ISLAMABAD, DEC 17 /DNA/ – Islamabad police apprehended an Afghan national, identified as Harris, who was allegedly impersonating a U.S. embassy official. The arrest took place at Gate No. 2 of the diplomatic enclave after embassy officials raised concerns about his activities. The embassy had lodged a formal complaint regarding Harris’s suspicious behavior, prompting police intervention.

The situation surrounding the arrest is particularly sensitive, given the current tense relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. As a result, Afghan nationals have been under heightened surveillance, raising security concerns. Upon his arrest, Harris was taken to the local police station for further investigation.

Authorities are treating this incident seriously, considering the implications of security breaches in diplomatic areas. The impersonation of embassy officials can pose significant risks, potentially affecting the safety of personnel and operations within these secure locations.

Police are conducting a thorough investigation into Harris’s background and intentions, looking for potential accomplices or further implications of his actions. The case highlights ongoing challenges regarding security and the management of diplomatic relationships in the region.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 17 /DNA/ – The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a delegation from Uzbekistan led by Eldor Sobirjonovich Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center (DSC). Mr Rovshan Alimov, Deputy Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, also attended the meeting.

Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, highlighted Pakistan’s ‘Vision Central Asia’ based on a comprehensive five-pronged framework that underpins Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asia — encompassing political and diplomatic engagement; trade and investment; energy and connectivity; security and defence; and people-to-people exchanges.

He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s reform-driven openness and connectivity aspirations closely align with Pakistan’s own vision for regional integration.

Noting the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, and energy connectivity, he cited tangible progress under the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership, Transit Trade Agreement, advancements toward regional connectivity through the Trans-Afghan Railway, and the growing momentum in business-to-business exchanges as encouraging indicators of deeper integration.

He further underscored that the enduring cultural, religious, and spiritual affinities between Pakistan and Uzbekistan provide a strong civilizational foundation for strengthening historical linkages.

In this context, he observed that the year 2026 will hold special significance for both countries, marking the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent by Zahir-ud-Din Babur, a native of Uzbekistan’s Ferghana Valley.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also briefed the delegation on ISSI’s mission, vision, and ongoing activities and stressed the importance of expanded think-tank and academic exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Executive Director Tulyakov, in his remarks, acknowledged the deep bonds of history, faith, culture, and shared traditions between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, while highlighting the steadily expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.

He lauded the strategic partnership between the two countries as a vital foundation for further elevating the relationship to new heights and appreciated Pakistan’s generous offer of access to its seaports as a significant facilitative step for enhancing Uzbekistan’s trade connectivity. While outlining the contours of people-centric development currently underway in Uzbekistan, he proposed further broadening of the ambit of cooperation between the two countries by focusing on improved air connectivity, expanded academic and scholarly exchanges, and the promotion of tourism.

The talks were followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISSI and DSC aimed at fostering joint research initiatives, expert exchanges, collaborative publications, and sustained academic engagement.

RAWALPINDI, DEC 17 /DNA/ – The fourth Hangor class submarine of Pakistan Navy named GHAZI has been launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China. With the launching of GHAZI, Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for acquisition of eight HANGOR Class submarines. Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China and remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW), under Transfer of Technology (ToT).

These Submarines will be fitted with advanced weapons and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. HANGOR Class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from both countries further demonstrating the deepening bilateral cooperation.

KHAIRPUR, DEC 17 /DNA/ – The Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, arrived in Qadanwari, District Khairpur. Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control, Mohsin Naqvi, accorded him a warm welcome.

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‎On the occasion of the UAE National Day, both leaders jointly cut a cake. Mohsin Naqvi extended heartfelt congratulations to Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on the UAE National Day.

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‎Mohsin Naqvi also held a meeting with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, matters of mutual interest, and joint initiatives.

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‎“I am pleased by the warm welcome extended by my brother on my arrival in Pakistan,” said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

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‎Welcoming Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan to Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi said that the excellent fraternal relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are based on mutual trust, respect, and long-standing friendship, and both countries remain firmly committed to further strengthening these ties.

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‎On this occasion, UAE Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Minister of State Abdul Rehman Kanju, and other distinguished personalities were also present.

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP/DNA):President Asif Ali Zardari, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, extended warm congratulations to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and to the people of Qatar on their National Day.

Pakistan and Qatar share a close and enduring relationship built on shared values, mutual respect and a strong sense of brotherhood. Our ties have steadily grown in many areas, supported by regular engagement at the leadership level and deep people-to-people connections, the president said in his message on National Day of Qatar.

“We value the leadership of His Highness the Amir, under whose guidance Qatar has achieved notable progress in development, economic diversification and humanitarian outreach. Qatar’s constructive role in regional and international affairs is widely recognised,” he added.

The president said Pakistan remained committed to expanding its cooperation with Qatar, especially in investment, agriculture, trade, energy, labour mobility and technology.

“Our two countries complement each other in many ways and we look forward to working together to build an even stronger partnership.”

He also conveyed his sincere good wishes for the continued progress and wellbeing of the people of Qatar. “May the friendship between Pakistan and Qatar continue to grow.”

ISLAMABAD, DEC 17 /DNA/ – The Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan and the Embassy of Denmark in Islamabad today signed an agreement to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods for vulnerable mountain communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. The initiative aims to strengthen food security and income stability by expanding access to diversified and sustainable agricultural opportunities. It will support the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative farming practices, improve water management systems, and promote locally viable green business models suited to mountain environments. The project will directly benefit approximately 5,890 individuals across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and up to 34,000 indirectly, with an emphasis on equitable inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Maja Derrous Mortensen, Ambassador of Denmark, and Akhtar Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan. Senior representatives from the Embassy of Denmark and the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan were also present at the signing ceremony including Gregers Juel Jensen, Head of Administration, Embassy of Denmark, Muhammad Babar, Communications and Projects Officer, Embassy of Denmark, Jamil Uddin General Manager, Aga Khan Rural Support Programme, Laila Naz Taj, Director Aga Khan Development Network Pakistan Communications and Naveed Sethi, Chief Financial Officer, Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, H.E. Maja Derrous Mortensen, Ambassador of Denmark shared, “We are delighted to launch this new initiative, marking our third partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral by equipping them with the tools and knowledge required for climate-smart agriculture. A key pillar of this project is the empowerment of women and youth, ensuring their equitable participation in climate-resilient development and sustainable livelihoods”.

Akhtar Iqbal noted that, ‘the partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing the impacts of climate change in some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions. He said the project responds to the country’s growing climate challenges by strengthening local agricultural systems and supporting communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.” He further added that the project will impart training to farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices and work towards improved irrigation infrastructure and efficient water management systems. Youth and women entrepreneurs will participate in ideation bootcamps with many receiving micro-grants. Stakeholders including local communities will be engaged through various activities and policy dialogues.

The initiative will also support community-owned water and natural resource management systems, with the aim of developing practical and replicable models for resilient mountain agriculture. The project will be implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation and AKDN agencies, including the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP).