Explanation

Retired Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood had been appointed as the first secretary general of the Makkah Defence Alliance in September 2026.

Note: Makkah Joint Defence Agreement is a defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed into force on 7 August 2026.

Last Updated on 23-09-2026

Explanation

In September 2026, Shafqat Ali Khan was appointed as Pakistan’s first ambassador to Armenia.

Pakistan and Armenia established diplomatic relations in August 2025.

Pakistan had been the only UN member state that withheld recognition of Armenia’s sovereignty since 1991, citing solidarity with Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Last Updated on 20-09-2026

Explanation

Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) for 2022–2026 places economic security at its core, marking a shift from the traditional focus solely on military strength.

It emphasizes building a strong economy to bolster overall national resilience.

Explanation

On August 18, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated Google’s first office in Pakistan in Islamabad.

The opening marks a significant expansion of Google’s presence in the country, with a focus on digital skills, AI, cloud technology, startups, and supporting Pakistan’s IT-export ambitions.

Google had already been active in Pakistan for years through digital-skilling and other programs, but this was its first permanent local office.

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Explanation

• Lieutenant General Nigar Johar became the first female Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army.
• She was also appointed as the first female Surgeon General of the Pakistan Army.
• She was promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General.
• She hails from Panjpeer, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

Last verified on 23-08-2026