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  • Pakistan, Saudi Fund for Development in talks on energy, health, education, infrastructure projects — official 


Pakistan, Saudi Fund for Development in talks on energy, health, education, infrastructure projects — official 

Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division Secretary, Dr. Kazim Niaz (right), shakes hands with the CEO of Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al-Marshad, after signing a loan agreement in Islamabad, Pakistan on March 22, 2024. (Government of Pakistan)
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Updated 25 March 2024
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Pakistan, Saudi Fund for Development in talks on energy, health, education, infrastructure projects — official 

  • Pakistan and SFD last week signed loan agreements worth $107 million to finance two hydropower projects
  • Pakistan team to meet SFD officials in Riyadh on sidelines of Islamic Development Bank annual meetings in April 
Updated 25 March 2024
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) are in discussions to collaborate on a number of projects, including in the fields of energy, health, education and infrastructure, a top Pakistan official said on Sunday.

Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Secretary Dr. Kazim Niaz and SFD Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al-Marshad signed two loan agreements worth $107 million last week to finance hydropower projects in Azad Kashmir, supporting Pakistan’s efforts toward energy sustainability and economic growth.

The SFD, a Saudi government agency, provides development assistance and financial aid to developing countries through loans and grants. In the past, the Fund has deposited money in Pakistan’s central bank to bolster foreign exchange reserves and funded various development projects in infrastructure, education, and health care.

“We already had a framework agreement with SFD. As the Saudi delegation concluded its visit [on Sunday], we have discussed a pipeline of numerous projects for future cooperation, in which they have shown keen interest,” Dr. Kazim Niaz, Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Division Secretary, told Arab News.

“These projects are in the energy, health, education and infrastructure sectors.”

Niaz did not provide more details on the projects, which he said would be shared after Saudi feedback on a list of initiatives shared by Islamabad for investment and cooperation. 

“They [Saudis] have taken these projects with them for examination and analysis,” the bureaucrat added. “Once their analysis is complete, both sides will proceed with signing.”

A Pakistani delegation will next be meeting SFD officials in Riyadh on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank from April 27-30. 

On the loan agreements signed with SFD during its Mar. 22-24 visit to Pakistan, Niaz said they would be used to fund two hydropower projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

“SFD will finance $66 million for 48MW Shounter Hydropower Project and $41 million for 22MW Jagran-IV Hydropower Project in Neelam Valley District,” he said, adding that the projects would generate 70 MW of electricity, which would be transmitted to the national grid.

SFD has been one of Pakistan’s leading development partners since its establishment in 1974. 

“They are providing assistance in energy, health, education, and infrastructure projects and have really played a significant part with their support for the floods in 2022,” Niaz said. 

“From our engagements and discussions,” the top official said, “I can say that the future of this cooperation and collaboration is very bright and encouraging.”

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Ties Saudi Fund for Development SFP Pakistan Arab News Pakistan

At least 45 killed, 68 injured since June 26 as monsoon rains batter Pakistan 

Updated 5 sec ago
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At least 45 killed, 68 injured since June 26 as monsoon rains batter Pakistan 

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports highest casualties, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths
  • Pakistan has forecast widespread rain with wind and thundershowers across various regions of the country from June 29 to July 5
Updated 5 sec ago
Shahjahan Khurram

ISLAMABAD: At least 45 people have been killed and 68 injured across Pakistan in rain-related incidents since June 26, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in its latest report as heavy monsoon rains continued to batter the country. 

Heavy rains have lashed Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab and Sindh provinces since June 26, raising water levels in rivers to alarming levels and triggering floods in various cities across the country. 

The latest casualties took place as the NDMA issued multiple impact-based weather alerts on Sunday, forecasting widespread rain with wind and thundershowers, accompanied by isolated heavy falls across various regions of Pakistan from June 29 to July 5. 

“NDMA urges all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate contingency plans, and ensure timely dissemination of warnings in local languages,” the authority said on Sunday. “Citizens, especially those in high-risk areas, are advised to stay updated through official adviseries, avoid unnecessary travel near glacial streams, riverbanks, and flooded roads, and keep emergency kits ready.”

As per the latest NDMA situation report, 45 people have been killed and 68 injured from June 26-29 in Pakistan’s KP, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The casualties include 23 children, 12 men and 10 women. 

KP reported the highest number of casualties from rain-related incidents, 21, followed by Punjab with 13, Sindh with seven and Balochistan with four deaths. Punjab reported the highest number of injuries at 39 followed by Sindh with 16 while KP reported 11 and Balochistan two. 

The report said flash floods claimed the highest number of casualties, followed by electrocution, drowning, lightning and other factors. 

Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and faces extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

These extreme and irregular weather patterns include droughts, heatwaves and torrential rains which experts have attributed to climate change. Unusually heavy rains and the melting of glaciers in June 2022 triggered cataclysmic floods that killed over 1,700 people across Pakistan, washed away swathes of crops and damaged critical infrastructure. Pakistan estimated the damages to be worth over $33 billion.

