کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

دنیا کی دوسری بڑی معیشت کی حیثیت سے چین باہمی مفاد اور مشترکہ کامیابی پر مبنی کھلے پن کی حکمت عملی پر ثابت قدمی سے عمل پیرا ہے۔ اس چائنا انٹرنیشنل امپورٹ ایکسپو کے دوران جاری ہونے والی "ورلڈ اوپننس رپورٹ 2026" کے مطابق 1990 سے 2025 تک چین کے اوپننس انڈیکس میں 28.18 فیصد اضافہ ہوا، جو عالمی سطح پر نمایاں اضافے میں شمار ہوتا ہے۔

مسلسل نو برس سے جاری "امپورٹ ایکسپو کا وعدہ" اس امر کا گواہ ہے کہ چین "دنیا کی فیکٹری" ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ "دنیا کی منڈی" بھی ہے، اور "سپر سیلر" ہونے کے ساتھ ساتھ "سپر خریدار" بھی ہے۔ اس وقت چین مسلسل 17 برس سے دنیا کی دوسری بڑی درآمدی منڈی ہے اور 160 سے زائد ممالک اور خطوں کا اہم تجارتی شراکت دار ہے۔ پہلی تین سہ ماہیوں میں چین کی درآمدات میں گزشتہ سال کی اسی مدت کے مقابلے میں 22.3 فیصد اضافہ ہوا۔ پندرہویں پانچ سالہ منصوبے کے خاکے میں درآمدات و برآمدات کی متوازن ترقی کو فروغ دینے پر زور دیتے ہوئے "چائنا انٹرنیشنل امپورٹ ایکسپو کا مسلسل بہتر انعقاد" جاری رکھنے پر زور دیا گیا ہے۔ اس سے انتہائی وسیع پیمانے کی چینی منڈی کی صلاحیت کو مزید بروئے کار لایا جائے گا اور دنیا کو "چینی مواقع 2.0" سے مزید بہتر انداز میں مشترکہ طور پر استفادہ کرنے کا موقع ملے گا۔

The briefing revealed that the electric mechanical sweeper truck would initially be used to clean and wash the Lahore Ring Road. Its key innovation is that, besides removing dust and waste from roads, the fully electric sweeper and broomer can, for the first time in Pakistan, absorb standing water and leave the area completely dry and clean. Technical details of the project showed that the advanced electric sweeper truck can continuously perform cleaning and washing operations for up to 70 kilometres on a single full charge. Its durable battery and fast-charging capability will make it possible to clean major city roads more efficiently in less time.

Officials said the use of the fully electric sweeper would result in zero carbon emissions, helping control smog and environmental pollution in Punjab, particularly Lahore. Unlike conventional diesel- and petrol-powered vehicles, the electric truck will keep the air free from smoke and toxic gases. It was further stated that, equipped with modern electric technology, the sweeper cleans road dust quietly without stirring it up, significantly reducing dust pollution. Moreover, the truck does not produce the noise associated with conventional machinery, helping reduce noise pollution and make the city’s environment more peaceful.

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He stated that field teams of the Agriculture Department were actively assisting farmers under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Hussain Ahmed Raza Chaudhry to enhance crop yield and ensure national food security, aiming to complete sowing over 300,000 acres by November 20.

He added that measures were also underway to ensure wheat cultivation across all government-owned land per provincial directives. Gohar Rehman highlighted that the supply of certified seeds and irrigation water remained satisfactory, urging farmers to capitalize on favourable weather conditions to complete sowing within the optimal period.

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The Chief Minister was informed that the electric sweeper-cum-broomer features standing water absorption technology, introduced for the first time in the country, and offers an operational range of up to 70 kilometers on a single charge. The zero-emission vehicle is designed to minimize dust and environmental pollution, operate with reduced noise levels, eliminate conventional fuel expenditures, and significantly decrease maintenance costs for sustainable city operations.

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The meeting began at 4 p.m. as scheduled and continued for approximately 40 minutes. During the meeting, he observed unusual changes in Bushra Bibi’s health. In the affidavit, Barrister Salman Safdar stated that Bushra Bibi was wearing dark black sunglasses during the meeting. When she removed them after repeated requests from him and Imran Khan, she appeared to be in severe distress. Bushra Bibi said her eye condition had deteriorated to such an extent that she could neither tolerate sunlight nor the artificial light in the room.

He further stated that, without the glasses, it had become impossible for her even to open her eyes. Bushra Bibi’s eye condition appeared extremely critical and alarming, indicating that her vision had been severely affected. On the occasion, PTI founder Imran Khan also appeared extremely concerned about his wife’s continuously deteriorating eyesight and health. Bushra Bibi said during the meeting that government doctors who visited the jail for her examination had diagnosed her condition as mature cataracts. According to the doctors’ instructions, she would need another eye operation around November 15 to prevent further damage.

Bushra Bibi expressed serious dissatisfaction with the poor cleanliness standards and medical facilities provided at Adiala Jail and requested the legal team to have her examination and all future treatment carried out by her personal, trusted doctors. Barrister Salman Safdar assured her that he would immediately raise the matter before the court, after which he formally made the affidavit part of the Islamabad High Court record.

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During the talks, Mohsin Naqvi offered Pakistan's full support for peace and reconstruction efforts in Sudan. Highlighting the role of Pakistan's National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), he said the authority had helped issue 36 million citizenship cards, nine million national identity cards, 18 million birth certificates and 500,000 death certificates in Sudan. Naqvi assured the Sudanese delegation that Pakistan would continue providing assistance in civil registration and NADRA-related systems.

Responding to concerns raised by his Sudanese counterpart, the interior minister also directed authorities to address visa-related issues faced by Sudanese women married to Pakistani nationals residing in Pakistan. He further expressed Pakistan's willingness to provide professional training to Sudanese police officers and facilitate Sudanese citizens seeking quality medical treatment in Pakistan. The Sudanese interior minister expressed interest in benefiting from Pakistan's expertise, particularly in combating cybercrime. He described Pakistan as a brotherly country and emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation across various sectors.

He also thanked the Pakistani government and interior minister for their continued assistance. Senior officials from both countries attended the meeting, including the federal interior secretary, NADRA chairman, FIA director general, Anti-Narcotics Force director general, Islamabad inspector general of police and representatives of other relevant institutions.

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The inspection also revealed over 170 encroachments within the residential colony. Authorities have issued a two-day notice to remove the encroachments. Sources said that employees of the Higher Education Department, the Chief Secretary's Office, and other government departments were also occupying government residences without authorization. The issue is not limited to residential properties, as illegal occupation of government-owned shops has also been reported.

The Secretary of the Workers Welfare Board said that the board operates a total of 35 residential colonies across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where operations to remove encroachments are underway. Officials of the Workers Welfare Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that efforts are being made to clear all residential colonies of encroachments and recover government houses from unauthorized occupants.

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He claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami had secured the highest number of votes in the local government elections but the establishment had prevented its mayor from taking office. Despite limited resources, he said, his party was working beyond its available authority and resources instead of merely complaining. He congratulated Nazimabad Town Chairman Syed Muhammad Muzaffar and his team on restoring the ground for public use. Hafiz Naeem said the Jamaluddin Afghani School had also been renovated and restored under Nazimabad Town's administration.

He expressed concern over the open sale of drugs across the country and their growing presence near educational institutions and sports grounds. He alleged that both boys and girls were being drawn into drug use and said drug dens could not operate without the alleged connivance of the local police station. The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also criticised the excavation of Karachi's roads in the name of the Red, Yellow and Green Line projects. He said providing young people with positive activities could help them excel in sports and education and bring recognition to the country. He said efforts were being made to help young people become accomplished athletes alongside pursuing their education.

Hafiz Naeem announced that a football tournament featuring 16 of the city's top teams would be held at Pak Wonder Ground. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs100,000, while the runners-up will get Rs50,000. He described Mohsin Yousufzai as a prominent figure in football who was providing training to players in Pakistan. He urged those interested in developing a strong football team in Karachi to contact Alkhidmat, saying football kits would also be provided. He encouraged players to launch a campaign for the restoration of sports grounds and pledged Jamaat-e-Islami's support through football kits and other resources.

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The proposal suggests forming child protection committees comprising students, teachers and parents to raise awareness about children's rights, identify protection-related concerns and ensure their timely reporting to relevant authorities. Sarah Ahmed also recommended incorporating good touch and bad touch awareness, along with personal safety education, into the school curriculum to help children understand physical safety, personal boundaries and how to identify inappropriate behaviour.

The proposed lessons would also teach children how to report such incidents promptly to trusted adults. The letter further recommends including digital safety education in the curriculum to protect children from cyberbullying, online harassment, online grooming and digital exploitation. According to Sarah Ahmed, educating children about the safe and responsible use of social media, online privacy and digital footprints has become increasingly important.

