POLITICAL ISSUES
Egypt
1. Egyptian envoy felicitates PM on non-permanent seat in UN    
Islamabad, Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Ambassador of Egypt Said Muhammad Al-Said Hindam called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and congratulated him on Pakistan’s winning of a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council with comfortable majority.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Iraq
2. Envoy of Iraq calls on Rehman Malik            
Islamabad, Saturday, 29 October 2011
Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Dr Rushdi Al Ani Saturday called on Interior Minister Senator A Rehman Malik and discussed matters of mutual interest and bilateral relations with him.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Iran
3. Iranian envoy pays farewell call on President Zardari        
Islamabad, Tuesday, 4 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and Iran are poised to play a key role in promotion of intra-regional and inter-regional connectivity for region’s socio-economic development.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

4. Visit of Zaireen to Iran be regulated: Rehman Malik
Islamabad, Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Minister for Interior Rehman Malik directed the concerned authorities to regulate visit of Zaireen to Iran and ensure their protection.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

5. Pakistan to import electricity, gas from Iran: Gilani
Islamabad, Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan was very keen to overcome shortage of energy by importing gas and 1000 megawatts electricity from Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

6. Fourth meeting of Iran-Pakistan Joint Consular Commission    
Tehran, Monday, 24 October 2011
The fourth session of Iran-Pakistan Joint Consular Commission was held in Tehran in the presence of consular officials of the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

7. Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline project to be completed before 2014    
Islamabad, Thursday, 27 October 2011
Dispelling the foreign pressure over Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain informed the Senate that work has been expedited on the project and said that it would be completed by end of 2013, before the scheduled time.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

8. Iranian envoy meets General Wynne            
Rawalpindi, Monday, 31 October 2011
Mashallah Shakeri, Ambassador of Iran, called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Khalid Shameem Wynne at Joint Staff Headquarter, Chaklala.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Kuwait    
9. Kuwaiti PM condoles death of Begum Nusrat Bhutto    
Islamabad, Thursday, 27 October 2011
Prime Minister of Kuwait Shaikh Nasser Al Mohammed Al Sabah telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari and condoled with him over the death of Madre Jamhooriyat Begum Nusrat Bhutto.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Qatar
10. Gilani for strengthening Pak-Qatar ties            
Islamabad, Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Qatar and desired to further expand the existing cooperation in various fields.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Jordan
11. President of Jordanian Senate meets President Zardari    
Jordan, Saturday, 22 October 2011
President of the Senate of Jordan Taher Al Masri called on President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Saudi Arabia
12. Saudi Arabia needs services of Pakistani doctors        
Islamabad, Monday, 3 October 2011
The Saudi Ministry of Health required the services of Pakistani medical professionals on the urgent basis.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

13. Saudi Land Forces Commander calls on Army Chief    
Rawalpindi, Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Prince Lieutenant General Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Commander of Royal Saudi Land Forces called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at General Headquarters.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

14. Confers HI (Military) upon Prince Khalid Bin Bandar    
Islamabad, Thursday, 6 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon Prince Lieutenant General (Staff) Khalid Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Commander Royal Saudi Land Forces, during a special investiture ceremony.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

15. Saudi Arabia key to maintaining peace in this region    
Mangla, Thursday, 6 October 2011
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that Saudi Arabia has played an important role to maintain peace and stability in this region especially in Afghanistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

16. Pak-Saudi counter-terrorism military exercise
Mangla, Thursday, 6 October 2011
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close brotherly and strategic relations since their inception.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

17. Pak envoy to Saudi Arabia presents credentials        
Islamabad, Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan presented his credentials to King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

18. Pak, Saudi women gather to cherish friendly ties        
Islamabad, Friday, 21 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan stressed greater collaboration between the women of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for strengthening socio-cultural ties between the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

19. President condoles the demise of Prince Sultan        
Islamabad, Saturday, 22 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his heartfelt condolences over demise of Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan;See also: Associated Press of Pakistan

20. Zardari to condole Crown Prince’s demise
Riyadh, Tuesday, 25 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari flew into the Saudi capital to offer condolences to the leadership and people of Saudi Arabia over the sad demise of Saudi Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan;See also: Associated Press of Pakistan; Associated Press of Pakistan

21. Saudi response for providing relief to flood-hit
Islamabad, Friday, 28 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Pakistani and Saudi people are one nation, living in two countries and Riyadh’s response to devastation caused by rains and floods in Sindh and Baluchistan provinces was exemplary.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

22. Pakistan felicitates Prince Naif on elevation    
Jeddah, Friday, 28 October 2011
Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia Muhammad Naeem Khan extended felicitations to Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on his elevation as Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Syria
23. Need to explore new avenues in Pak-Syria relations    
Islamabad, Friday, 21 October 2011
Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Muhammad Khan Jamali said that Pakistan highly values its brotherly relations with Syria and there was a dire need to explore new avenues of cooperation for mutual benefit of the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Turkey
24. Firdous leaves for Turkey on 5-day official visit    
Islamabad, Monday, 10 October 2011
“Pakistan and Turkey enjoy warm and cordial relations based on common faith, shared traditions and mutual goodwill”, said Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

25. President condoles death of Turkish PM’s mother
Islamabad, Monday, 10 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari telephoned Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and condoled with him over the death of his mother.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

