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

Trump says U.S.-Iran Islamabad Talks can take place by Friday

As a fragile cease-fire holds, President Trump has signalled that a new round of U.S.-Iran talks could take place within days. In Islamabad, where security has tightened and diplomats are working back channels, Pakistan is trying to turn a brief pause in fighting into a second chance for negotiations.
International

Trump extends Iran ceasefire on Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir’s request

Donald Trump says he extended the ceasefire with Iran after requests from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, thrusting Islamabad into the centre of a rapidly narrowing diplomatic window between Washington and Tehran.
International

Pakistan condemns settler raid at Al-Aqsa after Israeli flags raised

Pakistan has condemned the entry of Israeli settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the raising of Israeli flags inside its courtyard, calling the act a violation of international law and warning that such provocations could further inflame regional tensions.
International

In a city of rumours, Caitlin Doornbos finds something more human

Speaking to The Thursday Times in Islamabad, Caitlin Doornbos described her visit to Pakistan as warm and memorable, praising the curiosity and openness of local people while cautioning that no reporter covering a high-intensity conflict can confidently predict where the talks will lead.
International

Iran says Pakistan is their sole official mediator with the US

Iranian's foreign ministry has said that Pakistan is now their only official intermediary with the United States, placing Islamabad at the centre of one of the the world's most sensitive diplomatic channels.
International

IDF confirms soldier destroyed Jesus Christ statue in Lebanon

The Israeli military has said it confirmed the veracity of a viral photograph which appeared to show one of its soldiers smashing a statue of Jesus Christ to pieces with a sledgehammer in southern Lebanon.
International

Shehbaz Sharif’s suits put Pakistan in menswear style spotlight

A post by menswear commentator Derek Guy praising Shehbaz Sharif’s tailoring has ignited an unexpected debate about diplomacy, symbolism and why some non-Western leaders may now wear classic suits better than the West itself.
International

Trump sends Witkoff and Kushner to Islamabad for US-Iran peace talks

Trump says his representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are travelling to Pakistan for peace negotiations with Iran in Islamabad, after issuing a sharp warning to Tehran, placing Pakistan at the centre of a fast-moving diplomatic showdown.
International

Islamabad locks down as Trump hints at high-stakes Iran deal

Pakistan’s capital region moved into an unusual state of alert after hotels were reportedly cleared, transport was suspended in Rawalpindi and security tightened across key routes, sharpening speculation that Islamabad could soon host another major diplomatic push tied to the US-Iran crisis.
International

Turkish parliamentarian calls for Pakistan to join Turkic States bloc

Ali Şahin, a prominent Turkish parliamentarian, has called for Pakistan to become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States, saying centuries of cultural links and growing geopolitical cooperation have created a bond deeper than ordinary diplomacy.
International

Pravin Sawhney links Pakistan to the rise of a new world order

Indian defence analyst Pravin Sawhney has argued that Pakistan could play a major role in the emerging world order, describing a multipolar system in which each region is shaped by a key state that acts as a centre of balance, wisdom and influence.
International

UK no longer advises against travel to Gilgit-Baltistan

Britain has removed Gilgit-Baltistan from the restricted section of its Pakistan travel advice, easing a notable warning on the country’s mountainous north in a move which could positively affect tourism, insurance and international perceptions of the region.
International