Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert a $2 billion Saudi loan into a defense deal involving JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, according to a report citing sources. The discussions come months after the two countries signed a mutual defense agreement, signaling deepening military cooperation. The proposed deal could be worth around $4 billion, with half covered by the loan conversion and the rest allocated for other military equipment purchases.

Sources indicate that the talks primarily focus on the supply of JF-17 jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu recently visited Saudi Arabia, where bilateral defense cooperation was discussed. Retired Air Marshal and analyst Amir Masood noted that Pakistan is negotiating or finalizing defense export deals with six countries, including Saudi Arabia, though he could not confirm specific details.

The discussions reflect Saudi Arabia’s efforts to restructure its security partnerships amid uncertainty over U.S. commitments in the Middle East. Neither Pakistan’s defense ministries nor Saudi officials have issued formal comments on the matter.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the government’s proposal for dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing political crisis. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan announced the decision on Tuesday near Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, where party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan remains imprisoned. The statement was reported by Geo News.

Gohar Ali Khan said PTI never refused talks but questioned how discussions could proceed without meeting Imran Khan. He noted that party representatives visit every Tuesday but have been denied access to Khan for over a month. PTI Secretary General Barrister Salman Akram Raja stated that no dialogue could progress without the founder’s participation, while PTI leader Barrister Ali Zafar urged the government to create a suitable environment for talks. Earlier, the Prime Minister’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah said political progress was impossible without building trust at the highest level.

Imran Khan was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion and has been in jail since August 2023 facing multiple cases, including corruption and terrorism charges.

China and Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination in both bilateral and multilateral forums. The decision was announced in a statement following Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to China. During his meeting in Beijing with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Dar discussed a range of regional and global issues, according to The Express Tribune.

A statement from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the talks covered the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, trade, and multilateral collaboration. Both sides emphasized that their friendship is vital for peace, stability, and prosperity in the broader region. They also agreed to appropriately celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Dar also met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, and congratulated the party on successfully holding the Fourth Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee. In a separate meeting with Chinese Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

Former US President Donald Trump repeatedly praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling him his “favorite field marshal” and a “great warrior.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025, Trump claimed credit for preventing a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan and said Munir and Pakistan’s prime minister credited him with saving millions of lives. Trump’s remarks followed his mediation claims in the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, which ended after four days of fighting through US-backed diplomacy.

Analysts cited in the report said Munir played a key role in revitalizing Pakistan’s diplomacy and improving relations with Washington, which had deteriorated in previous years. The brief India-Pakistan conflict and subsequent ceasefire were seen as turning points that elevated Munir’s international stature. Former defense minister Khurram Dastgir Khan and ex-foreign secretary Salman Bashir both described the episode as decisive for Pakistan’s geopolitical resurgence.

Munir’s growing influence has coincided with Pakistan’s broader outreach to Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, as well as renewed engagement with the United States on security and economic issues.

Three people, including two members of the Pakistan Army and a civilian machine operator, were killed while clearing accumulated snow in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation took place during the night of January 2 to 3, using heavy machinery under the leadership of Captain Asmad.

At around 2 a.m. on January 3, heavy snowfall trapped Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and the civilian operator. All four were later rescued, but Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and operator Aishar succumbed to their deteriorating conditions. The ISPR stated that they carried out a challenging mission to ensure military movement despite extreme weather conditions and made the ultimate sacrifice.

The statement further emphasized that their dedication and sacrifice reflect the Pakistan Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending the homeland and fulfilling their duties with devotion.

The Pakistan Air Force on Saturday successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Taimur air-launched cruise missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The missile is capable of accurately hitting targets up to 600 kilometers away and can engage both land and sea-based objectives. The ISPR described the test as a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s aerospace and defense capabilities.

The Taimur missile is equipped with advanced navigation and guidance systems and can fly at very low altitudes to evade enemy air and missile defense systems. Senior military officials, along with scientists and engineers involved in the missile’s development, were present during the test. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu congratulated the team for their professionalism and dedication, calling the achievement a reflection of Pakistan’s technological self-reliance and credible conventional deterrence.

According to the ISPR, the successful test demonstrates the Pakistan Air Force’s operational readiness, technological advancement, and continued efforts to achieve national security objectives.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to pay tribute to former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia following her death. During the visit, he signed the condolence book placed at the mission in her memory, according to a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq traveled to Dhaka after news of Khaleda Zia’s death. He attended her funeral and met with Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to express condolences on behalf of Pakistan.

The visits by senior Pakistani officials reflect Islamabad’s gesture of sympathy toward Bangladesh’s political leadership following the passing of Khaleda Zia, a significant figure in the country’s political history.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced eight journalists and YouTubers to life imprisonment for allegedly spreading terrorism online by supporting former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The verdict was delivered on Friday, with the court stating that the accused engaged in online activities deemed as terrorism under Pakistani law. According to the court, their actions created fear and unrest in society. Most of the accused were not present during the trial as they are reportedly outside Pakistan.

