Famous Markets in Lahore
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Famous Markets in Lahore 2026: Complete Shopping Guide

Lahore is a city built on commerce as much as culture. Every neighborhood has a market that defines it, and every market has a personality of its own. From air-conditioned fashion outlets to centuries-old open-air spice bazaars, the famous markets in Lahore capture the city better than any monument could.

Some trace their roots to the Mughal era; others grew alongside the city’s twentieth-century expansion. What ties them together is the same thing that has always defined Lahori commerce: energy, negotiation, and a genuine love of the transaction itself.

This guide walks through the ones worth knowing, whether you are shopping for bridal wear, hunting for wholesale bargains, restocking a kitchen, or simply want to feel the pulse of the city.

Quick Comparison of Famous Markets in Lahore

Market Location Known For
Liberty Market Gulberg III Clothing, shoes, jewellery
Anarkali Bazaar Mall Road Heritage shopping, fabric, handicrafts
Ichra Bazaar Ichra Affordable everyday fashion
Barkat Market Garden Town / Model Town Groceries, daily needs
Firdous Market Gulberg Bridal wear, fabric
Kareem Block Market Allama Iqbal Town Local goods, groceries
Shah Alam Market Walled City area Wholesale goods
Tollinton Market Mall Road Fresh produce
Auriga Market Main Boulevard Gulberg Budget clothing and accessories
Akbari Mandi Walled City Grains, spices, herbs
Kasera Bazaar Rang Mehal Chowk Utensils, crockery, antiques
Moti Bazaar Walled City Wholesale shoes
Sarafaa Bazaar Rang Mahal Chowk Gold and jewellery

Liberty Market: The Fashion Capital of Gulberg

Liberty Market one of famous markets in lahore

Liberty Market sits at the heart of Gulberg III, arranged in a circular layout around a central parking area that makes browsing easy. It is the city’s go-to spot for clothing, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and home dรฉcor, and it comes alive after sunset when the lights go up and street food vendors set up shop.

Liberty is anchored by Liberty Chowk, the roundabout that serves as its gateway, ringed with cafรฉs and restaurants that draw crowds long before shoppers even enter the market. Right beside it sits Liberty Mall, a covered alternative for anyone who prefers branded outlets and a food court to open-air stalls.

The circular design means shoppers can walk the full loop and see almost every shop category along the way, from designer lawn and formal wear to imported cosmetics and mobile accessories.

Weekend evenings are the busiest. If you are short on time and want a single stop that represents modern Lahori retail, Liberty is usually the answer.

Anarkali Bazaar: Lahore’s Oldest Market

famous markets in lahore

No list of famous markets in Lahore is complete without Anarkali Bazaar, one of the oldest and most storied markets in South Asia. Split into Old and New Anarkali, it stretches along Mall Road and offers everything from books and handicrafts to fabric, jewellery and street food. Its narrow lanes and centuries of trading history make it as much a heritage experience as a shopping trip.

The market takes its name from a legend tied to the Mughal court. Old Anarkali leans toward food, with some of Lahore’s most loved street food stalls tucked between shops, while New Anarkali is the stronger destination for clothing, embroidery and gift shopping.

Ichra Bazaar: Everyday Fashion for Every Budget

Ichra Bazaar, close to the historic Ichra neighborhood, is known for affordable clothing, accessories and footwear. It draws a steady crowd of students and families looking for everyday fashion without the price tag of Gulberg’s boutiques, and its stalls are a reliable source for seasonal and festive wear.

Shoppers on a budget often prefer Ichra for Eid and wedding season shopping, when the market fills with stalls selling matching sets, artificial jewelry and ready-made outfits at prices that are easy to negotiate down.

Barkat Market: A Neighborhood Favorite

Barkat Market famous markets in lahore

Barkat Market serves the Garden Town and Model Town area with a mix of grocery stores, bakeries, clothing outlets, and household goods. It is less about tourism and more about daily convenience, which is exactly why residents rely on it so consistently.

In a single visit, shoppers can pick up groceries, drop off tailoring, grab fresh bread and still have time to browse a clothing outlet before heading home.

