Food lovers relish international flavors, global cuisines at Karachi Eat 2025

Special Food lovers relish international flavors, global cuisines at Karachi Eat 2025
Visitors attend Karachi Eat festival in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 11, 2025. (AN photo)
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Updated 12 January 2025
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Food lovers relish international flavors, global cuisines at Karachi Eat 2025

Food lovers relish international flavors, global cuisines at Karachi Eat 2025
  • Three-day annual Karachi Eat festival features cuisines from Middle East, Turkiye and Italy
  • Food stall owners say festival helps them bring global cuisines to Pakistani audiences 

KARACHI: The air at Beach View Park in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi was filled with the enticing aroma of Sicilian slow-cooked beef, Arabic Paratha, beefy Chapli Kebabs from Peshawar and mouthwatering Chicken Tikka. 

Welcome to Karachi Eat 2025, Pakistan’s biggest annual food festival. The three-day festival has been taking place in the ‘City of Lights’ every year in January since 2014. This year’s festival, set to conclude today, Sunday, also features hundreds of eateries and offers a variety of cuisines to visitors.

According to Ticket Wala, a platform that sells tickets for entertainment events, chefs from Indonesia, Singapore, Turkiye, Romania, Malaysia, France and other countries visited Karachi for the festival. 

Sarah Aziz, a food stall owner passionately selling Sicilian cuisine, told Arab News she wanted to bring international cuisine to Pakistanis who could not travel to countries around the world. 

“We want to bring the flavors out there for everyone who can’t go to Sicily, Portugal, or Malta,” she said. “We want to bring the food here, so they can also cherish and enjoy it.”

Aziz said she wanted to “convert” her cuisine, which was for a niche market, so that many people in Pakistan can enjoy and develop a taste for it. 

“So, the menu is basically based on slow-cooked beef with lamb fat,” she said. “We are doing handmade pesto with garlic paste.”

For others like Muhammad Ismail, 28, the festival provided an opportunity for him to indulge in his love for Arabic cuisine. 

“I just had Arabic Paratha here,” Ismail, a banker by profession, told Arab News. “I have it there [Saudi Arabia] too but this one tastes exactly like the authentic one you get in Saudi Arabia, and it’s absolutely amazing,” he said. 




Visitors gather around "Arabi's" food stall at the Karachi Eat festival in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 11, 2025. (AN photo)

Shaikh Ameen, the owner of Arabi’s, a restaurant in Karachi that offers Arabic cuisine, said there was a growing appreciation for Middle Eastern cuisine in Pakistan. 

“We offer authentic shawarma, mutabbaq and kunafa, so we’re serving these authentic dishes here,” Ameen said. 

“There are quite a few people from the Middle East, especially families, who are familiar with this food, and they really enjoy it. Moreover, people’s tastes have evolved, and they really like these flavors now.”

Kashaf Noman, a textile designer in her 20s, expressed her enthusiasm for the festival. 

“I am loving it, it’s very really organized and I have many more options here than at other festivals, so it’s really nice, I’m having fun,” she said. 

Noman said she had relished fish gyozas, waffles and a Mexican drink.

CHAPLI KEBABS AND BOHRA CUISINES

While the festival featured a plethora of international flavors, it also celebrated local specialties like the Chapli Kebab, Bohra cuisines and dishes from Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions.

Bohra cuisine comprises of food items made famous by the Bohra community, a Shiite Muslim sect. 




Visitors gather around "Bohra Delights" food stall at the Karachi Eat festival in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 11, 2025. (AN photo)

The festival also provided a platform for lesser-known regional cuisines to showcase their items. Zaeem Ud Din, 25, a student and stall owner, introduced the traditional Chapshoro dish from the northern Gilgit-Baltistan region. 

“Our Chapshoro is not spicy; people’s taste buds aren’t the same but we still wanted to bring a tradition with us,” he said. 

“We aimed to introduce something unique from Gilgit-Baltistan as not everyone can travel there.”

There were also some outlets from Pakistan’s second-largest city Lahore, which enjoys a food rivalry with Karachi. 

Despite the general perception that Lahore’s food is inferior to that of Karachi in terms of taste, Lahore-based food stalls attracted a significant crowd at the festival.

“If someone says you can’t find anything like Karachi in Lahore, they should definitely try Arif Chatkhara,” Mirza Zaidan Baig, owner of the popular Lahore eatery “Arif Chatkhara,” told Arab News. 

