Tracking the positive developments in Pakistan

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan signs trade deal with the USA.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1950776467610017945

 

[JaDed]

Pakistan always does deals with countries but there is no transparency at all, CPEC first and now this, we always have to wait 8-12 years to know what actually was the deal.

Irrespective Pakistan is lucky with Chinese friendship, Chinese will definitely manufacture a future unless US can leap ahead in AI robotics.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Moody’s lifts Pakistan’s rating to ‘Caa1’ on stronger external finances​

Moody's said on Wednesday it had raised Pakistan's credit rating by one notch to 'Caa1' from 'Caa2' due to an improving external financial position and it assigned the country a "stable" outlook.Pakistan-specific travel guide

The announcement came within hours of Pakistan's Finance Minister Mohammed Aurangzeb saying there was more room for the central bank to cut the country's key policy rate from 11% on the back of positive economic indicators.

"The credit rating's improvement is a sign that economic policies are heading toward the right direction," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in a statement.

Also Read: Aurangzeb vows to close tax loopholes, boost investor confidence.

Pakistan's international bonds rose as much as 1 cent to between 90 and 100 cents on the dollar following the ratings upgrade. It lifted most of them to their highest since early 2022 when fears of a full-blown debt crisis sent them plunging to as little as 30 cents.

Moody's decision to raise the rating by one notch after Fitch and S&P did the same will help Pakistan's capability to raise external debt. Pakistan says its economy is on a recovery path after a $7 billion IMF bailout helped to stabilise it.Pakistan-specific travel guide

"We changed the outlook for the Government of Pakistan to stable from positive," Moody's said in a statement.

"The upgrade to Caa1 reflects Pakistan's improving external position, supported by its progress in reform implementation under the IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program," it said.

Pakistan's debt affordability has improved, but remains one of the weakest among rated sovereigns, Moody's said, adding that the Caa1 rating also reflected the country's weak governance and high degree of political uncertainty.

Read: New Pak-US front against terror trains sights on BLA, TTP

Aurangzeb told a gathering of businessmen in Islamabad ahead of the Moody's announcement that he was expecting an improvement in Pakistan's credit rating by other agencies after Fitch and S&P.Pakistan-specific travel guide

"We are hopeful of progress in terms of the policy rate going south," he added.

Aurangzeb said it was his personal view that there was more room for a rate cut towards the end of the year, adding that it was for the central bank to make the final call on the issue.

The next policy rate announcement is due on September 15.

The central bank left its key interest rate unchanged at 11% on July 30, going against analyst expectations. In a Reuters poll they had forecast a reduction of 50 to 100 basis points.

The bank said the inflation outlook had deteriorated due to rising.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[Bhaijaan]

Pakistan’s economic development might define the future of peace in this region.

 

[gazza619]

Pakistan’s economic development might define the future of peace in this region.

As the saying goes, "Clapping needs two hands." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the notion that peace cannot be achieved unilaterally, it requires the concerted efforts and goodwill of all parties involved.

In our context, the stability and harmony of the region are heavily dependent on the mindset and actions of the leaders of both India and Pakistan.

 

[Ball Blazer]

PM inaugurates Chinese-led Special Economic Zone, welcomes $100m investment​

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday inaugurated the Challenge Group Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and welcomed a $100 million investment by the Chinese garments giant, Challenge Fashion Private Limited, aimed at boosting Pakistan’s textile exports and industrial capacity, Radio Pakistan reported.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Chinese group, led by Chairman Huwang Weiguo, he expressed Pakistan’s commitment to elevating its strategic and economic partnership with China to greater heights.

“Pakistan and China enjoy a time-tested friendship that has stood resilient through every challenge,” PM Shehbaz said. “We are pleased to see our economic relations grow stronger, and we welcome more Chinese industries to set up operations in Pakistan,” he added.

Sharif lauded the Chinese firm’s continued confidence in the Pakistani market, noting that Challenge Fashion Group has already invested $17 million in the country since 2014. The new Special Economic Zone, he said, will serve as a model for sustainable industrial development, facilitating technology transfer, skill enhancement, and job creation.

He directed relevant authorities to extend all necessary support to ensure the swift operationalisation of the SEZ and reaffirmed the government's focus on advancing the industrial dimension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The PM also highlighted Pakistan's keen interest in learning from China’s expertise in the textile sector and announced that a China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference would soon be held in China to encourage private sector collaboration.

