Pakistan’s PM urges world to be ‘ecologically more conscious’ on Earth Day

Civil society activists take part in a climate march in Karachi on July 16, 2023. (AFP/File)
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Updated 22 April 2024
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Pakistan’s PM urges world to be ‘ecologically more conscious’ on Earth Day

  • Earth Day is an annual celebration that raises awareness to protect planet’s natural resources
  • Pakistan is consistently ranked among world’s worst-affected countries by climate change

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called on the international community to join hands and strive to be “ecologically more conscious” as Pakistan joins the world in commemorating Earth Day today. 

Earth Day is an annual celebration on April 22 that honors the achievements of environmental movements and raises awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations. The day serves as a platform to highlight various environmental issues, such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and conservation of natural resources.

In a message on social media platform X, Sharif said Earth Day reminds the world of its shared responsibility to protect the planet. 

“Let us strive to be ecologically more conscious in our endeavors and fostering a greener approach in our daily life,” he wrote. “Let us resolve to reduce our carbon and environmental footprint.”

Pakistan produces less than one percent of the world’s carbon footprint but, according to the Global Climate Risk Index, has lost nearly ten thousand lives and suffered economic losses worth $3.8 billion due to climate change throughout the years 1999 to 2018.

The country is also ranked consistently among the world’s worst-affected countries due to climate change. Pakistan witnessed one of the deadliest monsoon floods in June 2022, blamed on climate change, which killed more than 1,700 people, affected nearly 33 million and caused over $30 million losses.

In recent years, Pakistan has also experienced frequent forest fires in its northwestern and southwestern regions.

Sharif’s message came as the South Asian country reels from heavy rains in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and southwestern Balochsitan provinces and Punjab. Lightning strikes, heavy rains and floods in the three provinces have killed more than 90 people since April 12. 


Pakistan warns of another wet spell as monsoon rains perish 111 lives since late June

Updated 14 min 40 sec ago
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Pakistan warns of another wet spell as monsoon rains perish 111 lives since late June

  • Monsoon brings South Asia 70 to 80 percent of its annual rainfall, arriving in late June in Pakistan and lasting through Sept.
  • The annual rains, vital for agriculture and livelihoods, bring with them flooding, landslides and cause buildings to collapse

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Monday warned of another wet spell in the country from July 15 till July 17, with the death toll from monsoon rain-floods rising to 111 since June 26.

The toll includes 40 deaths in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, followed by 37 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 17 in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan and one fatality in Azad Kashmir, according to official figures. Another 212 people have been injured in rain-related incidents.

In its fresh alert, the disaster authority said a low-pressure area, presently located over India’s Madhya Pradesh state, is likely to affect Pakistan in the next 24 to 72 hours.

“Under the influence of this weather system, strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate central and upper parts [of Pakistan],” it said. “A westerly wave is also present over upper parts of the country.”

The system may result in heavy rains and flash floods in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Dera Ghazi Khan and northeastern Punjab.

“Rains may trigger landslides in Murree and hilly areas,” the NDMA said. “Heavy downpour may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad.”

It called on provincial and district administrations to prepare emergency response teams, ensure the availability of rescue machinery and clear drainage systems in urban areas.

“Avoid outdoor exposure in rains and windy weather,” the authority said. “Tourists and travelers visiting mountainous areas are advised to remain cautious of flash floods, avalanche, glaciers, landslides, rock fall/tree fall, derbies/mud flow during the period.”

Monsoon season brings South Asia 70 to 80 percent of its annual rainfall, arriving in early June in India and late June in Pakistan, and lasting through until September.

The annual rains are vital for agriculture and food security, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers. But the season brings with it flooding, landslides and causes buildings to collapse.

South Asia is getting hotter and in recent years has seen shifting weather patterns, but scientists are unclear on how exactly a warming planet is affecting the highly complex monsoon.

Pakistan is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change, and its 240 million residents are facing extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods submerged a third of Pakistan and killed 1,700 people, with some areas yet to recover from the damage. In May, at least 32 people were killed in severe storms, including strong hailstorms.


