ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a blast in the country’s restive northwest, the Pakistani military said on Saturday, amid a surge in militant violence in the country.
The soldiers were targeted with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sarwekai area of South Waziristan district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
The deceased soldiers were identified as Sepoy Banaras Khan and Sepoy Abdul Karim.
“Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate the terrorists present in the area,” the ISPR said in a statement.
Separately, the military said it had killed a militant and arrested two others following a gunbattle during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber district.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from these terrorists,” the ISPR added.
Earlier this month, four Pakistani soldiers and six militants were killed in multiple shootouts in the restive region.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in militant violence in its northwestern and southwestern regions bordering Afghanistan, particularly after the Pakistani Taliban called off their fragile truce with the government in November 2022.
The militant group, which is said to have sanctuaries in neighboring Afghanistan, is separate from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban.
Late last month, Pakistan lost over 60 people in two suicide bombings that targeted a mosque and a religious congregation, prompting the government to ask all illegal immigrants to leave the country by November 1.
Two soldiers killed in blast in northwest Pakistan
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Two soldiers killed in blast in northwest Pakistan
- The soldiers were targeted with an improvised explosive device in South Waziristan district
- Separately, a militant was killed, two others were arrested in an operation in Khyber district
Pakistan targets Gulf, global markets with health care push at Dubai exhibition
- 40 Pakistani firms display medical devices, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals
- Participation targets export growth and deeper trade ties with UAE and Gulf region
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan this week inaugurated its national pavilion at a major global health care exhibition in Dubai, showcasing medical devices, surgical instruments and pharmaceutical products as it seeks to expand health care exports and strengthen trade ties with the Gulf.
The Pakistan Pavilion opened at the World Health Exhibition (WHX) 2026, formerly known as Arab Health, being held from Feb. 9 to 12 at the Dubai Exhibition Center in Expo City Dubai, according to a statement issued by the Pakistani information ministry.
A total of 40 Pakistani companies are participating under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), highlighting the country’s manufacturing capabilities across health care equipment, surgical instruments and pharmaceuticals, sectors that have emerged as important contributors to Pakistan’s export base.
Speaking at the inauguration on Monday, Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan said Pakistan’s presence reflected growing international recognition of its health care manufacturing sector.
“Pakistani companies are showcasing a diverse range of innovative products aligned with global health care standards and market requirements,” Khan said, adding that the UAE, Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, offered “a strategic gateway to regional and international markets.”
The WHX is among the world’s largest health care exhibitions, organized under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. This year’s edition features more than 4,300 exhibitors and is expected to draw over 235,000 health care professionals, policymakers and industry leaders from more than 180 countries.
Pakistan’s participation comes as the country looks to diversify exports beyond traditional textiles and leverage demand for cost-competitive medical products, particularly in Gulf and emerging markets.
Officials said participation in WHX 2026 is expected to raise Pakistan’s international profile in health care manufacturing, support export growth and deepen economic cooperation with the UAE, which has positioned itself as a regional hub for medical trade and innovation.
Pakistan and the UAE maintain close economic ties, with the Gulf state serving as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major destination for its exports, remittances and investment flows.