Briefing the premier, the Challenge Group delegation shared that the $100 million investment over the next five years is expected to generate textile exports worth $400 million. Chairman Weiguo thanked the PM for the warm reception and hospitality, saying the group was committed to deepening its engagement with Pakistan’s growing textile sector.

PM inaugurates Chinese-led Special Economic Zone, welcomes $100m investment | The Express Tribune

Challenge Group's $100m investment aims to boost textile exports to $400m over five years

tribune.com.pk

 

[Ball Blazer]

PM pushes for cashless, digital economy

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said the government was prioritising efforts to digitise the economy and shift all transactions to a cashless system.

He was chairing a review meeting on the cashless and digital economy in the federal capital.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction with the progress toward a cashless economy and directed chief secretaries to fully support the federal government in expanding the Raast system to district governments.

The meeting was briefed on the progress of measures to promote a cashless economy.

The participants of the meeting were informed that digital IDs will be created under the Pakistan Digital Public Infrastructure, integrating citizens' national identity cards, biometrics, and mobile numbers to enable digital payments.Online marketplace for Pakistani handicrafts and products.

They were told that provincial governments had made significant progress in linking public-to-government and government-to-public payments with the Raast system.

On digital infrastructure, the Capital Development Authority has granted right-of-way for fiber connectivity, while talks are ongoing with Pakistan Railways and the National Highway Authority.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting

PM pushes for cashless, digital economy | The Express Tribune

Directs chief secretaries to support govt in expanding Raast system

tribune.com.pk

 

[Ball Blazer]

Rs2.6tr debt repaid ahead of schedule: Schehzad​

Pakistan has retired Rs2.6 trillion in public debt well ahead of schedule, Advisor to Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad announced on Sunday.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Schehzad revealed that around Rs1.6 trillion was paid back to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in just 59 days—an achievement he termed as “historic fiscal discipline”.

The finance ministry, he said, repaid Rs500 billion on June 30, 2025, followed by a second repayment of Rs1,133 billion on August 29, bringing total early SBP repayments to Rs1,633 billion.

He also highlighted a previous Rs1,000 billion repayment to the domestic commercial market during the first half of the fiscal year, calling it Pakistan’s first-ever advanced domestic debt retirement operation.

“Including both the central bank and commercial portions, the total early debt retirement in less than one year now comes to over PKR 2,600 billion — an unprecedented scale and decisive action in the country’s fiscal history,” the advisor stated.

Read More: $1.8b at risk on spectrum auction delay

Schehzad added that this marks a fundamental shift in fiscal management away from “debt-heavy practices” that previously squeezed development space. He noted that 30% of SBP debt has now been retired early—cutting the stock from Rs5.5 trillion to Rs3.8 trillion—well before its scheduled maturity in 2029.

“Early repayments eased the 2029 refinancing burden, lowered rollover risks, and created more room for development spending,” he said.

According to Schehzad, the average maturity of domestic debt has also improved sharply—from 2.7 years in 2024 to 3.8 years—marking the most significant single-year improvement in the country’s history and exceeding the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) targets.

He further claimed that the government had already saved over Rs800 billion in taxpayer money this fiscal year through falling interest rates and disciplined repayments.

“By reversing a cycle of unchecked borrowing and prioritising repayments, Pakistan is restoring fiscal credibility and building long-term resilience,” he concluded.

Rs2.6tr debt repaid ahead of schedule: Schehzad | The Express Tribune

Govt makes biggest early debt repayment; 30% of SBP debt retired before 2029 maturity, says finance advisor

tribune.com.pk

 

[Ball Blazer]

Pakistan secures $200m 'halal meat' export deal with Malaysia​

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan and Malaysia had agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, trade, and emerging technologies following what he described as “highly productive” talks with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

“Pakistan can greatly benefit from Malaysia’s expertise in technology, IT, and AI,” Shehbaz said at a joint press conference. “We are eager to learn from Malaysia’s experience and pursue joint ventures and mutually beneficial projects.”

He welcomed Malaysia’s decision to import $200 million worth of meat from Pakistan and assured that Pakistan would make every effort to meet Malaysian conditions. He also noted Malaysia’s increasing import of Pakistani rice and expressed optimism about further expanding agricultural trade.

