POLITICAL ISSUES
EGYPT
1. Hina Khar to represent Pakistan at OIC summit in Cairo
Islamabad, Monday, 4 February 2013
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will arrive in Egypt’s capital Cairo on 5 February 2013 to represent Pakistan at the 12th Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit scheduled on 6 to 7 February. She on the sideline of the summit will co-chair the OIC’s Contact Group meeting on Jammu and Kashmir and will also meet the Egyptian leadership and also high ranking officials from the OIC member states.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

IRAN
2. Gas pipeline agreement to further cement mutual strategic ties: Velayeti
Karachi, Saturday, 2 February 2013
Advisor to Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Akbar Velayeti has said that strategic cooperation with Pakistan is helping in mutual, regional and international level and the bilateral relations are further strengthened after signing of the agreement for gas-pipeline.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

3. Khar meets her Iranian, Turkish counterparts on sidelines of OIC Summit
Cairo, Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar met with Foreign Minister of Iran and Turkey on the sidelines of the 12th OIC Summit in Cairo where they discussed about bilateral relations and situation is Syria and Afghanistan.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

4. Construction of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline to begin soon: ambassador
Islamabad, Thursday, 7 February 2013
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Tehran has said that an Iranian company will start the construction operation of Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline soon and the project is scheduled to be completed by December 2015.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

5. PM greets Iranian President on National Day
Islamabad, Monday, 11 February 2013
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has sent a message of greetings to President Ahmadinejad on the Iranian National Day falling on 11 February 2013.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

6. President stresses early completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline
Lahore, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
In a meeting with Speaker of Iranian Majlis, President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized on early completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project in view of energy crisis in the country.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

7. Gas pipeline: Agreement to be signed Friday
Islamabad, Thursday, 14 February 2013
Advisor Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain has said that Pakistan would sign an agreement with Iran over the construction of gas pipeline on 15 February 2013. He further said that the negotiations with the Iranian company Tadbeer is in their final phase.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

8. Rehman Malik leaves for Tehran on official visit
Islamabad, Monday, 18 February 2013
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik left for Tehran on an official visit to Iran hold a meeting with Iranian counterpart to discuss about checking human trafficking and smuggling on Pak-Iran border.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan

9. Pakistan, Iran agreed to enhance security cooperation, combating organized crimes
Tehran, Tuesday, 19 February 2013
According to Interior Minister Rehman Malik Pakistan and Iran have signed an agreement to enhance bilateral and international cooperation in the field of security and combating transnational organized crimes.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

10. PM terms Pak-Iran gas pipeline project a “leap forward”
Islamabad, Thursday, 20 February 2013
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf while talking to Iranian Minister for Petroleum termed the agreement between Pakistan and Iran on the gas pipeline project a “leap forward”.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

11. Iran agrees to set up oil refinery in Pakistan: Dr Asim
Islamabad, Friday, 21 February 2013
After holding a meeting with Iran’s minister of Oil, Pakistan’s Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain has said that Iran in cooperation with Pakistan State Oil (PSO) will step up an oil refinery at South Western City of Gwadar which would refine 400,000 barrels of oil per day.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

12. Pakistan-Iran gas line project to help address energy crunch: PM
Hyderabad, Sunday, 23 February 2013
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project would help address the issue of energy shortage and thus improve the country’s economy. The Prime Minister also said the world was fully aware that initially India was also included in the gas pipeline project.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

13. President Zardari to leave for Iran Wednesday
Islamabad, Wednesday, 26 February 2013
As a part of the ongoing contacts to strengthen the bilateral relations and to consult each other on regional and international issues of concern to the two countries, President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake a two-day official visit to Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