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تاہم اس کے ساتھ ساتھ یہ ایکسپو دیگر ممالک کو تجارت میں حصہ لینے کے لیے بھی مدد فراہم کر رہی ہے۔ چین کی جانب سے کم ترقی یافتہ ممالک اور افریقی ممالک کے لیے محصولات سے استثنیٰ کی پالیسی کھلے پن کو وسعت دینے اور تجارت کے فروغ کی ایک اچھی مثال ہے۔ اس کے مجموعی اثرات ان ممالک کو عالمی تجارت میں حصہ لینے کے لیے بہتر طور پر تیار کرنے میں مدد دیتے ہیں، جو چین کے ساتھ ساتھ دنیا کے دیگر خطوں کے لیے بھی فائدہ مند ہے۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ اصل توجہ اس بات پر ہونی چاہیے کہ مختلف ممالک کو اپنی اقتصادی اور صنعتی ساخت میں تبدیلی لانے، سرمایہ کاری کے لیے موزوں ماحول پیدا کرنے، ملکی و غیر ملکی سرمایہ کاری کو راغب کرنے اور روزگار کے مواقع پیدا کرنے میں کس طرح مدد فراہم کی جائے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

The mission will mark the first joint spaceflight involving Chinese and foreign astronauts in the history of China's manned space program, representing a significant milestone in China-Pakistan space cooperation.

After completing a short-term stay in orbit, the astronaut will return to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, China Economic Net (CEN) reported.

In February 2025, China and Pakistan signed a cooperation agreement in Islamabad to select and train Pakistani astronauts for missions to China's space station.

Following three rounds of rigorous selection and assessment, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud, were selected as reserve astronauts.

They subsequently joined China's astronaut training program to prepare for the mission.

After completing the required training and evaluations, one of the two candidates will carry out the crewed flight mission while the other will serve as a backup.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

The injured boy was shifted to a nearby hospital in Gulshan-e-Hadeed for medical treatment. In his statement to police, the injured boy said he was in another room when he heard gunshots. Upon coming outside, he saw that his mother had been shot. He further told police that the assailants also struck him on the head with a weapon. He said he could not identify the attackers. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while efforts are underway to trace and arrest the suspects.

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The injured were taken to DHQ Hospital and Ayub Medical Complex, while the deceased were reportedly residents of Gilgit, officials said. In a separate incident in Bhakkar, four people, including two women and two children, were killed when a tractor-trolley overturned near Khusor Road. Several other passengers sustained injuries. According to police, the accident occurred late at night while the tractor-trolley was carrying passengers from Tank to Sargodha. Rescue teams pulled the injured from the overturned vehicle and shifted them to hospital. Police have registered a case against the tractor-trolley driver over alleged negligence.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal establishments were defrauding foreign nationals in Canada, the United States, and other countries through deceptive offers of mobile phone upgrades, network packages, and SIM deals. The suspects allegedly impersonated customer service representatives of international telecommunication companies, including Rogers, Bell, Telus, and AT&T, to harvest financial credentials and execute carding fraud.

During the first raid, Arsala Tahir alongside six male accomplices—Muhammad Sameer Tahir, Hussain Rizwan, Abdul Rehman, Umar Khalid, Syed Ali Murtaza, and Sohaib Ali—were apprehended. In the second action, Ayesha Muzammil and four men—Moazzam Sultan, Zain Ashraf, Zain, and Muhammad Faisal—were taken into custody.

Enforcement teams seized 13 laptops, two desktop computers, and 13 mobile phones containing automated dial-up software and foreign contact databases. The digital devices were sent for forensic analysis. Cases were registered and further investigations were underway. NCCIA Additional Director Atif Ameer affirmed that crackdowns against illegal call centers and financial data abuse will continue across the region.

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The water level in the Jhelum River at Mangla Dam was 1192.30 feet, which was 142.30 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water were recorded as 5,200 cusecs and 30,900 cusecs, respectively. The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa, Guddu, and Sukkur was recorded as 66,000, 50,100, 34,800, and 11,500 cusecs, respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 8,500 cusecs of water was released at Nowshera, and 2,700 cusecs were released from River Chenab at Marala.

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He criticised the repeated delays in local government elections, saying the election date had been announced for the fifth time in Islamabad while polls had not been held in Punjab. He added that political leaders who criticise the system were also cooperating with it and shared responsibility for the situation. Highlighting Karachi’s water crisis, the JI chief said the K-4 water supply project had remained incomplete since 2005. He argued that timely completion could have ensured water supplies to households through regular connections rather than tankers.

He also questioned the delay in the S-3 sewerage project, which he said had remained unfinished for 12 years. Similarly, he pointed out that the Green Line project, launched in 2016, was still incomplete, while work on the Red Line had worsened traffic conditions on the city's main thoroughfare. Referring to the Karachi Circular Railway, Hafiz Naeem said that although eight openings had been made, the project had yet to become operational despite its inauguration by Sheikh Rashid.

He further criticised the state of education and healthcare facilities in the city, saying Sindh has around 41,000 schools, including approximately 3,500 in Karachi, most of which remain under provincial government control. He recalled that schools were previously managed under the tenure of former Karachi mayor Naimatullah Khan, claiming that significant improvements had been made during that period.

According to Hafiz Naeem, Karachi's share in provincial financial resources had declined from 76 per cent to 18 per cent. He also claimed that around 92 per cent of the funds allocated to town administrations were consumed by salary payments, leaving limited resources for development work. Commenting on recent political developments, he referred to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's meeting with foreign ambassadors and questioned what was presented to them about Karachi's situation.

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According to the outlook, there is a possibility of more rainfall in the northern parts of the country in November than in the southern regions. The Meteorological Department has also predicted above-normal temperatures across the country during November. Temperatures are likely to remain above normal in Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while the eastern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan are most likely to experience above normal temperatures. Temperatures are also expected to remain above normal in northwestern Balochistan and southeastern coastal areas of Sindh.

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It calls on countries to use mediation, good offices and direct or indirect communication between conflicting parties to ease tensions and create opportunities for negotiations, even while military operations are underway. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Haider Shah, welcomed the adoption, describing it as a significant contribution to international efforts aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully. “The message of this Presidential Statement is both simple and powerful: Diplomacy must not end when hostilities begin.

Indeed, it becomes even more indispensable,” he said during a press stakeout following the adoption. The statement was adopted under the November presidency of Latvia's Ambassador Sanita Pav?uta-Deslandes, who is currently chairing the Security Council. The Pakistani initiative builds on UN Security Council Resolution 2788, unanimously adopted during Pakistan's presidency of the Council in July 2025, which reaffirmed the importance of peacefully resolving international disputes in accordance with the UN Charter.

While the earlier resolution focused on the peaceful settlement of disputes, the latest statement specifically addresses the need to maintain diplomatic engagement after armed confrontations have begun, when communication between opposing sides often breaks down and the risk of escalation rises. The Security Council stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open between conflicting parties, either directly or through intermediaries, to prevent miscalculations, reduce tensions and facilitate political negotiations.

It also identified key objectives of diplomacy during active hostilities, including securing ceasefires, ensuring safe and unhindered humanitarian access, protecting civilians and preventing conflicts from expanding into regional or international confrontations.

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Candidates can withdraw their nomination papers until November 25, while election symbols will be allotted on November 26. For the upcoming polls, Islamabad has been divided into 125 union councils, with 16 returning officers assigned to receive nomination papers. Polling is scheduled for December 20, while preliminary results will be compiled from December 21 to 24.

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Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, member of National Assembly and former Prime Minister of Pakistan who joined Ambassador Akamatsu in cutting the commemorative cake, following the national anthems of Japan and Pakistan, and respective speeches. Furthermore, a video message from Minister of Defense of Japan, H.E. Mr. KOIZUMI Shinjiro, was presented. The reception drew participation from military officials, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, diplomatic representatives, and key figures from the public and private sectors.

In the speech of Ambassador Akamatsu, he first expressed his message that the history of the Japan Self-Defense Forces is the very embodiment of Japan’s ‘Will to Seek Peace.’ JSDF continues to adhere to the principle of ‘Pacifism’ and the policy of ‘Exclusive Defense.’ The Ambassador further stated, “The peace we seek is not of ‘Silence’ but of ‘Dialogue’, not ‘Division’ but ‘Cooperation’ and not one governed by ‘Force’ but one underpinned by the ‘Rule of Law.’

”Ambassador Akamatsu also expressed the message that preserving peace requires more than a display of military power, it demands the continuous building of bridges of dialogue. The Ambassador further stated, “I am convinced that Pakistan’s exceptional diplomatic skill in transforming ‘Dispute’ into ‘Dialogue’ deserves the highest recognition and praise from the international community.” Ambassador Akamatsu also recalled several instances of JSDF cooperations.

