Pakistan Archives - Page 14 of 19

Pakistan, ADB sign $304.5m agreements for climate resilience projects

December 30, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for two projects worth $304.5 million, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and addressing the impacts of climate change.

According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project and the $124 million Punjab Climate-Resilient Agricultural Mechanization Project.

The agreements were signed by Secretary of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Kareem, ADB Country Director Emma Fan, along with representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Muhammad Humair Kareem said that ADB will provide $140 million in loans and $0.5 million in technical grants for the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project.

He added that the project will directly benefit the districts of Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin, helping protect coastal communities from climate-related risks.

He further stated that the Punjab Climate-Resilient Project will enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience across 30 districts of Punjab.

For this project, ADB will provide $120 million in loans and $4 million in grants, while the Punjab government will contribute $5 million. The initiative will improve small farmers’ access to climate-smart agricultural machinery.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan said that the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project will play a key role in safeguarding coastal populations from climate change-induced hazards.

She added that the Punjab Agricultural Mechanization Project represents an important step toward modernizing agriculture and reducing emissions.

The signing of these agreements reflects Pakistan’s continued collaboration with ADB to promote sustainable development and climate resilience across the country.

Pakistan voices concern over atrocities against minorities in India

December 29, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over what it described as ongoing atrocities against minorities in India, condemning recent incidents of violence and discrimination.

In a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson, Pakistan strongly condemned acts of vandalism and violence against Christian individuals during Christmas celebrations. The statement also denounced violence against Muslims, calling it a grave violation of fundamental human rights.

The Foreign Office urged the international community to take notice of what it termed serious violations of minority rights in India and called for concrete action to ensure the protection of basic rights of vulnerable and marginalized communities.

The spokesperson further stated that a state-backed campaign against Muslims is continuing in India, expressing concern over the demolition of Muslim homes.

Reference was also made to attempts to shield perpetrators in the Mohammad Akhlaq lynching case, noting that such incidents have deepened fear and insecurity among Muslim communities in the country.

Pakistan reiterated its call for accountability and respect for international human rights obligations, urging India to safeguard the rights and dignity of all minorities.

Pakistan strongly condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Sudan

December 15, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan, which killed six Bangladesh personnel and left several others injured, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The statement expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh and extended Pakistan’s full solidarity with the families of the deceased peacekeepers.

It highlighted the vital role of UN peacekeepers worldwide in conflict prevention, civilian protection, and promoting peace, adding that Pakistan salutes their sacrifice for peace and stability.

Pakistan also called for an immediate investigation into the attack and urged that those responsible be brought to justice.

The Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan will continue to work alongside UN Security Council members and the international community to ensure the protection and safety of peacekeepers.

Netherlands defeat Pakistan in goal-filled Pro Hockey League clash

December 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

SANTIAGO: In the ongoing Pro Hockey League in Santiago, Argentina, Pakistan faced its third consecutive defeat during the first phase of the tournament.

The Netherlands defeated Pakistan 7-3 in the third match, adding to Pakistan’s earlier losses against Argentina (3-2) and Netherlands (5-2).

During the match, Muhammad Sufyan Khan scored two goals and Rana Waheed Ashraf added one, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its fourth match against host Argentina on December 15, aiming to recover in the tournament.

The team has struggled to find form, facing tough competition from both the Netherlands and Argentina, as they look to improve results in upcoming matches.

How many matches will each team play before T20 World Cup?

December 11, 2025 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 have reached their final stage, with full-member teams concluding their pre-tournament commitments. The mega event will take place from 7 February to 8 March in India and Sri Lanka.

With the schedule tightening, no full-member nation is expected to play any additional bilateral series before the tournament begins.

Pakistan will play six T20Is ahead of the World Cup — three against Sri Lanka in January and three at home against Australia.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe will go into the tournament without playing any pre-World Cup matches. Australia, however, will play three T20Is against Pakistan, while England will feature in a three-match series in Sri Lanka in January.

India will be the busiest team, playing 10 T20Is in December and January, including a five-match home series against New Zealand. South Africa are currently touring India, and West Indies will tour South Africa for a three-match T20I series.