Topics: Monsoon in Pakistan Monsoon Floods Floods in Pakistan monsoon rains Climate Change in Pakistan

Pakistani mangoes draw crowds at China-Eurasia Expo as exporters set 125,000-ton target

Updated 18 min 49 sec ago
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Pakistani mangoes draw crowds at China-Eurasia Expo as exporters set 125,000-ton target

  • Pakistan is home to over 100 mango varieties like Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol
  • The fruit’s popularity at Chinese exhibition highlights Pakistan’s potential for growth
Updated 18 min 49 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has set a pavilion at the China-Eurasia Expo in Urumqi where mango varities native to the South Asian country have been drawing crowds, the Pakistani embassy said on Sunday, as mango exporters eye 125,000 tons exports this season.

The 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, running from June 26 till June 30 in Xinjiang’s Urumqi, has brought together more than 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, according to the organizers.

Pakistan’s ​Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, along with Zhu Lifan, vice chairman of the Xinjiang government, inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, displaying a rich array of products, including fruit, jewelry, leather garments, luxury bags and contemporary clothing.

“The pavilion’s showcase of premium Pakistani mangoes drew hundreds of visitors, making it one of the most popular exhibits,” the embassy said in a statement on Sunday. “The fruit’s popularity highlighted Pakistan’s agricultural excellence and potential for growth.”

Pakistan is home to over 100 varieties of mangoes, including Sindhri, Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol.

The South Asian country aims to export 125,000 tons of mangoes this season, a 25,000-ton increase over last year’s export volume, according to the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA). If achieved, the target could generate an estimated $100 million in foreign exchange earnings.

​At the inauguration, Ambassador Hashmi briefed Vice Chairman Zhu about Pakistan’s enhanced focus on increasing trade and investment relations with China, including Xinjiang.

“He [Ambassador Hashmi] gave the Vice Chairman a tour of the Pavilion, elaborating the high-quality of Pakistani products. The Chinese VIP also praised the taste of Pakistani mangoes,” the Pakistani embassy said.

China is a longtime friend and strategic partner of Islamabad, with Beijing making significant investments in infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.

The total bilateral trade in goods between China and Pakistan reached $23.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 11.1 percent from the previous year, according to China Customs and the Pakistani embassy. China’s exports to Pakistan surged 17 percent year-on-year to $20.2 billion, while imports fell by 18.2 percent to $2.8 billion.

Islamabad, which is on path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, is currently making efforts to expand trade with China, Central Asian and Gulf nations to boost the $350 billion South Asian economy.

Topics: Pakistani Mangoes China-Eurasia Expo Pakistan China Ties

Pakistan okays 50 percent increase in fixed gas charges for domestic consumers

Updated 29 June 2025
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Pakistan okays 50 percent increase in fixed gas charges for domestic consumers

  • Gas prices increased for general industries, power stations and independent power producers to shift partial burden
  • The move aligns with structural benchmarks agreed with the IMF, including rationalization of captive power tariffs
Updated 29 June 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has revised gas prices for the fiscal year 2025-26 and okayed a 50 percent increase in fixed charges for domestic consumers, effective from July 1, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) announced on Sunday.

The development comes days after the federal cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved the hike in fixed gas charges for domestic users and to shift the partial burden to bulk consumers, like the power sector and industry.

“Protected category to pay a fixed charge of Rs600 and meter rent of Rs40,” an OGRA notification said on Sunday. “Non-protected category to pay a fixed charge of Rs1,500, up to 1.5hm³ (cubic hectometers), while Rs3,000 for exceeding consumption of 1.5hm³ and meter rent of Rs40.”

While the government has increased the fixed charges, the sale prices of gas for both protected and non-protected consumers remain unchanged, according to the notification.

The government also kept prices for tandoors commercial units, compressed natural gas and ice factories unchanged, but increased the rates for general industries, power stations and independent power producers.

The move aligns with structural benchmarks agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including rationalization of captive power tariffs and a shift from subsidies to direct, targeted support for low-income consumers.

Topics: Gas Prices Pakistan

Architectural Digest Middle East lists Lahore’s Wusaaq hotel among world’s best

Updated 29 June 2025
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Architectural Digest Middle East lists Lahore’s Wusaaq hotel among world’s best

  • Tucked behind bougainvillea-covered walls in Lahore’s Gulberg neighborhood, Wusaaq is a mid-century residence-turned-guest house
  • The 1950s Pakistani home, preserved with minimal intervention, shows contemporary Pakistani art blending memory with modern comfort
Updated 29 June 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Architectural Digest (Ad) Middle East magazine, part of the Condé Nast portfolio, has compiled a list of 31 best hotels in the world in 2025, naming Lahore’s Wusaaq hotel among them.

Launched in 2015, the bi-monthly magazine spotlights exceptional design by Middle Eastern and international talents, provides an exclusive view into the world’s most beautiful spaces and inspires readers to refresh their lives.

These 31 exotic hotels, located in 18 countries, brim with exceptional design ranging from a cinematic new Roman address to a Saudi resort that looks like tiny UFOs have landed on the Red Sea coast to exotic properties in Paris, Dubai, Doha, Mumbai, Luxor and London.