And for those who did not like Arif Chatkhara’s sumptuous items, Baig had a generous offer. 

“If they don’t like it, we will send them back with double the amount they paid,” he said. 


Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances

Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances
Updated 04 February 2025
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Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances

Pakistan PM pledges support for overseas workers amid surge in remittances
  • PM promises to resolve issues of overseas Pakistanis and let their voices be heard at the highest level
  • He praises Pakistanis who return home with valuable expertise, saying their training helps drive economy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday pledged to provide maximum facilities to overseas Pakistanis, recognizing their contribution to the national economy and highlighting that remittances had increased by 30 percent due to their hard work and commitment.
Remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and supporting balance of payments.
The country’s central bank last month reported $3.1 billion in remittance inflows for December 2024, reflecting a 29.3 percent year-on-year growth.
The State Bank of Pakistan also noted a 5.6 percent increase in remittances compared to November 2024, highlighting the importance of expatriate earnings in shoring up the nation’s finances.
“We will make every effort to resolve your issues and ensure that your voice is heard at the highest level,” the prime minister said while addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation Convention, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
“Your efforts have greatly benefited the national exchequer, bolstering the country’s reserves and reinforcing our economic standing,” he continued while mentioning 30 percent remittance increase in December.
Sharif directed the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development to restore the Green Channel initiative to facilitate expatriates and announced the formation of a body to recognize distinguished diaspora members contributing to national development.
He also commended Pakistanis living abroad who, after gaining top-tier training, have returned to help drive economic growth as experts, investors and entrepreneurs.
“Many of you have returned home with valuable expertise, and your continued investments in the country’s economy are vital to our future,” he added.


Senators back tougher human smuggling laws as 13 Pakistanis identified in Morocco boat tragedy

Senators back tougher human smuggling laws as 13 Pakistanis identified in Morocco boat tragedy
Updated 04 February 2025
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Senators back tougher human smuggling laws as 13 Pakistanis identified in Morocco boat tragedy

Senators back tougher human smuggling laws as 13 Pakistanis identified in Morocco boat tragedy
  • Senate Standing Committee on Interior suggests minimum sentence of three years for human smugglers
  • Foreign office says the mortal remains of four victims of Morocco boat tragedy will soon arrive in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior on Tuesday discussed increasing the minimum sentence for human smuggling to three years, as the country’s foreign office confirmed the identity of 13 Pakistanis who died last month in a boat tragedy off Morocco’s coast.
The Pakistani government has made several arrests in recent weeks after a boat carrying 86 migrants to Europe, including several Pakistanis, capsized near Morocco on January 16, according to the rights group Walking Borders.
Moroccan authorities said a day later that 36 people had been rescued, while the foreign office in Islamabad confirmed that the survivors included 22 Pakistanis.
The Morocco tragedy underscored the perilous journeys many migrants undertake due to conflict and economic hardship. Soon after the development, Pakistani authorities ramped up efforts to crack down on human smuggling networks facilitating dangerous crossings to Europe.
“The Committee discussed the ‘Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2025,’” an official statement said after the meeting was convened at Parliament House in Islamabad. “The Secretary, Ministry of Interior, emphasized the need to strengthen legal provisions to enhance deterrence.”
“The draftsman from the Ministry of Law informed the Committee that the amendment introduces a minimum sentence of three years, which will reinforce deterrence and ensure better enforcement of the law,” the statement continued. “The Committee members unanimously agreed to pass the bill and underscored the importance of strict adherence to legal enforcement.”
The Senate committee also reviewed other legislative measures related to migration and trafficking.
Meanwhile, the foreign office spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan, mentioned the boat tragedy in a statement.
“After a process of extensive verification, the bodies of 13 Pakistani nationals have been identified,” he said, adding the mortal remains of four victims would arrive in Islamabad on February 5 via a Saudi airline flight.
The latest tragedy adds to a series of migrant boat disasters involving Pakistanis attempting to reach Europe via dangerous sea routes.
In June 2023, an overcrowded vessel sank in international waters off the Greek town of Pylos, killing hundreds of migrants, including 262 Pakistanis, in one of the deadliest Mediterranean shipwrecks on record.
More recently, five Pakistani nationals died in a shipwreck off the Greek island of Gavdos on December 14.