In total match exposure before the World Cup:

India: 10 matches

South Africa: 8 matches

Pakistan: 6 matches

Sri Lanka (hosts): 6 matches

New Zealand: 5 matches

Australia, England, West Indies: 3 matches each

With final preparations underway, teams are now gearing up for the global showdown beginning in early February.

Pakistan women’s football team included in FIFA series for first time

December 10, 2025 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The Pakistan Women’s Football Team has been officially included in the Federation International Football Association (FIFA) series for the first time.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) confirmed that the FIFA’s approval acknowledges the growing development of women’s football in Pakistan. This marks a new era for the national team, providing players with opportunities to compete at the international level.

The FIFA women’s series is scheduled to take place in March and April 2026, beginning in Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Thailand. Additionally, all groups for the women’s FIFA series are expected to be announced in early 2026.

IMF board to review $1.2b aid tranche for Pakistan today

December 8, 2025 by Newsdesk

NEW YORK: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board is scheduled to meet today to consider approval of a $1.2 billion aid tranche for Pakistan under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The package includes $1 billion for general support and $200 million to enhance disaster resilience and sustainable development.

Ahead of the meeting, Pakistan released an IMF-backed report on corruption and governance, fulfilling the Fund’s pre-condition for board approval.

The report follows staff-level agreements reached between Pakistan and the IMF in October, after negotiations held from September 24 to October 8 in Karachi, Islamabad, and Washington.

The discussions reviewed Pakistan’s fiscal performance, financial policies, reforms, and climate-related measures, with the IMF staff mission expressing satisfaction over the country’s economic progress. The Fund also praised the State Bank of Pakistan’s strict monetary policy, recommending its continuation.

Economic experts note that IMF bailout packages are crucial for Pakistan, which has long relied on financial support from bilateral partners such as Saudi Arabia, China, and the UAE, as well as multilateral institutions including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank.

Pakistan continues to face a prolonged macroeconomic crisis affecting foreign reserves, fiscal resources, and the balance of payments. However, since 2022, Islamabad has achieved some successes, including a current account surplus and a significant reduction in inflation.

Pakistan, Indonesia to strengthen ties with new MoUs across key fields

December 8, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan today for a two-day official visit, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, President Subianto is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, he will hold delegation-level talks with the Prime Minister.

The Indonesian President is also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.

The agenda of the visit includes discussions on trade, investment, defence cooperation, health, information technology, climate, education, and cultural exchanges.

The several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed between the two countries during the visit.

Pakistan to launch AI-based app to prevent illegal immigration

December 5, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to tighten measures against individuals traveling abroad on fake documents.

A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain resulted in several key decisions.

Authorities resolved to make the issuance of Protector documents foolproof and implement reforms in the immigration system to facilitate travelers. Federal ministers have been asked to submit final recommendations within seven days.

The meeting also directed a crackdown on individuals and agent networks involved in the fake visa trade.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the launch of a pilot AI-based app to prevent illegal immigration, stating that the system will identify who is eligible to travel and who is not.

He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against fake visas and agent mafias, ensuring that deported individuals cannot obtain new visas once their passports are canceled. Additionally, a standardized international driving license will be issued through the National Police Bureau.

Mohsin Naqvi highlighted that illegal travel harms Pakistan’s global reputation, and the immigration reforms aim to facilitate citizens while improving the country’s international standing.

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain stressed that labor visa holders must possess authentic documents and assured full support from the ministry to strengthen the Protector and immigration systems.

Pakistan allows UN containers to cross via Torkham and Chaman

December 4, 2025 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has granted permission to United Nations aid agencies to deliver food supplies to Afghanistan.

According to international media reports, the Ministry of Commerce has issued a letter to the Director General of Afghan Transit Trade and the Member Customs Operations at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stating that the decision was made based on recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNFPA containers have been instructed to receive phased clearance.

The letter specified that food cargo will be prioritized in the first phase, followed by medicines and medical equipment in the second. In the third phase, containers carrying kits for students and teachers will also be cleared.

The move comes after a 50-day suspension of trade routes with Afghanistan, which has led to severe shortages of food supplies and medicines in the neighboring country.

It is noteworthy that all trade crossings with Afghanistan have remained closed since October 12, 2025, due to heightened border tensions.

Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been partially opened on humanitarian grounds for UN aid. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan has no issues with the Afghan people, but trade and other border crossings remain closed.