In northern Pakistani district, Suspolo Festival attracts hundreds to 'exquisite' apples

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Updated 29 October 2022
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In northern Pakistani district, Suspolo Festival attracts hundreds to 'exquisite' apples

  • The Suspolo variety, which locals say was brought from Kargil, has unique taste, color and aroma  
  • Growers in Kharmang district are happy as the festival has been helping them earn more money  

KHARMANG, Gilgit-Baltistan: Hundreds of people gathered in the northern Pakistani district of Kharmang on Thursday for the 3rd annual Suspolo Festival, which celebrates a native variety of apples deemed superior to others because of its color, taste and particularly the aroma. 

Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region produces 14 different kinds of apples and has an annual production of around 24,000 tonnes, according to officials and growers. 

But the Suspolo variety is found only in Kharmang's Pari valley, where 90 percent of its more than 6,000 populace is associated with apple-farming. 

Ghulam Muhammad Saqib, a deputy director at the GB agriculture department, said his department, together with the Kharmang district administration, had been organizing Suspolo Festival to promote the indigenous variety. 

“The Suspolo variety is a special, indigenous variety found only in the Kharmang district,” he told Arab News. 

"The taste, aroma and the color [of Suspolo apple] is exquisite." 




Pakistan Army officials and visitors pose for a group photograph at Suspolo Festival in Kharmang district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan on October 27, 2022. (AN Photo)

Growers in the valley are happy as the festival, which was held only for a day this year, has been promoting their apple produce and helping them earn more money. 

“We have been setting stalls of apples for three years. Because of the festival, our apple [Suspolo] is getting popularity,” Lubna Batool, a woman farmer in her late 30s from the Pari valley, told Arab News. 

“Because of the festival, we are earning more; our income is increasing due to high demand.” 

Batool said the reason behind the popularity of this unique variety of apple was its aroma. 

“If you keep the apple in a room, the whole room is filled with fragrance. And this is also very tasty,” she said. 




A farmer carrying apples on his back poses for a photograph at Suspolo Festival in Kharmang district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan on October 27, 2022. (AN Photo)

The taste of the variety compelled many visitors at the festival to purchase the fruit in large quantities. 

“I am from Karachi; this is my first trip to Skardu. I have been to Gilgit-Baltistan many times but not to Skardu. This is my first trip to this particular valley. I [found] the festival good,” a 35-year-old man from Karachi, who wished not to be named, told Arab News. 

“We have purchased around 60 kilograms from here. We wanted to purchase more, but unfortunately, there are luggage requirements as [we] are going back by air that’s why we purchased 60kg only. But we had a word with a few people and they are going to deliver to Karachi.” 

Growers say the festival was had been playing a major role in promoting the local produce. 

“The top objective of setting a stall here is marketing the Suspolo [variety]. Secondly, to make the Suspolo accessible to people,” Yasir Parvi, a young farmer told Arab News. 

"We have been taking part in Suspolo Festival and because of it, the marketing is going [at its] best." 

Musa Ali Hashmi, a senior agriculture officer, said growers had tried to grow this specific variety of apple in other areas too, but they could not succeed. 

"Because of three, four things, this apple is considered unique in this region. The first thing is the apple needs daylong [warm] temperatures so that it could absorb maximum heat for color and aroma," Hashmi told Arab News. 

"It also needs cold temperatures at night and these qualities are only present on this soil. The quantity of potash in this soil is a little high, because of this, the apple [is different]." 




Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Syed Amjad Zaidi and others visit different stalls at Suspolo Festival in Kharmang district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan on October 27, 2022. (AN Photo)

Wazir Ghulam Abbas, a 55-year-old farmer, said the first tree of the Suspolo variety had been sourced from a village in the larger Kashmir region, which now lies in the Indian-controlled part of the Himalayan territory. 

The Kashmir region, which GB is a part of, is divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from the British rule in 1947. Both rule part of the region but claim it in full and have fought two of their four wars over it. 

