In Pakistan’s chilli province, growers turn to innovation against toxin contamination

Workers spread red chilies for drying in the Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province on November 13, 2023. (AN Photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)
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Updated 21 November 2023
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In Pakistan’s chilli province, growers turn to innovation against toxin contamination

  • Aflatoxin, toxic byproduct of mold that spreads on crops during production, harvest, storage or processing, has hit chilli crops in southern Sindh province
  • Twelve growers with the help of a government institute have installed drying machine, solar tunnel and dehydrator to mechanize drying and washing chillies

UMERKOT, SINDH: A dozen growers in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh are successfully using modern methods and machines to protect their chilli crops against fungal contamination in a region that is highly vulnerable to climate change and ranked among the top five in the world for chilli cultivation and production.
Around 150,000 acres (60,700 hectares) of farms in Pakistan produce 143,000 tons of chilli annually, making the country the fourth largest for chilli production worldwide. Sindh, which produces 126 million tons, contributes around 88 percent of the country’s total chilli production.
But floods that wreaked havoc across Pakistan last year, on the back of several years of high temperatures, have left chilli farmers struggling to cope. In a country heavily dependent on agriculture, the more extreme climate conditions are hitting rural economies hard, farmers and experts say, underscoring the vulnerability of swathes of South Asia’s population to changing weather patterns.
In recent years, contamination by aflatoxin — a toxic byproduct of a mold that tends to spread in drought-stressed crops during production, harvest, storage or processing — has also hit chilli crops in Sindh.
Dr. Muhammad Siddique Depar, the principal scientific officer at the government’s Arid Zone Research Center (AZRC) Umerkot, said chillies traditionally needed to be air-dried outdoors for two weeks but increasingly higher daytime




In this photograph, taken on November 13, 2023, Dr. Muhammad Siddique Depar, the principal scientific officer at a research center, showcases dried red chilies using a drying machine in the Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province. (AN Photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar).

temperatures and inconsistent dew were creating favorable conditions for aflatoxin growth during the process of drying. The rest of the damage was done by dust in the outdoors, which collected on the chillies as they dried.
“Over the past three years or so, AZRC has installed a foreign-donated red chilli drying machine, a solar tunnel, and a chilli dehydrator drying and washing machine,” Depar said, explaining the modern methods being used by twelve growers to combat aflatoxin contamination.
Compared to two weeks in the open air, chillies can dry in four days inside a solar tunnel and within 30 hours with a dryer. Both methods also prevent the chilli crop from being exposed to dust, which is the main reason for a decline in quality, Depar added.
“After the area’s [12] growers utilized these facilities for drying fresh chilli crops, achieving better results compared to open-sky drying, we can say it proved to be a successful model,” the researcher said. 




Worker spreads red chilies for drying in the Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province on November 13, 2023. (AN Photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)

But the machines are not adequate to meet the demands of the region’s farmers.
Four red chilli dryer units and two chilli washing units were donated by the Korea Program for International Cooperation in Agricultural Technology to AZRC Umerkot. The total capacity of the KOPIA chili drying units is 20 maunds, or approximately 800 kilograms. In addition, one unit each of a solar tunnel and a solar-cum-gas-dryer were installed at AZRC Umerkot under a Pakistan Agricultural Research Council agriculture-linkage program project titled Post-harvest Processing of Chilies for Producing Quality Produce. The project started in 2018 and ended in 2020.
Now, Umerkot’s chilli growers want the government to scale up the new methods to save local chillis from contamination. 
“I availed the AZRC red chilli drying facilities and it saved me time and quality,” farmer Javed Rajar told Arab News.