These included educational exchanges such as the acceptance of international students to Ground Self-Defense Force’s ‘Fuji School’; airlift assistance by Ground Self-Defense Forces’ helicopter unit during the 2010 flood in northwestern Pakistan; and the participation of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ escort ship, Murasame’s participation in the multinational naval exercise AMAN 25. In conclusion, Ambassador Akamatsu expressed his wishes that the reception will serve as an opportunity to deepen the understanding of Japan Self-Defense Forces and to further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan.

This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. JSDF Day commemorates the establishment of the Japan Defense Agency and JSDF on July 1, 1954. The celebration date now falls on November 1 to align with JSDF’s critical role in responding to natural disasters like typhoons. Japan has consistently taken the path of a peace-loving nation and has been pursuing peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the international community, after the World WarⅡ. Japan’s security policy is grounded on this path.

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The project to equip and furnish the King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Teaching Hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra District is fully complete, with preparations underway for its formal inauguration in November this year, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project marks a significant step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving medical facilities in the district.

The $5.5 million project, launched on September 27, 2018, was scheduled for completion on December 31, 2024.

According to the document, a team from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) is expected to visit the hospital in November 2026 for its formal inauguration.

The project forms part of development assistance provided through the SFD to strengthen Pakistan's public healthcare infrastructure.

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The Punjab government has proposed a GBP300,000 climate-resilient agriculture project for the Cholistan and Thal desert regions, according to a document available with Wealth Pakistan.

The project, titled “AgriAdapt: Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Farming in Cholistan Desert Zone and Sandy Desert Zone (Thal)”, has been included in the Pakistan Climate Prosperity Plan.

The proposed initiative will focus on building agricultural climate resilience through nature-based and ecosystem-based adaptation measures, promoting resilient crops, strengthening digital agricultural advisory services and early warning systems, and improving market linkages and institutional capacity.

The project is proposed to be implemented on a pilot basis over 12 months, with an indicative budget of GBP300,000.

Under the proposed implementation framework, the first two months will be devoted to zone and site selection, farmer and stakeholder baseline assessments, and crop planning.

During the third to eighth months, field demonstrations will be established alongside the introduction of digital advisory services, early warning systems and farmer training programs.

The sixth to tenth months will focus on developing market and crop insurance linkages, while the final two months will be dedicated to outcome validation, institutional adoption and preparation of a scale-up plan.

A major component of the initiative will involve establishing zone-specific resilient crop and nature-based solution demonstration sites to identify farming practices suitable for the harsh climatic conditions of Cholistan and Thal.

The project also envisages the development of climate-informed digital advisory systems and community-level early warning services to help farmers make timely decisions regarding crop planning and agricultural operations.

Another important feature will be the promotion of market and value-chain linkages, including value-added agricultural production, to improve economic opportunities for farming communities.

The initiative will also explore inclusive crop insurance and financial resilience linkages to help farmers better manage climate-related agricultural risks.

According to the document, the Government of Punjab's Planning and Development, Agriculture and Environment departments will serve as lead government partners.

The Agriculture Department will act as the implementing partner, while the Annual Development Programme Coordination (ADPC) mechanism is identified for technical support.

Farmers and farmer groups will participate in field demonstrations and adoption of climate-resilient practices, while private-sector actors will support market access, value chains and agricultural processing.

Civil society and community organisations, along with research institutions, will contribute to outreach, evidence generation and technical assistance.

The proposed project is particularly significant for Cholistan and Thal, where agricultural communities face difficult production conditions due to water scarcity, climatic variability and environmental stress.

By integrating climate adaptation with agricultural extension, digital information services, crop insurance and market development, the initiative seeks to establish a framework that could subsequently be replicated in other climate-vulnerable agricultural zones.

The inclusion of an institutional adoption and scale-up phase indicates that the pilot is intended to generate practical evidence for potential expansion beyond the initially selected demonstration sites.

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Ten major highway projects in Balochistan, involving a combined approved PC-I cost of Rs644.06 billion, are scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2028, with cumulative expenditure reaching Rs179.20 billion by September 2026.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, these projects are being implemented under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to strengthen road connectivity, facilitate trade and improve transportation infrastructure across the province.

The documents show that three highway projects are scheduled for completion by December 2026, six others have completion deadlines in 2027, while one major project is expected to be completed in June 2028.

Among the projects nearing completion, the 22.7-kilometre dualisation of Quetta Western Bypass (N-25), costing Rs6.89 billion, has achieved 85% physical progress, with expenditure reaching Rs6.05 billion. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2026.

Similarly, the 103-kilometre Nokundi-Mashkel road project, with an approved cost of Rs7.71 billion, has achieved 79% progress. Expenditure on the project has reached Rs6.94 billion, with completion expected in December 2026.

The 79.89-kilometre Jhal Jhao-Bela road project, costing Rs16.22 billion, has recorded 70% physical progress and expenditure of Rs13.87 billion. Its completion is also scheduled for December 2026.

The documents indicate that substantial investment is concentrated in the N-25 highway, a major transportation corridor connecting Karachi, Quetta and Chaman.

The 330.52-kilometre Khuzdar-Kuchlak section of N-25, with an approved PC-I cost of Rs98.90 billion, has achieved 61% physical progress, with Rs42.86 billion spent by September 2026. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2027.

Another major undertaking, the 273-kilometre Karachi-Kararo and Wadh-Khuzdar section, carries an approved cost of Rs183.42 billion. Expenditure has reached Rs36.53 billion, while physical progress stands at 19%, with completion targeted for December 2027.

Likewise, the 187-kilometre Kararo-Wadh and Kuchlak-Chaman section, costing Rs132.75 billion, has recorded expenditure of Rs30.07 billion and physical progress of 22%. Its completion is also scheduled for December 2027.

Meanwhile, the 168-kilometre Awaran-Naal section of M-8, with an approved cost of Rs32.24 billion, has achieved 52% physical progress. Expenditure on the project has reached Rs20.45 billion, with completion scheduled for June 2027.

The 146-kilometre Hoshab-Awaran road project, costing Rs25.84 billion, has achieved 64% progress, with Rs9.75 billion spent so far. The project is also expected to be completed by June 2027.

The dualisation and improvement of the N-50 from Yarik-Sagu to Zhob, including the Zhob Bypass, has an approved cost of Rs76.49 billion. However, physical progress stands at just 2%, with expenditure reaching Rs975 million. Its completion is scheduled for November 2027.

Looking ahead to 2028, the 305-kilometre Kuchlak-Zhob section of N-50 represents another major infrastructure investment, with an approved PC-I cost of Rs63.60 billion. The project has achieved 16% physical progress, while expenditure reached Rs11.71 billion by September 2026. Its completion is scheduled for June 2028.

The official documents further highlight that the timely completion of these projects depends on the availability of funds and improvement in the law and order situation, underscoring the challenges facing their implementation in Balochistan.

Once completed, these highways are expected to improve regional connectivity, facilitate the movement of goods and passengers, and strengthen commercial links between Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.

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Pakistan-China economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 is expanding into artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data centres and digital connectivity, creating new opportunities for technology investment, industrial innovation and the development of domestic computing capacity.

The emerging digital agenda marks a shift beyond traditional transport and energy infrastructure towards technology-driven economic cooperation, with proposed joint AI research laboratories, cross-border fibre connectivity and cloud infrastructure expected to strengthen Pakistan's ability to develop and commercialise digital solutions.

The shift gained further attention at the 93rd CPEC Progress Review Meeting on October 7, where the government identified joint research laboratories in artificial intelligence and applied sciences as priority initiatives under CPEC 2.0. According to the Planning Ministry, the laboratories would promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer between Pakistani and Chinese institutions.

An official investment pitchbook issued in May also identifies the acceleration of CPEC cross-border optical fibre Phase II, expansion of rural broadband, 5G-oriented fibre deployment, internet exchange points and AI innovation hubs as priority areas for Pakistan-China cooperation.

Dr Hassan Daud Butt, former CPEC Project Director and an expert on regional economic cooperation, told Wealth Pakistan that the significance of the emerging digital corridor lay in developing the infrastructure required to support knowledge-intensive industries.

“The real shift is from carrying data to creating computing capacity inside Pakistan. Joint AI laboratories, local data centres and stronger cross-border fibre connectivity would allow research institutions and companies to process, store and develop digital products domestically rather than relying heavily on overseas infrastructure,” he said.

Butt explained that the economic value of the proposed digital infrastructure would depend on Pakistan's ability to use it for developing local AI applications, cloud services and industrial technologies rather than treating digital connectivity as an end in itself.

