Russia claims heavy Israeli losses in first 72 hours of Iran conflict; figures unverified
MOSCOW / TEL AVIV, March 8, 2026 (WNP): Russian intelligence sources have alleged that Israel suffered significant military and intelligence losses during the first 72 hours of the ongoing conflict with Iran, claiming casualties exceeding 1,200 personnel across several branches of Israel’s security and defense establishment. According to figures circulated by Russian sources, the reported losses include six generals, 32...
Mojtaba Khamenei elected Iran’s New Supreme Leader amid escalating regional conflict
TEHRAN, Sunday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the third Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, marking a historic and controversial leadership transition during a period of intense regional conflict. The decision was announced by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for selecting...
UNESCO, ICAIRE mark Int’l Women’s Day, highlight global AI training initiative for women
RIYADH, Sunday, March 8, 2026 (WNP): UNESCO marked International Women’s Day on Sunday by highlighting global efforts to empower women in emerging technologies, including initiatives led by the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh. Operating under UNESCO’s auspices, ICAIRE is working to build a more inclusive global ecosystem for artificial intelligence while supporting women’s participation...
Iran signals restraint after Asim Munir–Khalid bin Salman talks, seen as boost for regional stability
RIYADH, March 7, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Syed Asim Munir, held a high-level meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman during his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, with discussions focusing on the evolving regional security environment and strengthening bilateral defense cooperation. According to official sources, the meeting addressed growing security concerns...
‘Iran will never surrender’: President Pezeshkian calls for national unity amid escalating war
TEHRAN, Saturday, March 7, 2026 (WNP): President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday called for national unity and resilience as the country grapples with intensifying conflict, vowing that Iran would stand firm in defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a nationally broadcast address, the president extended condolences to the Iranian people over the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Ali...
Putin honors women serving Russia ahead of International Women’s Day at Kremlin meeting
MOSCOW, Saturday, March 7, 2026 (WNP): Russian President Vladimir Putin met with women serving the country in various capacities at the Kremlin ahead of International Women’s Day, recognizing their contributions on the front lines and across key sectors of national life. The meeting brought together women from diverse professions, including members of the military, doctors, war correspondents, artists, and professionals...
Uzbekistan advances comprehensive anti-corruption reforms through legal, digital, institutional transformation
TASHKENT, Friday, March 6, 2026 (WNP): Uzbekistan has intensified its nationwide campaign against corruption in recent years, implementing a broad set of legal, institutional, and digital reforms aimed at transforming governance systems and strengthening transparency across the public sector. What began with legislative changes has gradually developed into a multi-layered anti-corruption model combining legal modernization, digital governance, public accountability, and...
Japan grants $65,000 to Pakistan Red Crescent to boost blood donation services in Federal capital
ISLAMABAD, Friday, March 6, 2026 (WNP): The Government of Japan has announced a grant of $65,470 (approximately PKR 18 million) to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to strengthen blood donation services in the capital region under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program. The grant agreement was signed on Friday at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad...
Türkiye–Pakistan Friendship Iftar celebrates solidarity, culture, support for orphan children
ISLAMABAD, Friday, March 6, 2026 (WNP): A vibrant Türkiye–Pakistan Friendship Iftar brought together government officials, diplomats, humanitarian organizations, and hundreds of young students in Islamabad on Friday, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two countries while spreading joy among orphan children through cultural activities and educational gifts. The event was organized by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) as...
Trump receives prayer in Oval Office as faith leaders gather at White House
WASHINGTON, Thursday, March 5, 2026 (WNP): The U.S. President Donald Trump received a prayer inside the Oval Office during a gathering of religious leaders at the White House, in an event that highlighted the role of faith in American public life. According to reports and footage circulating on social media, several Christian faith leaders surrounded Trump inside the Oval Office...