ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met a delegation of the US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) in New York, introducing them to a special civil-military investment body set up last year to attract foreign funding and briefing them on government measures taken to improve ease of doing business.
Sharif’s government has actively pursued economic diplomacy in recent months and wants to strengthen ties with the US — strained in recent years by political tensions — and boost bilateral trade in goods and services, which the Pakistani embassy in Washington says now totals about $12 billion.
Sharif’s meeting with USPBC took place on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly, which the PM is scheduled to address later today, presenting his country’s stance on Israel’s war on Gaza, the lingering Kashmir dispute, growing global security deficit and climate change risks.
“In introducing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to the participants, the Prime Minister underscored that SIFC was a high-level, one-window agency empowered to facilitate foreign investors in planning and implementing their ventures in four key areas: agriculture, IT, energy, and mining,” a statement from Sharif’s office said after he met the USPBC delegation.
“The Prime Minister added that the SIFC aimed at bolstering investor confidence and expediting project implementation through customized solutions and demand-driven facilitation.”
Sharif identified various areas in Pakistan’s economy, particularly agriculture, technology, pharmaceutical, oil and gas and mining where he said US companies could benefit through mutually beneficial investments.
As Pakistan has sought approval for a $7 billion IMF loan in recent months — the approval was received this week — it has actively sought external financing from allies as well as looked at more sustainable forms such as direct investment and climate financing.
On Friday, an IMF official said Pakistan had received “significant financing assurances” from China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates linked to the new IMF program that go beyond a deal to roll over $12 billion in bilateral loans owed to them by Islamabad.
The IMF’s Executive Board on Wednesday approved the new 37-month loan agreement for Pakistan that requires “sound policies and reforms” to strengthen macroeconomic stability.
The approval releases an immediate $1 billion disbursement to Islamabad.
Pakistan PM briefs US-Pakistan Business Council on special body set up for foreign investments
https://arab.news/5beru
Pakistan PM briefs US-Pakistan Business Council on special body set up for foreign investments
- Sharif’s government has actively pursued economic diplomacy in recent months and wants to strengthen ties with the US
- Islamabad aims to boost bilateral trade in goods and services, which Pakistani embassy in Washington says totals $12 billion
Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting
Pakistan’s top cricket official assures highest security for Champions Trophy teams in Dubai meeting
- Naqvi visits UAE amid speculation about a hybrid model for the event after India’s refusal to play in Pakistan
- The PCB chairman emphasizes the importance of keeping cricket and politics separate during the meeting
KARACHI: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Saturday the government will provide the highest level of security and hospitality to visiting teams for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, amid ongoing speculation about a hybrid model for the tournament after India declined to play in Pakistan, citing security concerns.
Pakistan is set to host the event in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi from February 19 to March 9. However, political tensions with India have already cast a shadow over the tournament, creating uncertainty about how to ensure the participation of the Men in Blue in the event.
Naqvi held a meeting in Dubai with Mubashshir Usmani, former Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board and Chairman of the ICC Associate Members Committee, to finalize key arrangements for the tournament and discuss ways to promote cricket in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“Pakistan is a peaceful country, and cricket is deeply loved by our nation,” he was quoted as saying in an official PCB statement circulated after the meeting.
“Fans are eagerly awaiting the thrilling contests of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added. “All participating teams will be treated as state guests, with the highest level of security and hospitality provided to them.”
India has not sent its team to Pakistan since 2008 due to political tensions between the two countries. However, the PCB chief emphasized the importance of keeping cricket and politics separate.
“Hosting this tournament is a matter of great pride for our nation, and we look forward to welcoming all teams with open arms,” Naqvi said. “We have finalized all arrangements, including comprehensive security measures, to ensure a seamless event.”
The PCB chairman also updated Usmani on Pakistan’s progress in upgrading its stadiums to meet international standards. The discussions included collaborative measures to enhance cricket development in Pakistan and the UAE.
The talks occurred against the backdrop of growing speculation that the ICC may adopt a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy, similar to the Asia Cup 2023, which was partially hosted in Sri Lanka due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan.
However, the PCB has ruled out such an arrangement, arguing it sent its players to India to participate in the ODI World Cup last year, and Indian cricketers should also play their matches in Pakistan.
