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Pakistan

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban to resume key negotiations in Türkiye

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Pakistan

ISTANBUL: The second round of high-level talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban is set to begin in Türkiye on Saturday, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and border security mechanisms.

The talks aim to establish a robust and verifiable monitoring mechanism to address the growing threat of terrorism.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid have confirmed that the meeting will be held in Istanbul.

The meeting will focus on establishing a clear, verifiable, and effective monitoring mechanism to counter the threat of terrorism. “Pakistan supports the creation of a robust and credible framework to combat terrorism,” the spokesperson said.

On the other hand, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that an Afghan delegation, led by Deputy Interior Minister Haji Najib, has departed for Türkiye to participate in the talks.

It is worth noting that the first round of negotiations—mediated by Qatar and Türkiye—was held in Doha, resulting in a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan, Qatar pledge stronger partnership across key economic sectors

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Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: In a significant step toward deepening bilateral ties, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to expand collaboration across multiple sectors, notably energy, agriculture, information technology, tourism, trade, and investment.

The understanding came during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, who is in Pakistan to co-chair the session of the Pakistan-Qatar Joint Ministerial Commission.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Qatar relations and lauded Qatar’s role as an important partner and influential regional mediator.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s investor-friendly policies and emphasized the significance of expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Shahbaz Sharif invited Qatari investors to explore new avenues of cooperation under the SIFC framework.

Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani expressed good wishes on behalf of the Qatari leadership and the Qatari Minister of Commerce reiterated Qatar’s determination to further strengthen economic ties with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for Qatar’s continuous support on regional and global issues and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to strengthen cooperation at regional and multilateral forums.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close ties to translate common understandings into concrete results.

Pakistan seeks probe into Israel’s war crimes in Gaza

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Pakistan

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has called for accountability over what it described as “grave atrocity crimes” committed by Israel in Gaza, urging an immediate halt to the occupying power’s unlawful actions in the West Bank, including forced displacements, illegal settlements, and annexations.

Speaking in the UN Security Council, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, acting permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, condemned “the killing of more than 68,000 innocent Palestinians, mostly women and children”, in Gaza, stressing: “The ceasefire, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the restoration of humanitarian flows are welcome steps.”

At the same time, he denounced Israel’s continued attacks and aid restrictions. He rejected “the Israeli Knesset’s preliminary approval of draft laws to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank” as blatant violations of international law.

The Pakistani envoy also demanded an end to Israeli illegal actions in the West Bank, including forced displacements, upholding of the legal and historical status of Al-Haram Al-Sharif – Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the unhindered functioning of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

“As reaffirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in its advisory opinion yesterday, Israel is under an obligation to facilitate relief provided by the UN and its entities, particularly UNRWA,” Ambassador Jadoon pointed out.

In addition, he stressed the need for the launch of a credible, time-bound political process consistent with international legitimacy and relevant UN resolutions to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

In his remarks, Ambassador Jadoon also welcomed the peace efforts led by President Donald Trump and commended the crucial role played by the mediators—Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States —in facilitating the negotiations.

“We sincerely hope these efforts will yield sustainable results, including a permanent cessation of hostilities and a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.”

“Looking ahead,” the Pakistani envoy said, “the roles of the UN, the Palestinian Authority, and the Palestinian people will be vital to ensuring legitimate governance, reconstruction, and institution-building in Gaza”, along with the Security Council whose role will also be critical for the next phases of the peace plan including for designing and mandating the deployment of an international stabilization force to fulfill its tasks.

Pakistan, he said, will continue to work with all partners to advance these shared objectives and to help restore peace, justice, and dignity to the Palestinian people.

Briefing the 15-member Council, the UN’s Deputy Middle East envoy, Ramiz Alakbarov, said that the Gaza ceasefire provides a rare opportunity to end one of the most destructive phases of the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

Alakbarov warned that without decisive support for reconstruction and aid delivery, the region risks sliding back into violence.

The State of Startup Funding in Pakistan: What’s Changing in 2025

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Pakistan ,startup, funding ,2025, Pakistan, venture ,capital, startup ecosystem ,Pakistan, hybrid financing ,startups Pakistan

Pakistan startup funding falls but ecosystem matures

Pakistan ,startup, funding ,2025, Pakistan, venture ,capital, startup ecosystem ,Pakistan, hybrid financing ,startups Pakistan



Pakistan’s startup ecosystem is experiencing a shift in 2025. Although the numbers show a slowdown, many analysts believe this represents maturation rather than collapse. According to a recent report by Invest2Innovate (i2i), disclosed funding in Q3 2025 stood at US$15.2 million across six deals, a steep drop from roughly US$58 million in Q2.


The largest raise that quarter was by Trukkr (logistics), which secured US$10 million through a hybrid equity-and-debt structure. Investors note that the number of deals may be smaller, but the ecosystem is diversifying: fintech, Web3, fashion and mobility deals all featured.


