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Maldives President arrives in Pakistan for three-day state visit

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TNT Monitoring Desk
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Maldives President arrives in Pakistan for three-day state visit

ISLAMABAD: Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday for a three-day state visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from his office.

As per a press release issued from the Office of the President of the Maldives, the visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Pakistan, which were formally established on July 26, 1966, and also “marks the first high-level bilateral engagement between the Maldives and Pakistan in over a decade”.

He was accompanied by First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed and a high-level delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior officials.

The delegation was received at the airport by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director General (South Asia and SAARC), the High Commissioner of Maldives and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Maldives.

The visit marks the first by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years, and comes as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1966.

The President will be accorded an official welcome on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s House.

A Foreign Office spokesperson had earlier said that the two leaders would review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, agriculture, defence, maritime security, climate change and people-to-people exchanges.

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Nawaz Sharif backs Governor’s Rule in KP, says it was essential

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TNT Monitoring Desk
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Nawaz sharif - The News Today - TNT

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has strongly backed the imposition of emergency and governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying the decision was necessary and should have been taken much earlier to prevent the province’s deteriorating law and order situation from getting out of control.

He expressed these views during an exclusive two-hour meeting with Nawaz Sharif at a hotel in central London, where Pakistan’s current political situation was discussed.

“Situation in KP had become increasingly alarming under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and that the federal authorities should have intervened earlier,” he noted.

Nawaz Sharif also stated the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been freed from PTI’s rule, while reiterating his party’s commitment to Pakistan’s development and prosperity.

Nawaz said: “the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were patriotic Pakistanis who deserved better leadership and governance. He accused PTI of failing to fulfil its responsibilities towards the province and its residents.”

PML-N president also questioned the justification for using the resources of one province against Islamabad and other provinces, saying such actions undermined the principles of responsible governance and the relationship between the federation and its constituent units.

His remarks come amid political debate over governance, security and the constitutional implications of emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Also read:Ishaq Dar, AJK PM discuss regional economic growth and social progress

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PM Shehbaz reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia, condemns Houthi attacks

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TNT Monitoring Desk
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PM Shehbaz reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia, condemns Houthi attacks

By APP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday appreciating the remarkable progress in Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations in recent years, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening existing institutional mechanisms to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

The prime minister, in a meeting with newly appointed Saudi Ambassador Dr. Rajeh Tami Albugamy, who called on him here, reaffirmed that Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

He strongly condemned the recent escalation in Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, which had resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to scores of innocent people, including Pakistani nationals.

He underlined that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had always stood by each other and that the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement and the Makkah Joint Defence Alliance marked historic milestones in their longstanding fraternal relations and reflected their shared commitment to regional peace and security.

Welcoming the ambassador to Pakistan, the prime minister congratulated him on assuming his new responsibilities and wished him success in his diplomatic assignment.

He thanked the Saudi leadership for its longstanding economic and financial support to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also wished the ambassador every success in his assignment and assured him of Pakistan’s full support and cooperation in further strengthening the longstanding fraternal ties between the two countries.

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UN Chief, Pakistan FM discuss regional, global developments

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TNT Monitoring Desk
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UN Chief, Pakistan FM Discuss Regional Peace, Global Security

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday met United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Islamabad, with the two sides discussing a range of regional and global issues related to peace and security, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

As per the FO, the meeting covered key issues including Palestine, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and the future of multilateralism.

Guterres arrived in Pakistan in the early hours of Tuesday for an official visit, during which he is due to meet Pakistan’s president, prime minister and military chief and hold discussions on regional and international issues.

“Guterres appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to the United Nations as well as its diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue, mediation and de-escalation,” FO said.

It said that Dar briefed the UN secretary-general on Pakistan’s positions on Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty, reaffirming Pakistan’s call for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

The deputy prime minister also underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation, including its facilitation of the Islamabad Talks between the Iran and United States.

On the occasion, Guterres said: “I salute Pakistan’s leadership for helping to create the conditions for dialogue between the US and Iran and mediating that conflict. Your efforts helped deliver the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, the subsequent ceasefire and the framework for future negotiations. Every Pakistani should be proud of that pivotal role,” he said.

