National

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    Pakistan’s external debt rises by Rs1.24 trillio…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Pakistan’s external debt has started rising again after recording a decline during the first nine months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, with official data showing a sharp increase during the final quarter. According to government documents, the country’s external debt increased by more than Rs1.24 trillion between March and June 2026. During the same three-month period, the government’s total debt rose by around Rs3.11 trillion, reflecting a significant increase in both external and domestic borrowing. The data shows that the government’s domestic debt increased by more than Rs1.87 trillion from March to June 2026. As a result, total domestic debt reached approximately Rs59.44 trillion by June 2026. Pakistan’s total external debt stood at around Rs22.96 trillion in March 2026. By the end of June, the figure had climbed to approximately Rs24.20 trillion, marking an increase of more than Rs1.24 trillion in just three months. The latest increase reverses the downward trend recorded earlier in the fiscal year. Pakistan reduced its external debt by around Rs207 billion during the first three months of 2026. From June 2025 to March 2026, the country’s external debt declined by approximately Rs458 billion.   The largest increase during the latest quarter came from long-term external borrowing. Government figures show that long-term external debt stood at around **Rs19.72 trillion in March 2026**, but increased to approximately **Rs21.77 trillion by June**, representing an increase of more than Rs2 trillion. In contrast, short-term external debt declined significantly during the same period. It fell by around Rs506 billion over the three months, partially offsetting the increase in long-term borrowing. The figures indicate that while Pakistan had made progress in reducing its external debt earlier in the fiscal year, borrowing picked up considerably during the final quarter. The sharp rise in long-term external liabilities remains a key factor behind the overall increase in the country’s external debt.

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    Faizabad Mayor killed in car bomb attack in Afghan…

    ByJustpaste.in

    FAIZABAD: The mayor of Afghanistan’s northern city of Faizabad, Habib-ur-Rehman, was killed in a bomb explosion targeting his vehicle, according to Afghan officials and international media reports. The blast occurred after a magnetic explosive device was reportedly attached to the mayor’s car. One of his colleagues was also injured in the explosion and was taken to a hospital for treatment. An official in Badakhshan province confirmed the death to the BBC, saying Habib-ur-Rehman was killed in the attack while his colleague sustained injuries. The anti-Taliban National Resistance Front has claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying it carried out the attack against the Faizabad mayor. The National Resistance Front is an armed opposition group that has been fighting against Taliban rule in Afghanistan. The group has previously claimed attacks against Taliban officials and security personnel in several parts of the country. The bombing highlights continuing security challenges in Afghanistan, where armed opposition groups remain active despite the Taliban’s efforts to consolidate control across the country. Authorities have not yet provided further details about the circumstances of the attack or identified whether additional suspects have been detained in connection with the bombing.

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    Norway FM praises Pakistan’s role in easing US-I…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Friday, with the two sides discussing bilateral relations, regional developments and opportunities to expand cooperation in several key areas. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and Norway in counterterrorism, combating illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The officials also exchanged views on the security situation in Afghanistan and the activities of banned organisations operating from its territory. Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration and highlighted measures taken by the country to curb the issue. He said Pakistan’s efforts had contributed to a 47 per cent decline in illegal immigration to Europe, adding that the European Union had also acknowledged the effectiveness of these measures. The interior minister stressed the importance of expanding legal migration channels as part of efforts to tackle illegal immigration. Discussing Afghanistan, Naqvi said Pakistani security concerns remained linked to the continued use of Afghan territory by militant groups for attacks against Pakistan. He called for stronger international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and said the global community must work collectively to address the threat. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Eide praised Pakistan’s constructive and active efforts to help reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. He also appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community living in Norway, noting its growing role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described the Norwegian foreign minister’s visit as an important opportunity to further strengthen relations between the two countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the federal interior secretary and other senior officials also attended the meeting. Moreover, A high-level Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security and Pakistan-Norway bilateral relations. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir presented Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability. He stressed the need for greater cooperation and joint efforts to address emerging security challenges. The two sides also discussed the evolving security environment in the region and the importance of strengthening coordination between Pakistan and Norway. The Norwegian foreign minister acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence and security. The meeting comes as Pakistan continues to engage with international partners on regional security, peace and broader strategic issues. The discussions with the Norwegian delegation provided an opportunity for both countries to explore avenues for deeper institutional and defence-related engagement. The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain regular engagement and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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    Pakistan, Kazakhstan agree to accelerate trade and agricultural cooperation