Why the slowdown? Several factors: global venture capital is tighter post-pandemic; Pakistan’s macroeconomic headwinds (currency instability, inflation, regulatory uncertainty) make investors cautious; and start-ups themselves are pivoting toward sustainable business models rather than growth-at-all-cost.


“Founders are choosing hybrid financing — convertible notes, equity-plus-debt — to reduce dilution and risk,” the i2i report noted. This is a sign the market is maturing, emphasising resilience over hype.


However, the drop in funding underscores serious challenges. Early-stage start-ups still struggle to secure funding beyond seed rounds, while growth-stage funding remains scarce.

The gender-funding gap remains visible: women-led start-ups receive smaller checks on average.
What should founders and policy-makers do? First, focus on building strong unit economics and export-oriented models to appeal to global investors.

Second, leverage government initiatives like the Pakistan Startup Fund (PSF) and incubators to de-risk early stages. Third, embrace hybrid financing models and structured debt to extend runway.


For Pakistan’s ecosystem, this period of lower funding is not necessarily a downturn—it may be a “spring cleaning” phase toward sustainable growth. Founders who prioritise product-market fit, revenue generation and capital efficiency will emerge stronger.

Climate Finance Gap: Pakistan’s Vulnerability and Global Inaction

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Climate ,finance , Pakistan, Germanwatch, Climate ,Risk, Index, UNDP ,report, World Bank ,CCDR, Pakistan ,vulnerability


Pakistan remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations yet receives less than 0.5% of global climate finance, according to the UNDP Climate Finance Report (2024).

The Germanwatch Climate Risk Index 2023 ranked Pakistan as the eighth most affected country by climate disasters, largely due to the 2022 floods and recurring heatwaves.

“Despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, Pakistan pays a disproportionate price for global inaction,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

The World Bank Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) estimates that Pakistan requires $348 billion by 2030 to meet adaptation and mitigation needs, yet available funding is less than 10% of that target.

The Ministry of Climate Change has proposed the Pakistan Climate Investment Fund (PCIF) to attract both public and private capital into renewable energy, water conservation, and green transport projects.

“We need predictable and accessible climate finance, not promises that never materialize,” stated Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, climate policy expert.

Analysts warn that Pakistan’s limited fiscal space and rising debt burden constrain domestic investment in climate adaptation. International donors are calling for better transparency and project readiness to attract concessional funding.

Poor Captaincy: South Africa defeat Pakistan by 8 wickets

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Poor Captaincy

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup faltered on the fourth day of the Rawalpindi Test, setting South Africa a modest target of just 68 runs — which the visitors comfortably chased down with eight wickets to spare.

Resuming their second innings with a deficit of 71 runs, Pakistan struggled from the outset as wickets fell rapidly in the morning session. Babar Azam top-scored with 50 before being dismissed, while Mohammad Rizwan managed 18 runs.

Salman Ali Agha contributed 28, and Sajid Khan added 13, but the rest of the batting order failed to offer resistance. Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were dismissed without scoring, while Asif Afridi remained unbeaten on zero.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer delivered a stellar performance, taking six wickets, while Keshav Maharaj claimed two and Kagiso Rabada picked up one.

Chasing 68 for victory, South Africa reached the target at the loss of just two wickets. Aiden Markram scored a solid 42, Tristan Stubbs was dismissed for a duck, and Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 25.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted 333 runs in their first innings, while South Africa responded with 404, gaining a crucial first-innings lead that ultimately proved decisive.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood came under scrutiny following Pakistan’s defeat in the second Test against South Africa, as tactical errors and questionable decisions contributed to the team’s disappointing performance.

Cricket analysts and former players criticized Masood’s field placements, bowling changes, and lack of proactive strategy during crucial moments of the match. Despite having a balanced bowling attack, Pakistan failed to maintain pressure on the South African batters, allowing them to take control of the game.

Masood’s captaincy was also questioned for his inability to inspire the batting lineup, which collapsed twice under pressure. His decision to persist with defensive tactics, even when South Africa appeared vulnerable, drew particular criticism from experts.

The defeat has raised serious concerns about Pakistan’s leadership direction in the longer format, especially as the team continues to struggle with consistency and temperament in home conditions.

Pakistan Reaches $1.2 Billion IMF Staff-Level Agreement to Stabilize Economy

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Pakistan ,IMF ,deal ,2025, Pakistan economic, recovery, IMF loan Pakistan, Pakistan, finance, ministry news

ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement that will unlock a $1.2 billion disbursement to help the country stabilize its struggling economy.

Pakistan ,IMF ,deal ,2025, Pakistan economic, recovery, IMF loan Pakistan, Pakistan, finance, ministry news

According to the IMF statement, the deal includes $1 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and $200 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The IMF praised Pakistan’s fiscal discipline, saying inflation and the fiscal deficit have improved since July.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the agreement would “restore investor confidence and strengthen the rupee.” Pakistan plans to issue an international bond worth $1 billion early next year, followed by a green yuan-denominated bond to attract Chinese investors.

