Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar hosted a reception for the representatives of the "Big Five" (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States) at the Foreign Office in Islamabad. The event was attended by heads of resident missions of UN Security Council member states and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with all UNSC members and the broader UN membership to bridge divides, foster consensus, and uphold the UN Security Council's mandate. A change of guards at the Foreign Office took place during the day, with Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan being appointed as the new Spokesperson for the Foreign Office. Khan has served in various capacities, including as Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York and Diplomatic Adviser to the Speaker National Assembly. Pakistan and India exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations and facilities on January 1, as per an agreement that entered into force in 1991. The list provides for both countries to inform each other of their nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 of each calendar year. The two nations also exchanged lists of prisoners in each other's custody, with Pakistan handing over a list of 266 Indian prisoners (49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen) to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. India shared the list of Pakistani prisoners in its jails, totaling 462 Pakistanis (381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen). Pakistan requested India to expedite the release and return of 183 Indian fishermen and civilian prisoners who have completed their sentences in Pakistani jails. India also sought immediate consular access to 18 civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani custody believed to be Indian nationals.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267784-pakistan-seeks-peaceful-resolution-of-all-issues-on-unsc-agendaPakistan's Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has reaffirmed the country's commitment to upholding UN resolutions and promoting regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan. Pakistan is set to begin its eighth term as a non-permanent member of the 15-member Security Council for two years, starting from 2025-26. The envoy emphasized that Pakistan will continue to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to address long-standing conflicts and promote cooperative multilateralism. He highlighted the country's efforts to combat terrorism and improve security, while also underscoring its commitment to progress and stability. Pakistan is set to preside over the Security Council in July and has been allocated a seat on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/583099-pakistan-begins-two-year-term-at-unsc-as-non-permanent-memberUS President Trump's approach to foreign policy and trade agreements is shifting towards bilateral deals. He has expressed concerns that US aid to Ukraine could escalate into a global conflict, suggesting direct talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In the realm of trade, Trump plans to renegotiate existing agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and review other pacts like the Korean-US Trade Agreement (KORUS), marking a departure from multilateral deals.
https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/second-donald-trump-administration-2025-13845951.htmlThe United Nations is prioritizing several key areas to promote global stability and security. These include promoting peaceful conflict resolution through diplomatic efforts, upholding international law to prevent violations, advancing women's roles in peacekeeping initiatives, protecting children affected by armed conflicts, addressing the pressing issue of climate change, and enhancing maritime security to safeguard global trade routes.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/greece-begins-two-year-term-at-un-security-council-204282Former US President Jimmy Carter was remembered by his successor Barack Obama and Pope Francis for his commitment to global issues such as environmental protection, public health, reconciliation, human rights, and poverty alleviation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Carter recognized the importance of these issues for national security interests.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267155-us-and-foreign-leaders-praise-jimmy-carter-s-legacyJapanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Ishiba emphasized the importance of developing trust between top leaders in order for China-Japan relations to remain stable. He noted that as neighboring countries, they must establish a trusting relationship and explore each other's interests. Ishiba also highlighted the significance of maintaining a strong relationship with the US, citing the complex nature of the Taiwan question which has become more complicated since Japan and China normalized their diplomatic relations.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326094.shtmlThe Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pakistan's strategic relationship with China, particularly in light of contemporary challenges and opportunities. Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of the ISS, highlighted the steady progression of Pakistan-China relations since 1949, citing the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a key aspect of their partnership.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1267717-pak-china-relations-going-from-strength-to-strengthOn New Year's Eve, the foreign ministers of India, the US, Japan, and Australia issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region. The statement was made on the 20th anniversary of Quad cooperation, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar representing India alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and foreign ministers from Japan and Australia. The four nations aim to address various challenges together, including climate change, pandemics, infrastructure development, maritime security, education, counter-terrorism, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/pm-modi-to-host-quad-summit-in-2025-trump-to-attend-1851005The World Health Organization's (WHO) member states are negotiating a treaty to strengthen global defenses against future pandemics and epidemics. The agreement, which is expected to be finalized by May 2025, aims to improve pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. A key issue in the negotiations is the sharing of emerging pathogens and the benefits derived from them, such as vaccines, between countries with major pharmaceutical industries and poorer nations.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/china-says-shared-covid-information-without-holding-anything-back/article_5316552e-3281-57d5-b091-1092611ac539.html