SCO summit concludes in Pakistan with focus on boosting trade, economic cooperation

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Updated 16 October 2024
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SCO summit concludes in Pakistan with focus on boosting trade, economic cooperation

  • Pakistan PM urges member states not to view economic collaboration through a narrow political lens
  • A Pakistani minister describes the presence of India’s FM at Islamabad’s SCO meeting as ‘ice breaker’

ISLAMABAD: The two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit concluded in Islamabad on Wednesday, with member states adopting a joint communiqué calling for enhanced multilateral trade, economic cooperation and electronic commerce within the bloc.
The SCO is a key Eurasian political, economic and security alliance founded in 2001 by China, Russia and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it has expanded to include countries like India and Pakistan, making it a significant regional bloc.
The 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government formally began with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s keynote address, with representatives from China, Russia, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Belarus in attendance.
“The heads of delegations, noting the presence of significant potential and opportunities for further building up trade and economic ties, stressed the importance of implementing the Concept of Cooperation in the Development of the ‘New Economic Dialogue’ between the SCO member states,” the communiqué said.

“The heads of delegations believe it is necessary to effectively utilize the digital economy and scientific and technological innovations in order to give a new impetus to economic development and progress in the SCO space, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of the region’s economy and potential,” it continued, emphasizing the importance of holding regular meetings of the Special Working Group on electronic commerce.
Earlier, Sharif urged member states to expand regional connectivity and economic integration without viewing such initiatives through a narrow political lens.
“While supporting all SCO connectivity initiatives, Pakistan underscores the importance of establishing a robust SCO connectivity framework,” he said in his opening statement. “This framework should not simply boost regional trade but should also advance a vision of connected Eurasia.”




Participants of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit pose for a group picture in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 16, 2024. (@DrSJaishankar/X)

“Flagship projects, like the Belt and Road Initiative of President Xi Jinping, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is in its second phase, and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be expanded, focusing on developing road, rail, and digital infrastructure that enhances integration and cooperation across the region,” he continued. “Let’s not look at such projects through a narrow political prism and invest in our collective connectivity capacities, which are crucial to advancing shared visions of an economically integrated region.”

Sharif pointed out that a stable Afghanistan was crucial for achieving this objective.
“While the international community must extend the needed assistance to help the Afghan Interim Government stave off the humanitarian crisis and prevent an economic meltdown, it must also demand from the Afghan Interim Government to take concrete measures to promote political inclusivity, as well as to ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism against its neighbors by any entity,” he continued.
The Pakistani premier maintained that such initiatives were necessary to ensure poverty alleviation across the neighborhood and the prosperity of its people.
He said regional integration and collaboration could also help address the climate crisis and secure a safer future for upcoming generations.
He also called for a ceasefire in Gaza while speaking at the forum and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state.

The SCO summit was significant as it marked the first visit by an Indian minister to Pakistan since 2015, with External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar attending the summit and highlighting what he described as a lack of trust and good neighborliness, which he said was impeding regional cooperation.
Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar described Jaishankar’s visit as an “ice breaker” on the sidelines of the event amid the bitter relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, though there was no bilateral meeting between both countries.
“Neither us nor them requested for a bilateral meeting... but I believe his arrival here is an ice breaker,” Tarar said.
“Yesterday, when all the leaders were being welcomed and there were handshakes, I think positive images were sent out globally,” he continued, referring to the Indian minister’s brief interaction with the Pakistani prime minister.
At the end of the session, Pakistan handed over the chairmanship of the Council of Heads of Government to Russia, which will host the next summit in 2025.


Pakistan cuts Karachi port charges by 50% in climate-focused maritime reform push

Updated 19 July 2025
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Pakistan cuts Karachi port charges by 50% in climate-focused maritime reform push

  • Government says efficient port cuts vessel idle time, fuel use and supports greener supply chains
  • Pakistan also aims to cut container dwell time by 70% using AI and drone-based port monitoring

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Saturday announced a 50% reduction in Karachi Port charges, in a move aimed at cutting trade logistics costs and promoting climate-resilient, low-emission shipping practices.

The reform is part of a broader strategy to modernize Pakistan’s maritime sector and reduce its carbon footprint, as the country works to align trade infrastructure with global environmental standards.

“By lowering operational costs and streamlining logistics, we are not only boosting trade competitiveness but also contributing to climate resilience,” Chaudhry said in a statement issued by his office.

