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  • Gwadar port: security threats among hurdles to functioning – Pakistan

    Gwadar port: security threats among hurdles to functioning – Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Special Initiatives was informed that security threats and lack of connectivity are the main hurdles in the fast development and functioning of Gwadar Port.

    The committee met with Senator Quratulain Marri in the chair at the Parliament house on Friday.

    The committee discussed issues related to ports of Pakistan, status of approval of un-approved schemes in the PSDP-25-26 and Sukkur-Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-6).

    When committee Chairperson Quratulain Marri asked about proper function of Gwadar Port, responding to the question, the Planning Ministry cited persistent security threats as the primary reason for Gwadar Port’s limited progress.

    The additional secretary of Ministry of Maritime Affairs admitted that security and connectivity are main issues for development and function of Gwadar Port.

    He said that that the Chinese engineers and workers want complete security in and out of Gwadar Port. He said that we are providing VIP security to Chinese engineers and workers.

    The committee also received a joint briefing by the ministries of Planning and Maritime Affairs on port charges. It was revealed that charges at Gwadar Port exceed those of regional ports such as Jebel Ali in Dubai, and no incentives are currently provided to shipping lines.

    The Maritime Affairs Ministry proposed a phased approach to operationalise Gwadar Port, beginning with a transit trade model. Another reason was identified as the lack of private sector interest in the port.

    Officials further confirmed that port charges in Pakistan are generally higher than those in the region. It was noted that current rates at Karachi Port Trust (KPT) are lower than those in 1994. He said that wet charges comprise only five per cent of total charges. Connectivity challenges were also discussed, particularly the delay faced by trucks accessing the Super Highway from KPT, which can take up to 24 hours, significantly impacting logistics and costs.

    The committee was informed that work on an elevated Lyari Expressway is in progress to directly link the port. The KPT-Pipri railway track project was also highlighted, although it requires additional attention and funding.

    Chairperson Marri acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and recommended the construction of a dedicated and shorter route between KPT and the Super Highway to improve connectivity and reduce transport time.

    The Additional Secretary of Planning Ministry during the briefing told the committee that in June, 2025, five CDWP meeting were held in which 31 projects were considered, wherein 27 projects were approved and seven projects were recommended to Ecnec and one project was deferred. He said that CDWP approved 27 development projects of total cost of 77.78 billion and seven projects of 481.96 billion to ECNEC.

    Senator Quratulain Marri emphasised the inefficiency of executing development projects in fragmented phases, urging that projects be completed in a single execution cycle based on priority needs. She underscored the strategic significance of the N-5 and called for its immediate commencement. Expressing concern over two operational toll plazas between Matiari and Hyderabad, she directed officials to investigate the matter and submit a report.

    Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

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  • Study documents ‘first case’ of rabies transmitted by cow – Newspaper

    Study documents ‘first case’ of rabies transmitted by cow – Newspaper

    • Young farmer from Landhi was treated at Indus Hospital after his cow bit him on the hand
    • Study quotes villagers as saying the cow was bitten by a stray dog
    • Dr Naseem Salahuddin terms rabies in cattle a serious issue due to its impact on livestock and potential zoonotic transmission to humans

    KARACHI: A study published in an international journal reported the first case of cow-transmitted rabies, which affected a young farmer whose life was saved through timely medical intervention at Karachi’s Indus Hospital in 2024.

    The study — A rabid cow bites the hand that feeds it — is published in International Journal of Infectious Diseases (IJID).

    According to the study, an 18-year-old farmer was bitten on the hand and thumb by his cow while attempting to feed it. Fortunately, being aware of the risk of cow-transmitted rabies, he reported on the same day to the hospital’s Rabies Prevention and Training Center (RPTC).

    The victims’ wounds were serious, requiring administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) — a medication used to prevent rabies following exposure, in combination with a rabies vaccine. However, the medication, the study says, was “deemed unnecessary” because the farmer had been “reliably” immunised four years back when he was bitten by a dog. Hence, he received only the vaccine doses that helped him develop antibodies against the virus.

