At SCO dinner gala, Pakistani chef crafted meatless menu for Indian delegates

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Updated 24 October 2024
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At SCO dinner gala, Pakistani chef crafted meatless menu for Indian delegates

  • Asad Monga was asked to come to Islamabad to oversee the food served to foreign dignitaries
  • He says Pakistan should develop a service-based economy focusing on hospitality, culinary arts

KARACHI: A Karachi-based chef, specially flown to Islamabad to oversee meals for foreign dignitaries at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, said this week his team ensured diversity in the menu to respect cultural sensitivities, recalling they avoided serving red meat to the Indian delegation.

The 23rd SCO Council of Heads of Government took place on October 15 and 16, bringing together political leaders from Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and other participating nations, including Pakistan.

Chef Asad Monga, 32, was invited to join the culinary experts at Islamabad’s popular Serena Hotel for the summit’s lunch and dinner services.

He informed the menu not only reflected international flavors but also highlighted local Pakistani dishes such as mutton chops and flatbread with minced meat filling. However, his team was also sensitive to the dietary preferences of the visiting delegates.

“[It was] just a good, well rounded mix of food to showcase our regional capabilities as people and as cooks, and also keeping in mind the diverse set of people that were coming to eat the food so that it registers with their palette also,” he told Arab News on Tuesday.

“We couldn’t serve red meat to the Indian delegates, so we had a vegetarian and chicken-based menu for that,” he added.




Chef Asad Monga (center in the first row) poses for a picture with other chefs during Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on October 15-16, 2024. (Asad Monga)

Indian External Affairs Minister Subramanyam Jaishankar, who led his country’s delegation at the SCO Summit, was the first high-profile official from New Delhi to visit Pakistan in nearly a decade.

Although he did not hold formal bilateral meetings in Islamabad, Pakistani officials described his trip as an “ice breaker” amid hopes in both countries for a thaw in the frosty relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

“The meal started with the Mezze Platter. There was Yousaf Labneh on the menu, and of course, butters were served with Sumac as a condiment,” Monga said.

“The Middle Eastern influence in our region is strong, and when you serve food in a restaurant or a five-star hotel, you will always find some Middle Eastern cuisine on the table,” he added.




A chef prepares food for the guests at Serena Hotel during Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on October 15-16, 2024. (Asad Monga)

Monga, who was born and raised in Karachi, became passionate about cooking and chose culinary school after A Levels.

He enrolled at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2011 as part of a dual degree program. After gaining international experience, he returned to Pakistan in late 2016 for personal reasons.

“For Pakistan to succeed in the future, we need to develop a strong service-based economy that focuses on hospitality and the culinary arts,” he reflected, based on his experience of serving the SCO delegates.




Waiters line up to carry food plates for the guests attending Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Asad Monga)

He noted that by promoting chefs and expanding the hospitality industry, Pakistan could project its warm hospitality to the world and cultivate a softer image.

Monga also shared his desire to set up a small culinary school in the mountains, where he could forage ingredients, ferment them, and develop flavor catalogs.

“I hope to develop a school there where I can teach students who are interested in learning,” Monga said. “They can come and collaborate with me, and together we can shape the future of Pakistani cuisine and its culinary landscape.”


Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India

Updated 5 sec ago
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Pakistan’s financial regulator alerts firms to cyber risks after conflict with India

  • SECP highlights potential risks including operational disruptions and data loss in its advisory
  • Recent India-Pakistan hostilities featured coordinated cyberattacks for the first time in history

