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PM Sharif seeks Chinese cooperation in energy, trade and tech during Beijing visit

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Updated 06 June 2024
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PM Sharif seeks Chinese cooperation in energy, trade and tech during Beijing visit

  • PM Sharif visits Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing, discusses potential collaboration in tech startups, R&D centers
  • Sharif discusses trade financing to boost Pakistan’s exports to international markets in a meeting with EXIM Bank chairman
Updated 06 June 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met high-ranking Chinese aid and trade financing officials on Thursday in Beijing during which both sides explored ways to enhance Pakistan and China’s cooperation in the trade, energy and technology sectors, a statement from his office said. 

The Pakistani premier arrived on a five-day trip to China this week and is currently in Beijing, where he arrived after interacting with representatives of Chinese tech companies in Shenzhen on Wednesday. Sharif’s diplomatic engagements are widely viewed as part of his administration’s efforts to enhance and upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), through which Beijing has pledged over $60 billion in Pakistan.

The prime minister’s engagements on Thursday included addressing the Pak-China Friendship and Business reception held in his honor in Beijing and meeting Chinese aid and trade financing officials. He also met the chairman of the PowerChina, a state-owned Chinese construction group to discuss an alternative energy system for Pakistan. 

“There is great potential for investment in alternative energy in Pakistan,” Sharif told the Chinese official during a meeting between the two sides, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). 

The Pakistani prime minister also visited the Zhongguancun Science Park in the outskirts of Beijing, which is also known as China’s Silicon Valley. Sharif was briefed on China’s tech start-ups culture and the innovative environment and cutting-edge research taking place in the Science Park, the PMO said. 

“The discussions focused on potential collaboration and partnerships in tech start-ups, R&D centers, and digital infrastructure,” the statement said. “The Prime Minister appreciated the scientific and technological advancement in China and highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between Pakistan and China which can boost technological progress and innovation in Pakistan.”

SHARIF ON EMULATING CHINA

Earlier today, the Pakistani prime minister said Islamabad aimed to emulate the Chinese model, focusing on economic cooperation and avoiding conflicts while he spoke at the Pak-China Friendship and Business reception held in his honor in Beijing.

“We will maintain a sharp focus on our industrial and agricultural progress and prosperity and avoid irritations and conflicts, and follow the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has shown the path not only to the Chinese people but to the world that to make progress is possible by avoiding conflicts and promoting cooperation, avoiding wars and promoting hard work,” Sharif said. “This is what the BRI and CPEC is all about.”

Earlier, the prime minister met with Luo Zhaohui, the chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), responsible for Beijing’s strategic planning and foreign aid. He discussed the possibility of further enhancing the strong mutual relations between the two countries in terms of development and security, according to a statement circulated by his office in Islamabad.

The two officials described CPEC as a symbol of friendship between the two countries and discussed its positive outcomes.

“They also expressed confidence that this cooperation will continue in phase II of CPEC to improve the lives and economies of the people of both countries,” the statement said.

Sharif praised Luo, a former Chinese envoy to Pakistan, for strengthening the bilateral relations between both countries.

He said that Pakistan was keen on Chinese investment in the Main Line 1 railway upgrade project.

Additionally, he called for greater cooperation with China in key economic sectors like agriculture, information technology, communications, mining and blue economy.

The CIDCA chairman also noted that his agency was interested in investing in special economic zones and the health sector in Pakistan while emphasizing bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

Sharif also met Dr. Wu Fulin, Chairman of China Export-Import Bank (EXIM), and highlighted the reform agenda of his government.

He said these reform measures had already started producing results as food inflation had been successfully tapered along with current account deficit and quantum of public debt.

“As part of efforts to boost Pakistan’s exports to international markets, he also discussed the possible role of the EXIM Bank in financing Pakistan-China joint venture projects and trade financing,” the PM Office said.

The prime minister is also expected to meet the heads of China Power, China Road and Bridge Corporation and China Construction and Communication Corporation later in the day.

