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Expanding green cover in Lahore and other major cities can play a critical role in protecting residents from intensifying summer heat and worsening winter smog, as environmental experts increasingly advocate nature-based solutions to tackle climate challenges.

Pakistan continues to experience recurring heatwaves linked to climate change and global warming. Experts warn that weather patterns this year could become more severe, with the El Niño phenomenon expected to contribute to drier conditions and intensify heat stress across the country’s plains.

“Increasing tree cover helps lower urban temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration, reducing the urban heat island effect that often makes cities several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas,” said Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, Director Forests at WWF-Pakistan.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said trees and vegetation also play an important role in improving air quality by trapping particulate matter, absorbing gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and ozone precursors, and reducing dust particles suspended in the atmosphere.

“In Punjab’s cities, where concrete expansion, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution and the loss of green spaces have intensified environmental stress, urban forestry offers an effective nature-based solution for climate resilience,” Ibrahim Khan added.

He said that although Pakistan has made progress through urban forestry initiatives and large-scale plantation campaigns, it still trails integrated urban greening models adopted by countries such as Singapore, China, South Korea and several European nations.

“The gap is particularly visible in Lahore, where the Lahore City Biodiversity Action Plan reports a 72% decline in green cover. Parks account for only 1.4% of the district’s total area, while tree canopy coverage reported by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) stands at around 1%, compared with 23.6% in New Delhi and 44.9% in Beijing,” he said.

Officials of the Punjab Forest Department said the provincial government is actively promoting urban and peri-urban forestry through plantation campaigns, urban green belts, Miyawaki forests, roadside plantations and collaborative afforestation programmes involving both public and private stakeholders.

“The department has formulated urban forestry policies and is encouraging the plantation of indigenous species in densely populated urban areas,” said Azfar Zia, Director General of Forests Punjab.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said the department is coordinating with Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs), local governments, educational institutions, housing societies, NGOs and corporate organisations in Lahore and other urban centres to establish Miyawaki forests and mini urban forests.

“Several projects have already been launched in Lahore under public-private partnerships to increase green cover and address rising temperatures and smog-related challenges,” Azfar Zia said.

He added that Lahore’s Liberty Market Miyawaki forest and other urban forestry initiatives have shown encouraging results in improving local microclimatic conditions and providing “green lungs” within commercial and residential areas.

According to him, the department is also using GIS-based monitoring, geotagging, awareness campaigns and climate-smart plantation approaches to ensure transparency, monitor plant survival rates and improve the long-term sustainability of urban plantation efforts.

He further said the department is promoting indigenous and climate-resilient species under urban forestry programmes because native species are better adapted to local climatic and soil conditions, require relatively less maintenance and support local biodiversity.

Common indigenous and environmentally suitable species being promoted include Sheesham, Kikar, Sukhchain, Phulai, Ber, Amaltas, Neem, Bohar (banyan), Peepal, Jamun, Arjun, Simal, Moringa and Lasura.

Azfar Zia said these species were selected based on ecological suitability, pollution tolerance, canopy coverage and water requirements, adding that indigenous plantations remain essential for sustainable urban forestry and biodiversity conservation.

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The government has planned a Rs979.621 million project for the establishment of a mineral resource centre, analytical laboratory, and mineral detection facility at the PCSIR Labs, Peshawar, to promote mineral exploration, value addition, and exports, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project will be executed by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology during 2026-2028.

The proposed facility aims to strengthen mineral processing and analytical capabilities through modern scientific technologies and advanced laboratory infrastructure.

The project scope includes ore beneficiation, analytical services, mineral identification and detection, geological surveys of local ores, and minerals extraction and processing technologies.

According to the document, the key technologies to be installed include Optical Emission Spectrometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, XRF, and X-Ray Diffraction systems to ensure accurate mineral analysis and testing.

The project is expected to improve indigenous technological capabilities, encourage value addition in mineral products, enhance exploration activities, and support import substitution in the mineral sector.

The facility is also aimed at helping local industries in product design, development, and mineral-based manufacturing to enhance Pakistan’s export potential.

Experts believe the project could play an important role in modernizing mineral research infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and attracting future investment in the mining and industrial sectors.

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The Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) plans to launch a Rs983.35 million project to upgrade testing laboratories aimed at improving quality assurance for agricultural products and enhancing the country’s export potential, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project, titled “Strengthening and Up-gradation of Testing Laboratories at PCSIR regarding Quality Assurance of Agricultural Products for Export Promotion,” will be implemented over a two-year period from 2026 to 2028.

Being executed by PCSIR under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the initiative aims to establish advanced testing facilities for pesticide residues, aflatoxins, heavy metals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to help ensure compliance with international food safety requirements.

According to the project documents, upgraded laboratories will be established in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta to improve the testing and certification capacity needed for agricultural exports.

The initiative is expected to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in international markets by providing reliable and internationally accepted testing mechanisms for food and agricultural products. It is also intended to help reduce export rejections linked to contamination and non-compliance with global quality standards.

The project documents indicate that the upgraded facilities will support compliance requirements for major export destinations, including the European Union, the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, improving access to these markets.

The project is projected to contribute to a 20% annual increase in exports and generate approximately $1.5 billion in additional export earnings annually. It is also expected to benefit more than 1,000 exporters and farmers through improved testing, certification and quality assurance services.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise scientific infrastructure and promote value-added agricultural exports amid growing international demand for safe, traceable and high-quality food products.

Under the project, laboratories will be equipped with advanced technologies, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based testing systems.

The facilities will also introduce Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technologies for biological screening and testing.

In addition, the laboratories will be aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards to ensure internationally recognised quality, reliability and consistency in testing procedures.

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Pakistan has accelerated work on four major dam projects that are expected to add more than 8 million acre-feet (MAF) of water storage capacity, a critical step as the country faces increasing water stress driven by declining per capita water availability, intensifying climate pressures, and growing demand.

According to official data available with Wealth Pakistan, the country receives nearly 80% of its annual river flows during only 92 days between June and August, while the remaining 20% is spread over the other 273 days of the year. This uneven distribution has long created major challenges for irrigation management, flood control and water availability during dry periods.

To address the issue, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has developed major reservoirs with a combined live storage capacity of 13.168 MAF, which play a critical role in regulating water flows across the Indus Basin Irrigation System throughout the year.

Pakistan’s three principal reservoirs include Tarbela Dam with a live storage capacity of 5.580 MAF, Mangla Dam with 7.277 MAF, and Chashma Barrage with 0.311 MAF.

According to the data, the storage capacity lost in Mangla Reservoir due to sedimentation was partially restored through the Mangla Dam Raising Project, which added 2.88 MAF of storage capacity.

WAPDA has also declared the current period as the “Decade of Dams” and accelerated work on several large-scale water infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening national water security amid climate change and increasing demand.

Over the past decade, the authority completed four projects that collectively added 3.914 MAF of live storage capacity. These include the Mangla Dam Raising Project, Gomal Zam Dam with 0.892 MAF, Satpara Dam with 0.053 MAF and Darawat Dam with 0.089 MAF.

Currently, four major projects with a combined live storage capacity of 8.136 MAF are under implementation. These include the strategically important Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which alone will provide 6.4 MAF of storage capacity, along with Mohmand Dam with 0.676 MAF, Kurram Tangi Dam with 0.90 MAF and Nai Gaj Dam with 0.16 MAF.

In addition, several new reservoir projects with an estimated live storage capacity of 15.88 MAF are at planning and design stages. These include Sindh Barrage with 2.0 MAF, Shyok Dam Multipurpose Project with 5.5 MAF, Akhori Dam with 7.0 MAF, Chiniot Dam with 0.93 MAF and Murunj Dam with 0.45 MAF.

Besides dam construction, WAPDA has expanded its hydro-meteorological monitoring and telemetry systems to enable real-time tracking of river flows, transboundary streams, reservoir levels and rainfall patterns. The system is designed to support timely operational decisions and improve preparedness for floods and droughts.

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Pakistan’s olive oil industry has achieved another international milestone, with Loralai Olives securing a Silver Award for Sensory Quality at the prestigious Berlin Global Olive Oil Awards 2026, one of Europe’s leading olive oil competitions.

“The achievement is highly significant because Europe has long been regarded as the birthplace of olive oil and sets some of the world’s highest quality standards for the industry,” Founder of Loralai Olives Shaukat Rasool told Wealth Pakistan.

He said nearly 98% of global olive oil business and related activities are concentrated in Europe, making recognition at the German competition a major milestone for Pakistan’s emerging olive oil sector.

Shaukat Rasool said Loralai Olives had earlier secured a silver award at the New York International Olive Oil Competition in the United States, adding that the latest success in Europe further demonstrates that Pakistani olive oil can compete in international markets on quality and taste.

He said the Berlin competition is judged under some of the most rigorous standards in the world, adding that the award reflected the growing potential of Pakistan’s olive industry and marked a proud moment for the country, its farmers and the sector as a whole.

He further said Pakistan’s move towards becoming a member of the International Olive Council would strengthen the country’s position in the global olive oil market, while the latest recognition showed that Pakistani olive oil can meet international quality benchmarks.

Grown in the highlands of Pakistan, Loralai Olives’ extra virgin olive oil reflects the company’s focus on premium production standards, sustainable farming practices and the untapped potential of the country’s olive-growing regions, he said.

The company sources olives from groves in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, where the crop is cultivated in dry, high-altitude climates. Shaukat Rasool said the olives are harvested at optimum ripeness and cold-pressed to preserve purity, nutritional value and consistency.

Loralai Olives manages the entire production chain, from olive cultivation and cold-press extraction to packaging and exports, while maintaining strict quality standards and using modern processing techniques to preserve the oil’s natural flavour and freshness, he said.

Shaukat Rasool said the company remained committed to supporting the long-term development of Pakistan’s olive sector through reliable production practices, transparency and traceability, while delivering high-quality extra virgin olive oil to consumers worldwide.

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The government has approved a Rs949.96-million project for the exploration, beneficiation, and extraction of rare earth elements, precious metals, and critical minerals in Gilgit-Baltistan, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The two-year (2026-2028) project will be executed by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with all activities based at PCSIR Labs, Skardu.

The initiative focuses on resource investigation, geological studies, modernization of extraction and processing techniques, and innovation in energy storage materials linked with rare earth minerals.

The project is expected to go a long way toward opening new avenues for Pakistan’s mineral sector and reducing dependence on imported strategic materials.

According to the document, advanced technologies including ICP-MS analysis systems, beneficiation plants, and grinding mills, will be utilized for the identification and processing of critical minerals.

The project is expected to provide multiple economic and industrial benefits, including indigenization, value addition, enhanced exploration capacity, and import substitution.

Gilgit-Baltistan possesses significant reserves of rare earth elements and precious metals, which are increasingly important for modern technologies, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and defense industries worldwide.

The development comes at a time of rapidly increasing global demand for critical minerals, positioning Pakistan to potentially emerge as a regional player in the strategic minerals market.

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The global transition towards low-carbon shipping is creating a fresh opportunity for Pakistan to modernise its ports, logistics infrastructure and maritime services as international shipping companies increasingly seek cleaner, faster and digitally connected trade routes.

Industry stakeholders say Pakistan can benefit from this shift by upgrading Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar with smart technologies, cleaner cargo equipment and improved logistics connectivity, enabling the country to position itself more competitively in regional maritime trade.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved the Net Zero Framework in April 2025, combining a global marine fuel standard with greenhouse gas pricing mechanisms for international shipping, although its formal adoption was later postponed until 2026.

The framework will apply to ocean-going vessels above 5,000 gross tonnage, which account for more than 85 percent of global shipping emissions, and is aimed at supporting net-zero emissions in the shipping industry by around 2050.

Pressure on ports is increasing because maritime decarbonisation is no longer confined to ships alone.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported in September 2025 that greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping increased by 5 percent in 2024, while only 8 percent of the global fleet was equipped to operate on alternative fuels.

UNCTAD warned that decarbonisation would require major investment in fleet renewal, port adaptation and alternative fuel infrastructure.

Leading global ports have already begun moving in that direction.

Recently, the ports of Singapore, Los Angeles and Long Beach renewed their Green and Digital Shipping Corridor agreement for another three years, focusing on alternative fuels, digitalisation and energy efficiency.

The three ports also reported progress in methanol bunkering trials, clean fuel studies and port-to-port digital data exchange systems.

For Pakistan, the opportunity is closely tied to the performance and future expansion of Karachi Port, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port.

According to port authority data reported by APP, Karachi Port handled 53.95 million tons of cargo during FY2024-25, reflecting year-on-year growth of 4.45 percent. Container handling reached a record 2.65 million TEUs, while vessel traffic increased by 11 percent.

Port Qasim, meanwhile, currently operates 18 berths with annual handling capacity of around 89 million tons. The port also benefits from direct road and rail connectivity and plays a central role in Pakistan’s LNG operations.

The investment outlook for Pakistan’s port sector is also improving.

In February 2025, Hutchison Ports unveiled a $1 billion investment plan for Pakistan covering infrastructure development, road improvements, modernisation of HPKICT, development of a 52-hectare logistics park, remote quay cranes, automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes, electric trucks and digital gate operations.

The company estimated that the investment could generate at least $4 billion in royalty, rent and tax revenues over 25 years.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Muhammad Tufail, Manager Marine and Exports at Pakistan State Oil, said the global green shipping transition also presents long-term opportunities for Pakistan’s marine fuel and bunkering industry.

He said Pakistan’s ports would eventually need to prepare for cleaner marine fuels, improved fuel quality systems and safer bunkering procedures as international shipping gradually moves away from conventional fuel oil.

Tufail noted that the transition would take time, but stressed that Pakistan should begin improving fuel handling standards, storage safety systems, supplier coordination and emergency response capacity at ports.

According to him, cleaner shipping can become a business opportunity if fuel suppliers, port authorities and shipping companies coordinate proactively before international regulations become stricter.

He said Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar could gradually emerge as more reliable regional service hubs if policy support, infrastructure planning and private-sector investment move in parallel.

Muhammad Azeem, Manager at Xpress Agencies Pvt Ltd, said the freight forwarding industry views inland connectivity, customs efficiency and shipment visibility as equally important components of green shipping readiness.

He noted that exporters would only fully benefit from low-carbon shipping routes if they are supported by faster customs procedures, warehousing systems and trucking connectivity.

According to him, cleaner and more reliable logistics chains could particularly benefit Pakistan’s textile, rice, sports goods and seafood exporters as international buyers increasingly demand lower-emission transport records.

However, he stressed that achieving this would require digital bills of lading, emissions reporting systems and stronger coordination among shipping lines, ports, customs authorities and transport operators.