Pakistan cuts this year’s Hajj costs, announces $17 million in refunds for last year’s pilgrims

Pakistan cuts this year’s Hajj costs, announces $17 million in refunds for last year’s pilgrims
Updated 04 February 2025
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Pakistan cuts this year’s Hajj costs, announces $17 million in refunds for last year’s pilgrims

Pakistan cuts this year’s Hajj costs, announces $17 million in refunds for last year’s pilgrims
  • The religious affairs minister announces Hajj cost reductions of up to $179 for pilgrims
  • Chaudhry Salik Hussain says the government’s 2025 Hajj quota has been fully utilized

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Chaudhry Salik Hussain on Tuesday announced a reduction of up to Rs50,000 ($179) in this year’s Hajj packages and a refund of over Rs4.75 billion ($17 million) to 2024 pilgrims.

Last month, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed the Hajj Agreement 2025, under which 179,210 Pakistanis will perform the annual pilgrimage this year. The quota is divided equally between government and private schemes.
To make the pilgrimage more convenient and accessible, Pakistan has introduced a shortened Hajj program of 20 to 25 days. The Ministry of Religious Affairs initially set the cost at Rs1,075,000 ($3,854) for the long Hajj package and Rs1,150,000 ($4,122) for the short Hajj package, as shorter stays often incur higher airfare, premium accommodation rates and expedited transport services, driving up overall costs.
For the first time, the Hajj Policy 2025 also allowed pilgrims to pay in installments, easing financial constraints. Under the scheme, the first installment of Rs200,000 ($717) was required with the application, followed by Rs400,000 ($1,435) within 10 days of balloting, while the remaining amount had to be paid by February 10.
“After successful negotiations by our committee in Saudi Arabia, the cost of the 40-day long Hajj package has been reduced by Rs25,000 ($90) to Rs1,050,000 ($3,764), while the 25-day short Hajj package has been reduced by Rs50,000 ($179) to Rs1,100,000 ($3,943),” Hussain told reporters in Islamabad.
He said pilgrims must submit the third installment in designated banks between February 6 and February 14, while every pilgrim will receive a notification via the ‘Pak Hajj’ cellphone app launched by the government.
The app is designed to provide real-time updates, guidance, emergency contacts, lodging details, route navigation and complaint registration to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
“Pilgrims opting for the long Hajj package will need to pay a third installment of Rs450,000 ($1,613), while the third installment for the short Hajj package will be Rs500,000 ($1,794),” Hussain said.
He further informed that over Rs4.75 billion ($17 million) will be refunded to 2024 Hajj pilgrims, citing savings in sacrificial animal costs and airfare reductions.
“Refunds will be disbursed into pilgrims’ accounts from February 7 onwards,” he added.
The minister said this year’s government Hajj quota has been fully utilized and expressed hope that pilgrims will have an even better experience than last year.
“Pilgrims will have assistance available at all times, as one Hajj assistant will be assigned for every 150 pilgrims,” he continued.
“The assistant will travel with the pilgrims from the Hajj camp, stay with them and return with them, ensuring continuous support throughout the journey,” he added.


Pakistan’s top generals seek ‘concrete’ action from Afghanistan against Taliban militants

Pakistan’s top generals seek ‘concrete’ action from Afghanistan against Taliban militants
Updated 04 February 2025
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Pakistan’s top generals seek ‘concrete’ action from Afghanistan against Taliban militants

