On bilateral relations, the Ambassador praised Pakistan’s participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, where the Pakistan Pavilion won two awards – the Bronze Prize in the Exhibition category and the Editors’ Choice Award

Ansar M Bhatti/DNA

ISLAMABAD, FEB 10: President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, extended warm greetings to Japan on the occasion of its Armed Forces Day, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The President attended a reception hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, at Serena Hotel, Islamabad, to celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

Speaking as the chief guest, President Zardari highlighted the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Japan. He expressed hope that these ties would continue to grow under the leadership of Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female premier. “Pakistan values its relations with Japan and looks forward to expanding cooperation in diverse fields,” the President remarked, assuring that Pakistan remains committed to fostering stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador AKAMATSU, in his address, welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed appreciation for celebrating the Emperor’s birthday in Islamabad alongside President Zardari. He highlighted Japan’s recent political developments, including the successful general election and the strong mandate received by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Takaichi. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the rule of law, multilateralism, and a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), while acknowledging Pakistan’s important role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

On bilateral relations, the Ambassador praised Pakistan’s participation in the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, where the Pakistan Pavilion won two awards – the Bronze Prize in the Exhibition category and the Editors’ Choice Award. He noted that the Expo sparked renewed interest in Pakistan among Japanese people and marked the revival of high-level exchanges, including visits by Pakistani ministers and officials.

Looking ahead, Ambassador AKAMATSU outlined three key areas for strengthening cooperation:

People-to-people exchanges, including participation in the upcoming Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Nagoya.

Economic collaboration, with plans to resume yen loan projects under Official Development Assistance (ODA) and expand cooperation in Pakistan’s IT industry.

Cultural promotion, particularly Japanese cuisine, highlighting its contribution to longevity and introducing dishes such as sushi, tempura, and wagyu beef.

The Ambassador also expressed condolences for the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Islamabad, reaffirming Japan’s solidarity with Pakistan against terrorism.

The reception featured Japanese wagyu beef, traditional arts exhibitions including Ikebana and Bonsai, and displays by Japanese companies such as Toyota Indus Motors, Suzuki, Honda, Hino, Idemitsu, Sojitz, and Kumon.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 10 /DNA/ – Ambassador of Pakistan to Hungary, Asif Memon, called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) today.

The Ambassador briefed the DPM/FM on follow-ups to the understandings reached during the Hungarian Foreign Minister’s visit to Pakistan last year.

The DPM/FM welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral relations and advised further strengthening of trade, education, and people-to-people ties.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 10 /DNA/ – Pakistan hosted the Informal Retreat of D-8 Commissioners on 5–6 February 2026 in Lahore. The session was organised primarily to discuss the strengthening of the D-8 Secretariat and to approve its financial and administrative matters ahead of the commencement of the 51st Session of the D-8 Commission and the 12th D-8 Summit, scheduled to be held in April this year in Jakarta. D-8 Commissioners from all member states, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Türkiye and Pakistan, attended the meeting. The Secretary-General of D-8, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, also participated in the Retreat.

The Retreat served as a platform for open dialogue and brainstorming among the Member States and the Secretariat, with a focus on practical strategies to enhance cooperation, improve institutional effectiveness, and accelerate the implementation of D-8 priority areas and ongoing initiatives.

During the two-day informal visit, the D-8 delegates visited several historical, cultural and nationally significant sites in Lahore. These included the Wagah Border, the historic Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Badshahi Mosque. The delegates also attended the vibrant and cultural Basant festival held at the historic Poonch House, Lahore. Senior Minister of Punjab, Ms Maryam Aurangzeb, and Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Syed Ashaq Hussain Kirmani, attended the event and warmly welcomed the foreign dignitaries.

The dignitaries expressed satisfaction with the successful convening of the Informal Retreat and thanked the Government of Pakistan for its hospitality and excellent arrangements. They reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen cultural ties, economic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges among D-8 member states.

RAWALPINDI, FEB 10 /DNA/ – Pakistan Air Force successfully conducted Exercise Golden Eagle in the Southern Air Command’s area of responsibility, aimed at validating combat readiness and operational agility through the synchronized employment of PAF’s complete combat potential. The exercise was conducted on a Two-Force construct, focusing on AI-enabled, net-centric operations while integrating indigenous niche, disruptive and smart technologies in line with evolving regional security dynamics.