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to speed up the implementation of previously signed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), with both sides seeking to convert existing commitments into practical trade, investment and business opportunities. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin in Islamabad, where the two sides reviewed a broad range of issues related to agriculture, food security, connectivity, farm mechanisation and private-sector cooperation. According to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, the meeting focused on identifying areas where bilateral cooperation could produce commercially viable projects and contribute to stronger economic relations between the two countries. Rana Tanveer Hussain said agriculture represented one of the most promising areas for expanding Pakistan-Kazakhstan relations, particularly given the potential for increased trade in agricultural commodities, machinery and technology. The minister stressed that bilateral agreements should move beyond formal commitments and result in concrete projects that could benefit businesses and farmers in both countries. He also called for closer coordination among government departments, research institutions, agricultural organisations and the private sector to facilitate investment and technology transfer. Joint agriculture working group to meet in Kazakhstan Pakistan and Kazakhstan also agreed to hold the next meeting of their Joint Working Group on Agriculture in Kazakhstan. The forum is expected to assess progress on previously identified areas of cooperation and explore additional opportunities in agricultural trade, food security, mechanisation and related fields. The proposed meeting is also expected to provide a platform for officials and private-sector representatives to discuss practical barriers to trade and develop proposals aimed at increasing agricultural exchanges between the two countries. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, showed interest in supplying wheat to Pakistan. Pakistani authorities agreed to examine the proposal while taking into account factors including the prevailing price, quality standards and reliability of supply. The development comes as Pakistan continues to explore ways to diversify its sources of food commodities and strengthen trade relationships with Central Asian economies. Pakistan seeks greater access for agricultural exports During the discussions, Pakistan highlighted the export potential of several agricultural products, including mangoes, guava, dates, bananas, potatoes and onions. The Pakistani side expressed interest in securing greater access for these products in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian markets. Improved market access, the officials noted, could create new opportunities for Pakistani growers, exporters and agribusinesses. The two sides also discussed the importance of improving transport and logistics infrastructure to support agricultural trade. Connectivity was identified as a critical factor in expanding commercial relations, particularly through proposed rail and regional transportation routes linking Central Asian countries with Pakistan. Better transport links could reduce freight and transit costs, improve the movement of perishable agricultural goods and provide businesses in both regions with access to new markets. Mechanisation offers new area of cooperation Agricultural mechanisation was also identified as an area with considerable potential for joint ventures and investment. Particular attention was given to affordable tractors and agricultural machinery that could be used by small and medium-sized farmers. Cooperation in this field could help improve farm productivity while creating opportunities for manufacturers and investors from both countries. The Pakistani side also emphasised the importance of exchanging agricultural technology and research expertise, saying stronger institutional links could support innovation and improve agricultural productivity. The minister underscored the need for closer engagement between research organisations, agricultural institutions and business communities so that technical cooperation could be translated into commercially sustainable ventures. Kyrgyzstan supports stronger Pakistan business ties Separately, Pakistan’s private sector has also taken steps to deepen economic engagement with another Central Asian country, Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan’s Chargé d’Affaires Aibek Tilebaliev held a meeting with Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh, during which the two sides discussed bilateral trade, investment and direct business-to-business contacts. The participants agreed that stronger interaction between companies from Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan would be essential for expanding bilateral commerce and identifying new investment opportunities. Atif Ikram Sheikh welcomed the increasing high-level engagement between the two countries, saying that considerable potential existed to expand trade and investment but that greater efforts were needed to convert this potential into actual business activity. He suggested that a Pakistani business delegation could visit Kyrgyzstan under the FPCCI platform to explore commercial opportunities, establish direct contacts with local companies and develop partnerships in different sectors. Joint Business Council proposed A key outcome of the meeting was agreement to accelerate the establishment of a Joint Business Council between Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. The proposed council is expected to provide a formal platform for representatives of the two countries’ business communities to discuss trade barriers, investment opportunities, market access and potential joint ventures. Both sides agreed to expedite the necessary steps for setting up the council. Sheikh also highlighted the importance of regional forums, particularly the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), in facilitating greater economic integration among member states. He said the platform could be used more effectively to promote trade, investment and business-to-business cooperation across the region. Tilebaliev reaffirmed Kyrgyzstan’s interest in strengthening economic and commercial relations with Pakistan. He stressed that more frequent and direct interaction between business communities would be important for translating political goodwill into tangible economic gains. The parallel initiatives involving Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan reflect Pakistan’s broader efforts to deepen economic engagement with Central Asia. Improved connectivity, stronger private-sector links and greater agricultural and industrial cooperation could provide new avenues for Pakistani exporters while opening opportunities for investment and regional trade.

