ISLAMABAD: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Islamabad on Monday for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The visit marks an important milestone in the longstanding diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of their bilateral relations.

A high-level delegation, including key ministers and senior officials accompany President Subianto. During his visit, he will engage in delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and meet with President Asif Ali Zardari. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, and the Chief of Defence Forces will also call on the Indonesian president.

The discussions will focus on strengthening Pakistan-Indonesia relations across a range of sectors, including trade, investment, defence, health, information technology, climate, education, and culture. Additionally, the two sides will explore new avenues for regional and global cooperation.

The visit is significant as it is President Subianto’s first trip to Pakistan, following the last Indonesian presidential visit by Joko Widodo in 2018. Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit, further solidifying the collaboration between the two nations.

Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy close, cordial, and longstanding relations, underpinned by shared values and mutual interests. This visit is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation further and pave the way for deeper ties in various fields.

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ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, has proposed the establishment of a Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) energy market, aimed at fostering closer energy ties between Pakistan and Central Asian countries.

The initiative, inspired by the European energy grid, seeks to enhance the region’s ability to fully harness its renewable and conventional energy resources.

Leghari made the proposal during a meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Minister, Ibrarv Taalaibek Omukeevich, in Islamabad. He highlighted the importance of cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of the CASA-1000 power supply project, which promises affordable electricity through seasonal availability. The project’s Pakistani segment is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.

The minister outlined a five-point framework for future energy cooperation, including joint working groups for hydropower projects, collaboration on CASA-1000, and exploring feasibility studies for a Kyrgyz-China transmission project that could involve northern Pakistan. Both sides agreed to increase high-level engagements and hold a joint expert meeting in Bishkek with participants from Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and the World Bank.

In a separate engagement, Leghari met with a Canadian delegation led by High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan. The discussions focused on investment opportunities in Pakistan’s transmission sector, with a specific emphasis on network upgrades and modern technologies. Leghari also highlighted ongoing renewable energy projects, including a solar initiative in Gilgit-Baltistan, as key investment avenues.

Both sides agreed to enhance technical cooperation and share project details to promote Canadian investment in Pakistan’s growing energy sector.

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LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved expansive reforms under the ‘Suthra Punjab’ programme during a high-level review meeting aimed at modernizing the province’s sanitation infrastructure.

The plan includes introducing electric sanitation vehicles, launching a Waste-to-Value initiative, integrating digital transparency systems, and enforcing strict penalties to curb littering. Authorities were directed to roll out the Waste-to-Value implementation plan by mid-January, with officials noting that legal action against littering will follow a 15-day monitoring period.

In a separate development, President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting that approved the Gujranwala Mass Transit Project. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif attended the session.

Nawaz Sharif termed the project a long-overdue right of the people of Gujranwala and expressed satisfaction over the Punjab government’s ongoing development initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has formed a 15-member steering committee to eradicate forced child labour across the province. Chaired by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, with former MNA Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha as Co-Chairman, the committee includes provincial ministers, departmental secretaries, Chairman PITB and DIG Police.

It will map sectors where forced child labour exists, gather data from key industries, and establish an AI- and GIS-enabled central data bank. The committee will also propose alternatives for affected children and develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. Punjab’s comprehensive measures are expected to significantly enhance its global ranking in child protection.

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ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched an extensive rehabilitation and upgradation project aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure, with work already underway on road recarpeting, lane markings, and the restoration of zebra crossings.

The project, which was outlined in a recent meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, focuses on key areas of Islamabad, including commercial zones and busy highways. Machinery Pool Organisation will begin recarpeting roads in high-traffic areas, such as Blue Area, F-6 Super Markaz, and F-7 Jinnah Super Markaz. In addition, the first phase will see the upgradation of streets in I-14 and the recarpeting of roads in the D-12 Markaz and E-12 sectors.

Restoration work on zebra crossings, particularly near hospitals, educational institutions, and major highways, has already started. The project also aims to improve safety with the installation of new streetlights, the repair of existing poles, and the installation of signage boards and speed breakers for better public guidance.

The CDA plans to address the city’s drainage and sewage systems as part of the infrastructure overhaul, covering all service manholes and improving stormwater management.