The new measures include halving charges related to port handling, vessel services and storage while scrapping a previously planned annual five percent fee hike.

Officials say the move is expected to benefit exporters of dry bulk goods and reduce emissions by improving port turnaround times and easing congestion.

“This isn’t just a financial measure,” Chaudhry added. “It’s a pivot toward low-impact, future-ready maritime trade. A more efficient port reduces idle time for vessels, lowers fuel consumption and supports greener supply chains.”

Karachi Port is one of Pakistan’s largest and busiest deep-water seaports, handling a significant share of the country’s import-export traffic.

Officials say the reforms will enhance the port’s efficiency while positioning it as a regional hub for climate-conscious maritime activity.

The announcement follows recent steps by the ministry to improve logistics and infrastructure, including the formation of a high-level committee to reduce container dwell times by 70%, and the deployment of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones for port monitoring.


Pakistan mulls ADB role in CPEC’s flagship Main Line‑1 railway upgrade

Updated 19 July 2025
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Pakistan mulls ADB role in CPEC’s flagship Main Line‑1 railway upgrade

  • An ADB fact-finding team inspected the 480-kilometer Karachi–Rohri track on Saturday
  • Officials say the ADB is yet to take any decision while calling China the main financier

KARACHI: Pakistan is considering financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the long-delayed Main Line‑1 (ML‑1) railway upgrade — part of the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — as an ADB fact-finding team inspected a section of the track on Saturday, according to an official statement.

ML‑1, a $6.7 billion upgrade of Pakistan’s 1,687-kilometer Karachi–Peshawar rail artery, is central to CPEC. The overhaul, involving track doubling, advanced signaling and higher-speed trains, is expected to boost cargo and passenger capacity while easing the transport of trade goods to and from the country’s southern ports.

“Experts from the Asian Development Bank inspected the Karachi to Rohri railway line today,” Pakistan Railways said in a statement. “The Bank’s Chief Transport Planner, Sangyoon Kim, conducted the 480-kilometer track inspection alongside the chief engineer (open lines) of Pakistan Railways.”

“ADB’s fact-finding specialists will prepare a report on the readiness of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, following which a final decision regarding the project’s financing will be made,” the statement added.

ML‑1 underpins Pakistan’s main rail connectivity, carrying a major bulk of the country’s cargo and passenger traffic. The project was approved by the Economic Coordination Committee in 2020 but has repeatedly stalled amid funding hitches.

Speaking to Arab News, Babar Ali Raza, spokesperson at the railways ministry, said ADB was currently only preparing the feasibility.

“The main financier is China,” he continued. “The team conducting the inspection is assessing its own feasibility to determine whether ADB can provide financing or not.”

“This would be ADB’s own financing,” he added, “however much they want to contribute.”

Pakistan and China have described CPEC as a “game-changer” for growth. The corridor comprises multibillion-dollar infrastructure initiatives covering roads, energy and rail.

The two countries are also striving for regional connectivity, with Pakistan actively pursuing economic diplomacy in the neighborhood and offering its southern ports to landlocked Central Asian countries for global trade.


Pakistan deputy PM to travel to US next week for UN meetings on Palestine, multilateralism

Updated 19 July 2025
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Pakistan deputy PM to travel to US next week for UN meetings on Palestine, multilateralism

  • Pakistan is hosting a series of UN meetings after assuming the Security Council’s presidency this month
  • Ishaq Dar will chair an open debate on strengthening multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar will travel to the United States next week to chair UN Security Council meetings in New York focused on multilateralism and the Palestinian issue, the foreign office said in a statement on Saturday.

Pakistan assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council earlier this month and is hosting a series of “signature events” — or high-level meetings organized by the Council president — to spotlight key diplomatic priorities.

Dar will chair an open debate on strengthening multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, and preside over a quarterly debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.

“The high-level debate aims at exploring ways to strengthen multilateralism, and at enhancing diplomacy and mediation for peaceful settlement of disputes,” the foreign office said.

Dar will also lead a briefing at the Council on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as part of Pakistan’s broader effort to bolster institutional partnerships for international peace and security.

“To express Pakistan’s strong commitment, and unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, the DPM/FM will also attend the high-level Conference on the ‘Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of Two-State Solution,’” the statement added.

Pakistan has consistently supported Palestinian statehood and called for an end to Israeli occupation in various multilateral forums.

During his stay in New York, Dar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with UN officials and counterparts from other member states.

