KARACHI: Like a guard in a watchtower, Nisar Khaskheli, a cotton farmer in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, does not let his eyes leave the horizon for long.
He is keeping a lookout for a bright yellow swarm of millions of desert locusts who inch closer to Sindh’s 200,000 acres of cotton crop every day. According to him, they are now only four kilometers away from the irrigated lands of Pakistan’s second-largest cotton producing province, and the farmers are sleepless with worry, despite the government’s deployment of aircraft and pesticide-mounted vehicles to prevent an attack on the country’s prize crop.
The emergency pesticide deployment is not unwarranted: Home-grown cotton runs Pakistan’s textile industry which is its largest job provider and foreign exchange earner. As the country struggles to stave off a balance of payments’ crisis following a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund, it cannot afford to lose its cotton, which is already forecast to fall to a 17 year low this month according to official data.
“On 25th May, we spotted the locusts for the first time when they were about 18 km away from irrigated land in Sindh,” Khaskheli, who is also president of a local agriculture chamber, told Arab News.
But within days, he said, owing to favorable weather conditions for breeding and hatching, there was a huge growth in their numbers.
“It forced us to raise alarm bells and inform the authorities,” he said.
Desert locusts, swarming short-horned grasshoppers, have been destroying crops in Africa and Asia for centuries. Their ability to move in huge swarms with great speed has earned them notoriety as one of the most devastating agricultural plagues in the world.
From the Red Sea coast of Sudan and Eritria, the locusts first emerged in January this year. By February, they had hit Saudi Arabia and Iran before entering Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province in March.
“Saudi Arabia quickly launched a control operation, but the undetected and uncontrolled gregarious locusts moved toward Iran,” Muhammad Tariq Khan, director of the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) at Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research, told Arab News.
Despite a massive control operation in Iran, Khan said some unrestrained and undetected locust swarms migrated to Balochistan.
“The conditions (for breeding) were conducive for them in Balochistan due to rainfall,” he said.
Though Balochistan is not a major cotton province like Sindh and Punjab, the huge swarms of locusts have destroyed pomegranate, watermelon, grain and cotton crops in their path according to locals, though the exact extent of the damage is not yet officially known.
According to Liaquat Shahwani, Balochistan government’s spokesperson, the damage in his province has been controlled.
“Despite a massive attack, the damage was not too high,” he said, but did not share specific estimates of crop damage.
Most farmers disagreed, and said the destruction was colossal.
“They haven’t even spared the trees,” said Naseer Baloch, a farmer in Kharan, an area infested by locusts in Balochistan, alongside districts Chaghi, Washuk, Pasni, Turbat, Uthal, Dalbandin, Panjgur and parts of Kechh.
“They attack like an army and when they advance, it looks like the earth is moving,” he said.
The last major locust infestations in Pakistan were back in 1993 and 1997, though the government lacks credible statistics to quantify the damage in both instances.
After the Balochistan outbreak, the DPP says it has moved its ground control teams to launch control operations in affected areas, but that some locust groups were now moving toward the Tharparkar and Nara deserts of Sindh, and also toward India’s Rajasthan desert.
Sindh’s agriculture minister, Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, said his department found out about the locust infestation on June 3rd and was making serious efforts to safeguard its cotton crop.
It is still unclear why news of the infestation has taken so long to reach Sindh, despite crops affected in Balochistan three months ago.
“We are not big landlords, and our crop is our only source of income,” Sindh farmer Khaskheli said. “The money we make from it helps pay our bills, pay for hospitals, our children’s schools, their weddings.”
“If the locusts are not controlled, they will not just damage our crops and deprive us of livelihood,” he said. “They will wipe out billions of rupees.”
Then he shielded his eyes from the sun, and turning away, continued to stand guard over his cotton fields.
Sindh invaded by ‘army of locusts’ amid fears of cotton devastation
Sindh invaded by ‘army of locusts’ amid fears of cotton devastation
- The locust swarms migrated from the Red Sea and entered Pakistan through Iran
- Deployment of air and ground pesticide underway to control spread of infestation to Sindh’s cotton fields
Pakistan calls for new equilibrium in ties with US based on trust, ground realities
- Pakistan’s planning minister meets US congressional delegation in Islamabad to discuss bilateral ties, strategic partnership
- Ahsan Iqbal highlights need for US to understand Pakistan’s socioeconomic challenges after two US-led wars in the region
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal this week called for establishing a new equilibrium in ties with the United States (US) based on mutual trust, ground realities and development, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
Ties between Islamabad and Washington, once close allies during the Cold War era and after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, have remained strained in recent years. American officials suspected Pakistan supported the Afghan Taliban in regaining Kabul in August 2021 after 20 years of war, damaging ties with Islamabad. Pakistan denies the allegations strongly.
The latest statement came from Iqbal while he met a US congressional delegation led by Jack Bergman, US representative from Michigan’s first congressional district, along with other representatives Thomas Richard Suozzi, Jonathan L. Jackson and other senior US officials in Islamabad.