The prime minister hailed the Urdu translation of Anwar Ibrahim’s book Script, describing it as “a guiding framework for sustainability, mutual respect, compassion, innovation, research and development, progress, prosperity, and mutual trust.”

He praised Anwar’s “visionary leadership” and reaffirmed that Pakistan — “a nation blessed with immense resources and great minds” — was committed to equipping its youth with modern knowledge and partnering with Malaysia for shared prosperity.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, recalling the “historic fraternal relations” between the two nations, said economic cooperation had always been central to their ties.

“It is our joint aspiration to further enhance collaboration in all fields,” he stated, adding that Malaysia would also facilitate beef imports from Pakistan.

He highlighted the potential for cooperation in emerging technologies and commended Pakistan’s stance on Palestine, noting that both countries supported peace efforts.

PM Shehbaz and his Malaysian counterpart, addressed the audience at the Pakistan-Malaysia Business Forum later in the day, calling for greater economic engagement between the two countries.

“Fundamentals remain economic, but we must admit with regret that we have not done enough,” said Prime Minister Anwar. “I am grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz for advancing this agenda.”

Emphasising the importance of regional cooperation, Mr Anwar added: “One country, one system is futile. We need to broaden our relations.”

In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz appealed to the private sector, stressing that while governments can lay the foundation, “it is the private sector that must drive the engines of growth”.

PM Shehbaz is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi on his three-day official visit. He was received on arrival in Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzil and Pakistan’s High Commissioner Syed Ahsan Raza Shah.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Perdana Putra Complex, where he inspected contingents of the Malaysian armed forces. Both leaders introduced their delegations before holding one-on-one and delegation-level talks.

The two sides signed memorandums of understanding covering higher education, tourism, halal certification, anti-corruption cooperation and small and medium enterprises. They also discussed expanding ties in trade, telecom, the halal industry, investment, energy, infrastructure, the digital economy and people-to-people contacts.

The visit is expected to provide “new impetus” to Pakistan-Malaysia relations and strengthen cooperation in strategic and future-focused sectors.

Last year, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited Pakistan, where he was conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan for his contributions to Islamic brotherhood and cooperation.

The two countries are also bound by the Malaysia-Pakistan Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA), signed in 2007, which promotes trade in goods and services, regulates investment flows and supports cooperation in intellectual property, healthcare, telecom, tourism and construction.

Pakistan, Malaysia agree to deepen cooperation in defence, technology | The Express Tribune

He welcomes Malaysia’s decision to import $200 million meat from Pakistan, assures efforts to meet conditions

tribune.com.pk

 

[hassan918]

PM Shehbaz announces low-cost electricity package for industries and farmers​

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a discounted electricity package for industries and farmers.

The prime minister announced the electricity package during a meeting with experts and business community representatives from the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Under the package, additional electricity will be supplied at reduced rates to industries and farmers for the next three years (November 2025 to October 2028).

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that economic indicators have improved due to better policies of the government.

He stated that the journey from economic crisis to stability was difficult, but with the economic team’s efforts and everyone’s cooperation, it was achieved, leading to industrial activity, increased exports, and job creation.

He said that under the package provided last winter, the industrial and agricultural sectors used 410 gigawatts of additional electricity. Development in industry and agriculture is essential for the country's economic growth and job creation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that steps are being taken to enhance competitiveness and business facilities in the country's industrial and agricultural sectors. Growth in these sectors will help the country overcome its debt burden.

Source: Dunya News

 

[hassan918]

Pakistan public debt falls by over $4.86b in first quarterly decline since 2019​

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s public debt fell by more than Rs1,371 billion ($4.86 billion) from July till Sept. this year in a first such decline since 2019, the country’s Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad said on Monday, adding that this is also the largest drop in public debt.

“Pakistan’s total public debt has fallen from Rs80,518 billion (June 2025) to Rs79,146 billion (September 2025) — a decline of over Rs1,371 billion ($4.86 billion),” Schehzad said on X.

“[This is] first quarterly decline in 69 months (since Dec 2019), marking a notable shift in debt dynamics,” he said, “[and] largest quarterly reduction ever in both absolute value and percentage decline (QoQ).”

