POLITICAL ISSUES
EGYPT
1.Relations with Egypt based on Islamic brotherhood: PM    
Islamabad, Tuesday 3 April 2012
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani met the Chief Justice of Egypt Justice, Mohamed Hossam Elddin El Gheriany and said the people of Pakistan greatly value their deep-rooted and long-standing friendly relations with Egypt which are based on Islamic brotherhood and commonality of interests.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

2. Egyptian Chief Justice visits IIUI    
Islamabad, Tuesday 3 April 2012
Egyptian Chief Justice, Mohamed Hossam Elddin El Gheriany visited International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), accompanied by his deputy, Justice Ali Mohamed Mohamed and Egyptian Ambassador Muhammad ElSaid.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

KUWAIT
3. FM, Ambassador of Kuwait discuss bilateral ties    
Islamabad, Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Ambassador of Kuwait, Nawaf Abdulaziz A.A. Alenezi called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and exchanged views on ways to promote bilateral ties.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

IRAN
4. Pakistan desirous of strong ties with Iran in trade, energy: Gilani
Boao (China), Sunday, 1 April 2012
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is desirous of enhancing its bilateral relations with Iran, especially in energy and trade. He said realization of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project will open new vistas of cooperation.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

5. Pakistani official voices support for Iran’s peaceful N-program
Islamabad, Monday, 2 April 2012
Deputy Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Faisal Karim strongly condemned western opposition against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program terming it baseless. He said that exerting pressure on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program is unjustified and that Pakistan has always supported Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

6. Iran reopens Zero-point trade gate on Pak-Iran border    
Chagai, Sunday, 22 April 2012
The Iran Government reopened Zero-point trade gate at Pak-Iran border in Taftan area of the Chagai district.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

7. Pakistan, Iran enjoy excellent multi-dimensional cooperation: PM
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said to the Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Alireza Haghinghian, that Iran and Pakistan were having excellent multi-dimensional cooperation in the fields of trade, infrastructure, energy and culture. He underscored the importance of people-to-people contacts, visits of parliamentarians and high level exchanges to further strengthen the relations on durable basis between the two brotherly neighbouring countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

8. Iran, Pakistan to use cooperation opportunities, potentials
Islamabad, Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Head of Iran-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ali Akbar Aghaei said to the Pakistani Deputy Speaker of State Parliament, Seyyede Shahla Reza that Iran and Pakistan must use every opportunity and potential to expand cooperation.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

ISRAEL
9. Pakistan asks UNSC to hold Israel accountable for defying Mideast peace bids
United Nations, Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Pakistan has called on the UN Security Council to hold Israel accountable for its continued defiance of international efforts to bring about a just settlement of the Middle East dispute.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

QATAR
10. Ambassador delivers special message of Qatari Amir to President Zardari
Islamabad, Friday, 13 April 2012
Ambassador of Qatar, Sayar Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Mawdah on Friday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr and delivered a personal letter of Amir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

SAUDI ARABIA
11. Pakistani ambassador, Saudi Minister discuss bilateral matters
Riyadh, Sunday, 1 April 2012
Ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Naeem Khan held a meeting with Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja, Minister for Culture and Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and discussed matters of mutual interest.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

12. Saudi Information Minister due tomorrow
Islamabad, Monday, 2 April 2012
Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja, Minister for Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia will arrive on a three-day official visit. Dr. Khoja will lead a six-member delegation to Pakistan on the invitation of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Firdous Awan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

13. Gen. Kayani leaves for Saudi Arabia on official visit    
Rawalpindi, Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani left for Saudi Arabia on an official visit. During the visit, the COAS is scheduled to meet senior civil and military leadership of Saudi Arabia.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

14. COAS meets Saudi defence officials; vows to enhance strategic ties
Riyadh, Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and senior Saudi defence officials vowed to enhance strategic relations between the two armies. The army chief, who is on official visit to Saudi Arabia, called on Saudi Minister of Defence Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Deputy Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Sultan bin Abdul Aziz and Commander Royal Land Forces General Khalid bin Bandr Bin Abdul Aziz.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

15. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia enjoy ties marked by common perceptions on all issues: Firdous
Islamabad, Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Awan said,” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close relations which are marked by common perceptions on all issues of mutual interests” during a session of formal talks between the Pakistani and Saudi ministries of Information to explore means to further increase mutual cooperation in the field of media.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

16. Army chief, Saudi Interior Minister discuss bilateral matters
Riyadh, Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on Deputy Minister of Interior Prince Mohammad Bin Naif Bin Abdul Aziz and matters pertaining to status of bilateral cooperation in counter terrorism and violent extremism were discussed.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

17. Pak-Saudi friendship vital bilaterally, for Ummah: Khoja    
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Minister for Information and Culture of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohiuddin Khoja said that the friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not only vital for both Muslim states but also the whole Muslim Ummah.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

18. PM calls for strengthening of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia bilateral ties
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while talking to Minister for Information & Culture of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Mohiuddin Khoja, underscored the importance of signing Bilateral Investment Treaty between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to open up new vistas of bilateral trade and investment.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

19. COAS calls on Saudi Chief of General Staff; discusses professional matters    
Riyadh, Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on Saudi Chief of General Staff General Hussein bin Abdullah Al-Qabil and matters relating to close collaboration between the armed forces of two countries, professional interests and regional security were discussed.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

20. Pakistan, Saudi agree to facilitate exchanges of poets, writers, journalists
Islamabad, Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to facilitate exchange visits of poets, writers and journalists between the two brotherly countries for further interaction of civil society. The decision was made during a meeting of Saudi Minister for Culture and Information, Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Integration Samina Khalid Ghurki.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

21. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign MoU for collaboration in media
Islamabad, Thursday, 5 April 2012
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and promote close linkages and collaboration between print and electronic media of the two friendly countries to promote bilateral relations and depict a true image of Islam to the world.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

22. Saudi Minister Dr. Khoja visits PNCA    
Islamabad, Thursday, 5 April 2012
Saudi Minister for Culture and Information Dr Abdul Aziz bin Mohiuddin Khoja visited Pakistan National Council of Arts and witnessed Quranic calligraphic exhibition and watched a cultural show.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

23. Ambassador Naeem meets President of Saudi Majlis Ash-Shura
Riyadh, Monday, 9 April 2012
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Naeem Khan held a meeting with President of the Majlis Ash-Shura of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammad bin Ibrahim Al Al-Sheikh.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

24. Pakistan, Saudi tied in eternal bond of friendship: Malik
Islamabad, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Pakistan’s Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik said to the visiting Saudi Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah, that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia would continue to work jointly on every platform for harmony, unity and progress as their peoples were tied in the eternal bond of friendship and brotherhood.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

25. Pak-Saudi bilateral ties, regional issues discussed
Islamabad, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Saudi Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah held talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

26. President calls for expansion in trade, economic ties between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Islamabad, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
President Asif Ali Zardari said that there exists huge potential of trade and economic activities between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He said that for tapping this enormous potential it was important that the existing mechanisms such as Joint Ministerial Commission and the Joint Business Council are fully utilized.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

27. Hearts of Pakistani, Saudi nations beat in unison: Dr Firdous    
Islamabad, Thursday, 12 April 2012
Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Awan said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were like “one nation, two countries” and the hearts of their people beat in unison.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

28. Speaker National Assembly arrives in Madina
Madina Munawwarah, Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza arrived in Madina to pay homage to Prophet Muhammad.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

29. NDU delegation visits Military Command & Staff College, Saudi Arabia
Islamabad, Tuesday, 17 April 2012
The eighteen-member delegation of Defence University of Pakistan (NDU) visited Diplomatic Studies Institute and Military Command and Staff College, Saudi Arabia. The delegation which is led by Air Cdre Pirzada Kamalullah A Siddiqui, received detailed briefings followed by lengthy interactive sessions.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