This ambitious project is expected to enhance the overall road safety and quality of life for Islamabad’s residents, ensuring smoother traffic flow and safer pedestrian crossings across key areas of the capital.

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LAHORE: The American business magazine Forbes has praised the Punjab government’s “Suthra Punjab” initiative, recognizing it as the world’s largest integrated waste management system. The report highlights that the government delivered a province-wide solution to long-standing waste challenges within just eight months.

According to Forbes, the Suthra Punjab program has transformed urban cleanliness across the province, with 50,000 tons of waste collected daily. The initiative has significantly reduced pollution levels, revitalized public spaces, and introduced regular waste collection services to millions of residents, many receiving such services for the first time.

The program has also generated over 100,000 jobs, contributing to both environmental improvement and economic uplift. Its international relevance was underscored at COP30, where it was presented as a model of “Integrated Waste and Climate Action,” offering a benchmark for other countries seeking sustainable, scalable waste management solutions.

Forbes notes that the success of Suthra Punjab is rooted in an innovative three-tier financing framework that blends public and private funding. The model includes modest user fees to promote community ownership, government seed grants for essential services such as street sweeping, and revenue streams unlocked through carbon credits and energy sales from waste-to-energy projects. All financial flows are routed through an escrow account managed by the waste authority to ensure full transparency.

Positioned as a learning opportunity for policymakers worldwide, the Suthra Punjab initiative demonstrates how coordinated financing, strategic planning, and community engagement can drive rapid environmental transformation.

Saleha Ali

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ISLAMABAD: Turkiye is set to become a major partner in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors as both countries prepare to sign multibillion-dollar agreements this week. A high-level Turkish delegation, led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday to formalise collaborations in offshore exploration and mineral development.

Officials confirmed that Pakistani companies and the Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) are poised to sign a commercial agreement for exploration activities in the Eastern Offshore Block-C. The Economic Coordination Committee has already approved the transfer of operatorship to TPOC, granting the Turkish firm a 34% working interest, while OGDC and Mari Energies will hold 26% and 20% respectively. Exploration activities are expected to begin next year.

Sources revealed that the Turkish delegation had previously visited Pakistan to solidify a mineral sector deal, also expected to be signed during this visit. The Turkish firm is seeking a mining lease within Balochistan’s expanding copper-gold belt, where the Reko Diq project is situated. With accelerated development at Reko Diq drawing renewed global interest, Turkiye’s engagement highlights growing confidence in Pakistan’s mining landscape.

Pakistan’s offshore exploration efforts have undergone several shifts in recent years. A joint venture involving Italy’s Eni, US-based ExxonMobil, OGDC, and PPL during a previous administration was unable to deliver successful results. Following PPL’s inability to initiate work on Block-C, TPOC has now been selected as the new operator, tasked with leading upcoming offshore activities.

Industry experts note that OGDC continues to expand domestic exploration using modern technologies, while Pakistani companies are increasingly extending their footprint overseas, including offshore ventures in the United Arab Emirates. Collaborations with Turkish Petroleum are expected to further elevate Pakistan’s energy-sector visibility on the global stage.

Ahead of the delegation’s arrival, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting on Monday with Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu to finalise arrangements. Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha and OGDC Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak were also present.

The Turkish ambassador noted that a leading mineral-sector company from Turkiye would be part of the delegation, reflecting Ankara’s strong interest in expanding mineral development partnerships with Pakistan. Malik added that Pakistan’s key exploration firms, OGDC, PPL, and Mari Energies, have aligned with Turkish Petroleum, creating new opportunities for joint ventures and expanding bilateral cooperation.

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States signaled fresh momentum in bilateral economic engagement on Friday as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the discussion centered on strengthening cooperation in investment, technology, and critical minerals.

Dar highlighted the increasing participation of American firms in Pakistan’s economy, pointing to the recent launch of the country’s first Google Chromebook assembly line in Haripur.

The facility, inaugurated earlier this month, was established through a collaboration involving Google, Tech Valley, the Government of Pakistan, the National Radio & Telecommunications Corporation, and Allied Corporation. Officials view the project as a significant step toward expanding Pakistan’s technology manufacturing capacity.