Pakistan has already incorporated sustainability into its maritime planning framework.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has stated that the 2025-2029 China-Pakistan maritime action framework includes smart port technologies, electronic data interchange systems, warehousing, cold storage, manpower development and alignment with green energy and marine environmental protection goals under CPEC.

Industry experts believe that if Pakistan successfully integrates port automation, logistics parks, cleaner cargo handling equipment, Gwadar connectivity and future fuel readiness, the global green shipping transition could become a major opportunity for the country’s ports and logistics sector rather than merely another regulatory burden.

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Pakistan’s cotton crop remained below national targets during FY2024-25, although Sindh delivered comparatively better performance in cultivation and production while Balochistan demonstrated strong yield efficiency, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

The report showed that cotton cultivation covered 2.043 million hectares against a national target of 3.118 million hectares, achieving 66% of the sowing target. Cotton production reached 7.084 million bales against the target of 10.874 million bales, reflecting a 65% achievement level nationwide.

Punjab retained its position as the country’s largest cotton-producing province. Cotton cultivation in the province covered 1.304 million hectares—78% of the 1.680-million-hectare target.

However, production in Punjab remained significantly below expectations, with the province producing 3.838 million bales against a target of 6.500 million bales, translating into only 59% achievement.

Sindh emerged as the comparatively stronger performer among provinces, achieving 92% of its cultivation target with 0.582 million hectares under cotton against the planned area of 0.630 million hectares.

The province produced 2.823 million bales against a target of 3.900 million bales, recording 72% achievement in production and outperforming other provinces in overall target attainment.

Balochistan demonstrated strong productivity despite limited cultivation area. Cotton cultivation in the province covered 0.157 million hectares against the target of 0.808 million hectares. However, production reached 0.423 million bales against a target of 0.473 million bales, translating into an 89% achievement rate.

The report noted that Balochistan’s higher yield efficiency helped partly offset wider national production shortfalls.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued to play a relatively minor role in cotton production. Cotton cultivation covered only 0.000045 million hectares against the target of 0.00030 million hectares, while production stood at 0.00036 million bales against the target of 0.00093 million bales.

The report stated that while Sindh showed relatively stronger performance in both cultivated area and production, it still remained below planned targets. Punjab remained the backbone of Pakistan’s cotton economy, but its production performance lagged despite achieving a significant portion of its cultivation target.

The report also highlighted relative stability in cotton prices during the FY2024-25 season.

National average seed cotton (phutti) prices stood at Rs8,138 per 40kg, ranging from Rs7,543 per 40kg in August 2024 to Rs8,538 per 40kg in February 2025.

Punjab recorded the highest annual average seed cotton price at Rs8,576 per 40kg, with prices peaking at Rs9,400 during February 2025.

Sindh posted an annual average price of Rs7,701 per 40kg, with prices ranging between Rs7,269 in January 2025 and Rs8,821 during October-November.

Meanwhile, the average lint price during the season stood at Rs18,994 per 40kg. Prices reached their highest level of Rs19,743 in September 2024 before easing to Rs18,230 in December. Lint prices later rebounded to Rs19,553 in January 2025 before softening again to Rs18,331 in March.

According to the report, cotton price movements reflected active demand from textile mills, seasonal supply patterns and changing trends in global cotton markets.

The report further highlighted the continued role of the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, in strengthening research and development in the sector.

Established in 1970 under the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee, the institute has completed more than five decades of research in agronomy, plant breeding and genetics, entomology, plant pathology, fibre technology and technology transfer.

The institute has developed 38 elite cotton varieties since its inception, with research focused on improving early maturity, heat and drought tolerance, disease resistance and fibre quality characteristics.

CCRI Multan is also providing education, technical support and training to researchers, extension workers, students and cotton growers while promoting mechanization and production technologies across cotton-growing regions of the country.

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Pakistan is moving to accelerate livestock exports by establishing dedicated meat processing export zones and internationally compliant disease-free compartments, as part of broader efforts to modernise one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.

Modern slaughterhouses and time-bound financial support schemes are also being introduced to attract investment and encourage value-added livestock exports, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and available with Wealth Pakistan.

Breed improvement has emerged as another major focus area, with plans for the development of nucleus herds, imports of high-yield dairy and meat breeds, and the introduction of advanced genetic materials including sexed semen, embryos and ova.

The report said these initiatives are expected to improve productivity, generate employment opportunities and strengthen national food security.

Animal husbandry continues to play a vital role in Pakistan’s rural economy, supporting more than eight million rural families and contributing nearly 35% to 40% of household income in farming communities, according to the Year Book.

The livestock sector has also consolidated its position as the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, accounting for 61.2% of agriculture’s value addition and contributing 14.7% to the country’s GDP during FY2024-25.

According to the report, the sector maintained steady growth, with gross value addition increasing from Rs5,587 billion in 2022-23 to Rs5,837 billion in 2023-24, reflecting a growth rate of 4.4%.

Livestock contributed approximately 2.9% to Pakistan’s total exports during FY2024-25, highlighting its increasing importance as a source of foreign exchange earnings.

To further strengthen the sector, the government is pursuing a private sector-led development strategy supported by public-sector policy measures.

The strategy focuses on improving veterinary healthcare services, modernising breeding and animal husbandry practices, expanding artificial insemination coverage and promoting balanced livestock nutrition.

Authorities are also intensifying efforts to control economically significant diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Lumpy Skin Disease and Avian Influenza to improve productivity and protect livestock trade.

The report noted that the government aims to unlock the livestock sector’s full potential to support economic growth, strengthen food security and improve rural livelihoods through diversification and modernisation of livestock businesses.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s poultry industry also continued to maintain strong momentum, generating employment for more than 1.5 million people nationwide and contributing gross value addition of Rs853 billion to the economy.

Over the past decade, the poultry sector has recorded an average annual growth rate of 8.1%, helping position Pakistan as the world’s 11th-largest poultry producer.

The sector currently contributes approximately 43.3% to Pakistan’s total meat production, making it an important component of the country’s food supply chain and nutritional requirements.

The development strategy for poultry focuses on disease prevention, modernisation of production systems, value-added processing, improved husbandry practices and product diversification.

To support the industry, the government has introduced farmer-friendly policies aimed at strengthening both commercial and rural poultry farming.

Despite challenges including disease outbreaks, rising feed prices, production costs and market fluctuations, officials believe continued reforms and investment could further strengthen the long-term growth potential of Pakistan’s livestock and poultry sectors while supporting exports, rural incomes and food security.

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Pakistan’s rapidly expanding solar market is creating opportunities to reduce dependence on imported renewable-energy products and build domestic industrial capacity. Experts say potential investment plans by Chinese renewable solutions provider Hiconics could help advance local manufacturing, support technology transfer, and expand skilled workforce.

Hiconics, a renewable-energy solutions provider backed by China’s Midea Group, is considering manufacturing operations in Pakistan over the next five to 10 years through a phased strategy beginning with product supply, technical services, local offices and training before moving toward localized production.

The company’s potential plans come at a time when Pakistan’s renewable-energy market is witnessing significant expansion. According to a 2025 white paper by Renewables First, Pakistan imported 17.9 gigawatts of Chinese solar panels during FY25.

The report estimated cumulative solar panel imports at 50.5GW worth around $7.7 billion and noted that lithium-ion battery imports from China had exceeded $700 million since FY19, including $101.7 million during the final quarter of FY25.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Ali Ahsan, Research and Publication Manager at Pakistan Solar Association, said Hiconics’ proposed investment could help address Pakistan’s continued reliance on imported renewable-energy products.

He said Pakistan had emerged as a major consumer market for solar equipment but had not yet fully benefited from the wider industrial gains associated with the sector, including manufacturing, component production, technology transfer and after-sales engineering services.

Ahsan said the focus on technical training, local employment and knowledge transfer was particularly important because Pakistan’s renewable-energy market was increasingly moving beyond utility-scale projects toward decentralised hybrid systems, battery storage and integrated energy-management solutions.

“Local assembly of inverters and storage systems would reduce import pressure and retain more industrial value within Pakistan,” he said.

He said Hiconics’ association with Midea Group could also create an “anchor effect,” encouraging smaller Chinese component suppliers and technology firms to view Pakistan not only as a sales market but also as a potential manufacturing base.

However, Ahsan stressed that investor interest alone would not be enough without a predictable industrial policy environment.

He said Pakistan should designate selected Special Economic Zones as clean-technology clusters, introduce phased local-content requirements for large renewable-energy projects, remove implementation bottlenecks in industrial zones and strengthen workforce development through collaboration among Chinese companies, technical institutes and engineering universities.

Ahsan also stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in distributed-solar policies.

Referring to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s Prosumer Regulations 2026, he noted that sudden changes in electricity buyback mechanisms could affect investor confidence if broader objectives such as grid sustainability, consumer protection and downstream manufacturing growth were not managed together.

Mashhood Urfi, Energy Transition Officer at Alternate Development Services, Islamabad, told Wealth Pakistan that Hiconics’ potential entry could support Pakistan’s transition from import dependence toward localized manufacturing of solar inverters, battery energy storage systems and smart energy technologies.

He estimated that wider adoption of battery storage could cut peak electricity demand by around 10 to 15 percent, reducing the need for costly fossil-fuel-based peak generation.

Urfi said industrial clustering and policy consistency would play an important role in attracting Chinese firms toward local assembly and manufacturing.

He said renewable-energy industrial clusters around Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad could integrate rooftop solar and captive storage systems with export-oriented industries, especially sectors increasingly facing carbon-compliance requirements in overseas markets.

He also emphasized the need for predictable tax treatment, transparent joint-venture frameworks and structured technology-transfer pathways.

“Renewable manufacturing should not be treated as a narrow energy agenda but as part of trade, industrial competitiveness and macroeconomic resilience,” he said.

Urfi added that Pakistan’s clean-technology manufacturing strategy should also remain aligned with broader economic reform objectives.

He pointed out that the International Monetary Fund’s latest country report includes structural reform benchmarks such as semi-annual gas tariff adjustments in July 2026 and February 2027, annual power tariff adjustments in January 2027, procurement reforms and the gradual phasing out of existing fiscal incentives for Special Economic Zones and Special Technology Zones by 2035.

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China’s Challenge Fashion Group’s decision to expand its operations in Pakistan with a large-scale apparel manufacturing facility is being viewed by industry experts as a major opportunity to strengthen the country’s textile exports, create jobs and attract further foreign investment into the industrial sector.

The planned expansion, expected to generate $400 million to $500 million in annual exports and create around 20,000 jobs, comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to improve export competitiveness and revive investor confidence in its manufacturing industry.

The latest expansion plan was recently discussed during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and a Chinese delegation led by Challenge Fashion Chairman Huwang Weiguo and Challenge Apparel CEO Karen Chen.

Challenge Fashion had previously launched the Challenge Special Economic Zone project in Pakistan, involving a planned investment of $100 million over five years. The company is now moving ahead with a modern manufacturing facility being developed according to international production standards, with the first phase expected to be completed later this year.

Textiles remain one of the most critical sectors of Pakistan’s economy, contributing around 8.5 percent to GDP and employing nearly 40 percent of the country’s industrial workforce, according to the Board of Investment.

The Ministry of Commerce’s Yearbook shows that textile and apparel exports reached $17.95 billion in FY2024-25, accounting for approximately 56 percent of Pakistan’s total exports of $32 billion.

Despite its strong export base, Pakistan’s textile industry continues to face challenges in competing with regional exporters such as Bangladesh, largely due to high energy costs, outdated industrial infrastructure, weak policy continuity and rising production expenses.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Dr Urwa Mahmood, Assistant Professor at the School of Engineering and Technology, National Textile University, Faisalabad, said the Chinese investment could help transform Pakistan’s textile manufacturing landscape.

She said such projects can generate employment opportunities, improve industrial productivity and strengthen Pakistan’s standing in global apparel markets through technology transfer, skill development and greater value addition.

Dr Mahmood stressed that long-term policy stability would be essential to sustaining foreign investor confidence in the textile sector.

“Long-term clarity on energy pricing and uninterrupted energy supply are critical for export-oriented industries,” she said.

She also emphasised the need to facilitate smoother cross-border movement of raw materials and industrial inputs while ensuring affordable access for manufacturers.

According to her, measures such as tax rationalisation, timely refunds and export incentives are necessary to maintain competitiveness in international markets.

She further noted that policies encouraging local sourcing, workforce training and infrastructure development could strengthen domestic industries and attract more export-oriented foreign investment.

Sarah Adnan, Independent Director at Karachi Garment City Company, described Challenge Fashion’s expansion as a potentially transformative development for Pakistan’s textile sector.

“Challenge Fashion's planned expansion is huge for the Pakistani textile market, and it can prove to be transformative for our textile industry in Pakistan,” she said.

She pointed out that the project could generate annual exports of up to $500 million while employing nearly 20,000 workers, making it one of the more significant foreign-backed textile investments in recent years.

Beyond the direct economic impact, Adnan said the company’s existing international buyer network could also create broader opportunities for local manufacturers and suppliers.

She observed that the establishment of a fully compliant international-standard production facility may encourage local manufacturers to upgrade their production systems, compliance standards and workforce capabilities.

“Investments such as this one can create a ripple effect and put Pakistan at the forefront of being an investment-friendly destination for other industrial groups,” she added.

At the same time, Adnan cautioned that structural weaknesses and inconsistent industrial policies continue to hinder the sector’s growth potential.

She called for single-window clearance mechanisms, time-bound approvals and effective dispute resolution systems to improve investor confidence and institutional credibility.

She also stressed the importance of strengthening Special Economic Zone infrastructure, including land availability, logistics connectivity and uninterrupted utility services.

According to her, the government must also ensure that local supply chains and workforce development are integrated into foreign-funded industrial projects so that Pakistan benefits beyond low-cost manufacturing.

Experts believe Challenge Fashion’s expansion could become an important test case for Pakistan’s ability to attract sustained export-oriented industrial investment, provided the country succeeds in addressing longstanding structural and policy challenges.

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China’s waste-to-energy model offers insights for Pakistan as the country struggles with rising municipal solid waste, weak segregation systems, shrinking landfill space and an energy sector that needs cleaner and locally available generation sources.

China has increasingly integrated waste management with energy generation, recycling and circular economy planning. China Global Television Network (CGTN), a state-owned Chinese broadcaster, citing data from the Biomass Energy Industry Promotion Association, reported that China’s installed waste-to-energy capacity had reached 27.38 gigawatts by the end of 2024, generating about 145.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.

Xinhua, China’s official news agency, separately reported that more than 1,000 large-scale waste incineration plants are operating across China, processing over 1.1 million tonnes of waste daily. These facilities use combustion control systems, flue-gas treatment and real-time emissions monitoring to convert municipal waste into electricity while reducing dependence on landfills.