Analysts say this agreement signals improved trust between Islamabad and the IMF, though challenges remain due to inflationary pressures and slow exports.

Pakistan all out for 333 on day two of Rawalpindi Test

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Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan were dismissed for 333 runs in their first innings on the second day of the Rawalpindi Test against South Africa.

Resuming their incomplete innings at 259 for 5, Saud Shakeel (42*) and Agha Salman (10*) took the crease in the morning session. Both batters added valuable runs to the total — Saud Shakeel reached his half-century before being dismissed for 66, while Agha Salman contributed 45 runs.

Among the lower order, Shaheen Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Asif Afridi failed to make an impact, all three falling to spinner Keshav Maharaj, who delivered an exceptional performance, claiming seven wickets. Nauman Ali remained unbeaten on 6.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer picked up two wickets and Kagiso Rabada took one.

On the opening day, Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first. Captain Shan Masood led from the front with a fluent 87, while Abdullah Shafique made 57.

Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series 1–0, having defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test played in Lahore.

Taliban Fury Erupts: Afghanistan Blames Pakistan for Twin Drone Strikes on Kabul, Demands UN Probe

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Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of launching twin drone strikes on Kabul’s outskirts, killing at least 12 civilians and wounding dozens more in what they term a “cowardly act of aggression.”

The attacks, which struck a bustling marketplace and a residential compound in the Logar province border area, have plunged already frayed bilateral ties into crisis mode, with Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid vowing “severe repercussions” unless Islamabad apologizes and compensates victims.

Eyewitness accounts describe low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles—reminiscent of U.S. Predator drones used in past counter-terror ops—unleashing precision-guided missiles around dawn. “The sky lit up like fireworks from hell; children were playing outside,” recounted survivor Fatima Khan, whose home was reduced to rubble. Afghan state media aired footage of smoldering craters and grieving families, amplifying calls for an emergency UN Security Council session to condemn the “violation of sovereignty.” Mujahid, in a fiery address from the Arg Palace, linked the strikes to Pakistan’s hunt for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, claiming the targets were innocent Pashtun traders, not insurgents.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office swiftly rebutted the allegations, labeling them “baseless propaganda” orchestrated by the Taliban to deflect from their sheltering of TTP operatives. “Our forces operate solely within our borders against threats to national security,” a spokesperson insisted, referencing last week’s suicide bombing that claimed seven Pakistani soldiers. Yet, independent analysts, including the International Crisis Group, point to mounting evidence: Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows unusual drone activity near the Durand Line, corroborating Afghan radar logs.

This aerial incursion follows Pakistan’s ground incursions into Khost and Paktika, where TTP leader Noor Wali Mehsud allegedly evaded capture. With the porous 2,640-km border a hotbed for smuggling and skirmishes, experts fear a tit-for-tat cycle could draw in regional powers. China, via its Kabul embassy, urged restraint to protect Belt and Road investments, while India watched warily, offering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

As Taliban militias mobilize along the frontier and Pakistan deploys additional troops, diplomatic channels—mediated by Qatar—face their sternest test. The UN’s special envoy for Afghanistan warned of “humanitarian catastrophe” if escalation persists, echoing global jitters over South Asia’s nuclear-armed neighbors. In Kabul’s streets, anti-Pakistan graffiti proliferates, signaling a rift that parole offers from Imran Khan may struggle to mend.

University of Karachi ORIC Hosts “Don’t Miss a Beat” Seminar on World Heart Day

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The Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Karachi organized an impactful awareness seminar titled “Don’t Miss a Beat” today, in observance of World Heart Day, to spotlight cardiovascular health and preventive strategies.

The event took place at the prestigious Jinnah Auditorium of the Dr. A. Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE) on the university campus, attracting a wide array of participants including students, faculty, healthcare experts, and local residents. Aligned with the global campaign observed on September 29, this timely seminar extended the conversation into October, addressing the escalating burden of heart disease in Pakistan.

ORIC’s initiative featured dynamic presentations from cardiologists, nutrition specialists, and wellness advocates, covering essential topics such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and early detection of risk factors. Attendees engaged in interactive Q&A sessions, live demonstrations of heart-healthy exercises, and on-the-spot consultations, fostering a proactive approach to wellness.

In her opening remarks, the ORIC Director emphasized the seminar’s role in bridging academic research with community health. “Heart disease remains a silent threat, but knowledge is our strongest defense,” she stated. “Through events like this, we aim to innovate in health education and empower individuals to lead fuller lives.”

The program also included resource distribution with informational brochures, digital toolkits for tracking vital signs, and a commitment pledge for adopting heart-friendly habits. As part of broader efforts to combat non-communicable diseases, the seminar highlighted collaborative opportunities between KIBGE’s biotechnology expertise and public health initiatives.

This gathering not only commemorated World Heart Day but also reinforced the University of Karachi’s dedication to societal impact through research and outreach. Participants left inspired, with many voicing appreciation for the accessible, evidence-driven content.