In this photograph, taken on November 13, 2023,  farmer Javed Rajar showcases local chillis in the Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province. (AN Photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)

“However, I am still dependent on traditional methods too as AZRC did not have that capacity to dry all my chilli crops. The issue is that for large scale production these machines are not enough.”
He called on the government to act promptly to protect the region’s famous Lungi chilli crop.
“Lungi chilli is renowned for its unique taste globally,” the grower said. “However, environmental conditions are either causing a decline in its production or it is being replaced by hybrid varieties. The government needs to act promptly by establishing large-scale chilli drying units to support local farmers and boost Lungi’s exports.”
Official figures show Pakistan’s dried red chilli exports have declined in the last few years, mainly due to aflatoxin. As per the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan exported 2,751 metric tons of dried red chillies in 2019, which declined to 1,665 metric tons in 2022.
But officials are optimistic that with innovation, chillis can be protected from toxins in the future during the drying process.
“Using modern techniques helps us to manage the phytosanitary and meet food safety requirements of other [importing] countries by addressing the issues of aflatoxin and pesticide residues,” Dr. Mubarik Ahmed, a consultant for agriculture and food at TDAP, told Arab News.
“TDAP is planning to help local chilli farmers in developing more drying units.”




This photograph, taken on November 13, 2023, shows local red chilies at a farm in the Umerkot district of Pakistan's Sindh province. (AN Photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar).

 


Pakistan ruling coalition ally criticizes cyber law amendments, warns of threat to free speech

Updated 01 March 2025
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Pakistan ruling coalition ally criticizes cyber law amendments, warns of threat to free speech

  • Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act is widely criticized as a tool to stifle dissent
  • PPP’s Raza Rabbani calls the PECA amendment bill ‘black law,’ says it can weaken the state

KARACHI: A senior Pakistani politician from a party supporting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling coalition on Saturday condemned the recent amendments to the country’s cyber laws, warning they would jeopardize freedom of speech and weaken the state.
Pakistan’s Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) was originally enacted in 2016, but an amendment bill passed in January 2025 expanded its scope by broadening the definition of “fake news” and criminalizing defamation against government officials.
The law also established a new social media regulatory authority to oversee digital content and a cybercrime agency with the power to prosecute violations.
Speaking at a convention related to the issue, Raza Rabbani of the Pakistan Peoples Party denounced the PECA amendments as a “black law,” asserting they would further restrict an already regulated digital space, especially for journalists.
“Trying to stop or restrict freedom of the press actually weakens the state. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right,” Rabbani said, highlighting the law’s “vague provisions on fake news” and other reforms that he warned could be easily manipulated.
He criticized the government for failing to consult stakeholders before enacting the amendments and urged an immediate suspension of the law’s implementation. Rabbani called for dialogue with journalists, civil society and other relevant groups to revise the legislation.
Barrister Salahuddin Ahmed, a legal expert, told the gathering the amendments undermined democratic principles by granting the government disproportionate power.
He also warned against the new authority mandated to take swift action against social media platforms during his speech.
“This authority is empowered to block platforms and remove content within 24 hours of a complaint being filed,” Ahmed said. “This gives an alarming level of unchecked power to a single body, which could easily be misused to stifle dissent.”
Sohail Afzal Khan, secretary of the Karachi Press Club, where the convention was held, echoed these concerns, arguing PECA was designed to suppress journalists rather than combat disinformation.
“If the government had been sincere in combating fake news, it would have enacted legislation in consultation with journalist leadership and other stakeholders. Instead, it seeks to suppress the voice of journalists,” Khan said.
The event was attended by representatives from major political parties, lawyers, rights activists and media workers, culminating in a resolution rejecting PECA 2025.
The resolution called for the removal of restrictions on free speech and an end to legal actions against journalists under the pretext of combating misinformation.
“The meeting resolves to continue its struggle against PECA and similar laws, within democratic frameworks, by collaborating with civil society and democratic forces,” it said.