For Pakistan, the challenge remains substantial. The International Trade Administration (ITA, a US government agency that publishes country commercial guides) noted in its 2026 Pakistan waste management profile that Pakistan generates approximately 50.79 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with volumes increasing by more than 2.4 percent each year.

The ITA also noted that only about 60 to 70 percent of solid waste is collected in cities, while much of the remaining waste is burned, dumped or buried in open spaces, creating serious environmental and public health concerns.

Pakistan has already begun exploring waste-to-energy (WtE) options. The Punjab Energy Department’s Lahore Waste-to-Energy Project states that the Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) would supply 2,000 to 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day for project development.

Experts say China’s model offers Pakistan a practical direction, but not a shortcut. Waste-to-energy can contribute to cleaner cities and domestic energy generation only when supported by effective segregation, robust recycling systems, reliable feedstock supplies, strict emissions controls and investor confidence. With the right safeguards and policy support, urban waste can be transformed from a growing public burden into a valuable economic and energy resource.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Dr Muhammad Ziad, PhD in Solid Waste Management and Manager of Solid Waste Management at Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP), said Pakistan generates more than 49 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, with major cities facing growing difficulties in collection, treatment and disposal.

He said municipal solid waste can become a practical source of electricity through WtE facilities that process non-recyclable combustible waste. However, he stressed that such projects should form part of a broader waste management hierarchy that prioritises waste reduction, recycling and composting before energy recovery.

Dr Ziad said the remaining high-calorific-value residual waste could be utilised for electricity and heat generation through technologies such as mass-burn incineration, refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and anaerobic digestion for organic waste.

“This would reduce landfill pressure, strengthen energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

He noted that commercial viability would require a dedicated national WtE framework defining regulatory requirements, environmental standards, feed-in tariffs and municipal responsibilities.

According to Dr Ziad, guaranteed power purchase agreements, attractive tariff structures, public-private partnerships, long-term waste supply agreements, concessional finance, climate funds, green bonds and carbon credit mechanisms could help reduce investor risk and improve project bankability.

He said China’s experience demonstrates that waste-to-energy projects succeed when backed by long-term planning, clear environmental regulations, government support and private-sector participation.

“Pakistan should treat waste-to-energy as part of an integrated solid waste management system rather than as a standalone power project,” he added.

Similarly, Shafqat Ullah, Director of Projects at the Cleaner Production Institute, told Wealth Pakistan that Pakistan must proceed carefully because WtE projects are capital-intensive and technically demanding.

He said electricity generated from waste could become more expensive than conventional power if waste quality, segregation and plant operations are not properly managed. Pakistan’s municipal waste stream often contains high moisture and biodegradable content, reducing calorific value and requiring effective segregation and drying before treatment.

Shafqat stressed that strict pollution-control technologies must be installed and consistently operated to manage air emissions, wastewater and ash.

“In countries where environmental enforcement is weak, waste-to-energy plants can create new pollution risks instead of solving existing waste problems,” he cautioned.

His concerns underline the need for Pakistan to strengthen waste collection, sorting, drying, recycling systems and environmental regulation before scaling up WtE projects nationwide.

A study published by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI, an Islamabad-based policy research institute) on energy generation through municipal solid waste in small and medium-sized districts found that technology selection must depend on local waste composition.

In the Wah Cantt case study, the assessment concluded that anaerobic digestion was the most sustainable option because of the organic nature of the waste stream. The study also found strong potential for thermal treatment, biogas generation and composting—provided a reliable and well-structured waste supply chain is established.

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The rapid expansion of Chinese clean-tech financing and overseas green industrial investment is creating fresh opportunities for Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as the country seeks to attract export-oriented manufacturing, renewable energy equipment production and electric vehicle-related industries.

China remained the world’s largest investor in clean energy in 2024, with spending exceeding $625 billion, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Investment 2025 report. The IEA noted that China achieved its 2030 wind and solar capacity target six years ahead of schedule, underscoring the scale of investment flowing into clean-energy manufacturing and infrastructure.

The momentum has continued in 2025. China’s Ministry of Finance recently introduced new guidelines for managing special funds dedicated to clean-energy development during 2025-2029, aiming to support renewable energy projects and cleaner industrial technologies.

Further strengthening this trend, Chinese energy giant Sinopec established a five-billion-yuan ($690 million) hydrogen-focused venture capital fund in May 2025, the largest such fund in China dedicated to the hydrogen value chain.

Pakistani policymakers believe this growing pool of Chinese green capital could help accelerate industrial relocation into South Asia, particularly in sectors such as solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, energy-efficient equipment and advanced green manufacturing technologies.

According to the Board of Investment, Pakistan’s SEZ framework offers a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on imported capital goods, along with a 10-year income tax exemption for enterprises operating within the zones. These incentives are designed to attract foreign manufacturers seeking cost-effective regional production hubs.

The government is also repositioning SEZs under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh recently said Pakistan has proposed government-to-government industrial parks in Karachi and Islamabad aimed at attracting Chinese industrial relocation in sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and electric vehicles.

A study by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) noted that Pakistan’s nine priority SEZs under CPEC provide an important platform for accelerating industrial development, boosting exports and promoting technological upgrading. The report also highlighted the potential for integrating green industrial practices into future zone development.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Muhammad Usman, Manager of Business Development at Premier Energy Lahore, said Chinese firms are increasingly looking beyond their domestic market due to intense competition and excess production capacity in clean-energy industries.

“Pakistan can position its industrial zones as a manufacturing and assembly destination for solar equipment, battery components and energy-efficient machinery. The combination of SEZ incentives and proximity to Middle Eastern, African and Central Asian markets can become attractive for Chinese investors seeking regional diversification,” he said.

Usman acknowledged that many industrial estates in Pakistan still face infrastructure and utility constraints, but noted that dedicated green industrial parks supported by reliable power supplies and efficient logistics networks could substantially improve investor confidence.

“Chinese financing institutions are increasingly supporting projects linked to carbon reduction and green supply chains. If Pakistan develops dedicated clean-tech clusters within its SEZs, it can become part of broader regional value chains instead of remaining primarily an import market for finished products,” he added.

Nimra Khalid, Assistant General Manager of Strategy at Hutaib Industrial Solutions, said global clean-tech investment patterns are evolving rapidly and Pakistan must move quickly to secure a share of future manufacturing relocation.

“China’s clean-energy sector has become one of the strongest drivers of global investment growth. As Chinese manufacturers expand overseas, countries offering stable policy frameworks, export access and modern industrial infrastructure will enjoy a competitive advantage in attracting new projects,” she said.

According to her, Pakistan’s industrial zones are well-positioned to benefit from investment in electric vehicle components, energy storage systems and solar manufacturing if regulatory approvals and land development processes are accelerated.

“The opportunity extends beyond foreign direct investment. It also involves technology transfer, workforce development and integration into emerging green supply chains. Pakistan has the labour force and market size required for such expansion, but implementation speed will determine whether the country captures these opportunities,” she added.

With global clean-energy investment projected by the IEA to reach $2.2 trillion in 2025—nearly double the level of fossil-fuel investment—Pakistan is increasingly viewing Chinese clean-tech financing as a catalyst for industrial modernization, export diversification and long-term sustainable economic growth.

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China’s rapid advancement in green technologies, including solar power, electric vehicles (EVs), battery storage and clean manufacturing, is creating new industrial and investment opportunities for Pakistan as Islamabad pursues energy transition, lower import costs and export-oriented industrialisation.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China’s clean-energy investment exceeded $625 billion in 2024, nearly doubling from 2015 levels, while the country achieved its 2030 wind and solar capacity target six years ahead of schedule.

The IEA further reported that China continues to dominate global renewable-energy expansion, with Chinese renewable capacity additions expected to account for nearly 60% of worldwide growth in 2025.

China’s leadership in solar panels, lithium batteries and electric vehicles is reshaping supply chains across emerging markets, including Pakistan, where affordable Chinese green technologies have accelerated solar adoption and opened new avenues for industrial cooperation and local manufacturing.

Pakistan has already emerged as one of the largest importers of Chinese solar equipment. A recent study by Pakistan’s Competition Commission stated that the country imported around 17 gigawatts of solar panels from China during 2024, making Pakistan the world’s third-largest importer of Chinese solar modules. The report noted that the imported capacity represented nearly 30% of Pakistan’s total installed electricity generation capacity.

The report further highlighted that declining Chinese solar prices significantly boosted adoption among Pakistani households and businesses, enabling consumers to gradually reduce dependence on costly grid electricity.

Pakistan’s energy transition has also been supported by policy initiatives aimed at increasing renewable-energy integration into the national grid. State Bank of Pakistan data, based on NEPRA statistics, indicates a growing share of renewable energy in the country’s power mix as solar installations continue to expand.

Industry observers believe China’s green-tech expansion could help Pakistan reduce its energy import bill while creating opportunities in local manufacturing, battery assembly, electric mobility and renewable-energy services.

Waqar Ahmed, Manager Business Development at SkyElectric, said Pakistan was entering a new phase where solar energy alone would no longer be sufficient without complementary technologies such as battery storage and smart-grid infrastructure.

He said China’s strength in battery technology and energy-storage systems offered Pakistan an opportunity to build domestic capabilities in areas that had previously remained limited or costly. According to him, declining battery prices globally could make solar-plus-storage systems commercially viable for industrial and residential users in Pakistan over the next few years.

Ahmed said Pakistan’s industrial sector was increasingly exploring renewable-energy solutions as rising electricity tariffs continued to affect competitiveness. He noted that Chinese firms were becoming more willing to move beyond exports and explore joint ventures, technology transfer and regional partnerships.

He added that Pakistan could particularly benefit from developing local assembly plants for batteries, inverters and EV components, helping create skilled employment opportunities while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Tufail Ahmed, Operations Manager at Lean Automation Pvt Ltd Pakistan, said China’s scale in clean manufacturing had fundamentally transformed the economics of renewable energy, making advanced technologies more accessible to developing countries such as Pakistan.

He explained that the significant decline in solar-panel prices in recent years had largely been driven by Chinese manufacturing efficiency and large-scale production capacity. He said Pakistan’s agriculture, textile and SME sectors had emerged among the biggest beneficiaries, as they increasingly adopted distributed solar systems to lower operational costs.

Ahmed said the next major opportunity for Pakistan could emerge in electric mobility and battery storage, particularly as Chinese EV exports continue to expand globally.

He said Pakistan could position itself as a regional assembly and distribution hub for affordable electric two-wheelers, small commercial EVs and battery solutions if the government introduced consistent industrial policies and strengthened support for charging infrastructure.

Globally, China’s clean-tech exports continue to expand despite slower economic growth in several regions.

Recent international energy assessments indicate that Chinese exports of solar products, EVs and batteries continued growing during 2025 and 2026 as countries increasingly sought cost-effective alternatives to fossil-fuel-based energy systems.

Experts believe Pakistan’s long-term gains from China’s green-tech leadership will depend on its ability to move beyond imports and build a domestic industrial ecosystem around renewable energy, battery storage, electric mobility and energy-efficient manufacturing.

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China’s landmark AI+ Education Action Plan, unveiled in April 2026, is drawing global attention for its broad effort to integrate artificial intelligence across all levels of learning — from primary schools and universities to vocational training and lifelong education — offering Pakistan important lessons as it begins implementing its own National AI Policy 2025.

The plan, jointly issued by five Chinese government departments, seeks to establish a comprehensive AI literacy system by 2030 covering all stages of education and wider society. According to Xinhua, China’s education system currently serves around 280 million students across nearly 440,000 schools.

China has already set measurable benchmarks for AI education. According to the Beijing Municipal Education Commission, every primary and secondary school student in Beijing completes at least eight hours of AI-related coursework annually, while AI adoption across schools in the capital reached 87.7 percent by the end of 2025.

Beyond classroom instruction, the plan also aims to integrate AI knowledge into teacher qualification examinations and certification systems, establish a national educational intelligent computing service platform and strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and industries.

For Pakistan, the developments coincide with the rollout of the National AI Policy 2025, approved by the federal cabinet in July 2025, which outlines significant human capital targets.

The policy aims to train 200,000 individuals annually, prepare 10,000 trainers by 2027 and provide 20,000 stipend-based internships each year. Its implementation framework also targets upskilling one million new and existing IT graduates in AI and related technologies.

Despite these ambitions, Pakistan still faces a considerable skills gap. According to the National AI Policy 2025, less than 10 percent of the country's workforce currently possesses AI-related skills.

The urgency has become more pronounced in light of the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, which projects that 39 percent of workers’ core skills will change by 2030, making AI literacy and workforce preparedness increasingly critical.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Safa Shoaib, CEO of The Holistic EDvisor, said educational institutions were already experiencing AI integration, even if many had yet to formally acknowledge it.

"We are already living in a reality where teachers are using AI to create lesson plans and assignments, students are using AI to complete them, and teachers are then using AI tools to grade those same submissions," she said.

She warned that education systems were moving toward a "bots talking to bots" environment and stressed that foundational generative AI literacy should become mandatory across schools and universities.

Shoaib also pointed out that Pakistan’s reliance on external examination systems such as Cambridge created a disconnect between classroom realities and slower-moving assessment structures.

She further noted that smartphone penetration in Pakistan significantly exceeded literacy rates, presenting opportunities for AI-powered tools to bridge educational gaps.

Referring to UNESCO’s AI Competency Framework, she emphasized that any national strategy must ensure equitable access to AI literacy and teacher training to prevent widening educational inequalities.

Khet Kumar, AI Education Consultant at Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA), said China’s AI+ Education Action Plan represented a strong signal for countries seeking to prepare their education systems for future demands.

He said China was redesigning its education ecosystem around workforce readiness, innovation and future skills while recognizing AI as an essential form of literacy.

Kumar noted that China was integrating AI education from early schooling through university levels and stressed that Pakistan could no longer afford delays in this area.

He said teacher readiness remained central because educators ultimately drive classroom transformation.

AI education, he added, should not remain confined to elite private institutions, pointing to early efforts by Red Pi, an educational technology company working to increase AI awareness within Pakistan’s K-12 ecosystem.

Khubaib Zafar, EdTech Consultant at NextGen Pedagogues, said China had positioned AI education as a national necessity rather than an optional subject.

He argued that Pakistan should move beyond broad policy targets and establish practical implementation milestones.

Zafar said Pakistan should prioritize centralized infrastructure by creating national AI learning hubs and zero-rated platforms to ensure students in underserved areas are not excluded.

He also proposed a mobile-first AI curriculum using existing educational platforms such as Taleem Ghar and TeleSchool.

On teacher readiness, he noted that China had integrated AI knowledge into teacher certification processes and suggested linking Pakistan’s target of training 10,000 AI trainers with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) through mandatory certification requirements.