The expansion of Pakistan-China cooperation into digital technologies comes amid growing demand for computing infrastructure and cloud-based services in Pakistan.

According to the official investment pitchbook, Pakistan's AI and cloud computing market is estimated at around $180 million, with annual growth of 17.8%, indicating opportunities for investment in computing facilities, digital services and related infrastructure.

The document also notes that only 17.9% of telecom towers are currently connected by fibre, highlighting the need for stronger digital connectivity to support advanced telecommunications and emerging technologies.

It projects a data-centre capacity gap exceeding 45 megawatts by 2030 and identifies hyperscale and colocation facilities as priority investment opportunities.

Among the proposed investments is a 6 MW Tier III colocation data centre requiring an estimated investment of $38 million to $39 million.

These opportunities could help Pakistan strengthen its domestic digital infrastructure while supporting greater participation in AI development, cloud computing and technology-based services.

Sarmad Khan, former Executive Director at CIS Technology Park Islamabad, said the economic benefits of the emerging infrastructure would depend on how effectively Pakistan linked computing capacity with practical applications across different sectors.

“AI has to be embedded in sectors where Pakistan faces persistent productivity gaps, particularly agriculture, healthcare, education, manufacturing and logistics. The important issue is not simply access to AI tools, but whether local institutions and firms develop applications around Pakistan’s own economic and social needs,” he told Wealth Pakistan.

Khan said Pakistan's startup ecosystem could play an important role in translating new computing infrastructure and research capabilities into commercially useful solutions.

“Local startups are well placed to develop applications in areas such as smart irrigation, diagnostic systems, supply-chain management and industrial optimisation. But that requires access to reliable datasets, interoperable systems and skilled technical talent. Without those foundations, individual AI initiatives will remain fragmented and difficult to scale.”

He emphasised that CPEC-linked investment in cloud infrastructure, data centres and AI research would generate stronger economic returns if accompanied by clear data-sharing frameworks, common technical standards and closer cooperation between universities, startups and industry.

According to Khan, the emerging CPEC digital agenda is becoming more specific than the earlier concept of a Digital Silk Road, with greater emphasis on the infrastructure and institutional capabilities needed to support technology development.

For Pakistan, the expansion of cooperation into AI and cloud computing offers opportunities to strengthen digital entrepreneurship, improve industrial productivity and develop locally relevant technological solutions.

However, the proposed laboratories, connectivity upgrades and data-centre investments will require effective implementation, adequate financing and skilled human resources to translate their potential into measurable economic benefits.

The growing digital dimension of CPEC 2.0 could therefore provide Pakistan with an opportunity to move beyond physical connectivity towards building the domestic computing capacity and innovation ecosystem needed to participate more actively in China's expanding AI and technology landscape.

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Pakistan plans talks with Germany's KfW Development Bank to extend financing arrangements for the Harpo hydropower project in Gilgit-Baltistan beyond December 2026 to complete the remaining project activities, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.

Under the proposed course of action, the project may take up the matter with KfW to extend the loan until December 2032.

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is executing the project in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The German financing commitment stands at $23.20 million, with the financing agreement signed on December 24, 2013.

According to the document, the project has achieved several important preparatory milestones, including detailed engineering design in June 2022. Consultancy services were retained in April 2019, while the prequalification process for contractors across the three project lots is now complete, with prequalified firms notified on November 14, 2023.

The prime minister performed the project’s groundbreaking on November 6, 2024, at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Gilgit.

Another major achievement has been the completion of land acquisition involving 1,068 kanals required for the project. The acquired land has been transferred in the name of the Ministry of Water Resources.

The document further reveals that Rs1.620 billion has been transferred to the accounts of the Skardu deputy commissioner for land acquisition, marking an important step towards addressing land-related requirements for the hydropower scheme.

To strengthen monitoring and expedite implementation, the prime minister has constituted a steering committee to review progress on three hydropower projects in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The document also notes that KfW issued a no-objection letter concerning the tender documents, indicating progress in the procurement timeline.
However, financial disbursement has remained at four per cent.

The project completion date recorded in the document was May 31, 2026.

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The Makkah Defence Alliance is taking shape as a potentially important pillar of regionally driven security architecture, with its effectiveness likely to depend on how successfully Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye develop interoperability, joint doctrines, command arrangements and rapid-response capabilities, experts said.

The alliance is moving from political commitments towards practical implementation as its three members work to translate collective-defence arrangements into an integrated security mechanism.

According to a joint statement issued after the latest meeting of the Strategic Political and Defence Committee of the Makkah Alliance for Defence, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to move towards implementing their collective-defence commitments.

The committee decided to take necessary measures to provide the agreed military forces and capabilities and ensure their rapid deployment in Saudi Arabia in accordance with approved arrangements and the national legislation of the three countries.

The measures are intended to enhance military readiness and integration and strengthen the alliance’s collective capacity to confront and counter threats.

Tughral Yamin, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies Islamabad, told Wealth Pakistan that the proposed deployment of rapid reaction forces in Saudi Arabia was primarily intended to provide support.

He said that although Lt Gen Nauman Mahmood had been appointed the first Secretary General, the command structure for the forces to be deployed remained unclear.

“According to reports, it appears that these troops are intended to support the defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia rather than to engage in fighting the Houthis,” he said.

Yamin noted that fully operationalising a multinational military force was a long and complex process requiring the development of joint doctrines and interoperability among the armed forces of member states.

He said the alliance would also need common communication protocols, as not all member states were equally comfortable using English as the medium of communication.

Joint doctrines, interoperability, command arrangements and common communication procedures, he said, would be essential before the force could function as a genuinely integrated and rapidly deployable military entity.

“Once the joint force evolves into an integrated and interoperable entity capable of rapid deployment, it could serve as a guarantor of peace and security in the region,” he said.

The joint statement said practical measures under the alliance would strengthen deterrence and reaffirm the three countries’ resolve to defend their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the agreement.

The committee also condemned the attempted targeting of Makkah and Madinah, as well as continuing attacks on cities and civilian and economic facilities in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming its rejection of any threat to the Kingdom’s security and territorial integrity.

International security expert and former Senior Researcher at the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies Dr Taimur Khan said operationalising the Makkah Defence Alliance could represent an important step towards developing a more regionally owned security architecture in the Gulf.

“For Saudi Arabia, an effective collective-defence mechanism could enhance deterrence through intelligence-sharing, integrated air and missile defence, maritime security, counterterrorism cooperation, cyber capabilities and coordinated responses to emerging threats,” he told Wealth Pakistan.

More importantly, Khan said, the alliance could gradually reduce excessive dependence on external security providers and strengthen the capacity of regional states to manage their own security challenges.

However, he cautioned that the success of the alliance would depend on whether it was perceived as a defensive and stabilising arrangement rather than an instrument directed against any particular regional actor.

“Collective defence should therefore be complemented by diplomatic engagement, confidence-building measures, crisis-communication channels and respect for international law,” he said.

In this context, Khan said the Makkah Defence Alliance could reshape Gulf security by combining credible deterrence with preventive diplomacy.

“If properly institutionalised, it could contribute not only to Saudi Arabia’s security but also to a more balanced, predictable and sustainable regional peace,” he said.

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The government collected Rs22.25 billion under the Carbon Levy during the first three months of fiscal year 2026-27, achieving 44.5% of the annual budget estimate of Rs50 billion, according to an official Finance Division briefing.

The briefing, prepared for the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that the amount was collected by September 30, 2026.

The Carbon Levy, officially called the Climate Support Levy, was included in the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Levy and Climate Support Levy) Ordinance, 1961, through the Finance Act 2025.

According to the Finance Division, the measure was introduced as part of the government's commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the ongoing Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

The levy has been applied since FY2025-26 to petrol, high-speed diesel, high-octane blending component (HOBC) and furnace oil. Its rate was initially fixed at Rs2.50 per litre for FY2025-26 and subsequently increased to Rs5 per litre for FY2026-27.

The government collected Rs50.15 billion through the levy during FY2025-26. For the current fiscal year, Rs50 billion has been budgeted, of which Rs22.25 billion was collected during the July-September period.

Regarding utilisation, the Finance Division said the revenue collected through the levy becomes part of the Federal Consolidated Fund under Article 78(1) of the Constitution.

The briefing also provided details of climate-related expenditure and budgetary provisions for FY2025-26 and FY2026-27, showing a substantial reduction in the overall amount recorded for the current fiscal year.

The total stood at Rs716.766 billion for FY2025-26, compared with Rs214.019 billion budgeted for FY2026-27, a decline of approximately 70.2%.

For FY2026-27, the climate-related budget comprises Rs70.462 billion for adaptation, Rs124.067 billion for mitigation and Rs19.490 billion for supporting areas.

