Day: September 23, 2026

Islamabad:Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

According to Radio Pakistan, the two officials engaged in a productive discussion focused on enhancing the close and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. They addressed various bilateral matters of mutual interest.

Both leaders reaffirmed their support for each other and committed to strengthening multifaceted bilateral cooperation. They also agreed to maintain close contact moving forward.

Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s close and fraternal ties with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a meeting with Dr. Denis Becirovic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prime Minister Sharif expressed his desire to develop these relations into a broad-based partnership focused on trade and economic cooperation.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting the role of a stable and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina in regional stability. He also expressed Pakistan’s view of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a potential trade and connectivity hub for Pakistani goods entering European and Western Balkan markets.

Dr. Becirovic commended Pakistan’s efforts in mediating de-escalation and normalization in the West Asia and Gulf region. He also supported Pakistan’s stance on the illegality of holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Both leaders reviewed the spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, defense, skilled labor mobility, education, and cultural areas, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Islamabad:The government has appointed retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood as the inaugural Secretary General under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

According to Radio Pakistan, Lt Gen Mahmood will head the General Secretariat of the Alliance, which is being set up in Riyadh.

Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to completely eliminate polio from the country.

According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif conveyed this commitment during a meeting with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Prime Minister lauded the Gates Foundation for its support in various sectors including polio eradication, maternal and child health, nutrition, immunization, digitization, and financial inclusion.

Prime Minister Sharif also informed Bill Gates about the agricultural reforms being implemented by the Pakistani government, highlighting the focus on innovation, biotechnology, climate resilience, research, and capacity-building for farmers. Both parties discussed potential collaborations in developing improved seeds, livestock genetics, and emerging agricultural technologies.

Bill Gates acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts under the Prime Minister’s leadership, emphasizing the importance of polio eradication to safeguard future generations. He appreciated Sharif’s leadership in guiding provincial governments on the polio vaccination program.

The meeting concluded with a mutual dedication to maintain and enhance partnerships that promote sustainable development, technological progress, and improved outcomes in social sectors for the people of Pakistan.