By Nazir Siyal / DNA

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Hamid Khan Al-Mashriqi, an international strategic affairs expert and award-winning journalist, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship at Chatham House, marking a significant achievement for Pakistan.

Chatham House, formally known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading policy institutions, recognized for its influential work in global governance, international relations, and strategic research.

The fellowship reflects Dr. Al-Mashriqi’s extensive contributions to diplomacy, international relations, and the media industry. His expertise has been acknowledged across global platforms, where he has represented Pakistan and the United Kingdom at major forums including the World Economic Forum (WEF), United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and the Overseas Pakistanis Convention.

This recognition not only highlights his professional accomplishments but also underscores Pakistan’s growing presence in international intellectual and policy circles.

ISLAMABAD, APR 14 /DNA/ – Graduation Ceremony of 152nd GD(P), 98th Engineering, 109th Air Defence (Alpha & Bravo), 28th Admin & Special Duties (Alpha & Bravo), 11th Logistics (Alpha) and 135th Combat Support Courses was held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Air Vice Marshal Shahryar Khan, Air Officer Commanding, PAF Academy Asghar Khan, whereas Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was also in attendence.

Addressing the graduating cadets, Admiral Naveed Ashraf congratulated them on successfully completing their rigorous training and commended the Academy for producing officers of strong character, discipline and professionalism. He expressed confidence that the young officers would uphold Pakistan Air Force’s legacy of excellence and its vision of being “Second to None,” in line with its enduring ideals. Highlighting Pakistan Air Force’s outstanding performance during Marka-e-Haq May 2025, he attributed the success to visionary leadership, modernization and effective integration of advanced technologies under the dynamic leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force. He underscored PAF’s growing proficiency in Multi Domain Operations—particularly in electronic warfare, cyber & space domains urging the graduating officers to remain prepared for future challenges through continuous vigilance and proactive response to evolving threats.

Emphasizing jointmanship, the Chief Guest noted that Pakistan Navy, in synergy with sister services, continues to enhance its operational capabilities through modernization and induction of advanced platforms to deter aggression and safeguard national maritime interests. He further highlighted the complex and evolving security environment faced by Pakistan, reaffirming that the Armed Forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain committed to defending the country and contributing to regional peace and stability.

A total of 113 Aviation Cadets graduated on the occasion, and the Chief Guest awarded trophies to distinguished cadets for outstanding performance. Avn Cdt Squadron Under Officer Nad-e-Ali received the Chief of the Defence Forces Trophy for overall best performance in General Service Training; Avn Cdt Navaira Shahzad and Avn Cdt Muhammad Abdullah Ejaz were awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Trophies for best performance in Engineering and Air Defence Courses respectively; Avn Cdt Faran Javed secured the Trophy for best performance in Combat Support Course; while Avn Cdt Wing Under Officer Basit Aliyan Siddiqui and Avn Cdt Salman Saeed were awarded Swords of Honour for best performance in College of Aeronautical Engineering and College of Flying Training respectively.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, distinguished guests and families of the graduating cadets, and concluded with a spectacular flypast of PAF frontline fighter aircraft, including JF-17 Thunder and F-16, followed by an impressive aerobatic display by the Sherdils formation team, showcasing precision, professionalism and operational excellence.

ISLAMABAD, APR 14 /DNA/ – The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with Mr. Musa Kulaklikaya, Deputy Foreign Minister of Turkiye; Ambassador Nazih El Naggari, Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt; and, Prince Dr. Abdullah bin Khalid bin Saud Al-Kabeer AlSaud, Director General of the MFA of Saudi Arabia

DPM/FM appreciated the close, brotherly relations and convergence of views on important regional and global matters among the four brotherly countries. He called for devising a cooperative framework among the four countries, focusing on the shared goals of peace, prosperity and economic development.

Senior diplomats from the three countries are in Pakistan for the inaugural Senior Officials’ Meeting of 4 Countries (Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, held today in Islamabad.

ISLAMABAD, APR 14: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged businessmen to bring back at least 30% of their wealth to Pakistan ahead of the federal budget 2026-27.

“The business community are requested to bring back at least 30% of their money from abroad,” Naqvi said while addressing an event at Federation House in Karachi on Tuesday.

The minister claimed that around $100 billion had moved out of Pakistan, stressing that even partial repatriation could provide significant economic relief.

“If businessmen decide today, $10 billion can come back before the budget,” the security czar added.

Naqvi also assured the business community of improved conditions, saying Pakistan offers strong returns on investment. “The profit Pakistan offers cannot be found anywhere else in the world,” he said and assured them of providing a conducive business environment.”

He further said that proposals regarding visas for traders would soon be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

UNITED NATIONS, APR 14 (DNA): Pakistan Monday strongly condemned the deadly Israeli strikes across Lebanon, especially in the southern part if the country, that have left behind a catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Speaking at an OIC Ambassadorial-level meeting held to discuss the current humanitarian situation in Lebanon,  Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said the situation was deteriorating by the day for tens of thousands of uprooted civilians.

According to the UN, intensified Israeli bombardment in Lebanon has killed more than 2,000 people AND over 6,500 others wounded, with over 1.2 million people reported displaced and the health system on the brink of collapse.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakista’s  full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Lebanon, condemning “in the strongest terms” Israel’s continued military aggression.

“The large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure and the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law must cease immediately,” he demanded.

The Pakistani envoy also welcomed the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to restore stability and strengthen state authority, including its recent cabinet decision to reinforce national security structures, noting  Beirut’s de-escalation initiatives, including a four-point plan advanced by its leadership to restore calm and stability.

Pakistan, he said, strongly condemns attacks on UN peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, who have been injured in Israeli strikes.

Te Pakistani envoy called for humanitarian access across all effected area to provide relief to the suffering people.

He said that at this critical juncture, de-escalation, restraint, and renewed diplomatic engagement were urgently required to prevent further deterioration of the regional security environment.

“Only through sustained political dialogue and respect for international law can the region move toward stability and peace,” he added.