The corresponding figures for FY2025-26 were Rs85.435 billion for adaptation, Rs603 billion for mitigation and Rs28.331 billion for supporting areas.

The largest reduction was recorded under mitigation, where the amount declined from Rs603 billion to Rs124.067 billion, a decrease of approximately 79.4%.

The Finance Division explained that the FY2025-26 mitigation figure included Rs587.3 billion in subsidies, which had been classified as climate-friendly because the energy mix had more than 45% contribution from renewables.

Excluding those subsidies, the remaining FY2025-26 mitigation amount was Rs15.7 billion, compared with Rs124.067 billion budgeted under mitigation for FY2026-27.

The briefing further stated that the Finance Division had budgeted more for climate-responsive and green expenditure than the amount collected through the levy.

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The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has received Rs995 million in budgetary support for fiscal year 2026-27 to establish the Pakistan Space Centre.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the project has an approved cost of Rs37.72 billion. The Rs995 million comprises Rs145 million under the rupee cover component and Rs850 million under the local component.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the China-funded project on November 14, 2018.

The project has achieved 21 percent physical progress. The estimated expenditure up to June 30, 2026, is approximately Rs6.13 billion, while projected expenditure carried forward to July 1, 2026, stands at around Rs31.59 billion.

The space centre is expected to support the development of technical expertise and infrastructure for space-related research and applications. Such capabilities can contribute to the country's long-term scientific and technological objectives.

The project is a significant development initiative, and its progress will depend on continued financing and implementation during the coming fiscal years.

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Closer cooperation between the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank Group is creating new opportunities for infrastructure investment in developing economies, as the two institutions seek to expand co-financing, mobilise private capital and support major development projects at a time when high borrowing costs and limited fiscal resources are restricting public investment.

The renewed partnership, formalised through an updated memorandum of understanding signed on October 15 on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, identifies water, digital development, private capital mobilisation and policy-based financing as priority areas for deeper cooperation.

The agreement builds on an established relationship between the two multilateral lenders. According to AIIB, it remains the World Bank's largest co-financier, reflecting the scale of their existing cooperation in financing development projects.

The partnership comes as developing economies face growing infrastructure requirements alongside fiscal constraints and high debt-servicing costs. By combining financial resources, technical expertise and risk-sharing arrangements, multilateral institutions can help governments undertake projects that may otherwise be difficult to finance through public budgets or commercial borrowing alone.

Maham Imran, Research Associate at Foundation Securities, told Wealth Pakistan that closer cooperation between major multilateral development institutions could help developing economies address the widening gap between infrastructure requirements and available public resources.

“Infrastructure projects generally require substantial upfront financing and long repayment periods. For countries already facing fiscal constraints and high debt-servicing costs, combining resources from multiple development institutions can provide an alternative to relying excessively on expensive commercial borrowing,” she said.

The updated agreement also reflects a broader shift in development financing, with multilateral institutions increasingly combining direct lending with guarantees, co-financing and private capital mobilisation to support long-term investment.

AIIB has expanded significantly since beginning operations in 2016. The bank currently has 111 approved members and authorised capital of $100 billion. Its approved financing commitments stood at $63.67 billion as of June 30, 2026.

The World Bank Group has also increased efforts to mobilise capital beyond its own balance sheet. In fiscal year 2026, the Group mobilised $112 billion in private capital, more than three times the $35 billion recorded in FY2022.

During the same fiscal year, it issued more than $25 billion in guarantees and delivered $123.5 billion through loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees.

Imran said the partnership could become particularly important in cases where multilateral institutions help reduce financial and operational risks that discourage private investors from participating in infrastructure projects in developing economies.

“The larger opportunity is to use development finance as a catalyst. If guarantees, co-financing and risk-sharing arrangements improve the financial viability of a project, they can make it more attractive to institutional and private investors that might otherwise remain on the sidelines,” she said.

World Bank figures indicate that private capital mobilisation in lower-middle-income countries increased from $14 billion in FY2022 to $37 billion in FY2026.

In upper-middle-income economies, mobilisation rose from $12 billion to $50 billion over the same period, while private capital mobilised across Africa increased from approximately $9 billion to $22 billion.

Guarantees are also becoming an increasingly important instrument in development financing. The World Bank Group Guarantee Platform issued $17.9 billion in guarantees supporting 110 projects across 32 countries during FY2026, representing an increase of 46% over the previous fiscal year.

Recent infrastructure projects demonstrate how cooperation among multilateral lenders can expand financing options and support large-scale development programmes.

AIIB provided a $500 million sovereign-backed loan for South Africa's Metro Trading Services Program, which supports improvements in water and sanitation, electricity and solid-waste services. The project is co-financed with the World Bank and forms part of a broader $3 billion programme led by the South African government.

In Georgia, the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor project has a total cost exceeding $750 million. The World Bank Group is providing $372 million, while the remaining financing is being provided through co-financing arrangements involving AIIB and the Asian Development Bank.

Rashid Ali, founder of Economic Lens, told Wealth Pakistan that cooperation among development institutions could improve infrastructure investment by addressing weaknesses in project preparation and financing arrangements.

“Access to financing is only one part of the challenge. Many developing economies also struggle to develop projects that are technically prepared, economically justified and structured in a way that lenders and investors can evaluate with confidence,” he said.

Ali explained that combining financing with technical expertise, project appraisal and implementation support could improve the chances of infrastructure proposals progressing from planning to execution.

“Multilateral participation can strengthen project credibility because financing is accompanied by assessment, implementation support and risk management. That can be particularly valuable in transport, energy, water and digital infrastructure where investment requirements are large and returns often emerge over a longer period,” he said.

The updated AIIB-World Bank agreement specifically includes digital development and water alongside private capital mobilisation, indicating that future cooperation could extend beyond conventional transport and energy infrastructure.

The partnership also has direct relevance for Pakistan, where both institutions are involved in major infrastructure development programmes.

The World Bank approved financing totalling $375.9 million in July for the first phase of the Grid Stability Enhancement Project under the Boosting Energy Security through Transmission in Pakistan programme.

AIIB is separately proposing $92.5 million in sovereign financing for the same project, with its project documents identifying the World Bank as the lead co-financier.

The project aims to strengthen Pakistan's national electricity grid against operational disturbances, increase south-to-north transmission capacity, improve the utilisation of generation resources and modernise the country's transmission network.

Ali said such cooperation could become increasingly valuable for Pakistan as investment requirements expand across electricity transmission, transport, water and digital connectivity.

“For Pakistan, the potential benefit goes beyond securing an additional loan. Co-financing can help diversify funding sources, improve project structures and create conditions in which larger pools of private capital may eventually participate,” he said.

However, expanded cooperation among multilateral institutions does not automatically guarantee additional financing for every developing economy.

Imran said countries would still need credible project pipelines, transparent procurement processes, regulatory consistency and stronger implementation capacity to benefit from the growing availability of development financing.

“Multilateral institutions can reduce some financial and project risks, but they cannot replace sound project preparation. Countries that can present bankable infrastructure projects and demonstrate implementation capacity will be better placed to benefit from the expansion of co-financing,” she said.

The renewed AIIB-World Bank partnership reflects the growing importance of coordinated development financing, with multilateral institutions increasingly using direct lending alongside guarantees, co-financing and private capital mobilisation to support infrastructure investment.

For developing economies, including Pakistan, the opportunity lies in using these financing arrangements to develop viable infrastructure projects, attract additional investment and strengthen the foundations for sustainable economic growth.

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Pakistan received a total of $29.20 billion in foreign assistance during the five financial years from FY2021-22 to FY2025-26, with loans accounting for 97% of total disbursements and grants making up the remaining 3%, according to an official response available with Wealth Pakistan.

The figures show that the country received $28.31 billion in loans and $885.15 million in grants during the five-year period, reflecting the predominance of debt-based external financing.

Multilateral development partners emerged as the largest source of foreign assistance, contributing $24.10 billion, equivalent to 82.5% of total disbursements, while bilateral development partners provided $5.10 billion, accounting for 17.5%.

Among multilateral institutions, the World Bank was the largest contributor, disbursing $9.65 billion, followed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with $9.09 billion.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) provided $3.31 billion in short-term commodity financing, while the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) contributed $1.18 billion. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) disbursed another $208.85 million during the period.

Among bilateral partners, Saudi Arabia emerged as Pakistan's largest source of assistance, providing $3.50 billion, followed by China with $592.24 million.

France contributed $313.72 million, while the United States provided $187.80 million. Japan's contribution stood at $152.80 million, followed by Germany with $88.88 million.

The official response described most of the loans as concessional, distinguishing them from commercial financing.

