Cyclone Biparjoy expects to make landfall in Pakistan’s coastal region tonight — minister

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Updated 15 June 2023
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Cyclone Biparjoy expects to make landfall in Pakistan’s coastal region tonight — minister

  • Senator Sherry Rehman says the cyclone has slowed down but its core continues to remain intense
  • More than 81,000 people living in Pakistan’s coastal areas have been evacuated to safeguard lives

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman said on Thursday Cyclone Biparjoy, which was heading toward the border region between Pakistan and India, had slowed down but remained intense at its core, adding it was not expected to make landfall before the night.

Rehman had mentioned earlier that Biparjoy, classified as a “very severe cyclonic storm,” would hit the coastal belt around noon. Due to the anticipated heavy rain and windstorm in the affected areas, Pakistani authorities issued a warning and evacuated over 81,000 people to relief camps until the weather system subsides.

In a Twitter post, the minister announced, “Cyclone Biparjoy has slowed down, but [its] core remains intense. It will not make landfall before nightfall now. More information will be shared soon by NDMA [the National Disaster Management Authority].”

Rehman previously stated on Twitter that all necessary arrangements to safeguard lives in the affected areas of Pakistan had been made.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a climate committee, led by her and comprising relevant officials and representatives from federal and provincial institutions, to handle any potential emergencies arising from Biparjoy and continuously monitor the storm.

Authorities have repeatedly warned residents living near coastal regions to take precautionary measures and urged fishermen not to venture into the sea. The residents of Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most densely populated city, have been advised to avoid beaches as well.




A fisherman sits on the bow of a moored fishing boat at a fishing village on the outskirts of Karachi on June 14, 2023, ahead of cyclone Biporjoy landfall. (AFP)

Meanwhile, in India’s western state of Gujarat, the government has relocated over 75,000 people to safe locations.

Kamal Dayani, additional chief secretary in the state’s revenue department, said, “We have evacuated more than 75,000 persons from the eight coastal districts in Gujarat that are expected to be impacted by the cyclone.”

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) stated on Wednesday that temporary thatched houses could be completely destroyed while standing crops, plantations, and roads are expected to suffer significant damage. Railway services could also face disruptions.

Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea, like this one, have become more frequent in the past couple of decades. Researchers attribute the increased frequency of typhoons, including this one, to warming sea surface temperatures in the region, amplified by climate change.


UK, Pakistan agree to set up new business advisory council at inaugural trade dialogue

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UK, Pakistan agree to set up new business advisory council at inaugural trade dialogue

  • The Pakistan-UK trade in goods and services reached £4.7 billion in 2024, an increase of 7.3 percent, compared to the previous year
  • The dialogue reaffirms the UK’s commitment to open and fair trade and to deepening economic ties with Pakistan, high commission says

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) decided to form a new business advisory council as officials from both countries met in London at the inaugural UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, the British high commission in Islamabad said on Monday.
The development came during the dialogue co-chaired by UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who is on an official visit to the UK from July 14 till July 20.
The UK maintains zero-tariff access of Pakistan’s exports post-Brexit, making it Pakistan’s largest European and third-largest individual export partner, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry.
The UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council will bring together senior business leaders and government officials to provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices. 
“Today’s Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries,” Alexander was quoted as saying by the British high commission.
 “By deepening cooperation in key sectors like health care and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.”
The high commission did not share an exact date about the establishment of the new advisory council.
Bilateral trade between the two countries in goods and services reached £4.7 billion in 2024, an increase of 7.3 percent, or £320 million, compared to the previous year, according to the UK government data. Of this £4.7 billion, UK exports to Pakistan amounted to £2.2 billion, while its imports from Pakistan amounted to £2.5 billion.
Khan, whose visit aims to deepen bilateral commercial ties and strengthen institutional frameworks, said the dialogue laid the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship between both sides.
“The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners,” he was quoted as saying. “By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations.”
Britain also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK.
“The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities,” the British high commission said in its statement.
“This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.”
Khan’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan is striving to draw overseas investment amid a gradually healing macroeconomic environment after a prolonged downturn that forced Islamabad to seek external financing from friendly nations and multiple loan programs from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The British high commission said Monday’s discussions focused on key sectors, including information technology and health care, under the UK’s Industrial Strategy, which presents a “significant opportunity” for businesses and investors.
“The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a more dynamic and open business environment,” it said.
“Through the alignment of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the UK–Pakistan Trade Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair trade, and to deepening economic ties with key partners like Pakistan.”


