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Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation

Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) in Makkah Al-Mukarramah on June 6, 2025. (PID/File)
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Updated 24 June 2025
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Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation

Pakistan PM discusses Middle East crisis with Saudi Crown Prince, calls for de-escalation
  • Heightened tensions after Iranian missile attack on US base in Qatar spark fears of wider Gulf conflict
  • Sharif also holds third call with Iranian president in as many days, urges diplomacy to restore peace
Updated 24 June 2025
SAIMA SHABBIR
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the situation in the Middle East amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

The call followed Israeli and United States strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory missile attack on a US base in Qatar on Tuesday. Qatar condemned the Iranian strikes as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty, raising fears the crisis could draw in other regional powers if not defused.

During the call, Sharif said Pakistan supported immediate de-escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict and its peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

“While referring to last night’s attacks, he called for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles by all sides,” Sharif’s office said after the telephone discussion with the Saudi Crown Prince. “In this context, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Sharif also praised the Saudi crown prince’s efforts to restore calm, describing them as reflective of the kingdom’s leadership role in the Muslim world and its position as a peacemaker, according to his office.

The crown prince, for his part, appreciated Pakistan’s show of solidarity and acknowledged Islamabad’s constructive role in supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

“His Royal Highness said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was fully committed to efforts aimed at fostering lasting peace and stability in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump said Israel and Iran had agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire” to be phased in over 24 hours. However, Israel warned of possible missile launches from Iran early Tuesday, and the launches began after 4am local time in Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran would halt its attacks if Israel ended its airstrikes.

It was unclear how the latest developments would affect the planned ceasefire.

Separately on Tuesday, Sharif held a third phone call in as many days with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and again urged dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace in the region.

The crisis has left Islamabad navigating a delicate balance between ties with Iran, other Gulf partners and the United States, which remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of military and economic assistance.

“The prime minister said that Pakistan was closely following the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East,” Sharif’s office said after the call with Pezeshkian. “He reiterated Pakistan’s support for Iran at all diplomatic forums, including at the UN Security Council and the OIC [Organization of Islamic Cooperation], while calling for adherence to international law and the UN Charter principles.”

Topics: Pakistan Saudi Arabia ties Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday

Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday
Updated 5 sec ago
Reuters
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Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday

Turkish foreign, defense ministers to visit Pakistan Wednesday
  • Visit aims to deepen bilateral cooperation and boost defense industry ties, Turkish source says
  • Foreign Minister Fidan to offer support for regional peace and express solidarity with Pakistan
Updated 5 sec ago
Reuters

ANKARA: Turkiye’s foreign and defense ministers will visit Pakistan on Wednesday for talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss bilateral ties, regional issues, and defense industry cooperation, a Turkish diplomatic source said on Tuesday.

Turkiye has strong ties with Pakistan and expressed solidarity with it during its military conflict with India in May, angering India.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will express Turkiye’s desire to deepen ties in every field and offer Ankara’s support in taking steps toward regional peace, the source said.

Fidan will stress the countries “need to strengthen their cooperation in the defense industry,” the source said.

Ankara also has cordial ties with India, but after its support for Pakistan, small Indian grocery shops and major online fashion retailers boycotted Turkish products, while New Delhi also canceled Turkiye-based aviation service provider Celebi clearance over “national security” reasons.

Topics: Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan

Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture

Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture
Updated 33 min 45 sec ago
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Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture

Pakistan to deploy AI, global experts in push to modernize agriculture
  • PM orders reform plan to increase yields, exports and climate resilience
  • Sector contributes 23% to GDP but lags behind in technology and output
Updated 33 min 45 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to harness artificial intelligence and international expertise to overhaul Pakistan’s struggling agriculture sector, which employs more than a third of the national labor force but suffers from declining productivity and growing climate stress.

Pakistan’s agriculture sector, despite accounting for nearly 23 percent of GDP and employing around 37 percent of the workforce, continues to face low yields, water inefficiency, outdated farming practices and limited mechanization.

“To ensure effective use of artificial intelligence and modern technology in agriculture, benefit should be taken from the services of internationally renowned experts,” Sharif said while chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad on Monday, according to an official statement.

Pakistan’s agriculture sector faces a host of structural challenges that artificial intelligence and modern technology could help address. These include low per-acre yields due to outdated farming techniques, inefficient water use, erratic weather patterns worsened by climate change and limited access to quality seeds and real-time crop data. 

