Thailand Launches Strict Traffic Law Enforcement from April 1

Pakistan has renewed its commitment to strengthening relations with Belarus and Central Asian countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. The meetings were held on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.The discussions focused on bilateral relations, trade, investment, regional connectivity and security. Dar met Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and reviewed the progress of relations between the two countries.The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in several important areas. These include trade, investment, defence, agriculture, technology and workforce exchanges.They also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties and increase bilateral business activity. Pakistan and Belarus are also preparing for the next session of their Joint Ministerial Commission.The ninth session is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on August 11 and 12, 2026. The two countries are expected to use the meeting to explore new areas of cooperation.Dar and Ryzhenkov also discussed regional developments. The Belarusian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to support dialogue and promote peace and stability in the region. Dar also met Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev.The two ministers reviewed the positive progress in relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan. They agreed to accelerate the implementation of agreements reached during recent high-level exchanges.A key focus was the implementation of 37 memorandums of understanding signed during a high-level visit. The two countries also agreed to increase cooperation in trade, investment, transport, energy and regional connectivity. People-to-people contacts and cooperation at international forums were also discussed.Kosherbayev appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to support regional peace and diplomacy. He also invited Dar to visit Kazakhstan.The Pakistani foreign minister accepted the invitation and said the visit would take place at a mutually convenient time. In another meeting, Dar held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.Both sides described Pakistan-Tajikistan relations as close and longstanding. They agreed to further expand cooperation in several sectors.These include trade, investment, energy, connectivity and culture. The two ministers also highlighted the importance of stronger people-to-people contacts.They agreed that regular high-level exchanges could help deepen bilateral relations. The two sides also discussed regional and global developments.They stressed the importance of cooperation through international and multilateral platforms. Tajikistan also expressed support for Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and the peaceful resolution of regional issues.Dar also met Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. The two ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan strategic partnership. They reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation.Trade, investment, connectivity, energy, culture and people-to-people relations were among the key areas discussed. Dar and Saidov also stressed the importance of stronger links between the business communities of both countries. They said closer business engagement could help increase trade and investment.The two ministers also discussed the implementation of understandings reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Pakistan. They agreed that existing agreements should be converted into practical projects through timely implementation. Regional and global developments were also discussed.Saidov appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed hope that dialogue and diplomacy would continue to support lasting peace in the region. Dar’s meetings took place during his visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. Pakistan used the diplomatic engagement to highlight its longstanding relations with SCO member states. Islamabad also reaffirmed its readiness to assume the SCO chairmanship for 2026–27.Pakistan has expressed its intention to promote greater cooperation among member states. The focus will include socioeconomic development, regional connectivity and mutual economic benefits. Dar also attended an informal dinner hosted by Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev for visiting dignitaries. During the visit, Dar met Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov and conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s leadership.He expressed Islamabad’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan across different sectors. Dar later led Pakistan’s delegation at the SCO ministerial meeting. In his national statement, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the SCO Charter and the principles of the Shanghai Spirit.These principles include mutual trust, mutual respect, shared prosperity and development. Pakistan has also invited SCO member states to attend the SCO Council of Heads of State summit in Pakistan next year.The government says Islamabad’s upcoming SCO leadership will provide an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and deepen economic and diplomatic ties with member states.

ISLAMABAD: Weekly inflation in Pakistan increased by 0.15% during the latest week, taking the overall annual inflation rate to 9.11%, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The statistics agency issued its weekly inflation report, showing mixed price trends for essential commodities. According to the report, prices of 20 essential items increased during the week, while nine items became cheaper. Prices of 22 commodities remained unchanged. Onion recorded the sharpest increase, with its price rising by 24.68% in one week. The price of gram lentils also increased by 3.35%. Chicken became 2.45% more expensive during the week. Prices of several other household essentials, including yogurt, garlic and tea, also recorded increases. The report showed that some major commodities became cheaper. Tomato prices declined by 1.26% during the week. Petroleum prices also decreased. Petrol became 2.35% cheaper, while diesel prices fell by 0.29%. The prices of sugar, eggs and potatoes also recorded declines during the week. The latest figures indicate continued fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities. While several food items became more expensive, reductions in petroleum prices and some food products provided some relief to consumers. The weekly inflation figures are closely monitored as they reflect short-term changes in the prices of goods commonly purchased by households. The annual inflation rate, meanwhile, provides a broader picture of price increases across the economy.