The foreign office said he will also travel to Washington for other official engagements.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s visit to New York and Washington exemplifies Pakistan’s growing role and importance in the multilateral arena as well as its expanding multifaceted relations with the US,” the statement said.


New-look Pakistan and Bangladesh face off in T20 series

Updated 19 July 2025
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New-look Pakistan and Bangladesh face off in T20 series

  • Pakistan skipper says squad shaping up well for next World Cup despite missing key players
  • Bangladesh will enter the series on Sunday after securing a 2-1 T20 win in Sri Lanka last week

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Salman Agha is confident his new-look side is shaping up well toward next year’s World Cup as they take on Bangladesh in a Twenty20 series starting in Dhaka from Sunday.

Agha has been leading the short format side with star batsmen Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan out since last year.

Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested for the three-match series and seam bowlers Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim are also missing because of injuries.

Agha said the missing players could still be considered for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.

“We have changed the way we want to play but we are confident of our build-up and direction,” said Agha on Saturday.

“We are going for this series with ample preparations as Bangladesh can be a challenging team in their home conditions.”

New Zealander Mike Hesson is Pakistan’s new white-ball coach. His first assignment was a 3-0 series win at home against Bangladesh 3-0 last month.

With leg-spinner Shadab Khan also injured, Pakistan have picked two uncapped fast bowlers in Salman Mirza and Ahmed Daniyal.

Bangladesh won a T20 series 2-1 in Sri Lanka last week.

“What happened in Sri Lanka is in the past,” said captain Litton Das.

“We have to face a new challenge starting tomorrow. We are ready for this challenge.

“We have the mentality to beat any team, but we have to play well on the particular day and not entirely bank on home conditions.”

Bangladesh have kept the same squad that went to Sri Lanka

The second and third matches are on Tuesday and Thursday, also in Dhaka.


Blast kills army officer in southwest Pakistan as security forces kill nine militants in northwest

Updated 19 July 2025
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Blast kills army officer in southwest Pakistan as security forces kill nine militants in northwest

  • The attack on the army officer was claimed by BLA separatists, who used a magnetic improvised explosive device
  • District police chief was among the injured, with all officials out of danger and recovering

QUETTA/PESHAWAR: An army officer was killed and three civilians, including a child, were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, police said, as security forces in the country’s northwest killed nine militants in a separate incident.

The explosion targeted a private vehicle in the western bypass area of Quetta, the capital of restive Balochistan province, where ethnic Baloch insurgents have been waging a low-level separatist insurgency for years.

“One man identified as Major Anwar Kakar was killed and three civilians, including a little girl, were injured in the attack,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sadar Shoukat Jadoon, adding the initial investigation revealed that Major Kakar was the primary target.

The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the blast, saying its “special tactical operation unit carried out a targeted attack on an army officer in Quetta.”

Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, has long grappled with a simmering insurgency by separatist groups operating in the region.

Attacks targeting security forces, government officials and non-local workers have intensified in recent months, despite repeated crackdowns and security operations by the state.

Earlier in the day a joint operation by police and security forces was carried out in Hangu, a district in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing nine militants after a two-hour firefight, according to a police official.

Three senior officials, including the district police chief and a military officer, were wounded in the gunbattle.

The raid, launched around 1 PM on the basis of actionable intelligence, was aimed at a suspected militant hideout.

Hangu has long experienced sectarian and militant unrest, including deadly suicide bombings targeting civilians and places of worship. Saturday’s raid was the latest in a series of operations targeting militant activity in the northwestern province.

Speaking to Arab News, Hangu police spokesperson Saqib Khan said reinforcements were quickly deployed to support frontline units and block escape routes.

“During the intense exchange of fire, DPO [District Police Officer] Khalid Khan, a police inspector Nabi Khan and a senior military official sustained injuries,” he said. “Fortunately, all three are out of danger and receiving proper medical care.”

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the bravery of the officers involved, saying he had spoken to the injured DPO.

“He is in high spirits and recovering well,” the IGP said in a statement.

Following the operation, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur commended the security forces and especially the Hangu police leadership.

“DPO Khalid Khan and his team thwarted the nefarious designs of the terrorists with exceptional valor and determination,” he said in a statement, adding that “DPO Khalid Khan led from the front and confronted the terrorists head-on, displaying remarkable bravery.”

“We are proud of such fearless and courageous police officers and personnel,” Gandapur added, while directing authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.

He reaffirmed that the nation stands firmly behind its security forces in the fight against militant violence.