    At discharge, he was instructed to keep the cow under observation and report any changes in its behaviour. Three weeks after the bite, the farmer reported to the clinic that the cow was behaving “strangely” and died a few days later.

    “The Dow University of Health Sciences received a report of a possible rabid cow and sent out a team of workers to decapitate the cow’s head for rabies studies, whereas the rest of the body was buried deeply. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction from brain tissue was positive.

    “Villagers further verified that the cow had been bitten by a stray dog some days previously but were unable to verify if the same dog had wounded other animals or persons,” the study says.

    Rabies is an ancient viral zoonotic disease caused by the Lyssavirus, transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, typically a dog, and 100 per cent fatal without timely and appropriate post-exposure treatment.

    An estimated 60,000 people die from rabies worldwide each year but data collection in low-and-middle-income countries is lacking. Most rabies deaths occur in rural areas where victims often succumb to fatalism, resorting to alternative medicine as a final attempt at a cure, yet ultimately passing away.

    Unusual case

    According to experts, Pakistan is among the countries in Asia that are endemic to rabies; unfortunately, very few centers are equipped to provide proper post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for animal bites.

    The rabies virus potentially infects all warm-blooded mammals, with varying susceptibility among species. Livestock are affected by rabies worldwide in unknown numbers, mainly through bites from rabid dogs or carnivorous wildlife.

    “Bovine rabies is not uncommon. Previous reports from villagers have indicated cases of rabies in livestock, with documented deaths among cows, buffaloes and donkeys. But, this is the first as far as I know of a person being bitten by a rabid cow,” shared Dr Naseem Salahuddin, lead researcher and author of the study, also heading the infectious diseases department at the hospital.

    Rabies in cattle, she pointed out, was a serious concern in Pakistan due to its impact on livestock health and potential zoonotic transmission to humans.

    “This case should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to control rabies in rural areas where livestock is a crucial agricultural sub-sector for generating income. Cattle dying of rabies deprive farmers of their livelihood,” she said, adding that the cow with proven rabies, in this particular case, could have been deadly for the victim had he neglected to seek treatment or received substandard treatment.

    In Pakistan, the study says, livestock contributes 37.5 per cent of farm value and about 9.4pc of the country’s gross domestic product. For many rural households, agricultural and livestock commerce serves as their lifeline, providing security against drought. Approximately 35 million people are engaged in livestock-related activities, earning around 40 per cent of their income from this sector

    “This case report exemplifies the presence of bovine rabies in Pakistan affecting humans, which has not been reported earlier. Many cases of animal rabies may have gone undetected and warrant vigilant surveillance. Moreover, the loss of livestock to rabies must be addressed, and human and animal anti-rabies vaccines must be instituted through government support,” the study says.

    It also emphasised the need for strengthening emergency departments by training healthcare workers and equipping them with required doses for rabies immunoglobulin and vaccine.

    In 2013, 13,330 animal bite cases were reported at the Indus Hospital. Of these, 12,524 (94pc) cases involved dog bites whereas the remaining 806 cases (6pc) were attributed to bites from other domestic animals, including cats, donkeys, horses, and cows.

    Symptoms of bovine rabies include excessive salivation, altered behavior, excitability and mania, which can progress to motor paralysis and death.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • Rubio meets Wang as US-China trade tensions deepen – Newspaper

    Rubio meets Wang as US-China trade tensions deepen – Newspaper

    KUALA LUMPUR: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday he had “positive and constructive” talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as the two major powers vied to push their agendas in Asia at a time of tension over Washington’s tariff offensive.

    The top US diplomat was in Malaysia on his first Asia trip since taking office, seeking to stress the United States commitment to the region at the East Asia Summit and Asean Regional Forum, where many countries were reeling from a raft of steep US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump this week.

