Pakistan eyes 2026 launch for first Chinese submarine in $5 billion arms deal

The Pakistan Navy expects its first Chinese-designed submarine to enter active service next year, the country’s top admiral told Chinese state media, bolstering Beijing’s bid to counter regional rival India and project power toward the Middle East. A deal under which Islamabad will take delivery of eight Hangor-class submarines by 2028 is “progressing smoothly,” Admiral […]

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Pakistan partially reopens Torkham border crossing to allow Afghan refugees to leave

PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Pakistan on Saturday partially reopened the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan to allow thousands of stranded Afghan refugees to return home, officials said. Restrictions remain on all other cross-border movement, including trade. Pakistan closed all border crossings with Afghanistan on Oct. 12 following deadly clashes in which both sides claimed to have killed […]

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Bangladesh, Pakistan agree to boost connectivity through direct air, shipping, logistics

Bangladesh and Pakistan have expressed interest in boosting regional connectivity by establishing direct air and shipping links, expanding the use of ports and logistics to reduce costs, and deepening bilateral and regional trade cooperation. The two countries reached a consensus during the 9th meeting of the Bangladesh–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC), held today (27 October) […]

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‘Op Al Masmak’: Pakistan Navy seizes drugs worth nearly $1bn in Arabian Sea

DUBAI: A Pakistani Navy ship seized narcotics worth more than $972 million from sailboats in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement issued on Tuesday from the naval network overseeing the operation. The Combined Maritime Force (CMF), a naval partnership that includes the United States, said the Pakistani naval vessel last week intercepted two different […]

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Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to 48-hour ceasefire after deadly border clashes

Pakistan said on Wednesday it agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire with Afghanistan following days of violence that have killed dozens of people on both sides of the border. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire was at Afghanistan’s request. Moments later, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the truce was at “the insistence” of […]

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‘Stalemate’: is prolonged Pakistan-Taliban hostility new border reality?

By Tom Hussain Pakistan has vowed to respond to future terrorist attacks launched from Afghanistan with overwhelming military force after deadly cross-border clashes over the weekend, with the conflict setting the stage for prolonged hostilities between Islamabad and the Taliban regime. Analysts say the fighting, sparked by retaliatory Pakistani air strikes against insurgents in Kabul […]

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Pakistan, Malaysia deepen trade cooperation with $200m halal meat deal

Pakistan and Malaysia on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, education, technology, and governance, as Kuala Lumpur announced plans to import $200 million worth of halal meat from Pakistan. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s three-day official visit to Malaysia, where he held extensive discussions with his Malaysian counterpart […]

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What happened in Pakistan-administered Kashmir after days of anti-government protests?

Islamabad: Widespread protests and violent clashes have erupted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, driven by long-standing economic grievances and political demands from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Why it matters The current unrest is the third major wave in two years, showing deep-rooted dissatisfaction with governance and subsidies in the region. Deadly escalation clashes have […]

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