PM Sharif highlights Palestinian and Kashmiri struggles as Ramadan begins in Pakistan

Updated 01 March 2025
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PM Sharif highlights Palestinian and Kashmiri struggles as Ramadan begins in Pakistan

  • The prime minister says it is time to strengthen Muslim unity and promote cooperation
  • He urges people to support financially disadvantaged segments during the holy month

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday recalled the struggles of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people while urging greater unity among Muslim states, as Pakistan prepares to begin the holy month of Ramadan from tomorrow.
Pakistan’s central moon sighting committee announced a day earlier that the Ramadan crescent was not sighted anywhere in the country, confirming that the first day of fasting would fall on Sunday.
Observed by Muslims worldwide, the month is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, which many consider a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline and devotion.
Fasting is also seen as a way to strengthen faith and develop empathy for the less fortunate.
“We are grateful to Allah for once again blessing us with the holy month of Ramadan, a time of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness,” the prime minister was quoted as saying by his office in a statement.

Muslims offer the first Tarawih prayers to mark the start of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Memon Mosque in Karachi on March 1, 2025. (AFP)

“We must remember our Palestinian and Kashmiri brothers and sisters who continue to suffer oppression and raise our voices against this injustice,” he continued. “This is the time to strengthen Muslim unity and promote cooperation and brotherhood.”
Sharif also called on Pakistanis to support financially disadvantaged segments of society during the month, which places a strong emphasis on charity and social welfare.

People arrive to offer the first Tarawih prayers to mark the start of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Memon Mosque in Karachi on March 1, 2025. (AFP)

Ramadan holds special significance for Muslims, as it was during one of its nights that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The month is observed with increased prayer, charitable giving and community gatherings, culminating in the festival of Eid Al-Fitr.


Pakistan’s army chief inaugurates combat simulation center in Bahawalpur sector

Updated 01 March 2025
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Pakistan’s army chief inaugurates combat simulation center in Bahawalpur sector

  • General Munir interacts with officers and troops, commends their dedication and morale
  • The army chief also launches two other facilities focusing on IT and medical education

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Saturday inaugurated a combat simulation center and two other facilities focused on information technology and medical education during a visit to Bahawalpur, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
The strategically important garrison town in southern Punjab plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s military readiness, particularly in the context of its nuclear-armed neighbor, India.
The area is home to the Bahawalpur Corps, a key formation responsible for border defense and rapid deployment, given its proximity to India’s Rajasthan state, which hosts major Indian military bases. Bahawalpur also serves as a logistics and training hub, with large-scale military drills focusing on different warfare scenarios.
ISPR said the army chief received a briefing on the operational preparedness and training aspects of the Bahawalpur Corps during the visit.
“COAS inaugurated the CMH Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), Innovista Cholistan and Integrated Combat Simulator Arena, pioneering initiatives aimed at advancing medical education, information technology and combat readiness,” it added
During his visit to CIMS, General Munir engaged with students from various universities, emphasizing the army’s role in nurturing young talent. He urged students to pursue academic excellence and develop the skills necessary for national development, reaffirming the army’s commitment to empowering youth
Earlier, the army chief was received by the Commander of Bahawalpur Corps and addressed officers and troops, commending their dedication and high morale.
He stressed that rigorous training remains the cornerstone of a soldier’s professional development, adding that it is essential for meeting the challenges of modern warfare.


Pakistan’s internet industry body seeks reforms amid digital connectivity crisis

Updated 01 March 2025
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Pakistan’s internet industry body seeks reforms amid digital connectivity crisis

  • Internet service providers’ association says only two operators are controlling Pakistan’s digital connectivity
  • It seeks a second internet gateway in Gwadar, asks regulators to negotiate bandwidth in local currency

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ongoing internet crisis, marked by soaring costs and sluggish speeds, stems from structural issues in which two operators control the gateway to global connectivity, the country’s internet service providers’ association said this week.

Pakistan is heavily reliant on digital connectivity for economic growth. However, the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) said in a statement users were getting an average speed of just 20-30 megabits per second (Mbps), which was significantly lower than that of countries like Bangladesh in the region where speeds reach 50 Mbps, despite Pakistanis paying nearly twice as much for the service.