The development comes amid some signs of macroeconomic stability in the country, which is navigating a long path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

It also comes months after officials said the country had retired Rs2,600 billion ($9.2 billion) debt to central and commercial banks in less than one year.

The decline stemmed from disciplined fiscal management and the strategic deployment of surplus funds to repay expensive debt ahead of schedule, according to the finance adviser.

It will help lower future borrowing needs, reduce refinancing and rollover risks along with strengthening medium-term financial stability.

“[It] sends a signal of improving policy credibility and investor confidence,” he said.

“Over time, lower debt servicing can free fiscal space for development, social protection and growth-enhancing priorities.”

Source: Dunya News

 

[Hitman]

​

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s public debt fell by more than Rs1,371 billion ($4.86 million) from July till Sept. this year in a first such decline since 2019, the country’s Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad said on Monday, adding that this is also the largest drop in public debt.

Please edit the bolded part to billion.

 

[Hitman]

Pakistan public debt falls by over $4.86b in first quarterly decline since 2019​

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistan’s public debt fell by more than Rs1,371 billion ($4.86 billion) from July till Sept. this year in a first such decline since 2019, the country’s Finance Adviser Khurram Schehzad said on Monday, adding that this is also the largest drop in public debt.

“Pakistan’s total public debt has fallen from Rs80,518 billion (June 2025) to Rs79,146 billion (September 2025) — a decline of over Rs1,371 billion ($4.86 billion),” Schehzad said on X.

“[This is] first quarterly decline in 69 months (since Dec 2019), marking a notable shift in debt dynamics,” he said, “[and] largest quarterly reduction ever in both absolute value and percentage decline (QoQ).”

The development comes amid some signs of macroeconomic stability in the country, which is navigating a long path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.

It also comes months after officials said the country had retired Rs2,600 billion ($9.2 billion) debt to central and commercial banks in less than one year.

The decline stemmed from disciplined fiscal management and the strategic deployment of surplus funds to repay expensive debt ahead of schedule, according to the finance adviser.

It will help lower future borrowing needs, reduce refinancing and rollover risks along with strengthening medium-term financial stability.

“[It] sends a signal of improving policy credibility and investor confidence,” he said.

“Over time, lower debt servicing can free fiscal space for development, social protection and growth-enhancing priorities.”

Source: Dunya News

Finally Pakistan going in the right direction under PM Shehbaz Sharif?

 

[hassan918]

Finally Pakistan going in the right direction under PM Shehbaz Sharif?

Not sure, the ground reality gives another picture. The life of a common man seems to be getting difficult all the time.

 

[JaDed]

Finally Pakistan going in the right direction under PM Shehbaz Sharif?

Not sure, the ground reality gives another picture. The life of a common man seems to be getting difficult all the time.

The remittances have increased a lot masking the other issues, almost a 12 % increase.. I think its almost around 8-9% of GDP.. IT exports are good, I do see some presence of Pakistan IT in Texas area but they were there in 2019 too.. if anything it should had been much more considering the value of PKR but if im not wrong its improving.

But the numbers are screwed up due to massive remittances, Pakistanis abroad are literally contributing 8-9% to Pakistan’s GDP.
Anyone can correct men if I’m wrong

 

[Ball Blazer]

Second Phase of Pink Scooter distribution in Karachi announced​

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon has announced the launch of phase two of the electric scooter (EV scooter) distribution scheme, marking a significant step forward.

This initiative is part of the Sindh government's broader plan to enhance eco-friendly mobility options and empower women through better transportation access.

A meeting chaired by the Sindh Minister was attended by Secretary Transport Asad Zamin, Managing Director Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) Kanwal Nizam Bhutto, and other relevant officials. It focused on the ongoing and upcoming transport projects in the province, including discussions on improving mobility infrastructure in Karachi and other cities.

The first wave of distribution reportedly gave about 200 free pink electric scooters to women, while the plan, as approved by the cabinet, envisioned distributing up to 1,000 scooters to women.

On November 4, 2025, the government announced the launch of the second phase, signalling that new registrations will open soon.

The second phase will provide a large number of women with modern, environmentally friendly transportation options. The scooters have been designed to offer a safer and more accessible alternative to traditional transportation, especially in a city where traffic congestion and limited public transport options often hinder women's mobility. This initiative also contributes to the city’s green transport movement.

