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Pakistani Astronaut to Join China's Tiangong Space Station Mission

Pakistani Astronaut to Join China's Tiangong Space Station Mission

A Pakistani astronaut is set to become the first foreigner to visit China's Tiangong space station, participating in the Shenzhou-24 mission. This development stems from a February 2025 agreement between Pakistan and China, establishing a Chinese government training program for Pakistani astronauts. While the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has not specified a departure date, the mission is anticipated to occur by the end of the year. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal previously indicated a November 25 launch. The Pakistani astronaut, designated as a payload specialist, will undertake a brief orbital flight before returning with the Shenzhou-23 spaceship, which docked at Tiangong in May. Astronauts Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud were selected for training in China, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commending their efforts and highlighting the mission as a source of national pride.
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The Ancient Embroidery Tradition That Turns Clothing Into Works of Art

The Ancient Embroidery Tradition That Turns Clothing Into Works of Art

Balochi needlework, known as Balòči gòd dòči, is a distinctive handicraft created by the Baloch people, an ethnic group native to the Balochistan r...
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Afghan Intelligence Chief Accuses Telegram and TikTok of Non-Cooperation in Countering Daesh

Afghan Intelligence Chief Accuses Telegram and TikTok of Non-Cooperation in Countering Daesh

Abdul Haq Wasiq, the head of Afghanistan's General Directorate of Intelligence, stated that Daesh (the Islamic State group) utilizes Telegram and TikTok for communication, fundraising, and ideological dissemination. Wasiq made these remarks at the First SCO Plus Expert Dialogue on Security Issues in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He accused the operators of both platforms of not cooperating with Afghanistan in efforts to counter Daesh's activities. Wasiq highlighted that this lack of cooperation severely hinders Afghanistan's ability to dismantle the technical capabilities used by the militant group on these platforms, thereby allowing Daesh greater operational freedom internationally. The two-day forum, attended by representatives from 24 countries and five international organizations, did not disclose specific figures regarding the volume of Daesh content or accounts on the platforms.
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Pakistan and UK Deepen Cooperation on Security, Trade, and Migration Amid Regional Threats

Pakistan and UK Deepen Cooperation on Security, Trade, and Migration Amid Regional Threats

Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to enhance cooperation across several key areas, including security, law enforcement, migration, trade, and investment. This decision followed a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and visiting UK Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis. The discussions also covered regional and global security environments, with both nations expressing significant concern over terrorism originating from Afghanistan. Specifically, they highlighted the ongoing threat posed by groups like the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, which operates from within Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the critical need for a stable and secure Afghanistan to ensure lasting peace and prosperity throughout the region. This agreement builds on previous bilateral counter-terrorism dialogues held in Islamabad.
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Turkish lawmakers approve a 3-nation defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Turkish lawmakers approve a 3-nation defense pact with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

Turkish legislators have approved a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia
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Pakistan and UK Reaffirm Commitment to Counterterrorism Cooperation in Annual Dialogue

Pakistan and UK Reaffirm Commitment to Counterterrorism Cooperation in Annual Dialogue

Pakistan and the United Kingdom held their annual Counterterrorism (CT) dialogue on Wednesday, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation against terrorism. According to a statement from the Foreign Office Spokesperson, both nations reviewed their ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism across various forums. Discussions focused on the evolving global and regional security landscape, with particular attention to threats posed by terrorist entities, including transnational networks. Both sides expressed concern over the continued threat from groups like the TTP operating from Afghanistan, emphasizing the critical need for a stable and secure Afghanistan to ensure regional peace and prosperity. The dialogue also explored new avenues for partnership, including combating emerging trends in terrorism such as misinformation campaigns, the exploitation of social media platforms, and the use of new technologies. Pakistan's contributions to regional stability and s...
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ASTHO's 'Public Health Review Morning Edition' Podcast Receives Anthem Award for Timely Health News

ASTHO's 'Public Health Review Morning Edition' Podcast Receives Anthem Award for Timely Health News

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) podcast, 'Public Health Review Morning Edition,' has been honored with a Bronze Anthem Award in the Public Health, Health category. This award recognizes the podcast's significant role in delivering timely public health news, expert perspectives, and practical lessons to health professionals across the United States. Since its launch in 2021, the podcast has produced over 1,200 episodes and garners nearly 10,000 monthly listens. It covers a wide array of critical public health issues, including policy, funding, workforce development, emergency preparedness, and infectious diseases. The podcast has featured prominent figures such as former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams and former CDC directors Mandy Cohen and Robert Redfield.
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Egypt Proposes Preferential Trade Access to U.S. Market for Pakistani Businesses

Egypt Proposes Preferential Trade Access to U.S. Market for Pakistani Businesses

Egypt Proposes Preferential Trade Access to U.S. Market for Pakistani Businesses
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UN Security Council Issues Presidential Statement on Diplomacy During Active Hostilities

UN Security Council Issues Presidential Statement on Diplomacy During Active Hostilities

The United Nations Security Council has adopted a presidential statement emphasizing the critical role of diplomacy during active hostilities. Authored by Pakistan, the statement underscores the importance of maintaining communication channels between parties in armed conflict to prevent escalation, facilitate ceasefires, and create conditions for peaceful political settlements. This initiative builds upon Resolution 2788, adopted in July 2025, which reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. The statement requests the Secretary-General to continue promoting and supporting diplomacy, de-escalation, and mediation efforts before and during conflicts, utilizing his good offices and UN capacities, and to keep the Council informed of these endeavors.
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Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Launches Asia Pacific One Health Initiative to Enhance Pandemic Preparedness

Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory Launches Asia Pacific One Health Initiative to Enhance Pandemic Preparedness

The Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL) launched the Asia Pacific One Health Initiative (APOHI) on November 3, 2026, coinciding with World One Health Day. The initiative aims to integrate scientific expertise and surveillance data across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to improve predictive intelligence and facilitate earlier detection and response to emerging disease threats. The launch event, held at Temasek Shophouse, convened approximately 100 delegates from 12 Asia-Pacific countries, alongside representatives from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). APOHI is co-led by Professor Leo Yee Sin and Dr. Ian Cheong of TLL, and Dr. Lee Fook Kay of Temasek Trust, with support from Temasek Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and the Health for Human Potential Community by the Philanthropy Asia Alliance (PAA). The initiative's first regional pro...
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U.S. CDC Imposes Travel Restrictions on Democratic Republic of Congo Amidst Ebola Outbreak Concerns

U.S. CDC Imposes Travel Restrictions on Democratic Republic of Congo Amidst Ebola Outbreak Concerns

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has issued an order requiring all individuals boarding international flights to the U.S. to attest that they have not been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the 21 days prior to their flight. This measure, effective November 3, 2026, comes in response to the continued active outbreak of the Bundibugyo Ebola Virus in the DRC, which has reported over 9,000 confirmed cases and more than 4,000 deaths. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has also elevated its regional risk assessment from low to moderate due to the spread of the virus to Kenya and Nigeria, citing direct travel links between Nigeria and the Caribbean as a potential pathway for importation.
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Diwali celebrations coincide with worsening air. Here’s how to stay safer

Diwali celebrations coincide with worsening air. Here’s how to stay safer

For people across South Asia, especially in northern India, Diwali celebrations coincide with the return of hazardous winter air, raising concerns about how to celebrate safely