Interest from US companies has also grown in the mining and minerals sector. Nova Minerals, a US-based firm, recently expressed intent to pursue long-term investment opportunities, underscoring Pakistan’s substantial but underdeveloped mineral resources.

The meeting occurred shortly after Pakistan dispatched its inaugural shipment of critical minerals to the United States under a $500 million cooperation framework between US Strategic Metals (USSM) and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization (FWO). The agreement is designed to support joint development of the mineral value chain, including exploration work, processing, and the eventual establishment of refining operations within Pakistan.

The first consignment included antimony, copper concentrate, and rare earth elements such as neodymium and praseodymium, all sourced and prepared domestically. Officials say the multi-stage partnership enhances Pakistan’s prospects in the global critical minerals market and could encourage additional foreign investment.

Both delegations also exchanged perspectives on broader regional and international developments, reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue.

Saleha Ali

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expects its economy to grow by approximately 3.5% in the current financial year despite widespread destruction caused by this year’s monsoon floods, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said in an interview with Chinese media on Tuesday.

Pakistan faced yet another devastating monsoon season, which triggered massive flooding across multiple regions. More than 1,000 people and 22,000 livestock have been lost since late June, while floodwaters have destroyed crops spread over 2.2 million acres of farmland.

The scale of the disaster affected more than 4.5 million people and forced authorities to evacuate over 2.6 million residents from high-risk zones.

Despite the setbacks, Aurangzeb expressed confidence in the country’s economic trajectory. “We grew at 3% GDP last year,” he said, adding that although growth had initially been projected at over 4% for the current year, the floods have weakened the outlook. “Still, I’m quite hopeful that we can manage anything close to 3.5% during this fiscal year.”

The minister said Pakistan’s broader economy was showing signs of recovery, supported by easing inflation, strengthened foreign exchange reserves, and renewed confidence from international rating agencies.

Fitch, S&P, and Moody’s all upgraded Pakistan’s outlook earlier this year, marking the first time in nearly three years that their assessments have aligned.

Aurangzeb also highlighted progress on long-delayed privatization initiatives. He pointed to the recent sale of the First Women’s Bank to a United Arab Emirates conglomerate, describing it as a long-standing item on the government’s privatization agenda.

Pakistan International Airlines is next in line, and the minister said he is “very sanguine” that the national carrier will be privatized before the end of the year.

Emphasizing the importance of Pakistan’s partnership with China, Aurangzeb noted that economic cooperation between the two countries is entering a new phase.

After years focused on infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the relationship is now shifting toward industrialization, which he described as key to Pakistan’s long-term prosperity.

Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.

LAHORE — Lahore’s air quality declined on Tuesday as smog returned after a week, prompting updated health advisories from authorities.

Data from IQAir, a global air monitoring agency, showed the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 567, a level deemed “hazardous” and among the highest recorded globally. By Tuesday evening, multiple stations across Lahore reported severe pollution readings of 435 at the CERP Office, 428 on Ravi Road, and 358 in Model Town, leaving millions of residents struggling under a veil of toxic air.

Medical experts have warned citizens, especially children, senior citizens, and individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions, to stay indoors. Those compelled to go outside have been urged to wear N95 or KN95 masks. 

The city’s skyline remained obscured under a greyish haze, the result of vehicle emissions, industrial discharge, and crop residue burning, turning daylight into a muted orange gloom.

In response, the Punjab Police expanded their anti-smog operations, registering 26 new cases in the past day and issuing fines totaling more than Rs1 million. Cumulatively, since the beginning of the year, 2,388 cases have been filed, 2,106 individuals arrested, and over Rs230 million in fines collected for environmental violations, including the operation of smoke-emitting vehicles and unauthorized burning activities.

Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar has instructed officers to maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward those contributing to air pollution. 

Meanwhile, IQAir reported that Pakistan’s average PM2.5 level in 2024 has reached 73.7 µg/m³, nearly 15 times above the WHO-recommended limit, placing the nation as the third most polluted country in the world.

Authorities have reiterated calls for citizens to minimize outdoor exposure as Lahore endures yet another surge of toxic smog.

Saleha Ali

BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.