Latest stories about Pakistan

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.

After the Islamabad Talks, Pakistan reportedly launched a major air operation to escort Iran’s negotiators home amidst an Israeli terror threat, reflecting both the danger hanging over the diplomatic track and Islamabad’s increasingly central role in trying to keep dialogue alive.

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.

Pakistan wants early approval of its next IMF tranche as the country heads into another programme review next month. The move is aimed at protecting reserves, reassuring investors and sustaining a still-fragile sense of economic stability.

Pakistan is accelerating plans to return to international capital markets, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb using meetings in Washington to outline a diversified borrowing strategy that includes Eurobonds, a Panda bond and liability management tools.