WISPAP warned against the “near-duopoly” of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Transworld Associates (TWA), saying it had led to monopolistic pricing, restricting competition and keeping internet services expensive and inefficient.

Its assertion comes as Africa-1, a new undersea cable system, recently landed in Pakistan, promising additional bandwidth, though the association said it would only benefit the two existing gatekeepers of global connectivity.

“Ban gatekeepers from overcharging or locking out rivals,” the statement prepared on Tuesday quoted Shahzad Arshad, WISPAP chairman, as saying. “Fair rules mean fair rates.”

Pakistan’s internet infrastructure is centered around Karachi, where PTCL and TWA manage the country’s seven undersea fiber-optic cable connections and two smaller overland links.

Arshad noted the lack of competition allows these operators to set high prices for bandwidth, which internet service providers (ISPs) must purchase before distributing internet services to consumers.

WISPAP also proposed policy recommendations, including creating a second internet gateway in Gwadar, saying it would reduce broadband costs by 30 percent in five years.

“Invite new operators, local or foreign, with tax breaks,” its chairman suggested. “PTCL and TWA will have to fight for customers, not just cash them out.”

Additionally, the group urged regulators to follow Malaysia’s model of negotiating bandwidth in local currency, shielding ISPs from volatile exchange rates.

“Cut the dollar leash, and ISPs save 20% overnight,” Arshad said. “That’s cheaper Wi-Fi for every household.”

Pakistan’s internet crisis has far-reaching consequences for businesses, impacting sectors such as e-commerce, fintech and freelancing. The country’s freelance industry, which generated $1.2 billion in 2024, is particularly vulnerable to unreliable connectivity.

WISPAP estimates that affordable, high-speed internet could double freelancing revenue to $2.5 billion by 2030, while also bringing 10 million more Pakistanis online.


Pakistan Navy ship participates in UAE defense exhibition to bolster maritime ties

Updated 01 March 2025
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Pakistan Navy ship participates in UAE defense exhibition to bolster maritime ties

  • The UAE event features naval vessels from eight nations and participation from 65 countries
  • PNS Yarmouk has carried out joint exercises with the UAE Navy’s ship Al Emarat, ISPR says

KARACHI: A Pakistan Navy ship is participating in an international defense exhibition in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of efforts to strengthen maritime relations with the Gulf nation, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
The Pakistan Navy ship Yarmouk arrived in the UAE for the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX 25), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
Several high-profile officials, including the UAE’s minister for tolerance and the defense ministers of Romania and Yemen, visited the vessel.
“Participation in the defense exhibition reflects Pakistan’s strong defense ties with the UAE and its active role in global maritime security initiatives,” the ISPR said.

This handout photo shows UAE Tolerance and Coexistance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan onboard Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook during International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) & Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Photo courtesy: Handout/Pakistan Navy)

Pakistan has intensified its naval diplomacy in the region and beyond in recent years, particularly with Gulf nations, as part of efforts to enhance maritime security and defense collaboration.
The growing engagement aligns with Islamabad’s broader strategy of maintaining stability in regional waters and securing trade routes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The UAE event, which features naval vessels from eight nations and participation from 65 countries, comes weeks after Pakistan hosted the AMAN-25 multinational exercise, where 60 countries took part in maritime drills aimed at enhancing interoperability and regional security.

In this handout photo, released on February 28, 2025, Pakistan Navy official briefs visitors onboard Pakistan Navy Ship Yarmook during International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) & Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Photo courtesy: Handout/Pakistan Navy)

Following AMAN-25, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia conducted the Affaa Al Sahil bilateral naval exercise, which concluded in Karachi last month with a demonstration of firepower and combat tactics.
During its visit to the UAE, PNS Yarmouk also carried out joint exercises with the UAE Navy’s ship Al Emarat.