Topics: Pakistan China Ties Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Alibaba launches online logistics services for Pakistani exporters

Updated 7 sec ago
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Alibaba launches online logistics services for Pakistani exporters

  • Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises have long struggled with optimizing their export processes to participate in global trade
  • Alibaba says it has partnered with leading delivery companies to supporting the export of Pakistani goods to over 200 countries and regions
Updated 7 sec ago
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: Alibaba, a Chinese-owned platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, has launched online logistics services that are tailored to assist Pakistani exporters in optimizing their international trade processes, it said this week.

The explosive growth of cross-border e-commerce has created new opportunities for Pakistani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which face significant challenges in optimizing their export processes to participate in global trade. Logistics has been identified as a major obstacle as businesses must find effective and reliable shipping solutions to ensure timely deliveries while minimizing costs and risks, according to the e-commerce giant.

Alibaba has partnered with leading international express delivery companies, such as CPEX, with the goal of supporting the export of Pakistani goods to over 200 countries and regions around the world. The service not only supports fast and reliable international shipping options but also integrates the entire logistics process from packaging and warehousing to delivery, thus helping businesses optimize costs and time.

Through its international express delivery partners, Alibaba will ensure that goods are transported safely and on schedule, while also providing detailed order tracking tools, and customs advisory services. These features will help businesses minimize risks and enhance their competitiveness in the international market.

“Online logistics services are essential for small and medium-sized enterprises in global trade. They not only streamline operations and reduce costs, but also empower businesses to reach global markets with ease,” said Summer Gao, head of global supply chain at Alibaba.

"By leveraging advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions, Alibaba.com helps support Pakistani SMEs in enhancing their competitiveness, ensuring timely deliveries, and responding swiftly to market demands, ultimately fueling their growth and success in the global arena."

Pakistan, which is currently treading a long path to economic recovery, has urged local businesses to increase exports as the government looks to boost trade and investment to revive the over $350 billion South Asian economy.

Launched in 1999, Alibaba serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently.

The e-commerce giant said its logistics services for Pakistani sellers are cost-effective, have enhanced order tracking and control capabilities, and offer a fully digitalized order fulfillment process for packages dispatched to multiple countries and regions.

“The introduction of Alibaba.com's logistics services has greatly accelerated our transaction processes and bolstered customer trust,” said Zulqarnain Baryar, CEO of Clush Industries that specializes in garment production.

"With features such as detailed tracking and optimized shipping routes, these services ensure timely deliveries and improved risk management. These enhancements have not only streamlined our operations but have also facilitated new business opportunities internationally, allowing us to confidently expand our presence."

Berry Ma, head of Pakistan business at Alibaba, said their new logistics services aim to support Pakistani exporters by providing efficient solutions to overcome traditional barriers in international trade.

“We're committed to offering essential tools to help Pakistani businesses tap into significant growth opportunities in global markets,” Ma said.

Topics: Alibaba Pakistan China Ties

Pakistan PM says encouraging to see women like Naila Kiani setting records in mountaineering

Updated 51 min 59 sec ago
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Pakistan PM says encouraging to see women like Naila Kiani setting records in mountaineering

  • Kiani on Friday summitted Kanchenjunga to become first Pakistani woman to summit 12 ‘eight-thousanders’
  • She stands on the threshold of joining only 17 women who have conquered all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters
Updated 51 min 59 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday praised Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani for scaling 8,586-meter Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak, saying it was encouraging to see Pakistani women making records in such difficult sport.

With the ascent of Kanchenjunga on Friday, Kiani became 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.

The Pakistani mountaineer stands on the threshold of joining a global elite of only 17 women who have conquered all 14 eight-thousanders, Imagine Nepal, her expedition organizer, said after Friday’s summit.

“Pakistanis are making their country proud in every field of sports,” Sharif said in a statement. “It is encouraging to see Pakistani women setting records in a difficult sport like mountaineering.”

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.

The ACP described Kiani’s feat as 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,” it said on Friday.

“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.”