Islamabad plans digital remittance solutions for Pakistanis in Gulf via PayPak scheme

Updated 14 July 2025
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Islamabad plans digital remittance solutions for Pakistanis in Gulf via PayPak scheme

  • The initiative aims to facilitate secure and structured remittance flows from non-resident Pakistani workers who are based abroad
  • Pakistan received over $38.3 billion remittances in last fiscal year, with Pakistanis residing in Gulf contributing a major share

KARACHI: The Pakistani government is planning to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, particularly those in Gulf countries, by providing a technological solution that would enable them to send remittances through a domestic payment scheme, PayPak, the 1Link payment gateway system said on Monday, citing the Prime Minister Youth Programme (PMYP) chief said on Monday.

PMYP Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said this in a recent meeting with stakeholders, including 1Link CEO Najeeb Agrawalla and Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) Chairman Ibrahim Amin, in the country’s commercial capital of Karachi.

Pakistan received over $38.3 billion in remittances from different countries in the financial year ending in June, with Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries contributing a major share to this amount.

Khan said the government was working extensively to serve Pakistanis in the country and overseas by addressing their core issues through innovative, technological and affordable means.

“The government is keen to explore strategic collaboration on empowering overseas Pakistani youth through digital remittance services and expanding PayPak’s reach under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme,” he was quoted as saying by 1Link.

Khan said Pakistanis living abroad were playing commendable role in contributing to the economy and the PM Digital Youth Hub was exploring various options to honor their services with dedicated facilities and offerings.

Launched in 2016 by 1Link, PayPak is Pakistan’s first and the only domestic payment scheme (DPS), making Pakistan the 28th country in the world to have its own domestic payment system. It aims to spur financial inclusion and digitization across the country.

“We aim to take initiatives to facilitate secure and structured remittance flows from non-resident Pakistani workers, especially those based in Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf countries, while also promoting the use of PayPak for Hajj, Umrah, and other cross-border transactions including 1Bill service for non-resident Pakistanis,” 1Link CEO Agrawalla said.

As a major payment service provider, he said, 1Link proposed extending its technological expertise and platform capabilities to support the development and implementation of both initiatives.

PAFLA Chairman Amin said there were over 4 million Pakistanis residing in Gulf countries who had been contributing to the economy through their hard-earned income, adding that many of them lacked access to reliable, user-friendly technological payment solutions.

“PAFLA, in collaboration with Pakistani diplomatic missions, Pakistan’s banks, and different agencies, will do its best efforts to approach freelancers, blue- and white-collar Pakistani workers through outreach and engagement efforts across Gulf countries,” he said.


Pakistan sent 336,999 nationals abroad for jobs from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30

Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistan sent 336,999 nationals abroad for jobs from Jan. 1 to Jun. 30

  • Over 10 million individuals have been sent abroad for jobs by Pakistan’s government since 1971, says state media
  • Remittances sent by Pakistani individuals employed abroad are crucial for cash-strapped South Asian country 

ISLAMABAD: The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) sent around 336,999 Pakistanis abroad from January 1 to June 30 this year, state-run media reported on Monday, crediting the government’s policies for increasing employment opportunities for Pakistan’s skilled and unskilled laborers. 

Thousands of Pakistanis every year travel abroad for jobs in Gulf countries, Europe, the United States and other nations. Citing data from an official of the BUEO, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said over 10 million emigrants have been provided overseas employment through the bureau since its inception in 1971. 

“Through the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BUEO) an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development from January 1 to June 30, around 336,999 Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment,” APP reported. 

The official shared that in 2015, 946,571 Pakistanis went abroad for jobs, the highest number ever. The official further said 116,300 foreign jobs are available with BEOE.

“Overseas employment is playing a vital role in reducing the pressure of unemployment at home, besides being a major means of earning foreign exchange in the shape of overseas workers’ remittances,” it added. 

The state-run media said the bureau controls, regulates, facilitates and monitors the emigration process followed by the Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) in the private sector. It also monitors the “direct employment” mode adopted by individuals, who seek foreign employment either through their own efforts or relatives and friends living abroad.

“The Bureau has been engaged in maintaining comprehensive statistical record of all the migrant workers since 1971, which provides basis for planning and policy formulation by the Economic Division and other interested government departments.

The remittances sent by Pakistani citizens employed abroad is crucial for the South Asian country to shore up its foreign reserves, especially as it grapples with a prolonged economic crisis. 


Pakistani PM’s aide warns Imran Khan’s party against stirring ‘instability’ with protest drive

Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistani PM’s aide warns Imran Khan’s party against stirring ‘instability’ with protest drive

  • Khan’s PTI party has launched 90-day anti-government movement to demand ex-PM’s release
  • Rana Sanaullah says law will take its course if PTI incites unrest during agitation campaign

ISLAMABAD: A top political adviser to Pakistan’s prime minister on Monday warned jailed former premier Imran Khan’s political party against inciting unrest during a newly announced protest movement to demand his release, as political tensions in the country continue to intensify.

