In southwest Pakistan, people turn to fresh water pools to beat the heat

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Updated 06 July 2024
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In southwest Pakistan, people turn to fresh water pools to beat the heat

  • Pakistan has been in the grip of intense heat since May, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in southern parts of the country
  • Residents of Pakistan’s Balochistan province visit fresh water pools in mountainous Hanna Urrak valley to escape the heat, power cuts

QUETTA: Dawood Khan, 18, took a moment before he dived into a cold, fresh water pool in southwest Pakistan to cool off his body as mercury rose to 40 degrees Celsius in Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, last week.
Khan, a resident of Quetta’s Pashtoonabad neighborhood, traveled on a motorbike some 34 kilometers to Hanna Urrak valley along with his friends to freshen up their bodies and minds in the blistering weather.
The 18-year-old was among dozens of Quetta residents who formed queues and awaited their turns to jump into the pool surrounded with trees after they escaped a prolonged power breakdown in Quetta.
“We haven’t witnessed that much heat in the last 10 years. The temperature has risen to 40 degrees Celsius which is unbearable for us,” Khan told Arab News on Friday.
“We have come here (Hanna Urrak valley) with friends to spend eight, nine hours in this water pool. We will return home in the evening.”
Pakistan has been in the grip of intense heat since May, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in southern parts of the country, which ranks among 10 most vulnerable nations to climate change.
Despite the hot weather, most rural areas of Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most impoverished province, have been braving up to 18-hour power outages a day, while residents of Quetta face up to eight-hour power cuts. The provincial government often accuses the federal government of not providing Balochistan’s due share of electricity, while the federation blames the outages on power theft.
In the mountainous Hanna Urrak valley, natural water fountains and swimming pools constructed by local tribesmen tempt residents of Quetta during the summer months.
Muhammad Ismail, an 18-year-old resident of Quetta’s Hazar Ganji area, said they had come out of their homes and traveled this far to visit the valley and refresh themselves by bathing in the fresh water pool.
“There is too much load-shedding in Quetta,” he told Arab News. “Hence, we decided to travel to Hanna Urrak rather than staying at home.”
In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods washed away a majority of these privately-owned swimming pools. However, three of them survived the destruction and are still functional, attracting swarms of people from Quetta and other parts of Balochistan as well as the neighboring Sindh province to the famous summer spot.
Abdul Malik, who owns one of the swimming pools, said people visited the valley for picnic and loved swimming in these small, fresh water pools. “I have constructed this pool for the residents of Quetta which has been providing me with income for my children,” the 60-year-old said.
Describing the ongoing summer season as the “hottest ever,” Malik said people visited Hanna Urrak valley and his pool from as far as Sindh’s Sukkur and Jacobabad districts. “We charge them 100 rupees ($0.36) with unlimited swimming time,” he added.
Taufique Ahmed, 16, who came from Sukkur, said he had been swimming in the pool for the last six hours to beat the scorching heat. “I am here in Quetta to avoid sizzling temperatures in my home city, but the weather has turned fiery in Quetta as well,” Ahmed added.
The weather in Quetta and other parts of Pakistan is rapidly changing due to the impact of climate change, increase in humidity and a lack of tree plantation, according to Mukhtar Magsi, a deputy director at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) in Quetta.
“People should be given awareness of the changing weather patterns and they should be encouraged for tree plantation because the temperatures will further rise in the future,” Magsi warned.


Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war

Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan urges OIC to dissuade Israel and its backers from reviving Gaza war

  • The statement comes amid a six-week truce between Hamas and Israel that ended 15-month war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians
  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar says ​​Pakistan supports diplomacy to preserve Gaza ceasefire deal and negotiations for its second and third phases