30. NDU delegation visits Air Defence Fleet in Jeddah
Jeddah, Wednesday, 18 April 2012
The eighteen-member delegation of Defence University of Pakistan (NDU) visited Air Defence Fleet and called on Commander of Western Fleet Saudi Royal Navy, Rear Admiral Khalid Hammadan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

31. Close cooperation between Pak-Saudi parliamentarians to add substance to bilateral ties: Fehmida
Jeddah, Thursday, 19 April 2012
Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker  Fehmida Mirza said that close cooperation between the National Assembly of Pakistan and Saudi Majlis-e-Shoora would add substance to bilateral relations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

32. Ambassador Naeem meets Imam Masjid e Nabavi
Islamabad, Monday, 23 April 2012
Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Muhammad Naeem Khan called on Imam Masjid e Nabavi Sharif Sheikh Abdur Bari Al Zubaidi in Madina Munawarrah.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

33. Saudi Arabia to recruit Pakistani doctors: OEC
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Managing Director of The Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), Saeed Ahmed Shaikh said that the Health Ministry of Saudi Arabia would send a delegation to recruit Pakistani medical doctors and paramedics soon.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

34. Osama’s family deported to S. Arabia: says Malik
Islamabad, Friday, 27 April 2012
Pakistan’s Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik said that Osama Bin Laden’s family were deported to Saudi Arabia after completing their trial period held in Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

35. Envoy urges Pakistanis to work diligently for development of Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, Saturday, 28 April 2012
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Muhammed Naeem Khan stressed on the Pakistani community to work diligently for the uplift and development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it was their second home.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

UAE
36. Pak-UAE naval cooperation to strengthen ties
Abu Dhabi, Monday, 2 April 2012
Pakistan’s Ambassador to UAE Jamil Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan and the UAE enjoy deep rooted relations that will further strengthen with cooperation between their Naval forces,
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

ECONOMIC ISSUES
SAUDI ARABIA
37. Pak businessmen to visit Saudi Arabia for enhancing trade: PM    
Islamabad, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said a delegation of Pakistani businessmen would visit Saudi Arabia soon to explore new vistas for enhancing trade relations between the two countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

38. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia pledge to expand trade, economic ties
Washington, Sunday, 22 April 2012
Pakistani Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh met with his Saudi counterpart during the annual IMF-World Bank spring gathering and vowed to further expand their trade and investment relations.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

TURKEY
39. Turkey can be used as a bridge for export to EU: Secilmis
Karachi, Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The chairman of Iziad Businessmen Association, Izmir, Resul Secilmis and the leader of trade delegation from Turkey met members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and said that Pakistani businessmen can use Turkey as a base to produce their products and export them to European Union (EU).
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

40. ECO Bank Turkey reiterates support for agri-sector
Islamabad, Wednesday, 18 April 2012
The Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) Bank, Turkey reiterated its support for the development of agriculture sector in Pakistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

41. ECO trade corridor to enable Pakistan export goods to Turkey: Alamgir
Islamabad, Thursday, 19 April 2012
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Communications, Dr Arbab Alamgir said that the members of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) had agreed to create Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul trade corridor which would enable Pakistan to export its goods to Turkey without any hindrance.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
SUDAN
42. Sudanese envoy for free trade among Muslim countries
Islamabad, Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Ambassador of Sudan to Pakistan, Al-Shafia Ahammad Mohammad has stressed the need for free trade among the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) member states to exploit the existing potential and ensure maximum possible trade exchange among them.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

TURKEY
43. CII delegation in Turkey to study religious education system
Ankara, Saturday, 7 April 2012
An eight-member delegation of Pakistan’s Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) visited Turkey to study the Turkish religious education system.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Compiled by Dipanwita Chakravortty

Dipanwita Chakravortty is pursuing her M Phil degree in School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.  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