Khan, who was ousted from office in a parliamentary vote in April 2022, has been jailed for nearly two years on multiple charges, which he and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party insist are politically motivated. PTI currently holds power in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and has previously led a number of protest marches toward the capital, Islamabad.

On July 13, PTI launched its latest agitation campaign, describing it as a 90-day “do-or-die” protest. The announcement followed the suspension of 26 PTI lawmakers in Punjab and the Supreme Court’s rejection of the party’s bid to reclaim reserved parliamentary seats for minorities and women.

“They have now planned a program lasting over 90 days. In this, if they remain peaceful, it’s fine, it’s their democratic right,” Rana Sanaullah, adviser to the prime minister on political and public affairs, said in an interview with a local news channel. 

“And if they take the law in their hands and try to create instability in the country then definitely the law will take its course.”

Sanaullah also accused Khan’s party of bypassing the government and seeking intervention from the military, commonly referred to in Pakistan as “the establishment.”

“They did not talk about speaking with the government [to resolve their issues],” he added. “They want to speak to the establishment, they are trying to straighten out their affairs through them.”

The latest protest drive was finalized at a meeting in Lahore on July 12, attended by PTI leader and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur who alleged that the PTI was being denied its right to peaceful protest. He vowed that the party would mobilize supporters nationwide before marching toward the capital.

Earlier this month, Khan’s sister announced that his sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, would join the protest campaign in Pakistan after returning from the United States, where they will seek to raise awareness about alleged human rights violations against Khan and his party.

PTI has organized a series of nationwide demonstrations since last year, calling for Khan’s release and an independent investigation into the February 2024 general elections. During one such protest in November 2024, the government said four security personnel were killed in clashes with Khan supporters, an allegation PTI denies.

The government maintains that the 2024 elections were free and fair and accuses the PTI of undermining democratic processes and causing economic stability through confrontational tactics. Pakistan’s military, long a powerful force in national politics, denies accusations of political interference or any role in Khan’s ouster or imprisonment. 


Saudi consortium launches $50 million fund to ease pilgrimage costs for Pakistanis — CEO

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi consortium launches $50 million fund to ease pilgrimage costs for Pakistanis — CEO

  • Pilgrimage fund aims to reduce Hajj costs by 20 percent and Umrah by 25 percent by September
  • Consortium says Pakistanis spend over $5 billion annually on travel to Saudi Arabia

KARACHI: A Saudi-based consortium of travel and hospitality companies has launched a $50 million fund to reduce the cost of Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for Pakistani travelers by as early as September, the group’s chief executive said on Monday.

The consortium includes online Umrah booking platform Funadiq.com, Emaar Al Diyafa Group of hotels, Skyline Travel Company and other firms operating in Makkah. Its stated goal is to modernize the infrastructure and operations of Pakistani travel agencies to help them meet Saudi regulatory standards and better serve pilgrims.

The consortium’s CEO Mohammad Salman Arain told Arab News the main objective behind setting up the fund is to upgrade travel agencies’ infrastructure and operations in every major Pakistani city. 

He said the fund is expected to lower Hajj costs by 20 percent and Umrah costs by 25 percent for Pakistani pilgrims.

“On average, [Umrah for one person] is Rs300,000 ($1,054) and we expect that by September, a small travel agent would be able to offer it to his customers at Rs240,000 ($844) to Rs250,000 ($879),” Arain said in a telephone interview on Monday.

Arain attributed the current high costs to inefficiencies in the way many Pakistani travel agents operate:

“Once we help them operate better then Umrah will become cheaper for our pilgrims.”

His company, Umrah Companions, also launched what it calls the world’s first AI-powered Umrah agent this month, designed to help digitally savvy pilgrims customize their travel packages based on cost and convenience.

The consortium will also help Pakistani Hajj organizers adapt to Saudi Arabia’s evolving regulations.

“This should make Hajj better organized and cheaper as well,” Arain said.

In a separate statement, Funadiq.com said over 2 million Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia each year for pilgrimage and spend more than $5 billion annually, making Pakistan one of the world’s largest pilgrimage markets.

“Yet despite these numbers, the sector continues to suffer from poor management,” the company said. “More than 67,000 pilgrims missed Hajj this year alone.”

That figure refers to a large portion of Pakistan’s private Hajj quota that went unutilized this year due to reported delays by travel companies in completing payment and registration requirements, according to Funadiq.com. 

Private operators have blamed the shortfall on technical glitches, payment delays, and poor coordination between service providers. Pakistan’s government fulfilled its full allocation of over 88,000 pilgrims.

The Saudi consortium’s investment will be used for technology upgrades, staff training, and process improvements in small- and medium-sized travel agencies. These improvements could make the booking process 50 percent faster, Funadiq.com said.

“We are stepping in to help change that, working closely with the government, airlines, and private sector partners,” the company added.