“In the realities of new geopolitics, there is a need to establish a new equilibrium in Pak-US relations based on ground realities, mutual trust and development-focused partnership,” APP reported Iqbal as saying on Saturday.
The state media said that the meeting between the two sides focused on strengthening Pakistan-US bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of development cooperation and future collaboration across various sectors.
“Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the need to have an understanding of Pakistan’s socio-economic challenges in the aftermaths of the two US-led wars in the region,” the APP said.
Citing his own academic experience in the US, Iqbal acknowledged the transformative impact of American higher education in shaping global leaders and innovators.
The minister called for the establishment of campuses of top-tier American universities in Pakistan, assuring his government would fully facilitate the move.
The American delegation thanked Iqbal for the warm welcome accorded to them, the APP said, adding that they acknowledged Pakistan’s “immense potential” across various sectors and stressed the need to engage the private sector to unlock investment opportunities and build investor confidence.
“The delegation reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic relationship between the two countries and enhancing collaboration in key areas,” the APP said.
Pakistan and Washington have recently moved closer after Islamabad aided Washington in apprehending a highly wanted Daesh operative last month. Both countries have since spoken regularly about the need to collaborate in counter-terrorism operations.
Pakistani envoy says bilateral trade with UAE crossed $10.9 billion in FY24
- Remittances from UAE expected to surge to $7 billion this fiscal year, says Pakistan’s Ambassador to UAE Faisal Tirmizi
- Says numbers reflect strong economic partnership between nations, Pakistani diaspora’s efforts to support UAE’s economy
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s bilateral trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) surpassed $10.9 billion during the fiscal year 2023-24, the country’s envoy to the Gulf country said this week, noting that the figure represented the strong economic partnership both nations enjoyed.
Pakistan and UAE have both moved closer in recent months to establish a stronger economic partnership. In January 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry.
“Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Tirmizi revealed that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE exceeded $10.9 billion in the fiscal year 2023–24, including both goods and services,” UAE’s state-run news agency WAM reported on Friday.
Tirmizi also disclosed that remittances from the Pakistani community in the UAE reached $6.7 billion in 2024, adding that they are expected to surpass $7 billion in 2025.
Tirmizi revealed that goods trade between the two countries during the fiscal year 2023–24 reached $8.41 billion, with Pakistan’s exports rising by 41.06% to $2.08 billion while imports from the UAE declined by 14.45% to $6.33 billion, resulting in a 28.28% reduction in the trade deficit.
In the services sector, he said total trade stood at $2.56 billion, marking a 20.54% year-on-year increase.
Tirmizi noted that during the period July 2024 to January 2025, goods trade rose by 21.63%, with Pakistan’s exports growing by 7.53%, indicating sustained momentum in economic engagement.
“These figures reflect not only the strength of our economic partnership but also the vital role played by the Pakistani diaspora in supporting the national economy,” Tirmizi said.
The Pakistani envoy said there are nearly 19 Emirati companies currently operating in Pakistan, adding that the UAE has invested significantly in Pakistan’s key sectors such as communications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking, and real estate.
He pointed out that leading UAE companies Abu Dhabi Ports Company and DP World’s had signed agreements related to port operations, including the development of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and related railway infrastructure projects.
“These investments demonstrate the UAE’s deep and long-term commitment to Pakistan’s growth and connectivity,” he added.
Multan Sultans pledge donations to Palestinian charities for every six and wicket
- In a PSL contest on Saturday, Quetta Gladiators defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs
- Karachi Kings also chased down Multan Sultans’ total of 234/3, securing a four-wicket victory
KARACHI: Multan Sultans, a franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), have announced a charitable initiative to support the Palestinian cause during the ongoing season, saying the team will donate Rs100,000 ($356) to Palestinian charities for every six hit and every wicket taken by their players.
The PSL, Pakistan’s premier T20 cricket league, enjoys immense popularity nationwide, drawing massive crowds and viewership.
The league has become a significant platform for cricketing talent and social initiatives.
“We [Multan Sultans] have decided that in this [Pakistan Super League] season, we will support charity [foundations] in Palestine,” Ali Khan Tareen, the franchise owner, said in a video message.
“We have decided, on behalf of our batters, that whenever any player from Multan Sultans hits a six, we will donate Rs100,000 to Palestinian charities,” he added. “Our bowlers also wanted to be a part of this [initiative], so we have decided that we will donate Rs100,000 to Palestinian charities, especially those working for children, on every wicket.”
The PSL, which kicked off in a star-studded ceremony in Rawalpindi on Friday, has once again captivated fans with thrilling matches and meaningful off-field initiatives.
On Saturday, Quetta Gladiators delivered a commanding performance, defeating Peshawar Zalmi by 80 runs. Quetta posted a formidable total of 216/3, with Saud Shakeel scoring 59 runs. In response, Zalmi were bowled out for 136, with Abrar Ahmed taking 4 wickets for 42 runs.