    Rubio had his first in-person talks with the Chinese foreign minister, coming as Beijing has warned the United States against reinstating hefty levies on its goods next month and threatened retaliation against nations that strike deals with the US to cut China out of supply chains.

    Wang has sharply criticised Washington during talks with Asian counterparts in Malaysia, calling the US tariffs “typical unilateral bullying behaviour”.

    US efforts to refocus attention on Indo-Pacific have been overshadowed by imposition of steep tariffs on most countries of the region

    But both sides described Friday’s bilateral meeting as positive and constructive. And Rubio said the odds of Trump meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping were high.

    “We’re two big, powerful countries, and there are always going to be issues that we disagree on. I think there’s some areas of potential cooperation and I thought it was a very constructive, positive meeting, and a lot of work to do,” he told reporters.

    Rubio emphasised that his sitdown with Wang was not a negotiation, but rather about establishing a constructive baseline to continue talks.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • ‘All crew Muslim’: ships look to dodge Red Sea attacks with messages – World

    ‘All crew Muslim’: ships look to dodge Red Sea attacks with messages – World

    LONDON: Commercial ships still sailing through the Red Sea are broadcasting messages about their nationality and even religion on their public tracking systems to avoid being targeted by Yemen’s Houthis after deadly attacks this week.

    The Red Sea is a critical waterway for oil and commodities but traffic has dropped sharply since Houthi attacks off Yemen’s coast began in Nov 2023 in what the Iran-aligned group said was in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza war.

    The group sank two ships this week after months of calm and its leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi reiterated there would be no passage for any company transporting goods connected to Israel.

    In recent days more ships sailing through the southern Red Sea and the narrow Bab al-Mandab strait have added messages to their AIS public tracking profiles that can be seen when clicking on a vessel.

    Messages have included referring to an all-Chinese crew and management, and flagging the presence of armed guards on board.

    “All Crew Muslim,” read one message, while others made clear the ships had no connection to Israel, according to MarineTraffic and LSEG ship-tracking AIS data.

    Maritime security sources said this was a sign of growing desperation to avoid attack by Houthi commandos or deadly drones, but they also thought it was unlikely to make any difference.

    Houthi intelligence preparation was “much deeper and forward-leaning”, one source said.

    Vessels in the broader fleets of both ships attacked and sunk by the Houthis this week had made calls to Israeli ports in the past year, shipping analysis showed.

    Maritime security sources said even though shipping companies must step up due diligence on any tangential link to Israel before sailing through the Red Sea, the risk of attack was still high.

    In March 2024, the Houthis hit the Chinese-operated tanker Huang Pu with ballistic missiles despite previously saying they would not attack Chinese vessels, the US Central Command said.

    The Houthis have also targeted vessels trading with Russia.

    “Despite declared ceasefires, areas such as the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait remain designated high-risk by underwriters,” insurance broker Aon said in a report this week.

    “Ongoing monitoring and adaptive security measures are essential for ship operators.” The insurance cost of shipping goods through the Red Sea has more than doubled since this week’s attacks, with some underwriters pausing cover for some voyages.

    The number of daily sailings through the strait, at the southern tip of the Red Sea and a gateway to the Gulf of Aden, was 35 vessels on July 10, 32 vessels on July 9, down from 43 on July 1, Lloyds List Intelligence data showed.

    That compares with a daily average of 79 sailings in October 2023, before Houthi attacks began.

    “Seafarers are the backbone of global trade, keeping countries supplied with food, fuel and medicine. They should not have to risk their lives to do their job,” the UK-based Seafarers’ Charity said this week.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • French envoy emphasises need to defend fundamental human rights – Newspaper

    French envoy emphasises need to defend fundamental human rights – Newspaper

    ISLAMABAD: French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey on Friday night highlighted the need to defend fundamental human rights, particularly the right to security, which, according to him, faced growing threats amid escalating global conflicts.

    Speaking at the French National Day celebration, the ambassador said France was working actively to prevent further deterioration of the international security environment.

