Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, speaking during a ceremony marking the national day of Egypt in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 3, 2025. (Government of Pakistan)
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Updated 04 July 2025
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Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt

Pakistan calls for stronger agricultural and food security cooperation with Egypt
  • Pakistan’s food security minister praises Egypt for arid farming and climate-smart technologies
  • He also acknowledges Egypt’s support on global issues and cooperation at multilateral forums

KARACHI: Pakistan on Thursday called for enhanced collaboration with Egypt in agricultural science, biotechnology and food security, citing Egyptian expertise in climate-smart technologies and arid farming during a ceremony held in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain represented Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the event marking Egypt’s National Day, which brought together diplomats, government officials and members of the business community.

“Referring to Egypt’s impressive progress in agricultural development, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration in areas such as agricultural science, seed development, arid farming, capacity building, drip irrigation and climate-smart technologies, where Egypt has notable expertise,” said an official statement issued after the ceremony.

“Hussain emphasized the importance of joint initiatives in food security, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices,” it continued.

“He said that Pakistan and Egypt’s shared experience in managing water-scarce environments offers an opportunity for meaningful partnerships between research institutions and private sectors in both nations.”

The minister acknowledged Egypt’s support to Pakistan on regional and international matters and praised the ongoing cooperation at multilateral forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.

Noting the revival of the Pakistan–Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), Hussain said both governments are working to finalize new bilateral agreements in trade, agriculture, higher education and cultural exchange.

Egypt’s agricultural sector is on an upward trajectory and has witnessed a strong export performance, though environmental constraints remain a concern.


Pakistan extends Hajj 2026 registration deadline to July 11 as 313,000 complete process 

Pakistan extends Hajj 2026 registration deadline to July 11 as 313,000 complete process 
Updated 12 sec ago
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Pakistan extends Hajj 2026 registration deadline to July 11 as 313,000 complete process 

Pakistan extends Hajj 2026 registration deadline to July 11 as 313,000 complete process 
  • The deadline for the registration process of Hajj 2026 was supposed to end on July 9
  • Registration is mandatory for all intending pilgrims and no fee is required at this stage

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government has extended the deadline for Hajj 2026 registration by two days to July 11, the religion ministry said on Wednesday, sharing that 313,000 people have completed the registration process so far.

The ministry had announced the launch of next year’s Hajj process last month, which was due to remain open till July 9. Applicants will be able to choose between the government and private Hajj schemes once the deadline expires.

Intending pilgrims can register through 15 designated banks, and only those who complete the process will be eligible to perform Hajj next year. No fee is required at the registration stage.

“Deadline for Hajj 2026 registration has been extended by two days,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said in a statement. 

“Hajj registration will continue until July 11 through designated banks and the ministry’s online portal.” 

The ministry said 313,000 individuals have so far completed the registration process for Hajj 2026. It added that the decision to extend the deadline was taken after considering requests from several intending pilgrims.

The ministry said expenses and other terms and conditions of Hajj 2026 will be issued separately as per the Hajj policy.

Registration is mandatory for pilgrims who were left out of the private scheme this year, as well as for Pakistanis residing abroad.

Pakistan had received a quota of 179,210 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, evenly divided between the government and private Hajj operators.

However, a major portion of the private quota remained unutilized due to delays by companies in meeting payment and registration deadlines, while the government filled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims.

Private operators blamed the situation on technical glitches such as payment issues and communication breakdowns.

 


Pakistan kicks off investor roadshow in China for inaugural panda bond

Pakistan kicks off investor roadshow in China for inaugural panda bond
Updated 45 min 39 sec ago
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Pakistan kicks off investor roadshow in China for inaugural panda bond

Pakistan kicks off investor roadshow in China for inaugural panda bond
  • Pre-marketing meetings in Beijing draw strong investor interest in debut Panda Bond
  • Finance Ministry says move will help diversify funding through China’s onshore market

KARACHI: Pakistan has launched a series of investor meetings in Beijing this week as it prepares to issue its first-ever panda bond, the finance ministry said on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the country’s strategy to diversify its funding sources through China’s onshore capital market.

Representatives from the Pakistani ministry of finance are holding the non-deal investor roadshow (NDR) in China from July 7 to 11, 2025. The delegation has engaged in technical discussions with potential investors, underwriters, prospective guarantors, the Chinese Rating Agency, and Chinese legal counsel as part of the pre-marketing process for the debut issuance.

The investor meetings focus on Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, ongoing debt management reforms and the proposed bond’s structure. The initiative reflects Pakistan’s push to broaden its investor base and strengthen its credibility in international capital markets.

A panda bond is a Renminbi-denominated bond issued by a foreign government, multilateral institution, or company in China’s onshore bond market, allowing overseas issuers to raise funds from Chinese investors while diversifying their investor base and gaining access to China’s deep capital pool.