Topics: Naila Kiani Pakistani mountaineer

Pakistan ranks seventh in civilian harm, second in IED casualties worldwide — report

Updated 24 May 2025
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Pakistan ranks seventh in civilian harm, second in IED casualties worldwide — report

  • UK-based Action on Armed Violence monitor says Pakistan witnessed 790 civilian casualties in 248 incidents last years
  • The Baloch Liberation Army killed and injured 119 civilians, followed by Daesh (45 casualties) and Pakistan Taliban (10)
Updated 24 May 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan ranked seventh in the world for civilian casualties from explosive weapons and second most affected nation in terms of casualties from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) last year, UK-based monitor Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) said this week.

In its annual report, the AOAV said it had recorded 67,026 deaths and injuries as a result of the use of explosive weapons around the world, which was the highest since 2010.

The report said 89% of 59,524 civilians were either killed or wounded by explosive weapons in 2024, adding that 41% of them, or 24,147 individuals, were killed in incidents of explosive violence.

Pakistan was the seventh most affected country for civilians harmed by explosive weapons last year, with 790 civilian casualties (210 killed) in 248 incidents, a 9% decrease from 2023. However, there was a 11% increase in incidents compared to 218 in 2023.

“The majority of civilian harm was attributed to non-state actors, who were reportedly responsible for 76% (603) of civilian casualties. In particular, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed and injured 119 civilians in Pakistan last year,” the report read.

“The Islamic State (Daesh) affiliate in the region, Islamic State – Khorasan Province (IS-KP), was the reported perpetrator of 45 civilian casualties in Pakistan last year, down from 194 recorded civilian casualties in 2023. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killed and injured 10 civilians last year, down from 32 in 2023.”

Unknown non-state actors accounted for 54% of civilian casualties (423), down from 541 recorded in 2023, in Pakistan. The BLA was the reported perpetrator of 15% (119) civilian casualties, marking a 440% increase from 22 in 2023.

Pakistan is currently battling twin insurgencies: one led my religiously motivated groups, including the TTP, mainly in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and the other by ethno-nationalist Baloch separatist groups like the BLA in Balochistan.

Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan and India of supporting the TTP, BLA and other militant groups who have mounted their attacks in Pakistan in recent years. Kabul and New Delhi deny the accusations.

In terms of IEDs, Lebanon saw the highest level of harm globally, with 3,373 civilians killed and injured across only 16 incidents, accounting for 58% of civilian casualties from IED attacks globally, according to the report.

Pakistan saw the second highest level of civilian harm due to IED attacks, with AOAV recording 485 civilian casualties (139 fatalities) in 132 incidents.

“This is a 30% decrease in civilian casualties, but an 8 % increase in incidents,” the monitor said.

Other countries which saw elevated levels of civilian harm from IEDs in 2024 included Nigeria (385 civilian casualties), Iran (378), Somalia (270), Syria (253), Afghanistan (170), and Myanmar (84).

Authorities issue thunderstorm alert for Pakistan’s Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces

Updated 24 May 2025
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Authorities issue thunderstorm alert for Pakistan’s Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces

  • Last week, a child was killed and 11 people were injured as a thunderstorm hit upper parts of the country
  • Pakistan has seen erratic changes in weather leading to frequent heatwaves, untimely rains in recent years
Updated 24 May 2025
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an impact-based weather alert predicting isolated showers, thunderstorms, windstorms and dust storms over the next 24 hours in various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces and the federal capital of Islamabad.

In Punjab, the areas that may be affected include Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Narowal and adjoining regions, according to the NDMA.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, isolated rainfall, windstorm, thunderstorm and dust storm are expected in Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand and surrounding areas.

“These weather conditions are likely to bring temporary relief from the prevailing heatwave,” the NDMA said in a statement.

“However, strong winds and thunderstorms may uproot weak trees and cause temporary power outages. Dust storms may damage fragile structures, rooftops, vehicles, and electrical infrastructure. Reduced visibility during storms may increase the risk of road accidents.”

The authority advised the public to not go near trees, billboards and other unstable structures during storms.

“Park vehicles in secure, covered locations and minimize outdoor movement,” it said. “NDMA is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant departments to ensure timely response and public safety.”