Farmers often lack timely information on pests, soil health and weather forecasts, leading to avoidable losses. AI-powered tools, such as satellite imaging, predictive analytics, and precision irrigation systems, can optimize resource use, improve forecasting, and boost productivity — critical for a sector that lags behind regional benchmarks in output and resilience.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Sharif called for a “comprehensive short- and long-term action plan” to modernize farming through advanced machinery, quality seed, crop zoning and easy loans for farmers.

The PM said revitalizing agriculture would require activating state research centers and bringing in private sector support to drive innovation.

“Modern research must be ensured in agricultural research centers through public-private partnership,” he said, directing officials to improve per-acre crop yields and promote the value-added processing of farm goods for export.

With the country among the most climate-vulnerable in the world, the prime minister also ordered the adoption of “climate-resistant seeds and modern farming methods” to protect food security. He said farmers should be supported in adapting to changing conditions, especially in flood-hit provinces like Sindh and Balochistan.

He instructed that new cotton farming zones be mapped in consultation with provincial governments, keeping in view changing rainfall and temperature patterns.

“After detailed consultation with the provincial government, comprehensive planning should be done for cotton farming in new suitable areas, especially in Sindh and Balochistan,” Sharif said.

In a move aimed at diversifying Pakistan’s energy sources, the prime minister also called for research into biofuel production using agricultural inputs.

“Research and planning should be done to include biofuels in the country’s energy mix,” he said.

Sharif directed that farmers and key stakeholders be brought into the policy process and coordination with provincial governments be strengthened for the effective rollout of reforms.

Topics: Pakistan Agriculture AI technology Arab News Pakistan

Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain

Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain
Updated 34 min 44 sec ago
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Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain

Facing price surge, Pakistan turns to sugar imports to ease consumer strain
  • Federal cabinet approves import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar through public sector 
  • Government decision is aimed at stabilizing prices, preventing market manipulation and hoarding
Updated 34 min 44 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar through the public sector to stabilize prices and prevent market manipulation, the Ministry of National Food Security announced on Tuesday, signaling an urgent intervention to cushion consumers from rising costs amid growing political and economic pressure.

The move comes at a time when sugar prices have surged to nearly Rs200 per kilogram in parts of the country, triggering public concern and drawing political heat.

In Pakistan, escalating sugar prices have historically triggered public outcry and become flashpoints for opposition criticism, with allegations of hoarding and cartelization frequently surfacing in election years or periods of economic volatility.

“All arrangements for the import have been finalized, and immediate implementation is now underway,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The decision represents a departure from previous governments’ approach, where artificial shortages were often created, placing a burden on the national exchequer through subsidies,” it continued.

Earlier, the government had allowed sugar exports, but it said in the statement the decision was taken when the domestic sugar supplies were abundant.

Faced with volatile market conditions now, it continued, the government is stepping in to stabilize prices and ensure uninterrupted availability of the essential commodity.

The ministry maintained the aim of the intervention was to strike a balance in prices and protect consumers from the effects of speculative trading and artificial scarcity.

Topics: sugar industry sugar import

Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes

Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes
Updated 08 July 2025
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Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes

Pakistan’s retailers, struggling against foreign sellers, welcome new e-commerce taxes
  • Foreign platforms shipping up to 30,000 parcels daily now face 18% sales tax under new budget
  • Courier firms tasked with tax collection, but enforcement remains a key concern for stakeholders
Updated 08 July 2025
Ismail Dilawar

KARACHI: Pakistan’s imposition of new taxes on international e-commerce giants such as Temu, Shein, and AliExpress is drawing relief from local retailers, who say the foreign firms have been operating in the country without paying taxes, thus undercutting domestic businesses.

The new measures, introduced through the federal budget passed on June 26, include an 18% sales tax on goods delivered by courier companies on behalf of foreign platforms, a 5 percent fixed income tax on digital retailers, and a reduction in the duty-free threshold for imported parcels from Rs5,000 to Rs500 ($18 to $1.80).

The tax regime took effect on July 1.

“This is a very welcome move by the government to have brought the international platforms into the tax net,” Malik Asim Dogar, secretary-general of the Chainstore Association of Pakistan (CAP), told Arab News.

The policy, he said, would ease the burden on domestic retailers, prevent inflows of “inexpensive but substandard” goods, and help Pakistan’s cash-strapped government raise tax revenue.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration has pledged to collect over Rs14 trillion ($49.3 billion) in taxes this fiscal year, partly to meet targets under a $7 billion loan program with the International Monetary Fund.

Until now, foreign e-commerce platforms had been selling directly to Pakistani consumers, often via social media, without being subject to local tax laws. Formal retail chains in Karachi such as Imtiaz, Chase Up, and Naheed — already paying up to 25% in taxes — said they had struggled to compete with tax-exempt imports offering cheaper prices.

