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Pakistan, türkiye eye major agri-tech Push to deePen economic PartnershiP Friday, 13 February, 2026 | 24 Sha’ban, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ SEEKS STRONGER BROTHERLY TIES WITH TÜRKIYE WITH FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK COOPERATION
SAYS PAKISTAN EYES MODERN FARMING THROUGH GLOBAL INNOVATION, HIGHLIGHTING TÜRKIYE’S ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
RIME MINISTER Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its exemplary brotherly relations with Türkiye and significantly expand bilateral economic cooperation, with a special focus on agriculture and livestock — two sectors seen as central to Pakistan’s economic revival and food security. The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with a four-member delegation of Türkiye’s Agricultural Technologies Cluster (TUME), led by its Board Chairman Abdulkadir Karagöz, according to a news release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office. Welcoming the Turkish delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan attached great importance to its historic and time-tested relations with Türkiye and was keen to transform these ties into a robust economic partnership. He highlighted that vast untapped opportunities existed for expanding collaboration in agriculture and livestock, particularly through the adoption of modern technologies and innovation. The prime minister noted that the government was fully committed to modernising Pakistan’s agriculture sec-
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tor in line with global developments, drawing inspiration from Türkiye’s successful experience in agricultural commodities and livestock production. “Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with abundant resources in the agriculture sector. We are striving to fully harness this potential through the use of modern technology and comprehensive planning,” the prime minister said, underscoring the need for technology-driven growth to boost productivity, ensure food security and enhance exports. He stressed that closer bilateral cooperation in modern agricultural technologies and expertise could enable both Pakistan and Türkiye to play a meaningful role in the global food value chain, while also benefiting farmers and agribusinesses in both countries. During the meeting, TUME Board Chairman Abdulkadir Karagöz briefed the prime minister on the use of advanced technologies employed by his organisation to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. He expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in the agriculture and livestock sectors, describing Pakistan as a country with immense potential. Karagöz said the brotherly leadership and strong political understanding between Pakistan and Türkiye served as a guiding force for deepening ties and promoting closer collaboration between the business communities of the two countries.
President, Premier reaffirm commitment to national struggle against all forms of extremism
UNDERSCORES JOINT ROLE ENVISIONED IN GLOBAL FOOD VALUE CHAIN DURING MEETING WITH TURKISH AGRI-TECH DELEGATION
RAWALPINDI
Pm, President discuss Political, economic and security ‘landscaPes’ ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday and two discussed the prevailing political, economic and security landscapes, according to the President’s Office. According to a press release issued by the PPP on its X account, the meeting took place at Aiwan-i-Sadr, where both the leaders also reviewed the “prevailing regional and global environment”. The premier was accompanied by DPM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Economic Affairs Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema and Law Minister Azam
Nazeer Tarar among other officials. Senator Sherry Rehman, MNA Raja Pervez Ashraf and Dr Asim assisted President Zardari at the meeting, a press release issued from the President Secretariat said. Previously, Premier Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Zardari had a meeting in November last year, where they discussed the country’s security situation in the wake of multiple terrorist attacks. According to state broadcaster PTV, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and federal ministers Syed Mushtaq Raza Naqvi, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Khalid Hussain Magsi, and Abdul Aleem Khan were present during the meeting.
Pakistan, US agree to boost mining, energy relations and counterterrorism cooperation
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Field marshal munir, saudi defence minister discuss efforts to promote global peace, security Staff RepoRt
Staff RepoRt
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combatting violent extremism, terrorism and hatedriven ideologies, underscoring that the country would continue its national struggle against all forms of extremism. In a message on the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism, the president said Pakistan’s approach was aligned with United Nations efforts and reflected in its National Policy on Prevention of Violent Extremism 2024, which focused on prevention rather than reactive responses. He said Pakistan was party to key international human rights conventions and that its counter-extremism framework was grounded in pluralism, human rights and the rule of law. Referring to Pakistan’s experience in combatting terrorism, he said the country had made significant sacrifices but believed lasting peace could not be achieved through force alone. The president expressed concern over extremism in conflict zones, including Kashmir and Palestine, and called for collective international action that did not stigmatise any religion or community. He also urged greater global focus on youth empowerment, countering hate speech and strengthening communities to prevent extremist narratives. In his message, the prime minister said extremist and violent ideologies undermine peace and stability in societies and weaken core human values, including tolerance, mutual respect, and humanity. Highlighting Pakistan’s experience, he said the country had made unprecedented sacrifices over several decades in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel and civilians, calling them a source of national pride and a reflection of Pakistan’s resolve.
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ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Pakistan and the United States on Thursday agreed to strengthen partnership in the mining, minerals and energy sectors, while also exploring avenues to enhance counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the field of internal security. The agreement came during a high-level meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday discussed joint efforts with the Saudi defence minister to promote global peace and security. In a post on X today, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman said, “He met CDF Field Marshal Munir to reaffirm our strong relations and strategic defence partnership”. He added: “We discussed our joint efforts to promote global peace and security in a manner that serves our shared interests.” Meanwhile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, also issued a statement on X, saying “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (#COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of #Pakistan, called on Khalid Bin Salman, Minister of Defence, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), reaffirming the strong relations and strategic defense partnership and discussed joint efforts to promote global peace and security in a manner that serves both countries shared interests.” Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been locked in longstanding strategic and defence cooperation as both signed a landmark “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement”, in September last year, declaring that “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.”