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to dissuade Israel and its supporters from reviving the war on Gaza, while at the same time opposing the proposals for the expulsion of Palestinians from their country.
The statement by the Pakistan deputy premier came during his briefing to the OIC Group on Pakistan’s priorities on the sidelines of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York on multilateralism and global governance.
Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians and displaced almost all of Gaza’s 2 million population by laying waste to swathes of neighborhoods, schools and hospitals.
Dar said the Gaza war has had catastrophic consequences for the Palestinian people and the OIC countries should work collectively to preserve the interests of Palestine and the objectives of the Arab and Muslim world.
“​​Pakistan supports the pursuit of diplomacy to preserve the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the negotiation and implementation of its second and third phases,” he said.
“We must dissuade Israel and its supporters from reviving the war in Gaza, and ensure adequate humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, including by preserving the essential role of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine).”
Dar’s statement came amid a six-week truce announced on Jan. 19 between Hamas and Israel that ended 15 months of war, involving the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the north.
He said the OIC must “rigorously oppose” proposals for the expulsion of the Palestinians from their country. It followed remarks by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu about the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan or other countries, which have been rejected by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and other nations apart from being condemned by international rights groups.
“​​Simultaneously, we should take steps to end Israel’s campaign of violence and displacement in the West Bank. We should clarify our common position of opposition to the plans of Israeli extremists to annex the West Bank,” Dar said. “We must initiate concrete steps to secure the two-state solution.”
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters
Dar welcomed an agreement brokered by France and the US last November that led to a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, but said Israel’s continued military actions in south Lebanon violate the agreement and threaten to reignite the conflict. He said ​​Pakistan supports the stabilization of Syria through an “inclusive, Syrian-owned and Syrian-led political process,” facilitated by the UN.
He also spoke about a number of African issues of interest to the OIC that are under consideration in the Security Council, including Libya, Sudan, Sahel and Somalia.
“Pakistan will work with other OIC and African countries to promote effective solutions to these situations where the challenges of international terrorism, organized crime, external intervention and the exploitation of national resources are all intertwined,” the deputy PM added.
Speaking about ​Islamophobia, he said it remains a “persistent and alarming challenge” for the world, demanding urgent action.
“The OIC Group must also remain actively engaged in formulation of the Secretary-General’s Action Plan to combat Islamophobia, ensuring sustained progress and impact,” Dar added.


Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief

Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan economy moving in ‘right direction’ — IMF chief

  • Pakistan, which averted a default in 2023, is currently navigating a path to economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program
  • Finmin says Pakistan has achieved a primary surplus on the fiscal side, with overall debt-to-GDP ratio having declined to mid-60s

KARACHI: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on Monday acknowledged Pakistan’s economic progress, saying the country was moving in the “right direction” by staying the course of IMF-backed structural reforms.
She said this while moderating a panel discussion, titled “A Path for Emerging Market Resilience,” on the second day of AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies in Saudi Arabia. The discussion featured Pakistan’s finance minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and his counterparts from Türkiye, Brazil and Egypt.
Pakistan, which averted a default in 2023, is currently navigating a path to economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF program and has undertaken several reforms in taxation, energy and others sectors as well as with regard to better management of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
Aurangzeb shared the South Asian nation had achieved a primary surplus on the fiscal deficit front with its overall debt-to-GDP ratio having declined to mid-60s from more than 73 percent, thanks to “prudent fiscal management.”
“This is indeed the right trajectory, the right direction to travel and I want to thank you for your dedication to stay the course,” Georgieva said after Aurangzeb detailed his government’s efforts to keep the fiscal and current account deficits in check.
The statement by the IMF chief comes days before the arrival of a team of IMF experts to review Pakistan’s performance under the ongoing loan program. A successful review would lead to the release of around $1 billion to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.
Georgieva lauded Pakistan for “improving the overall performance of the economy” through privatization and trying to reform the loss-making SOEs, especially the government’s failed attempt to sell off its stake in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
“You rightly pointed out the bane of our country has been the twin deficits,” Aurangzeb said, adding that Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio was languishing between 9 percent to 10 percent, the lowest in the region, but the government was able to increase it to 10.8 percent in end-December by mobilizing local resources.
In its 37-month loan agreement with the Washington-based lender, Pakistan has agreed to increase the country’s tax-to-GDP level to 13.5 percent to join the comity of nations and to bring a certain level of sustainability to the primary surplus that it has achieved.
Aurangzeb said his country was working and making “tough policy choices with respect to what is a good cost and bad cost.”
The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is trying to rid Pakistan’s economy of the recurring boom-and-bust cycles by enticing overseas Pakistanis to remit their earnings through formal banking channels as well as increasing exports. Pakistan expects worker remittances to rise above $35 billion this year through June.
“If we have to grow sustainably it has to be export-led growth. And we have to change fundamentally the DNA of the economy and we are working toward that,” Aurangzeb said.
“We just need to make sure we make it sustainable as we go forward.”
To a question, the minister said developing economies like Pakistan were relatively in a good place as they had entered 2025 on a “relatively strong note” in terms of market stability, resilience of the banking system, and the bold and structural reforms, which a number of economies were undertaking at this point.
“Therefore, a lot is in our control in terms of staying the course,” Aurangzeb said, adding Pakistan’s recent 10-year agreement with the World Bank Group would allow it to look at the existential issues of population control and climate change.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is going to become a huge enabler and game changer for a productivity-led economic growth in Pakistan, according to the finance minister. The use of agri-tech and AI-inspired precision farming will hike crop yields by 5 percent to 20 percent, while AI-powered digital banking and other services have already begun to help increase Pakistan’s IT exports by 25 percent.
“What we need to do is to ensure that the third largest freelancer population in the country gets the requisite resources,” he added.


Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships

Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan win bronze at 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships

  • Republic of Korea made national sporting history as their men’s team won the tournament for the first time
  • In women’s event, Hong Kong ended Malaysia’s decade of dominance by claiming title for first time in 14 years

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan team has won a bronze medal at the 22nd Asian Junior Squash Team Championships held in Hong Kong, state media reported on Monday.

The Asian Junior Team Championships have been held biennially since 1983.

“South Korea secured the gold medal while Malaysia got silver,” Radio Pakistan reported. “Pakistan and India won bronze medals.”

The Republic of Korea made national sporting history as their men’s team won the tournament for the first time, while in the women’s event, hosts Hong Kong ended Malaysia’s decade of dominance by claiming the title for the first time in 14 years.

Prior to Sunday’s conclusion at Hong Kong Squash Center, Republic of Korea had never reached the final of the Asian Junior Team Championships.

Completing the medals in the men’s event were No.6 seeds Pakistan, who beat No.5 seeds Japan in the quarterfinals but lost to Republic of Korea in the semis, and No.4 seeds India, who upset hosts Hong Kong, China in the quarter-final before losing out to Malaysia in the semis.

Completing the medals in the women’s event were No.3 seeds India and No.5 seeds Singapore, with India finishing second in Pool B after comprehensive wins over China, Macau – China, and Mongolia, before losing out to the hosts in the semifinals, and Singapore coming second in Pool A after wins over No.4 seeds Republic of Korea as well as Sri Lanka and Chinese Taipei before eventually exiting to Malaysia in the last four.


Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai

Updated 17 February 2025
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Nearly 250 Pakistani firms showcase agro-based products at Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai

  • Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward
  • Pakistani companies are presenting rice, meat, dairy, spices, cheese, processed food, bakery items, salt, and others products at the event

ISLAMABAD: Nearly 250 Pakistani firms are participating in the 30th edition of Gulfood trade exhibition in Dubai and are showcasing various Pakistani agro-based products to global buyers, the Pakistani consulate said on Monday.
Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward. The event, running from Feb. 17 till Feb. 21, will be featuring over 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries.
Pakistan’s Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion at the exhibition held at the Dubai World Trade Center on Monday, where 45 Pakistani companies are showcasing rice, cereals, meat, dairy, spices, cheese, processed food, bakery items, salt, herbal products, honey, horticulture, juices and beverages.
These companies are participating under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), while another 200 Pakistani firms are participating privately in Gulfood 2025, reflecting the country’s growing presence in the global food market, according to the Pakistani consulate.
“It is a matter of great pride that 45 companies under TDAP, along with a total of 200 Pakistani companies privately, are participating in this prestigious event,” Ambassador Tirmizi said after the launch of Pakistan Pavilion.
“Our stalls are ideally designed and strategically located, with increased space to attract local and global buyers. There is significant interest in our products, including basmati rice, spices, pink salt and cheese.”
He highlighted the upward trend in Pakistan’s agro-based exports, particularly to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and emphasized the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) role as one of Pakistan’s key trading partners.
“Gulfood offers an unparalleled platform for collaboration and innovation, enabling Pakistani exporters to maximize business-to-business opportunities through knowledge exchange, networking and collaboration with global business leaders,” the ambassador said.
The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry. Policymakers in Pakistan consider the Gulf country an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.
Ali Zeb Khan, the trade and investment counselor at the Pakistani consulate, shared that Pakistan’s agri-food exports had reached $8 billion globally in fiscal year 2023-24, which ended in June, marking a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.
“This growth was driven by significant increases in the exports of rice, maize, sesame, meat, edible fruits, and vegetables,” he said.
On the occasion, Shabbir Merchant, president of the Pakistan Business Council Dubai, pledged full support to Pakistani exhibitors, emphasizing the council’s commitment to promoting Pakistani products in the UAE and beyond.


