KARACHI: The All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association said on Thursday there was a “significant reduction” in mango production for a third consecutive year due to climate change, which meant the country may not be able to meet its export targets.
The Association has set a target of 100,000 metric tons of mango exports in the current season, with exports expected to start from May 20 with a focus on China, America, Turkiye, Japan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia.
“The impact of climate change is having a pronounced negative impact on mango orchards in Pakistan, leading to a significant reduction in production and due to non-availability of export quality mangoes, the export target could not be attained last year as well,” Waheed Ahmed, patron-in-chief of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, said in a statement.
“This year the export target has been set at 100,000 metric tons, whereas last year the export target was 125,000 metric tons but the export of mango remained at 100,000 metric tons.”
Pakistan produces around 1.8 million metric tons of mangoes annually, of which 70 percent are produced in Punjab province, 29 percent in Sindh and one percent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“This year, due to weather effects, the production of mango in Punjab is 35-40 percent, while in Sindh it is less than 20 percent and thus the total production is feared to be reduced by 0.6 million metric tons,” Ahmed said. “This estimate was made at the start of production and is likely to increase further as the season progresses.”
With an export target of 100,000 metric tons of mangoes during the current season, Pakistan could earn foreign exchange of $90 million, Ahmed said, adding that the sector, including mango processing, packaging and warehousing, was an over Rs100 billion industry that provided employment to millions of people.
“The sector is facing problems due to significant increases in costs of electricity, gas, transportation, garden maintenance, pesticides and water management, making it difficult to compete for exports,” Ahmed said.
“The effects of climate change have emerged as the biggest threat to mango production, which can well be gauged from the fact that mango production has declined for the third year in a row.”
Ahmed said long winters, rains and hail, combined with severe heat waves, had changed the pattern of agricultural diseases in Pakistan:
“There is certainly a lack of serious efforts at the federal and provincial levels to protect the agricultural sector from the effects of climate change, particularly through research enabling the orchards of mangoes and other fruits to develop sufficient endurance to sustain against the tough weather conditions and reduction in disease resistance. Research-based solutions must be found urgently to address this, otherwise mango production and export will be at risk.”
The association called on federal and provincial agricultural research centers to work on an emergency basis to help farmers deal with the effects of climate change.
“In order to continue the production and export of mangoes, it is imperative to develop new varieties of mangoes that are compatible with the climatic changes in Pakistan,” Ahmed said.
“Similarly, prevention of diseases and supply of suitable agricultural pesticides are also needed to minimize the effects of climate change.”
Climate change effects reduce Pakistan mango production for third consecutive year — union
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Climate change effects reduce Pakistan mango production for third consecutive year — union

- Export target for mangoes reduced from last year’s 125,000 metric tons to 100,000
- Union calls on government to develop new mango varieties compatible with climate change
Pakistan begins second phase of receiving Hajj 2026 applications

- Pakistan’s religion ministry received over 71,000 applications in first phase of Hajj form submissions
- Hajj 2026 applications containing first installment of expenses will be accepted until August 16
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has started the second phase of receiving applications for Hajj 2026, the spokesperson of the religious affairs ministry said on Monday, as Islamabad undertakes preparations for next year’s annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs received more than 71,000 applications in the first phase of Hajj form submissions, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Saturday.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for 2026, with 129,210 seats allocated for the government scheme and the rest for private tour operators.
“The second phase of receiving Hajj applications has begun,” the religious affairs ministry spokesperson said. “Hajj applications are being accepted through the ministry’s online portal and designated banks.”
The spokesperson said applications containing the first installment of Hajj expenses will be accepted until August 16. He said unregistered Hajj pilgrims will also be allowed to submit their applications during the second round of submissions.
“Overseas Pakistanis can also apply for Hajj through a close relative via designated banks,” the spokesperson said. “Medical fitness certificates for overseas applicants must be submitted upon arrival in Pakistan.”
The ministry said the government will stop accepting Hajj applications as soon as the quota for intending pilgrims is filled.
Under the government scheme, Pakistani pilgrims can choose between a long Hajj package of 38 to 42 days or a short package of 20 to 25 days, with costs estimated between Rs1.15 million and Rs1.25 million ($4,050-$4,236).
Saudi Arabia approved the same overall quota for Pakistan in 2025, but a significant portion of the private allocation went unused due to delays by tour operators in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government fulfilled its share of over 88,000 pilgrims.
Private operators blamed the shortfall on technical issues, including payment processing and communication problems.
PM Sharif, president vow to promote religious freedom as Pakistan marks Minorities Day

