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Pakistani companies expected to generate over $15 million business at Arab Health expo — envoy

The photo shows a view of Pakistan pavilion at Arab Health 2025 expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 27, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistani mission in UAE)
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Updated 31 January 2025
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Pakistani companies expected to generate over $15 million business at Arab Health expo — envoy

  • Arab Health 2025 expo hosted 3,800 exhibitors and over 60,000 health care professionals from more than 70 countries
  • Forty Pakistani health care companies showcased their products at country’s pavilion, hoping to make deals and connections
Updated 31 January 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani companies participating in the four-day-long Arab Health 2025 exhibition in Dubai are expected to collectively generate around $15 million in business for the surgical industry, Pakistan’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) told Arab News this week. 

Arab Health 2025, organized under the patronage of the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention, featured over 3,800 exhibitors and has attracted more than 60,000 health care professionals and industry leaders from over 70 countries.

The event, held from Jan. 27-30, focused on nine key product sectors, including medical equipment and devices, disposables and surgical goods, orthopedics and physiotherapy, imaging and diagnostics, general health care services, health care infrastructure, wellness and prevention, health care transformation and health care technology.

Pakistan also set up a pavilion at the expo, where 40 leading companies showcased their products and services under the umbrella of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

“Pakistani exhibitors from the surgical industry alone expect business deals of around $15 million as the outcome of this exhibition and this does not include pharmaceutical companies’ potential business deals,” Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi told Arab News on Thursday.




The photo shows a view of Pakistan pavilion at Arab Health 2025 expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 27, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistani mission in UAE)

He said the country’s participation in the expo had been a “success,” with Pakistani surgical equipment manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies receiving “overwhelmingly positive responses.”

“Several leading Pakistani companies have signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with international health care distributors,” the envoy said, adding that the agreements marked a “major step” in expanding the global reach of Pakistan’s medical sector and strengthening international trade partnerships:




The photo shows a view of Pakistan pavilion at Arab Health 2025 expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 27, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistani mission in UAE)

“By fostering collaboration in medical technology, diagnostics, surgical instruments, and health care solutions, these MoUs are expected to enhance export opportunities and position Pakistan as a key player in the global health care industry.”

Global health care partners had shown “keen interest” in Pakistani products, reaffirming the country’s reputation for high-quality medical and surgical equipment, the ambassador added.

“Our exhibitors are enthusiastic about strong business leads generated during the exhibition, which will open new avenues for collaboration.”

Pakistani exhibitors also described their participation in the event as a success, hoping the business leads generated would translate into future revenue.

“Arab Health is the largest exhibition worldwide for the health care and pharmaceutical industry, where we received an excellent response from visitors, clients, and investors,” Bilal Tanveer, a director at the Sialkot-based surgical goods manufacturing company Durable Hospital Supplies, told Arab News.

Out of the 40 Pakistani companies present, he said 34 were from the surgical sector, with many deals signed and initiated. 




The photo shows a view of Pakistan pavilion at Arab Health 2025 expo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 27, 2025. (Photo Courtesy: Pakistani mission in UAE)

“We have signed several deals with clients which will translate into substantial business volume, but the information is confidential and cannot be shared at this stage,” he added.

Amir Shehzad, chief executive officer of the Sialkot-based electro-surgical instruments manufacturer Sehar Batool International, said he had been attending the Arab Health Expo for the past 10 years due to its high visitor turnout.

“We have signed four deals with international clients from France and Italy,” he told Arab News, declining to share details at this stage.

“This participation has expanded our horizons and provided valuable opportunities to connect with potential customers while also learning from other companies.”

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States (US), and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. 

Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.

Topics: Arab Health expo Arab Health Exhibition Pakistan embassy in UAE

International Day of Family Remittances: Pakistani PM hails expats for record payments this year

Updated 16 June 2025
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International Day of Family Remittances: Pakistani PM hails expats for record payments this year

  • In current fiscal, overseas Pakistanis remitted record $34.9 billion, a 28.8 percent increase over the previous year
  • Pakistan received $3.7 billion in workers’ remittances in May 2025 alone, a strong 13.7 percent year-on-year
Updated 16 June 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hailed the record $34.9 billion in remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis this fiscal year, describing it as a sign of their “growing confidence in the government’s economic policies.”