UK, Pakistan agree to set up new business advisory council at inaugural trade dialogue

Updated 48 min 47 sec ago
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UK, Pakistan agree to set up new business advisory council at inaugural trade dialogue

  • The Pakistan-UK trade in goods and services reached £4.7 billion in 2024, an increase of 7.3 percent, compared to the previous year
  • The dialogue reaffirms the UK’s commitment to open and fair trade and to deepening economic ties with Pakistan, high commission says

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) decided to form a new business advisory council as officials from both countries met in London at the inaugural UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, the British high commission in Islamabad said on Monday.
The development came during the dialogue co-chaired by UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who is on an official visit to the UK from July 14 till July 20.
The UK maintains zero-tariff access of Pakistan’s exports post-Brexit, making it Pakistan’s largest European and third-largest individual export partner, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry.
The UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council will bring together senior business leaders and government officials to provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices. 
“Today’s Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries,” Alexander was quoted as saying by the British high commission.
 “By deepening cooperation in key sectors like health care and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.”
The high commission did not share an exact date about the establishment of the new advisory council.
Bilateral trade between the two countries in goods and services reached £4.7 billion in 2024, an increase of 7.3 percent, or £320 million, compared to the previous year, according to the UK government data. Of this £4.7 billion, UK exports to Pakistan amounted to £2.2 billion, while its imports from Pakistan amounted to £2.5 billion.
Khan, whose visit aims to deepen bilateral commercial ties and strengthen institutional frameworks, said the dialogue laid the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship between both sides.
“The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners,” he was quoted as saying. “By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations.”
Britain also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK.
“The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities,” the British high commission said in its statement.
“This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.”
Khan’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to draw overseas investment amid a gradually healing macroeconomic environment after a prolonged downturn that forced Islamabad to seek external financing from friendly nations and multiple loan programs from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The British high commission said Monday’s discussions focused on key sectors, including information technology and health care, under the UK’s Industrial Strategy, which presents a “significant opportunity” for businesses and investors.
“The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a more dynamic and open business environment,” it said.
“Through the alignment of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair trade, and to deepening economic ties with key partners like Pakistan.”


Islamabad plans digital remittance solutions for Pakistanis in Gulf, elsewhere via PayPak scheme

Updated 59 min 10 sec ago
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Islamabad plans digital remittance solutions for Pakistanis in Gulf, elsewhere via PayPak scheme

  • The initiative aims to facilitate secure and structured remittance flows from non-resident Pakistani workers who are based abroad
  • Pakistan received over $38.3 billion remittances in last fiscal year, with Pakistanis residing in Gulf contributing a major share

KARACHI: The Pakistani government is planning to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in Gulf countries, by providing a technological solution that would enable them to send remittances through a domestic payment scheme, PayPak, the 1Link payment gateway system said on Monday, citing the Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP) chief said on Monday.

PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said this in a recent meeting with stakeholders, including 1Link CEO Najeeb Agrawalla and Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin, in the country’s commercial capital of Karachi.

Pakistan received over $38.3 billion in remittances from different countries in the financial year ending in June, with Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries contributing a major share to this amount.

Khan said the government was working extensively to serve Pakistanis in the country and overseas by addressing their core issues through innovative, technological and affordable means.

“The government is keen to explore strategic collaboration on empowering overseas Pakistani youth through digital remittance services and expanding PayPak’s reach under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme,” he was quoted as saying by 1Link.

Khan said Pakistanis living abroad were playing commendable role in contributing to the economy and the PM Digital Youth Hub was exploring various options to honor their services with dedicated facilities and offerings.

Launched in 2016 by 1Link, PayPak is Pakistan’s first and the only domestic payment scheme (DPS), making Pakistan the 28th country in the world to have its own domestic payment system. It aims to spur financial inclusion and digitization across the country.

“We aim to take initiatives to facilitate secure and structured remittance flows from non-resident Pakistani workers, especially those based in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf countries, while also promoting the use of PayPak for Hajj, Umrah, and other cross-border transactions including 1Bill service for non-resident Pakistanis,” 1Link CEO Agrawalla said.

As a major payment service provider, he said, 1Link proposed extending its technological expertise and platform capabilities to support the development and implementation of both initiatives.

PAFLA Chairman Amin said there were over 4 million Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries who had been contributing to the economy through their hard-earned income, adding that many of them lacked access to reliable, user-friendly technological payment solutions.

“PAFLA, in collaboration with Pakistani diplomatic missions, Pakistan’s banks, and different agencies, will do its best efforts to approach freelancers, blue- and white-collar Pakistani workers through outreach and engagement efforts across Gulf countries,” he said.