In addition to the Pink Scooters, Memon also announced that new electric buses have arrived in Karachi and will soon be deployed on various routes across the city. These buses are expected to ease the transportation burden on the city's residents and help reduce pollution. The government has completed surveys for four new routes in Khairpur, Shikarpur, and Hyderabad, with plans to make these routes functional within the month.

He further added that the government plans to introduce more double-decker buses on the city’s main highways to alleviate traffic congestion.

Along with these planned improvements, Memon emphasised that the new initiatives, such as EV buses, EV scooters, and EV taxi services, will usher Karachi and other cities into a new era of urban mobility. He reiterated that these projects are directly linked to public convenience and will be completed within the designated timelines.

Here is how to apply for the Pink Scooty Scheme. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of Sindh, hold a valid motorbike or car driving license, and be either enrolled in an educational institution or employed.

Second Phase of Pink Scooter distribution in Karachi announced | The Express Tribune

Sharjeel Memon launches phase two of the Pink Scooty Scheme, expanding eco-friendly mobility for women

tribune.com.pk

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan, UK hold first development dialogue in 8 years amid record £5.5bn trade​

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and the United Kingdom’s Minister for Development, Baroness Chapman, held the first federal-level Pakistan–UK development talks in eight years on Wednesday, discussing economic cooperation and Pakistan’s structural reform agenda.

The meeting was also attended by British High Commissioner Jane Marriott. Chapman’s visit comes at a time when UK–Pakistan bilateral trade has crossed £5.5 billion for the first time, with more than 200 British companies currently operating in Pakistan. Officials said the revival of ministerial-level dialogue underscores renewed momentum in economic engagement between the two countries.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed Pakistan’s ongoing reform efforts, broader development priorities, and avenues for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and climate resilience.

Earlier in the day, Baroness Chapman, alongside Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, inaugurated the next phase of the Pak-UK Education Gateway — a British Council–Higher Education Commission initiative aimed at strengthening academic collaboration on climate change and economic growth challenges.

The new phase includes a start-up fund to support commercialisation of research and seeks to expand access to UK university programmes for Pakistani students through distance-learning pathways.

Aurangzeb appreciated the UK's support at the IMF, which contributed to the completion of Pakistan's programme reviews. He highlighted the government's progress in macroeconomic stabilisation and structural reforms across taxation, energy, state-owned enterprises, public finance management, and privatisation.

Chapman also met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to launch regulatory reforms aimed at improving Pakistan's business environment.

With Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Chapman launched a new Green Compact establishing a framework for UK-Pakistan collaboration on tackling climate change, protecting nature, and advancing green technologies.

"Pakistan is a crucial partner for the UK. We work together to tackle the drivers behind organised crime and illegal migration, keeping both our countries safer," Chapman said. "We remain firm friends of Pakistan, including in times of crisis, as shown through our flood response," she added.

Both sides committed to strengthening the long-standing partnership and agreed to work closely on shared development priorities, including enhanced high-level exchanges and private sector collaboration.

Source: The Express Tribune

 

[finalfantasy7]

12 suspected terrorists linked to Indian spy agency RAW arrested in Punjab raids: CTD

12 suspected terrorists linked to Indian spy agency RAW arrested in Punjab raids: CTD

Arrests made during separate operations in major cities of Punjab.Weapons, explosives and detonators recovered from suspects: CTD.Suspects had been gathering info of sensitive locations, institutions.LAHORE: In a major security-related...

www.geo.tv

Suspects were receiving heavy funding from RAW for terrorist activities in Pakistan, says counter-terror dept

• Arrests made during separate operations in major cities of Punjab.
• Weapons, explosives and detonators recovered from suspects: CTD.
• Suspects had been gathering info of sensitive locations, institutions.

---

LAHORE: In a major security-related development, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested 12 suspected terrorists allegedly linked to Indian intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (Raw) in separate operations in major cities of Punjab, the agency said on Monday.

According to a Punjab CTD spokesperson, the arrests were made in Lahore, Faisalabad and Bahawalpur.

The spokesperson said that weapons, explosives and detonators were also recovered from the suspected Indian spy agency members. The CTD officials also seized photos and videos of sensitive locations and institutions, he added.

According to the spokesperson, the images, videos and location details included those of a madrassa (seminary) and a local festival were also recovered.

