JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade Abdulrahman Al-Harbi has declared Pakistan one of Saudi Arabia’s “top destinations for making investments,” according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce.
Al-Harbi made his comment at the first meeting of the two countries' Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment in Riyadh on Tuesday, the ministry said.
Commerce Secretary Mohammed Younus Dagha led the Pakistani delegation, which also included Additional Secretary for the Board of Investment (BOI), Saleem Ranjha, and Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan Hasham Bin Saddique. The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki, also attended the talks.
“The Saudi side acknowledged and appreciated the attraction of Pakistan as an investment destination, in view of its macroeconomic indicators, growth projects, strategic location and overall investment regime,” the statement read.
The ministry said that the Saudi officials showed interest in investing in Pakistan in a number of sectors including petrochemicals, dairy, livestock, and mining.
“It was agreed that Saudi Arabia will send a technical team to Pakistan to review sector-specific opportunities and projects,” the statement added.
In major leap forward in bilateral economic cooperation, it was agreed that the two sides would activate a Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council within two months. Pakistan will also stage its single-country exhibition in Saudi Arabia in 2018.
“In order to give further impetus to trade relations, it was agreed to mutually facilitate trade by removing obstacles related to visa fees, company registration, shipment delays and mutual recognition of standards,” the statement explained.
Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, joint executive director at Islamabad-based think tank Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), told Arab News that Saudi Arabia and Saudi investors see Pakistan as a very lucrative destination.
“Several investors already working in the country are scaling up their business operations and entering into new joint ventures,” he said. “They see the current wave of economic growth as a significant opportunity.”
Ahmed added that the pace of growth in Pakistan is projected to pick up once the projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are complete and the new infrastructure brings down the cost of doing business in the country.
“Saudi investors also recognize the vast economic potential emanating from the large domestic demand of the sixth-largest population in the world,” Ahmed pointed out.
Saudi Arabia views Pakistan as one of top destinations for investment: Saudi deputy minister
Saudi Arabia views Pakistan as one of top destinations for investment: Saudi deputy minister
Health experts advise Pakistanis against consuming deep-fried food in Ramadan
- Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country where more than 90 percent of its over 240 million people practice Islam
- The South Asian nation observed the first fast on Sunday, following Taraweeh prayers and pre-dawn suhoor meals
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani health experts have warned about the dangers of deep-fried food in Ramadan meals, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday, as the South Asian country welcomed the holy fasting month.
Fasting in Ramadan, the ninth and the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is one of the five pillars of Islam and this is the time of the year when religious fervor is rekindled throughout the Muslim world.
Millions of Pakistanis offered special Taraweeh prayers last night and consumed pre-dawn suhoor meals across the nation, marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan from Sunday.
As people observed the first fast, health experts urged them to avoid samosas, spring rolls, and fried doughnuts, and opt for healthier alternatives such as grilled meats, steamed vegetables and fresh fruit.
“Fried foods, oily snacks, and rich desserts are a recipe for disaster, especially during Ramadan and these foods can lead to digestive issues, bloating, and discomfort,” Dr. Talha Imad, a Pakistani nutritionist, was quoted as saying by the state-run APP news agency.
Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country where more than 90 percent of its over 240 million people practice Islam, and most of them fast during the holy month.
Experts say deep-fried food is high in calories, fat and sodium, and it is risky to consume it while fasting during Ramadan.
“Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, and consuming deep-fried foods can exacerbate dehydration, digestive issues, and other health problems,” Dr. Saima Khan said, adding that by making informed food choices, people can ensure a healthy and blessed Ramadan.
“Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and renewal, and taking care of our physical health is an important part of it.”
Dr. Imad advised Pakistanis to break their fast with dates and water to replenish energy and hydration, and to opt for lean proteins, whole grains and steamed vegetables.
“Choose fresh fruits and nuts as healthy snacks,” he said, urging people to limit their intake of sugary drinks and desserts.
Pakistan Cricket Board announces full ticket refunds for rain-washed Champions Trophy matches
- The matches were due to be played between Australia and South Africa, Bangladesh and Pakistan
- Ticket holders are eligible for a full refund if a Champion Trophy match is abandoned before toss
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a full ticket refund for Champions Trophy matches that were abandoned without a ball being bowled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium last month, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.
The matches were due to be played between Australia and South Africa on Feb. 25, and Bangladesh and Pakistan on Feb. 27, but rain washed out both games in Rawalpindi.
According to the PCB Ticket Refund Policy for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ticket holders are eligible for a full refund if a match is abandoned before the toss.
“Ticket holders can claim their refund between 10th to 14th of this month [March],” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
“The purchaser will have to visit a designated outlet along with the original ticket.”
Hosts Pakistan crashed out of the tournament after a humiliating six-wicket loss to archrivals India.
The winner of Sunday’s match between India and New Zealand will play Australia in the semifinal, with the loser taking on South Africa.
Irrespective of the placing and opponent, India will play the first semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday after they refused to travel to Pakistan because of political tensions.
New Zealand will leave for Lahore after Sunday’s match, with the second semifinal to be played at Qaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan saw 175 percent rise in civilian deaths from militant attacks in February— report
- Pakistan suffered 79 militant attacks in February, with Balochistan reporting 32 attacks and 56 casualties
- Militant fatalities dropped by 25 percent in February, with 208 killed in January compared to 156 in February
KARACHI: Pakistan saw a 175 percent increase in civilian casualties from militant attacks in February compared to January, an Islamabad-based think tank said on Sunday, with the country’s southwestern Balochistan province suffering the most number of attacks last month.