Regarding the utilisation of foreign assistance, the government clarified that responsibility for implementing externally financed projects rests with the respective executing agencies.

The Planning Commission monitors implementation progress through provincial Planning and Development Departments for provincial projects and the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiative for federal projects.

Meanwhile, the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) coordinates with development partners and oversees the external financing portfolio, particularly estimated disbursements against financial commitments.

To address delays in disbursements, the Ministry of Economic Affairs conducts regular portfolio reviews in coordination with executing agencies, provincial planning departments and development partners.

The government further clarified that information regarding unutilised, diverted or surrendered funds is maintained by the Planning Commission and the respective executing agencies.

On financial accountability, the response stated that donor-funded projects are audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan and, where applicable, may undergo supervision missions, third-party evaluations and financial audits by development partners in accordance with financing agreements.

The Auditor General prepares and issues an annual audit plan at the beginning of each financial year, identifying entities and projects for scrutiny based on risk assessments and audit priorities.

Audit reports are implemented by the respective executing agencies and provincial governments through their Principal Accounting Officers.

Compliance with audit observations is subsequently reviewed through Departmental Accounts Committees and, where required, the Public Accounts Committee.

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China's biotechnology sector is expanding its role in the global pharmaceutical industry, moving beyond the manufacturing of conventional medicines and pharmaceutical ingredients to the development and international licensing of innovative drugs, as growing demand for Chinese-developed therapies creates new opportunities for international research and commercial partnerships.

According to pharmaceutical industry data provider PharmCube, overseas licensing agreements involving Chinese pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies reached a combined potential value of approximately $139.4 billion by October 8, 2026, surpassing the $138.8 billion recorded throughout 2025.

The agreements cover innovative treatments for cancer, obesity and autoimmune diseases, reflecting growing international interest in China's pharmaceutical research and development capabilities. Upfront payments under these agreements amounted to approximately $8 billion during the first three quarters of 2026.

Major international pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, GSK and Novo Nordisk, have entered licensing partnerships involving Chinese-developed therapies, highlighting China's growing importance in global drug discovery and the commercial development of new medicines.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Dr Ijaz Akram, Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Space Technology, said China's expanding biotechnology licensing market demonstrated how pharmaceutical competitiveness was increasingly being shaped by research, clinical development and intellectual property rather than manufacturing capacity alone.

“Pakistan can benefit from closer cooperation with Chinese companies through specialised manufacturing, technology transfer and joint research programmes,” he said.

The growing value of overseas licensing agreements reflects a broader transformation in China's pharmaceutical industry, with domestic companies increasingly developing innovative therapies and securing commercial partnerships with international drug manufacturers.

According to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the potential value of overseas licensing agreements involving innovative Chinese medicines exceeded $100 billion during the first half of 2026.

The ministry also reported that China approved 38 innovative medicines for marketing during the same period, including 31 developed by domestic companies, indicating the country's growing capabilities in pharmaceutical research and product development.

In September 2026, Chinese authorities outlined further plans to strengthen the biomedical industry, with an emphasis on innovative medicines, biotechnology research and international competitiveness.

The expansion of China's pharmaceutical innovation sector is creating opportunities for developing economies to establish partnerships in drug research, specialised manufacturing, technology transfer and clinical development.

For Pakistan, closer cooperation with Chinese biotechnology companies could provide an opportunity to move beyond importing medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials towards developing domestic research capabilities and higher-value pharmaceutical products.

Dr Ijaz Akram said Pakistan should prioritise partnerships that strengthen local technical expertise rather than limiting cooperation to the importation or packaging of finished pharmaceutical products.

"Technology-transfer agreements should include workforce training, research collaboration and the development of local production capabilities. This would help Pakistani pharmaceutical companies gradually move towards higher-value products and improve their prospects in international markets," he said.

He added that cooperation with Chinese pharmaceutical companies could help Pakistan gradually develop expertise in specialised manufacturing and research-based pharmaceutical production, provided such partnerships included meaningful knowledge transfer and technical training.

The growing international demand for innovative medicines also highlights the importance of strong research institutions, clinical-trial capabilities and regulatory systems in supporting pharmaceutical development.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Fatima Ayub, Researcher at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hamdard University, said Pakistan could benefit from China's progress in biotechnology by developing stronger links between pharmaceutical companies, universities and research institutions.

"Pakistan has opportunities to collaborate with Chinese biotechnology institutions in drug discovery, clinical research and advanced pharmaceutical development. However, these partnerships will require reliable clinical-trial systems, internationally recognised quality standards and sustained investment in scientific expertise," she said.

Fatima emphasised that international pharmaceutical cooperation should focus on building long-term scientific and technological capabilities rather than relying solely on short-term commercial arrangements.

“Joint research laboratories, researcher exchanges and collaborative clinical development programmes could help Pakistan strengthen its biotechnology ecosystem. The objective should be to create the capacity to develop and commercialise pharmaceutical innovations locally,” she added.

She said stronger collaboration between academic institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers could help translate scientific research into commercially useful products while improving the skills and experience of local researchers.

China's expanding role in international pharmaceutical licensing also demonstrates the growing commercial importance of intellectual property and research-led innovation in the global medicines market.

Unlike conventional pharmaceutical exports, licensing agreements allow drug developers to commercialise their research through international partners, potentially generating upfront payments, milestone revenues, and royalties as medicines progress toward the market.

However, the reported $139.4 billion represents the combined potential value of licensing agreements, including payments linked to future development and commercial milestones, rather than revenue already received by Chinese companies.

For Pakistan, China's transformation offers an opportunity to strengthen pharmaceutical cooperation through joint research, technology transfer, workforce development and specialised manufacturing.

The country's ability to benefit from these opportunities will depend on sustained investment in scientific expertise, internationally recognised regulatory standards and partnerships that support the development of domestic pharmaceutical innovation.

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The Pakistan Climate Change Authority (PCCA) has developed more than 38 climate project concepts, completed two projects, and submitted a proposal for $3.5 million in Green Climate Fund (GCF) readiness funding.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Authority has also sought $40 million from the Loss and Damage Fund for climate-related interventions, including resilient healthcare in Balochistan and recovery support for flood-hit families.

The document outlines the Authority’s performance, access to international climate finance, coordination with provincial governments, and plans to strengthen its institutional capacity.

Under its completed projects, the Authority reported progress on solar-powered smart irrigation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP). It also completed work on forest-carbon baselines in three provinces in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST).

The Authority has developed more than 38 project concepts in consultation with provincial governments and relevant institutions for potential financing through the Adaptation Fund, the World Bank, the Mitigation Action Facility, and other sources.

The document also highlights efforts to strengthen coordination with provincial governments. Since 2024, the Authority has held nine meetings, and all provinces have notified sectoral working groups, with coordination mechanisms established to advance climate-related proposals.

Institutional development measures include the introduction of an e-office and e-procurement system, the development of a website with the National Information Technology Board (NITB), the formation of a Voluntary Climate Experts Group, and awareness sessions for professional bodies and institutions.

The Authority is also providing technical support to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in climate finance, international negotiations, forestry and policy planning.

According to the documents, this support includes work on the Climate Finance Strategy, carbon markets, the Global Shield process, submissions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and adaptation and response measures.

In the forestry sector, the Authority has supported work relating to the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), forest-cover surveys and voluntary national reporting. It has also contributed to climate-risk screening and planning for resilient infrastructure.

The document identifies translating policy into implementation as a key priority, with the Authority expected to support the Ministry through technical analysis, project development and coordination with provincial governments.

The proposed future priorities include improving access to climate finance, strengthening institutional capacity, expanding the project pipeline and converting climate policy priorities into implementable projects.

The document presents these measures as part of the Authority’s efforts to help Pakistan mobilise international climate finance and improve its response to climate-related losses, environmental degradation and disaster risks.

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کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

The agreement was signed at a ceremony by Rawal Foundation Chairman Khaqan Waheed Khawaja and Senior Superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi Sajid Baig.

Speaking on the occasion, Sajid Baig welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step towards improving healthcare facilities for government employees and their families.

He appreciated the Foundation's commitment to providing free medical care to jail staff and their children.

Rawal Foundation Chairman Khaqan Waheed Khawaja said the organisation was committed to facilitating free medical treatment for jail employees.

He added that the Foundation also regularly organises free medical camps in different areas of Azad Kashmir as part of its humanitarian and healthcare initiatives.

Khawaja further announced that a free medical camp would be organised in the staff colony of Adiala Jail towards the end of the current month to provide medical assistance to employees and their families.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

Fawad Khan, an assistant director at the province's Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums, called looking after its heritage sites "a big job" and "a big headache" in an interview with China Economic Net (CEN) on the sidelines of the ninth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Culture Expo.