“According to our ancestors, there is a village in the Kargil region of India, whose name is Suspolo and the first tree was brought from the Suspolo village and planted here,” he said. 

“So, 90 percent of apple trees in the valley are of Suspolo's.” 

Initially, Abbas said, members of the Pakistan Army based in the disputed region were their only customers. Others were introduced to the unique variety after the construction of bridges and road infrastructure in the district, he added. 


Pakistan hails 2025 Hajj as ‘historic’ after winning Saudi award for best services

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Pakistan hails 2025 Hajj as ‘historic’ after winning Saudi award for best services

  • Sardar Yousaf says pilgrims in the lowest payment tier received services reserved for higher-cost packages
  • He adds the government-backed Hajj package was more affordable than those offered by neighboring states

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf on Wednesday described the 2025 Hajj as “historic compared to previous years” for Pakistani pilgrims, citing improved services, enhanced facilities and formal recognition from Saudi authorities for the country’s pilgrimage management.

Addressing a post-Hajj press conference in Makkah, the minister said Pakistan’s Hajj Mission had received an Excellence Award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, ranking first among the seven missions honored this year, in recognition of its services to over 115,000 Pakistani pilgrims.

“The 2025 Hajj was historic compared to previous years, and Pakistani pilgrims were provided exceptional services and facilities,” Yousaf said. “This award from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is a matter of pride for Pakistan.”

Saudi Arabia hosted over 88,000 government-sponsored Pakistani pilgrims this year, he said, noting that for the first time, air-conditioned tents, gypsum board partitions, sofa-cum-beds and overhead shelves were introduced in Mina.

Facilities at Arafat also included enhanced air-conditioning, shaded walkways and grassy areas.

Yousaf said pilgrims in the lowest payment category were offered services typically reserved for higher-tier packages.

He maintained the Hajj package for government-sponsored pilgrims remained more affordable than those offered in neighboring countries, while offering superior services.

In Madinah, all Pakistani pilgrims were housed in three- and five-star hotels near the Prophet’s Mosque and given the opportunity to visit Riyaz-ul-Jannah.

To improve coordination, Pakistan introduced a “Nazim Scheme” for the first time, assigning a group leader to every 188 pilgrims.

More than 400 medical professionals were also deployed to ensure health care services for pilgrims.

Yousaf appreciated the Pakistani pilgrims for their cooperation and adherence to Saudi guidelines during the pilgrimage.


Pakistan says China has offered to sell new military equipment, including J-35 fighter jets

Updated 7 min 25 sec ago
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Pakistan says China has offered to sell new military equipment, including J-35 fighter jets

  • Pakistan says Beijing has offered to sell 40 advanced J-35 fighter jets, ballistic missile defense systems to Islamabad
  • Pakistan and India have sought to bolster their defense capabilities after engaging in four days of conflict last month 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government this month announced that China has offered to sell it its new military equipment, including 40 of its advanced fifth-generation J-35 fighter jets and ballistic missile defense systems following Islamabad’s armed conflict with India in May. 

Nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan engaged in armed conflict for four days from May 7-10, pounding each other with artillery fire, fighter jets, drones and missiles. Fighting stopped on May 10 when US President Donald Trump announced both countries had agreed to a ceasefire. 

Pakistan said its air force downed six Indian fighter jets using Chinese J-10C aircraft on the night of May 6. On May 31, the chief of defense staff of the Indian Armed Forces, Anil Chauhan, confirmed India lost an unspecified number of fighter jets in clashes with Pakistan last month.

Both countries have since then sought to bolster their defense capabilities and procure the latest arms as tensions continue to simmer between both nations. Pakistan’s government said in a social media post on June 7 that China has also offered to sell KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft, as well as HQ-19 ballistic missile defense systems to Pakistan. 

“Under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has achieved several major diplomatic achievements including the offer of 40 fifth-generation J-35 stealth aircraft, KJ-500 AWACS, HQ-19 defense systems from China, and the deferment of $3.7 billion in debt,” the Government of Pakistan wrote on social media account X. 

