefire.
Doha

Pakistan Stock Exchange roars back as ceasefire, oil price drop boost confidence

The PSX rebounded sharply as news of a temporary ceasefire between Iran and Israel, along with falling oil prices, restored investor confidence. The KSE-100 Index jumped over 6,500 points in intraday trade, reversing steep losses from the previous session.
Economy

Donald Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire, ending 12-day flash war

Iran and Israel agree to a full ceasefire after twelve days of conflict. Trump announces phased truce, hails diplomatic victory.
International

ایران اور اسرائیل میں مکمل جنگ بندی، صدر ٹرمپ کا اہم اعلان

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کیمطابق ایران اور اسرائیل کے درمیان مکمل جنگ بندی طے پا گئی ہے، جس سے 12 روزہ جنگ کا خاتمہ ہو گیا۔ ٹرمپ نے اس معاہدے کو مشرقِ وسطیٰ کے لیے ایک تاریخی کامیابی قرار دیا اور دونوں ممالک کو استقامت و تدبر پر مبارکباد دی۔
International

No radiation detected in Gulf after US strikes on Iran, says Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission has confirmed a lack of radioactive effects or radiation risk after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites including Fordow as regional authorities move quickly to reassure the public and downplay environmental fallout concerns.
International

Shockwaves across capitals as world responds to US strikes on Iran

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has described the US' military action as “a direct threat to international peace and security.” In a rare and forceful statement, he said, “This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge.”
International

US warns American women not to travel to India amid increased rape threats

The US State Department has reissued a Level 2 travel advisory for India, citing terrorism, rising violent crime, and sexual assault—particularly warning women not to travel alone. The advisory restricts travel to Kashmir and urges Americans to exercise caution within the Union.
International

Qatari economy to accelerate to 6.5% growth for FY2026–27, says World Bank

A sharp uptick will be driven primarily by a planned 40% expansion in LNG output as Qatar's North Field megaprojects come online, reshaping the country’s hydrocarbon trajectory.
Economy