norway praises pakistans
| | | |

Norway praises Pakistan’s role in US-Iran peace …

Norway has praised Pakistan for playing an important and constructive role in efforts to promote dialogue between the United States and Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The appreciation came during Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide’s visit to Islamabad, where he held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The Norwegian foreign minister arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, marking the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade.

During delegation-level discussions, Pakistan and Norway reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation in several areas, including trade, investment, climate change, renewable energy, maritime affairs and education.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments, with particular attention to the situation in the Middle East.

Eide praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in efforts aimed at promoting peace.

The Norwegian foreign minister described the ongoing regional conflict as a serious threat to global peace and the international economy. He said Pakistan had taken an important step by engaging with the parties involved and facilitating dialogue.

Eide also welcomed Pakistan’s role in hosting and facilitating talks in Islamabad. He said the country’s diplomatic engagement had strengthened its position on the international stage, particularly in peacebuilding efforts.

Norway, he added, was prepared to support Pakistan wherever it could contribute to peace initiatives. He noted that Oslo had considerable experience in peace negotiations and maintained communication channels with both Tehran and Washington.

The two countries also discussed maritime security and developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Eide said Norway’s experience as a major maritime nation could allow it to contribute constructively to discussions on international maritime law and regional maritime issues.

Pakistan and Norway also agreed to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties.

Eide said Norwegian companies were increasingly exploring opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the energy and fertiliser sectors. He also highlighted the potential for greater economic cooperation involving Switzerland and Iceland.

The Norwegian minister praised the Pakistani community in Norway, saying its integration into Norwegian society had played an important role in strengthening relations between the two countries.

The Foreign Office said both sides expressed satisfaction with the friendly nature of Pakistan-Norway relations and agreed to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The visit is also expected to build on recent high-level contacts between the two countries, including discussions between Dar and Eide earlier this year and a visit by Norway’s state secretary to Islamabad in May.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Margot Robbie’s Barbie sequel hits roadblock

    The highly anticipated Barbie sequel has hit a major roadblock, leaving fans uncertain about the future of the blockbuster franchise. Negotiations between Warner Bros. and the key creative team behind the 2023 hit have reportedly stalled over compensation. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, director Greta Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach are all involved in discussions about returning for a potential sequel. However, the sides have not yet reached an agreement. (Variety⁠) The issue reportedly centers on salary demands and backend compensation. Robbie and Gosling are seeking larger financial packages for their returns, while Gerwig and Baumbach are also negotiating their deals. Reports indicate that the creative team wants stronger upfront pay along with a greater share of the film’s potential profits. The negotiations are particularly significant because the original Barbie became a massive worldwide success. Released in 2023, the Greta Gerwig-directed film earned more than $1.4 billion globally and became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing movie. Its success also turned Robbie and Gosling’s versions of Barbie and Ken into major pop-culture figures. (EW.com⁠) Despite the enormous success of the first film, Warner Bros. reportedly underestimated how valuable the project and its talent would become. The studio has made several offers to bring the original creative team back, but an agreement has yet to be reached. (Page Six⁠) The situation could become more complicated as a deadline approaches. Reports say Warner Bros. needs to secure agreements by December 2026 to retain the rights connected to a potential sequel. If the negotiations fail, the rights could return to Mattel, potentially opening the door for the property to be developed with a different studio and creative team. (The Guardian⁠) There is still hope for fans. Gerwig and Baumbach reportedly have an idea for a follow-up story, but they are keeping details private while contract discussions continue. Gerwig has also previously indicated that she would only return if there were a meaningful creative reason to revisit the world of Barbie. For Robbie, the situation is especially notable because she was not only the film’s star but also a producer on the original movie. Her involvement helped bring Gerwig’s ambitious version of Barbie to the big screen. For now, Barbie 2 remains uncertain rather than officially cancelled. Until Warner Bros. and the creative team settle their financial and contractual differences, fans may have to wait before knowing whether Barbie and Ken will return to the big screen

  • | |

    Momina Iqbal’s romance with husband sparks online reactions

    Pakistani actress Momina Iqbal has once again attracted attention on social media after a romantic exchange with her husband, Hamza Malik, was shared online. The actress, who has appeared in several popular television dramas, frequently shares pictures and videos from her personal life with her followers. Momina and Hamza recently came into the spotlight after sharing affectionate posts following their wedding celebrations. In a recent social media interaction, Hamza commented on his wife’s appearance and asked her why she looked so beautiful. Momina responded with a playful reply, attributing her appearance to his influence. The exchange quickly gained attention online, with screenshots and reactions circulating among social media users. While some followers viewed the interaction as a light-hearted display of affection between the couple, others criticised the public nature of their romantic exchanges. Several users described the comments as excessive and said they were uncomfortable with the couple’s frequent displays of affection on social media. Some social media users also accused the couple of being overly dramatic, while others dismissed the exchange as harmless banter between a newly married couple. The mixed response has once again highlighted the contrasting reactions celebrities often receive when they share aspects of their private lives online. Momina has maintained an active presence on social media and regularly gives fans glimpses into her professional and personal life. Her recent marriage and posts with Hamza have generated considerable discussion among followers, with many fans also expressing support for the couple

  • |

    SBP orders same-day settlement for Premium Prize Bond sales

    Karachi – The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced a new system for the sale of Premium Prize Bonds and issued important instructions to commercial banks. According to details, the State Bank of Pakistan has directed all commercial banks to settle the proceeds from the sale of Premium Prize Bonds on the same day. In a circular issued by the SBP, it was stated that the new system has been introduced after reviewing the existing mechanism for reporting transactions related to the sale of Premium Prize Bonds. Under the new procedure, banks will report details of Premium Prize Bond sales through the Data Acquisition Portal within the prescribed time. The State Bank Banking Services Corporation will then deduct the reported sales amount from the relevant bank account on a daily basis. The State Bank has clarified that if a bank fails to settle the sales proceeds on the same day, it will have to pay charges for using the funds during the delay. These charges will be imposed for each day of delay at the SBP’s overnight reverse repo selling rate. The circular further stated that the calculation and recovery of these charges will be carried out by the SBP Karachi Office. The amount will be deducted from the relevant bank account and deposited into the Central (Non-Food) Account. The State Bank also clarified that if profit or prize money is incorrectly paid due to inaccurate, delayed or incomplete reporting of sales, encashment or transfer transactions, the concerned bank will be fully responsible. However, where applicable, adjustments will be made to the income tax amount.

