A collage shows US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz (left) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. — Reuters/AFP/File
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Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar said in a telephone conversation with a top United States official that Pakistan is seeking broad-based and longstanding ties with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Reportedly, the Foreign Office(FO) issued a statement on Wednesday stating that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a telephone conversation with a top United States official that Pakistan is seeking broad-based and longstanding ties with the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Ishaq Dar received a call from the US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz on March 4 (Tuesday), he conveyed President Trump’s appreciation and thanked the Pakistan government for efforts in countering terrorism.
The FO statement came hours after President Trump expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for playing an active role in capturing the culprit of the 2021 suicide bombing outside at Kabul airport during the chaotic US military withdrawal.
As per FO statement, Dar congratulated the NSA on his assumption of office and also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continue its cooperation with the US in the field of counterterrorism.
Dar also appreciated President Trump’s announcement to withdraw the US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.
“They also agreed on the need to have continued dialogues on trade, investment, climate change and health as part of a broad-based agenda in the days to come,” statement added.
US President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. — Reuters
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United States (US) President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for playing a key role in arresting the person, who is responsible for killing 13 US service members during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
As per details, on Wednesday, during first address to Congress of US newly elected President, Donald Trump expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for playing a key role in arresting the person, who is responsible for killing 13 US service members during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
While addressing the joint session of US Congress, he stated, “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” Trump said. “And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”
He further elaborated that how the suicide bombers and gunmen targeted the Kabul airport, killing 170 Afghans and 13 US troops on August 26, 2021.
The militant group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility led by Sharifullah.
“I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” he added.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the suspect would be taken into custody by the Justice Department, FBI, and CIA.
“We hope this brings some closure to the families of the 13 American heroes lost at Abbey Gate,” Bondi wrote on X. “We will continue to bring those who harm Americans to swift and decisive justice.”
It is worth mentioning here that Trump’s CIA Director, John Ratcliffe, reportedly discussed the issue with Pakistan’s intelligence chief early in his tenure. According to CNN, Pakistan arrested Sharifullah based on intelligence from the CIA.
Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Picture Crerdit: Radio Pakistan
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The Punjab government has announced plans to plant approximately six million saplings across 6,500 acres of land as part of its Spring 2025 plantation campaign.
As per details, Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced that the Punjab government has planed to plant approximately six million saplings across 6,500 acres of land as part of its Spring 2025 plantation campaign
She said the campaign is progressing rapidly, with 2.73 million saplings already planted on 4,000 acres of land.
Through these afforestation drives, the provincial government aims to enhance green cover and combat environmental challenges, reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner and greener Punjab.
PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed the special ceremony in Islamabad in connection with the 'Day of Development and Progress, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
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Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on Monday about the continuous decline in inflation based on the consumer price index.
As per details, in a statement issued by the PM office, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction on the continuous decline in inflation based on the consumer price index.
He expressed gratitude as the government completed one year.
He claimed that inflation had dropped to 1.5% in February 2025, the lowest since September 2015. From July 2024 to February 2025, inflation was recorded at 5.9%, compared to 28% during the same period last year, showing a significant decline.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the government’s economic team for improving economic indicators. He said the steady economic progress was the result of teamwork.
He added that all institutions are working together to strengthen the economy and boost business and investment.
He also noted that improving macroeconomic conditions were beginning to benefit the public.
It is worth mentioning that Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif emphasized that the government’s top priority was to provide essential items at lower prices.
CP's newly-elected member Ahsan Bhoon speaks during an event. — Facebook/@chaudhrymuhammadahsanbhoon
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Ahsan Bhoon was elected by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for two years on Wednesday.
As per details, Ahsan Bhoon was elected by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) as a member of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) for two years in a meeting held at the Supreme Court, headed by Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan.
Ahsan Bhoon received 14 votes, while Tahir Faraz Abbassi got four, and one member abstained. Bhoon’s term will run from February 26, 2025, to February 25, 2027.
His election comes shortly after, when senior advocate Akhtar Hussain resigned due to concerns over the judicial appointment process.
Recently, the JCP appointed six new Supreme Court judges amid a boycott by PTI lawmakers and two senior SC judges.
The commission had requested a list of five senior judges from each high court. A reshuffling at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) led to disputes over judge seniority, prompting five IHC judges to challenge the revised ranking.
The JCP, restructured under the 26th Constitutional Amendment, now includes four parliamentarians among its 13 members, with the Chief Justice of Pakistan serving as its head. It is responsible for appointing judges and evaluating their performance.
It is worth mentioning here that earlier, opposition leader Omar Ayub also resigned from his JCP membership.
PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Celebrate Pakistan-Uzbekistan Partnership, Picture Credit: APP
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spent two days on an official visit to Uzbekistan. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade, and enhancing regional connectivity.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spent two days on an official visit to Uzbekistan. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, expanding trade, and enhancing regional connectivity.
According to a joint declaration issued on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Wednesday, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress made in Pakistan-Uzbekistan relations over the last diplomatic ties of 33 years ago.
During the talks, the two leaders discussed how to make their partnership stronger, shared their thoughts on current and future cooperation in different areas, and talked about important regional and global issues.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties and improving cooperation in a way that benefits both countries and promotes peace and stability in their regions.
They acknowledged the steady progress in their relationship and reaffirmed their dedication to agreements made on July 16, 2021, and March 4, 2022. Both sides expressed a strong desire to support each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
They emphasized the need to maintain regular political discussions, both formally and informally. In this context, they welcomed the positive outcomes of the Astana Conference on October 13, 2022, and the Baku COP-29 Summit on November 12, 2024.