Firdous Market: Bridal Wear and Fabric

Firdous Market famous markets in lahore

Firdous Market, tucked near Gulberg, has built a reputation around bridal wear, fabric and tailoring services. It is a popular stop for anyone planning a wedding in Lahore, with shops specializing in embellished and made-to-order outfits.

Many of the tailors and boutiques here have worked with the same families across generations, and alongside bridal specialists, the market has a strong selection of fabric shops carrying everything from everyday cotton to formal silk and chiffon.

Kareem Block Market: Allama Iqbal Town’s Local Hub

Kareem Block Market in Allama Iqbal Town is a smaller, community-focused market offering clothing, groceries, and general household items. It reflects the everyday commercial rhythm of Lahore’s residential neighborhoods, away from the bigger tourist-heavy bazaars.

It rarely appears on tourist itineraries but plays a real role in daily life for the families who live around it, with small tailoring shops, general stores, and eateries keeping the block running from morning until late evening.

Shah Alam Market: The Wholesale Powerhouse

Shah Alam Market famous markets in lahore

Shah Alam Market is where Lahore does business in bulk. Occupying the site of the old Shah Alam Gate, it has served as a commercial hub for more than a century and today holds close to ten thousand shops selling accessories, cosmetics, electronics, handicrafts, stationery and crockery. Entrepreneurs from across Pakistan travel here to stock up, and the constant hum of bargaining is part of its character.

Prices tend to drop sharply for anyone buying in bulk, which is why small retailers from across Punjab make regular trips here. The market is organized loosely by category, with entire lanes dedicated to specific goods like cosmetics or stationery.

Tollinton Market: Fresh Produce Near Mall Road

Tollinton Market famous markets in lahore

Tollinton Market, close to Mall Road, is the place for fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, and flowers. Restaurants and caterers across Lahore source their produce here, and over time some stalls have expanded into home goods and packaged food as well.

Early mornings are when Tollinton is at its best, with the freshest stock arriving before the day’s heat sets in. Its proximity to Anarkali and Mall Road makes it an easy add-on for anyone already exploring that part of the city.

Auriga Market: Trendy and Affordable

Auriga Market famous markets in lahore

Auriga Market sits near Main Boulevard Gulberg and Ferozepur Road, offering budget-friendly clothing, shoes, bags, and home goods. The market takes its name from the Auriga Centre building at its core, though many locals still call it Origa Market.

Its location makes it a natural stop for anyone already in the Gulberg area, and it has become a favorite among younger shoppers looking for current trends at a fraction of boutique prices.

Akbari Mandi: Asia’s Grain and Spice Giant

Akbari Mandi

Inside the Walled City, Akbari Mandi is one of the largest wholesale markets for grains, spices, herbs, and chemicals in Asia. Its name traces back to the Mughal era, either named for Emperor Akbar or for the sheer scale (akbari, meaning large) of its trade. Either way, it remains a working piece of Lahore’s Mughal commercial legacy.

Walking through Akbari Mandi means moving past sacks of grain stacked to head height and the scent of fresh spices carrying through the lanes. It is a working market first and a tourist attraction second, supplying shops across Lahore and beyond.

Kasera Bazaar: Utensils With a Century of History

Kasera Bazaar lahore one of the most famous markets in Lahore

Kasera Bazaar, near Rang Mehal Chowk, has been trading household utensils and crockery for close to 135 years. Around a hundred shops sell everything from steel and brass cookware to antique decoration pieces, chandeliers and vases that are hard to find anywhere else in the city. It remains a favorite stop for tourists hunting for souvenirs making it one of the most famous markets in Lahore.

Many of the shops have been run by the same families for multiple generations, and beyond everyday kitchenware, it is worth visiting simply to see the ornate serving trays and traditional metalwork that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Moti Bazaar: The Walled City’s Shoe Market

Moti Bazaar one of the most famous markets in Lahore

Moti Bazaar is the Walled City’s dedicated wholesale shoe market, with roughly 1,200 shops supplying footwear across Pakistan and beyond. Its name is believed to date back to the Mughal period, and it remains one of the largest shoe trading hubs in the country, as well as one of the most famous markets in Lahore.

Retailers from across Pakistan travel to these famous markets in Lahore to buy in bulk, and the range spans everyday footwear to elaborate embroidered shoes made for weddings and festive occasions.