    “To address these crises, France is mobilising to prevent escalation, reduce tensions, maintain dialogue and advance solutions through multilateral frameworks, beginning with the United Nations,” he said, noting that only multilateralism can deliver just and lasting peace.

    Every year, the residence of Ambassador Nicolas Galey comes alive with a grand celebration to mark the national day, with a significant gathering of guests and an elaborate spread of delicacies.

    The ambassador also underscored France’s support for Ukraine in confronting Russia.

    He highlighted that strengthening defence capabilities remained vital to preserving not only national freedom but also the liberties France has championed for over two centuries.

    Reflecting on more than three years of diplomatic engagement in Pakistan, he expressed satisfaction over the steady progress in bilateral relations.

    “Our leaders, President Macron and Prime Minister Sharif, have met frequently, including last December, when they agreed to enhance cooperation through business-to-business contacts,” he noted.

    Educational exchanges continue to flourish, with an increasing number of Pakistani students pursuing studies in France. The ambassador called for expanding collaboration into other sectors, citing Pakistan’s improved economic and financial performance in recent years, which has attracted the interest of French companies.

    “Pakistan has immense assets to play its full part in the global economy and in the transitions needed for a sustainable future,” he said.

    “Your youth, engineers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals are highly regarded internationally.”

    In his remarks, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb extended felicitations on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. He appreciated French contributions to philosophy, literature, art and political thought, and their profound imprint on global civilisation.

    He said Pakistan sought continued advocacy from France for a fair and supportive framework within the EU.

    “We also request enhanced technical and financial cooperation in alignment with Pakistan’s energy transition and climate resilience priorities. There is ample room to enhance trade and investment. Pakistan offers attractive investment opportunities in a range of sectors, including renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, livestock and infrastructure development, including minerals and mining,” the minister said.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • PTI lambasts govt for failure to control urban flooding – Newspaper

    PTI lambasts govt for failure to control urban flooding – Newspaper

    LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has lambasted the Maryam-led Punjab government for failure in rainwater drainage, and leaving people stranded in a miserable swamp despite lavish spending of billions of rupees.

    PTI Punjab spokesman Shayan Bashir on Friday stated that the torrential rains had exposed the truth behind the Sharif family’s so-called development work. He said the entire province in pictures looked like a swamp during and after the rain, revealing horrifying outcomes of Maryam Nawaz’s government’s poor planning and failure in rainwater management.

    The spokesman said people were left helpless, wading through knee-deep filthy water, while roofs leaked, walls collapsed and several houses were completely destroyed.

    “Tragically, four people lost their lives, and over 40 were injured, yet the government was nowhere to be seen.”

    Mr Bashir said claims of development worth billions of rupees existed only in advertisements while in reality, the whole of Punjab remained submerged by rainwater.

    He asked where did the billions in funds go and added that the pictures speak volumes, exposing the truth that all promises were nothing more than ad campaigns. He said Lahore, which was considered the centre of all major construction projects that Shehbaz Sharif once likened to Paris, was completely submerged.

    Foreseeing the threat of urban flooding in Lahore, Mr Bashir continued, the PTI had initiated long-term drainage solutions. Under this vision, three underground water storage tanks were constructed and plans for nine more were already in place.

    “The first tank at Lawrence Garden was completed in 2020, while the second at Alhamra (Kashmir Road) and another at Aik Moriya Pul were completed in 2022. These projects successfully helped mitigate flooding by storing rainwater and protected the city from major disasters,” he added.

    CHIEF SECRETARY: Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman held a rain review virtual meeting with all deputy commissioners, emphasising that safeguarding lives and property remains the government’s foremost responsibility.

    In view of flood warning for Mianwali, Layyah and Bhakkar districts, the chief secretary directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure prompt evacuation of residents from vulnerable riverside areas. He also instructed the authority to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of weather patterns, river flows, and dam water levels.

