Arabic, a popular language not spoken in Pakistan

“Arabic is the language of heaven,” said 21-year-old Zohina Shabbir when asked what compelled her to learn the language. Picture taken at NUML University’s Arabic department on September 19, 2019. (AN photo by Sana Jamal)
Updated 22 September 2019
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Arabic, a popular language not spoken in Pakistan

  • Experts say Arabic can further strengthen people-to-people contact between Pakistan and the Middle East
  • NUML has done several seminars, cultural activities in collaboration with the Saudi embassy to promote the language

ISLAMABAD: Arabic is deeply revered in Pakistan for its religious significance, though it is not spoken or understood in the country. However, a bunch of students can be seen at the Department of Arabic at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) who are passionately devoting their time and energy to master the subject.
“Arabic is the language of heaven,” 21-year-old Zohina Shabbir said while explaining what compelled her to learn the language. “The Qur’an was revealed in this language, making it extremely special for us.”
Shabbir also described Arabic as a “very comprehensive and interesting” medium of communication.




The Department of Arabic at National University of Modern Languages in Islamabad was established in 1973. One of the oldest language facilities in the country, it offers multiple programs ranging from 6-month short courses to doctorate in Arabic. Picture taken on September 19, 2019. (AN Photo by Sana Jamal)

It is not surprising that it has traditionally been learned to fulfill one’s religious obligations in Pakistan. A large number of educated Pakistani can read Arabic since their national language, Urdu, uses the same script.
While Shabbir and some of her friends are learning the language to improve their understanding of Islam, many among the 180 students enrolled in the department are doing it to secure better employment opportunities.
“Most of them become Arabic teachers after completing their course or degree,” informed Dr. Kafait Ullah Hamdani, head of the Arabic language department at NUML. “Some of our students have found jobs at foreign missions. Others are working as interpreters or white-collar workers in the Middle East.”




Dr Kafait Ullah Hamdani, head of Arabic language department at NUML, calls for educational and cultural exchange programs between NUML and the Arab world. Such programs were halted after 9/11. Picture taken on September 19, 2019. (AN Photo by Sana Jamal)

Established in 1973, NUML’s Arabic department is one of the oldest that offers multiple programs that range from 6-month short courses to doctorate in Arabic.
“It is a matter of great pride for us that our armed forces personnel serving in the Arab world have completed their language courses from NUML,” he said. Most of what is taught at the department is standard Arabic, also known as Fusha.
Besides NUML and International Islamic University (IIUI), there are a number of institutions, such as the Multan-based Wifaq Ul Madaris Al Arabia that enrolled about 377,575 students in 2019.
In recent years, NUML’s Arabic department has also witnessed an interesting trend.
“Almost 70 percent of students currently enrolled in the master’s program are Chinese,” said Dr. Kafait.
He believes this owes to the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that promises to change the region’s economic geography and may give Beijing direct access to Middle Eastern markets.




Dr Abu Bakar Bhutta, assistant professor at NUML, says the Arabic department lacks opportunities and incentives for students and teachers that are available to university departments. (AN Photo by Sana Jamal)

“This trend is an example for Pakistanis how should understand how language proficiency in Arabic can enhance our trade and business ties with the Arab world,” he added. “The importance of Arabic, which is spoken by roughly 400 million people, is also growing due to the rising economic and political importance of the Gulf region.”
Almost a block away from the department, however, one can see Chinese, Korean and German language centers that are abuzz with students. Compared to them, the Arabic section looks rather quiet.
According to one faculty member, this can be explained on the basis of people’s passion to go to Europe or China for better employment opportunities. Besides, there are better scholarship facilities available for students proficient at those languages.
“This is something the Arabic department is missing. To stimulate interest, the government should create better opportunities and incentives for both students and teachers,” said Dr. Abu Bakar, who has been teaching at the facility for the last 19 years.




Most students at NUML’s Arabic department say they are learning the language for better employment opportunities. However, there are several others who are learning it for better understanding of religion. (AN photo by Sana Jamal)

Another key factor for declining admissions in the department, he added, was the compulsion of language certificate by some countries, such as South Korea. Arab states, he noted, did not have such requirements.
“Basic Arabic skills that can be covered in a month would benefit both Pakistani job seekers and Middle Eastern companies,” he said.
NUML has conducted seminars and arranged cultural activities in collaboration with the Saudi embassy since 2016. “One of the most fruitful of these activities was a teacher training program in 2018 which was conducted by professors from Saudi Arabia and Egypt,” Dr. Abu Bakar said, adding that such exchange programs, which came to a halt after September 11, 2001, were quite helpful in promoting the language.


Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday

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Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday

  • Visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and boost defense industry ties, Turkish source says
  • Foreign Minister Fidan to offer support for regional peace and express solidarity with Pakistan

ANKARA: Turkiye’s foreign and defense ministers will visit Pakistan on Wednesday for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss bilateral ties, regional issues, and defense industry cooperation, a Turkish diplomatic source said on Tuesday.

Turkiye has strong ties with Pakistan and expressed solidarity with it during its military conflict with India in May, angering India.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will express Turkiye’s desire to deepen ties in every field and offer Ankara’s support in taking steps toward regional peace, the source said.

Fidan will stress the countries “need to strengthen their cooperation in the defense industry,” the source said.

Ankara also has cordial ties with India, but after its support for Pakistan, small Indian grocery shops and major online fashion retailers boycotted Turkish products, while New Delhi also canceled Turkiye-based aviation service provider Celebi clearance over “national security” reasons.


Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture

Updated 33 min 45 sec ago
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Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture

  • PM orders reform plan to increase yields, exports and climate resilience
  • Sector contributes 23% to GDP but lags behind in technology and output

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to harness artificial intelligence and international expertise to overhaul Pakistan’s struggling agriculture sector, which employs more than a third of the national labor force but suffers from declining productivity and growing climate stress.

Pakistan’s agriculture sector, despite accounting for nearly 23 percent of GDP and employing around 37 percent of the workforce, continues to face low yields, water inefficiency, outdated farming practices and limited mechanization.

“To ensure effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture, benefit should be taken from the services of internationally renowned experts,” Sharif said while chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Monday, according to an official statement.

Pakistan’s agriculture sector faces a host of structural challenges that artificial intelligence and modern technology could help address. These include low per-acre yields due to outdated farming techniques, inefficient water use, erratic weather patterns worsened by climate change and limited access to quality seeds and real-time crop data. 

Farmers often lack timely information on pests, soil health and weather forecasts, leading to avoidable losses. AI-powered tools, such as satellite imaging, predictive analytics, and precision irrigation systems, can optimize resource use, improve forecasting, and boost productivity — critical for a sector that lags behind regional benchmarks in output and resilience.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Sharif called for a “comprehensive short- and long-term action plan” to modernize farming through advanced machinery, quality seed, crop zoning and easy loans for farmers.

The PM said revitalizing agriculture would require activating state research centers and bringing in private sector support to drive innovation.

“Modern research must be ensured in agricultural research centers through public-private partnership,” he said, directing officials to improve per-acre crop yields and promote the value-added processing of farm goods for export.

With the country among the most climate-vulnerable in the world, the prime minister also ordered the adoption of “climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods” to protect food security. He said farmers should be supported in adapting to changing conditions, especially in flood-hit provinces like Sindh and Balochistan.

He instructed that new cotton farming zones be mapped in consultation with provincial governments, keeping in view changing rainfall and temperature patterns.

“After detailed consultation with the provincial government, comprehensive planning should be done for cotton farming in new suitable areas, especially in Sindh and Balochistan,” Sharif said.

In a move aimed at diversifying Pakistan’s energy sources, the prime minister also called for research into biofuel production using agricultural inputs.

“Research and planning should be done to include biofuels in the country’s energy mix,” he said.

Sharif directed that farmers and key stakeholders be brought into the policy process and coordination with provincial governments be strengthened for the effective rollout of reforms.


Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain

Updated 34 min 44 sec ago
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Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain

  • Federal cabinet approves import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar through public sector 
  • Government decision is aimed at stabilizing prices, preventing market manipulation and hoarding

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar through the public sector to stabilize prices and prevent market manipulation, the Ministry of National Food Security announced on Tuesday, signaling an urgent intervention to cushion consumers from rising costs amid growing political and economic pressure.

The move comes at a time when sugar prices have surged to nearly Rs200 per kilogram in parts of the country, triggering public concern and drawing political heat.

In Pakistan, escalating sugar prices have historically triggered public outcry and become flashpoints for opposition criticism, with allegations of hoarding and cartelization frequently surfacing in election years or periods of economic volatility.

“All arrangements for the import have been finalized, and immediate implementation is now underway,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The decision represents a departure from previous governments’ approach, where artificial shortages were often created, placing a burden on the national exchequer through subsidies,” it continued.

Earlier, the government had allowed sugar exports, but it said in the statement the decision was taken when the domestic sugar supplies were abundant.

Faced with volatile market conditions now, it continued, the government is stepping in to stabilize prices and ensure uninterrupted availability of the essential commodity.

The ministry maintained the aim of the intervention was to strike a balance in prices and protect consumers from the effects of speculative trading and artificial scarcity.


Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes

Updated 08 July 2025
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Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes

  • Foreign platforms shipping up to 30,000 parcels daily now face 18% sales tax under new budget
  • Courier firms tasked with tax collection, but enforcement remains a key concern for stakeholders

KARACHI: Pakistan’s imposition of new taxes on international e-commerce giants such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress is drawing relief from local retailers, who say the foreign firms have been operating in the country without paying taxes, thus undercutting domestic businesses.

The new measures, introduced through the federal budget passed on June 26, include an 18% sales tax on goods delivered by courier companies on behalf of foreign platforms, a 5 percent fixed income tax on digital retailers, and a reduction in the duty-free threshold for imported parcels from Rs5,000 to Rs500 ($18 to $1.80).

The tax regime took effect on July 1.

“This is a very welcome move by the government to have brought the international platforms into the tax net,” Malik Asim Dogar, secretary-general of the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP), told Arab News.

The policy, he said, would ease the burden on domestic retailers, prevent inflows of “inexpensive but substandard” goods, and help Pakistan’s cash-strapped government raise tax revenue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has pledged to collect over Rs14 trillion ($49.3 billion) in taxes this fiscal year, partly to meet targets under a $7 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund.

Until now, foreign e-commerce platforms had been selling directly to Pakistani consumers, often via social media, without being subject to local tax laws. Formal retail chains in Karachi such as Imtiaz, Chase Up, and Naheed — already paying up to 25% in taxes — said they had struggled to compete with tax-exempt imports offering cheaper prices.

A Temu representative did not respond to questions, while Shein and AliExpress could not be reached. Pakistani courier giant TCS also did not reply to questions about delivery volumes from foreign e-commerce sellers.

CAP estimates Pakistan’s retail sector includes about 5 million shops, generating Rs20 trillion ($70.5 billion) annually, of which only 10% comes from the tax-compliant formal sector.

Daily parcel volumes from foreign platforms have surged from around 1,000 per day in 2023 to between 20,000 and 30,000 this year — a rise of nearly 2,900%, according to internal figures from local courier companies shared by CAP.

“What we have seen is that on a daily basis, tens of thousands of shipments are coming into the country,” CAP chairman Asfandyar Farrukh said. “People order online on these platforms through social media or other websites. All these products are coming into Pakistan.”

Farrukh said the most affected segments include domestic sellers of crockery, home goods, small electronics, and casual clothing, who had reported sales declines of up to 10% in the past six months.

CAP’s Dogar said the lack of regulation previously created an “unfair playing field” for local retailers.

But Shankar Talreja, head of research at brokerage firm Topline Securities, said the new taxes would address a long-standing complaint of local retailers.

“This was an unfair advantage to the importers,” Talreja told Arab News. “Now that a certain percentage of tax is applied to the products sold by foreign vendors, the domestic sellers will get some level-playing field.”

Talreja noted Pakistan’s growing Internet penetration — with over 80% teledensity — was already fueling e-commerce, even if it still accounts for less than 1% of the overall retail market.

Retailers themselves are shifting to digital platforms, albeit reluctantly.

“Nowadays, we are seeing that most of the footfall on digital platforms and online shopping is of those who are young in age and more savvy digitally,” said Salman Bashir, CEO of Chase Up, one of Pakistan’s largest retail chains.

“We as well as the whole retail sector will have to bring this change into their companies.”

However, Bashir expressed skepticism about whether the new tax measures would be properly enforced.

“These [taxes] haven’t been implemented even if they stand passed,” he said, speaking two days after the budget became law on July 2.

Dogar and Talreja echoed his concerns, pointing to implementation hurdles in assigning tax collection duties to banks and courier companies.

Under the new rules, financial institutions are required to withhold a portion of remittances made to foreign sellers. Courier firms are also expected to collect sales tax at the point of delivery — a move some say is burdensome and unrealistic.

“The responsibility to collect these taxes has been put on courier companies, which would very much affect their business operations,” Dogar said.

Talreja warned that enforcement could falter without better coordination.

“The courier companies often do not have visibility into whether the seller is registered as a local or foreign. Couriers are logistics firms, not tax collection agents by design,” he said.

“This will increase their administrative work, hence the motivation to work in this aspect would be lower.”


Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series

Updated 08 July 2025
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Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series

  • Three-match series to be played in Dhaka from July 20 to 24
  • Series follows Pakistan’s 3–0 home sweep over Bangladesh in May

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha retained as captain.

The series will be played from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and comes just two months after Bangladesh toured Pakistan in May where they were whitewashed 3–0.

The PCB said the squad for the white-ball series against the West Indies “will be announced in due course.”

“The Men’s National Selection Committee has announced the 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side in the T20Is,” the PCB said in a statement.

The squad sees continuity in leadership under Salman Ali Agha, who was first handed the T20I captaincy earlier this year. The upcoming Dhaka series offers an opportunity for newer players like Hassan Nawaz and spinner Sufyan Moqim to gain international experience, while selectors continue testing bench strength ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sher-e-Bangla stadium is known for its spin-friendly conditions, which could suit bowlers like Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.

Pakistan last toured Bangladesh in November 2021 when they also won a T20I series 3–0.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.

Team Management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor), and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).