“And from Islamabad, I want to send a loud and clear message to all parties: end the conflict, return to diplomacy and restore navigational rights in accordance with international law. There will never be peace in the region until the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people is recognised, as Pakistan has long championed,” he said.

As a UN secretary general, Guterres’ first visit to Pakistan was in February 2020, about three years after he was elected to the position in 2016.

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Dengue surveillance intensified across Islamabad

By
TNT Monitoring Desk
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Dengue surveillance intensified across Islamabad

By APP

ISLAMABAD: The District Health Office Islamabad has intensified dengue surveillance and vector-control activities across the capital to identify and eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites and contain the risk of dengue transmission.

According to official sources, surveillance and vector-control teams are conducting field visits in different areas, inspecting water storage sites, identifying and eliminating mosquito larvae and taking timely action on complaints received from citizens.

The teams are also monitoring compliance with dengue prevention standard operating procedures (SOPs) and taking preventive measures at identified locations to reduce the risk of mosquito breeding.

The intensified activities come as September, October and November are considered the peak dengue transmission months, requiring sustained surveillance and preventive action to control the spread of the disease.

The DHO has urged citizens to keep their homes and surroundings clean, avoid stagnant water and cooperate with field teams during surveillance visits.

Citizens have also been advised to report suspected dengue breeding sites and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from the disease.

The health authorities are continuing coordinated surveillance and vector-control measures to ensure early identification of dengue risks and strengthen prevention efforts across Islamabad.

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Saudi staff initiative helps 60 IIUI students to continue education

By
Arshad Ali Jaan
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Saudi staff initiative helps 60 IIUI students to continue education

ISLAMABAD: Sixty needy students at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) received tuition-fee support worth Rs1.9 million during the 2026 academic year, helping them to continue their studies without financial hurdles.

The initiative was funded by Saudi staff members of the university and was highly appreciated by IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed bin Saad Al-Ahmed and other faculty staff for their contribution to supporting students in need.

Praising the Saudi staff members for their strong sense of social responsibility, the president IIUI noted that the initiative represents a commendable example of generosity and solidarity within the university community.

He also noted the initiative reflects the noble humanitarian values demonstrated by the University’s Saudi staff members toward their fellow members of the academic community and students.

He also emphasised that the impact of the initiative extends beyond financial assistance, as it provides beneficiary students with an opportunity to continue their education and focus on their academic progress.

“Such efforts also strengthen the values of solidarity, shared responsibility and a sense of belonging within the university community. The initiatives of this nature reflect the deep bonds of brotherhood between the peoples of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and provide a practical example of how strong people-to-people relations can contribute to supporting education and serving society,” he said.

He added that such efforts further reinforce the longstanding and deeply rooted ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Concluding his remarks, the IIUI President thanked everyone who contributed to its successful implementation.

He also expressed hope that such initiatives would continue, creating a positive and lasting impact on students’ lives while further supporting the University’s educational and social mission.

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PTI delays Islamabad march to Oct 5

By
TNT Monitoring Desk
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PTI delays Islamabad march to Oct 5

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has postponed its planned Islamabad long march until October 5, according to party sources.

The PTI senior leadership had announced last month that it would march to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on September 27 to press for the release of party founder Imran Khan.

After Consultations on whether to proceed with the march on the previously announced date of September 27, the decision was taken by the party’s political committee.

A majority of the leadership had opted holding the march as scheduled; however, the committee ultimately agreed to defer it until October 4, sources said.

According to sources, the decision will be formally announced following Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas are taken into confidence.

Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab

In light of the potential long march and other protests in Islamabad, Preparations in the Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital territory to maintain security and deal with any emergency situation have been in full swing.

A ban under Section 144 has been enforced in Islamabad for two months. Punjab also has already imposed a ban on gatherings for 13 days and prohibited inciting people to “unlawful assembly”.

Achakzai, PTI differ over Sept 27 Islamabad march

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a telephonic conversation with Achakzai, head of the opposition alliance, TTAP, and sought his guidance about the long march.

Afridi told the TTAP chief that PTI leaders were of the view that the long march should be postponed.

Achakzai, however, told CM Afridi that the September 27 long march call should remain in place, the sources added.

Achakzai said a decision on the September 27 action plan would be made after further consultations.