As per a report in the international news publication Bloomberg on Monday, the shares of Chinese defense companies rallied this week after Pakistan’s announcement of Beijing’s offer to sell its aircraft. The report said shares of AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company— the maker of China’s J-35 stealth fighter jet— soared by their 10 percent daily limit in Shanghai, extending gains for the third consecutive session on Monday.

The shares of another China-based company, Aerospace Nanhu Electronic Information Technology Co., soared by 15 percent, the report added. 

The shares of Chinese arms makers have surged since Pakistan said its air force downed six Indian fighter jets, using Chinese J-10C aircraft, on the night of May 6. The two countries had engaged in armed conflict that day after India struck what it called “terrorist” camps in Pakistan. 

The J-35 stealth fighter jet was developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and publicly unveiled at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow. Its sale to Pakistan would mark China’s first export of the fifth-generation jet, which has advanced stealth capabilities for penetrating the airspace of an adversary. 

On the other hand, the KJ-500 aircraft would improve Pakistan’s radar coverage, and its smaller size allows for nimbler use in regional clashes, the report said. The HQ-19 surface-to-air missile systems would enhance the country’s ability to intercept ballistic missiles.

“In a sign of how the conflict is changing dynamics, Indonesia— which has relied on aircraft from makers in the US, Russia and elsewhere— is mulling China’s offer of J-10 jets,” Bloomberg reported. “Southeast Asia’s largest economy has bought munitions and air surveillance systems from China in the past, but not jet fighters.”

Tensions reached a boiling point when India blamed Pakistan for supporting an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. Gunmen had killed 26 Indian tourists in Pahalgam resort. New Delhi, which has always blamed Pakistan for supporting militant outfits in the part of Kashmir it governs, accused Islamabad of having a hand in the attack.

Pakistan denied the allegations and called for an international probe into the incident. 

Though the fragile ceasefire continues to hold, ties between the two countries remain strained. New Delhi and Islamabad have both sent delegations to world capitals in hopes of swaying international opinion in their favor. 


Pakistan set to unveil IMF-backed budget today, aimed at balancing growth and stability

Updated 53 min 10 sec ago
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Pakistan set to unveil IMF-backed budget today, aimed at balancing growth and stability

  • Pakistan missed its growth target as agriculture, industry underperformed in the outgoing fiscal year
  • Analysts expect the government to focus on fiscal consolidation by widening the tax base this year

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to unveil an International Monetary Fund-backed federal budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year in parliament today, with economists describing it as a delicate balancing act aimed at preserving macroeconomic stability while reigniting growth.

The budget comes a day after the release of the Economic Survey of Pakistan, which showed that the country missed its annual growth target, expanding by 2.7 percent against a goal of 3.7 percent.

Economists say the government is now walking a “tightrope” as it prepares its fiscal roadmap for the coming year.

“The upcoming budget is expected to be fiscally disciplined, aiming to strike a delicate balance between economic stability and inclusive growth,” said Sana Tawfik, head of research at Karachi-based brokerage Arif Habib Limited.

Pakistan’s agriculture sector was a major drag on overall performance in the outgoing fiscal year, growing just 0.56 percent, while the industrial sector, especially large-scale manufacturing, also lagged.

The services sector fared slightly better with an estimated 2.9 percent growth. For the upcoming year, the government is targeting 4.2 percent GDP growth, according to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

In the new budget, businesses across sectors, including textiles, real estate, capital markets alongside foreign investors, are hoping for rationalization of key taxes such as the sales tax, capital gains tax, super tax and the levy on salaried income.

The government, however, is expected to stay the course on reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which have helped stabilize the economy after years of high debt and dollar shortages.

“With IMF engagement in focus, the government is likely to prioritize fiscal consolidation, emphasizing revenue enhancement through broadening the tax base,” Tawfik said.

