Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options

Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar speaks during meeting of the Steering Committee on SDGs Achievement Programme (SAP) in Islamabad, Pakistan on May 22, 2025. (GOP).
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Updated 22 May 2025
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Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options

Pakistan says open to dialogue with India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE among neutral venue options
  • Pakistan’s deputy prime minister says dialogue with India has to take place and will cover all outstanding issues
  • Ishaq Dar says ceasefire is holding between the two states, with troops moving back to pre-standoff positions

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday composite talks with India would be held at a neutral venue, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or any other mutually acceptable country, once New Delhi was ready for dialogue.

His statement followed a US-brokered ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on May 10 to halt missile, drone and artillery exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in the wake of a deadly gun attack in Indian-administered Kashmir last month that killed 26 tourists. New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the assault, though Islamabad denied involvement.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently mentioned after the ceasefire the two South Asian rivals had agreed to address a broad range of issues in a meeting at a neutral venue. However, the Indian authorities maintained any dialogue with Pakistan would be limited to the issue of “terrorism” and have not shown any interest so far in the said diplomatic engagement.

“The venue of the talks will be the place acceptable to both,” Dar said during a media briefing in Islamabad. “There are many candidates for it. It can be Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates or any other country.”

Dar maintained talks had to be held between the two countries, adding Pakistan was ready to engage whenever India was prepared.

“We are not in a hurry and will initiate dialogue when India will be ready,” he continued. “The venue will also be decided at that time.”

The deputy prime minister said the dialogue would cover all issues between the two countries.

“It will be a composite dialogue including everything,” he informed. “Terrorism will be part of it as we are ready to talk on this with all countries because we also want to eliminate the menace of terrorism as we are the biggest victim of it.”

Dar said the ceasefire was holding, though he expressed concern over “irresponsible statements” from Indian officials.

“I think the political compulsion is coming in front of them [the Indian leaders],” he said, adding the ceasefire was maintained by the armed forces of the two countries, with the director generals of military operations on both sides in regular communication with each other.

He also informed both countries were gradually restoring their forces to the pre-standoff positions.

“It won’t take months, it will be completed within the next few days,” he added.

Dar also spoke about his recent visit to China, where he attended a trilateral dialogue with China and Afghanistan, saying both countries had agreed to strengthen their diplomatic relations.

Since the Taliban takeover of Kabul, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have remained strained, marked by border tensions, security concerns and a lack of trust.

Diplomatic engagement between Kabul and Islamabad have also remained limited, with both countries maintaining ties at the chargé d’affaires level rather than through full ambassadors.

“On the request of China, both countries agreed to enhance our diplomatic relations, though it will take time to complete procedures,” he added.

The deputy prime minister reiterated Pakistan and China had agreed to extend their joint multibillion-dollar corridor project to Afghanistan, including the construction of a road from Peshawar to Kabul to improve connectivity.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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.


Pakistan warns of more rains, floods as monsoon death toll hits 105 since June

Pakistan warns of more rains, floods as monsoon death toll hits 105 since June
Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistan warns of more rains, floods as monsoon death toll hits 105 since June

Pakistan warns of more rains, floods as monsoon death toll hits 105 since June
  • Third spell of seasonal rains expected to begin July 14, meteorological department says
  • Punjab reports highest number of fatalities, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Monday heavy monsoon downpours are likely to trigger flash floods and landslides across several regions of the country this week, as the death toll from rain-related incidents since June 26 rose to 105.

The toll includes 40 deaths in Punjab, Pakistan’s most populous province, followed by 31 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 17 in Sindh, 16 in Balochistan, and one reported fatality in Azad Kashmir, according to official figures.

A total of 211 people have been injured in rain-related incidents, with Punjab again reporting the highest number (111), followed by KP (54), Sindh (7), Azad Kashmir (5), and Balochistan (4).

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned that a third spell of monsoon rains is expected to begin across the country from today, Monday, July 14.

“A low-pressure area (LPA) presently located over northwest Madhya Pradesh (India) is likely to affect Pakistan during next 24 to 72 hours,” the PMD said in its forecast.

“Under the influence of this weather system, strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate central and upper parts [of the country]. A westerly wave is also present over upper parts of the country.”

The PMD said heavy rains with wind and thunderstorms are likely in most parts of KP, Punjab, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad and northeast and southern Balochistan on Monday.

“Scattered heavy falls (at times very heavy) are likely in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Punjab, and northeastern Balochistan,” it added.

Authorities have warned of possible landslides and mudslides in hilly areas such as Murree, Galliyat, KP, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, which could result in road closures and blockades.

“Heavy downpour may cause urban flood in low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Nowshera, and Peshawar,” the PMD said. “Caution is advised for the public.”

The NDMA has called on provincial and district administrations to prepare emergency response teams, ensure the availability of rescue machinery, and clear drainage systems in urban areas. Tourists have been advised to avoid high-altitude areas during the period of heavy rainfall.

Pakistan, a country of more than 240 million people, is among the nations most vulnerable to climate change. In 2022, record monsoon rains combined with glacial melt caused catastrophic flooding that affected 33 million people and killed more than 1,700.


Pakistan to launch new business train between Lahore and Karachi

Pakistan to launch new business train between Lahore and Karachi
Updated 14 July 2025
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Pakistan to launch new business train between Lahore and Karachi

Pakistan to launch new business train between Lahore and Karachi
  • Train will feature 28 digital coaches, Wi-Fi and international-standard dining car
  • Upgrade part of broader effort to modernize railways and improve intercity travel

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Railways will launch a new state-of-the-art business train service between Lahore and Karachi from this week, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday, outlining ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s aging rail infrastructure and improve passenger experience.

Rail transport remains a critical but underfunded part of Pakistan’s public infrastructure. The Pakistan Railways network stretches over 7,700 kilometers and connects major cities, yet it has struggled for decades with outdated technology, frequent delays and safety issues due to lack of investment and mismanagement.

In recent years, successive governments have pledged to revitalize the sector. Recent initiatives have included track rehabilitation, procurement of new locomotives and the expansion of digital ticketing systems.

The new business service aims to offer passengers a significantly enhanced travel experience on the popular north-south corridor between Lahore and Karachi, two of the country’s largest cities.

“The new train will feature twenty-eight digitally equipped coaches, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an international-standard Dining Car, offering the passengers a modern and comfortable travel experience,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

The service marks a departure from older long-distance trains, which have long been criticized for overcrowding and lack of basic amenities. With onboard Internet and upgraded interiors, the new train will be geared toward business travelers and middle-class commuters looking for a more reliable and comfortable alternative to road or air travel.

Pakistan Railways did not disclose the exact launch date or fare structure but said the service would commence within the week.

“The new train service, which will run between Lahore and Karachi, aims to deliver a significantly enhanced travel experience to the passengers,” the report added.