He further proposed linking incentives for the IT sector with active industry participation and embedding the planned 20,000 annual AI internships within software companies so students gain practical experience through real-world projects.

China’s AI+ Education Action Plan offers Pakistan not a model to replicate directly, but an opportunity to adapt key lessons to local needs. From curriculum reform and teacher training to industry collaboration and accessible learning platforms, translating policy ambitions into classroom realities will require coordinated efforts across government, academia and the private sector.

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China’s rapid expansion in electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing is creating a timely industrial opportunity for Pakistan as Islamabad moves to localise new energy vehicle (NEV) production, reduce fuel imports and establish a domestic battery value chain.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global battery manufacturing capacity increased by nearly 30 percent in 2024 to more than 3TWh, while around 85 percent of global battery cell manufacturing capacity was concentrated in China. Chinese producers also controlled over 75 percent of global battery manufacturing capacity, highlighting Beijing’s dominant position in the global clean mobility supply chain.

The IEA further reported that global electric car production reached 17.3 million units in 2024, with China producing 12.4 million units and accounting for more than 70 percent of total output. The trend presents Pakistan with an opportunity to attract Chinese technology, component suppliers and battery-pack assembly operations under existing industrial cooperation frameworks.

Pakistan’s National Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–30 aims to ensure that 30 percent of all new vehicle sales are electric by 2030. According to government estimates, the transition could save 2.07 billion litres of fuel annually, generate nearly $1 billion in foreign exchange savings, reduce carbon emissions by 4.5 million tonnes and lower health-related costs by approximately $405 million per year.

The policy has already begun generating industrial momentum. The final NEV policy document states that by July 2025, a total of 65 manufacturers had obtained certificates to locally produce electric two- and three-wheelers, while the number of electric vehicles in the country increased from 567 in 2021 to more than 80,000 by June 2025.

Pakistan’s case for accelerating EV adoption is also supported by rising import pressures. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, petroleum product demand increased by 7 percent during July-March FY2025, with the transport sector accounting for nearly 80 percent of total consumption. This makes battery-powered transport not only an environmental consideration but also an important economic and foreign exchange priority.

Industry stakeholders believe Pakistan should avoid limiting itself to importing finished electric vehicles. Khalid Hussain, Manager Payroll and Sales at BYD Pakistan, said the country’s real opportunity lies in developing a broader industrial ecosystem around electric mobility, including battery packs, charging systems, controllers, wiring harnesses and software-driven after-sales services.

He said China’s expansion in battery manufacturing could help Pakistan accelerate progress if local companies are integrated into assembly operations and component supply chains rather than remaining limited to import-based business models. He added that localisation would become commercially meaningful only when Pakistan develops skilled technicians, testing facilities and safety standards for lithium-ion battery handling.

A Rawalpindi-based auto-parts production manager said Pakistan’s existing engineering capabilities provide a practical foundation for manufacturing battery casings, mounting systems, connectors and light electric vehicle components. He noted that the initial phase should prioritise battery-pack assembly and battery management systems instead of full-scale cell manufacturing, which requires greater capital investment and advanced chemical-processing capacity.

He further said that while China’s scale can significantly shorten Pakistan’s learning curve, policy consistency will determine whether investors view Pakistan as a credible destination for EV manufacturing. Predictable tariff structures, local testing laboratories and vendor financing mechanisms, he added, are more important for smaller suppliers than headline announcements.

Experts believe Pakistan could benefit most by positioning itself in selected segments of the battery value chain. The Ministry of Industries’ NEV draft policy notes that Pakistan already possesses an industrial base in traction motors, electrical and electronic equipment, ancillary modules, battery systems and IT/IoT technologies, which could be redirected towards the emerging NEV market.

For Pakistan, China’s battery expansion is therefore more than a global clean-energy development. It presents an opportunity to strengthen industrial capacity, reduce oil dependence, support local vendors and create employment opportunities in a sector that is increasingly shaping the future of transport and energy storage.

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China’s rapid expansion in robotics is reshaping global manufacturing economics and raising an important question for Pakistan: can a labour-rich economy remain competitive without accelerating industrial automation?

China produced 773,074 industrial robots in 2025, up 28 percent year-on-year, while its December 2025 output alone reached 90,116 units, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China. The same official data showed that China produced 18.58 million service robots in 2025, reflecting a 16.1 percent increase.

The International Federation of Robotics’ (IFR) World Robotics 2025 report showed that China already had 2.027 million industrial robots operating across factories, while annual installations reached 295,045 units in 2024, accounting for 54 percent of total global industrial robot installations.

The latest IFR data also showed that Asia installed 401,665 industrial robots in 2024, representing 74 percent of all new global deployments, highlighting the growing concentration of automation within Asia’s manufacturing landscape.

For Pakistan, the challenge appears increasingly significant as the country’s manufacturing sector continues facing pressure. The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 reported manufacturing growth of only 1.3 percent in FY2025, compared with 3.0 percent a year earlier, while large-scale manufacturing contracted by 1.5 percent during July-March FY2025.

The labour market implications also require careful planning. Pakistan’s Labour Force Survey 2024-25 showed that manufacturing accounted for 14.8 percent of total employment, while the overall unemployment rate under the new 19th ICLS standard stood at 7.1 percent.

Industry observers believe the lesson from China is not that Pakistan should replace workers with machines, but rather adopt targeted automation where quality, consistency, energy efficiency and export competitiveness are being constrained.

Muzamil Majeed, Senior Researcher at RIME (Robotics & Intelligent Machine Engineering), said Pakistan’s industries should view robotics primarily as a productivity tool rather than a labour-reduction strategy.

He said sectors such as auto parts, packaging, pharmaceuticals, food processing, electronics assembly and precision engineering could begin with cost-effective automation solutions, including sensors, programmable logic controller (PLC) systems and robotic handling systems before gradually shifting toward fully automated production lines.

He said China’s advantage stemmed from scale, local component manufacturing and consistent policy support, whereas Pakistan continued relying heavily on imported equipment and fragmented adoption patterns. For Pakistani manufacturers, he said, the first step should involve identifying repetitive, unsafe and quality-sensitive processes where automation can reduce waste and improve export reliability.

Tufail Ahmed, Operations Manager at Lean Automation Pvt Ltd Pakistan, said small and medium manufacturers in Pakistan had shown growing interest in automation but continued facing three major obstacles: high initial investment costs, a shortage of skilled technicians and uncertainty regarding return on investment.

He said automation vendors, technical institutes and industrial estates should jointly establish demonstration facilities so manufacturers could practically assess the benefits before making investment decisions.

He said Pakistan should avoid attempting to replicate China’s robotics model overnight. Instead, the country should focus on building domestic capabilities in maintenance services, retrofitting, machine vision, industrial software and systems integration.

According to him, such an approach could create skilled employment opportunities while helping existing industries modernise in a gradual and sustainable manner.

China’s robotics expansion may therefore represent both a challenge and an opportunity for Pakistan. Delayed action could expose domestic manufacturers to stronger competition from highly automated Asian supply chains. However, a practical and phased automation strategy could help Pakistan protect jobs through skill upgrading, improve productivity and prepare industries for higher-value exports.

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China’s accelerating economic and infrastructure engagement with Central Asia is creating fresh momentum for Pakistan to position itself as a regional trade and transit gateway linking western China and the landlocked Central Asian economies with global maritime markets through Gwadar and Karachi ports.

Trade between China and the five Central Asian countries reached a record $94.8 billion in 2024, according to official Chinese customs data released through China’s State Council Information Office.

The increase in regional trade is also being supported by expanding rail connectivity. According to official Chinese transport data, China operated 11,920 freight train trips to Central Asia in 2024, representing an increase of 11.3 percent year-on-year.

The momentum continued into 2025. In the first seven months alone, 8,526 Central Asia freight train trips were recorded, up 23.2 percent from the corresponding period a year earlier, according to information released by China’s State Council through its official government portal.

Analysts believe the expansion of China-Central Asia trade corridors is increasing the strategic importance of Pakistan’s transport network, particularly as Beijing seeks shorter and more diversified routes connecting western China with the Arabian Sea and Middle Eastern markets.

Pakistan has recently activated alternative westward trade corridors through China and Iran to improve access to Central Asian markets. According to government and establishment sources cited by Business Recorder, the routes are intended to reduce reliance on Afghan transit pathways while strengthening connectivity with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

The first shipment from Kyrgyzstan recently arrived through the newly operational China-linked trade route connecting Central Asia with Pakistan’s southern seaports, according to reports related to the launch of the corridor.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated that the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project is designed to link Central Asian countries with Pakistani seaports and facilitate regional trade and transit activity.

The proposed railway corridor is expected to connect Termez in Uzbekistan with Pakistan through Afghanistan, significantly reducing cargo transit times between Central Asia and Pakistani ports.

The initiative is also receiving renewed regional support. Uzbekistan formally approved procedures in early 2026 to advance the joint feasibility process for the trans-Afghan railway corridor, while Kazakhstan has shown interest in financing railway connectivity to Pakistani ports through Afghanistan.

Dr. Khalid Waleed, Senior Research Fellow at SDPI, said China’s westward commercial expansion is gradually reshaping regional freight dynamics in Pakistan’s favour.

“Central Asia remains heavily dependent on long and expensive transit routes through Russia, the Caucasus and Iranian corridors. If Pakistan can ensure efficient customs handling, secure cargo movement and modern logistics infrastructure, it can become the shortest commercial outlet for several Central Asian economies,” he said.

He noted that Gwadar’s long-term significance lies not only in Chinese investment under CPEC but also in its potential integration into broader Eurasian supply chains.

“China is expanding industrial and energy partnerships across Central Asia. Those investments will eventually require faster access to warm-water ports for exports and imports. Pakistan’s geography naturally positions it as a bridge between these regions,” he added.

Noman Ahmed, Assistant Director at a freight forwarding and supply chain services company, said the recent activation of alternative corridors through China and Iran indicates that regional connectivity planning is increasingly moving from diplomatic discussions toward practical trade operations.

“Pakistan’s transport and warehousing sectors could benefit substantially if these corridors become commercially stable. Increased cargo transit would generate demand for logistics services, cold storage facilities, customs processing and trucking infrastructure,” he said.

He stressed that infrastructure development alone would not guarantee Pakistan’s emergence as a regional trade gateway.

“The key challenge is consistency. International traders seek predictable border management, digital customs systems and secure transit operations. If Pakistan addresses these operational gaps, regional transit trade could become a major non-traditional source of economic activity,” he said.

China’s broader Belt and Road initiative has increasingly focused on diversifying Eurasian trade routes amid evolving geopolitical and supply chain risks. Experts believe Pakistan’s role could expand further if regional rail and road projects linking Central Asia, Afghanistan, western China and Pakistani ports move into large-scale implementation in the coming years.

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railway initiative is expected to promote regional stability, growth and development by strengthening trade and transit integration across South and Central Asia.

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Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing sector posted a robust 6.48% growth during July–March FY26, driven mainly by automobiles, garments, food, and petroleum products, according to provisional data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

According to PBS, the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) stood at 123.03 during July–March 2025-26, compared to 115.55 in the same period last year, reflecting a broad-based recovery across several key industrial segments. On a monthly basis, the index reached 124.89 in March 2026, marking an 11.09% year-on-year increase, although it declined 5.19% compared to February 2026.

The growth momentum was led by the automobile sector, which expanded by 61.66% during the nine-month period and contributed 1.50 percentage points to overall manufacturing growth. Food, garments, and petroleum products also made significant contributions, adding 1.79, 1.08, and 0.79 percentage points, respectively.

Among individual products, sugar production recorded an exceptional increase of 384.90% in March 2026 and rose 30.97% during July–March. Automobile production also maintained strong momentum, growing 61.35% in March, indicating sustained recovery in consumer demand. Petroleum products increased 10.92% during July–March 2025-26, while cement output rose 9.13% over the period despite a 6.64% month-on-month decline in March.

Textile-related segments showed mixed trends. Cotton yarn production increased 1.82% during July–March but declined 1.34% in March, while cotton cloth recorded marginal growth of 0.19% over the nine months. Wearing apparel performed relatively better, rising 6.60% during July–March and 1.79% in March.

However, several sectors continued to drag on overall industrial performance. Fertilizer production declined 1.02% during July–March and fell 7.55% in March. Iron and steel products contracted 6.33% during the period and dropped 11.46% in March, reflecting subdued construction-related demand. Pharmaceutical production also declined 5.14% during the nine months, while chemical products fell 1.44%.

The data further showed that the chemicals sector reduced overall manufacturing growth by 0.11 percentage points, while pharmaceuticals and iron and steel products lowered growth by 0.31 and 0.27 percentage points, respectively.

Other sectors showing notable expansion included electrical equipment, which grew 11.87% during July–March, and furniture, which surged 20.45%, indicating improving activity in select manufacturing segments. Tobacco and beverages also posted healthy gains of 11.70% and 7.69%, respectively.

Despite the overall positive trend, the month-on-month decline in March indicates some volatility in industrial activity, possibly due to seasonal factors or short-term demand adjustments.

The latest PBS data suggests that Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing sector remains on a recovery path, although growth continues to vary across industries, with consumer-oriented and automobile sectors outperforming heavy industry and input-based manufacturing.

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Pakistan’s microfinance banking sector remained under pressure in 2025 despite a sharp reduction in losses, according to the Financial Stability Review 2025 released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The report indicates that the sector’s overall asset base contracted by 3.7% during the year, mainly due to the transition of a microfinance institution into a full-fledged digital bank. However, after adjusting for this structural change, the sector still recorded a moderate growth of around 7.3%, reflecting some recovery in underlying operations.

Financial performance showed improvement compared to previous years, with aggregate pre-tax losses declining significantly to around Rs2 billion from Rs25 billion in 2024. This reduction reflects efforts to stabilize operations and improve efficiency, although the sector continues to face profitability challenges after several years of sustained losses.

Despite the improvement in losses, the sector’s capital position remained weak, with the aggregate capital adequacy ratio falling to negative 1.2%. The erosion of capital buffers highlights the financial stress faced by microfinance banks, which have been affected by a combination of external shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, high inflation, and the broader economic slowdown in recent years.

Asset quality indicators showed slight improvement, with the infection ratio declining to 9.1% from 9.7% in the previous year. At the same time, provisioning coverage increased significantly to 138.1% from 95.2%, indicating that institutions have strengthened their capacity to absorb potential losses and manage credit risk more effectively.

The SBP noted that the sector plays a critical role in promoting financial inclusion by providing financial services to low-income and underserved segments of the population. Despite its relatively small share of total financial sector assets, the microfinance sector has a large customer base and remains essential for supporting poverty alleviation and economic participation.