  • | |

    J-10C jets downed six Indian aircraft: report

    Pakistan Air Force’s J-10C fighter jets reportedly engaged Indian aircraft during the May 2025 aerial confrontation without direct support from airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The claim was made in a report by Ukrainian defence publication Defense Express. The report cited Chinese state television and comments from Chinese radar specialist Ben De. According to the report, Pakistani J-10C jets used their onboard KLJ-7A radars to detect and engage Indian aircraft. The jets were reportedly able to track targets from a distance of around 200 kilometres. The report claimed that six Indian aircraft were shot down during the confrontation. It included three Rafale fighter jets among the aircraft allegedly destroyed. The report said the Pakistani fighters did not require direct targeting assistance from AEW&C aircraft during the reported engagements. Instead, the J-10Cs reportedly used their own radar systems to identify and track targets. The KLJ-7A is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for modern air combat. It can detect and track multiple targets and provide information needed for air-to-air engagements. The report’s claims have drawn attention because AEW&C aircraft are normally used to provide wider-area surveillance and help fighter jets detect threats at longer ranges. The reported use of the J-10C’s onboard radar suggests that the aircraft could conduct long-range engagements with greater independence from airborne surveillance platforms. The May 2025 confrontation involved intense aerial activity between Pakistan and India. Both sides made competing claims about losses and the effectiveness of their military operations. The claim that six Indian aircraft were destroyed, including three Rafales, has not been independently verified. India has also disputed Pakistan’s claims about aircraft losses. The reported account therefore remains a claim attributed to Chinese sources and the Ukrainian defence publication.

  • | |

    Punjab CTD arrests 18 suspected militants in provi…

    LAHORE: Punjab’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested 18 suspected militants affiliated with various banned organisations during intelligence-based operations across several districts of the province, officials said on Friday. According to the CTD spokesperson, the operations were carried out as part of efforts to prevent possible terrorist activities and maintain law and order across Punjab. A total of 117 intelligence-based operations were conducted, during which 117 individuals were questioned and 18 suspects were taken into custody. The arrested suspects were identified as Hassan Abbas Shah, Muhammad Hanif, Samiullah alias Talib Jan, Muhammad Hasnain, Hafiz Muhammad Abdul Latif, Attaullah, Faizullah, Muhammad Shehzad alias Pama, Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Anas, Tahir, Waqar Ahmed, Muhammad Ahsan, Muhammad Farman, Muhammad Nauman, Umar Farooq, Abdul Wahab and Shaukat Ali. The suspects were reportedly arrested in Faisalabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Bhakkar, Lahore and Multan. The CTD said its teams recovered 3.185 kilograms of explosive material, eight detonators, safety fuses, primer cord, four pistols with 21 rounds, along with banned books, prohibited magazines, pamphlets and stickers. Seven mobile phones and Rs42,740 in cash were also seized. Officials said the suspects were allegedly involved in activities aimed at creating fear among the public and disrupting peace and security. Legal proceedings have been initiated against them, while further investigation is underway to determine their alleged links and activities. The spokesperson added that, during the past two weeks, the CTD, local police and other law-enforcement agencies conducted 3,357 combing operations across Punjab. More than 121,000 people were checked during these operations, resulting in 274 arrests, 263 cases being registered and 244 recoveries of various kinds. The CTD said its operations against militants and other elements considered a threat to public security would continue under its objective of ensuring a safer Punjab. Citizens have also been urged to report suspicious activities or information related to terrorism to the CTD Punjab helpline at 0800-11111.

  • | |

    Nirmal Purja’s body recovered after deadly Broad Peak avalanche

    Renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja’s body has been recovered from Broad Peak in Pakistan, days after a devastating avalanche claimed the lives of members of his international climbing team. Rescue officials confirmed that Purja’s remains were found at an altitude of around 5,700 metres on Sunday. Search teams also located three additional bodies on the mountain, although their identities have not yet been officially confirmed. The fatal avalanche struck the 8,047-metre Broad Peak in the Karakoram mountain range during a climbing expedition. Authorities earlier confirmed that at least 10 climbers from different countries lost their lives in the tragedy. Purja, 43, was leading the multinational expedition when the avalanche occurred. Before his body was recovered, rescue teams had already retrieved the remains of American climber Mallory Geis, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung. Rescue operations continue in the difficult high-altitude terrain, with officials working to recover the remaining victims. The recovered bodies are being transported to a nearby base camp before further arrangements are made. Purja was regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountaineers. Born in Nepal, he later served in the British Army and spent several years with the elite Special Forces before pursuing a career in high-altitude climbing. He gained global recognition in 2019 after completing the ascent of all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just 189 days, breaking the previous world record by several years. His remarkable achievement was later featured in the widely acclaimed Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. At the time of the accident, Purja was attempting another historic milestone by becoming the first climber to summit all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres twice without supplemental oxygen. His death has prompted tributes from leaders and members of the international mountaineering community. Britain’s Prince William expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Purja as an outstanding soldier and one of the world’s finest climbers. Nepalese officials also praised his courage, determination and lasting contribution to mountaineering.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *