ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been “deeply concerned” by the continuation of hostilities in Ukraine, a Pakistani state minister has said, as Russian forces continued their push in the east of the country.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar said this while participating virtually in a high-level international donor’s conference for Ukraine held in Warsaw, Poland on May 5.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in late February. On Saturday, Russia’s defense ministry said it had destroyed an ammunition depot in Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region and shot down two Ukrainian warplanes.
Ukrainian forces made some advances near Kharkiv and Kherson, inflicting heavy losses, while also suffering losses of their own, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said. The fighting is now threatening to cause a global food crisis.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned by the initiation and continuation of war in Ukraine,” the Pakistani foreign ministry quoted Khar as saying at the donors’ conference on Thursday.
“We are grieved by reports of large civilian casualties, massive outflow of refugees and internal displacement of people in Ukraine and reports of violations of international humanitarian law.”
The international community must respond to this humanitarian crisis with empathy and generosity, the Pakistani state minister urged.
“The Ukraine conflict has far-reaching implications for international security and world economy, with the developing countries hardest hit by the disruption in supply chains and the food and energy crisis,” she said.
Khar said Pakistan continued to call for diplomacy and dialogue for an early, negotiated end to the Ukraine conflict. “Immediate cessation of hostilities is a must to prevent further loss of life and to ease the humanitarian situation,” she added.
The donors conference in Warsaw raised around $6.5 billion for Ukraine, while Khar said Islamabad was in the process of dispatching a second consignment of humanitarian supplies to the Ukrainian people. Pakistan delivered over 15 tons of humanitarian assistance, including food and medicines, to Ukraine in March.
Pakistan ‘deeply concerned’ by continuation of hostilities in Ukraine
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Pakistan ‘deeply concerned’ by continuation of hostilities in Ukraine
- Hina Rabbani Khar says world must respond to this humanitarian crisis with empathy, generosity
- Islamabad also in process of dispatching another consignment of humanitarian supplies to Ukraine
Pakistan to offer US firms concessions on mining investment in tariff talks, says minister
- Pakistan would put its offer of concessions for mining investment to US officials during talks over tariffs in the coming weeks
- Pakistan’s Reko Diq gold mining project in Balochistan seeks up to $2 billion in financing, including up to $1 billion from US bank
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan plans to offer concessions to US companies to invest in its mining sector as part of negotiations with Washington over tariffs, its commerce minister told Reuters, as Islamabad seeks to capitalize on the Trump administration’s interest in boosting trade with South Asia.
Pakistan faces a potential 29 percent tariff on exports to the United States due to a $3 billion trade surplus with the world’s biggest economy, under tariffs announced by Washington last month on countries around the world. Tariffs were subsequently suspended for 90 days so negotiations could take place.
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said that Islamabad will offer US businesses opportunities to invest in mining projects primarily in Pakistan’s Balochistan province through joint ventures with local companies, providing concessions like lease grants.
The minister said that would be in addition to efforts to increase imports from the United States, particularly cotton and edible oils, which are currently in short supply in Pakistan.
Pakistan would put its offer of concessions for mining investment to US officials during talks over tariffs in the coming weeks.
Kamal did not give further information on the bidding process of these mines or other details.
“There is untapped potential for US companies in Pakistan, from mining machinery to hydrocarbon ventures,” he said in an interview with Reuters conducted on Thursday.
Pakistan’s Reko Diq copper and gold mining project in Balochistan seeks up to $2 billion in financing, including $500 million to $1 billion from the US Export-Import Bank, with term sheets expected by early in the third quarter of this year, its project director told Reuters last month.
The mine could generate $70 billion in free cash flow and $90 billion in operating cash flow over its lifespan.
US President Donald Trump has said that he’s working on “big deals” with both India and Pakistan, following Washington’s key role in brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and India earlier this month following the worst fighting in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
“The previous US administration focused more on India, but Pakistan is now being recognized as a serious trade partner,” Kamal said.
Pakistan will gradually lower tariffs in its upcoming federal budget, Kamal said.