To address the challenges faced by the sector, the SBP has taken several policy and regulatory measures, including facilitating the restructuring and recapitalization of distressed institutions. The central bank has also revised prudential regulations to support stability and sustainability, while continuing engagement with stakeholders to strengthen the sector.

In addition, targeted initiatives have been introduced to support microfinance lending, particularly in vulnerable segments such as agriculture. These measures aim to enhance borrowers’ resilience and improve the overall viability of the sector.

The report highlights that while recent improvements in financial performance are encouraging, the sector continues to face structural challenges related to profitability, capital adequacy, and exposure to economic shocks. Sustained recovery will depend on continued policy support, improved risk management, and a stable macroeconomic environment.

Strengthening the financial health of microfinance institutions remains important to ensuring continued access to financial services for underserved populations and supporting broader financial inclusion objectives.

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Pakistan’s non-bank financial sector recorded a 10.3% growth in assets in 2025, reflecting a mixed performance across different segments, according to the Financial Stability Review 2025 released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The report indicates that the growth followed an exceptionally high expansion of 80% in the previous year, which was driven by a one-off shift of funds from the banking sector to non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) due to policy changes. In 2025, the sector’s growth normalized as those temporary factors subsided, resulting in moderate expansion.

Within the sector, mutual funds continued to dominate, accounting for around 66.3% of total NBFI assets. However, their growth slowed significantly to 2.2% compared to the previous year, largely due to a high base effect following strong inflows in late 2024. While money market funds decelerated and income funds contracted, equity funds showed strong expansion, supported by the robust performance of the stock market during the year.

The lending segment of NBFIs performed relatively better, growing by 21.5% in 2025. This improvement was supported by easing financial conditions and gradual recovery in economic activity, which increased demand for credit among businesses and individuals. Lower interest rates toward the latter part of the year also contributed to improved lending dynamics.

The report highlights that the interconnectedness between the banking sector and NBFIs remained contained and well-managed, reducing systemic risk concerns. Despite the flow of funds between sectors in previous periods, regulatory oversight and risk management practices ensured stability in financial linkages.

In contrast, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) experienced a contraction in their asset base during the year, reflecting a continued decline in exposure to government securities and borrowings. However, advances by DFIs rebounded significantly, indicating a shift toward lending activities as economic conditions improved.

The SBP noted that the overall performance of the non-bank financial sector reflects ongoing adjustments in response to changing economic and policy conditions. While some segments experienced slower growth due to normalization effects, others benefited from improved macroeconomic conditions and increased market activity.

The sector continues to play an important role in diversifying Pakistan’s financial system by providing alternative channels for investment and financing. The presence of NBFIs, mutual funds, and DFIs helps broaden the financial landscape and reduces reliance on traditional banking institutions.

Despite the moderate growth, the report suggests that further development of the non-bank financial sector will require continued policy support, improved regulatory frameworks, and efforts to deepen capital markets. Strengthening these areas will help enhance the sector’s contribution to financial stability and economic growth.

Maintaining balanced growth across different segments of the financial system remains important to ensuring resilience and supporting long-term economic development.

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Pakistan’s banking sector saw its non-performing loans (NPL) ratio decline to 6.1% in 2025 from 6.3% a year earlier, reflecting improved asset quality and better risk management, according to the Financial Stability Review 2025 released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The report indicates that the reduction in NPLs came despite earlier economic challenges, highlighting the resilience of the banking system and the effectiveness of credit risk management practices. The improvement was supported by a relatively stable macroeconomic environment, easing inflation, and the gradual recovery in economic activity, which helped strengthen the repayment capacity of borrowers.

Provisioning coverage also improved during the year, with loan-loss reserves rising to 107.7% of non-performing loans compared to 103.9% in the previous year. This increase in coverage indicates that banks are well-positioned to absorb potential credit losses and maintain financial stability even in the face of adverse conditions.

The SBP noted that the overall credit risk in the banking sector remained contained, supported by a high proportion of creditworthy borrowers. Around 62% of corporate and commercial loans were extended to rated borrowers, which reduced the likelihood of defaults and contributed to maintaining asset quality.

In addition, banks continued to benefit from a diversified asset base, with a significant portion of their portfolios invested in low-risk government securities. This helped limit exposure to high-risk lending and supported overall balance sheet stability.

The report highlights that improved macroeconomic indicators, including lower inflation and stable exchange rate conditions, played a key role in enhancing borrowers’ repayment capacity. As financial conditions eased toward the latter part of the year, businesses and households were better able to manage their debt obligations, contributing to the decline in NPLs.

The SBP also emphasized that prudent regulatory oversight and risk management frameworks have strengthened the banking sector’s ability to monitor and manage credit risks effectively. Continued compliance with regulatory standards has helped ensure that banks maintain adequate provisions and capital buffers.

While the improvement in asset quality is encouraging, the report cautions that credit risks have not been completely eliminated. External uncertainties, including global economic volatility and geopolitical developments, could affect borrowers’ repayment capacity if they intensify.

Sustaining the improvement in asset quality will depend on continued economic stability, prudent lending practices, and effective risk management. A stable credit environment remains essential for supporting financial sector resilience and enabling banks to expand lending in a sustainable manner.

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Pakistan has achieved a milestone in the edible oil sector by becoming the first South Asian country to export olive oil to the United Arab Emirates, opening a new avenue for high-value agricultural exports.

“Loralai Olives has formally launched its olive oil sales in the UAE market, becoming the first Pakistani and South Asian olive oil brand to establish a commercial presence there,” Founder of Loralai Olives Shaukat Rasool told Wealth Pakistan.

He said Pakistan’s olive oil industry has the potential to emerge as a major export earner, estimating that the sector could generate nearly $2 billion in foreign exchange in the coming years if developed on commercial lines.

According to industry estimates, the UAE olive oil market is projected to reach $404 million by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing olive oil markets globally.

Loralai Olives has set an initial export target of $100,000 for the UAE market, with plans to increase shipments to $500,000 by the end of 2026 as distribution partnerships and market visibility expand.

While the global olive oil trade has traditionally been dominated by Spain, Italy and Greece, the Middle East and Africa olive oil market — valued at $834 million in 2024 — is projected to grow to $1.21 billion by 2032.

Within this expanding market, Loralai Olives is positioning itself as a distinctive new entrant rather than a direct competitor to established European brands.

“Loralai Olives extra virgin olive oil is sourced from olives grown in the high-altitude regions of Balochistan, Pothohar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where mineral-rich soils and cool weather produce a distinctive flavour profile new to the global olive oil market,” Shaukat said.

The UAE launch includes the company’s flagship varieties, including Fajr — Pakistan’s first early-harvest extra virgin olive oil — along with the internationally recognised Arbequina monovarietal and Frantoio, known for their fresh, fruity and mildly peppery flavour profile.

Following its UAE debut, Loralai Olives plans to obtain international quality certifications, increase production capacity and expand exports to other Gulf markets and Europe.

Shaukat said the company also intends to target major olive oil importing countries, including the United States, China, Japan and other Gulf Cooperation Council states.

According to him, China represents a particularly attractive market because of its growing health-conscious consumer base and heavy dependence on imported olive oil.

He noted that China imports olive oil worth more than $300 million annually, creating significant opportunities for new exporters.

Pakistan’s olive sector gained international recognition last year when Loralai Olives secured a silver award at the prestigious New York International Olive Oil Competition, where more than 1,200 brands from leading olive-producing countries participated.

With global demand for healthy edible oils continuing to rise, Pakistan’s entry into premium export markets could help strengthen the country’s agricultural export basket in the coming years.

Shaukat said Loralai Olives also plans to expand operations in a way that supports small olive growers in Balochistan while contributing to the long-term development of Pakistan’s olive industry.

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Pakistan’s economy regained momentum during the first half of fiscal year 2025-26 as industrial activity rebounded sharply, inflation eased significantly, and macroeconomic stability improved despite flood-related disruptions and rising global uncertainty, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s Half Year Report 2025-26.

The central bank said real GDP expanded by 3.8 percent in H1-FY26, almost double the 1.9 percent growth recorded in the same period last year, reflecting broad-based improvement across industry, services and agriculture. The recovery was supported by lower inflation, easing borrowing costs, fiscal consolidation and relative stability in the external account.

The report described the improvement as a sign that Pakistan’s stabilisation policies were beginning to produce tangible economic gains after years of severe macroeconomic stress marked by high inflation, exchange-rate volatility and weak industrial output.

Industry emerged as the primary growth driver during the review period, recording 8.1 percent growth compared with just 0.5 percent a year earlier. Large-scale manufacturing (LSM), which had remained under pressure for three consecutive years, posted a recovery of 4.8 percent in H1-FY26.

The central bank attributed the rebound mainly to improved domestic demand, declining financing costs and easing input prices. Automobile production, textile manufacturing and petroleum products were among the major contributors to industrial expansion.

The report noted that stable exchange rates and moderation in inflation had helped restore business confidence, encouraging firms to increase production and investment activity. Construction-related sectors also improved due to higher public development spending and government-backed housing incentives.

Agriculture, while facing climate-related challenges, also contributed positively to overall growth. The sector expanded by 2.2 percent during H1-FY26, supported primarily by livestock growth, which offset flood-related damage to some major crops. Rice and sugarcane output performed better than initially feared after coordinated flood-response measures helped contain losses in affected areas.

The services sector grew 3.1 percent in H1 of FY-26, benefiting from stronger activity in wholesale and retail trade, transportation and public administration. The improved performance of commodity-producing sectors generated positive spillovers into services, reinforcing the broader recovery trend.

One of the most notable developments during the period was the sharp moderation in inflation. Average national CPI inflation fell to 5.2 percent in H1-FY26 from 7.2 percent in the same period last year, moving close to the lower bound of the central bank’s medium-term target range.

The easing in inflation was driven largely by lower energy prices, exchange-rate stability and softer global commodity prices. Electricity tariff adjustments and reforms in the power sector also contributed to reduced energy inflation.

However, the report warned that food inflation remained elevated due to lower wheat production, flood-related supply disruptions and inefficiencies in agricultural commodity markets. Core inflation also remained relatively sticky because of persistent pressures from rents, education costs and wage adjustments.

The central bank maintained a cautious monetary policy stance despite the inflation slowdown. The policy rate was held steady during July-October 2025 before being reduced by 50 basis points in December 2025, bringing the cumulative reduction since June 2024 to 1,150 basis points.

Fiscal performance also showed significant improvement. Pakistan posted a fiscal surplus in H1-FY26 for the first time since FY02, primarily because of a sharp decline in interest payments and continued fiscal consolidation efforts. The improvement created additional fiscal space for development spending, subsidies and social-sector support.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s external position strengthened further during the review period. Workers’ remittances remained robust, foreign exchange reserves increased to $16.1 billion and the exchange rate remained relatively stable. The current account deficit stayed contained despite a widening trade gap caused by stronger imports and weaker exports.

The report said remittances continued to play a critical role in financing Pakistan’s trade imbalance, supported by favourable labour market conditions in Gulf economies and measures aimed at encouraging formal remittance inflows.

Despite the improvement in key macroeconomic indicators, the central bank cautioned that structural weaknesses continued to limit Pakistan’s long-term growth potential. Low investment, weak export competitiveness, subdued foreign direct investment and a persistently low tax-to-GDP ratio remained major constraints on sustainable economic expansion.

The SBP also warned that geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing war in the Middle East, posed growing risks to Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook through higher oil prices, supply-chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

While the overall outlook for FY26 remained broadly stable, the report stressed that sustaining economic recovery would require deep structural reforms aimed at improving productivity, boosting exports and attracting investment into higher-value sectors of the economy.

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As Pakistan struggles with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases and mounting pressure on its overstretched healthcare system, health experts say China’s rapidly evolving community healthcare model offers a practical roadmap for reform.

They believe Pakistan can draw important lessons from China’s push to strengthen grassroots healthcare, improve medicine supply systems and integrate artificial intelligence into primary care services to reduce preventable deaths, ease pressure on major hospitals and improve healthcare access in underserved communities.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has launched a major initiative to strengthen its tiered diagnosis and treatment system, aimed at ensuring that common and chronic illnesses are managed at local clinics while more complex cases are referred to higher-level hospitals.

According to the NHC, more than 1.1 million medical and healthcare facilities now serve urban and rural communities across China, with over 90 percent of residents able to access the nearest health centre within 15 minutes.

A central feature of these reforms is the development of specialised chronic disease departments at the grassroots level, alongside improvements in medicine coordination and the introduction of AI-assisted diagnostics and pre-prescription review systems in primary healthcare settings.

Pakistan, by contrast, continues to struggle with an overstretched healthcare system despite its sizeable network of facilities.

The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25 reports that the country has 1,696 hospitals and 5,434 Basic Health Units nationwide, while public health expenditure stood at Rs924.9 billion, equivalent to just 0.9 percent of GDP in FY2024.

At the same time, Pakistan is facing a rapidly rising disease burden. WHO-linked research published in the Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal estimates that non-communicable diseases account for nearly 58 percent of all deaths in the country, making stronger community-level healthcare essential for prevention, cost containment and easing pressure on hospitals.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Hassam Khan Durrani, Country Director at Health Systems Insight, described chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases as a rapidly escalating public health crisis in Pakistan.

“Chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, etc., constitute a rapidly escalating public health crisis in Pakistan, currently accounting for approximately 58-60 percent of all annual deaths,” he said.

Durrani argued that Pakistan could significantly reduce premature deaths by following China’s example and shifting its focus from curative treatment to preventive and community-level healthcare.

He said strengthening primary healthcare could help prevent more than 600,000 premature deaths annually.

According to him, more than half of Pakistan’s NCD-related deaths are linked to modifiable lifestyle and dietary habits, making preventive strategies critical for both public health and economic sustainability.

Discussing the role of artificial intelligence, Durrani said AI still requires careful technical and ethical oversight before independent deployment in healthcare systems, but it already has immense potential to support frontline healthcare workers.

He noted that recent research suggests the biggest healthcare challenge in many low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan, is no longer merely access to healthcare but the quality of care being delivered.

In this context, he said AI-assisted systems can help improve diagnostic accuracy, enable timely interventions and support frontline workers operating in resource-constrained environments.

Durrani added that AI deployment is likely to emerge first in support functions such as medical supply chains, where demand forecasting, inventory management and logistics technologies are already relatively advanced.

Dr Muhammad Ayaz Khan, Consultant at the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, offered a complementary perspective grounded in the operational realities of Pakistan’s healthcare system.

“Reliable medicine supply systems and the responsible integration of technology are increasingly becoming central pillars of effective primary healthcare,” he said.

Dr Ayaz identified the inconsistent availability of essential medicines at frontline healthcare facilities as one of the most persistent weaknesses in Pakistan’s primary healthcare system.