Gunmen attack checkpoint, abduct six laborers in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province
- The Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for twin attacks in Nushki district this week
- Pakistan has announced an operation against Baloch separatists targeting Chinese nationals
QUETTA: Baloch separatist militants have targeted a dam construction site and a Levies check post in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan in two separate attacks, a senior official confirmed Saturday, abducting six laborers and seizing weapons just days after Pakistan announced a comprehensive operation against armed factions in the province.
The attacks occurred late Thursday night along the border of the remote Nushki and Kharan districts.
Pakistan’s largest but sparsely populated province, Balochistan borders Afghanistan and Iran and is central to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The region has been the site of a low-level insurgency by separatist militants for over two decades, though violence has intensified in recent months.
In August, the province witnessed a series of coordinated attacks that killed over 50 people.
“Unknown armed men attacked a dam construction site in Nushki district on Thursday night and abducted six laborers,” Additional Chief Secretary Home Shahab Ali Shah said while speaking to Arab News. “The laborers were working for a private construction company.”
“In another incident, armed men attacked a Levies check post at Zarin Jungle area and snatched three submachine guns from the soldiers,” he continued, adding that no loss of life was reported in the attack.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a prominent militant group in the province, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Friday, saying the group seized weapons from the Levies and “arrested” construction company personnel.
“BLA fighters captured a post of the Pakistani Levies force on the highway at Zarin Jungle and seized the weapons,” it said in a statement. “At the same time, different squads of fighters conducted a snap-check on the highway and arrested five personnel working on a construction project.”
It added the BLA had destroyed the construction company’s machinery and equipment by setting them on fire.
Rich in land and mineral wealth, Balochistan is otherwise an impoverished region, prompting separatist groups to accuse Pakistan of exploiting provincial resources, including gold and copper.
Pakistan denies the allegations and says the government is carrying out several development projects in the region to ensure its prosperity and improve the quality of life of its residents.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif approved a “comprehensive military operation” in Balochistan against the separatist outfits involved in attacks on Pakistani security forces after a suicide bombing at the Quetta Railway Station killed about 25 people, including army troops.
Baloch separatists have also been involved in targeting Chinese workers in Pakistan, prompting Beijing to urge authorities in Islamabad to provide them with foolproof security.
Pakistan PM sympathizes with Malaysian counterpart over loss of lives in recent floods
- The floods have killed at least four people and forced over 122,000 people out of homes in several states of Malaysia
- The number, which surpassed the 118,000 evacuated during one of Malaysia’s worst floodings in 2014, is feared to rise
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday telephoned his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and offered his deepest sympathies over the loss of lives and damage caused to property in recent floods in several states of Malaysia, Sharif’s office said.
At least four people have been killed and more than 122,000 people forced out of their homes as massive floods caused by relentless rains swept through Malaysia’s northern states, disaster management officials said Saturday.
The number surpassed the 118,000 evacuated during one of the country’s worst floodings in 2014, and disaster officials feared it could rise further as there was no let-up in torrential downpours.
During his telephonic conversation, Sharif told his Malaysian counterpart that the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with their Malaysian brothers and sisters in these testing times.
“The Prime Minister offered all possible assistance to Malaysia and announced the immediate dispatch of humanitarian assistance as a token of Pakistan’s support to their Malaysian brethren,” Sharif’s office said.
The prime minister also expressed admiration for the swift response of the Malaysian government in dealing with this natural calamity.
Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy a strong bilateral relationship, rooted in shared Islamic values and historical ties. Since 1957, they’ve fostered economic cooperation, defense collaborations, and cultural exchange. The Pakistan-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement of 2008 boosted trade and investment, while regular high-level visits have solidified their partnership, underpinned by mutual respect and trust.
Recalling the recent visit to Pakistan by PM Ibrahim in October this year, Sharif expressed satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
He also noted with satisfaction that some of the trade related issues identified during the Malaysian prime minister’s visit had already been resolved amicably.
Trade between Malaysia and Pakistan currently stands at $1.4 billion, including in palm oil, apparel, textiles, chemical and chemical-based products, and electrics and electronic products. Among South Asian countries, Pakistan is Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner.
“The Malaysian Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his support and agreed that the two countries need to continue to work closely on advancing ties in all important areas,” Sharif’s office said.
“Both leaders also agreed to continue the momentum of high level visits, with both the Prime Minister as well as Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister expected to visit Kuala Lumpur early next year.”
Participation of foreign nationals in political activities in Pakistan ‘unacceptable,’ FO says
- Statement comes after government accuses ex-PM Khan’s party of deploying Afghan nationals in this week’s protests in Islamabad
- Pakistan has said that Afghan nationals won’t be allowed to stay in Islamabad without proper authorization after December 31
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that the participation of foreign nationals in any political activity in Pakistan is “unacceptable,” days after authorities said they had arrested dozens of Afghan nationals during violent protests in Islamabad this week.
Clashes broke out between law enforcers and supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party this week after they set out for Islamabad in caravans from different parts of the country to demand the release of Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023.
The government accused the PTI of deploying Afghan nationals to take part in the anti-government protests and said authorities had arrested over 1,100 Khan supporters, including 60 Afghan nationals living illegally in the country, who had stormed the Pakistani capital earlier this week.
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday announced that Afghan nationals would not be allowed to stay in the federal capital of Islamabad without proper authorization after December 31, 2024.
Asked about the impact of seeking permission to stay in Islamabad for even the 3 million legal Afghan refugees, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the Pakistani interior ministry would soon issue details of the policy.
“We expect all foreigners in Pakistan to respect Pakistani laws and customs,” she said at a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Friday. “Details of the policy with regards to continued stay of Afghan nationals in Islamabad will also be released by the Ministry of Interior.”
The move comes as the latest blow to Afghans living in Pakistan, with nearly 800,000 that Islamabad says were residing in the country ‘illegally’ expelled since November last year when the government launched a deportation drive that has drawn widespread criticism from international governments and rights organizations.
Pakistan began expelling illegal foreigners from Nov. 1, 2023, following a spike in bombings which the government said were carried out by Afghan nationals or by militants who crossed over into Pakistan from neighboring Afghanistan.
Islamabad has also blamed illegal Afghan immigrants and refugees for involvement in smuggling and other crimes. The Taliban government in Kabul says Pakistan’s security and other challenges are a domestic issue and cannot be blamed on the neighbor.
“I am not aware of any communication that has taken place,” Baloch said, when asked if the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had contacted Pakistan about the deadline announced for Afghan refugees living in Islamabad.
“The Ministry of Interior will share with the media the details of these Afghan nationals and their status in Pakistan.”
Pakistani journalist critical of government calls release in terrorism case victory for media
- Matiullah Jan was investigating alleged fatalities during PTI protests when his family said he had been ‘picked up’
- An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad granted him bail after looking into the allegations filed against him by police
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: A Pakistani journalist critical of the government and military on Saturday described his release from police custody as a “victory for journalists” after being granted bail in a terrorism and narcotics case, which his legal team called fake and fabricated.
Matiullah Jan, a broadcaster working with Neo TV, was “picked up” from outside a hospital in Islamabad on Wednesday, where he was investigating alleged fatalities during recent protests in support of jailed ex-premier Imran Khan, according to his son.
The police report registered against him included Code of Criminal Procedure’s Sections 279 (rash driving or riding on a public way), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death, hurt or restraint in order to the committing of the theft), 427 (mischief causing damage), 506 (criminal intimidation) along with 7ATA (terrorism-related section) and a narcotics-related section.
On Saturday, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who presided over the hearing of Jan’s bail petition, approved the plea against surety bonds worth Rs10,000 ($36), according to his lawyer.
“I consider this case, in which I have been granted bail and released, to be a significant victory for journalists, especially in circumstances where politicians, the judiciary and all other stakeholders are under immense pressure,” Jan told Arab News in a brief voice note after his release.
He also praised his legal team for working tirelessly and fighting his case in different courts.
Earlier, Jan’s counsel, Hadi Ali, told reporters outside the court the judge had granted bail after listening to arguments from both the prosecutor and the defense.
Jan has a history of criticizing Pakistan’s government and the country’s powerful military establishment. He was also briefly detained by uniformed men during Imran Khan’s tenure in 2020.
Successive Pakistan governments have often been criticized by rights monitors for using broad anti-terrorism legislation to quash dissent.
Islamabad witnessed a protest march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, who faced a major government crackdown in which nearly a thousand political activists were arrested during three days of unrest this week.
Jan was investigating the aftermath of the crackdown on PTI workers when, according to his family, he was taken away by people in unmarked vehicles hours before the police announced his arrest.
Amnesty International has criticized Pakistani security forces for using “unlawful and excessive force” on crowds, but Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told reporters on Wednesday that the PTI was “lying” about it, as its leaders claimed their followers had been killed.
Khan’s party has so far named 12 people, claiming it has evidence they lost their lives during the crackdown in the federal capital and demanding the judiciary take notice and hold top government ministers accountable.
