POLITICAL ISSUES

EGYPT

Six arrested Pakistanis released by Egypt’s court

Islamabad, Wednesday, 21 February 2018

An Egyptian court released six Pakistanis who were arrested in December 2017, from a ship “Sea Horse 2” by the Egyptian police on charges of drug smuggling charges. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

Egypt keen to promote trade with Pakistan: Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan

Islamabad, Thursday, 1 Feb 2018

Ambassador of Egypt Ahmed Fadel Yakoub said on that his country was keen to promote trade relations with Pakistan as both countries have good potential to do trade in many items with each other. Source:  Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

Jordanian King visited Pakistan

Islamabad, Friday, 9 February 2018

King Abdullah II of Jordan was on two days (8 -9 February 2018) visit to Pakistan and said increase in bilateral trade was necessary for further strengthening the economies of the both countries. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

DEFENCE ISSUES

IRAN

Pakistan, Iran discuss counter narcotics measures

Rawalpindi, Monday, 26 February 2018

A four-member Iranian delegation visited Headquarters of Anti-Narcotic Force (ANF) and discussed issues of mutual interest with a special focus on counter narcotics measures and initiatives taken by Pakistan and Iran. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Rawalpindi

SAUDI ARABIA

Pakistani troops have advisory role in Saudi Arabia: PM Abbasi

Islamabad, Monday, 19 February 2018

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that Pakistani troops had an advisory role in Saudi Arabia and they were there for the last 30 years with their number changing. Around 2,500 Pakistani troops were imparting training in Saudi Arabia. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

ECONOMIC ISSUES

OMAN

PIA’s flight operations to Oman suspended due to continuous losses: senate

Islamabad, Thursday, 15 February 2018

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Ahmed Sheikh informed the Senate that flight operations of PIA to Kuwait and Oman were suspended due to continuous losses on these routes. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

PALESTINE            

Punjab Sports Minister attended OIC Youth Programme in Palestine

Lahore, Thursday, 8 February 2018

Pakistan delegation comprising Punjab Sports Minister Jahangir Khanzada, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab Abubakar Umar (Member OIC Youth Summit) and Secretary Sports Punjab Aamir Jan attended the Al-Quds Al-Sharif OIC Youth Capital Programme in Palestine. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

SAUDI ARABIA 

Saudi Arabia, Turkey block US move to Put Pakistan in terror-financing list

New York, Thursday, 22 February 2018

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and China this week formed a trio to block a US-led move to place Pakistan on an international terror-financing watch list. The US was reportedly working behind-the-scenes during the ongoing Paris meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to take action against Pakistan, which it claims has not acted against terrorist financing and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

TUNISIA

Foreign Khawaja Asif visited Tunisia

Islamabad, Friday, 16 February 2018

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif paid an official visit to Tunisia for the 9th Session of the Bilateral Joint Commission. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

TURKEY

Pakistan, Turkey discuss PIA up-gradation

Islamabad, Thursday, 16 February 2018

Pakistan and Turkey discussed ways and means to expand mutual interest and cooperation in different avenues, particularly Information technology for up-gradation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The discussion took place during a meeting held between Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Aviation Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

Sartaj stresses early conclusion of FTA with Turkey

Islamabad, Tuesday, 13 February 2018

Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Sartaj Aziz stressed over the need for early conclusion of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Turkey. While talking to newly appointed Turkish Ambassador Mustafa Yurdakul, he said with the revival of Pakistan’s economy, the opportunities for expanding trade and investment relations are also increasing. Source: Associated Press of Pakistan, Islamabad  

As part of its editorial policy, the MEI@ND standardizes spelling and date formats 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