Pakistan, IMF discuss reform momentum, economic outlook at Spring Meetings
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 to review Pakistan’s reform progress and economic outlook. During the meeting, the finance minister appreciated...
Italy’s Schlein condemns Trump remarks, defends Meloni, national sovereignty
ROME, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): Italy’s opposition leader Elly Schlein has strongly condemned remarks attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, defending Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and reaffirming Italy’s sovereignty. Addressing parliament, Schlein expressed firm and unanimous condemnation of an attack on the Italian premier for expressing solidarity with Pope Leo. She stressed that Italy is a free and sovereign...
Pakistan, Saudi Fund for Development reaffirm economic partnership at Spring Meetings
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026, reaffirming strong bilateral economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, the finance minister expressed gratitude for SFD’s...
Dar meets senior diplomats from Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, calls for four-country cooperation framework
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday met senior diplomats from Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the need for enhanced cooperation among the four countries. During the meeting, Dar held talks with Turkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya, Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister Nazih El Naggari, and Saudi Arabia’s...
Pakistan, Mastercard explore digital payments expansion, financial inclusion at Spring Meetings
WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with Tucker Foote, Chief of Global Affairs and Policy at Mastercard, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 to discuss advancing Pakistan’s digital financial landscape. The meeting focused on expanding digital payment systems, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering innovation within...
EU Council President Costa expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia, stresses diplomacy for regional peace
RIYADH, Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (WNP): President of the European Council António Costa on Tuesday expressed the European Union’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia during his first official visit to the Kingdom, following recent attacks described as unjustifiable. During his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Costa conveyed support for Saudi Arabia and its people, while appreciating the Kingdom’s...
EU’s Kaja Kallas urges stronger multilateralism, backs Pakistan’s mediation at UN Security Council
UNITED NATIONS, Monday, April 13, 2026 (WNP): European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas has called for urgent strengthening of multilateralism and adherence to international law, while commending Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran. Addressing the annual UN Security Council session on EU–UN cooperation, Kallas stressed that the world is witnessing one of the gravest breakdowns...
Interfaith ‘Hymn of Peace’ resonates in Algiers as Pope Leo XIV applauds unity
ALGIERS, Monday, April 2026 (WNP): A powerful display of interfaith harmony unfolded at the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, where a choir comprising both Christians and Muslims performed the “Hymn of Peace,” drawing warm appreciation from Pope Leo XIV. The moving performance, held during the pontiff’s visit to Algeria, highlighted a message of coexistence and shared humanity, with voices...
Gwadar–Central Asia trade corridor opens via Iran, boosting regional connectivity amid Pakistan’s diplomacy
ISLAMABAD, Monday, April 13, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan has operationalized a new trade corridor linking Gwadar Port to Central Asia through Iran, marking a significant development in regional connectivity and economic integration, according to a report released by Sputnik on Monday. The first shipment under the new route, consisting of frozen beef, departed from Gwadar Port for Tashkent, signaling the formal...
António Guterres urges continued US–Iran dialogue despite no deal at Islamabad Talks
UNITED NATIONS, Monday, April 13, 2026 (WNP): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for sustained diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, stressing the need to build on discussions held during the Islamabad Talks despite the absence of a final agreement. While the high-level negotiations in Islamabad concluded without a breakthrough, the UN chief emphasized that the very...