In a statement marking the International Day of Family Remittances, the premier said the 28.8 percent year-on-year rise in remittances had significantly bolstered the country’s foreign exchange reserves. Pakistan received $3.7 billion in workers’ remittances in May 2025 alone, a strong 16 percent increase month-on-month and 13.7 percent year-on-year.

“These historic figures are a testament not only to the hard work and loyalty of our diaspora but also to their growing confidence in the government’s economic policies,” Sharif said, calling remittances a “powerful pillar supporting Pakistan’s economic resilience.” 

“This trust reinforces our resolve to redouble efforts for the revival and growth of our economy.”

With over 9 million Pakistanis living abroad, mainly in the Gulf, Europe, and North America, the prime minister praised the expatriate community for their enduring commitment to families back home and their role in sustaining the national economy.

Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and expanding exports to ensure long-term economic stability, stressing that remittances remained crucial to this goal.

“Let us renew our collective pledge to work hand in hand with our diaspora, development partners, and all stakeholders to overcome our economic challenges and usher in a new era of investment, prosperity, and national progress,” the premier said.

Topics: Pakistan Remittances

Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at all Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate

Updated 16 June 2025
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Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at all Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate

  • Closures affect crossings in Balochistan’s border districts of Chaghi, Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur 
  • All are key routes for cross-border movement, local trade between Iran and Balochistan province
Updated 16 June 2025
SAADULLAH AKHTER

 QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed all major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday.

The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district, the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, the Chedgi and Jirrak crossings in Panjgur district and the Rideeg Mand crossing in Kech district. All are key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. 

“All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan border has been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,” Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News.

Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice.

In a separate order, authorities also said the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district had been closed for pedestrian traffic.

“We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,” said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual.

The Chedgi, Jirrak and Mand Radig border crossings have also been shut, officials in the Kech and Panjgur districts confirmed. 
 
The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders.

The blockade is expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits.

Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes.

Bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion.

Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.

Topics: Pakistan Iran border Israel Iran conflict

Israel’s unchecked nuclear capability will have ‘catastrophic consequences,’ Pakistan warns West

Updated 16 June 2025
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Israel’s unchecked nuclear capability will have ‘catastrophic consequences,’ Pakistan warns West

  • Analysts warn Israel’s unacknowledged nuclear weapons could encourage it to take more aggressive steps
  • Tensions have surged in the Middle East following Israel’s June 13 “Operation Rising Lion” aerial offensive on Iran
Updated 16 June 2025
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja M. Asif on Sunday warned Western governments that their support for Israel risked unleashing “catastrophic consequences,” citing concerns over Israel’s nuclear capabilities and regional aggression.

Tensions have surged in the Middle East following Israel’s June 13 “Operation Rising Lion” aerial offensive targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, reportedly killing more than 130 people, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone barrages on Israeli cities, sparking concerns of a wider conflict. 

Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons but maintains a policy of ambiguity and is not a party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The 1970 accord is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting disarmament, and ensuring peaceful use of nuclear technology. Pakistan is also not a signatory to the NPT but frequently underscores its commitment to nuclear safety and non-proliferation principles through other international frameworks.

Displaced Palestinians stand outside tents as they watch trails of Iranian missiles targeting Israel, from Rafah's Mawasi area in the southern Gaza Strip on June 15, 2025.(AFP)

Analysts warn that in the current volatile situation, Israel’s unacknowledged nuclear weapons could encourage it to take more aggressive steps, increasing the risk that the conflict could spread across the region or even spark a wider international crisis.

“World should be wary and apprehensive about Israel’s nuclear prowess, a country not bound by any international nuclear discipline,” Asif said in a post on social media platform X. “It is not signatory to NPT or any other binding arrangement.”

The minister contrasted Israel’s position with Pakistan’s, stating that Islamabad was a signatory to “all international nuclear disciplines” and maintained a nuclear program solely for “the benefit of our people and defense of our country against hostile designs.”