Sarafaa Bazaar Gold Market: Famous Markets in Lahore

Sarafaa Bazaar one of the most famous markets in Lahore

Also called Sooha Bazaar, Sarafaa Bazaar at Rang Mahal Chowk has been the city’s center for gold and jewellery trade since well before Partition. With over 500 shops today, it covers everything from handmade traditional jewelry to modern machine-crafted designs, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary demand.

Families across Lahore still make Sarafaa Bazaar their first stop for wedding jewelry, gold investment, and custom pieces made to order, and many shoppers stay loyal to the same family-run shops their parents and grandparents used.

How to Plan a Market Route in Lahore?

Because alll the famous markets in Lahore are spread across different parts of the city, it helps to group a visit by area rather than trying to cover everything in one trip. A Gulberg-focused day could combine Liberty Market, Auriga Market and Firdous Market, all within a short drive of each other and close to Main Boulevard Gulberg.

A heritage-focused day works better around the Walled City, pairing Akbari Mandi, Kasera Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Sarafaa Bazaar with a stop at Anarkali Bazaar and Tollinton Market on the way back toward Mall Road.

Other neighborhood famous markets in Lahore like Barkat Market, Ichra Bazaar and Kareem Block Market are best visited when you are already in that part of the city, since they are built more for convenience than for a dedicated trip.

Shopping Tips for Famous Markets in Lahore

When on a shopping spree in these famous markets in Lahore, bargain where it is expected, especially at Liberty, Auriga, Shah Alam and the Walled City bazaars. A polite, unhurried negotiation almost always gets a better price than a rushed one, and shopkeepers generally respect buyers who know the value of what they are asking for.

Evenings tend to be cooler and busier, so plan visits after five for the best atmosphere, particularly at Liberty Market and Anarkali Bazaar where the crowds and lighting are part of the experience.

Wholesale famous markets in Lahore like Shah Alam, Akbari Mandi and Moti Bazaar are the opposite, and are best visited earlier in the day before the lanes get too crowded to move through comfortably.

Cash is still king in most of these markets, so carry enough on hand, especially in the Walled City where card payments are far less common. And if you are heading toward Shah Alam or the Walled City, leave early since traffic and crowding build up fast, and parking close to the entrance can be difficult later in the day.

Why These Famous Marketsย in LahoreMatter?

Each of these famous markets in Lahore tells a different part of the city’s story. Liberty and Auriga represent its modern, fast-moving retail culture. Anarkali, Akbari Mandi, Kasera Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Sarafaa Bazaar carry centuries of trading history within the Walled City.

Ichra, Barkat Market, Firdous Market and Kareem Block Market keep the city’s neighborhoods running day to day. Together, famous markets in Lahore make the city one of the most dynamic retail landscapes in Pakistan, and one that continues to grow even as the city expands well beyond its old boundaries.

What sets Lahore apart from many other shopping cities is how little separation there is between commerce and community. A visit to Sarafaa Bazaar is also a walk through generations of family businesses, and a trip to Akbari Mandi means watching a working supply chain in real time.

That blend of transaction and tradition is what keeps both locals and visitors coming back to these markets year after year.

Citadel Prime: A New Landmark on Main Boulevard Gulberg

Just as Gulberg has long been home to Lahore’s favorite markets, it is now home to the city’s next major mixed-use address. Citadel Prime, developed by Chakor on CBD at Main Boulevard Gulberg, brings together premium corporate offices and branded apartments in one of Lahore’s most connected locations, minutes from Liberty Market and Auriga Market. Positioned within the same commercial energy that has made Gulberg synonymous with prime real estate, Citadel Prime offers a rare opportunity to live, work, and invest at the center of it all. Learn more about Citadel Prime.

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President Zardari Pushes for China Ties in Construction Machinery and Engineering

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger industrial cooperation with China, with special attention to construction machinery, engineering and technology transfer.

During his visit to Hunan province, President Zardari toured SANY Heavy Industry, a major Chinese manufacturer of heavy construction machinery. He was briefed on the companyโ€™s advanced manufacturing systems, production capacity, research work and use of digital technology.

The visit focused on possible cooperation between Pakistan and China in engineering, construction machinery, investment and technology transfer. These areas are important for Pakistanโ€™s infrastructure development, where modern machinery and better technical skills can help improve project quality and efficiency.