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    PML-N France marks Independence Day

    ByJustpaste.in

    PARIS: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) France organized a ceremony to mark Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, bringing together party officials, members of the Pakistani community and supporters to celebrate the country’s national day. The ceremony, held at the local level, was presided over by PML-N France President Mian Muhammad Hanif. In his address, Hanif extended Independence Day greetings to Pakistanis in France and paid tribute to the spirit of unity and patriotism among the Pakistani community abroad. He said Pakistan had gained greater recognition and respect internationally under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the need for collective efforts to preserve the country’s standing and support its continued development. Hanif urged Pakistanis to remain united and contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan. He said progress and stability would help create better opportunities for the younger generation, enabling Pakistanis living abroad to move forward with greater confidence and pride in their homeland. The ceremony also featured speeches by the president of the PML-N France Women’s Wing, other party office-bearers and individuals seeking future organizational positions. Speakers highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s Independence Day and emphasized the role of overseas Pakistanis in supporting the country and strengthening national unity. A large number of members of the Pakistani community attended the event, reflecting their strong attachment to Pakistan and their enthusiasm for celebrating the national occasion. PML-N Azad Kashmir leader Raja Ashfaq Hussain thanked the media, organizers and participants for their presence and support. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to celebrating Independence Day in France with the same enthusiasm and patriotic spirit in the years ahead. The event concluded with renewed expressions of solidarity with Pakistan and a pledge to continue promoting unity, progress and a positive image of the country among the Pakistani diaspora.

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    US, China, Russia hail Pakistan on Independence Da…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received warm Independence Day greetings from the United States, China, Russia, the European Union and several other countries on Friday, as the nation marked its 79th Independence Day with ceremonies, prayers and patriotic celebrations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the people of Pakistan on behalf of the United States and highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries. He said Washington and Islamabad were working together in areas including trade and investment, energy, critical minerals, counterterrorism, cultural heritage and regional mediation. Rubio said the two countries were turning their shared capabilities into practical progress and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between the American and Pakistani peoples. He also expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand. Russian President Vladimir Putin also conveyed his greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said relations between Moscow and Islamabad were developing positively, with both sides cooperating in political, economic, trade and humanitarian fields. Putin said Russia and Pakistan were also working together on important regional and international matters. He expressed confidence that the two countries would continue strengthening their partnership in the interests of their peoples and international stability, while wishing Pakistan peace and prosperity. China also extended its traditional goodwill to Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong conveyed congratulations to the Pakistani leadership and people, reaffirming the close and longstanding relationship between the two countries. The European Union congratulated Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day and described the occasion as a celebration of unity, freedom and national solidarity. The bloc also expressed its commitment to further strengthening its friendship and partnership with Islamabad. France similarly conveyed its greetings to the Pakistani people and expressed its desire to deepen bilateral cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Azerbaijan also extended heartfelt wishes to Pakistan, describing the Pakistani people as brothers and reaffirming its friendly ties with the country. The United Kingdom sent Independence Day greetings to Pakistanis living in Pakistan, Britain and around the world, while Gulf countries also joined the celebrations. The United Arab Emirates conveyed congratulations to Pakistan’s leadership, while Qatar’s Amir sent greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari. Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also sent a congratulatory message to the Pakistani president. Meanwhile, Pakistan marked the national day with traditional celebrations across the country. A 31-gun salute was held in Islamabad and 21-gun salutes were conducted at provincial headquarters. Special prayers were offered for the country’s peace, unity and prosperity. Flag-hoisting ceremonies were organised at government offices and public institutions, while streets, buildings and markets were decorated with national flags, buntings and lights. Pakistan’s embassies abroad also marked the occasion. The Pakistan Embassy in Tajikistan held a flag-hoisting ceremony where messages from the president, prime minister and deputy prime minister/foreign minister were read out.