Tucked behind bougainvillea-covered walls in Lahore’s Gulberg neighborhood, Wusaaq is a mid-century residence-turned-soulful guest house that was restored by Faaria Rehman Salahuddin as a tribute to her late mother.

“Quietly luxurious and entirely personal, Wusaaq reflects a kind of hospitality that values presence over polish – a rare, radiant stay in the heart of a lively city,” reads the AD magazine article, published on June 26.

The 1950s Pakistani home has been preserved with minimal intervention – original porcelain tiles, brass fittings, and retro light switches remain intact. Each of the five rooms is named after a flower, with pietra dura inlaid keys inscribed in Urdu and English, according to the publication.

In the courtyard, fruit and a sprawling peepal tree offer shade where guests gather for breakfast served on heirloom crockery. Inside, window chiks, a traditional kitchen dolly, custom furniture, and contemporary Pakistani art blend memory with modern comfort.

In a post on Instagram, Wusaaq said it celebrated the listing.

“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the love and appreciation sent to us by our patrons, guests, friends and family,” the hotel said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by WUSAAQ (@wusaaq)

The list, according to the AD Middle East magazine, offers a space for all sorts of travelers from city break lovers to those who prefer nothing more than an escape into the wilderness.

Topics: Architectural Digest Middle East Wusaaq Lahore Pakistan

Pakistan warns of more showers, landslides after rains kill 31

Updated 29 June 2025
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Pakistan warns of more showers, landslides after rains kill 31

  • The downpours, likely to continue till July 5, may disrupt transportation, communication and electricity services
  • Pakistan, home to over 240 million, is currently bracing for an extreme monsoon season that lasts till mid-Sept.
Updated 29 June 2025
Fatimah Amjad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday warned of more showers, flash floods and landslides in the country from June 29 till July 5, following the deaths of more than 30 people rain-related incidents this week.

Downpours are expected to hit Kashmir, northeastern Punjab, Potohar region, Islamabad, and upper and central parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between June 29 to July 3. This may result in urban flooding in low-lying areas of Central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the cities of Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, and Kohat.

In the Potohar region, including Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, there is a high likelihood of urban flooding, especially during the nighttime hours from 9pm to 4am on June 29. Rain emergencies may also occur in the low-elevation areas of Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Lahore, Faisalabad and Sargodha.

“These conditions could lead to disruption of transportation in hilly and mountainous regions, landslides, and interruption of communication and electricity services,” the NDMA said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

“NDMA urges all provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert, activate contingency plans, and ensure timely dissemination of warnings in local languages.”

The authority cautioned against possible flash flooding in Hazara and Malakand Divisions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lower parts of Jhelum and Poonch valleys in Azad Kashmir, and the Pir Panjal range in northeastern Punjab.

“Low-level flooding is anticipated in River Kabul at Nowshera and its tributaries, along with medium flows in Swat River,” it said.

“Similar low-level flows are expected downstream of Tarbela Dam and in the Chenab River at Khanki and Qadirabad. Additionally, flash floods are likely in tributaries and streams of River Chitral and Hunza.”

The Sindh province in the country’s south is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta and Karachi from June 29 till July 5, according to the NDMA.

The risk of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Karachi division is expected to increase significantly from July 2, particularly in the districts of Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin, where rainwater accumulation may trigger localized flooding and emergency conditions.

“Citizens, especially those in high-risk areas, are advised to stay updated through official adviseries, avoid unnecessary travel near glacial streams, riverbanks, and flooded roads, and keep emergency kits ready,” the authority said.

The Balochistan provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said thundershowers were expected in several parts of the province over the next 36 hours.

“Landslides/mudflow may also occur in hill torrents due to flash water course,” it said, adding that Lasbela, Wadh, Hub, Awaran, Khuzdar, Surab, Kalat Barkhan and Musakhel districts were likely to be affected.

Isolated falls of rain were also expected in Barkhan, Ziarat, Harnai, Naseerabad, Kacchi, Loralai, Quetta, Mastung, Zhob, Duki, Sohbatpur, Jafarabad, Kohlu, Killa Saifullah, Jhal Magsi, Usta Muhammad, Sherani, Dera Bugti, Panjgur, Gwadar and Kech districts.

Heavy rains have lashed Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh provinces since June 27, raising water levels in rivers to alarming levels and triggering floods in various cities across the South Asian country.

The death toll from drownings in the wake of flash flooding in Pakistan’s northwestern Swat River has climbed to 12, the main rescue service in KP said on Sunday.

Six people have been killed in Punjab, 18 in KP and seven in Sindh over the last two days, the NDMA said on Sunday. Punjab reported the highest number of injuries in the same period, 21, followed by Sindh with 16 and KP with six.

Pakistan, home to over 240 million people, is considered one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and faces extreme weather events with increasing frequency.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the NDMA to enhance coordination with provinces and issue timely weather alerts to citizens via cellphone messages.

Topics: Pakistan monsoon rains rain

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