The demand for better construction methods is also visible in Pakistanโ€™s urban property market, especially in Islamabadโ€™s Blue Area, where projects such as Citadel 7 and Citadel One3 reflect the move towards vertical, mixed-use and technology-driven real estate development.

President Zardari stressed the need to promote industrial technology, skills development and joint ventures. He said such partnerships could support Pakistanโ€™s infrastructure and industrial growth. He also pointed to possible cooperation in construction machinery, digital manufacturing, renewable energy and engineering.

SANY Group Chairman Tang Xiuguo expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in manufacturing, technology exchange and capacity building.

For Pakistanโ€™s construction sector, closer cooperation with Chinese companies could improve access to modern equipment and technical knowledge. It may also help build local capacity through joint ventures and skills training.

The visit also fits into wider Pakistan-China cooperation, including industrial development and CPEC 2.0, which Hunan officials said they would continue to support.

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Pakistan Signs Key Infrastructure Deal with Asian Development Bank for M6 Motorway

ISLAMABAD: The National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed an agreement to build two sections of the M6 Motorway, connecting Hyderabad to Sukkur in Sindh province.

The agreement was signed by senior officials from both organizations. Under the deal, ADB will provide advisory support including feasibility studies and assistance in structuring a viable Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The bank will also support the procurement process to attract private sector investment.

The project involves a 120-kilometre, six-lane road linking Hyderabad to Sukkur. It will serve as the final missing segment in the Karachiโ€“Peshawar motorway corridor.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the signing, calling it a major milestone for the country’s infrastructure development. He noted that a project stalled for over 30 years was now moving ahead within just two years. The minister credited focused government effort and multilateral engagement for the breakthrough.

Khan stressed that the M6 is the missing link in Pakistan’s north-south road network. Once completed, it will allow traffic to move uninterrupted from Karachi Port to Peshawar and Gilgit. This, he said, will significantly improve trade logistics and passenger connectivity across the country.

The full project stretches 306 kilometres and will be six lanes wide. It will include 15 interchanges and 10 service areas for travelers and commercial transporters. Modern tolling and safety systems will also be installed along the route. Construction is scheduled to begin in May under the PPP model, with financing already secured from the Islamic Development Bank and the OPEC Fund.

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Pakistan Opens Iran Transit Route for Central Asia Exports

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dispatched its first commercial export consignment to Uzbekistan through a newly activated land route via Iran. The shipment, consisting of refrigerated trucks carrying frozen beef, departed from Karachi and crossed into Iran at the Gabd-Rimdan border point.

The transit is being conducted under the TIR convention, an international customs framework that allows goods to move across borders with minimal regulatory delay. The consignment is currently en route to Tashkent.

The route bypasses Afghanistan, offering Pakistan a more reliable alternative for accessing landlocked Central Asian markets. The Gabd-Rimdan crossing sits near Gwadar, effectively connecting the deep-sea port to regional trade networks.

Officials view the development as part of Pakistan’s broader push to expand its export footprint under the CPEC framework. Central Asia represents a combined market of over 70 million consumers.

The inaugural shipment is expected to strengthen trade ties between Islamabad, Tehran, and Tashkent, while boosting the commercial role of both Karachi and Gwadar ports.

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PSX Plunges 4,800 Points as US-Iran Talks Collapse in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index dropped sharply on Monday morning following the breakdown of US-Iran peace talks held in Islamabad. At 9:34 AM, the index stood at 162,396.21, down 4,795.16 points or 2.87% from the previous close.

Selling pressure was broad-based, affecting key sectors including automobiles, cement, commercial banking, oil and gas exploration, power generation, and refining. Notable index-heavy stocks trading in the red included ARL, HUBCO, MARI, OGDC, POL, PPL, PSO, SSGC, SNGPL, and WAFI.

The market decline followed US Vice President JD Vance’s announcement on Sunday that the American negotiating team was departing Pakistan after 21 hours of talks failed to produce a deal. Vance stated Iran had declined to accept American terms, which included a commitment not to develop nuclear weapons.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf acknowledged no agreement was expected from a single round of negotiations, citing an ongoing trust deficit between the two sides.