The suspects arrested from Lahore were identified as Sukh Deep Singh, Azmat, Faizan, Nabeel, Abrar, Usman and Sarfaraz, while the sole suspect arrested from Faisalabad was identified as Danish.

Meanwhile, those arrested from Bahawalpur were identified as Rajab, Hashim, Saqib and Arif.

The CTD described the arrested suspects as members of the terrorist group “Fitna al-Hindustan".

The spokesperson added that the arrests were made with the help of a Facebook ID operated from India by someone named Adil. He said that Singh, one of the arrested suspects, was born Christian and converted to another religion some time ago.

The spokesperson further revealed that the suspects were receiving heavy funding from Raw for organising terrorist activities in Pakistan. Cases have been registered against them and investigation is underway, as per the CTD.

Last month, Pakistan's law enforcement agencies arrested a fisherman working for Indian intelligence agencies to spy on Islamabad, according to ministers Information Minister Atta Tarar and Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said.

Addressing a presser in the federal capital on November 1, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that Ijaz Mallah was taken into custody by Indian authorities in September this year, before he was taken to an undisclosed location and was forced to do some task for them.

“He [Mallah] was offered bribe that he would be compensated and threatened with up to three years imprisonment if he did not comply. He was eventually released by Indian intelligence agencies and sent back to Pakistan with certain tasks," the minister added.

Tarar also said that the fisherman was instructed by Indian agencies to procure uniforms of the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Rangers, along with local SIM cards and phone bills, for espionage purposes.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Pakistan to sell surplus LNG in global markets from next year: minister

Pakistan to sell surplus LNG in global markets from next year: minister

LAHORE: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Sunday that Pakistan would begin selling excess liquefied natural gas in international markets from January 1, The News reported.He told a press conference that Pakistan had been...

www.geo.tv

Imported LNG from Qatar and Eni will be diverted to exports after power demand fell in recent months​

LAHORE: Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Sunday that Pakistan would begin selling excess liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international markets from January 1, The News reported.

He told a press conference that Pakistan had been importing LNG from Qatar and the Italian firm Eni, but reduced use in power generation in recent months had created a surplus.

As a result, he said, the government had been forced to divert costly imported gas to domestic consumers, driving up circular debt in the gas sector and inflicting losses of around Rs1,000 billion since 2018-19.

“From January 1, we will sell this excess fuel in international markets and reduce our burden while limiting the loss caused by it,” he added.

Malik said that in recent months, there was a strong public demand to eliminate the use of substandard gas cylinders, which has now been addressed.

He said 250,000 to 300,000 new gas connections are being provided, and efforts are underway to offer maximum relief to the public during winter.

The minister said the government was trying to overcome the circular debt, while a Turkish petroleum company was set to open its office in Islamabad, creating new jobs for Pakistanis.

He added that reliance on imported oil and gas was being reduced and that an Azerbaijani delegation will visit Pakistan soon for this purpose.

He announced that a new pipeline from Maachike to Thallian is being laid, while the global energy transition from oil to electricity is being closely observed.

Work on copper exploration in Pakistan is accelerating, with 3.5 billion dollars in investment expected soon.

He added that international institutions are preparing major investments in Balochistan.

The minister said the Reko Diq project’s inauguration ceremony will be held at the Prime Minister’s Office within two months, adding that Pakistan will soon be exporting 400,000 tons of copper. Several more Reko Diq-related projects are also underway.

He stressed that nations progress only when politics is separated from national interest.

While constructive criticism is welcome, he said, the focus should be on improving governance rather than dragging each other down. “The state is more important than any individual,” he added.




Great news for Pakistan

 

[finalfantasy7]

Punjab approves Rs9.4bn wildlife restoration and eco-tourism projects

Punjab approves Rs9.4bn wildlife restoration and eco-tourism projects

The Punjab government has approved two major projects worth Rs9.4 billion aimed at wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and the development of eco-tourism across the Salt Range and Koh-e-Sulaiman, marking the first integrated...

www.geo.tv

Punjab launches major conservation and eco-tourism drive across Salt Range and Koh-e-Sulaiman​

The Punjab government has approved two major projects worth Rs9.4 billion aimed at wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and the development of eco-tourism across the Salt Range and Koh-e-Sulaiman, marking the first integrated model of its kind in the province.