Those convicted include former military officers and YouTubers Adil Raja and Syed Akbar Hussain, journalists Wajahat Saeed Khan, Sabir Shakir, and Shaheen Sehbai, commentator Haider Raza Mehdi, and analyst Moeed Pirzada. The court noted that after Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, his supporters carried out violent protests, including attacks on military camps, and the accused were found to have incited the violence.

Earlier, on December 20, 2023, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were sentenced to 17 years in prison in the Toshakhana corruption-2 case and are currently held in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi.

Pakistan has warned India regarding its proposed hydropower project on the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Husei Andrabi stated that under the Indus Water Treaty, India cannot misuse its limited permission to construct hydropower projects unilaterally on western rivers. Andrabi expressed concern that Pakistan had not been informed about the project, reportedly named Dulhasti Stage 2.

The Indus Water Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, grants India full rights over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—while Pakistan holds rights over the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India is allowed limited use of the western rivers for power generation. Andrabi said that if India proceeds with the project, it would constitute a serious violation of the treaty’s written limitations.

He emphasized that Pakistan prefers to resolve disputes peacefully but warned that Islamabad would not tolerate any deliberate breach of the treaty or actions harming Pakistan’s national interests.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Beijing from January 3 to 6, 2026, to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The visit comes at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to statements from both countries’ foreign ministries. The dialogue is described as the highest consultative framework between the two nations, serving as a structured platform to review bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The meeting takes place as Pakistan and China prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations amid changing regional and global dynamics. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said the visit is part of regular high-level exchanges and reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding their all-weather strategic partnership while reaffirming their shared dedication to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The previous, sixth round of the dialogue was held in Islamabad in August, where Wang Yi met with Dar, Prime Minister Sheikh Habib Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari. China then reiterated its pledge to work with Pakistan for regional peace and development.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss various bilateral matters. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the long-standing fraternal ties between the two nations, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. The call was described as warm and cordial.

During the discussion, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining unity and harmony within the Muslim Ummah amid current challenges. He highlighted that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for ensuring regional peace and stability. The conversation reflected mutual goodwill and a shared vision for cooperation.

Crown Prince Mohammed thanked the Pakistani Prime Minister for the call and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. He also conveyed his intention to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in 2026, signaling continued engagement between the two countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, crediting him for helping avert a potential nuclear war between Pakistan and India. At a December 22 press conference, Trump claimed he had ended eight wars and said his mediation saved millions of lives. Since June, this was at least the tenth time Trump publicly lauded Munir, calling him a “great warrior” and “exceptional man.” Trump also acknowledged Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s role in peace efforts during his October speech at the Sharm El-Sheikh peace summit.

Analysts link the warming U.S.-Pakistan ties to the four-day war between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which ended through U.S. mediation. Pakistan recognized Washington’s role and nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, while India denied U.S. involvement. Former Pakistani officials said the conflict elevated Munir’s international stature and marked a turning point in bilateral relations.

Experts note that Pakistan’s cooperation in counterterrorism and Munir’s diplomatic outreach, including two U.S. visits in 2025, have positioned Islamabad as a potential regional player in Washington’s strategic plans.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia. In a message posted on social media platform X on Tuesday, he remembered her lifelong dedication to the people of Bangladesh and her contributions to the country’s prosperity and development.

Sharif described Khaleda Zia as a devoted friend of Pakistan and said that the government and people of Pakistan stand with the people of Bangladesh in this moment of grief. He extended condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Bangladesh, praying for peace for her soul.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed deep condolences over Khaleda Zia’s death through a message on X, praying for the forgiveness of her soul and offering sympathy to the bereaved family.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are cautiously working to overcome deep differences regarding the banned militant group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Recent developments suggest both sides are reducing public criticism to create a more positive environment for dialogue, though major progress remains elusive. Islamabad insists Afghan soil must not be used for attacks inside Pakistan, and discreet diplomatic efforts have reportedly yielded limited progress.

Mediators have encouraged both governments to tone down public rhetoric and focus on constructive engagement. Afghan religious leaders recently issued a fatwa prohibiting cross-border attacks, which Pakistan welcomed as a confidence-building measure. Soon after, Afghan Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani assured that Afghan territory would not be used against any country. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar praised Haqqani’s remarks and emphasized dialogue over confrontation.

Despite multiple rounds of talks, progress remains limited. Pakistan continues to link improved relations to concrete action against TTP, while Kabul maintains it does not allow its territory to be used for attacks. Islamabad has indicated it expects visible change within two to four weeks before reassessing its approach.

Pakistan has condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move “provocative and illegal.” The statement was issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, following Israel’s announcement on Thursday that it had become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. The ministry said such actions undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Islamabad’s statement rejected Israel’s efforts to recognize Somaliland and described the move as a clear violation of international law. It warned that such actions threaten not only the peace and stability of Somalia but also that of the wider region. Pakistan reaffirmed its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The ministry also called on the international community to reject any such steps and to prevent Israel from undermining ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.