He said frequent stockouts, weak forecasting mechanisms, fragmented procurement systems and supply chain disruptions continue to undermine healthcare delivery and erode patient trust.

To address these issues, Dr Ayaz called for digitising inventory monitoring across Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centres, improving coordination between provincial warehouses and frontline facilities, and strengthening cold-chain and emergency logistics systems.

On AI-assisted diagnostics, he acknowledged their potential to improve early disease detection and clinical decision-making in underserved areas, but stressed that technology should complement healthcare workers rather than replace them.

“Technology must strengthen healthcare workers, not replace them,” he emphasised.

Dr Ayaz also highlighted the need for strong regulatory oversight, healthcare worker training, patient data protection and the validation of AI tools against local disease patterns before their large-scale adoption.

Referring to the WHO Emergency, Critical and Operative Primary Healthcare framework, he underscored the importance of integrating digital health technologies into existing healthcare systems instead of creating fragmented parallel structures.

“For Pakistan, the future of primary healthcare will depend on the country’s ability to combine resilient medicine supply systems with people-centred technological innovation,” he said.

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The Ministry of Energy is working on a time-of-use (ToU) electricity package for the industrial sector that would allow manufacturers to utilize surplus daytime power at significantly lower rates, as Pakistan seeks to balance a rapidly changing demand profile driven by large-scale solar adoption.

“We have consulted the industrial sector in this regard. Once the package is introduced, industries will get electricity at a rate of Rs6 per unit during the daytime while continuing to pay fixed charges,” Syed Faizan Ali, Energy Advisor to the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), told Wealth Pakistan.

He said industrial consumers would receive electricity at a rate of Rs10 per unit during nighttime hours, in addition to fixed charges.

At present, Pakistan’s industrial sector pays around Rs30 per unit, excluding fixed charges, making electricity costs one of the key challenges affecting industrial competitiveness.

According to Ali, the proposed package is intended to address the growing gap between daytime and nighttime electricity demand caused by the ongoing solarisation boom across the country.

Massive consumer-led adoption of solar energy has fundamentally reshaped Pakistan’s electricity demand pattern, significantly reducing reliance on the national grid during daylight hours.

“Daytime power demand is currently hovering between 13,000 and 14,000 megawatts, while demand at night is around 22,500 megawatts,” he said.

The government is also pursuing complementary measures to increase electricity consumption during off-peak periods. Alongside the industrial ToU package, it plans to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which would increase electricity usage through battery charging.

Ali said a policy for the promotion of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is also under consideration, enabling consumers to store cheaper electricity generated during the day for use during nighttime hours.

“A policy to encourage local production of BESS is also being pursued so that people can benefit from this technology more easily,” he said.

According to Ali, the government is taking steps to ensure adequate electricity supply during peak nighttime demand.

“When solar systems kick in during the daytime, we reduce the use of reserve generation sources such as hydel and gas-fired power plants so that they can be utilized at night,” he said.

He explained that hydropower and gas-fired plants can be brought online quickly when demand rises, whereas coal-fired and nuclear power plants are comparatively less flexible in adjusting output.

Ali said the Ministry of Energy has also decided not to initiate any new imported fossil fuel-based power projects as part of broader efforts to reduce Pakistan’s import bill and lower electricity generation costs.

According to him, electricity generation from fossil fuels has declined significantly in recent years due to sustained policy measures.

“In 2020, power generation from fossil fuels accounted for 60 percent of the total energy mix. Today, that share has fallen to 45 percent,” he said.

He added that all new power projects are now based on local fuel sources or renewable energy, including solar, wind and hydropower.

“We want to increase the share of renewable and non-fossil-fuel energy in Pakistan’s power mix to 90 percent within the next few years,” Ali said.

Under that vision, only 10 percent of electricity would be generated from fossil fuels, with imported fuels accounting for just 5 percent of the total energy mix.

“These measures could reduce the fossil-fuel import bill from $2.4 billion to around $0.4 billion,” he added.

The industrial community has welcomed the government’s efforts to lower electricity costs and improve the availability of affordable energy for manufacturers.

“By lowering energy prices for the industrial sector, the government can make Pakistani products more competitive in international markets,” said Zaki Aijaz, Senior Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said Pakistan’s industrial sector currently faces significantly higher energy costs than regional competitors, including India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

He urged the government to implement the proposed low-tariff package without delay and translate policy announcements into practical relief for industry.

Aijaz also argued that no new Independent Power Producer (IPP) plants should be established, saying capacity payments to existing plants have been a major factor behind Pakistan’s high electricity costs.

He further called for the abolition of peak-hour tariff slabs to facilitate consumers and improve affordability across the country.

Industry stakeholders believe that lower-cost electricity, coupled with a more balanced and efficient power system, could help boost industrial output, improve export competitiveness and support broader economic growth.

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Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has significantly accelerated the monetisation of its hydrocarbon discoveries, and its latest additions contributed around 9,734 barrels per day (BPD) of oil and 74.25 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas, representing the strongest production gains during the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2025-26.

According to the official data available with Wealth Pakistan, the newly connected wells were spread across Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Balochistan, highlighting wider geographical diversification of exploration and production activities.

OGDCL has brought 35 wells and fields into production over the past four fiscal years, according to the official data. The development reflects the state-owned exploration giant’s continued push to enhance domestic energy supplies amid Pakistan’s growing dependence on imported fuel.

Documents show that OGDCL added 11 wells to production during FY2025-26 up to April, matching the highest level recorded in FY2023-24, while also recording a sharp increase in oil and gas output from the newly connected fields.

According to the year-wise breakup, OGDCL brought five wells into production during FY2022-23, contributing 990 BPD of oil and 18.28 MMSCFD of gas. Most of these wells were located in Sindh, while one was situated in KP.

In FY2023-24, the company sharply expanded development activity by bringing 11 wells online. These wells added 4,398 BPD of oil and 43.23 MMSCFD of gas. Sindh remained the leading province with seven wells, followed by KP with three wells and Balochistan with one.

During FY2024-25, OGDCL connected eight wells to the national production system. While oil output from these wells declined to 744 BPD, gas output remained substantial at 41.80 MMSCFD. The province-wise distribution included five wells in Sindh, one in KP and two in Balochistan.

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However, the most notable improvement came during the current fiscal year up to April 2026, when oil output from newly monetised wells surged to 9,734 BPD — more than the combined production recorded in the previous three years. Gas output also climbed to 74.25 MMSCFD.

Industry experts said the accelerated pace of production was crucial for Pakistan’s energy security, as the country continues to face pressure from rising import bills and foreign exchange constraints. Increased indigenous oil and gas production can help reduce reliance on costly imported LNG and petroleum products.

The Pakistani rupee remained broadly stable against major international currencies during May 2026, posting a modest appreciation against the US dollar amid improving foreign exchange reserves and steady market sentiment.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) weighted average customer exchange rates, the US dollar stood at Rs278.5019 for buying and Rs278.9270 for selling on May 4. By the end of the first week on May 8, the rates had eased to Rs278.4300 and Rs278.8551, respectively.

The rupee continued to strengthen gradually during the month. By May 15, the dollar had declined to Rs278.3386 for buying and Rs278.7637 for selling, while on May 22 it stood at Rs278.2463 and Rs278.6714. The greenback closed the month on May 29 at Rs278.2235 for buying and Rs278.6486 for selling, reflecting a slight appreciation of the rupee over the period.

The euro also recorded limited movement. It opened at Rs326.6799 for buying and Rs327.1676 for selling on May 4, edged up slightly during the first week, and then softened during the remainder of the month. By May 29, it stood at Rs323.9556 for buying and Rs324.4528 for selling.

The British pound followed a similar trend. It opened at Rs378.4040 for buying and Rs378.9892 for selling on May 4 and declined to Rs373.8372 and Rs374.4319, respectively, by the end of the month.

Among other major currencies, the Saudi riyal remained largely stable, moving from Rs74.2519 for buying and Rs74.3601 for selling at the beginning of the month to Rs74.1408 and Rs74.2490 by May 29.

The Chinese yuan strengthened during the month, rising from Rs40.7904 for buying and Rs40.8426 for selling to Rs41.1039 and Rs41.1567, respectively. In contrast, the Japanese yen weakened from Rs1.7769 and Rs1.7795 to Rs1.7466 and Rs1.7492 over the same period.

The rupee’s stable performance came against a mixed macroeconomic backdrop. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation accelerated to 10.9 percent year-on-year in April 2026, the highest level since July 2024, compared with 7.3 percent in March.

At the same time, Pakistan’s economy recorded growth of 3.99 percent during the third quarter of FY26, supported largely by a 4.7 percent expansion in the industrial sector.

External sector indicators also provided support to market sentiment. Pakistan successfully issued its inaugural three-year Panda Bond worth $250 million in China at a coupon rate of 2.5 percent, with investor demand exceeding the offering by more than five times.

Meanwhile, the country’s liquid foreign exchange reserves increased to $22.65 billion as of May 22, 2026, helping strengthen confidence in the rupee and the broader external sector outlook.

However, external account pressures remain visible. Pakistan recorded a current account deficit of $252 million during the first 10 months of FY26, compared with a surplus of $1.662 billion during the same period last year. In April 2026 alone, the current account posted a deficit of $324 million, reversing the surplus of $1.134 billion recorded in March.

On the fiscal side, Pakistan’s budget deficit stood at Rs856 billion, or 0.7 percent of GDP, during the first nine months of FY26. Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collections reached Rs9.306 trillion, reflecting a 10 percent year-on-year increase.

Industrial activity also showed encouraging signs. Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) output rose 11 percent year-on-year in March, although it declined 9.3 percent compared with the previous month.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Syed Zafar Abbas, Manager at Zahid Latif Securities, said rising energy prices, core inflation and food inflation continue to affect household budgets and overall economic conditions.

He noted that inflation was increasing the cost of living, particularly for daily wage earners and lower-income groups.

“Pakistan’s rupee is stable, but until inflation and energy prices come down, pressure on ordinary people may continue,” Abbas said. He added that easing regional tensions could help improve sentiment further in the coming months.

Overall, the rupee’s performance in May reflected a relatively stable exchange-rate environment supported by stronger foreign exchange reserves and limited volatility in the dollar. However, inflationary pressures, energy costs and external account challenges remain key factors shaping the currency’s outlook in the months ahead.

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As supply chains across the Asia-Pacific continue to undergo a major realignment, Pakistan is increasingly positioning itself as a regional trade connector, offering alternative transit routes that can reduce delays, diversify trade corridors and enhance resilience against geopolitical and shipping disruptions.

The global trade landscape is evolving rapidly. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade in goods and services surpassed $35 trillion in 2025, with merchandise trade expanding by around 6.5 percent and services trade by nearly 9 percent. However, the agency has also warned that international commerce is becoming more regionalised and fragmented as countries seek greater supply-chain resilience.

Similarly, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cautioned that prolonged instability in the Middle East could weigh on economic growth across developing Asia and the Pacific during 2026 and 2027, prompting regional economies to place greater emphasis on alternative trade routes and logistics safeguards.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s strategic location offers a significant advantage. Gwadar Port has long been envisioned as a regional transit and transhipment hub linking South Asia with Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, while also serving the trade needs of Afghanistan, western China and the landlocked Central Asian republics. As businesses seek shorter and more reliable supply routes connecting the Arabian Sea with Central Asia and western China, this geographic position is becoming increasingly valuable.

Recent policy initiatives have reinforced Pakistan’s connectivity ambitions. In April 2026, the government implemented the Transit of Goods Through Pakistan Order 2026, facilitating cargo movement through Gwadar, Taftan and Karachi for goods destined for Iran. The same month, Pakistan and Tajikistan agreed to deepen cooperation on trade and transit, including the development of corridor mechanisms, logistics hubs, offloading facilities and multimodal transport links connecting Central Asia with China through Pakistan.

Further momentum came in May 2026 when Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to an upgraded CPEC 2.0 framework. The joint statement highlighted plans to enhance the utilisation of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub, alongside stronger industrial collaboration and supply-chain integration between the two countries.

The economic importance of these efforts is evident from Pakistan’s external sector challenges. Data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed the country recorded a trade deficit of $4.284 billion in April 2026, while the cumulative trade gap during July-April FY2025-26 reached $32.199 billion. The State Bank of Pakistan also reported a current account deficit for April. In such circumstances, expanding transit trade, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs handling and port-related services could provide valuable non-traditional sources of revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

Pakistan already possesses a substantial logistics base. During FY2024-25, Port Qasim handled 45.305 million tonnes of cargo and more than one million TEUs, while accommodating 1,544 vessel calls. Gwadar Port has also introduced measures to improve competitiveness, including a 25 percent reduction in berthing charges, a 40 percent cut in international transhipment container cargo fees and a 31 percent reduction in transit container cargo charges announced in May 2026.

Industry experts argue that Pakistan’s challenge is no longer its location but the efficiency of its logistics ecosystem. Faiz Hanif, a logistics technology professional associated with Maalbardaar, noted in the company’s May 25, 2026 supply-chain update that port activity remained robust, but logistics costs continued to be influenced by fuel prices, exchange-rate fluctuations, documentation delays, global energy risks and inland freight expenses.

His assessment highlights a critical requirement for Pakistan’s regional trade ambitions: efficient execution. Faster customs processing, improved shipment visibility, better landed-cost management and more flexible freight planning will be essential if traders are to view Pakistan’s corridors as dependable commercial routes rather than merely geographic alternatives.

Pakistan’s case as a regional trade connector is stronger today than it has been in years. However, translating potential into tangible economic gains will depend on effective implementation. If Gwadar’s tariff reforms, CPEC 2.0 initiatives, Iran transit facilitation measures, Central Asian corridor projects and digital customs modernisation efforts advance in parallel, Pakistan could successfully transform its strategic location into a competitive supply-chain service platform for Asia-Pacific trade.

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In a major move, Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to outsource its nationwide schools network under a long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, according to documents available with Wealth Pakistan.

The outsourcing process will follow a single-stage, two-envelope bidding process under the Rehabilitate, Upgrade, Operate and Transfer (RUOT) model. The schools will be handed over to the private concessionaires for 30 years. The concession period will include a two-year mobilization phase, during which the selected private operators will be responsible for infrastructure development and operational planning.

The bidders will primarily be evaluated on financial strength, and in the financial evaluation, at least 65 percent of the marks will be mandatory for qualification. Significant financial guarantees have also been proposed. The bid security requirements include Rs10 million for schools in provincial capitals, Rs5 million for district headquarters schools, and Rs3 million for schools located at tehsil level.

According to documents, the private concessionaires will be required to make a one-time upfront payment for each project. In addition, a revenue-sharing formula has been proposed under which a benchmark of at least 10 percent of gross revenue will be set as the minimum share payable to the department.

