Islamabad Hosts Syria Diplomatic Summit and South Asian Games Planning Talks
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani to Islamabad on August 20, 2026, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to Syria's sovereignty and pledging firm support for Syria's position on the Golan Heights. Concurrently, the South Asian Olympic Council's Executive Committee convened delegates from across the region in the Pakistani capital to advance preparations for the 14th South Asian Games, which Pakistan is scheduled to host early in 2027.
🗳️ Pakistan Pledges Syria Support in High-Level Islamabad Meeting
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and his delegation in Islamabad on August 20, 2026, in a meeting that reaffirmed the historic ties between the two countries and mapped out an ambitious agenda for closer cooperation. According to the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz conveyed personal best wishes to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and recalled his own recent interactions with the Syrian leader. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's steadfast support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria, and stated clearly that Pakistan would firmly stand behind Syria's position on the Golan Heights — a contested territory whose status carries significant geopolitical weight across the Muslim world. Shehbaz recalled the historic and multifaceted character of the Pakistan-Syria relationship, stressing the need to translate that longstanding friendship into concrete enhanced cooperation across the domains of politics, defence, trade, investment, education, and human resource development. The prime minister also raised the prospect of resuming direct flights between the two countries, noting that restored air connectivity would not only increase people-to-people exchanges but would also facilitate the large number of Pakistani pilgrims who undertake religious visits to Syria each year. On the Syrian side, Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani conveyed the personal greetings of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to PM Shehbaz and briefed him on the progress of Syria's ongoing political transition as well as the country's substantial reconstruction efforts following years of conflict. The visit, a two-day official trip to Pakistan, signaled a renewed push to strengthen bilateral relations at a moment of active regional diplomacy. [3]
🎉 South Asian Olympic Council Gathers in Islamabad to Plan 2027 Regional Games
The South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) Executive Committee convened in Islamabad on Sunday to focus discussions on preparations for the 14th South Asian Games, with Pakistan scheduled to serve as host nation early in 2027. Delegates from nations across the South Asian region began arriving in the Pakistani capital ahead of the committee meeting, which the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) described as an important step toward the staging of the biennial multi-sport event. A senior POA official confirmed the gathering was underway, noting: "Some have arrived and some will land soon." Among those welcomed to Pakistan was a Nepali delegation comprising Jeevan Ram Shrestha, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee; Chaturananda Raj Vaidya, Vice-President; and Sikka Suwal Shrestha, a member of the National Sports Council of the NOC Nepal. The POA described their arrival as a further step toward bringing the South Asian region together through sport. India's representative will participate in the executive committee meeting via video conference rather than in person. Visiting delegates are scheduled to inspect sports venues in Islamabad, though they will not travel to Lahore for that phase of the visit. Pakistan plans to stage the Games primarily in Islamabad and Lahore, with Lahore designated as the Games Secretariat and set to host the majority of competitions. Faisalabad is also included as a host city and will stage the handball competition. The event will mark the third occasion Pakistan has hosted the South Asian Games — the country previously held the competition in Islamabad in 1989 and again in 2004. Pakistan's preparations represent a significant undertaking as organizers work to finalize venues and supporting arrangements before the Games open. [4]
Sources: [3] The Express Tribune · [4] The Express Tribune