By his account, the directorate runs 15 museums and looks after thousands of sites, with about 10,000 Gandharan sculptures at the Peshawar Museum alone.

He named looting and antiquities smuggling among the province's main problems, and pointed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chinese government on the issue.

At national level, the two governments signed an agreement in 2022 on preventing theft, clandestine excavation and illicit trade in cultural property, followed by another on heritage cooperation in October 2025.

The directorate has also signed MOUs with Chinese institutions, Khan added, and is working on digitising museum collections and producing digital catalogues.

According to a March 2025 announcement on its website, it established a digital heritage partnership with Tsinghua University, using 3D scanning and digital modelling.

Fazal ur Rahman, executive director of the Pakistan Council on China, described heritage work as one strand of cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China has "more advanced technology than Pakistan" in preservation and "definitely can help Pakistan in promoting and preserving our national heritage in a better way", he said.

Exhibitions have brought Gandharan art to Chinese audiences. A show of 203 artefacts, 173 of them on loan from Pakistan, opened at the Palace Museum in Beijing in March 2023 and later travelled to museums in Gansu and Shenzhen.

The directorate plans more at museums in different parts of China, Khan added.

It has also worked with Germany's Ruhr University Bochum on digitally cataloguing Gandharan sculptures in the Dir Museum, he noted, while an Italian archaeological mission has worked in the province for many years.

Khan traced the link between the two sides back thousands of years, with Buddhism, trade and culture moving along the Silk Road and Gandharan art influencing Dunhuang, Kucha and the Kizil Caves.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

Two Pakistani exhibitors are showing handicrafts. One of the firms, Khan Traders, run by a pair of brothers, carries about 100 products in its booth. “Totally handmade, no machine,” said Naeem Mirza, the younger brother, China Economic Net (CEN).

Mirza’s rosewood range runs from candy jars and tea tables to tissue boxes, jewellery boxes and dried-fruit trays.

Asked whether one glossy jar was plastic, he was quick to say it was Pakistani rosewood, likening the timber to huali, a rosewood used in Chinese classical furniture.

Mirza said he had brought brass horses for the Chinese Year of the Horse because “people like this animal”. Stock was limited, he added. Some of his designs, he said, were ones “Chinese people like”.

Pressed to pick one product for Chinese buyers, Mirza chose the pale green stone he calls Pakistani jade. “This colour is natural,” he said.

He was offering discounts on the opening days to introduce his products to visitors.

His elder brother, Munir Muhammad, said he had been doing business in China for about two years and planned to stay in Dunhuang for another two months. Stone and wood pieces, he said, were likely to draw the most interest from Chinese buyers.

Pakistan’s exports to China rose 8.4 per cent year on year to US$2.68 billion in the 2025–26 fiscal year, which ended on June 30, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan.

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo run from 2 to 4 November in Gansu province.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

“There is a need of the time to explore the similarities and connections between our different cultures, and that must be translated to our young people,” said Muhammad Zamir Assadi, Director of the Lord Media Network, on the sidelines of the ongoing international cultural expo in the city.

Seeing products based on Mogao Caves patterns, including the Flying Apsara and a deer motif, Assadi said they bear similarities with the collection of Pakistan’s Taxila Museum.

“Such products show the cultural connections between Pakistan and China,” he said. “Pakistan and China are both on the route of the Silk Road, and we share a lot of historical stories together.”

According to UNESCO, Taxila sat on a Silk Road branch linking China to the West, and the art of the Mogao Caves shows Gandharan influence.

Pakistan has its own heritage to share, Assadi said, from Gandhara sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Lahore. In July, Pakistan launched a task force to promote Gandhara heritage tourism.

Young people are key to keeping that heritage alive, he said. “If young people know the significance of history, your legacy will be carried on, and your coming generations will become guardians of your values.”

“If you want to explore the similarities between Pakistan and China, you must visit Pakistan,” he said. “You will love to see how Pakistan has preserved such historical products.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

He highlighted the importance of ideological unity, strategic direction, organizational discipline and placing people at the centre of policymaking.

He said the CPC had strengthened its self-governance and anti-corruption efforts while pursuing development aimed at improving people’s lives. Liu added that China neither sought to export its governance model nor asked other countries to copy it, but supported dialogue and mutual learning through party-to-party exchanges.

Dar highlighted China’s development under the CPC, citing discipline, anti-corruption measures and people-centred governance as important elements of its experience.

He said Pakistan was pursuing governance reforms, institutional modernization and economic transformation, while the two countries continued to deepen their all-weather partnership.

Dar said the key recommendations for strengthening governance cooperation could be consolidated into five broad areas: strengthening political party organizations, internal cohesion and connections with local communities; advancing long-term, high-quality development and modernization; building public trust through improved public services and ensuring development benefits reach ordinary people; combating corruption and promoting accountability in the use of public office; and fostering inter-party respect, non-interference, cooperation and mutual learning among political parties.

In a message on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari, Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted China’s institutional strength and social transformation, as well as its focus on education, technology and innovation.

She said Pakistan could learn from China’s development experience while adapting lessons to its own circumstances.

Rehman said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remained central to bilateral cooperation, with its next phase expected to focus on agricultural modernization, industrialization, job creation and sustained political commitment.

In a message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, read by Dar, the premier said countries of the Global South could draw lessons from the CPC’s governance experience while pursuing development paths suited to their own national conditions.

He highlighted the importance of party-level consultations and cooperation under CPEC 2.0, particularly in agriculture, artificial intelligence, industrialization and green energy. The message also referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the CPC’s grassroots structures, leadership training and continuity in development planning offered lessons for Pakistan. He referred to China’s poverty alleviation achievements and said Pakistan needed greater policy continuity, accountability and the development of new leadership.

Iqbal said CPEC had been launched at a time when Pakistan was facing serious security, electricity and investment challenges, and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation to support the country’s development.

The symposium underscored the importance of sustained political exchanges, institutional cooperation and mutual learning in strengthening Pakistan-China relations and advancing shared development objectives.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

The Chinese Minister noted, over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Pakistan have stood side by side through thick and thin, setting an example of political mutual trust, mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, friendship between the two peoples and multilateral coordination between countries with different ideologies and systems. He said he has highly impressed by warm welcome extended to him since his arrival in Pakistan. Both countries needed to enhance their mutual exchanges at various levels. " We are proud of the two countries' strong and long-standing friendship. We cherish it.

We have heart to heart connections for further development of our decades-old friendship from generation to generation, " he added. He also underlined the importance of setting the Research center in Pakistan. He called for close cooperation and exchanges among all the political parties and other socio-economic groups of the two countries. Since the beginning of the new era, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has been continuously deepened, advancing steadily toward the goal of building a China-Pakistan community with a shared future he added. He also briefed the audience about China's fast economic growth under the leadership of CPC.

He highlighted the party's building in transforming the country on modern lines. Mr. Liu emphasized that the two sides should implement the important consensus that had reached between the two countries’ upgrading of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), maintaining close communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues, and jointly build a China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Chairman Senate in his address noted, Pakistan and China share a close, brotherly relationship. Inter-party exchanges are an important part of bilateral relations. He lauded the establishment of the Research Center and thanked for nominating him its honorary chairman.

Over the past 75 years since diplomatic ties were established, exchanges and cooperation between political parties of both countries have never been interrupted despite changes in the international landscape. He said he had an honour of personally seeing various phases of the two countries' friendship. He assured full support of the Senate for further consolidating the friendship. Pakistan highly appreciates the major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping, which reflect his far-sighted vision. Pakistan will firmly support and actively participate in these initiatives.

Pakistan stands ready to further consolidate strategic and political mutual trust with China, deepen practical cooperation across all fields, jointly build an upgraded version of the CPEC, promote exchanges at all levels including political parties, legislatures, media and youth. The CPEC has provided significant support for improving Pakistan's economic and social landscape and is a jewel in the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.