The department has also reserved 5,000 seats for children of railway employees under a quota arrangement. The fee for the students has been fixed at Rs1,000 per month with an annual increase capped at 5 percent.

The capital expenditure (Capex) and operating expenditure (Opex) related to rehabilitation, upgradation, utilities, and salaries of contractual staff will be borne entirely by the concessionaire. This means the private operators will assume full financial responsibility for running the institutions during the concession period.

Under the quality standards, the concessionaires will be responsible for the overall implementation, financing, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the allotted schools strictly in accordance with the concession agreement. Pakistan Railways, however, will retain monitoring and oversight authority and may appoint its officials or independent consultants to regularly assess educational standards, teacher performance, infrastructure quality, and compliance with agreed benchmarks throughout the concession period.

The documents also indicate that the procedure for outsourcing schools, recruitment process, and advertisements for clerical posts will be reviewed by a committee before final placement, suggesting centralized oversight over staffing decisions.

The development comes as the department continues exploring alternative revenue models and public-private partnerships to reduce operational losses and improve service delivery across its non-core sectors.

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Pakistan’s liquid foreign exchange reserves rose to $22.646 billion by May 22, 2026, reflecting a notable improvement in the country’s external liquidity position and strengthening its capacity to meet external payment obligations.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $21.336 billion on May 8. The reserves increased sharply to $22.588 billion by May 15 and further improved to $22.646 billion by May 22.

The increase was driven primarily by higher central bank reserves. SBP-held reserves rose from $15.867 billion on May 8 to $17.081 billion on May 15 and reached $17.147 billion by May 22.

Meanwhile, foreign exchange reserves held by commercial banks remained relatively stable during the period. Their reserves stood at $5.469 billion on May 8, increased to $5.507 billion by May 15 and edged slightly lower to $5.499 billion by May 22.

The latest weekly data indicate a significant recovery from the end of April, when total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $20.803 billion. By May 22, reserves had increased by approximately $1.843 billion, reversing the decline recorded during the previous month.

The improvement also reflects a broader strengthening trend in Pakistan’s reserve position over the past year. Total liquid foreign exchange reserves stood at $16.076 billion at the end of May 2025 and increased to $19.269 billion by the end of June 2025.

After remaining around the $19 billion mark during the following months, reserves crossed $20.838 billion by December 2025, indicating continued progress in rebuilding external buffers.

During 2026, reserves continued to strengthen gradually. They stood at $20.971 billion in January, $21.060 billion in February and $21.331 billion in March before declining to $20.803 billion in April. The sharp increase recorded in May helped restore the upward trajectory.

SBP data also show a substantial recovery from the low level of $9.160 billion recorded at the end of FY2023. Reserves improved to $13.996 billion by the end of FY2024 and further increased to $19.269 billion by the end of FY2025, reflecting a marked improvement in Pakistan’s external sector position over the past three years.

The rise in foreign exchange reserves is important for the economy, as stronger reserve buffers help enhance market confidence, support exchange-rate stability and improve the country’s ability to manage external financing requirements.

Higher reserves also provide policymakers with greater flexibility in responding to external shocks and strengthening investor confidence in the country’s macroeconomic outlook.

Overall, the latest SBP data show that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves improved significantly in May, mainly due to higher central bank holdings. However, sustaining this momentum will depend on continued external inflows, export growth, workers’ remittances and prudent management of external payment obligations.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its strong upward momentum in May 2026, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining 10,969 points month-on-month to close at 173,963, delivering a return of 6.7 percent amid improving investor sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns.

The market remained broadly positive throughout the month as optimism grew over progress in ongoing US-Iran negotiations and a decline in international oil prices. Investor confidence was further supported by Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomatic engagement, helping ease concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies and encouraging fresh buying across key sectors.

Trading activity, however, moderated during the latter part of the month due to Eid holidays. According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), average daily traded volume declined 23.7 percent month-on-month to 708.6 million shares, while average daily traded value fell 24.6 percent to $111.7 million.

The month also witnessed several notable macroeconomic developments. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 10.9 percent in April 2026, while Pakistan’s economy expanded by 3.99 percent during the third quarter of FY26, driven largely by industrial growth. Pakistan also successfully issued its first-ever $250 million Panda Bond in China at a coupon rate of 2.5 percent, with investor demand exceeding the offering by more than five times.

According to AHL, the May rally was led primarily by heavyweight sectors. The banking sector contributed 2,663 points to the index, followed by fertilizer with 2,218 points, exploration and production with 1,737 points, and cement with 1,696 points.

At the company level, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) emerged as the largest contributor, adding 1,856 points to the benchmark index. Other major contributors included United Bank Limited (UBL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Lucky Cement (LUCK) and Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), reflecting broad-based support from blue-chip stocks. On the downside, Attock Refinery Limited (ATRL), Attock Petroleum Limited (APL), Mehmood Textile Mills (MEHT), Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Thal Limited (THALL) were among the notable laggards.

Sectoral performance also reflected improving sentiment across selected segments. The woollen sector led gains with a 31 percent increase, followed by tobacco at 16 percent, fertilizer at 15 percent, synthetic at 13 percent and miscellaneous sectors at 12 percent.

Among individual stocks, TRG Pakistan, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), Pioneer Cement (PIOC), Service Industries (SRVI) and Ghandhara Automobiles (GADT) recorded gains of 32 percent, 31 percent, 28 percent, 26 percent and 22 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, MEHT, YOUW, APL, ATRL, IBFL and THALL ranked among the worst performers during the month.

Trading volumes remained concentrated in a handful of sectors, with oil and gas marketing companies (OGMCs), technology, power, food, investment banks and commercial banks accounting for the largest share of activity. On a stock-wise basis, K-Electric (KEL), Hascol Petroleum (HASCOL), Cnergyico (CNERGY), Bank of Punjab (BOP) and WorldCall Telecom (WTL) led trading volumes.

In value terms, banks topped the list with average daily traded value of $17 million, followed by cement at $14 million, exploration and production at $12 million, OGMCs at $10 million and technology at $9 million. At the company level, OGDC, PPL, BOP, DG Khan Cement (DGKC) and HASCOL recorded the highest traded values.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Syed Zafar Abbas, Manager at Zahid Latif Securities, said the stock market had performed better than expected during May, with the benchmark index recovering strongly after recently falling to the 162,000-163,000 range.

He said the improvement came gradually as tensions surrounding the US-Iran tensions eased, allowing the market to end the month on a positive note despite periods of volatility.

“Not only Pakistan’s stock market, but stock markets around the world have also rebounded, while gold and crude oil markets have remained under pressure. As the situation improves, there is room for further improvement,” Abbas said.

Meanwhile, Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, said the PSX witnessed another strong trading session at month-end, with the KSE-100 Index rising 2,238 points, or 1.30 percent, to close May at 173,963.

He said the market opened on a strong footing as investor sentiment strengthened amid encouraging progress in US-Iran negotiations and declining international oil prices. Broad-based buying emerged following positive developments over the Eid holidays, while expectations of a potential diplomatic breakthrough continued to support market optimism.

Looking ahead, Najib said developments in US-Iran negotiations would remain a key market trigger, although lingering uncertainty could continue to generate volatility across regional markets.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

Despite their superior quality and geographical proximity to China, Pakistani pine nuts currently account for only a modest share of China's rapidly expanding premium nut market, according to a China Economic Net's report.

Pakistan's chilgoza (pine nut) forests are concentrated in North and South Waziristan, along with parts of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to Amjad Zarin, Associate Professor at Jilin International Studies University, North and South Waziristan contribute around 80–85 percent of the country's total pine nut output.

North Waziristan produces an estimated 1,700–2,000 metric tons annually, while South Waziristan adds 800–900 metric tons. Pakistan's overall chilgoza production typically ranges between 2,100 and 2,900 metric tons per year, with higher yields possible under favorable weather conditions, he told China Economic Net (CEN).

Chinese demand for Pakistani pine nuts has surged over the past few years, driven by rising consumer interest in healthy snacks and premium imported food products.

According to data from The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), Pakistan's pine nut exports to China nearly doubled between 2023 and 2025.

Pakistan's Pine Nut Exports to China. Abdul Mateen, CEO of AM Enterprises, told China Economic Net that his company has been exporting Pakistani pine nuts to China for the past 12 years.

He noted that Chinese consumers highly prefer Pakistani chilgoza due to its thin shell, crispy texture, and mild flavor. According to traders, nearly 80–90 percent of Pakistan's pine nut exports are now destined for the Chinese market.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs (GACC), Pakistan's pine nut exports to China recorded robust growth between 2023 and 2025, with export volumes nearly doubling from 579.8 tons to 1,147 tons.

Export earnings surged from $8.2 million in 2023 to a peak of $18.8 million in 2024 before easing slightly to $17.9 million in 2025.

Abdul Mateen, working closely with China since 2014, says China and Pakistan have significant room to deepen cooperation in agricultural processing and value-added exports.

Key areas include modern cleaning and sorting systems, dehydration technology, roasting and deep-processing facilities, advanced packaging, and cold-chain logistics.

Such collaboration could enhance product quality, extend shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses, and help Pakistani exporters develop premium retail products for global markets.

Expanding e-commerce cooperation would also give Pakistani pine nuts wider access to Chinese consumers and strengthen bilateral agricultural trade.

Rising Prices Reflect Strong Demand: Pine nut prices inside Pakistan have risen sharply over recent years due to strong global demand. According to local traders, Pine nuts prices in Islamabad range between PKR 4,500 and 8,000 per kilogram in 2025-2026, while export-quality nuts can fetch up to PKR 12,000 per kilogram.

Abdual Mateen told that within China the average price was RMB 130 per KG in 2025.

Amjad told CEN that in Wana Bazaar, prices were from around PKR 2,200–2,500 per kilogram in 2025 to nearly PKR 2,700 during winter due to seasonal demand and almost same this year so far.

Industry experts regard China as the most promising export destination for Pakistani pine nuts, supported by its vast consumer base and rising demand for premium imported foods.

Despite the product's high quality, Pakistan's pine nut sector faces challenges including limited processing facilities, inadequate packaging, and inconsistent quality standards.

Experts believe that stronger cooperation with Chinese investors, food-processing companies, and e-commerce platforms could help modernize the industry and increase value-added exports.

Improved processing, branding, certification, and supply chain management would enable Pakistani pine nuts to compete more effectively in China's premium nut market.

China’s renewed focus on disaster prevention, community-level emergency response systems and public preparedness offers valuable experience for Pakistan as climate-induced floods, heatwaves, landslides and urban flooding continue to challenge the country’s resilience and response capacity, experts say.

China has recently called for strengthening natural disaster prevention and emergency response mechanisms, including integrating safety and resilience considerations into territorial planning and infrastructure development.

According to a report published by China’s state-run news agency Xinhua, the country is also focusing on raising safety standards for critical infrastructure in major cities and disaster-prone regions, improving monitoring and early-warning systems, refining emergency response plans and enhancing community-level rescue capabilities.

The policy focus has been reflected in China’s recent flood management efforts. China’s Ministry of Water Resources has activated a Level-IV flood-control emergency response for Anhui, Henan, Chongqing and Shaanxi, while maintaining the same level of alert in Jiangxi, Hubei and Hunan.

For Pakistan, the relevance is significant. The Pakistan Floods 2022 Post-Disaster Needs Assessment estimated that the devastating floods caused damages exceeding $14.9 billion and economic losses of approximately $15.2 billion. The assessment further projected that at least $16.3 billion would be required for resilient recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Meanwhile, UNESCO’s 2026 review of Pakistan’s Flood Early Warning System highlighted persistent challenges in data integration, inter-agency coordination, localized warning mechanisms, community engagement and last-mile communication, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms in disaster management.

Pakistan already possesses some important foundations for community resilience. According to the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, hazard and risk maps have been prepared for 828 villages covering more than 1.1 million residents in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, along with 112 maps for urban settlements.

Experts believe Pakistan does not need to replicate China’s model in its entirety. However, adapting key elements such as risk-sensitive urban planning, integrated early-warning systems and trained community volunteer networks could significantly reduce disaster losses, accelerate emergency response and strengthen long-term resilience against climate-related shocks.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Arif Goheer, Executive Director of the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre, said Pakistan’s urban resilience strategy must be built on scientific risk assessments, climate projections and effective regulatory enforcement.

He noted that nearly 40 percent of Pakistan’s population now resides in urban areas, while increasingly frequent extreme rainfall events are overwhelming aging drainage networks and urban infrastructure.

According to Goheer, rapid urban expansion into flood-prone areas, encroachments on natural drainage channels, weak enforcement of seismic building standards and inadequate stormwater management systems have heightened disaster risks in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad.

He stressed the need to revise and strictly enforce building codes to incorporate flood-resilient, heat-resilient and earthquake-resistant standards, particularly for housing schemes, public infrastructure, hospitals, schools and transport networks.

On early-warning systems, Goheer said China’s experience demonstrates that disaster risk reduction is most effective when advanced forecasting technologies, integrated data platforms and strong institutional coordination function together.

He recommended integrating the Pakistan Meteorological Department, National Disaster Management Authority, Water and Power Development Authority, Federal Flood Commission, provincial disaster management authorities, research institutions and local administrations into a unified national climate and disaster intelligence system.

He further emphasized the need for wider Doppler radar coverage, high-resolution weather forecasting, flash-flood guidance systems, glacial lake outburst flood monitoring and artificial intelligence-based risk analytics to strengthen Pakistan’s preparedness.

Muneeb Tariq, a doctoral researcher at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom, told Wealth Pakistan that Pakistan’s urban growth has consistently outpaced regulatory oversight, particularly in flood plains and seismically active areas.

He said that while Pakistan has building codes and zoning regulations, implementation remains weak and the gap between planning and enforcement continues to expose communities to avoidable risks.

Tariq argued that flood-plain mapping and seismic risk assessments should become mandatory prerequisites for development approvals, particularly in vulnerable cities such as Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi.

He added that Pakistan’s recent disaster experience demonstrates that warnings are often available, but the chain connecting detection, decision-making and community action frequently breaks down.

“The priority should be clear, pre-agreed protocols that define who issues alerts, who authorises evacuations and who coordinates emergency logistics,” he said.

Tariq also highlighted the importance of community-based disaster response, noting that neighbours, local elders and informal community networks are often the first responders long before formal institutions arrive on the scene.

Drawing on China’s community-level approach, he recommended establishing structured volunteer networks at the union council level and providing regular training in search and rescue, first aid and hazard awareness.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

China’s renewed emphasis on law-based governance and sustained action against organized crime offers valuable experience for Pakistan as illicit networks, smuggling, extortion and weak enforcement continue to undermine business confidence, investment security and formal economic activity, experts say.