The IMF has pressed Pakistan to bring more sectors into the tax net, particularly agriculture, real estate and retail.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s administration has already withdrawn subsidies and raised electricity tariffs in recent years to boost revenue, key conditions under the IMF program.

“While development spending may remain contained due to limited fiscal space, the overall direction appears to favor continuity of reform,” Tawfik said.

Mushtaq Khan, former chief economist at Bank Alfalah Limited, said the government is expected to wage a “war on cash” in the coming fiscal year by promoting a cashless economy.

He added the Sharif administration now appears more “confident” as his coalition government has seemingly gained political strength in the wake of the recent military standoff with India.


Pakistan ready to ‘fight’ in Asian Cup football qualifier against Myanmar today

Updated 10 June 2025
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Pakistan ready to ‘fight’ in Asian Cup football qualifier against Myanmar today

  • Head coach Stephen Constantine says players have trained hard and will fight to win the game in Yangon
  • Pakistan lost their opening Group E match to Syria but have shown signs of progress under Constantine

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s national football team is determined to fight to win in their crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying clash against Myanmar today, Wednesday, head coach Stephen Constantine said, as the side looks to build on the momentum of last year’s improved performances.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Yangon a day earlier, the Pakistani coach acknowledged the challenges facing his squad but remained upbeat about their preparation and intent.

“For Pakistan, all of the games are difficult,” he said, according to a statement circulated by the Pakistan Football Federation. “But we have a good group of players. They have worked hard over the last few days and we will come here to try to win the game.”

Pakistan, who lost 2-0 to Syria in their opening Group E match, have shown signs of progress in recent international fixtures, including a spirited display in that match and a stronger showing overall in 2024 compared to previous years.

Constantine highlighted the importance of continuing that upward trajectory.

“We played quite well against Syria despite the result,” he said. “Every single game you play for Pakistan is important, even friendlies.”

Myanmar, who won their last match, will have home advantage at Yangon’s Thuwunna Stadium and are widely seen as favorites. But the Pakistani coach said his team remained focused and undeterred.

“They will be favorites for this game,” he said. “But we will fight like we do in every game and we will try to get the result that we want, which is to win. We didn’t come here to lose.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST) today.


Pakistan to kickstart post-Hajj flight operations today to bring back pilgrims

Updated 10 June 2025
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Pakistan to kickstart post-Hajj flight operations today to bring back pilgrims

  • State media says Pakistan International Airlines’ flight carrying 307 pilgrims will leave Jeddah for Islamabad
  • Over 88,000 Pakistani pilgrims under government scheme to return to country via 362 flights, says state media

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will kickstart its post-Hajj flight operations to bring thousands of pilgrims back to the country from today, Tuesday, state-run media reported, adding that they would continue till July 10. 

Pakistan concluded its 33-day pre-Hajj flight operation last month, transporting more than 115,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia under both the government and private schemes for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage took place from June 4 to June 9, drawing millions of pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Pakistan was among several countries managing large-scale contingents during the annual religious gathering.

“Post-Hajj flight operation to bring back Pakistani pilgrims is starting from Tuesday,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Monday, quoting Secretary Religious Affairs Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman. 

Sharing details, Rehman said Pakistan International Airlines’ flight PK-732 carrying 307 pilgrims will leave Jeddah for Islamabad. 

“Similarly, the first post-Hajj flight from Madinah PK-7030 will depart for Lahore on Thursday,” Radio Pakistan said. “The national flag carrier will airlift 307 pilgrims.”

The Pakistani official said the flight operation would continue till July 10 during which a total of over 88,000 pilgrims under the government scheme will be transported to Pakistan via 362 flights.

“Meanwhile, Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman highlighted that elaborate arrangements have been made for smooth transportation of the pilgrims back to their homeland,” the state broadcaster said. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday thanked Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the Kingdom’s “exceptional organization” of Hajj 2025. 

 

 

“Thank you for making this spiritual experience more comfortable and memorable for all those who performed Hajj this year,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.