14. Zardari, Ahmadinejad decide to vigorously pursue Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project
Tehran, Thursday, 27 February 2013
During two rounds of meetings between the two leaders President Asif Ali Zardari and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad decided to vigorously pursue the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline project as well as other mega projects between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed free trade agreement.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
15. Pakistan, Palestine form Joint Commission to expand cooperation
Islamabad, Sunday, 17 February 2013
During talks with President Mahmoud Abbas, Pakistan and Palestine agreed to constitute a joint commission comprising of Foreign Ministers of the two countries to expand the existing political cooperation into other areas including economy, agriculture, banking, education and social and cultural sectors.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

16. Pakistan to continue unwavering support to Palestinians: President
Islamabad, Sunday, 17 February 2013
President Asif Ali Zardari while speaking at a luncheon hosted by him in honour of President, State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas said that Pakistan would continue to render its unwavering support to Palestinian people till establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.  
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

SAUDI ARABIA
17. Khursheed Shah discusses Hajj affairs with Saudi Minister
Jeddah, Saturday, 9 February 2013
Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Shah held a meeting with Saudi Minister for Hajj.  And congratulated the crown prince and Hajj minister for providing excellent arrangements for the Hajj 2012.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan; See Also: Associated Press of Pakistan

18. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia signs Hajj agreement
Jeddah, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khursheed Shah signed the Hajj Agreement 2013 with Saudi Minister for Hajj which deals with providing Pakistani pilgrims safety and help during the Hajj.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

19. President seeks reports about stranded Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia
Lahore, Wednesday, 13 February 2013
President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a report from the concerned authorities after getting news about the plight of nearly 700 Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia because of invalid visas.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

20. Pak envoy, Saudi governor discuss matters of mutual interest
Islamabad, Sunday, 24 February 2013
Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia called on Governor of Eastern Province and discussed matters of mutual interest like the condition of Pakistani expatriates in eastern province of Saudi Arabia, their schools, Pakistani investment there and so on.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

21. Saudi Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister Khar
Islamabad, Thursday, 28 February 2013
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz Al Ghadeer called on Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and they discussed on bilateral relations, and Pakistan’s trade with GCC countries.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

TURKEY
22. Prime Minister makes stopover in Ankara
Ankara, Saturday, 9 February 2013
En route to United Kingdom, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf had a brief stopover at Ankara Esenboga International Airport where he met with Turkish Minister for Science, Industry & Technology along with members of Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

23. Despite geographical distance, Pakistan and Turkey enjoy strong relations: Turkish Speaker
Islamabad, Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly Cemil Cicek said despite geographical distances, Pakistan and Turkey enjoy very cordial, brotherly and strong ties while addressing prize distribution ceremony of 8th National Inter-School Maths Olympiad (IMSO) at Pak-Turk International School, Chak Shahzad. Pak-Turk school system started working first in 1995 in Pakistan and has now established more than 20 schools and colleges in nine cities of Pakistan with over 800 students.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

24. Pakistan, Turkey cooperation in defence to be enhanced: Naveed Qamar
Islamabad, Thursday, 28 February 2013
The Defence Minister on an official visit to Turkey commended the excellent cooperation between the defence establishments of the two countries and suggested to jointly produce defence products in their respective countries which would help in technology transfer and generate economic activities. Both sides agreed to raise the level of High Level Military Dialogue Group. Discussions on project of midlife up-gradation of F-16 aircrafts of Pakistan undertaken by Turkish Aerospace Industries and a recent agreement of building a fleet tanker for Pakistan Navy by STM of Turkey were also undertaken.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

UAE
25. Pakistan and UAE enjoying historical relations: Pak Envoy
Abu Dhabi, Saturday, 9 February 2013
Pakistan’s Ambassador to UAE during his meeting with Director of the Department of the Asian Affairs at Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Pakistan and UAE enjoyed historically fraternal relations based on a shared faith, intense interaction of the leadership of two sides and very strong people-to-people bonds. The ambassador also emphasized on early finalization of the procedures for implementation of “Treaty on Transfer of sentence prisoners’ which has been ratified by both the countries. 
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