Operating within a robust Integrated Air Defence System, friendly forces shaped the battlespace through seamless fusion of kinetic operations with cyber, space and Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Operations. The kinetic phase featured First-Shoot, First-Kill swing-role combat aircraft equipped with long-range BVR air-to-air missiles, extended-range stand-off weapons and precision strike capabilities, supported by Airborne Early Warning & Control platforms and Air-to-Air Refuellers.

A key highlight of the exercise was Manned–Unmanned Teaming, with deep-reach killer drones and loitering munitions operating in a highly contested, congested and degraded environment, validating PAF’s capability to conduct high-tempo operations in modern warfare. The exercise was executed under unified command and control from the Next-Generation All-Domain Command & Control Centre, Air Headquarters, Islamabad.

The successful conduct of Exercise Golden Eagle reaffirms Pakistan Air Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, leveraging indigenous innovation and effectively countering emerging and future security challenges.

LAHORE, FEB 10: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday announced Rs10 billion in financial assistance for security forces operating in Balochistan, reaffirming Punjab’s support for peace and stability in the province.

The chief minister made the announcement during her visit to Quetta, where she attended a ceremony at the Frontier Corps (FC) Headquarters.

CM Maryam Nawaz’s visit comes in the wake of coordinated attacks carried out across 12 towns in Balochistan on January 31, targeting civilians in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur, Tump, Gwadar, and Pasni.

Following the operation, security forces conducted Operation Raddul Fitna 1, eliminating 216 India-sponsored terrorists in various coordinated engagements and clearance operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

However, 36 innocent civilians, including women and children, along with 22 security and law enforcement agencies personnel, embraced martyrdom in these operations, it added.

The Punjab chief minister, in a meeting with Balochistan CM, said the contribution was aimed at strengthening security efforts in Balochistan.

She also visited the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti welcomed her along with members of the provincial cabinet and assembly.

She praised the people of Balochistan for their resilience and commitment to Pakistan. “The spirit of the people of Balochistan and their attachment to Pakistan is commendable,” she said, adding that the Punjab government would extend all possible cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by the province.

“We stand with Balochistan. The elimination of terrorism is possible through national unity, and we want to see peace, stability and prosperity in Balochistan,” she stated.

Earlier, CM Maryam met Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail at the Governor House in Quetta to discuss the country’s overall law and order situation, recent political developments in Balochistan, and matters of mutual interest.

Governor Mandokhail highlighted the cordial relations between the federal government and provinces, stressing the need for concrete steps to promote inter-provincial harmony and strengthen mutual ties.

Punjab chief minister assured the Balochistan governor of her continued contact and full cooperation in the future. Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhancing relations between provinces and promoting people-to-people connections.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Governor Mandokhail presented Maryam Nawaz with a commemorative shield and a traditional carpet as a token of goodwill.

ISLAMABAD: An Islamabad court issued non-bailable warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Monday in a case related to defamation of state institutions.

The order was issued by a district and sessions court after CM Afridi failed to appear before it despite repeated notices.

The case was registered by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) against the firebrand politician under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) Act, accusing him of levelling misleading allegations and harming reputation of the state institutions.

Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah conducted hearing of the case and ordered authorities concerned to arrest and produce CM Afridi.

The court subsequently adjourned the hearing and fixed February 21 as the next date of hearing.

This development adds to legal woes of KP chief executive as earlier this month, reports from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency and Nadra linked video evidence of the May 9 riots case to Afridi, prompting the court to seek a complete report on February 14.

The May 9, 2023, events refer to the riots that were triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Khan from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a graft case.

During the protests, the miscreants targeted several civil and military installations across the country.

‘Will talk to everyone for KP interests’
Separately, CM Afridi, while addressing a convocation ceremony at the University of Engineering Technology (UET) Peshawar today, said that when it came to the interests of the province he was ready to speak to everyone.

He added that he would not allow Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be turned once again into a testing ground.

He stressed that he would not go to anyone’s door for personal interests, but made it clear that no matter how much he might dislike someone, he would sit with them for the sake of the province.

Referring to the law and order situation, Afridi said he had held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and that a session of the Apex Committee had also been convened.

He added that he would meet officials from security institutions again today, emphasising that peace and stability were the foremost issues facing the province and that development would only follow once security was ensured.

The chief minister warned that anyone who believed they could impose “closed-door” decisions through intimidation was mistaken.

He said every institution should avoid interfering in the domain of others, noting that in Pakistan the habit of one institution meddling in another’s affairs had become a major problem and was one of the key reasons economic stability remained elusive.

The KP CM concluded by saying that his government would no longer be part of what he called failed policies that had harmed the province for years.