Pakistan’s top generals seek ‘concrete’ action from Afghanistan against Taliban militants
  • Corps commanders call statements by Indian military leaders against Pakistan ‘reckless and provocative’
  • They seek socio-economic development of Balochistan to thwart ‘externally driven narratives of exclusion’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top generals called for “concrete and tangible actions” against militants by the Taliban administration in Kabul on Tuesday, while vowing to take all necessary measures to defend the country’s territorial integrity amid a surge in violence by armed groups in its two western provinces in recent years.
Pakistan’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), which borders Afghanistan, and the southwestern province of Balochistan, which shares frontiers with both Afghanistan and Iran, have witnessed rising militant and separatist violence. Most attacks in KP are claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella alliance of militant groups.
Islamabad has frequently accused Afghanistan of sheltering anti-Pakistan groups, particularly the TTP, which the Pakistani government refers to as “Fitna Al Khawarij,” saying that these militants launch cross-border attacks from Afghan soil. Kabul denies the allegations, insisting that Afghanistan does not allow its territory to be used against any country.
Pakistan’s overall security situation was reviewed during the 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference, held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
“Expressing grave concern over the continued use of Afghan soil by Fitna Al Khawarij for terrorist activities against Pakistan, the forum stressed the imperative of concrete and tangible actions by the Interim Afghan Government against Fitna Al Khawarij instead of denials, as well as continuing with the strategy of undertaking all necessary measures in defense of Pakistan and its people,” the ISPR said.
The conference also emphasized the need to accelerate people-centric socio-economic development initiatives in Balochistan, while countering “externally driven narratives of exclusion” in the region.
A key strategic province and home to the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Balochistan has long grappled with separatist violence led by groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliates.
These insurgents have carried out coordinated attacks, suicide bombings and targeted killings, primarily against the Pakistani military, Chinese workers and non-Baloch settlers, particularly from Punjab.
The violence has often been linked to grievances over political marginalization and resource control, though Pakistani officials have denied these claims while saying they are carrying out major projects to improve the quality of life and livelihood of people.
“No one will be allowed to disrupt peace in Balochistan, and nefarious designs of foreign-sponsored proxies attempting to mislead and radicalize the youth of Balochistan will be decisively thwarted with the unwavering support of the people of Balochistan,” the statement added.
The top army generals also discussed the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary with India, condemning “human rights violations” in Indian-administered Kashmir and recent statements by Indian military leadership against Pakistan that they termed “reckless and provocative.”
“Pakistan Army remains fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” General Munir told the gathering.
“These hollow statements from the Indian military are indicative of their growing frustration and serve only to divert the attention of their masses and the international community from their multiple internal fissures and blatant violations of human rights,” he added. “Any misadventure against Pakistan will be responded to with full and resolute force of the state.”
The corps commanders’ conference also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities and pledged to continue military training and exercises in both conventional and counter-terrorism domains.


Pakistan Navy announces participation of two Saudi warships in AMAN-25 naval drills

Pakistan Navy announces participation of two Saudi warships in AMAN-25 naval drills
Updated 04 February 2025
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Pakistan Navy announces participation of two Saudi warships in AMAN-25 naval drills

Pakistan Navy announces participation of two Saudi warships in AMAN-25 naval drills
  • The ninth edition of Pakistan’s AMAN exercise will be held this month from February 7 to 11
  • AMAN-2025 will witness the participation of nearly 60 countries with over 200 observers

KARACHI: A senior Pakistani naval official said on Tuesday two Saudi warships, HMS Jazan and HMS Hail, will participate in the ninth edition of his country’s naval exercise, AMAN-25, which is scheduled to be held from February 7 to 11.
The AMAN exercise, held every two years in the North Arabian Sea, is a multinational naval drill organized by the Pakistan Navy to enhance regional maritime security and interoperability among allied forces. The exercise was first held in 2007 and has since attracted participants from across the world.
According to official information, AMAN-2025 will witness the participation of nearly 60 countries and will be conducted in two phases. The harbor phase will take place from February 7 to 9, while the sea phase, running from February 10 to 11, will include search and rescue operations, live weapon firings and an international fleet review.
Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, Commander of the Pakistani Fleet, highlighted his country’s strong maritime ties with Saudi Arabia during a news conference.
“Saudi Arabia is a brotherly country,” he said, as he mentioned the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the exercise while pointing out that Pakistan also enjoyed close relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Pakistan’s relations with both these countries are already strong, but there is also a very close navy-to-navy collaboration with them,” he continued. “We have conducted a number of exercises with them, and both countries will also be actively participating in this exercise.”

Commander of Pakistan Fleet, Rear Admiral Abdul Munib, speaks during a press conference ahead of the 9th Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-25, in Karachi on February 4, 2025. (AFP)

Calling the participation from Saudi Arabia “very encouraging,” the naval official said in addition to the two Saudi ships, the Kingdom’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Underwater Demolition (UWD) teams would also participate.
“The UAE has one ship participating as well, and their SOF and UWD teams are also participating,” he added.
This year’s exercise is expected to include a wide range of maritime professionals, with over 200 observers from around the world in attendance.
The Pakistani rear admiral noted the role of the AMAN Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place alongside the exercise. He informed it will bring together naval chiefs, coast guards and defense forces from participating nations.
The forum will allow military leaders to exchange insights and discuss strategies for addressing emerging maritime challenges.
“More than just a military drill, AMAN embodies Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to fostering regional stability, ensuring safe and secure seas and countering nontraditional and asymmetric threats,” he maintained.
“Above all, it serves as a vital platform for strengthening interoperability, information sharing and mutual understanding among like-minded regional and extra-regional navies, thus reinforcing the belief that maritime security is a shared responsibility,” he added.