Tarar challenges PTI over planned Islamabad long march

Reacting on development, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar slammed the KP government, accusing it of avoiding taking steps to maintain law and order.

“If PTI has the courage, come and hold a sit-in [in Islamabad]. If you have the courage, come and hold a long march,” Tarar added.

The information minister said political parties in KP had all faced attacks by terrorists, alleging that the PTI did not condemn such attacks.

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Japan ambassador visits Bahria University, strengthens academic ties

By
Our Correspondent
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Japan ambassador visits Bahria University, promotes cultural ties

ISLAMABAD: Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, AKAMATSU Shuichi, on Thursday reiterated his commitment to further cooperation with Bahria University during his first visit to the university’s Islamabad Campus.

On the occasion, Ambassador Akamatsu participated in a handover ceremony and presented the diverse collection of books under the “READ JAPAN PROJECT”, launched by the Nippon Foundation in 2008.

The project is currently administered by the Tokyo Foundation to promote the global understanding of Japan through literature.

Today, the Embassy of Japan in Pakistan also handed over around 100 books to the Bahria University in Islamabad.

The selection made by the university are in English language spanning Japan’s history, politics, economy, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language, culture and more.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated students and faculty, stating that the collections will serve as “a bridges of knowledge.

“I hope that the students of Bahria University will continue to make the most of these opportunities and become the next generation of bridges between Japan and Pakistan,” he highlighted.

The Ambassador noted that there has been a steadily growing interest in Japan among Pakistani youth. Looking ahead to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, he expressed his hope that these books will provide Pakistani students with fascinating insights into the culture, society, and socio-economic development of Japan.

Also, he highlighted Japan’s long-standing economic cooperation with Pakistan and that Japan has always placed particular emphasis on education and respect for autonomy.

He appreciated the Bahria University for their cooperation including advancing people-to-people exchanges between two nations.

On behalf of the Bahria University side, Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar SI (M), Director General of Islamabad Campas, Bahria University, expressed sincere gratitude to the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan, noting the donation of books would help students learn about Japan that will pave the way for further strengthening the Japan-Pakistan relations.

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Lebanese interior minister arrived in Pakistan on two-day official visit

By
TNT Monitoring Desk
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Lebanese interior minister arrived in Pakistan on two-day official visit

ISLAMABAD: Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar arrived in Pakistan for a two-day official visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon, APP reported.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry received the Lebanese interior minister upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport.

The minister had been invited by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss matters of mutual interest and explore ways to expand cooperation in different areas. Both sides officials will hold discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and promoting collaboration between the two nations.

During his stay in Pakistan, Ahmad Al-Hajjar will meet members of the Pakistani leadership. The meetings will focus on issues related to mutual cooperation and the further development of relations between Pakistan and Lebanon.

Upon his arrival at Islamabad Airport, the Lebanese interior minister was formally welcomed by Pakistani officials. The reception was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, along with senior officials including the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Inspector General of Police Islamabad.

During his two-day visit, the minister will hold meetings and discussions aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and Lebanon.

Also read:Gulf states call off meeting with Iran, Houthis launch new attack on Saudi

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PM launches Rs100 per litre petrol subsidy scheme for small vehicle owners

By
TNT Monitoring Desk
-
PM launches Rs100 per litre petrol subsidy scheme for small vehicle owners

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to “ease the burden” of rising fuel prices, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a special relief scheme under which motorcyclists, rickshaw and chingchi owners, and owners of vehicles up to 800cc will receive a Rs100 per litre petrol subsidy.

The development comes a couple of days after the government further increased the price of petrol by Rs3.05 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs5.37 per litre, effective from Friday through Monday, marking the fourth consecutive hike in petroleum prices.

The scheme will be implemented in Islamabad from Monday night and across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, from Wednesday night. Registration began on Sunday, while details of the registration process will be communicated through an awareness campaign.

PM Shehbaz stated the government fully recognised the burden being placed on the public by higher oil prices and would not leave people alone in the difficult situation. He thanked the provinces for their cooperation in providing information on motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles to facilitate registration under the relief scheme’.

It is pertinent to mention that amid heightened volatility in global oil markets triggered by renewed hostilities in the Middle East, the government had decided in July to shift to a daily fuel price review mechanism.

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