The outcome reversed gains recorded during the previous week, when the KSE-100 had risen 1,673.87 points or 1.01%, buoyed by investor optimism over the then-ongoing diplomatic process.

Global markets also reacted negatively. Brent crude futures surged approximately 8% to $103 per barrel, while S&P 500 futures fell around 1%. The euro slipped roughly 0.5% against the dollar. Asian markets declined modestly, with Japan’s Nikkei down 0.4%, South Korea’s KOSPI falling 1.4%, and Australia’s ASX 200 slipping 0.6%.

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Pakistan Emerges as Key Mediator in the USโ€“Iran Peace Talks | All Eyes on Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, April 10, 2026 โ€”Pakistan stands at the centre of one of the most consequential diplomatic efforts in decades as Islamabad prepares to host the US Iran peace talks, positioning the country as the primary intermediary in efforts to stabilise a conflict that disrupts global energy supplies and threatens wider regional escalation. The emerging framework, increasingly referred to by diplomats as the Islamabad Accord, follows a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire after weeks of intensive shuttle diplomacy.

The US Iran talks come after the US-Iran ceasefire announced on April 7โ€“8, which emerged following sustained diplomatic engagement led by Pakistanโ€™s civilian and military leadership. Islamabad facilitates backchannel communication, relays proposals, hosts regional meetings and coordinates with partners including China and Saudi Arabia. The agreement pauses hostilities shortly before a U.S. escalation deadline, underscoring the urgency surrounding the diplomatic push.

Analysts describe the development as a major diplomatic breakthrough. South Asia expert Michael Kugelman calls the mediation โ€œone of Pakistanโ€™s biggest diplomatic wins in years,โ€ according to a France 24 report.

Conflict Triggered Global Energy Shock After Strait of Hormuz Closure

strait of hormuz

The crisis begins on February 28, 2026, when coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes target Iranโ€™s leadership and military infrastructure. Iran responds with missile and drone attacks and moves to close the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly 20 percent of global oil supply flows.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz immediately disrupts global markets. The International Energy Agency warns the situation represents โ€œthe largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market,โ€ according to the IEA Oil Market Report cited in the document.

According to IEA data referenced in the report:

  • About 20 million barrels per day of oil are disrupted
  • Brent crude rises close to $120 per barrel
  • Analysts warn prices could reach $200 per barrel, according to Bloomberg
  • Global LNG supply drops around 20 percent
  • Gulf food imports fall by roughly 70 percent
  • Global GDP risk reaches โˆ’1.3 percentage points, according to Dallas Fed research

These figures illustrate the global stakes surrounding the US Iran peace talks and the urgency behind the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire.

Jet fuel prices double while U.S. gasoline prices rise about 30 percent, according to reporting cited from Time and industry data referenced in the report.

Pakistan Emerges as Only Credible Mediator

Pakistan mediates the US Iran crisis largely because of its unique diplomatic positioning. Islamabad maintains relations simultaneously with Washington, Tehran, Riyadh and Beijing, a rare diplomatic victory.

Pakistan shares a 900-kilometre border with Iran, maintains defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia and retains longstanding ties with the United States. It is also widely regarded as Chinaโ€™s closest regional partner, according to analysis cited from Al-Monitor.

Pakistan also has significant domestic and economic stakes:

  • Over 20 million Shia Muslims
  • Approximately 5 million workers in Gulf states
  • Annual remittances of $38.3 billion
  • Heavy reliance on energy imports through the Strait of Hormuz

Pakistan also emphasises neutrality. Officials condemn attacks by all sides and rule out military participation against Iran, strengthening Islamabadโ€™s credibility as mediator, according to reporting cited from Al Jazeera.

Six Weeks of Shuttle Diplomacy Leads to Islamabad Accord

Pakistan launches diplomatic outreach immediately after the conflict begins.

On March 3, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar tells Pakistanโ€™s Senate Islamabad is ready to facilitate US Iran talks, according to Al Jazeera.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets Saudi leadership in Jeddah on March 12, expressing solidarity while reassuring Iran. The move helps prevent further escalation, according to reporting referenced from CNN.

Regional foreign ministers meet in Riyadh on March 19 and again in Islamabad on March 29, aligning diplomatic positions for the US Iran peace talks.