A Temu representative did not respond to questions, while Shein and AliExpress could not be reached. Pakistani courier giant TCS also did not reply to questions about delivery volumes from foreign e-commerce sellers.

CAP estimates Pakistan’s retail sector includes about 5 million shops, generating Rs20 trillion ($70.5 billion) annually, of which only 10% comes from the tax-compliant formal sector.

Daily parcel volumes from foreign platforms have surged from around 1,000 per day in 2023 to between 20,000 and 30,000 this year — a rise of nearly 2,900%, according to internal figures from local courier companies shared by CAP.

“What we have seen is that on a daily basis, tens of thousands of shipments are coming into the country,” CAP chairman Asfandyar Farrukh said. “People order online on these platforms through social media or other websites. All these products are coming into Pakistan.”

Farrukh said the most affected segments include domestic sellers of crockery, home goods, small electronics, and casual clothing, who had reported sales declines of up to 10% in the past six months.

CAP’s Dogar said the lack of regulation previously created an “unfair playing field” for local retailers.

But Shankar Talreja, head of research at brokerage firm Topline Securities, said the new taxes would address a long-standing complaint of local retailers.

“This was an unfair advantage to the importers,” Talreja told Arab News. “Now that a certain percentage of tax is applied to the products sold by foreign vendors, the domestic sellers will get some level-playing field.”

Talreja noted Pakistan’s growing Internet penetration — with over 80% teledensity — was already fueling e-commerce, even if it still accounts for less than 1% of the overall retail market.

Retailers themselves are shifting to digital platforms, albeit reluctantly.

“Nowadays, we are seeing that most of the footfall on digital platforms and online shopping is of those who are young in age and more savvy digitally,” said Salman Bashir, CEO of Chase Up, one of Pakistan’s largest retail chains.

“We as well as the whole retail sector will have to bring this change into their companies.”

However, Bashir expressed skepticism about whether the new tax measures would be properly enforced.

“These [taxes] haven’t been implemented even if they stand passed,” he said, speaking two days after the budget became law on July 2.

Dogar and Talreja echoed his concerns, pointing to implementation hurdles in assigning tax collection duties to banks and courier companies.

Under the new rules, financial institutions are required to withhold a portion of remittances made to foreign sellers. Courier firms are also expected to collect sales tax at the point of delivery — a move some say is burdensome and unrealistic.

“The responsibility to collect these taxes has been put on courier companies, which would very much affect their business operations,” Dogar said.

Talreja warned that enforcement could falter without better coordination.

“The courier companies often do not have visibility into whether the seller is registered as a local or foreign. Couriers are logistics firms, not tax collection agents by design,” he said.

“This will increase their administrative work, hence the motivation to work in this aspect would be lower.”

Topics: Pakistan tax Temu Ali Express

Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series

Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series
Updated 08 July 2025
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Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series

Pakistan announce T20I squad for Bangladesh series
  • Three-match series to be played in Dhaka from July 20 to 24
  • Series follows Pakistan’s 3–0 home sweep over Bangladesh in May
Updated 08 July 2025
NAIMAT KHAN

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, with middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha retained as captain.

The series will be played from July 20 to 24 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and comes just two months after Bangladesh toured Pakistan in May where they were whitewashed 3–0.

The PCB said the squad for the white-ball series against the West Indies “will be announced in due course.”

“The Men’s National Selection Committee has announced the 15-member squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh. Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the side in the T20Is,” the PCB said in a statement.

The squad sees continuity in leadership under Salman Ali Agha, who was first handed the T20I captaincy earlier this year. The upcoming Dhaka series offers an opportunity for newer players like Hassan Nawaz and spinner Sufyan Moqim to gain international experience, while selectors continue testing bench strength ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

The Sher-e-Bangla stadium is known for its spin-friendly conditions, which could suit bowlers like Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz.

Pakistan last toured Bangladesh in November 2021 when they also won a T20I series 3–0.

Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is:

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, and Sufyan Moqim.

Team Management:

Naveed Akram Cheema (manager), Mike Hesson (head coach), Ashley Noffke (bowling coach), Muhammad Hanif Malik (batting coach), Shane McDermott (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Grant Luden (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Ejaz (analyst), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media manager), Irtaza Komail (security manager), Dr. Wajid Ali Rafai (doctor), and Muhammad Ehsan (masseur).

Topics: Pakistan vs Bangladesh T20 series Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Saim Ayub Mohammad Haris

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