Washington has awarded a $488 million F-16 radar support contract that includes Pakistan among several operators. The move follows an earlier package focused on Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and continues existing defence sustainment cooperation.
Donald Trump offered unusually warm praise for Pakistan, Islamabad, the Prime Minister and the Field Marshal during a media exchange, saying Pakistan’s leadership remains engaged with the United States as Iran negotiations continue.
UNICEF warns Afghanistan could lose 25,000+ female teachers and health workers by 2030, as restrictions on girls’ education and women’s work continue under Taliban rule.
Iran’s Abbas Araghchi is back in Islamabad within around 24 hours of leaving for Muscat, keeping Pakistan at the centre of high-stakes US-Iran diplomacy.
Trump has cancelled his representatives’ planned trip to Islamabad for talks with Iran, saying too much time was being spent on travel and that Tehran can contact Washington directly if it wants negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, describing Pakistan as holding a significant place in Tehran’s foreign policy outlook while briefing Pakistan’s leadership on ceasefire developments, regional stability and bilateral cooperation.
A senior adviser to President Trump used a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to publicly praise Pakistan’s role in mediation, regional stability and ongoing peace efforts.
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.
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty have stressed the importance of dialogue and continued engagement in a high-level call on regional tensions, as Islamabad expands consultations with key Arab powers.
China has renewed its backing for Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating engagement between Washington and Tehran, with Ambassador Jiang Zaidong conveying Beijing’s “full support” during a meeting with Ishaq Dar as the next phase of talks approaches a decisive moment.