“We do not pursue hegemonic policies against our neighbors,” Asif added, accusing Israel of doing just that through its military actions. 

“Western world must worry about conflicts being generated by Israel. It will engulf the whole region and beyond. Their patronage of Israel, a rogue state, can have catastrophic consequences.”

The Pakistani minister’s comments come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, as well as fears that the conflict could expand regionally following tensions with Iran and Hezbollah.

There was no immediate response from Israeli or Western officials to Asif’s remarks.

Topics: Operation Rising Lion Defense Minister Khawaja Asif Israel Iran conflict

Pakistan hikes petrol, diesel prices in fortnightly review

Updated 16 June 2025
ISMAIL DILAWAR 
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Pakistan hikes petrol, diesel prices in fortnightly review

  • Government sets petrol at Rs258.43 per liter, up from Rs253.63
  • High-speed diesel will cost Rs262.59 per liter, up from Rs254.64
Updated 16 June 2025
ISMAIL DILAWAR 

KARACHI: Pakistan’s government has increased fuel prices, raising the rate of high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs7.95 per liter and petrol by Rs4.80 per liter effective from today, Monday, an official notification from the finance division said. 

The notification set the price of petrol at Rs258.43 per liter, up from Rs253.63, while high-speed diesel will cost Rs262.59 per liter, up from Rs254.64.

The revision is based on “recommendations from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and relevant ministries,” the finance division saiad. 

The government did not provide a specific explanation for the hike.

Fuel prices in Pakistan are generally influenced by global oil market trends, currency fluctuations, and changes in domestic taxes.

Fuel costs are revised every two weeks and have a direct impact on inflation. Rising fuel prices increase production and transportation costs, leading to higher prices for goods and services across the board in Pakistan, including food and other essential items. This direct relationship is further amplified by the country’s dependence on imported fuel. 

Topics: petrol price hike fuel prices

Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate

Updated 15 June 2025
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Pakistan closes pedestrian traffic at key Iran border crossings as Israel strikes escalate

  • The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district
  • Both are key rotes for cross-border movement, local trade in Pakistan’s Balochistan province
Updated 15 June 2025
SAADULLAH AKHTER

QUETTA: Pakistani authorities have closed two major border crossings with Iran for pedestrian traffic amid escalating cross-border strikes between Iran and Israel, officials in the southwestern Balochistan province said on Sunday.

The closures affect the Taftan crossing in Chaghi district and the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Gwadar district, both key routes for cross-border movement and local trade between Balochistan and Iran. 

The Gabd-Rimdan border crossing is a point on the Iran-Pakistan border, specifically at “BP-250,” the second crossing along the 900-kilometer border between the two countries. The crossing facilitates trade and people-to-people contact between Iran and Pakistan.

“All kinds of pedestrian movement at the Gabd-Rimdan-250 border have been suspended due to the Iran-Israel conflict,” Jawad Ahmed Zehri, assistant commissioner for Gwadar, told Arab News.

Trade activity at the crossing would remain open and Pakistani citizens stranded in Iran would be allowed to return, he said, but no new entries into Iran would be permitted through this point until further notice.

In a separate order, authorities also closed the Taftan border crossing in Chaghi district for pedestrian traffic.

“We have closed pedestrian movements at the Taftan border until further notice,” said Naveed Ahmed, assistant commissioner for Taftan, adding that trade and customs operations from the crossing were continuing as usual.

The closures are expected to affect daily wage laborers, small-scale traders and local residents who depend on frequent cross-border movement for commerce, supplies and family visits.

Small items such as fruit, vegetables and household goods are commonly traded by hand or in small vehicles along these routes.

The closures come amid heightened tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian cities since Friday with scores killed, including senior Iranian military commanders.

The bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Iran reached $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, which ended in June. Both countries have signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of increasing this volume to $10 billion.

Iran also supplies about 100 megawatts of electricity to border towns in Balochistan.

Topics: Pakistan Iran border Israel attack on Iran

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