Pakistan sent 336,999 nationals abroad for jobs from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30

Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistan sent 336,999 nationals abroad for jobs from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30

  • Over 10 million individuals have been sent abroad for jobs by Pakistan’s government since 1971, says state media
  • Remittances sent by Pakistani individuals employed abroad are crucial for cash-strapped South Asian country 

ISLAMABAD: The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) sent around 336,999 Pakistanis abroad from January 1 to June 30 this year, state-run media reported on Monday, crediting the government’s policies for increasing employment opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled and unskilled laborers. 

Thousands of Pakistanis every year travel abroad for jobs in Gulf countries, Europe, the United States and other nations. Citing data from an official of the BUEO, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said over 10 million emigrants have been provided overseas employment through the bureau since its inception in 1971. 

“Through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development from January 1 to June 30, around 336,999 Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment,” APP reported. 

The official shared that in 2015, 946,571 Pakistanis went abroad for jobs, the highest number ever. The official further said 116,300 foreign jobs are available with BEOE.

“Overseas employment is playing a vital role in reducing the pressure of unemployment at home, besides being a major means of earning foreign exchange in the shape of overseas workers’ remittances,” it added. 

The state-run media said the bureau controls, regulates, facilitates and monitors the emigration process followed by the Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) in the private sector. It also monitors the “direct employment” mode adopted by individuals, who seek foreign employment either through their own efforts or relatives and friends living abroad.

“The Bureau has been engaged in maintaining comprehensive statistical record of all the migrant workers since 1971, which provides basis for planning and policy formulation by the Economic Division and other interested government departments.

The remittances sent by Pakistani citizens employed abroad is crucial for the South Asian country to shore up its foreign reserves, especially as it grapples with a prolonged economic crisis. 


Pakistani PM’s aide warns Imran Khan’s party against stirring ‘instability’ with protest drive

Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistani PM’s aide warns Imran Khan’s party against stirring ‘instability’ with protest drive

  • Khan’s PTI party has launched 90-day anti-government movement to demand ex-PM’s release
  • Rana Sanaullah says law will take its course if PTI incites unrest during agitation campaign

ISLAMABAD: A top political adviser to Pakistan’s prime minister on Monday warned jailed former premier Imran Khan’s political party against inciting unrest during a newly announced protest movement to demand his release, as political tensions in the country continue to intensify.

Khan, who was ousted from office in a parliamentary vote in April 2022, has been jailed for nearly two years on multiple charges, which he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party insist are politically motivated. PTI currently holds power in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has previously led a number of protest marches toward the capital, Islamabad.

On July 13, PTI launched its latest agitation campaign, describing it as a 90-day “do-or-die” protest. The announcement followed the suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers in Punjab and the Supreme Court’s rejection of the party’s bid to reclaim reserved parliamentary seats for minorities and women.

“They have now planned a program lasting over 90 days. In this, if they remain peaceful, it’s fine, it’s their democratic right,” Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political and public affairs, said in an interview with a local news channel. 

“And if they take the law in their hands and try to create instability in the country then definitely the law will take its course.”

Sanaullah also accused Khan’s party of bypassing the government and seeking intervention from the military, commonly referred to in Pakistan as “the establishment.”

“They did not talk about speaking with the government [to resolve their issues],” he added. “They want to speak to the establishment, they are trying to straighten out their affairs through them.”

The latest protest drive was finalized at a meeting in Lahore on July 12, attended by PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur who alleged that the PTI was being denied its right to peaceful protest. He vowed that the party would mobilize supporters nationwide before marching toward the capital.

Earlier this month, Khan’s sister announced that his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, would join the protest campaign in Pakistan after returning from the United States, where they will seek to raise awareness about alleged human rights violations against Khan and his party.

PTI has organized a series of nationwide demonstrations since last year, calling for Khan’s release and an independent investigation into the February 2024 general elections. During one such protest in November 2024, the government said four security personnel were killed in clashes with Khan supporters, an allegation PTI denies.

The government maintains that the 2024 elections were free and fair and accuses the PTI of undermining democratic processes and causing economic stability through confrontational tactics. Pakistan’s military, long a powerful force in national politics, denies accusations of political interference or any role in Khan’s ouster or imprisonment.