Pakistan relays a 15-point U.S. ceasefire proposal to Tehran on March 25. Iran rejects the proposal but submits its own conditions, keeping negotiations alive.

On March 31, Pakistan and China announced a joint five-point peace initiative calling for cessation of hostilities and restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing momentum toward the Islamabad Accord.

Further negotiations follow. Pakistan presents a two-phase ceasefire framework in early April. The exchange culminates in the US-Iran ceasefire announced April 7โ€“8, according to reporting from CNN, Al Jazeera and France 24.

Historic Significance of US Iran Peace Talks

US Iran peace talks

Analysts describe the US Iran peace talks in Islamabad as unprecedented. The mediation marks the first time Pakistan brokers a ceasefire between adversaries during active escalation, according to expert assessments cited from Al Jazeera.

The engagement also represents the highest-level US Iran talks since 1979, according to Time.

Economic Stakes Linked to Ceasefire

The US-Iran ceasefire and potential Islamabad Accord carry major economic implications.

A diplomatic breakthrough could revive the Iranโ€“Pakistan gas pipeline. The project:

  • Length: 2,775 km
  • Gas flow: 21.5 million mยณ/day
  • Power generation: 4,000 MW
  • Savings: $2.3 billion annually
  • Penalty risk avoided: $18 billion

These figures come from IPRI Pakistan research cited in the report.

The conflict also threatens remittances from Gulf-based Pakistani workers. About five million workers send home $38.3 billion annually, according to Time.

Global Reaction to Pakistan Mediates Ceasefire

International leaders welcome the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire.The United Nations calls for compliance with terms. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomes de-escalation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls the deal a โ€œmoment of relief.โ€

These reactions are cited from international coverage referenced in the report, including Reuters and Al Jazeera.

China says it works actively to help bring about the US-Iran ceasefire, while Iran confirms acceptance of the agreement.

Islamabad at the Centre of Global Diplomacy

Islamabad accord

Pakistan mediates the crisis at a moment when global markets remain sensitive to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and regional escalation risks. The Pakistan-brokered ceasefire pauses what analysts describe as the largest oil disruption in modern history and positions Islamabad as a central diplomatic actor.

The US Iran peace talks, expected to shape the emerging Islamabad Accord 2026, now place Pakistan at the centre of global diplomacy; with energy security, regional stability and geopolitical alignment all hinging on the outcome.

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Pakistanโ€™s OPF launches global outreach drive, seeks mandatory diaspora enrolment

ISLAMABAD: Over 12 million Pakistanis live and work outside the country. Until now, the government had no formal system to register, track, or serve them. The OPF is moving to change that, and its chairman is personally carrying that message to every major diaspora hub.”

Every year, Pakistanis living abroad send billions of dollars back home. Last year, that figure hit a record $38.3 billion. Yet, despite that contribution, the government had no formal, structured relationship with these citizens. That is now changing, and changing fast.

OPF Chairman Syed Qamar Raza Shah is currently on an international tour spanning Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the UAE. At each stop, he has been sitting with Pakistani community members, listening to their concerns, and making commitments on the spot. The tour is not just a goodwill exercise. It is laying the ground for the most significant changes to the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation in its 45-year history.

In Japan, community leader Haji Syed Saleem Shah described the visit as a turning point. Pakistanis there raised long-standing problems, including jobs, education, legal disputes, and property matters back home. For many, it was the first time such issues were heard at a senior government level. The OPF Chairman gave direct instructions for urgent cases to be resolved immediately.

“This visit has given new hope to the Pakistani community in Japan. For the first time, their issues were seriously heard at such a high level.”
โ€” Haji Syed Saleem Shah, Chairman, Ahl-e-Bait Foundation Japan

The same pattern repeated in the UAE. There, the OPF Chairman went a step further โ€” announcing a formal proposal to make OPF membership compulsory for all overseas Pakistanis worldwide. Under the proposal, every Pakistani abroad would be required to register with the foundation and pay a one-time fee of Rs10,000 (around $35). The proposal now awaits approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

To go alongside the obligation, OPF has launched the Overseas Pakistanis Education Fund (OPEF), a scholarship program for children and spouses of overseas Pakistanis studying in Pakistani universities and colleges. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2026.