Last week, a child was killed and 11 people were injured as a thunderstorm hit upper parts of Pakistan, rescue officials said. In April, an intense hailstorm battered Pakistan’s capital and its surrounding areas. Several vehicles were damaged and house windows smashed as hailstones rained down from the sky on April 16.

Pakistan has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns which have led to frequent heat waves, untimely rains, storms, cyclones and droughts in recent years. Scientists have blamed the events on human-driven climate change.

In 2022, devastating floods, blamed on human-driven climate change, killed more than 1,700 Pakistanis, affected another 33 million and caused the country over $30 billion in economic losses.

Topics: Monsoon in Pakistan

IMF team concludes Pakistan visit after talks on budget proposals, economic policy and reforms

Updated 24 May 2025
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IMF team concludes Pakistan visit after talks on budget proposals, economic policy and reforms

  • The visit concluded hours after the Pakistani government announced it will now present Budget 2025-26 on June 10
  • Pakistan aims for 1.6% primary surplus of GDP in new budget as next IMF reviews expected in second half of 2025
Updated 24 May 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team has concluded its visit to Pakistan after discussions with authorities regarding the upcoming budget, broader economic policy and reforms under its ongoing $7 billion loan program, the lender said on Saturday.

The visit concluded hours after the Pakistani government announced it would now present the Budget 2025-26 on June 10, a delay from the earlier announced date of June 2, seen by many as a result of authorities’ struggle to finalize fiscal targets.

The Economic Survey 2024-25, which details performance of various sectors of the economy in the outgoing fiscal year, will be unveiled on June 9, a day before the budget presentation, according to the Pakistani finance ministry.

The discussions between Islamabad and the IMF team, led by Mission Chief Nathan Porter, began on May 19 and focused on recent economic developments, IMF program implementation, and the budget strategy for the next fiscal year.

“The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to fiscal consolidation while safeguarding social and priority expenditures, aiming for a primary surplus of 1.6 percent of GDP in FY2026,” Porter was quoted as saying by the IMF.

“Discussions focused on actions to enhance revenue — including by bolstering compliance and expanding the tax base — and prioritize expenditure. We will continue discussions toward agreeing over the authorities’ FY26 budget over the coming days.”

The IMF this month approved first review of Pakistan’s loan program, unlocking a $1 billion payment. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.

The IMF loan is vital for Pakistan which is trying to revive its debt-ridden economy that is expected to expand 2.68 percent by June, about one percent lower than the government’s earlier projection.

The IMF’s latest country report, issued last week, mentioned certain structural benchmarks for Pakistan’s economic reform program that officials said represented the natural progression of the measures already agreed upon, when Pakistan signed the Memorandum for Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) in September.

“These benchmarks are not surprises. They are deliberate follow-ons to earlier milestones,” Khurram Schehzad, an adviser to Pakistan’s finance minister, told Arab News this week, citing Pakistan’s parliamentary approval of the next budget in line with the IMF staff agreement as a second step toward the country’s goal of achieving a primary surplus of 2 percent of GDP by FY27.

“The first step was the FY25 budget [presented in June last year], which targeted a 1.0 percent surplus.”

Discussions between Pakistan and the visiting IMF team also covered ongoing energy sector reforms aimed at improving financial viability and reducing the high-cost structure of Pakistan’s power sector as well as other structural reforms which will help foster “sustainable growth and promote a more level playing field for business and investment,” according to the lender.

Pakistani authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring sound macroeconomic policy-making and -building buffers.

“In this context, maintaining an appropriately tight and data-dependent monetary policy remains a priority to ensure inflation is anchored within the central bank’s medium-term target range of 5–7 percent,” the lender said.

“At the same time, rebuilding foreign exchange reserve buffers, preserving a fully functioning FX [foreign exchange] market, and allowing for greater exchange rate flexibility are critical to strengthening resilience to external shocks.”

The next IMF mission is expected to visit Pakistan in the second half of 2025 for next reviews its loan program and climate fund facility.

Topics: Pakistan budget Pakistan Budget 2025-26 Pakistan IMF Talks IMF bailout measures

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