According to a report published by China’s official news agency Xinhua, public security authorities have called for intensified and long-term action against organized crime, prioritizing key regions, strengthening grassroots governance and reinforcing rule-based institutions.

The policy direction carries particular relevance for Pakistan, where criminal networks frequently intersect with smuggling routes, informal markets, land disputes, extortion rackets, illegal financial activities and gaps in institutional coordination.

The experts believe Pakistan can draw an important insight from China’s law-based governance model: economic reform and enforcement reform must advance together. Protecting investment, trade and enterprise requires coordinated policing, stronger financial intelligence systems, efficient courts and accountable local governance.

A more secure and predictable business environment, they said, would help strengthen formal markets, encourage investment and support sustainable economic growth.

Tariq Khosa, former director general of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), noted in an article published by Dawn that organized crime in Pakistan has become deeply entrenched across multiple sectors, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, firearms trafficking, cybercrime and financial fraud.

Similarly, the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), has identified the illegal economy as a major governance and development challenge that weakens the rule of law, distorts markets and hampers economic stability.

Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Manzar Zaidi, a senior rule-of-law consultant specializing in counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism, said Pakistan’s law-enforcement response must evolve from fragmented policing toward an integrated national framework.

He said China’s anti-organized crime campaigns demonstrate that political commitment delivers sustainable results only when it is institutionalized through clear mandates, measurable performance indicators and continuity in enforcement.

According to Zaidi, Pakistan’s first priority should be the establishment of a National Organised Crime Authority (NOCA) to reduce fragmentation among the FIA, provincial police forces, Rangers and intelligence agencies.

He also advocated the creation of divisional economic crime wings equipped with financial forensic capabilities, arguing that the protection of business activity should become a core enforcement objective rather than a secondary consideration.

“District-level accountability scorecards should publicly track extortion complaints, business grievances and conviction rates, instead of focusing solely on arrest statistics,” he said.

Zaidi noted that Pakistan’s federal structure allows for a phased approach to reform. He suggested that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could serve as a pilot zone for integrated federal-provincial coordination, real-time crime monitoring systems and fast-track mechanisms to address business grievances.

He further emphasized that former FATA, interior Balochistan and parts of rural Sindh require targeted law-based interventions, as governance gaps in these regions continue to provide space for criminal networks to operate.

To strengthen institutional coordination, Zaidi proposed the development of a national Crime Management Information System linking the FIA, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), provincial police forces and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

He identified extortion networks, smuggling corridors and criminal infiltration of regulatory institutions as the three most significant threats to Pakistan’s economic activity, each requiring distinct legal and administrative responses.

Zaidi recommended the introduction of a dedicated anti-extortion law, arguing that existing provisions under the Pakistan Penal Code are insufficient to address organized gang-based extortion. He also called for stronger border governance through biometric controls, electronic cargo tracking systems and civil asset recovery mechanisms that enable authorities to seize criminal proceeds through court-supervised processes.

Muhammad Waseem, a PhD research scholar at the International Islamic University Islamabad, told Wealth Pakistan that Pakistan should strengthen customs enforcement through advanced surveillance technologies at border crossings to curb smuggling and illegal trade.

He said tighter monitoring of suspicious financial transactions, greater transparency in public institutions and wider adoption of modern financial technologies would strengthen governance and support economic growth.

According to Waseem, extortion, smuggling and organized criminal activity impose significant costs on businesses by disrupting supply chains, discouraging investment and increasing operational risks.

He urged financial regulators and law-enforcement agencies to expand their digital forensic capabilities and adopt a zero-tolerance approach where organized criminal networks threaten markets, investors and commercial activity.

Waseem also stressed the need to strengthen the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), accelerate criminal trials, improve witness protection mechanisms and enhance prosecutorial capacity to raise conviction rates and reinforce deterrence.

Credit: INP-WealthPk

Wajiha Qamar emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in higher education, research, and professional training programs to equip youth with modern skills and improve employment prospects.  She highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting international partnerships aimed at enhancing educational standards and creating new opportunities for students and professionals. Ambassador Yerzhan Kistafin reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s interest in deepening cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of education and human resource development. 

He expressed willingness to explore joint initiatives, including scholarship programs, technical training exchanges, and capacity-building opportunities for students and skilled workers from both countries.The meeting also discussed mechanisms for facilitating institutional linkages between educational organizations of the two countries and promoting mutual learning through academic and professional exchanges.  

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Under the new regulatory framework, all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to place standardized 2D barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. The system will enable regulators to monitor medicines from production to consumption, helping identify and eliminate counterfeit products from the market. Minister said the decision represented a major and historic step towards ensuring the availability of safe and authentic medicines in Pakistan. 

“This decision marks a major and historic step towards eliminating counterfeit, fake, and substandard medicines from Pakistan,” said Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. “For the first time, every medicine in the country will be digitally traceable and verifiable, ensuring greater transparency, safety, and accountability.” The Minister stated that once implemented, consumers will be able to access authentic information regarding a medicine’s expiry date, price, and verification status, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions and enhancing public trust in the pharmaceutical sector. 

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide rollout of the Track & Trace System. DRAP will also issue detailed technical guidelines to facilitate compliance by the pharmaceutical industry. Consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders have already been conducted to ensure a smooth transition. Mustafa Kamal emphasized that the initiative will significantly strengthen the security and quality of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain, replacing conventional monitoring mechanisms with a modern digital framework. 

He noted that the adoption of advanced technology will position Pakistan among the leading countries in the region in pharmaceutical regulation and oversight. “The Track & Trace System will establish a strong and effective barrier against counterfeit medicines and ensure the protection of public health, lives, and trust,” the Minister concluded. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

The concerned departments have been directed to keep alert and ensure necessary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the forecast period.  The National Disaster Management Authority earlier issued a weather advisory regarding dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain in different parts of the country from Tuesday to Friday.  The advisory quotes the detailed forecast of the Met Office, predicting dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain under the influence of a westerly wave likely to approach the country from Tuesday. 

Under the influence, scattered dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab.  In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, scattered rain, wind, and thunderstorms, accompanied by isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are likely in central and southern districts of the province.  Dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain are also expected in northeastern Balochistan, while in Sindh, dust storms, thunderstorms, and rain are likely in the upper parts of the province. 

In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, scattered rain-wind/thunderstorms, with isolated heavy falls and hailstorms, are expected in Neelum Valley, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur with occasional gaps.  Rain, wind, and thunderstorms are also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan, including Diamir, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Gilgit, Ghanche, and Shigar. The Met Office has warned that windstorms, hailstorms and lightning may damage vulnerable structures, including solar panels, electric poles and billboards, during the forecast period.  It has also warned of landslides in vulnerable areas of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)
 

Ahead of the signing ceremony, both sides reviewed the full spectrum of their traditionally cordial and cooperative bilateral relations, including collaboration at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the European Union. Officials from both countries described the agreement as a reflection of mutual trust and friendship, and a valuable addition to the existing framework of bilateral mechanisms for exchanges and cooperation. 

Pakistan and Italy already maintain broad-based relations covering trade, culture, science and technology, and defence cooperation, with multiple agreements and memoranda of understanding in place across various sectors. Cooperation between universities and think tanks also continues under existing arrangements. In the area of labour mobility and migration, Pakistan’s embassy in Rome has highlighted opportunities for Pakistani workers, including a reported quota of 10,500 jobs in Italy. 

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday extended greetings to Italian President Sergio Mattarella and the people of Italy on Republic Day, observed annually on June 2. In his message, the president said Pakistan greatly valued its longstanding friendship with Italy, which is based on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity. 

He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to expand in scope and depth in the coming years. President Zardari also highlighted Pakistan’s strong engagement with the European Union and appreciated Italy’s constructive role within the bloc in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and international peace and stability. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

During the visit, the Interior Minister inspected various development works and  chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress on different projects being undertaken as part of the academy’s comprehensive upgrade plan.  Officials informed the meeting that construction work on the rappelling tower at the Elite Training School has reached 80 percent completion, while work on the jogging track and obstacle training facilities is approximately 70 percent complete.

These facilities are expected to play a vital role in improving the physical preparedness and tactical training of police personnel.  The review meeting examined progress on all ongoing projects related to the National Police Academy’s modernization. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the concerned authorities to ensure timely completion of the remaining works and maintain high construction and training standards. 

The meeting assigned a target to complete the Elite School’s firing range and boundary wall within the next two months, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening specialized police training capabilities.  In a significant policy decision, the meeting approved the phased transition of the National Police Academy to solar energy, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions in public institutions.

Officials noted that the move would help reduce operational costs while ensuring a more reliable energy supply for training and administrative facilities.  The Interior Minister also directed that all classrooms at the National Police Academy be equipped with modern information technology facilities, enabling trainees to benefit from contemporary learning tools and digital training resources.

The meeting further granted principle approval for a review of the MCMC Course, with the objective of updating the curriculum in line with modern policing requirements and international best practices.  The visit and review session was attended by several senior officials, including the Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Inspector General of Islamabad Police, the Deputy Commandant of the National Police Academy, the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, and other high-ranking officers. 

The ongoing upgradation of the National Police Academy is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s law enforcement training framework by providing state-of-the-art facilities, modern instructional resources, and advanced tactical training infrastructure for future police officers.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)
  

Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) leads the field with 23 candidates, followed closely by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 22 candidates. Other political parties participating in the elections include Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) with 15 candidates, Pakistan Muslim League with 11, Islami Tehreek Pakistan and Pakistan Nazriyati Party with 10 candidates each, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) with 9 candidates.

Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) has fielded 7 candidates, while Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) have nominated 6 candidates each. Constituency-wise details indicate that the most competitive contest is expected in GBA-2 Gilgit-II, where 40 candidates are vying for a single seat.

The second-largest contest will take place in GBA-14 Astore-II, where 33 candidates are in the running. In contrast, GBA-24 Ghanche-III has the fewest candidates, with only 6 contestants. The document also highlights the limited participation of women in the electoral process. Out of the total 403 candidates, only 8 are women.

Among them, five are contesting as independent candidates, while one each represents Pakistan Peoples Party, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and Pakistan National Party. Following the issuance of the final candidate list, election campaigns have gained momentum across Gilgit-Baltistan. Political parties and independent candidates have intensified voter outreach efforts, resulting in heightened political activity throughout the region ahead of the polls. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

نئی حکومت کو سب سے بڑا چیلنج گرین لینڈ کے معاملے پر امریکا کے ساتھ بڑھتی کشیدگی کا سامنا ہے۔امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے گرین لینڈ کو امریکا میں شامل کرنے کے بیانات کے بعد تنازع شدت اختیار کر گیا ہے۔میٹے فریڈرکسن نے واضح کیا ہے کہ ڈنمارک اپنی خودمختاری پر کوئی سمجھوتا نہیں کرے گا اور گرین لینڈ پر امریکی قبضہ نیٹو کے مستقبل کے لیے خطرناک ثابت ہو سکتا ہے۔اس کے علاوہ حکومت کو یوکرین جنگ کے باعث یورپ کی بدلتی ہوئی سیکیورٹی صورتِحال سے بھی نمٹنا ہو گا۔ڈنمارک پہلے ہی دفاعی اخراجات کو مجموعی قومی پیداوار کے 3 فیصد سے زائد تک بڑھا چکا ہے جبکہ خواتین کے لیے فوجی بھرتی کا دائرہ بھی وسیع کیا جا چکا ہے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

He was awarded in a recognition that underscores the deepening educational and strategic ties between China and Pakistan, China Economic Net reported on Tuesday.

According to his official profile on the CPEC Secretariat website, he earned his PhD from the School of Finance and Economics at Jiangsu University, China.

Previously, he completed an M.Phil. degree from Friedrich Alexander University in Germany, specializing in Development Economics, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

During his undergraduate studies, Dr. Zia was a Confucius Scholar, receiving a scholarship to study Chinese language and culture at Beijing Language and Culture University—an early exposure that laid the foundation for his engagement with China.

Dr. Zia has actively participated in the construction of the “Belt and Road” after graduation, accompanying Pakistani Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives on official visits to China and taking part in key events advancing the CPEC.

The honor from Jiangsu University acknowledges Dr. Zia’s contributions to academic and economic collaboration between the two countries.

More than a personal accolade, the award highlights the emergence of a growing pool of Chinese-trained professionals in Pakistan who are driving the future of bilateral ties.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

بولے اگر میں نہ ہوتا تو تم جیل میں ہوتے۔ میں تمہاری چمڑی بچا رہا ہوں، ہر شخص اب تم سے نفرت کرتا ہے اور ہر شخص اسرائیل سے نفرت کرتا ہے۔نیوز ویب سائٹ کے مطابق دوران گفتگو صدر ٹرمپ ایک بار شدید طیش میں آکر چلا اٹھے کہ تم کیا احمقانہ کام کررہے ہو، امریکی اہلکار نے نیوز ویب سائٹ کو بتایا کہ صدر ٹرمپ کے نزدیک نتین یاہو جارحیت کو غیرمعمولی تناسب سے بڑھا رہے ہیں۔ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کو تشویش ہے کہ اسرائیل نے لبنان میں بڑی تعداد میں شہریوں کو قتل کیا ہے اور صرف ایک حزب اللہ کمانڈر کو نشانہ بنانے کی خاطر رہائشی عمارتوں پر عمارتیں تباہ کی جارہی ہیں۔امریکی اہلکار نے کہا کہ یوں تو صدر ٹرمپ اور اسرائیلی وزیراعظم کے درمیان کئی بار تلخ جملوں کا تبادلہ ہوچکا ہے مگر دوسری بار صدارت سنبھالنے کے بعد ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی یہ اسرائیلی وزیراعظم کو بدترین ٹیلے فون کال تھی۔جواب میں نیتن یاہو اوکے، اوکے کہتے رہے اور یہ کہ بس یہ یقینی بنائیں کہ ہر بات کا خیال رکھا جائے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

بھارتی میڈیا کے مطابق نیرج ڈوبے کا کہنا ہے کہ مجھے جان کا خطرہ ہے اور میں نے پولیس سے تحفظ فراہم کرنے کی اپیل بھی کی ہے۔واضح رہے کہ 12 اپریل کو تویشا شرما اپنے سسرال میں مردہ پائی گئی تھی۔تویشا کے اہلِ خانہ نے اس کے شوہر سمرتھ سنگھ اور ساس گیری بالا سنگھ سابق سینئر جج پر جہیز کے لیے ہراسانی کا الزام لگایا تھا۔کیس کے دونوں مرکزی ملزمان گرفتار ہیں جبکہ پولیس نے حال ہی میں انہیں جائے وقوع پر لے جا کر واقعے کی تفصیلات کا جائزہ لیا۔

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کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی