July 2, 2026
The Shehbaz Sharif government has repositioned economic connectivity — rather than military and political rivalry — as its central foreign policy organising principle, with a National Connectivity Policy that reframes Pakistan's relationships with China, Iran, Central Asia, and the Gulf through the lens of trade corridors and transit revenues rather than security competition.
June 29, 2026
With Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan having largely finished their portions, the $1.2 billion CASA-1000 line now hinges on Afghanistan, where construction has reached close to 75 per cent.
June 26, 2026
Islamabad and Tashkent have agreed to begin field surveys for the long-stalled Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway, with Russian Railways now joining the feasibility study for the corridor meant to link Central Asia to Pakistan's ports.
February 19, 2025
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with a delegation led by the Chairman of the Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Yusuf Raza Gilani, who is visiting Azerbaijan as part of the 15th Plenary Session of the Asia Parliamentary Assembly, Azernews reports, citing the the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Service noted that the meeting focused on the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, and the current situation in the region during the post-conflict period. Recalling with pleasure his official visit to Pakistan last year and his meeting with Yusuf
October 31, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Afghan and Chinese officials on Thursday re-launched the direct China-Afghanistan Freight Train Service in a significant move to boost trade and economic ties. Special envoy for Afghan affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Dr Yue Xiaoyong, and Afghan Ambassador Bilal Karimi were also present on the occasion, according to officials of the two countries. “Together with Afghanistan Amb. #BilalKamiri# in Nantong, one of the BRI (Built and Road Initiative) hub cities, north of Shanghai, celebrating the relaunching of China-Afghanistan direct freight train service,” the Chinese special envoy wrote on X. “Happily delivered a congratulation message this morning 31/10/’24 on
October 16, 2024
Islamabad, long seen as a silent guest in international diplomacy’s lofty chambers has now firmly pulled up a chair at the big boys’ table and this time, it’s hosting the party. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad isn’t just about handshakes and photo ops, it’s a bold statement. Pakistan won’t remain a quiet observer anymore. A nation more renowned for cricket, mangoes and a volatile security paradigm is now hosting heavyweight discussions on regional defence, economic cooperation and all those high-stakes issues that make global leaders sweat. Who would’ve thought? This summit may be considered as Pakistan’s Great
October 14, 2024
Pakistan and China have been “iron brothers” longer than many of us have been alive, a partnership so robust it could make even the most stoic neighbour glance over the fence with a glint of envy. As Premier Li Qiang hobnobs in Islamabad ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the stage is set for Pakistan to emerge as a power broker, not in Asia but far beyond. India’s complex dynamics with China add a twist to the tale and Islamabad might just dance its way into a more influential role. The Pakistan-China dynamic is the stuff of legends,
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has predicted that inflation in Pakistan will remain high in the current financial year. The bank’s latest Asian Growth Prospects report raised its economic growth forecast for developing Asia and the Pacific from 4.9 percent to 5 percent, but Pakistan faced a tougher outlook. ADB predicted that Pakistan’s inflation rate, which had fallen from 38% to 11.8%, will remain high. The bank also predicted that the country’s debt could fall by 7%, from 77% to 70%. Despite these projections, ADB highlighted that 62% of Pakistan’s revenue will be used for debt repayment during the 2024-2025
January 9, 2024
ISLAMABAD: Journalist Raja Furqan Ahmed unveils his latest book, “Taliban’s Return: Pakistan’s Strategic Crossroads,” offering a profound analysis of the historical and contemporary complexities shaping the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ahmed’s book delves into the nuanced historical backdrop, shedding light on multifaceted factors influencing the dynamics between the two nations. Focusing on the evolving landscape under the Afghan Taliban rule, the book meticulously examines its implications specifically for Pakistan. Readers can expect comprehensive insights, meticulously researched and presented, providing a deeper understanding of the geopolitics in this pivotal region. Drawing upon his extensive expertise as an Islamabad-based journalist specializing
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