Pakistan to revamp trade bodies in bid to boost export-led growth, commerce minister says

Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan to revamp trade bodies in bid to boost export-led growth, commerce minister says

  • Record inflation, high interest rates and uncertain investment climate led to economic slowdown in Pakistan in last two years
  • Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan credits joint efforts by the government and the private sector for the economic stability

KARACHI: Pakistan’s commerce minister, Jam Kamal Khan, on Monday said his government was working to revamp the country’s trade institutions to make them more efficient, amid Islamabad’s efforts to boost export-led growth in the country.
Pakistan is currently navigating a path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, secured in September 2024, and has signed several trade and investment agreements Gulf and Central Asian states as well as other countries.
The organizations the government is restructuring include the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Export Development Fund, Export Facilitation Scheme and the Directorate General of Trade Organizations, according to Khan.
“In the last six months, TDAP has done a very wonderful job given its current capacity,” he said, addressing a pre-budget seminar. “We are working to enhance its efficiency further.”
Pakistan nearly defaulted in 2023 on the payment of foreign debts and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rescued it by agreeing to a $3 billion bailout. The South Asian country is now keeping its current account in check primarily through containing imports. The country’s exports rose 10 percent to $19.6 billion in the last seven months till January, while it is keeping tabs on imports that increased by 7 percent to $33 billion, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
“Despite tough [economic] conditions, our exports have not declined but progressed if not having increased significantly,” Khan noted.
In a statement, the Pakistani commerce ministry said Monday’s seminar provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss economic challenges and the roadmap for tariff rationalization.
“The more this ministry would engage the industry, the more we would know how to address the industry and its issues,” Khan said, acknowledging financial difficulties in the last two years, but appreciated the resilience of the industry.
“We have been partially successful despite many challenges. The industry has survived tough times, and I congratulate all stakeholders for their efforts. Their contributions have been effective in steering the economy toward stability.”
Khan said severe challenges, including inflation that peaked to 38 percent in May 2023, high interest rates, and an uncertain investment climate, had led to an economic slowdown, but credited joint efforts by the government and the private sector for economic stability. Inflation came down to 1.8 percent in January, while the Pakistani central bank has slashed interest rates to 12 percent from an all-time high of 22 percent in June last year.
“If we compare today’s situation with two years ago, it is evident that stability has returned. This achievement is the result of the industry’s contribution alongside government initiatives,” he said.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul emphasized the seminar’s importance in shaping economic policy and fostering export-led growth, highlighting the role of tariff rationalization in reducing production costs, boosting competitiveness and attracting foreign investment.
Transparent tariff policies enhance investor confidence and economic integration through trade agreements. The National Tariff Policy (NTP) 2019-24 successfully rationalized 85.75 percent of tariff lines, providing Rs92 billion ($330 million) in relief to businesses, according to the official.
The new NTP 2025-30 aims to further support small-medium enterprises (SMEs), green initiatives and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The commerce ministry was committed to stakeholder engagement and targeted reforms to ensure sustainable economic growth and global trade integration.
“We have decided to initiate extensive consultations well before the budget,” Paul said. “This is just the first session and within two to three months, we will be in a stronger position to make informed decisions.”
Commerce Minister Khan assured the business community would be involved at every stage to ensure policy alignment.
“Whatever policies we formulate, the business community will be on board. We will strive for a consensus on majority of issues,” he said.
Joint Secretary Muhammad Ashfaq gave a detailed presentation at the seminar on NTP 2025-30, presenting an impact analysis of NTP 2019-24 and contours of the new draft.
Speaking about structural reforms, Khan highlighted the involvement of 17 sectoral councils in policy recommendations, drawing parallels with the National Economic Development Board (NEDB).
“Although our focus remains on increasing exports, we will ensure that local industries remain competitive,” he shared. “We aim to manage tariffs effectively to support domestic businesses while integrating them into the international market.”
Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive and transparent policymaking at the seminar, which was a continuation of a weeklong consultative session between the government and industry representatives.
“The private sector has the potential to drive our economy forward. Over the past six to eight months, we have actively engaged with stakeholders, taken ownership of various business-to-business (B2B) meetings, and strengthened trade mechanisms,” Khan said.
“This pre-budget seminar marks the beginning of a continuous dialogue. We started this process with consensus, and we will conclude it with consensus, ensuring that our economic policies reflect the collective vision of all stakeholders.”