    Mr Zaman told the meeting that the finance department had already released the required funds to all districts for emergency and flood response measures.

    Citing data from the meteorological department, the chief secretary said the monsoon rainfall was expected to be 20 to 25 per cent above normal this season. Expressing concern over the increased risk of structural collapses during the rainy season, the chief secretary directed all districts to immediately identify and assess dilapidated buildings to prevent loss of life. He also issued instructions for improving urban traffic management during heavy rains.

    Earlier, the PDMA director general told the meeting that the rain-related incidents since June 25 had claimed 39 lives and injured 103 people across Punjab. Most fatalities occurred due to the collapse of weakened roofs and structures.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • Kurdish fighters burn weapons in Iraq to launch disarmament – Newspaper

    Kurdish fighters burn weapons in Iraq to launch disarmament – Newspaper

    SULAYMANIYAH: Thirty fighters belonging to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) burned their weapons at the mouth of a cave in northern Iraq on Friday, marking a symbolic but significant step toward ending a decades-long insurgency against Turkiye.

    Footage from the ceremony showed the fighters, half of them women, queuing to place AK-47 assault rifles, bandoliers and other guns into a large grey cauldron. Flames later engulfed the black gun shafts pointed to the sky, as Kurdish, Iraqi and Turkish officials watched nearby.

    The PKK, locked in conflict with the Turkish state and outlawed since 1984, decided in May to disband, disarm and end its separatist struggle after a public call to do so from Abdullah Ocalan, its long-imprisoned leader.

    After a series of failed peace efforts, the new initiative could pave the way for Ankara to end an insurgency that has killed over 40,000 people, burdened the economy and wrought deep social and political divisions in Turkiye and the wider region.

    In May, PKK decided to end 40 years of armed struggle against Turkiye after an appeal by its jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan

    President Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped the PKK’s dissolution would bolster Turkish security and regional stability. “May God grant us success in achieving our goals on this path we walk for the security of our country, the peace of our nation, and the establishment of lasting peace in our region,” he said on X.

    Friday’s ceremony was held at the entrance of the Jasana cave in the town of Dukan, 60 kilometres northwest of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan region of Iraq’s north.

    The fighters, in beige military fatigues, were flanked by four commanders, including senior PKK figure Bese Hozat, who read a statement in Turkish declaring the group’s decision to disarm.

    “We voluntarily destroy our weapons, in your presence, as a step of goodwill and determination,” she said, before another commander read the same statement in Kurdish.

    Helicopters hovered overhead, with Iraqi Kurdish fighters surrounding the mountainous area.

    The ceremony was attended by Turkish and Iraqi intelligence figures, officials of Iraq’s Kurdistan regional government and senior members of Turkiye’s pro-Kurdish DEM party, which also played a key role this year facilitating the PKK’s disarmament decision.

    It was unclear when further handovers would take place.

    A senior Turkish official said the arms handover marked an “irreversible turning point” in the peace process, while another government source said ensuing steps would include the legal reintegration of PKK members into society in Turkiye and efforts to heal communities and promote reconciliation.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • ‘There are no red lines anymore’: UN rights expert on US sanctions – Newspaper

    ‘There are no red lines anymore’: UN rights expert on US sanctions – Newspaper

    GENEVA: The top UN expert on Palestinian rights said on Friday that the US decision to place her under sanctions could have a “chilling effect” on people who engage with her and restrict her movements, but that she planned to continue her work.

    On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Francesca Albanese would be added to the U.S. sanctions list for her actions, which he described as prompting illegitimate prosecutions of Israelis at the International Criminal Court.

    Albanese said she now faces asset freezes and potential travel restrictions, warning that the US decision could set a “dangerous” precedent for human rights defenders worldwide.

    “There are no red lines anymore … It is scary,” she told Reuters via video link from Bosnia, where she was attending events for the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

    “It might block me from moving around. It will have a chilling effect on people normally engaging with me because for American citizens or for green card holders, this is going to be extremely problematic.