In another high-scoring encounter, Karachi Kings chased down Multan Sultans’ total of 234/3, securing a four-wicket victory. James Vince led the charge for Karachi with a blistering 101 off 43 balls.
Pakistan confirms killing of eight nationals in Iran, urges regional counterterrorism strategy
- Baloch separatists have claimed responsibility for killing the victims, who reportedly worked as auto mechanics
- Pakistani authorities say they are aware of the incident and are in contact with relevant Iranian officials
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan confirmed late Saturday night the killings of eight of its nationals in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the need for all regional countries to come together to devise and enforce a coordinated counterterrorism strategy to eliminate militant violence.
The news of the killings first emerged in local media in the evening, though the country’s foreign ministry and federal authorities did not issue immediate statements.
However, the foreign office later confirmed the development in response to media queries.
“We are aware of this tragic incident and are in touch with Iranian authorities,” said spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan. “We will comment once facts are established and confirmed details are available.”
Khan added that Pakistan’s embassy in Tehran and consulate in Zahedan had been in constant contact with the relevant Iranian authorities over the incident.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the killing of the eight Pakistani nationals and voiced concern over the attack on Iranian soil.
“Terrorism is a scourge that is devastating for all countries in the region,” he said. “All regional states must implement a coordinated strategy to root out terrorism.”
Sharif urged the Iranian government to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are held accountable.
“The Iranian government must bring those responsible to justice and share the reasons behind this heinous act with the public,” he continued.
The prime minister also directed Pakistan’s foreign ministry to remain in contact with the victims’ families and instructed the embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe repatriation of the bodies.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency reported the attack took place in the early hours of the day in a village in Mehrestan district, located near the Iran-Pakistan border. The outlet said the victims were auto mechanics.
However, the separatist Balochistan National Army (BNA) claimed responsibility for the attack later in the day, alleging that the slain workers were members of Pakistan’s premier spy agency.
Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups accuse the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources, such as gold and copper, without benefiting the local population.
Islamabad denies the allegations, saying it is committed to improving the lives of Baloch residents through various development projects.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged regions, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction and agriculture.
In January last year, nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three critically injured in a similar attack in Saravan city, also located in Iran’s southeastern border region.
The victims in that case had also been working at an auto repair shop.
Last year’s killings took place at a time when Pakistan and Iran were trying to mend diplomatic ties following tit-for-tat missile and drone strikes.
Punjab CM invites Turkish universities to expand footprint in Pakistan at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
- Maryam Nawaz Sharif meets President Erdoğan and First Lady before addressing a session on education
- She says the provincial administration is committed to education and opportunities for women and children
ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday invited leading Turkish universities to expand their footprint in Pakistan’s most populous province while addressing a session focused on education at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025.
The annual forum, now in its fourth edition, is hosted under the patronage of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and aims to foster dialogue and cooperation on pressing global issues. This year’s theme, “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World,” has drawn world leaders, diplomats and civil society actors to discuss solutions to global challenges, including education, conflict and development.
Before her address, Sharif met with Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. The Turkish president warmly welcomed and thanked her for participating in the forum.
“I take this opportunity to invite the top universities of Türkiye to expand their presence in Punjab, to create more centers of eminence, more centers of excellence where our youth can learn, grow and lead,” she said while addressing the gathering.
“Let us ensure that our collaboration and exchange programs become the foundation for a brighter, human-centric future, a future that both Pakistanis and Turkish generations will be proud to inherit,” she added.
The Punjab chief minister emphasized her provincial government’s commitment to transforming education landscape.
She outlined several reform initiatives, including the upgradation of more than 4,000 primary schools into elementary schools to combat generational dropouts, particularly in rural areas where children often leave school after Class 5 due to the absence of nearby middle schools.
“This upgradation is not a token gesture. It is a systemic intervention,” she said, adding that digital learning rooms were also being established in over 6,000 schools across the province to integrate technology with pedagogy.
Sharif also spoke of reviving non-functional schools and turning them into “sanctuaries of learning,” while highlighting a new nutrition program launched in underserved districts to address malnutrition among schoolchildren, especially girls.
“My government’s foremost commitment is to women and children, to education and opportunity, and to dignity and justice,” she said. “And it is in these arenas that I seek to construct a unique model of governance that is both ethical and effective.”
The chief minister further announced the creation of Pakistan’s first Artificial Intelligence University in Lahore and the development of the Nawaz Sharif Internet City, a hub intended to foster innovation and IT-based learning that is named after her father.
“We are recruiting about 30,000 new school teachers entirely on merit,” she informed, noting that the province had also established a dedicated institution for teacher training and curriculum development aligned with 21st-century learning goals.
Sharif positioned herself during the speech not only as a political leader but also as “an ambassador of education,” vowing to ensure that “no child is left behind due to poverty, geography, gender or social restrictions.”