“The visit reflects the Government’s commitment to proactive investor engagement and diversification of funding sources through access to China’s onshore capital market,” the finance ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the inaugural panda bond is expected to be launched later this year after the completion of documentation and regulatory approvals, including credit guarantees from multilateral development partners.

Officials said the roadshow has drawn strong initial interest, signalling investor confidence in Pakistan’s reform trajectory. The ministry described the move as a milestone that would help Pakistan tap China’s deep and diversified onshore bond market while using local currency instruments backed by multilateral partners.

“The successful NDR so far reflects the Government’s commitment to innovative and forward-looking financial diplomacy — and sends a clear message: Pakistan is ready to enter new capital frontiers with confidence and credibility,” the statement added.


Pakistan launches new fisheries policy, eyeing $10 billion from sector

Pakistan launches new fisheries policy, eyeing $10 billion from sector
Updated 58 sec ago
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Pakistan launches new fisheries policy, eyeing $10 billion from sector

Pakistan launches new fisheries policy, eyeing $10 billion from sector
  • Despite Pakistan having over 1,050 kilometers of coastline, its untapped fisheries sector contributes only 0.5 percent to GDP
  • Ten-year policy focuses on climate resilience, gender inclusion, modern technologies, says maritime affairs ministry

KARACHI: Pakistan’s government launched its 10-year national fisheries and aquaculture policy on Wednesday, with a senior official saying that better management and value addition could help the fisheries sector generate up to $10 billion in value.

Pakistan has the potential to become a major player in the global fisheries markets with over 1,050 kilometers of coastline along the Arabian Sea and vast inland water resources. However, its fisheries sector remains largely undertapped due to poor regulations and issues such as overfishing, contributing only 0.5 percent to the country’s GDP. 

Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry launched the 10-year National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2025–2035 at a workshop in Islamabad.

“With better management and value addition, the [fisheries] sector could generate up to $10 billion in value,” Maritime Affairs Minister Secretary Zaffar Ali Shah said at the workshop.

Shah said despite Pakistan’s long coastline, the fisheries sector has failed to achieve its potential, saying that while it remains a vital source of livelihood, it faces serious issues like overfishing and poor regulation.

“He noted that the newly introduced national policy aims to resolve these challenges through coordinated planning,” the maritime affairs ministry said. 

Chaudhry said the policy focuses on cross-cutting priorities such as climate resilience, environmental protection, child safety, gender inclusion, labor rights and the adoption of modern technologies. 

The minister said that the policy’s success depended on sustained commitment, effective coordination and active engagement from all stakeholders.

“He said this policy represents a major milestone for not just the ministry but for all institutions, communities and stakeholders committed to the future of Pakistan’s blue economy,” the maritime affairs ministry said.

The workshop, organized by the maritime affairs ministry, also featured several panel discussions, including sessions on governance and incentives for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, strategies for the development and management of aquaculture in Pakistan, and the implementation framework and cross-cutting themes of the national policy.

Pakistan reported an increase of over 20 percent in its seafood exports during the last fiscal year, reiterating its commitment to bolster its blue economy. The South Asian country hopes to achieve sustainable economic growth driven largely by exports. 


Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy launches film project to spotlight Pakistan’s unsung changemakers

Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy launches film project to spotlight Pakistan’s unsung changemakers
Updated 09 July 2025
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Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy launches film project to spotlight Pakistan’s unsung changemakers

Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy launches film project to spotlight Pakistan’s unsung changemakers
  • Free short film to be produced for one nonprofit, campaign aims to amplify overlooked voices
  • SOC Films project to coincide with Independence Day, covering issues from climate to refugees

ISLAMABAD: Two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy on Wednesday launched a new initiative through her production house, SOC Films, to highlight the work done by grassroots projects and nonprofit organizations in Pakistan through storytelling.

The campaign, titled Frame It Forward, will select one organization to receive a professionally produced short film at no cost. The initiative aims to raise the visibility of local efforts across a wide range of issues, from education and gender equality to wildlife conservation, refugee assistance and community health.

“Too often, vital work being done in the heart of our communities goes unseen simply because it isn’t being told,” Obaid-Chinoy, the founder and CEO of SOC Films, said in a statement. “Frame It Forward is our commitment to community – using the power of film to help elevate voices that deserve to be heard.”

The short film will be publicly released on August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, and will be developed in close collaboration with the selected initiative. The deadline for applications is July 25. Nonprofits and grassroots groups across Pakistan are encouraged to apply through an open call.

SOC Films said the campaign was rooted in the belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for driving social change, fostering empathy and encouraging civic engagement.