He said that the United States has not specified trade barriers or priority sectors. The US Embassy in Islamabad did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pakistan business confidence improves by 16% points, survey reveals
- The development comes over a week after the IMF approved a loan review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment
- Pakistan’s stocks, which rose more than 80 percent last year, have also largely resisted the pressures in recent weeks
KARACHI: Business confidence has significantly improved among investors in Pakistan that is largely attributed to macroeconomic stability, declining inflation and anticipated improvements in business conditions over the next six months, a survey by Pakistan’s Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) revealed on Thursday.
The Business Confidence Index (BCI) Survey – Wave 27, conducted across Pakistan in March-April 2025, shows the overall business confidence improved by 16 percentage points from negative 5 percent to positive 11 percent, compared to the previous Wave 26 survey in October-November 2024.
The Manufacturing sector led the recovery, improving from negative 3 percent to positive 15 percent, followed by the Retail/Wholesale sector, which rose from negative 18 percent to positive 2 percent in the latest survey. The Services sector maintained a steady outlook and jumped from 2 percent to 10 percent positive.
“The uptick in business confidence is a clear sign that our economic direction is on the right track. We are focused on creating a conducive environment for investment, supporting private sector growth, and ensuring long-term macroeconomic resilience,” Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was quoted as saying by the OICCI.
“The improved sentiment among businesses is both encouraging and a validation of our collective efforts.”
The development comes more than a week after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a loan program review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment which the State Bank of Pakistan said had been received. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.
Since averting a default in 2023, the South Asian country has been making rigorous efforts to boost its economy by offering various incentives to investors, particularly from abroad.
Pakistan’s stocks, which rose more than 80 percent last year, have largely resisted selling pressures in recent weeks, despite the country’s conflict with India that saw the two sides strike each other with missiles, drones and artillery.
Commenting on the survey’s findings, OICCI President Yousaf Hussain said the overall business confidence had shown a notable improvement across the business community over the past two years.
“This sharp recovery in the Business Confidence in the latest Wave 27 reflects the resilience of Pakistan’s business sector and its readiness to seize emerging growth opportunities,” he said.
“It is heartening to see positive momentum across key sectors, which reflects improved sentiment and growing trust in the country’s economic direction.”
Hussain said there must be greater policy consistency, transparency and active engagement with key stakeholders, including OICCI members, to maintain this growing positivity in the business confidence.
The BCI Wave 27 survey revealed increased optimism for the next six months, with 45 percent of the respondents expressing positive expectations.
“Key contributors to this positive outlook include economic growth, improved government policies, investment climate,” the survey report read.
“Despite the positive trend, 53 percent of the survey respondents reported a negative outlook on business conditions over the past six months, which is a substantial improvement from 66 percent negative sentiments in Wave 26. The key concerns indicated in the survey related to political stability, Rupee FX parity, Energy, and trade policies.”
The BCI of foreign investors, who OICCI members randomly selected for the survey, showed a remarkable increase from positive 6 percent to 17 percent, according to the findings.
This improvement is primarily attributed to better global business climate, an improved industry environment in Pakistan over the past six months, and expectations of increased capital investment in the coming six months.
“The latest BCI Wave 27 results were better than anticipated, with positive expectations reflected across all major sectors. Employment prospects, expansion plans, and investment expectations demonstrated notable gains, particularly in the Manufacturing and Retail sectors,” OICCI Secretary-General Abdul Aleem said.
“Despite notable improvement on the overall BCI, the new investment plans overall showed an improvement of 19 percent, but remained negative, which is an area of concern and needs to be addressed to further accelerate economic growth, energize large-scale manufacturing, trade and export.”
Pakistani Naila Kiani summits India’s highest Kanchenjunga peak, poses with national flag
- Naila Kiani reached the summit of Kanchenjunga at 6:30am local time, becoming Pakistan’s leading female mountaineer with 12 ‘eight-thousanders’ to her name
- The Dubai-based Pakistani climber stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 peaks above 8,000-meter height
ISLAMABAD: Dubai-based Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has scaled 8,586-meter-high Kanchenjunga, the tallest peak in India, her organizer said on Friday, as the climber posed with a Pakistani flag at the summit.
Kiani has become the first Pakistani woman to scale 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above the height of 8,000 meters, according to Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), which arranges various expeditions.
Kiani, who stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders, reached the Kanchenjunga summit early Friday, the Imagine Nepal expedition organizer said.
“At around 7:00 AM NPT [Nepal time], our incredible team of 10 climbers successfully summited Kanchenjunga (8,586m) — the world’s third-highest mountain,” Imagine Nepal said on Facebook.
“Naila Kiani reached the summit of Kanchenjunga at 6:30am local time, becoming Pakistan’s leading female mountaineer with 12 eight-thousanders to her name,” Alpine Club of Pakistan quoted Dawa Futi Sherpa, operations director at Imagine Nepal, as saying.
The Pakistani club said this was a “monumental milestone” in the history of Pakistani mountaineering and a moment of immense national pride.
“From the towering heights of Everest and K2 to the perilous slopes of Annapurna and Lhotse, her journey tells a powerful story of grit, resilience and an unshakable will,” the ACP said.
“This is not just a personal achievement— it is a symbol of empowerment for women in sports, a beacon of hope and inspiration for Pakistan, and a proud moment for every mountaineering enthusiast.”
Kiani has previously summited Mount Makalu (8,485m), Broad Peak (8,047 meters), Annapurna (8,091 meters), K2 (8,611 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Gasherbrum 1 (8,068 meters), Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters), Nanga Parbat (8,125 meters), Mount Everest (8,849 meters), Manaslu (8,156 meters) and Cho Oyu (8,201 meters) mountains.
Pakistani, Saudi FMs review regional situation, resolve to strengthen bilateral ties
- The development comes amid gradually de-escalating tensions in South Asia after India and Pakistan traded cross-border strikes this month
- Pakistan, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen their cooperation in all fields, the Pakistani foreign office says
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Ishaq Dar, and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on Friday resolved to strengthen bilateral relations between both nations as they discussed the regional situation, the Pakistani foreign office said.
The development comes amid gradually de-escalating tensions in South Asia after India and Pakistan traded missile, drone and artillery strikes this month, killing around 70 people including civilians on both sides.
The situation had alarmed world powers and friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, and prompted rigorous diplomatic efforts that realized into a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed archfoes on May 10.
At the peak of the four-day conflict, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir had also visited Pakistan, which followed his surprise stop in New Delhi for talks with Indian officials.
“Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks,” the Pakistani foreign ministry said.
“The leaders reviewed aspects of the deep and brotherly relations between the two countries, reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields, and discussed current regional developments.”
India struck Pakistan on May 7, accusing Islamabad of backing an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people on April 22. Islamabad denies the charge.
Pakistan and India have fought multiple wars, including two of them over the disputed region of Kashmir, since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both rule the region in part but claim it in full.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan share close diplomatic and strategic relations. The Kingdom has extended significant support to Pakistan during prolonged economic challenges faced by Islamabad in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs.
Saudi Arabia has also contributed to global peacemaking efforts by hosting talks and mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.
Pakistan PM says saddened by loss of lives in China landslides
- At least four people were killed and 17 others have been missing since landslides hit a rural area in China’s Guizhou province
- PM Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and government of China, prays for recovery of the missing
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives in multiple landslides in China, expressing solidarity with Beijing.
At least four people were killed and 17 others were still missing in the debris after landslides hit a rural area in China’s southwestern Guizhou province, according to Chinese state media.
Two bodies were found in Changshi township on Thursday, and two others in the nearby Qingyang village, where a landslide had buried 19 people from eight households in wee hours of Thursday.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives due to landslides in Guizhou, China. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Sharif said in a post on X.
Most of Guowa township, where Qingyang is located, had lost power after the landslides, a local newspaper reported. A resident told state media that it had rained all night.
A drone video of the area showed a large swathe of brown earth that cut through the green slope of the hilly terrain.
“Pakistan stands in solidarity with the people and government of China during this difficult time and pray for the safe recovery of the missing,” Sharif added.
China and Pakistan are key strategic and economic allies.
Since 2013, Beijing has also invested tens of billions of dollars in energy and infrastructure projects in Pakistan as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major segment of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
The corridor will connect China to the Arabian Sea and help Pakistan expand and modernize its economy through a network of roads, railways, pipelines and ports built in the country with Chinese loans. A flagship of the Chinese corridor is a deep-sea port at Gwadar in Balochistan.
Beijing has also repeatedly rolled over sovereign loans to Pakistan in order to help Islamabad meet its external financing needs, whenever its foreign reserves have been critically low.