- Pakistan observes Aug. 11 every year to highlight the contributions of religious minorities to the nation’s progress
- There have been several instances of mob violence against religious minorities in Muslim-majority Pakistan in recent years
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to promote religious freedom and interfaith harmony to build an inclusive society, as Pakistan marks the National Minorities Day today, Monday.
Pakistan observes the National Minorities Day every year on Aug. 11 since 2009, when the Pakistani government established it with the aim of recognizing the contributions of religious minorities to the nation’s progress.
According to the latest digital census conducted in 2023, over 96 percent of Pakistan’s population is Muslim, with the remaining four percent comprising 5.2 million Hindus, 3.3 million Christians, 15,992 Sikhs and others.
There have been dozens of instances of mob violence against religious minorities in Pakistan in recent years, including an attack on Christians in Jaranwala, a town in Punjab province, where churches, homes and businesses were set ablaze in August 2023. In the southern Sindh province, Hindus have frequently complained about forced conversions, particularly of young girls within their community, and attacks on temples.
“Today, the entire nation, including me, is celebrating National Minorities Day to protect the rights of minorities and appreciate their key role in the country’s development and progress,” Sharif was quoted as saying by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
“Today, we renew our pledge to always strive for religious freedom and equal rights of minorities in the light of the teachings of the founder of Pakistan and Islamic teachings.”
The Pakistani prime minister said that the welfare of all minorities, whether they be Sikhs, Christians, Hindus or Parsis, is one of the “priority duties” of the government.
In his message on the occasion, the Pakistani president vowed to safeguard and advance the rights of minorities in the country.
“This day reflects Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a Pakistan where every citizen lives in equality, harmony, and mutual respect,” the president secretariat press wing said in a press release.
Zardari said Pakistan’s constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, or color. He added that it also safeguarded the legitimate interests of minorities, ensuring their political, economic, religious, social, and cultural rights.
“Pakistan stands resolutely against all forms of discrimination, extremism, and religious intolerance,” he said. “We remain determined to build a society free from prejudice— one that embraces diversity as a strength and is anchored in mutual respect, interfaith harmony, and shared progress.”
Every year, a range of events, discussions, and communal assemblies are organized by the government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, and various minority communities to observe the day.
Trade deals with Saudi, US, UAE to boost Pakistan economy, promote cooperation – army chief

- Field Marshal Asim Munir is on his second visit to the US in two months
- During his last visit, he had an unprecedented White House meeting with Trump
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with Saudi Arabia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and China were being implemented to promote economic cooperation and attract investment, state-run media reported on Sunday.
Pakistan has recently inked a series of agreements aimed at boosting trade, economic cooperation and bilateral investment with China, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the Central Asian republics as the country seeks to stabilize an economy weakened by a prolonged balance of payments crisis.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year signed 34 MoUs worth $2.8 billion, seven of which have since been converted into agreements valued at $560 million. The UAE, Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the US, has also pledged $10 billion in future investments in priority sectors. Islamabad and Washington also recently finalized a trade agreement under which a 19 percent tariff was imposed on a wide range of Pakistani goods, the lowest rate in the South Asian region.
“Various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are being implemented with the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China, which will promote economic cooperation and investment,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported, quoting Munir as saying while speaking to members of the Pakistani community in the United States during an official visit.
Munir arrived in the US last week to attend the retirement ceremony of the outgoing US Central Command chief and meet senior American political and military leaders.
This is the army chief’s second visit to the US in two months. During his last visit in June, he had an unprecedented lunch meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Munir described his latest trip as marking “a new dimension” in US ties. “He said the aim of these visits is to take the relations on a constructive, sustainable and positive trajectory,” Radio Pakistan said.
Pakistan was “extremely grateful” to Trump, whose “strategic leadership not only stopped the India-Pakistan war but also prevented many wars in the world,” Munir added, referring to its latest conflict with New Delhi in May.
The army chief also commented on the conflict in the Middle East, calling the situation in Gaza “a worst human tragedy that has serious implications at both the global and regional levels,” according to the state broadcaster.
West Indies level series with 5-wicket win over Pakistan in second ODI