Two moves together tell the full story: the government wants to register its diaspora, fund its operations through their fees, and in return, invest in their families back home.

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PSX Gains 12,362 Points as Pakistan Secures USโ€“Iran Ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded one of its sharpest single-day gains on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index rising 12,362 points, or 8.15%, to close at 164,035.83. The surge was triggered by news that Pakistan had mediated a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, pausing an escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

Trading was briefly halted following the rapid climb and resumed at 10:42 AM. The previous session had closed at 151,673.45 points.

The ceasefire was agreed upon less than two hours before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Tehran would halt counter-attacks and ensure safe passage through the waterway, conditional on the cessation of attacks against Iran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that he has invited the leadership of both nations to Islamabad on April 10 for further negotiations aimed at reaching a conclusive agreement.

The diplomatic development was accompanied by a sharp decline in international oil prices, which fell approximately 15%. Analysts noted that lower energy costs ease fears of imported inflation and reduce pressure on Pakistan’s external accounts.

Maaz Mulla of Topline Securities described the session as a broad-based rally driven by two simultaneous tailwinds: diplomatic de-escalation and softer energy prices. He noted that with Islamabad set to host peace talks on April 10, investors moved quickly to price in reduced geopolitical risk.

Prior to Wednesday’s session, the KSE-100 had corrected by 20% to 22%, largely due to regional tensions and global macroeconomic uncertainty. Wednesday’s gains represent a significant reversal of that decline, though analysts caution that the rally’s sustainability will depend on the outcome of the April 10 talks.

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Finance minister, US envoy review economic reforms and investment prospects

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with United States Chargรฉ d’Affaires to Pakistan, Natalie Baker, on Thursday to discuss bilateral economic ties, trade, and investment.

The meeting, held at the Finance Division in Islamabad, covered the state of Pakistan-US relations, current economic developments, and ways to expand cooperation in key sectors, including energy, mining, technology, and logistics.

Baker highlighted a recent symposium held in Washington by the Pakistan Caucus in the US Congress, which brought together policymakers, diaspora representatives, and business leaders to explore areas of future cooperation. She described the overall direction of bilateral engagement as positive.

Aurangzeb briefed the US delegation on steps taken by the Pakistani government to address challenges in the energy sector, including procurement, pricing, and targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups such as small farmers and public transport users. He also pointed to the effects of rising global oil prices on Pakistan’s import costs, inflation, and broader economic stability.

The two sides discussed Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with international financial institutions, including progress under its current International Monetary Fund programme. Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline while noting the need for flexibility in light of global and regional developments.

Baker expressed US support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and interest in expanding investment across multiple sectors. Both sides discussed participation in upcoming forums, including the Select USA Investment Summit, and explored collaboration on infrastructure, digital connectivity, and regional trade.

The finance minister stressed Pakistan’s focus on structural reforms, export-led growth, and creating a more business-friendly environment to attract foreign direct investment.

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Malaysian Cargo Arrival Highlights Gwadarโ€™s Growing Role in Global Trade

GWADAR: Gwadar Port has received a cargo shipment of 14,629 metric tons from Malaysia, port authorities confirmed on Monday. The shipment was successfully unloaded at the port, which is located along the Arabian Sea coast in Balochistan, Pakistan.

Port officials stated that the arrival of this shipment indicates that more international trading partners are choosing Gwadar as a preferred entry point for goods into the region. The port has seen a steady rise in incoming vessels over recent months, with shipments arriving from multiple countries.

This increase in activity is partly linked to changes in global shipping. Ongoing tensions in the Gulf region have prompted many shipping companies to seek safer, more reliable routes. Gwadar, due to its location near key trade lanes, has become a practical choice for several carriers.

Pakistan’s ports as a whole have recorded stronger numbers in early 2026. Karachi Port handled over 11,000 cargo containers in March 2026, a figure that exceeds the entire volume processed throughout 2025. Gwadar is also seeing more vessels arriving compared to previous periods.

Authorities noted that Gwadar Port offers storage benefits and modern handling facilities, which continue to attract foreign shipping interest. Experts have called on the government to keep improving port services and keep costs competitive so that this growth can be maintained over the long term.

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