Governor KPK also spoke on the occasion and praised the growing Sino-Pak friendship in different fields. He also praised the Chinese leadership for the country's fast growth. He offered various opportunities for investment in his province by the Chinese side.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

 چین کے نائب وزیر خارجہ ما زاؤ شو نے امریکہ کے شہر اٹلانٹا میں منعقدہ جی 20 (G20) وزرائے خارجہ کے اجلاس میں شرکت کی۔
ما زاؤ شو نے نشاندہی کی کہ موجودہ جغرافیائی سیاسی منظرنامہ شدید تناؤ کا شکار ہے، جبکہ ترقیاتی ایجنڈا نمایاں طور پر پیچھے رہ گیا ہے۔ انہوں نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ چینی صدر شی جن پھنگ نے "گلوبل سیکیورٹی انیشی ایٹو" پیش کیا،جو مشترکہ، جامع، تعاون پر مبنی اور پائیدار سلامتی کے وژن کی وکالت کرتا ہےاور اس اقدام نے بین الاقوامی اور علاقائی تنازعات کو حل کرنے میں اہم کردار ادا کیا ہے۔ ما زاؤ شو نے اس بات پر زور دیا کہ جی 20 کو علاقائی کشیدہ مقامات پر تناؤ کم کرنے میں مدد دے کر اور تنازعات کی بنیادی وجوہات کو حل کرنے کی کوشش کر کی اپنی ذمہ داریاں نبھانی چاہئیں۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ چین، توانائی کی سلامتی کو یقینی بنانے اور پائیدار ترقی کے حصول کے لیے جی 20 میں تعاون کو گہرا کرنے کی حمایت کرتا ہے۔ انہوں نے جی 20 کے رکن ممالک پر زور دیا کہ وہ عالمی صنعتی اور سپلائی چینز کے استحکام اور ان کے بلا تعطل کام کرنے کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے ٹھوس اقدامات کریں۔ اس کے علاوہ ما زاؤ شو نے مشرق وسطیٰ کی صورتحال اور یوکرین کے بحران جیسے مسائل پر بھی چین کا موقف بیان کیا۔
یہ اجلاس 2026 کے جی 20 کے روٹیٹری چیئر مین ملک ،امریکہ کے سیکرٹری آف اسٹیٹ مارکو روبیو کی زیرصدارت ہوا ، لیکن اہم عالمی جغرافیائی اور اقتصادی سیکیورٹی کے مسائل پر کوئی اتفاق نہیں ہو پایا۔ ٹرمپ حکومت نے اس وزارتی اجلاس میں جی 20 کے ممبر اور پچھلے سال کے روٹیٹری چیئر مین ملک جنوبی افریقہ کو مدعو نہیں کیا، جس کی وجہ سے اجلاس میں بھی اختلافات پیدا ہوئے۔

کریڈٹ: انڈیپنڈنٹ نیوز پاکستان-آئی این پی

Spread over three acres of land, the industrial facility has a production capacity of 18,000 tuff tiles per day.

The establishment of the unit is expected to meet the growing local demand for construction materials and facilitate ongoing development activities in Gwadar.

On the occasion, Haji Muhammad Sharif Zemal, owner of Zemal Builders and a prominent contractor, explained that the industrial unit had been established in response to the increasing demand for tuff tiles and pavers in Gwadar, with the objective of ensuring convenient and timely access to locally manufactured construction materials for various development projects.

Speaking at the ceremony, GDA Director General Moin ur Rehman Khan welcomed the private sector’s investment in Gwadar’s industrial development, describing it as a positive step towards strengthening the city's construction industry and local economy.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report he noted that previously, tuff tiles and other related construction materials had to be transported from Karachi, resulting in additional transportation costs, advance booking requirements, and delays in delivery.

“With the establishment of a local manufacturing facility, these challenges will be significantly reduced, ensuring improved and timely availability of construction materials for both public and private sector development projects,” he said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

انہوں نے کہا کہ جغرافیائی سیاسی صورتحال پہلے سے درست راہ پر چلنے والی اقتصادی پالیسیوں کو نقصان پہنچا رہی ہے۔ وبا کے بعد، روس اور یوکرین کے تنازع کی وجہ سے پیدا ہونے والے توانائی کے بحران کے بتدریج ختم ہونے کے بعد، مہنگائی کی شرح پہلے ہی درمیانی مدت کے ہدف یعنی 2 فیصد کی سطح پر واپس آ چکی تھی۔ لیکن بدقسمتی سے، یہ عمل رک گیا۔ جو اقتصادی ترقی ممکن تھی، اس میں جغرافیائی سیاسی صورتحال کی تبدیلی اور ممالک کے اقدامات سے رکاوٹ پیدا ہوئی ہے ۔

مصنوعی ذہانت کی ترقی کے حوالے سے بات کرتے ہوئے، کرسٹین لاگارڈ نے کہا کہ فوری کام یہ ہے کہ ہم سب مصنوعی ذہانت کی ترقی کی سمت کو سمجھیں، اور یہ سمجھیں کہ انسان جیسے آپ اور میں، مصنوعی ذہانت کی ترقی پر کس طرح قابو پا سکتے ہیں۔ ان کے خیال میں، مصنوعی ذہانت ایک طویل چین ہے جس میں مختلف حصے شامل ہیں اور کوئی بھی پوری ماحولیاتی پٹری پر قابو نہیں پا سکتا۔ انہوں نے کہا کہ بڑھتی ہوئی غیر یقینی صورتحال کے پیش نظر، یورپ کو مصنوعی ذہانت اور دیگر ابھرتے ہوئے شعبوں میں تیز رفتاری سے منصوبہ بندی کرنے کی ضرورت ہے تاکہ کھلے ماحول کو برقرار رکھتے ہوئے اقتصادی لچک کو بڑھایا جا سکے۔

چین-یورپ تعلقات کے حوالے سے بات کرتے ہوئے، انہوں نے زور دیا کہ دونوں کے تجارتی تعلقات مضبوط ہیں، اور یورپ اور چین مال اور خدمات کے حوالے سے ایک دوسرے کے تجارتی شراکت دار ہیں۔ان کا کہنا تھا کہ چین-یورپ تعاون کو مضبوط کرنا نہ صرف ہر ایک کی ترقی کے لیے فائدہ مند ہے بلکہ اس سےعالمی اقتصادی ترقی میں بھی مدد فراہم ہو گی و 

Qiao Zhenqi, Director of New Media Operations at the CICG Centre for Europe and Asia, formally launched the report, titled International Public Opinions on the Achievements, Philosophy, and Experience of China’s Poverty Alleviation, Gwadar Pro reported.

The report examines international perspectives on China’s poverty alleviation efforts across four dimensions: achievements, institutional governance, underlying philosophy and development experience.

Organized by CICG and Understanding China Forum (UCF), The event brought together Pakistani and Chinese officials, development experts and representatives of international organisations to discuss poverty reduction, inclusive development and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Thematic sessions explored poverty reduction practices, inclusive development, regional cooperation and emerging sources of economic growth.

The discussions highlighted the importance of effective governance, technological innovation and regional partnerships in advancing sustainable development and poverty reduction across South Asia.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China

In its ruling, the court observed that there was no legal justification for including references to cases in which individuals had been finally acquitted. Such references could unfairly portray acquitted citizens as criminals. The court clarified that police could retain such information in their internal records, but it could not be included in character certificates issued to citizens, particularly those travelling abroad. It further observed that citizens should not be forced to approach courts to secure rights already guaranteed to them under the law.

The court also declared the police character certificate previously issued to the petitioner unlawful, noting that it incorrectly described him as discharged during investigation despite the court’s final decision. The judgment stated that portraying an acquitted individual as merely discharged undermined their legal status. The court further observed that continuing to mention an FIR after final acquittal in a police character certificate violated citizens’ constitutional protections under Articles 4, 9, 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

He also announced the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based attendance system in the provincial health department for the first time to monitor staff attendance and improve accountability. According to the chief minister, the government has deducted Rs410 million from employees’ salaries over disciplinary violations, while 11,000 employees have been issued show-cause notices for negligence and failure to perform their duties.

Departmental proceedings are also under way against 800 government employees, he added. Bugti said government employees were public servants and must perform their responsibilities with honesty and dedication. He stressed that no government employee would be allowed to draw a salary while staying at home, adding that negligence and absenteeism in public service would not be tolerated. The chief minister also shared the official notification regarding the dismissed employees on social media.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

He said Pakistan Armed Forces had been fighting the war against terrorism for several decades and fulfilling their responsibility of defending the country's borders. The Defence Minister described the youth as a valuable asset of the country, saying educated and skilled young people could play a key role in national development and prosperity.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Ziaur Rehman said that the government representatives had repeatedly visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He said that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was present at one of the meetings. He said the Fazlur Rehman’s remarks about the martyrs had been taken out of context. Referring to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Rana Sanaullah’s remarks, Ziaur Rehman said Sanaullah had stated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had made no such statement, Ziaur Rehman reiterated that Maulana Fazlur Rehman remained firmly opposed to terrorism.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)

Collections reached Rs1,161 billion in 2024-25 before climbing to Rs1,567 billion in 2025-26, exceeding the target for that fiscal year by Rs99 billion. Consumers are also paying substantial taxes, duties and margins on petroleum products. The combined charges, including the petroleum levy, amount to Rs110.78 per litre on petrol and Rs107.55 per litre on high-speed diesel. The government has deferred a decision on reducing the petroleum levy until the next federal budget. The levy remains a significant source of government revenue, with the current fiscal year's collection target set at Rs1,676 billion.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)