- Roston Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes, winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs
- Pakistan won preceding T20 series 2-1, third and final match in ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium
TAROUBA, Trinidad and Tobago: Roston Chase and Justin Greaves led West Indies to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan with 10 balls to spare in the rain-reduced second one-day cricket international on Sunday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
Chase’s 49 not out off 47 balls included two sixes and the winning boundary as West Indies scored 184-5 in 33.2 overs.
The hosts were chasing a revised target of 181 runs in 35 overs under the DLS method after multiple rain interruptions saw Pakistan’s innings end at 171-7 in 37 overs. Right-arm fast bowler Jayden Seales took 3-23 in seven overs.
West Indies stumbled from 101-3 after 18 overs at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, to 111-5 off 24 overs, including the wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, who hit a 33-ball 45 with three sixes and four fours.
Chase and Greaves (26 off 31) shared a 77-run unbroken partnership for the sixth wicket.
West Indies earlier chose to bowl first and Hasan Nawaz again played a key role for Pakistan with 36 not out off 30 deliveries, after his unbeaten 63 in the ODI opener.
Hasan’s knock on Sunday included three sixes — two of them in what turned out to be the last over of Pakistan’s innings after more rain. Hussain Talat got 31 off 32 balls but most Pakistan batters were much slower, including captain Mohammad Rizwan who was trapped lbw by Gudakesh Motie for a 38-ball 16.
Pakistan beat West Indies in the first one-day international on Friday, also by five wickets.
The third and final match in the ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday at the same stadium.
Pakistan won the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1 played in Florida.
Pakistan demands UN Security Council stop Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza

- Israel’s cabinet last week approved a plan to take control of the Gaza city, drawing outrage from Muslim states worldwide
- Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad says the UN Security Council must be ready to impose a cost on Israel if it defies demand
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), on Sunday demanded the Security Council stop Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza city, saying the move “aims to erase Palestinian presence.”
After a security cabinet meeting on Friday, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed a plan to take over Gaza had been approved, with Israeli forces preparing to take control of Gaza while providing humanitarian aid to civilian population outside combat zones.
The move has drawn a sharp reaction from several countries around the world, including Pakistan, while UN human rights chief Volker Turk this week called on Israel to immediately halt its plan of occupying Gaza city.
Speaking at a UNSC meeting on the Middle East, Ahmad said the latest Israeli move would extinguish prospects for peace and was the culmination of a campaign of “ethnic cleansing.”
“Gaza is enduring a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. For nearly two years, it has suffered indiscriminate bombardment, total blockade, and deliberate deprivation and starvation, while violence and dispossession escalate in the West Bank and East Jerusalem,” he said.
“The so-called humanitarian system is a cruel illusion. Famine is rampant. Civilians are being shot trying to collect food. Under the circumstances, this Council must urgently demand Israel, under Chapter of the Charter, to refrain from its stated plan of occupying Gaza city.”
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has consistently condemned Israel’s war on Gaza that has killed over 61,000 Palestinians since Oct. 2023, calling for uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Palestinian territory.
Ahmad once again urged an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages and exchange of Palestinian prisoners, a complete halt to displacement, unhindered humanitarian access, and protection of the legal and historical status quo at Jerusalem’s holy sites.
“Those shielding Israel from accountability — through political cover, military support, or diplomatic protection — are complicit, and must share responsibility. They must reconsider their policies, for history will judge them harshly,” he said.
“The Security Council must be ready to impose a cost on Israel if it defies the demand of the Council and the will of the international community. The Council must enact enforcement measures including the deployment of an international protection force to save the besieged population.”