26. Pakistan attaches immense importance to UAE: Hina Khar
Islamabad, Thursday, 28 February 2013
During her meeting with the UAE ambassador to Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar said the UAE hosted one of the largest Pakistani communities abroad, which was playing an important role in the tremendous development of that country.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

ECONOMIC ISSUES
IRAN
27. Pak-Iran to take steps for enhancing trade relations: Nayyer Bukhari
Islamabad, Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari after meeting with Iranian delegation, who were here to attend the first Speakers Conference of Parliamentary Association of ECO Countries (PAECO), said Pakistan and Iran would take concrete steps to boost bilateral trade volume and agreed to exchange more parliamentary delegations to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

28. President for boosting Pak-Iran bilateral trade
Islamabad, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
President Asif Ali Zardari while speaking to the visiting Iranian delegation, headed by Iranian Oil Minister reiterated the commitment of government to further bolster Pak-Iran bilateral trade by vigorously pursuing mega projects in all areas, particularly energy, trade and economic fields. The President also called for improved visa facilitation, opening of new border posts and removing tariff, non-tariff barriers for stepping up trade and commerce and early finalization of an agreement to export wheat to Iran.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

TURKEY
29. Turkey time-tested friend of Pakistan: Motiwala
Karachi, Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Chairman Sindh Board of Investment (SBI), Mohammad Zubair Motiwala in a meeting with Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has said that Turkey is a time-tested friend of Pakistan and cooperation from Turkey for enhancement of bilateral investment and trade activities is expected.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

MISCELLENIOUS ISSUES
IRAN
30. Iranian cultural week kicks off at PNCA
Islamabad, Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Iran Cultural Week has started at Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) to mark the 34th year of Islamic Revolution in Iran. The inaugural of the five-day event was organized by Iranian embassy in association with ministry of National Heritage and Integration at PNCA, National Art Gallery.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

JORDAN
31. President University of Jordan visits NUST
Islamabad, Wednesday, 20 February 2013
The President of the University of Jordan visited the main campus of National University of Sciences and Technology. During his meeting with the Rector of NUST, the Rector expressed his gratitude and extended collaboration between the two Universities in the fields of mutual interest.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

TURKEY
32. Turkish people extend support to Kashmiris
Ankara, Wednesday, 6 February 2013
A seminar was organized by the Turkey-Pakistan Cultural Association in collaboration with Ankara University to commemorate Kashmir Solidarity Day and it expressed full support to the oppressed people of Kashmir and their democratic right to self-determination.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

UAE
33. Saadi returns home after winning gold in Al-Ahli tournament in Dubai
Lahore, Monday, 4 February 2013
Pakistan’s Asian gold medallist, Saadi Abbas has returned home after winning a gold and a bronze medal in the below 67 kilogram weight category in the 2nd Al-Ahli International Karate Tournament in Dubai.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

34. Pakistani defence production companies to participate in IDEX 2013 in Abu Dhabi
Islamabad, Friday, 8 February 2013
Pakistan’s ten high profile defence production companies along with 14 auxiliary enterprises will participate in the largest defence exhibition in the MENA region IDEX 2013 in Abu Dhabi being held on February 17-21.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

35. Pak Embassy in UAE remained opened on off days for Touqir Sadiq case
Abu Dhabi, Sunday, 24 February 2013
The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi remained open during the weekend holidays (Friday & Saturday) because of Touqir Sadiq case.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

36. Ambassador Jamil meets UAE Assistant Minister for extradition of Touqir Sadiq
Abu Dhabi, Monday, 25 February 2013
Pakistani Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates met Assistant Minister at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and demanded that deportation of the Touqir Sadiq to Pakistan may be finalized in a day or two. Ambassador was assured that the case was being carefully examined by the UAE authorities concerned and due to exigencies of the case expressed by Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan, they would respond very soon.
Source: Associated Press of Pakistan

Compiled by PAULAMI SANYAL

Paulami Sanyal is pursuing research at the 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