• A two-day meeting of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) foreign ministers under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar begins today (Sunday) in Islamabad.

The meeting will focus on regional trade, energy cooperation, transport links and joint strategies to connect Central Asian countries to global markets.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will also attend the meeting, while Tahsin Ertugruloglu, foreign minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, has already arrived in Islamabad.

According to sources, foreign ministers from several member states, including Tajikistan and Iran, will participate in the meeting. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan will send deputy foreign ministers, as will Türkiye. Afghanistan’s foreign minister has not yet been invited to the meeting.

Ishaq Dar will address the inaugural session, which will also be attended by ECO Secretary-General Asad Majeed Khan and foreign ministers from member states.

Discussions will cover ways to strengthen economic and trade ties among member countries, improve regional connectivity, expand cooperation in the energy sector and upgrade transport infrastructure. It is expected that the visiting foreign minister will also meet Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif. During the visit, lunch will be arranged for them. ECO consists of 10 member states and three observers. The Islamabad meeting is seen as an important opportunity to explore new avenues for regional economic cooperation and strengthen trade relations between member countries.

Dense fog has forced authorities to halt traffic on the M-5 motorway between Rori and Pano Akila to ensure the safety of motorists.

According to a spokesman for the Highways Police, the section is closed as a precaution to protect the lives and property of motorists in conditions of extremely poor visibility. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in foggy conditions and prefer to travel during daylight hours.

A spokesperson said the best time to travel during the foggy season is between 10am and 6pm**. Drivers are also urged to drive at a reduced speed, maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front and strictly observe lane discipline.

The traffic police also advised motorists to avoid unnecessary overtaking and sudden braking, to use fog lights and to ensure that their vehicle’s headlights, taillights and wipers are in good working order. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and monitor official traffic updates before setting off.

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has extended the deadline for the mandatory registration of firearms held by licensed individuals until November 21.

The AJK Home Department has issued a notification announcing the extension, giving firearm licence holders additional time to register their weapons at their respective police stations. According to the department’s notification dated November 5, 2026, all persons holding firearms licenses in Azad Jammu and Kashmir are required to register their weapons at the respective police station.

The notice warned that people found in possession of unregistered guns would face legal action, including immediate arrest and confiscation of their firearms. The Ministry of Interior announced that measures have been taken to limit the use and supply of illegal weapons in the region.

Authorities are calling on all licensed firearms holders to complete the registration process within the revised deadline to avoid legal consequences.