The initiatives span Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, Mianwali, and the mountainous Koh-e-Sulaiman belt, where scattered ecosystems and shrinking wildlife habitats will be restored through a unified strategy involving local communities.

The first project, Punjab Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Restoration Programme for Community-Based Conservancies, has been approved at a cost of Rs3.9 billion. Under this programme, 15 lodges will be handed over to formally registered Community-Based Conservancies (CBCs), which will manage wildlife-related conservation activities at the local level, according to official records.

Technical plans include the establishment of 20 partridge pre-release centres in the Salt Range and eight community breeding centres — each spread over 15 acres — to revive urial and chinkara populations. The government will also set up four official breeding centres, each over 25 acres.

A key component of the project is the development of a 300-acre enclosure in Koh-e-Sulaiman for the scientific reintroduction of urial, chinkara, and the Sulaiman markhor.

The second project, the Eco-Tourism Salt Range National Park, valued at Rs5.5 billion, focuses on building modern eco-tourism facilities. Plans include four eco-lodges, a tourist restaurant, a 20-acre family picnic zone, and the Salt Range Complex / Information Centre. Cable cars, zip lines, rock-climbing zones, hiking trails, jeeping routes, viewpoints, and animal watch points are also part of the design.

The project further includes construction of a new Motorway M-2 interchange, along with parking areas, trail networks, lake restoration, and other infrastructure to improve public access while ensuring environmental protection.

Officials from the Wildlife Department said the two projects represent the first attempt to bring conservation, tourism, and community partnership under a unified provincial framework. They noted that wildlife habitats in the Salt Range are under increasing pressure, and the new model reflects “evolved ground realities” while ensuring economic benefits for local residents.

Both projects are scheduled for completion by June 2027, with local communities welcoming the initiative as a significant step towards ecological protection and tourism-driven development.





Another great news for Pakistan

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan achieves first international telerobotic surgery​

Doctors completed a gynecological operation through telerobotic surgery at Lyari General Hospital, with surgeons from Kuwait conducting the procedure alongside colleagues from Karachi. The operation marks the first time Pakistan has conducted cross-border telesurgery.

Kuwaiti doctors operated from a distance of approximately 1,600 kilometers. During the surgery, an internet speed of 30 megabytes per second was used, while a gap of only 30 microseconds was recorded between the surgeon’s command and the robot’s response.

A ceremony was held at the hospital, where Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that she had inaugurated modern medical facilities, including a mortuary, forensic section, advanced laboratories of microbiology, biochemistry, and pathology. Additionally, a laboratory has also been inaugurated for medical students to receive practical training.

Dr Pechuho stated that the average cost of such an operation amounts to Rs400,000 per patient, while Consultant Gynecologist Oncologist Dr Anjum Rehman noted that three to four surgeries are being performed daily through the robotic system, at the cost of Rs150,000.

According to the health minister, robotic surgery does not involve making an incision in the abdomen; rather, a camera and instruments are inserted into the body through small holes. Through this system, tumor, kidney, and gastrointestinal surgeries, along with gynecological procedures, are possible.

She said that the robotic system has been provided by the Sindh government and the process of staff training is ongoing, with the facilities to be extended to other government hospitals in the coming years.

Explaining the concept of the surgery, Dr Rehman said that it was conducted with the patient present at Lyari General Hospital while doctors, sitting in Kuwait, operated a robotic system. He said that in the future, Pakistani doctors will also be able to treat international patients – a major advancement for the country’s healthcare system.

Drawing a comparison, Dr Rehman said that a laparoscopic surgery takes approximately 30 minutes for one operation, the same surgery is completed in just 15 minutes through the robotic system. Further, he noted that there is a risk of infection in laparoscopic surgery, but a tumor has been removed through robotic surgery with neither blood loss nor any complications.

Director of the company providing the robot, Abdul Rehman, said that the basic purpose of today’s robotic telesurgery is that the surgeon is present in one place while the patient is in another location. He stated that the benefit of this technology is that the surgeon does not need to travel, with surgical commands able to be given from anywhere. He termed this the greatest advantage of telesurgery.

Further, he said that this system requires a minimum speed of 30 megabytes per second, which is generally available; hence, existing internet networks, including PTCL, support this technology. With the introduction of 5G service in Pakistan, Abdul Rehman expressed hope that the system will become even better and more effective.

Source: The Express Tribune