Foreign Affairs

Pakistan is exploring expanded defence cooperation with Bangladesh, with officials indicating that military hardware, including JF-17 fighter jets, could be discussed as part of evolving bilateral talks.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office sources have dismissed India’s remarks on Pakistan-Bangladesh defence ties, calling comments on the JF-17 fighter programme “misplaced” and irrelevant to bilateral decisions between sovereign states.

Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressing concern over the Israeli foreign minister’s visit to Somaliland.

A recent Pentagon assessment on China’s military modernisation has reignited reports suggesting Pakistan could be linked to future deliveries of China’s J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter, though no official confirmation has been issued.

Jordan Armed Forces Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Major General Yousef Ahmed A. Al Huneiti, met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at GHQ Rawalpindi to discuss regional security and enhanced military cooperation.

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is set to arrive in Islamabad on December 26 for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and reviewing key areas of engagement between Pakistan and the UAE.

After nearly five decades, Bangladesh has officially shifted its High Commission in Pakistan to a purpose-built, permanent compound in Islamabad, marking a significant diplomatic milestone between the two countries.

Reports indicate that Bangladesh’s military establishment is exploring the possibility of a strategic defence agreement with Pakistan, reflecting a potential shift in regional security engagement.

Pakistan is reported to have concluded a multi-billion-dollar defence agreement with Libyan forces, marking a major expansion of Islamabad’s military export footprint in North Africa.

Pakistan and China have signed 24 agreements to develop a Digital Corridor aimed at strengthening information technology collaboration and digital infrastructure ties between the two countries.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed Pakistan as Türkiye’s “true and sincere ally,” saying the friendship between the two nations will endure.

An Indian parliamentary report notes rising distrust of India among Bangladesh’s youth, while Pakistan and China’s influence in the country continues to grow.