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    Balochistan home minister survives Mastung convoy …

    ByJustpaste.in

    QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove remained safe after armed attackers targeted his convoy in Mastung on Friday. The attack took place in the Khad Kocha area. Langove was travelling from Kalat to Quetta when his convoy came under fire. The minister was not injured in the attack. However, six people sustained bullet wounds. Three of the injured were police personnel accompanying the convoy. The injured were immediately taken to Nawab Raisani Memorial Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials said six wounded people were brought to the facility. Two injured people were in serious condition. Two others were later referred to Quetta for further medical treatment. Security forces quickly surrounded the area after the attack. A search operation was launched to trace the attackers and determine their whereabouts. Security personnel also began collecting evidence from the site. The authorities are investigating how the attackers targeted the convoy and managed to escape. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident has raised fresh security concerns in Mastung and surrounding areas. Balochistan has witnessed several attacks in recent years, with security forces frequently conducting operations against armed groups. Langove belongs to the Balochistan Awami Party. He assumed the provincial home ministry in March this year. He has previously served as Balochistan’s home minister. His earlier appointment was later declared invalid after he was removed from the provincial cabinet in August 2024. The latest attack has prompted authorities to review security arrangements for senior government officials travelling through sensitive areas.

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    94 injured in Karachi aerial firing on Independenc…

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: At least 94 people were injured in separate incidents of aerial firing in Karachi during Independence Day celebrations. According to police, 30 suspects involved in aerial firing have been arrested and weapons have been recovered from their possession. Police conducted operations in several areas of the city, including SITE Super Highway, Sachal, Gulistan-e-Johar and Gulshan-e-Iqbal. Ten suspects were arrested during these operations. Police in District West also arrested four suspects allegedly involved in aerial firing. In District Central, 16 people were arrested for allegedly firing shots into the air. The injured included 56 men, 15 women, 15 boys and eight girls. The injured were shifted to major hospitals across the city for medical treatment. A total of 27 injured people were brought to Civil Hospital, 36 to Jinnah Hospital and 32 to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Police said further action was being taken against those involved in aerial firing. Authorities have also increased security measures to prevent further incidents during Independence Day celebrations.

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    Pakistan, Norway discuss counterterrorism and regi…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held talks on Friday and reviewed bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation against terrorism. The meeting focused particularly on security concerns linked to Afghanistan. Naqvi told the Norwegian minister that militant groups were continuing to use Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and other security-related areas. They also discussed preventing illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The Afghan situation was another key issue during the meeting. Pakistani officials briefed the Norwegian side about activities of banned organisations operating from Afghan territory and their alleged involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. Naqvi stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to eliminate terrorism. He said Pakistan was playing an important role in preventing terrorist threats from spreading beyond the region. Eide praised Pakistan’s role in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and described its approach as constructive and active. Illegal migration to Europe was also discussed. Naqvi said Pakistan had introduced strict measures against illegal migration and that these efforts had resulted in a 47 per cent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe. He said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal migration. He added that encouraging legal migration was essential to address the issue effectively. According to Pakistani officials, the European Union had also recognised Islamabad’s measures against illegal migration. The two ministers also discussed broader steps to improve relations between Pakistan and Norway. Eide appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway, particularly its role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described Eide’s visit as an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between the two countries. Eide is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. His trip is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade. During his engagements on Thursday, Eide met senior Pakistani civilian and military officials. Discussions covered trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime cooperation, skilled labour and security. Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and explored areas where Pakistan and Norway can further expand cooperation.

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    Field Marshal Asim Munir’s gesture steals spotli…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A video of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir placing his hand affectionately on the heads of women during a ceremony has gained widespread attention on social media. The video surfaced during the inauguration of the Victory Monument in Islamabad on Independence Day. During the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior civilian and military leaders met families of martyrs and military veterans. The leadership paid tribute to their sacrifices and services. The Victory Monument was inaugurated on Thursday night in a ceremony attended by the country’s top civilian and military leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended as chief guests. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, was also present. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the ceremony as well. The monument has been built to honour Pakistan’s martyrs and commemorate the military confrontation with India in May. The event featured a series of patriotic performances and visual displays. The ceremony opened with a military band playing the national anthem. A special light and sound show titled “Dastaan-e-Ishq-e-Watan: Marka-e-Haq” was later presented. Projection mapping technology was used to display visuals on the monument. The presentation highlighted themes linked to patriotism, sacrifice and the country’s defence. A documentary was also screened during the event. It showcased the construction of the monument and the eight-month journey from its initial design and development to completion. The monument features five large arches. According to the presentation, the arches represent the five pillars of Islam. They also symbolise five pillars of Pakistan, identified as the government, armed forces, media, people and national ideology. The structure incorporates elements representing Pakistan’s three military services. Its design also highlights the country’s capabilities in cyber defence and space warfare. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets conducted an aerial display during the ceremony. The aircraft released flares across the night sky, adding to the spectacle. The event concluded with a flag-hoisting ceremony attended by President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Fireworks were also displayed as the national anthem played.