    “My plans are to continue what I’ve been doing,” she added.

    The White House was not immediately available for comment.

    The UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories is one of dozens of experts appointed by the 47-member Human Rights Council to report on specific global issues.

    Albanese, an Italian lawyer and academic, has been a vocal critic of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. She recently published a report calling on states at the UN Council to impose an arms embargo and cut off trade and financial ties with Israel, while accusing the US ally of waging a genocidal campaign in Gaza.

    The UN Human Rights office confirmed on Friday that Albanese is the first special rapporteur to be sanctioned and called for the decision to be reversed. The European Union said it “deeply regrets” the US decision. Rights defenders have also rallied to her defence.

    Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the ICC over its military assault on Gaza.

    Israel strongly denies the accusations and says its campaign amounts to self-defence after the deadly, Hamas-led attack that triggered the war in October 2023.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • Indian leadership yet to digest defeat, says Dar – Newspaper

    Indian leadership yet to digest defeat, says Dar – Newspaper

    • Warns against misuse of counterterrorism narratives to stigmatise Muslim communities
    • Sees peaceful Afghanistan in Pakistan’s interest
    • Meets Malaysian, Canadian, Australian, Cambodian and Vietnamese leaders

    ISLAMABAD/KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday the defeat inflicted by Pakistan has been difficult for the Indian political leadership to digest, Dawn.com reported.

    Deputy PM Dar is leading the Pakistan delegation at the 32nd ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Regional Forum (ARF), being held in Malaysia.

    Addressing the Pakis­tani community in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Dar said that on the military side of matters, there was no issue between Pakistan and India as the armed forces had gone back to the mutually decided positions.

    However, he said that the defeat inflicted by Pakistan has been difficult for the Indian political leadership to digest.

    The deputy premier said Pakistan gave a befitting and measured response to Indian aggression. He stated that India sought to establish hegemony in the region, but Pakistan shattered its attempt through a measured response.

    “Pakistan believes in peace and in building relationships based on equality, dignity and mutual respect,” he added.

    Temporary ceasefire

    Mr Dar said sometimes New Delhi said this was “a temporary ceasefire”.

    “Pakistan neither asked for a ceasefire, nor would it. Neither did we initiate [hostilities] nor did we aggravate matters, and then, when they asked for a ceasefire, we agreed to it after settling the score.

    “Otherwise, we woul­dn’t have received a call requ­esting for a ceasefire at 8:15am, just half an hour after our operation ended at 7:45am, where they (India) said we are ready for a ceasefire,” he said.

    Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam incident, he said, India blamed Paki­stan without evidence and refused our offer of an impartial inquiry. Instead, it launched an unprovoked attack on May 7.

    He detailed Pakistan’s response under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which targeted only military assets and demonstrated restraint and responsibility. He denounced the so-called new normal of unilateral military actions and impunity, asserting that peace must be rooted in mutual respect and international law.

    Mr Dar also condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international norms with grave humanitarian consequences.

    Criticising India’s unilateral actions and aggression in the region, the deputy premier underscored the need for a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

    Referring to the country’s comprehensive counterterrorism approach and its efforts to expose cross-border terrorism, Mr Dar warned against the misuse of counterterrorism narratives to stigmatise Muslim communities and promote Islamophobia.

    Non-traditional threats

    On the other hand, he said, there was a need for global cooperation to ensure peace, justice and climate action in the face of mounting regional and international challenges.

    He said ARF was a critical platform at a time when global fragmentation threa­tened multilateralism.

    However, he urged focus on non-traditional threats, including climate change, pandemics, cyber risks, maritime security, and disaster response.

    Reaffirming Pakistan’s backing of the One-China Policy, Mr Dar urged peaceful resolution of disputes in the Asia-Pacific, including the South China Sea, through diplomacy and mutual respect.

