China backs Pakistan’s role in US-Iran engagement as Ishaq Dar meets envoy
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on the evolving regional situation. During the meeting, the Chinese envoy conveyed Beijing’s full support for and appreciation of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate engagement between the United States and Iran aimed...
Pakistan, Egypt conclude ‘Thunder-II’ joint exercise at Cherat
RAWALPINDI, Monday, April 20, 2026 (WNP): A two-week Pakistan–Egypt joint military exercise, ‘Thunder-II’, focusing on counterterrorism operations, concluded successfully at Cherat, the military’s media wing said on Monday. The exercise, conducted between the armies of Pakistan and Egypt, was aimed at enhancing interoperability through the refinement of drills, procedures, and techniques related to counterterrorism operations. Elite combat teams from the Special...
Aurangzeb, EU Envoy discuss investment outlook, economic reforms ahead of business forum
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday highlighted Pakistan’s steady return to macroeconomic stability and renewed engagement with global capital markets during a meeting with Raimundas Karoblis. During the meeting, the minister underscored growing investor confidence and the government’s commitment to a structured and forward-looking economic reform agenda, aimed at...
Pakistan, Morocco deepen defence ties with shift toward joint production
RABAT, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Pakistan and Morocco have entered a new phase in their defence partnership, moving toward strategic co-production following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on January 13, 2026, according to International Defence Analysis. The agreement aims to institutionalize long-term military cooperation while expanding collaboration into joint production, particularly in advanced sectors such as electronics...
Qatar moves toward strategic defence pact with Pakistan: Report
DOHA, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Qatar is reportedly nearing the signing of a strategic defence agreement with Pakistan, a move aimed at strengthening regional security dynamics and expanding bilateral military cooperation, according to International Defence Analysis. The anticipated pact is expected to enhance operational readiness, deepen security coordination, and lay the groundwork for broader defence collaboration between the two...
Pakistan, Egypt stress dialogue as Ishaq Dar, Abdelatty discuss regional situation
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday to discuss the evolving regional situation. During the call, both leaders exchanged views on the latest developments and underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement in promoting peace and stability. They agreed to...
Russia not mediating US-Iran Talks, backs Pakistan’s role in dialogue: Envoy Khorev
ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Russia is not acting as a direct mediator in the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, but continues to support diplomatic efforts and maintain close regional consultations, Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev said in remarks published by the Russian newspaper Izvestia. Responding to a question on Moscow’s role, Khorev clarified that while...
Somalia signs $900 million deal with Pakistan for JF-17 Block III fighter jets
ISTANBUL, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Somalia has finalized a landmark defence agreement with Pakistan for the procurement of up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, in a deal reportedly valued at $900 million, according to the Turkish Defence Agency. The agreement is being described as one of the most ambitious military acquisition programs undertaken by Somalia in...
Iran launches drone strikes on US vessels after ship seizure, reports suggest escalation
TEHRAN, Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (WNP): Tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified following reports that Iranian forces launched drone strikes targeting American naval vessels after US forces attacked and seized an Iranian-flagged ship. According to regional media reports citing Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the drone strikes were carried out in apparent retaliation after US forces fired...