Pakistan's Ambassador Iftikhar highlighted the online dimension of terrorism from Afghanistan, stating nearly 70 propaganda accounts traced to Afghan IP addresses were being used by terrorist groups. The envoy expressed hope for swift action on a UN proposal to list the BLA and Majeed Brigade, citing Pakistan's joint request with China. He also noted that the TTP, with an estimated 6,000 fighters, is a major terrorist group on Afghan soil. Pakistan has foiled several infiltration attempts and seized sophisticated military-grade weapons left behind by foreign forces during their withdrawal from Afghanistan. The ambassador emphasized the need for a fairer sharing of international assistance to support Pakistan's hosting of millions of Afghan refugees, who have faced inadequate aid.
Pakistan and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have signed a new six-year Country Programme Framework aimed at strengthening cooperation in peaceful nuclear applications. The framework, signed on the sidelines of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, identifies five priority areas: food and agriculture, human health and nutrition, climate change and water resource management, nuclear power, and radiation and nuclear safety. The agreement aligns with Pakistan's development goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), covering three IAEA technical cooperation cycles. The framework will focus on expanding nuclear techniques in agriculture, healthcare, and energy sectors, including the use of isotope hydrology to manage water resources and adapt to changing weather patterns.
The 22nd Session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded successfully in Tehran, with key protocols signed and a reaffirmed commitment to achieving a bilateral trade target of USD10 billion. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan led the Pakistani delegation, while Iranian Minister for Roads Urban Development Farzaneh Sadeq headed the Iranian delegation. The session emphasized expanding collaboration across various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, housing, health, education, and cultural exchanges. Agreements were reached on removing tariff and non-tariff barriers, enhancing electricity exchanges, promoting investment in the power sector, and prioritizing cooperation in water resource management and sustainable urban development.
Pakistan and Palestine have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve healthcare ties between the two countries. The agreement was signed by Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on behalf of Pakistan, while the Palestinian Ambassador represented his government. The MoU aims to enhance collaboration in advanced medical fields, professional training, and joint research. Pakistan will assist Palestine in strengthening expertise in infectious diseases, ophthalmology, pharmaceuticals, and collaborative medical research. The two countries will also establish a Pakistan-Palestine Health Working Group to supervise the implementation of the MoU and ensure effective carryout of agreed initiatives.
The Rockefeller Foundation's new US $50 million initiative, Build the Shared Future, has found widespread support for international cooperation in a landmark 34-country survey. The survey, conducted by FocalData, polled 36,405 respondents across 34 countries between August 8 to September 10, 2025. The findings show that trust in existing institutions guiding global cooperation is relatively lower, including for the UN (58%), World Health Organization (60%), and International Monetary Fund (44%). However, the survey also highlights opportunities for transformation in global health governance. Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, stated that the moment of transformation is an opportunity to build on what's working and forge new partnerships. The initiative aims to galvanize the global community to leave behind an inadequate status quo and get smarter, more creative, and more collaborative in tackling the world's biggest threats.
South Korea is investigating reports that Russia supplied North Korea with nuclear submarine reactor modules. According to unnamed government sources, Moscow provided two or three modules in the first half of 2025, containing reactor cores, turbines, and cooling systems removed from decommissioned Russian submarines. Analysts believe this transfer is plausible given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and growing military ties with North Korea.
Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized the importance of cooperation between major powers during the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, where Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun reiterated China's stance on Taiwan reunification, stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and that Beijing will not allow 'Taiwan independence' separatism to succeed. Singapore stressed the need for consistency and principle in global views, warning against becoming a proxy or mouthpiece for others.
UK Prime Minister Starmer is set to embark on a state visit to the US, where he will meet with President Trump. The two leaders are expected to sign a "tech prosperity deal" worth billions, including investments in artificial intelligence and nuclear energy. However, details of the deal remain unclear, with British officials denying plans to scrap a digital services tax or water down internet regulation. The visit comes amid bad news for Starmer, including the loss of an ambassador and a senior aide. The trip is likely to be "difficult" for Starmer, with questions about Jeffrey Epstein and the Middle East conflict expected to arise. Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Putin, while Starmer has played a key role in European efforts to support Ukraine.
Donald Trump's UK state visit has seen protests, including a national demonstration, amidst royal pomp. The US President attended the state banquet at King Charles' residence, stating that the US and UK share a 'special relationship'. In contrast, India's envoy highlighted ties with Oman, citing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks. Pakistan will study the national security implications of a strategic defence pact with Saudi Arabia, following a reported 'miscommunication' apology.