Pakistan launches eo-2 satellite, boosting indigenous space capabilities
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ISLAMABAD
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Affairs John Mark Pomeroy, according to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry. T he discussions focused on bilateral relations, regional developments, and strategies to deepen collaboration in counterterrorism and security matters. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Interior Ministry Secretary Khurram Agha, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Naqvi emphasised that global cooperation was essential in the fight against terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s strong commitment to partnerships that promote security and investment. “Relations with the United States are key to advancing both counterterrorism efforts and economic collaboration,” he said. The US official underscored the importance Washington attaches to its ties with Pakistan, condemning recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Quetta and expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
Pakistan achieved a major milestone in its space programme on Thursday, February 12, 2026, with the successful launch of its second indigenous Earth Observation Satellite, PRSC-EO2, from China’s Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre. The launch was carried out aboard China’s Smart Dragon-3 rocket, and officials confirmed that the satellite was successfully placed into its intended orbit. Developed and built locally by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), EO-2 is designed to provide high-resolution imagery for applications across agriculture, urban planning, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. SUPARCO officials said the satellite will strengthen continuity and accuracy in Earth observation data, supporting both long-term strategic planning and immediate disaster assessment needs. The launch was conducted under a multi-launch agreement with the China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), which supplied propulsion components and offered tracking, telemetry, and command support during the early orbit phase. This mission marked the first time a Pakistani satellite was launched using China’s sea-based mobile launch platform, showcasing both technical innovation and operational flexibility.
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Pakistan urges Afghanistan to act against TTP ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, Pakistan on Thursday renewed its call for the Afghan Taliban authorities to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. At his weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stressed that Pakistan would neither abandon diplomacy nor seek conflict with Afghanistan. “Diplomacy continues even in wars. Diplomacy continues even during skirmishes,” he said, adding that Pakistan wished peace and prosperity for “our
Afghan brothers and sisters.” Citing a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report, Andrabi said the document reinforced Pakistan’s stance regarding the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The report, he noted, highlighted that Afghanistan’s interim government continued to provide a permissive environment for terrorist outfits. He said the UNSC report also pointed to al-Qaeda acting as a “multiplier and service provider” to armed groups in Afghanistan and observed that the TTP enjoyed greater operational freedom, enabling attacks inside Pakistan.
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SC orders eye examination, phone call with sons for Imran Khan ISLAMABAD Mian abRaR
The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the government to arrange an eye examination for former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan and facilitate a telephonic conversation between him and his sons, with authorities assuring compliance before February 16, 2026. The directives came during the hearing of a petition regarding Imran Khan’s health. Referring to the report submitted by Barrister Salman Safdar—appointed as amicus curiae— after a three-hour meeting with the PTI founder at Adiala Jail, Chief Justice Yahya Afridi observed that Khan’s health appeared concerning
and required proper medical attention. The court ordered that his eye condition be examined by a competent specialist. However, it rejected a request that the medical examination be conducted in the presence of his family members, including his sons and sisters. The chief justice maintained that while medical care was essential, the presence of family during the examination was not necessary. In addition, the court directed authorities to arrange a phone call between Imran Khan and his children. The attorney general assured the bench that both the eye examination and the telephonic contact would be facilitated before Sunday, February 16. Meanwhile, security was tightened in
and around Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi ahead of a scheduled meeting between PTI leaders and the incarcerated party founder. PTI coordinator Salman Akram Raja had submitted a list of six party leaders for approval, including Imtiaz Sheikh, Musharraf Afridi, Azhar Ghazwani, Muhammad Abdul Salam Afridi, Fazal Hakim Yousafzai and Owais Younis, who are expected to meet him at the high-security facility.
SAFDAR REPORT FLAGS EYE CONDITION: In his seven-page report comprising 22 paragraphs, Barrister Salman Safdar recommended an immediate examination of Imran Khan’s eyes. According to the report, the PTI founder
requested that his eyes be examined by Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yousuf while also suggesting consultation with an expert ophthalmologist. Safdar noted that treatment began after a sudden and complete loss of vision in Khan’s right eye. The former prime minister reportedly told him that he could see only 10 to 15 per cent from the affected eye. The report stated that the issue began around three months ago with blurred vision, which Khan said he repeatedly reported to Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum. However, according to the report, no immediate steps were taken, and the vision in his right eye later deteriorated significantly. Subsequently, a PIMS ophthalmologist,
Dr Muhammad Arif, examined him, after which the right eye’s vision remained limited to approximately 15 per cent. Safdar also recommended that books be provided to the PTI founder, citing his solitary confinement and lack of access to a television. The Supreme Court had earlier appointed Safdar as a friend of the court and directed him to visit Adiala Jail as a judicial representative and commissioner. He was instructed to submit a detailed written report on Khan’s health, living conditions, and available facilities. The chief justice had ordered that Safdar be granted respectful and unhindered access to the jail and directed that any difficulty be immediately reported to his personal staff officer.