Pakistan's top security body decides to rationalize imports, curb currency smuggling

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (center) chairs National Security Committee meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, on December 30, 2022. (Photo courtesy: Government of Pakistan/File)
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Updated 02 January 2023
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Pakistan's top security body decides to rationalize imports, curb currency smuggling

  • National security revolves around economic security, sovereignty comes under stress without economic independence, says Prime Minister's Office
  • Without naming Afghanistan, NSC says no country will be allowed to provide sanctuaries to militants, Islamabad reserves all rights to safeguard its people

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's top national security body on Monday decided in a high-level meeting to rationalize imports and curb illegal currency outflows to ensure economic stability in a bid to strengthen its ailing economy. 

The second round of the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting was held under the chair of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, Monday. The meeting was attended by federal cabinet members, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee, all services chiefs, and heads of intelligence services.

Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell alarmingly below $6 billion last week while high inflation and a depreciating currency continue to add to Islamabad's economic woes. Last week, the NSC met to discuss Pakistan's precarious security situation and vowed to take action against militants. 

In a press release after the second meeting, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) disclosed important decisions that were taken regarding Pakistan's economy. 

"In order to strengthen the economy, the committee agreed on undertaking concrete steps including imports rationalization as well as preventing illegal currency outflows and hawala business," the PMO said.  "The forum underscored that comprehensive national security revolves around economic security and that sovereignty or dignity comes under stress without self-sufficiency and economic independence," it added.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar briefed participants of the meeting about the government's roadmap for economic stability, including the status of its discussions with international financial institutions. He also spoke about exploring other financial avenues, based on mutual interests as well as relief measures for the people, the PMO said. 

It added that a comprehensive view of the ongoing economic situation and challenges being faced by the people was taken by participants of the meeting. 

"It was resolved that people-centric economic policies with trickle-down effects to common people will remain priority," the statement said.

The PMO said that the forum was apprised of the recent security situation and the surge in militant attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. 

"Prime Minister emphasized that the war against terrorism will be led by federal and provincial governments as per National Action Plan in accordance with National Internal Security Policy," the PMO said. 

The forum decided to revive provincial apex committees "in full earnest and LEAs especially CTDs will be brought up to the required fighting standards with requisite capabilities."

In a veiled reference to Afghanistan, the NSC said that no country would be allowed to provide sanctuaries and facilitation to terrorists. "Pakistan reserves all rights in that respect to safeguard her people," it said while reiterating its "zero tolerance" policy for militants in Pakistan. 

The forum also said that militants would be "dealt with full force of the state."

"Pakistan’s security is uncompromisable, and the full writ of the state will be maintained on every inch of Pakistan’s territory," it said.


Rights activists welcome Pakistan Senate move to scrap death penalty for two crimes

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Rights activists welcome Pakistan Senate move to scrap death penalty for two crimes

  • Activists urge stronger protections for women as one offense involves publicly stripping them
  • Harsh punishments may seem tough, they say, but often let offenders of such crimes walk free

KARACHI: Rights activists in Pakistan on Saturday welcomed Pakistan’s Senate decision to abolish the death penalty for two criminal offenses— publicly stripping women and harboring hijackers— but stressed the need for stronger legislation and better enforcement to ensure justice for survivors and prevent violence.

The reform amends Sections 354-A and 402-C of the Pakistan Penal Code and replaces capital punishment with life imprisonment for the two crimes.

Lawmakers say the move is part of a broader effort to align Pakistan’s criminal justice system with international human rights standards, particularly under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which grants preferential trade access to countries that uphold certain rights commitments.

“Publicly stripping women of their clothes is one of the most heinous crimes and must be met with the harshest punishment,” Mahnaz Rahman, woman’s rights activist and former executive director of the Aurat Foundation, told Arab News. “While we strongly advocate for severe punishments for such acts, we do not support the death penalty for any crime, including this one.”

She said life imprisonment itself was an “extremely severe” punishment, though she insisted the change must be accompanied by comprehensive and robust legislation to prevent this and all other forms of violence against women.

“Ultimately, it is the effective enforcement of laws and accountability that will deter such crimes and help ensure that women feel genuinely safe and protected in our society,” she added.

Sarah Belal, Executive Director of Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), said the reform aligned Pakistan’s criminal justice system more closely with the principles of fairness and the rule of law.

“The death penalty has never been enforced for this offense, but its mere presence has discouraged convictions and denied survivors meaningful redress,” she said. “Harsh punishments may appear tough, but they often let perpetrators walk free.”

“Removing the death penalty for these offenses does not mean they are being decriminalized,” she added. “It simply means we are pushing for stronger, more proportionate implementation of the law.”

Senator Talal Chaudhry of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party who introduced the bill said the amendments had been thoroughly discussed and approved by a standing committee with cross-party input.

“Replacing the death penalty with life imprisonment under both sections is part of Pakistan’s legal reforms,” he said.

The bill must now be passed by the National Assembly before it can receive presidential assent and become law.

Under existing law, Section 354-A allows for capital punishment or life imprisonment for anyone who assaults and strips a woman in public, while Section 402-C applies the same punishment to individuals who knowingly harbor hijackers.

The new bill eliminates the death penalty option for both. However, some lawmakers have voiced concern over the move.

Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri of the Balochistan Awami Party warned that Pakistan’s low conviction rates and weak enforcement mechanisms could make reduced punishments ineffective as a deterrent.

“This is not right,” she was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper. “This is not going to help the country or its people.”

Chaudhry defended the move, pointing to the misuse of capital punishment laws enacted during the military regime of General Zia-ul-Haq.

“Life imprisonment is by no means a minor punishment,” he said, noting that the law had often been abused by police to settle personal vendettas.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that the changes did not affect death sentences for more serious crimes like murder or rape.

“We are only removing the death penalty from offenses that do not constitute the ‘most serious crimes,’ a key requirement under the GSP+ agreement,” he said in response to a query by Senator Shibli Faraz.

Pakistan has long faced international scrutiny over its broad application of the death penalty.

At least 31 offenses are currently punishable by death under Pakistani law. While executions have not taken place since 2020, over 6,100 people remain on death row, according to the Justice Project Pakistan.

Between 2015 and 2019, more than 500 people were executed following the end of a moratorium in 2014.

Senator Quratulain Marri of the Pakistan People’s Party, a coalition partner of the ruling PML-N, said her party opposed the death penalty on principle.

“There are numerous studies on how capital punishment is not an effective deterrent,” she told Arab News. “While the need for reforms cannot be ruled out, we have to consider bringing changes that better society in the long run. The aim is to rid society of the crime and not just the criminal.”


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.