“This storytelling campaign is dedicated to highlighting the impactful, yet often overlooked, work done by grassroots projects and nonprofit organizations in Pakistan,” the statement said.

Internationally, storytelling has emerged as a key tool for nonprofit visibility, especially in the Global South where many groups struggle to reach wider audiences or fund communications efforts.

Obaid-Chinoy’s films, which have tackled subjects such as acid violence and honor killings, have earned her critical acclaim and global awards. Her team has previously produced free documentaries for organizations including ChildLife Foundation, Indus Hospital and the Karachi Down Syndrome Program (KDSP).


Pakistan enacts landmark law to regulate virtual assets, plans pilot for digital currency

Pakistan enacts landmark law to regulate virtual assets, plans pilot for digital currency
Updated 09 July 2025
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Pakistan enacts landmark law to regulate virtual assets, plans pilot for digital currency

Pakistan enacts landmark law to regulate virtual assets, plans pilot for digital currency
  • New authority to license and supervise virtual asset firms
  • Shariah board and digital sandbox included in framework

KARACHI: Pakistan has formally enacted its first law to regulate virtual assets, establishing a federal authority to license and oversee crypto-related businesses, the finance ministry said on Wednesday, as the country joins a growing list of nations adopting formal oversight of blockchain-based finance.

The Virtual Assets Act, 2025 creates the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), a new autonomous regulator to supervise the virtual asset economy, ensure compliance with global anti-money laundering standards and support financial innovation through regulatory sandboxes.

Pakistan’s move aligns with similar frameworks adopted by global peers such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, India, and the European Union, where regulators have introduced crypto-specific licensing, centralized oversight authorities, and pilot programs for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

The State Bank of Pakistan has also separately announced it is preparing to launch a pilot for a digital rupee, marking a broader shift toward digital modernization of Pakistan’s financial system.

“The Authority has been granted comprehensive powers to ensure transparency, compliance, financial integrity, and the prevention of illicit activities, in alignment with international standards including those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),” the finance ministry said, describing the powers of the new regulator set up under the Virtual Assets Act.

Separately, speaking at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit in Singapore on Wednesday, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad said the new law would “lay down the foundations for the licensing and regulation” of the virtual assets sector and that the central bank was already in touch with some tech partners.

He said a legal framework for virtual assets was necessary to “evaluate and manage the risk very carefully, and at the same time not allow to let go the opportunity.”

In May, the State Bank clarified that virtual assets were not illegal but advised financial institutions not to engage with them until a formal licensing framework was in place.

NEW POWERS

The new regulator will introduce a structured licensing regime for all firms offering services related to cryptocurrencies, digital tokens and blockchain-based assets in or from Pakistan. These entities must meet operational and compliance standards and will be subject to ongoing reporting obligations.

The law gives PVARA powers to combat illicit finance and enforce transparency in line with the FATF framework, a key benchmark for Pakistan, which was removed from the FATF grey list in 2022 after significant reforms.

The regulator’s governing board will include top officials from Pakistan’s economic and regulatory institutions: the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, secretaries of finance, law, IT and telecom, as well as the chairpersons of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Digital Pakistan Authority.

Two independent directors with expertise in law, technology, or finance will also be appointed by the federal government.

The chairperson of the Authority, who will lead PVARA’s operations, is to be selected based on “demonstrated experience in finance, law, technology, or regulatory affairs,” according to the statement.

In a nod to Pakistan’s Islamic financial system, the law mandates the creation of a Shariah Advisory Committee to advise PVARA on the religious permissibility of virtual asset products and services. Any licensed firm offering Shariah-compliant services must adhere to this committee’s rulings.

To handle disputes, the law also establishes a Virtual Assets Appellate Tribunal, which will operate independently and include experts in law, finance, and technology to hear appeals against regulatory decisions.

The legislation provides space for responsible innovation by allowing startups and developers to test blockchain-based products within a regulatory sandbox, a controlled environment supervised by PVARA.

The authority may also issue no-action letters, temporarily exempting experimental projects from certain rules under defined conditions.

DIGITAL RUPEE

The enactment of the new law builds on recent crypto-focused developments in Pakistan.

In March 2025, the government-backed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) was launched to support blockchain and virtual asset adoption. It has already initiated conversations with global crypto firms and plans to explore bitcoin mining using surplus energy. It has also appointed Binance founder Changpeng Zhao as a strategic adviser and plans to establish a state-run bitcoin reserve. It has also held talks with US-based crypto firms, including the Trump-linked World Liberty Financial.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Pakistan is preparing a pilot project for a digital rupee, Governor Ahmad said while speaking at the Reuters NEXT Asia summit.

Pakistan was “building up our capacity on the central bank digital currency” and hoped to roll out a pilot soon, Ahmad said. 

With inputs from Reuters