The two-day conference featured eight thematic sessions addressing various topics including governance, gender equality, urban development, social entrepreneurship, migration, terrorism, climate change, and youth employability. Keynote speakers and panellists from universities across Pakistan, as well as scholars from Iceland, the UK, and the US, provided valuable insights into Pakistan's political, economic, and societal transformations. Dr. Saeed Shafqat, CPPG's Founding Director, emphasized the importance of research-led policymaking and inclusive platforms for dialogue in his concluding remarks.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364270/cppg-holds-policy-conference-at-fccuPakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz addressed a ceremony for cheque distribution among victims of Indian aggression in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the Pakistan Air Force shot down 6 Indian warplanes, forcing India to request a ceasefire. Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq highlighted the disappearance of 3000 Kashmiris following the Pahalgam attack, emphasizing the need for community bunkers. He warned that if tensions escalate, the nation may face a similar situation as India's continued war rhetoric suggests.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364293/indian-aggression-in-ajk-pm-distributes-cheques-among-victimsPakistan's Business Confidence Index (BCI) Wave has shown significant improvement, with overall business confidence rising by 16 percentage points from negative 5% to positive 11%. The manufacturing sector led the recovery, improving from -3% to 15%, while retail/wholesale sectors rose from -18% to 2%. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attributed the uptick to creating a conducive environment for investment and ensuring long-term macroeconomic resilience. Yousaf Hussain, President OICCI, emphasized the need for policy consistency, transparency, and engagement with stakeholders to maintain growing positivity in business confidence.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/category/top-story?postDate=2025-05-22Field Marshal Asim Munir was congratulated by a conference for his strategic foresight and leadership in national defence. The success of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos was highlighted as a key achievement. The Pakistani Armed Forces were praised for their courage, professionalism, and coordination. The media played a crucial role in countering Indian propaganda, while the youth were commended for their patriotic spirit. Pakistan's political leadership was noted for its clarity and resolve during the conflict, allowing for a swift response to aggression. The army reiterated its commitment to defending sovereignty, stating that no one can coerce Pakistan through force. The conference expressed concern over human rights violations in Indian-Occupied Kashmir and urged international attention to halt the humanitarian crisis.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364298/army-leadership-praise-civilian-leadershipPakistan's Senate has proposed forming a high-level committee to overhaul the nation's anti-terror framework, criticizing previous governments for failing to fully implement the 2014 National Action Plan. The proposal comes after the Army Public School massacre in Peshawar and amid tensions with India over extremism allegations. Senators have blamed India for fanning extremism, while others have called for increased military spending and a unified stance on Taliban militants. The Senate has also unanimously passed a resolution to strengthen ties with African nations and support peacekeeping efforts through international organizations.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364271/dar-calls-for-an-all-out-national-war-on-terrorPakistan's survival hinges on a balance of diplomacy in a world dominated by competing powers. The 2003-2008 peace process demonstrated dialogue's potential through trade and ceasefires, but India's rejection of Pakistan's 2019 offer to return a captured pilot highlights their hubris. To counter this, Pakistan should focus on strengthening its economy, deepening alliances with China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the EU, and addressing militancy with moral clarity.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1314256-pakistan-s-defining-momentPakistan and the World Bank agreed to develop an implementation framework for the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to achieve expected outcomes. Federal Minister Ahad Cheema met with Anna Bjerde, Managing Director for Operations at the World Bank, to discuss improving operational effectiveness and areas of support. The minister appreciated the World Bank's continued support and lauded Najy Benhassine, outgoing country director, for his leadership. Pakistan has achieved an economic turnaround due to comprehensive reforms, validated by progress on its Extended Fund Facility and upgraded credit rating from Fitch. The World Bank praised the government's engagement with the IMF and encouraged signs of economic recovery under Prime Minister leadership. Both parties agreed to develop an implementation framework and solidify a pipeline of projects for the next two years, focusing on human capital development and reducing energy costs.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40364248/new-cpf-pakistan-world-bank-agree-to-develop-implementation-frameworkParaguay's President Santiago Pena has offered to facilitate high-level interactions between Taiwan and other countries, including the US and Japan. He expressed his willingness to host a meeting between Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te and US or Japanese leaders in Paraguay, citing its strategic location as a unique opportunity for international diplomacy.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/05/23/japan/politics/paraguay-president-pena-japan-taiwan/Russia has doused US President Donald Trump's hopes of persuading Pope Francis to host Ukraine talks, according to a report. The move comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high. The US had been seeking the Vatican's involvement in mediating a peace deal for Ukraine, but Russia has rejected this idea.
https://www.livemint.com/politics/russia-douses-trump-s-desire-for-pope-to-host-ukraine-talks-11747950651837.html