According to a report by Islamabad-based think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country witnessed 79 militant attacks in February. This resulted in the deaths of 55 civilians and 47 security personnel, while 81 security forces personnel and 45 civilians sustained injuries.
The report also said that security forces intensified their counter-militancy operations last month, eliminating 156 militants, injuring 20, and arresting 66.
“February 2025 marked the first month since August 2024 in which civilian fatalities surpassed those of security forces,” the report said. “Civilian deaths rose by 175 percent compared to January 2025, when 20 civilians were killed, while security forces’ casualties declined by 18 percent, down from 57 in January.”
The report said militant fatalities also dropped by 25 percent in February, with 208 killed in January compared to 156 in February. It said Balochistan remained the most volatile province, recording 32 militant attacks that claimed 56 lives, including 35 civilians, 10 security personnel and 11 militants. The attacks also left 44 people injured, including 32 security forces personnel and 12 civilians.
“In erstwhile FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas], 21 militant attacks were reported, leading to the deaths of 22 security personnel and eight civilians,” the think tank said.
It added that 26 security forces personnel and 11 civilians were injured while security forces killed at least 98 militants, injured 15, and arrested 50 suspected militants in FATA.
Meanwhile, mainland Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 23 militant attacks, resulting in 14 security forces personnel and 12 civilian deaths in February. Twenty-two civilians and an equal number of security personnel were injured during the month while security forces killed 47 militants in KP during February, the report added.
Sindh witnessed three minor militant attacks, resulting in the death of one security official and injury to another.
“No militant attack was reported in Punjab, but security forces arrested 16 suspected militants from various locations,” the report said. “No incidents of militant violence were reported from Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, or Islamabad.”
Pakistan has suffered a rise in militant attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan, KP and Balochistan, since a fragile truce with the Pakistani Taliban and the state fell apart.
In its bid to impose its strict brand of Islam across the country, the TTP has carried out suicide attacks against Pakistani security agencies and killed civilians as well.
In the southwestern Balochistan province, separatist ethnic Baloch militants have waged an insurgency for decades against the state whom it accuses of exploiting the mineral-and-gas rich province while depriving its locals of a share in the resources. Pakistan’s state rejects these allegations.
Pakistan warns citizens against heavy rains, snowfall in northern regions till Mar. 3
- Westerly wave likely to bring heavy rains, snowfall in Pakistan’s northern areas in 24-48 hours, says forecast
- Pakistan warns against possibility of landslides/avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, GB and Kashmir
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Weather Forecasting Center on Sunday warned against heavy rains and snowfall in the country’s northern regions till Mar. 3, advising citizens to exercise caution while traveling.
In its daily weather outlook, the NWFC said that a westerly wave is likely to affect western parts of the country on Sunday and may persist in upper parts during the next 36 to 48 hours.
“Mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country,” the NWFC said in its outlook. “However, cloudy weather with rain-wind/thunderstorm (snowfall over hills) is likely in north/northwestern Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and Upper/Central Punjab during evening/night.”
The forecast warned that moderate to heavy snowfalls may cause road closures and slippery conditions in Murree, Galliyat, Naran, Kaghan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Manshera, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum valley, Bagh, Poonch and Haveli from Sunday till Monday.
“Possibility of landslides/avalanches in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir,” it added.
The center warned tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas “to remain cautious” during the period.
Parts of Pakistan last month received rains after a months-long drought severely impacted crops like wheat, a staple food, as well as vital cash crops like potatoes in several regions, according to the Pakistani climate change ministry.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said rainfall from Sept. 1 to Jan. 15 was 40 percent below normal across Pakistan, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab being the most affected provinces with deficits of 52 percent, 45 percent, and 42 percent, respectively.
Torrential rains during the monsoon season of 2022 triggered flash floods across the country, with scientists attributing it to climate change impacts. The floods killed over 1,700 people and inflicted damages worth $33 billion on Pakistan, as per official estimates.
Australia or South Africa will return to Pakistan from Dubai for semifinal
- India and New Zealand’s Sunday group match to decide semifinal line-up
- Irrespective of outcome, India will play the first semifinal in Dubai on Mar. 4
DUBAI: Australia and South Africa have been forced to travel to Dubai from Pakistan, the International Cricket Council confirmed Sunday, due to a tangled schedule at the Champions Trophy.
India and New Zealand play the final group match on Sunday in Dubai and the result of the game will decide the semifinal line-up.
Australia are in Dubai and will train in the afternoon, when South Africa are expected to fly in from Karachi where they hammered England to get top spot in Group B.
The winners of the India-New Zealand clash will play Australia, who finished second to South Africa in their group.
But irrespective of the placing and opponent, India will play the first semifinal in Dubai on March 4 after they refused to travel to hosts Pakistan for political reasons.
That will leave New Zealand and either Australia or South Africa, hours after landing in Dubai, to head back to Pakistan for the second semifinal scheduled on March 5 in Lahore.
Pundits and ex-cricketers had called out the one-venue “farce” at the 50-over tournament after India were allowed to play all their matches at the Dubai International Stadium.
The rest of the seven teams in the eight-nation competition had to shuttle between three Pakistan venues — Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore — and the United Arab Emirates.
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips said his team were not thinking about India staying at one venue for the course of the tournament.
“No, for us there’s no focus on anything like that,” he said on Saturday.
“We have a ‘no-excuses’ mindset.”
The final on March 9 will be in Dubai if India go the distance.
Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will be the venue if India miss out.