The leaders also stressed the importance of strengthening ties between their parliaments, as this would enhance political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation and deepen their nations’ traditional friendship.
They highlighted the results of the 9th Session of the Joint Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, held in Tashkent on November 3-4, 2024.
Both countries agreed to expand trade and industrial cooperation to boost economic growth and improve the well-being of their people. They set a target to increase trade to $2 billion within four years by implementing agreements from 2021 and 2023, encouraging investment in Special Economic Zones, and promoting business-to-business collaborations.
The leaders emphasized the importance of regional connectivity for economic growth. They recognized the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan trade route as the most efficient for the region and reaffirmed their commitment to developing the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project. They also agreed to work on improving transportation links and increasing trade efficiency.
They highlighted the importance of the Trans-Afghanistan Railroad project and reiterated their commitment to the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway from Mazar-e-Sharif to Kharlachi.
Uzbekistan and Pakistan pledged to strengthen cooperation on the global stage and support each other in peace initiatives. They agreed to coordinate their policies through diplomatic channels and within international organizations such as the UN, OIC, ECO, SCO, and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Recognizing global challenges, both sides stressed the need to enhance the role of the United Nations in solving international issues, ensuring sustainable development, and maintaining security and stability worldwide. They also promised to support each other’s candidates for key international positions.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the iconic Uzbek Independence Monument in Tashkent today, paying tribute to Uzbekistan’s rich history and sovereignty.
As per details, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif visited the iconic Uzbek Independence Monument in Tashkent today, paying tribute to Uzbekistan’s rich history and sovereignty.
During the visit, the Prime Minister placed a floral wreath at the monument and praised Uzbekistan for its growth and strength. He also compared it to Pakistan’s own struggle for independence and progress.
PM Shehbaz remarked, “The Independence Monument stands as a testament to the courage and determination of the Uzbek people. Pakistan and Uzbekistan share a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity, and this visit reinforces our shared values and commitment to a brighter future”.
He was also briefed on Uzbekistan’s 3,000-year-old history and the nation’s legendary heroes.
It is worth mentioning here that following the visit, the Shehbaz Sharif is set to hold high-level meetings with Uzbek officials, focusing on strengthening trade ties, enhancing energy cooperation, and promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being briefed by Ulvi Mehdiyev, chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation about the services offered by 'Asan Khidmat' during his visit to one of the centers in Baku, Azerbaijan on February 25, 2025. — PID
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Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif visited the “Asan Khidmat” (ASAN XIDMAT) center in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday, praising the facility for providing over 400 services to residents. He also expressed his intention to implement a similar model in Islamabad.
Reportedly, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif toured the Asan Khidmat” (ASAN XIDMAT) center in Baku, which features modern technology and “excellent” human resources.
PM Shehbaz during the tour said ,”I also visited a startup center INNOLAND, where youngsters and volunteers are actively engaged. It is one of the most modern centres I have visited around the globe. Full marks go to my brother Ilham Aliyev for his thought-provoking and visionary leadership:.
He further said that,”We would love to benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience. I would be happy to have a replica of this in Islamabad”.
Shehbaz said that Pakistan would like to initiate a pilot project in Islamabad based on the Asan Khidmat model.
He also invited a team from the centre to visit Pakistan to explore cooperation opportunities.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by the Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation Ulvi Mehdiyev .
Mehdiyev briefed the prime minister that the ,“centre was launched as part of comprehensive institutional governance reforms which ensure transparent, accountable and efficient delivery of public services, with citizens feedback playing a crucial role in driving improvements”.
PM Shehbaz was also briefed about the Mobile Asan Khidmat service, which includes specially designed buses and a train and delivering essential public services directly to local communities.
It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was welcomed by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, Tashkent’s Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Takhitayev, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ahmed Farooq, along with senior diplomatic and government officials,
The federal cabinet is set to expand with the addition of 15 new ministers and advisers.
As per details, some insider sources revealed that the new 15 ministers and advisers are going to be the part of federal cabinet.
According to a report by The News published on Tuesday, Mustafa Kamal of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) is among four individuals being considered for ministerial positions.
Others expected to join the cabinet include Hanif Abbasi and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), along with Khalid Magsi from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).
Sources suggest that Abbasi may be appointed as Minister for Railways, while Dr. Chaudhry is likely to assume the role of Minister for National Health Services.
Magsi is expected to be assigned the Ministry of Communications, whereas Kamal is being considered for the Ministry of Science and Technology.
The oath-taking ceremony for the new cabinet members is scheduled for February 27.
At present, the Ministry of Science and Technology is overseen by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, who also holds the portfolio for the Ministry of Federal Education.
However, sources confirm that while Kamal is expected to take over the science and technology ministry, Siddiqui will continue as Minister for Federal Education.
Sindh CM Syed Murad Ali Shah Chairs Meeting with UNIDO Officials on Eco-Friendly Infrastructure and Flood Recovery Initiatives, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
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Sindh government and United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO) collaborate to work for the ecologically sound infrastructure and economic recovery in the flood-affected districts of the province.
As per details, Sindh government and United Nations Industrial Development Organization collaborate to work for the ecologically sound infrastructure and economic recovery in the flood-affected districts of the province by signing an agreement at the ceremony of the Communal Infrastructure Grant and SME Grant Award in Karachi.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah , while addressing the ceremony, said the, “provincial government has started the rehabilitation process of the flood-affectees with the construction of houses under the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees”.
He claimed that the provincial government is fully focused on improving basic infrastructure and the digital mapping at village level has been introduced to this effect.
It is worth mentioning here that CM Syed Murad Ali Shah informed the participants that a five-year sustainable program for the eradication of poverty and comprehensive development is being started with the cooperation of the European Union.