KARACHI: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Friday cautioned local companies about heightened cybersecurity risks, days after a brief but intense conflict with India that, for the first time, saw both nations engage in cyber warfare alongside traditional military exchanges.
The recent hostilities, which included missile and artillery fire, also featured the deployment of drones and coordinated cyberattacks, an unprecedented escalation in the long-standing rivalry between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
A ceasefire was brokered and announced on May 10, though the digital threat persists.
“The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has issued an advisory to all the companies, in light of the recent geopolitical situation and resultant heightened cybersecurity threat alerts, urging companies to adopt cybersecurity best practices,” the regulator said in a statement.
The advisory outlined potential risks such as operational disruptions, data loss and reputational damage, recommending measures including stricter access controls, vulnerability assessments, incident response planning and user awareness training.
During the conflict with India, Pakistan’s economic affairs ministry and the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) reported that their official X accounts had been compromised.
The KPT account briefly posted claims of significant damage from an Indian naval strike before the post was deleted and the agency stated its account had been hacked.
Pakistani officials also acknowledged launching retaliatory cyber operations targeting Indian government and financial websites.
Indian authorities reported over 1.5 million attempted cyber intrusions during the conflict, primarily attributed to Pakistan-based hacker groups.
The SECP’s advisory highlighted the ongoing digital risks in the aftermath of the ceasefire, urging companies to bolster their cybersecurity defenses to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data.


Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary

Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan condemns India’s ‘unprovoked’ military action during talks with UK foreign secretary

  • Pakistan plans to phase out key import duties over five years to boost export competitiveness
  • Analysts say the decision is driven by local budget proposals, not tariff pressure from Washington

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.
The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.
Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.
Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.
The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.
“It’s too early to comment whether the focus of the government is to reduce or abolish these duties on raw materials or finished products,” Shankar Talreja, head of research at Topline Securities, told Arab News.
“If duties are abolished on raw materials, it may generate the desired results of increase in exports,” he added.
Talreja maintained some industries in Pakistan needed these duties to remain in place to continue being viable businesses.
He noted that in the absence of them, Chinese products could inundate the market, which could adversely impact the local industry.
However, the official statement said the policy shift was expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.
Rao Aamir Ali, deputy head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the government’s decision related to the import duties was not in response to the United States’ “reciprocal tariffs.”
“This move is not related to Pakistan’s tariff issue with the US,” he told Arab News.
“It is part of the budget proposals from various industrial sectors seeking reduction in customs duties to cut their input costs,” he added.
Sharif ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms during the meeting and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.


Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan moves to cut import tariffs in bid to boost exports, attract investment

  • Pakistani exports rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties important for export competitiveness
  • Government plans to phase out additional customs and regulatory duties in Pakistan in the next five years

KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday approved a major reduction in import tariffs as part of its broader effort to revive the economy, boost exports and attract foreign investment, an official statement circulated by the Prime Minister’s office said.

The move comes as Pakistan emerges from a prolonged economic crisis and shifts from restrictive import controls, previously used to protect dwindling foreign currency reserves, toward policies aimed at sustaining growth and attracting investment. With inflation easing and macroeconomic indicators improving, the government is working on tariff reforms to boost industrial productivity.

Pakistani exports, especially in textiles, engineering and pharmaceuticals, rely heavily on imported inputs, making import duties a key factor in export competitiveness. The issue came up for decision during a high-level meeting on the National Tariff Policy, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

“In line with the government’s economic recovery plan, the prime minister has taken a historic step by approving a gradual but significant reduction in import tariffs,” the statement said, calling it “a key milestone” in achieving economic stability and enabling export-led growth.

Under the approved changes, Pakistan will phase out additional customs duties, currently ranging from two to seven percent, along with regulatory duties, between five and 90 percent, over the next four to five years.

The government will also cap general customs duties at 15 percent, compared to current rates that sometimes exceed 100 percent, and limit tariff slabs to four categories to reduce complexity and ensure a level playing field across industries.

The policy shift is expected to support the government’s goals of curbing unemployment, containing inflation further and providing dignified employment opportunities, particularly for educated youth.

Sharif also ordered the formation of an implementation committee to oversee the rollout of the tariff reforms and reiterated that economic revival remained his administration’s top priority.


Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

Updated 16 May 2025
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Pakistan says agreed with India on ‘phased de-escalation’ after last week’s strikes

  • The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery strikes left around 70 people, including civilians, dead on both sides

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has agreed with India for “phased de-escalation” after last week’s military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, the Pakistani foreign office said on Friday, adding that military officials from both countries had been in “periodic contacts.”