    Mentioning the recent high-level engagements with Afghan leaders, Mr Dar urged the interim government to ensure its soil is not used against its neighbours. “A peaceful, stable, and united Afghanistan is in our vital interest,” he added.

    He also condemned the Israeli aggression in Palestinian territories, calling for international action to halt atrocities and reaffirming Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

    Talks with Malaysian PM

    On the sidelines of the 32nd ARF ministerial meeting, Mr Dar met Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the foreign ministers of various other countries, including Canada, Australia, Russia, according to the FO.

    In his meeting with Malaysian PM Ibrahim, Mr Dar conveyed good wis­hes of Prime Min­ister Shehbaz Sharif and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with Malaysia.

    He also appreciated Malaysia’s leadership as Asean Chair for the year 2025. He also appreciated the practical steps taken by the Malaysian side for the promotion of trade and investment between the two countries, following Mr Ibrahim’s visit to Pakistan in October 2024.

    Meetings with foreign ministers

    At the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, the FO spokesperson said Mr Dar also met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

    Besides, Mr Dar met Foreign Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas, and the Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis.

    Also, on the sidelines of the 32nd ARF, the deputy premier and his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn in a meeting agreed to intensify bilateral engagement, particularly in trade and investment, to hold dialogue at all levels and promote cultural and people-to-people contacts.

    The deputy premier also invited Cambodian PM to visit Pakistan. It was decided that dates for his visit would be worked out through diplomatic channels.

    In his interaction with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, Mr Dar highlighted the untapped potential of bilateral trade and expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in building stronger commercial ties with Vietnam, one of Asia’s emerging economies. The two sides agreed to explore avenues for collaboration in sectors such as textiles, agriculture, technology, and tourism.

    Mr Dar also accepted an invitation to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time, underscoring the momentum for increased high-level engagement between Islamabad and Hanoi.

    With additional input from APP

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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  • Foreigners withdraw over $1.5bn from T-bills in FY25 – Business

    Foreigners withdraw over $1.5bn from T-bills in FY25 – Business

    KARACHI: Foreign investment outflows from treasury bills (T-bills) exceeded $1.5 billion in FY25, with June recording the highest monthly outflow, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday.

    The data show that outflows from domestic bonds were 24pc higher than inflows during the fiscal year. Total foreign inflows in T-bills stood at $1.279bn — an improvement from the previous year — yet heightened geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India increased risk perception among investors.

    June witnessed a sharp pullback, with foreign investors purchasing just $24 million in T-bills while withdrawing $113m. Market analysts attributed the cautious investor behaviour to the four-day Indian aggression in May, followed by continued hostile rhetoric from Indian media and political leaders, which fuelled fears of further escalation.

    Despite record remittance inflows of $38.3bn during FY25, analysts warn that low export growth, weak foreign direct investment (FDI), and increasing foreign capital flight from local bonds could raise concerns for policymakers.

    Adding to the investor unease is the reduced return on government papers. The SBP slashed its policy rate to 11pc — down from 22pc in June 2024 — eroding the high yields that had previously attracted foreign investment into T-bills. Bankers believe further rate cuts remain possible, given the declining inflation trend, making a rebound in T-bill yields unlikely in the near term.

    SBP’s rate cut and India-Pakistan tensions dampen investor sentiment

    Country-wise data show that the highest outflow of foreign investment in FY25 was recorded from the United Kingdom, with withdrawals totalling $924 million against an inflow of $750m. The United Arab Emirates saw the second-largest outflow, amounting to $256m, compared to an inflow of $277m.

    In the case of the United States, the outflows significantly exceeded inflows. While the inflow from the US stood at just $26m during the year, the outflow reached $186m.

    Equity market sees net outflow

    The equity market, known for its sensitivity to political and regional developments, also witnessed substantial foreign capital flight. In FY25, foreign inflows into equities stood at $460m, while outflows reached $815m — almost double. The market was visibly affected by the Indian aggression in May, which further dampened investor confidence.

    Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025

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