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We know you've been following major stories this week. What's happening in Venezuela post-Maduro? Where are Iran's protests going to end up? How's Yemen situation proressing? What's US President upto this time?

So we'll just touch upon some of these 'developing' stories, while our "A Deeper Look" section leads you beneath the surface.

For Pakistan's diplomacy, this week brings several small "wins", but a majo setback as US visa processing for the citizens

Here’s your weekly roundup of the week’s most important stories, news, and articles from The Diplomatic Insight.

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​Being Godzilla or Bambi? The Reality We Are Facing​ "The Venezuela reference reflects a Bambi situation by illustrating vulnerability in two ways... Moreover, geopolitical tensions with “Godzilla” then compound the damage through sanctions, isolation, & finally direct intervention," writes Bintang Corvi Diphda.

​Australia’s Education Shift: A Strategic Moment Pakistan Cannot Afford to Miss​ The Australian education system is far more lucrative for Pakistani students, offering career pathways, openness to international enrolments, & better prospects at study permits. Fareeha Amjad suggests Pakistan's Higher Education Commission needs to cash this moment.

​Can Hybrid State Activism Deliver Real Autonomy? The Hope Behind Prabowo’s Lotte Chemical Plant​ "As Asian middle powers increasingly invest in one another, Indonesia is no longer only a passive recipient of Western capital but also can play an active participant in a multipolar Asian financial order. South Korea’s investment in Indonesia through the Lotte Chemical plant is part of this new pattern...," writes Firdaus Guritno.

​High Seas, High Stakes: When One Country Plays the Police​ "Governments are stepping in, claiming they’re just trying to keep order at sea, but the real worry is coming from the people who actually work on the water... if things get any tougher, the oceans won’t just feel risky, they’ll actually become more dangerous & expensive for everyone," writes Saeed Awan.

Pakistan-Focus

• ​US Chargé d’affaires Praises PSL Expansion as Hyderabad and Sialkot Step In​

Pakistan's vibrant cricket scene draws in investors from US-based companies and praise from US envoy in Islamabad.

• ​Pakistan, Indonesia Sign MoU on Forming a Joint Trade Committee​

Pakistan-Indonesia bilateral trade already exceeds $4 billion, so why not institutionalize and develop it further? Good idea, right. Well, it's now on its way to implementation as Pakistan's minister of commerce and Indonesia's Vice Minister of Trade signed an MoU in Karachi.

• ​NA Speaker, Thai Ambassador Meet to Discuss Bilateral Cooperation​

The courtesy meeting marked a continuation of diplomatic and parliamentary engagement aimed at promoting closer relations between Pakistan and Thailand. Hundreds of Pakistanis visit Thailand every year for work and tourism.

• ​Pakistan Passport Improves Five Spots, Now Ranked 98th Globally​

Well still far behind many, Pakistan's passport improved 5 spots on the 2026 Henley Passport Index. This indicates more places for Pakistanis to travel visa-free or with visa on arrival.

• ​Dar Inaugurates New Pakistan Consulate Chancery in Jeddah​

Dar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to ensuring effective and accessible consular services for overseas Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia.

• ​Islamabad, Colombo Seek Closer People-to-People Ties Through Religious Tourism​

Pakistan's ancient Buddhist sites offer for Sri Lankan pilgrims and tourists alike, to connect with their religious heritage.

• ​Pakistan Sees US Immigrant Visa Suspension as Short-Term Move​

The United States suspended immigration visa processing for 75 countries, Pakistan included. However, officials believe it's a short-term move, intended to buy time for the US to upgrade and improve its systems.

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