The latest conflict between India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump. Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge and has demanded a credible, international probe into the assault. Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges left around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Speaking at a press briefing in Islamabad, Pakistani foreign office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said the ceasefire between both nations was achieved through “facilitation of several friendly nations,” reiterating Islamabad’s support for President Trump’s announcement of engaging with Pakistan and India to seek a resolution to the Kashmir dispute.

“I would like to highlight that Directors General of Military Operations of Pakistan and India have maintained periodic contacts since 10th May 2025. Both sides have agreed on a structured mechanism for phased de-escalation,” he said, adding that Pakistan was committed to the ceasefire.

“As a goodwill gesture, Pakistan handed over an Indian Border Security Force constable on May 14, 2025. In return, India released a sepoy of Pakistan Rangers.”

There was no immediate response from New Delhi to Khan’s statement but it came hours after Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should reconsider a one-billion-dollar loan to Pakistan, alleging Islamabad was “funding terror.” Both India and Pakistan, who are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, have also accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.

“I believe a big portion of the $1 billion coming from IMF will be used for funding terror infrastructure,” Singh told troops at an air force base in western India. “I believe any economic assistance to Pakistan is nothing less than funding terror.”

The IMF last week approved a loan program review for Pakistan, unlocking a $1 billion payment which the state bank said has already been received. A fresh $1.4 billion loan was also approved for Pakistan under the IMF’s climate resilience fund.

Khan said at a time when the international community was actively promoting regional peace and stability, India’s rhetoric reflected a “persistent tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and cast unwarranted aspersions” on Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

“Pakistan as a responsible state remains committed to the ceasefire and to taking necessary steps toward de-escalation and regional stability,” he said.

“Given India’s belligerent posture, we call upon our international partners to ensure that India honors its commitments and refrains from further aggression. Should India resume hostilities, Pakistan will have no choice but to respond.”

Bitter rivals India and Pakistan have fought three wars, including two over the disputed region of Kashmir, since gaining independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety but rule it in part.

India has long battled an insurgency on the side it rules by armed separatists fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. New Delhi accuses Pakistan of backing the militants, Islamabad says it only offers political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris.

The region has long been described as the “nuclear flashpoint” of South Asia and prompted President Trump last week to offer Washington’s mediation to resolve the issue.

“Pakistan firmly believes in peaceful coexistence. We prioritize dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and confrontation. We have consistently advocated for meaningful engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir,” Khan said.

“A just and peaceful settlement of these disputes remains indispensable for lasting peace in South Asia.”

India has for years insisted Kashmir is a bilateral issue and not allowed any third-party mediation.


UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

Updated 16 May 2025
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UK, Pakistan foreign ministers meet after India conflict

  • The conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India, Pakistan sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war
  • Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges, killed around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, on both sides

ISLAMABAD: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with his Pakistani counterpart in Islamabad on Friday, a week after the country’s most serious military confrontation with India in decades.

The latest conflict between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan had sparked global concerns that it could spiral into a full-blown war before a ceasefire was announced by United States President Donald Trump.

Lammy was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office, images broadcast by state television showed.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) in a meeting with  Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, on May 16, 2025. (PMO)

The United Kingdom was among several nations to urge de-escalation after last week’s clashes, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the time that Britain was “urgently engaging” with both countries.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, separately visited both countries last week offering to mediate.

Fighting began when India launched strikes on May 7 against what it called “terrorist camps” in Pakistan following an April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which killed 26 people.

New Delhi blamed Islamabad for backing the militants it claimed were behind the attack — the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in decades. Pakistan denies the charge.

Four days of intense drone, missile and artillery exchanges ensued, leaving around 70 people, including dozens of civilians, dead on both sides.

Both India and Pakistan are members of the International Atomic Energy Agency and have accused each other of failing to control their nuclear weapons.