26. Exchanges views with Director Pak-Turk Foundation    
Islamabad, Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan exchanged views with Director Pak-Turk Foundation, Turget Royan at Istanbul airport for declaring Pakistani city Sialkot and Turkish city Kayseri as twin cities.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

27. Exchange of Pak-Turkey Parliamentary delegations
Islamabad, Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, in a meeting with Deputy Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Mehmet Saglam discussed exchange of parliamentary delegations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

28. Minister launches flood appeal on Turkish media
Istanbul, Friday, 14 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan launched an appeal to help the 2011 monsoon flood victims of Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

29. Turkish to highlight Pakistan’s efforts on war on terror    
Islamabad, Friday, 14 October 2011
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Turkish media can play a significant role in highlighting Pakistan’s efforts on war on terror besides improving image in the world community.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

30. Gilani offers assistance, relief goods to Turkey        
Islamabad, Monday, 24 October 2011
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani offered assistance including relief goods, medicines and doctors to help Turkish brethren cope with the devastating earthquake in Eastern Turkey.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan;See also Associated Press of Pakistan;  Associated Press of Pakistan

31.Turkey accepts quake reconstruction technical assistance
Islamabad, Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Turkey accepted technical assistance of Pakistan for carrying reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in earthquake hit areas.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan  

32. PM greets Turkish counterpart on national day    
Islamabad, Friday, 28 October 2011
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of 88th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Turkey, falling on October 29.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

33. Zardari’s visit to Turkey to promote bilateral relations
Islamabad, Sunday, 30 October 2011            
Pakistan and Turkey are expected to sign a currency swap agreement during the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Istanbul. This was stated by Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Haroon Shaukat during an interview with APP.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

34. Zardari to attend trilateral summit on Afghanistan    
Islamabad, Sunday, 30 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here on the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to participate in the sixth trilateral summit being hosted by Turkey to find a peaceful and everlasting solution of Afghanistan issue.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan; See also: Associated Press of Pakistan

35. COAS leaves for Turkey to attend Istanbul Conference    
Rawalpindi, Monday, 31 October 2011
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani left for Turkey to participate in Istanbul Conference.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

36.To deepen, broaden and strengthen partnership
Istanbul, Monday, 31 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul agreed to finalize the currency swap agreement between the two countries this week to further deepen broaden and strengthen their partnership in every field.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

UAE
37. UAE assures support for UNSC non-permanent seat    
Islamabad, Wednesday, 19 October 2011
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador Essa Abdulla Al Basha Al Nuaimi called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and assured that his country was committed to support Pakistan’s candidature for the UN Security Council’s non-permanent seat.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

ECONOMIC ISSUES
Iran
38. Acknowledges Iran’s assistance for flood victims        
Islamabad, Monday, 3 October 2011
Chairman Senate, Farooq H. Naek thanked government and people of Iran for their US $ 100 million assistance to ensure relief for flood-affected people in Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Jordan
39. President arrives to attend World Economic Forum
Jordan, Friday, 21 October 2011
President Asif Ali Zardari was accorded a red-carpet welcome when he arrived in the Jordanian capital on Friday to attend the World Economic Forum special meeting on Economic Growth and Job Creation in the Arab World being held at the Dead Sea resort from Oct. 21 to 23
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Saudi Arabia
40. Contract for 380KV transmission line in Mecca
Riyadh, Monday, 24 October 2011
National Power Construction Company (NPCC) of Pakistan and Saudi Electric Company (SEC) signed a contract worth Saudi Riyals 288 million for 380KV transmission line in Mecca.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

MISCELLANEOUS
Palestine
41. Pakistan continue support to Palestinian cause: Naek    
Islamabad, Monday, 3 October 2011
Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naek has said that Pakistan fully supports Palestinians’ demand for an independent state with Al Quds as its capital.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Turkey
42. International support for BISP
Islamabad, Monday, 3 October 2011
Turkish President Abdullah Gul assured to continue Turkey’s contribution to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and said that the international support for BISP shows transparency of the Programme.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan; See also: Associated Press of Pakistan 

43. Pakistan, Turkey inks media cooperation agreement
Ankara, Wednesday, 12 October 2011
The Anadolu Agency of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

44. Turkish media delegation visits PNCA            
Islamabad, Monday, 17 October 2011
A four-member media delegation visited Pakistan National Council of the Arts and appreciated the modern and contemporary art presented in different galleries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

45. Turkish delegation for bilateral exchange with APP
Islamabad, Thursday, 20 October 2011
A three-member Turkish delegation visited the headquarters of the Associated Press of Pakistan and discussed future prospects of bilateral cooperation between the media outlets of the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

UAE
46. UAE pledges full support for BISP    
Islamabad, Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Various ministries and organizations working in the social sector of United Arab Emirates (UAE), on behalf of UAE government, have shown their agreement to take various measures aiming to enhance support base for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Compiled by Dipanwita Chakravortty

Dipanwita Chakravortty is an Intern in MEI@ND. Email

As part of the policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spellings and date format to make the text uniformly accessible and stylistically consistent. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views/positions of the MEI@ND. Editor, MEI@ND P R Kumaraswamy