Pakistan and Kuwait have agreed to further strengthen their long-standing ties by expanding investment and economic cooperation in several sectors.

During the meeting between Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif and his Kuwaiti counterpart, the two leaders expressed their commitment to take the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries to new heights.

Separately, Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) have decided to expand their 50-year-old partnership in the energy sector.

Under the agreement, the two entities will explore new opportunities in fuel supplies, refining and investment to support the development of Pakistan’s energy sector. They also promised to further promote mutual cooperation in this field.

The development is seen as a major step towards attracting investment in Pakistan’s energy, storage and infrastructure sectors.

The expanded economic partnership is expected to create new investment opportunities in Pakistan and further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.

Eight upper districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been declared vulnerable during the winter as above-normal rainfall and snowfall are expected.

These districts include Upper Chitral, Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Buner, Swat, Upper Kohistan and Lower Kohistan. The head of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said upstream areas are likely to see more than normal rainfall and snowfall this winter, raising fears that heavy snowfall could lead to road closures.

PDMA takes measures to respond to potential emergencies and has a comprehensive winter emergency plan. The General Director said that a preliminary agreement on rescue operations in areas that may be affected by snowfall has been completed.

He added that the relevant departments have been instructed to carry out preparatory work to ensure public safety and provide timely assistance during the winter period.

• The 30th meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) will be held in Islamabad on November 15 and 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Saturday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will chair the meeting, which will be attended by foreign ministers and high-level delegations from CEE member countries, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.

The meeting will review the organisation’s activities, programmes and the performance of its subsidiary institutions.

Pakistan is chairing the ECO for 2026-27 under the theme of revitalising regional cooperation and building a stronger and more resilient organisation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Pakistan’s presidency will focus on strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration, while fostering partnerships and joint efforts towards prosperity and sustainable development.

He added that efforts will also be made to strengthen the ECO as an effective platform for regional cooperation, dialogue and economic cooperation. Pakistan aims to position itself as a hub of regional connectivity and a key hub for trade, logistics and supply chains, taking steps to promote regional trade and harness the economic potential of member countries.

He said ensuring that the benefits of regional cooperation reach the people of Central and Eastern European countries remains one of Pakistan’s top priorities during his term as president.