Israel has yet to respond to a defence pact signed in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, raising questions as elections approach.
Aug 8, 2026, 2:10 PM
In Wellington, Pakistan and New Zealand conducted their third Joint Trade Committee meeting and fifth political consultation, signing an Education Cooperation Arrangement and agreeing to expand trade, investment, and agricultural collaboration.
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A sudden downpour hit Lahore on Saturday, bringing 104 mm of rain at the airport and extensive waterlogging in low‑lying city streets, prompting the Water and Sanitation Agency to deploy crews and machinery to clear roads and underpasses.
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In a ceremony held yesterday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye signed a mutual defense agreement that redefines Middle East security. Under the pact, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all three, marking a shift toward a regional security architecture independent of American military bases.
Al Jazeera
Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari hailed the recently signed Makkah Joint Defence Agreement as a significant milestone, praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir and underscoring the pact’s role in strengthening regional security.
Express Tribune
Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf will begin a multi‑day march toward Islamabad on 27 September, after consulting allies and religious parties, the K‑P information minister said.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan's women netball team opened their plate division campaign with a decisive 58‑34 win against Japan in Hong Kong, earning their first points at the Asian Netball Championships 2026.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan all‑rounder Khushdil Shah has denied reports that he may leave national cricket side, reaffirming his loyalty in an Instagram statement. The comments arise from a resurfaced interview of teammate Abbas Afridi, which sparked speculation about Khushdil’s future.
The Express Tribune
At a rally in Bagh, adviser Rana Sanaullah declared that the PML‑N would win a two‑thirds majority in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The party had 24 seats after two phases and needs six more. Sanaullah said four seats would be won on August 10 and five on the remaining Poonch seats. He urged voters to turn out Monday to support development and dialogue with the Joint Awami Action Committee.
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A 30‑year‑old Peace‑building program held its first UK summer camp in Devon, where 14‑17‑year‑olds from eight countries, including Israel, Palestine, India and Pakistan, spent three weeks in daily two‑hour discussions about conflict and cooperation.
the Guardian
Veteran boxing coach Arshad Hussain praised Fatima Zehra’s bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games and urged the Pakistan Boxing Federation to invest more in female talent.
The Express Tribune
The Lahore High Court ruled that customer data held by banks is property under Pakistani law, making its dishonest use a criminal breach of trust. The court granted post‑arrest bail to a telecom operator involved in a SIM‑swap fraud while denying bail to a private bank employee.
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Four armed men robbed the Edhi shelter in Sohrab Goth on Friday, taking more than Rs6.5 million in cash marked as staff salaries. Police and charity officials say the robbers fled. The Chief Minister called the theft unacceptable and ordered the culprits be arrested immediately.
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In Islamabad, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani met with National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah at his home, pledging stronger cooperation between Pakistan's two parliamentary houses.
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Spain has announced that it will impose border controls against Italy following increased pressure over migrants arriving in the Spanish city of Ceuta. The move follows Italy’s refusal to lift restrictions, further heightening tensions between the two nations.
Google News - World
Ahead of a tightening conflict in the Middle East, Gen. Dan Caine has privately asked senior Trump advisers to find a way out of the Iran war. The administration is also working on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and solidifying a new defence pact among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey.
The Express Tribune
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, said he never invited opposition members to resume negotiations. The meeting, held with MNA Malik Muhammad Amir Dogar and Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, focused only on the upcoming Independence Day ceremony. He added that further talks would need face‑to‑face discussion, not media broadcasts.
The Express Tribune
The Women Parliamentary Caucus of Balochistan condemned the killing of Master Inayatullah Jattak, father of activist Asma Jattak, and called for the prompt arrest of all suspects. An assembly speaker ordered the Inspector General of Police to ensure swift action and report progress.
The Express Tribune
