ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a discussion urged Pakistan to understand the nature of the relationship of the Taliban-led administration in Kabul with all Afghanistan-based militant groups before talking to it on the issue of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

They said that Pakistan’s better know-how of emerging trends in Afghanistan and the militant landscape of the neighbouring country can help the former in resolving its own problem of terrorism effectively.

Academics, former diplomats, journalists, policy analysts and representatives of civil society expressed these views at the launching ceremony of the research report “Pakistan's Evolving Militant Landscape: State Responses and Policy Options.”

The study conducted by a Islamabad-based think tank, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), provides an updated assessment of the militant and security landscapes of Pakistan’s different regions, considering the influences of both domestic factors and the situation in Afghanistan.

Former foreign secretary Inamul Haque, speaking on the occasion as a chief guest, said Pakistan should learn to treat Afghanistan as an independent country. “Perhaps, resentment within Afghan ranks increased because they thought that Pakistanis were trying to dictate to them how they should behave,” he said.

Inam underlined that a certain view was wrong that Pakistan should have hegemony over Afghanistan. Pakistan helped the Taliban for its own interests because “we had been trying to protect ourselves, our objectives and our own society, not necessarily the Taliban,” he added.

Senior journalist Ziaur Rehman viewed that Pakistan as a state had a poor understanding of emerging trends in Afghanistan and its militant landscape – a situation that is playing a major role in the former’s ongoing conflict. “We will have to understand the priorities of Taliban leadership before engaging them to get our terrorism problem resolved,” he said.

Zia said Islamabad would have to understand the nature of ties of the Taliban regime with all Afghanistan-based militant groups including the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the TTP. He said the Taliban viewed that these strong groups could join its rival Daesh if they took action against them on the desire of Pakistan and China, creating a new turmoil for the state of Afghanistan.

Chairperson of the Defence and Strategic Studies Department at the Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Dr Shabana Fayyaz questioned why Pakistan could not have an “innovative, complex and sustainable” strategy on counterterrorism (CT) when it had a multifaceted militant landscape. She said that female radicalisation was a big problem of Pakistan and talked about female seminaries operating in the country, urging the need to engage them for de-radicalisation.

QAU’s Associate Professor Dr Salma Malik said it was a major trend that Pakistan assessed its threat perception or primary threat of militancy through the lens of Afghanistan and the Taliban. “Is there any effort by the western border or India to impact our eastern militancy landscape?” she questioned. She urged the government to ensure rule of law and governance to become a “credible actor in the eyes of the Taliban.”

Expert on Afghan affairs Tahir Khan said that no one knew who was calling the shots in Pakistan as far as Afghan policy was concerned. “Secondly, we don’t care for the sensitivities of the neighbouring country,” he said and talked about Pakistan’s “abrupt” decision to repatriate illegal Afghan refugees.

International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) President Muhammad Israr Madani said Pakistan neither had the capacity to handle TTP militants nor any de-radicalisation programme to bring them into the mainstream. “Negotiations with the (banned) TTP is the only way forward,” he said, adding that engaging local communities on both sides of the border for CT operations and negotiations would be very helpful for the government.

Pakistan Council on China Director Dr Fazalur Rahman stressed the need for “a comprehensive, an interconnected, and wholesome approach” to tackle the problem of extremism and terrorism in Pakistan. He said that the biggest flaw in the country’s CT strategy was prevailing mistrust among different law enforcement and intelligence agencies as they did not share data with one another.

At the outset, research analyst Safdar Sial unveiled the key findings of the study.

Director PIPS Muhammad Amir Rana in his welcome remarks said that the institute had been working on the report and the whole initiative – including quarterly consultations, media monitoring and field research – for the last three years.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Friday said that the India-Iran deal on Chahbahar Port is an agreement between the two countries and Pakistan does not make comments on relationships between two other countries.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was responding to media queries during her weekly news briefing about the recent agreement between India and Iran which will allow the former to develop the strategic Chahbahar Port for 10 years and the US threats of sanctions against the move.

“Pakistan does not have any comment on any agreement between Iran and any other country, since it pertains to relations between that two countries,” she said.

India to sign 10-year pact with Iran for Chabahar port management

She added that Pakistan has a solid brotherly relationship with Iran and during the recent visit by President Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan, several substantive agreements and understandings were reached. This included the decision by the two sides to further enhance collaboration in connectivity including the “sister-port” relationship between Gwadar and Chahbahar.

“Pakistan will continue to work with its neighbour, Iran, to enhance further coordination and understating with regard to connectivity,” she added.

She also declined to comment on the US threats of sanctions on the Indian move to operate Iranian Chahbahar port, saying that she does not have any comment to make, “as it does not pertain to Pakistan.”

When her comments were sought on the ongoing clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Kurram district, she said that Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan and urges the Afghan authorities to take action against the terror groups that threaten Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.

She added that Pakistan has always stated that it will defend itself against any threat to its sovereignty and security, including from the terror groups that threaten Pakistan’s security.

To another question about the Afghan security forces’ continued shelling on the bordering areas and clashes with security forces, she said that Pakistan stands ready to defend itself against any threat to its security. “Our Armed forces and security forces are ready to defend our territory and the people of Pakistan from any threat that endangers our security,” she said.

She added that Pakistan has conveyed its deepest concerns to the Afghan side about the situation and urged the Afghan authorities to ensure that the soil of Afghanistan is not used to threaten Pakistan’s security and that it should take effective action against the terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistani public and security forces.

To another query, she said that Pakistan has no plan whatsoever to hold dialogue with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or any terrorist groups that continue to threaten Pakistan’s security and are involved in the killing of Pakistani civilians and security forces personnel.

She; however, maintained that the people of Afghanistan are “our brothers and we would like to continue to working with them for peace, security and development of Afghanistan in consultation with the Afghan authorities.”

Responding to another question, she said that Pakistan’s policy on Taiwan is consistent, clear and principled, adding that Pakistan adheres to “One China” policy and it considers Taiwan as an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. “We call for non-interference in the domestic affairs of all countries as per principles and objectives enshrined in the UN Charter,” she said.

To another query, she said that Pakistan is committed to providing security to Chinese nationals who are working on various projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The spokesperson informed the media that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Kazakhstan from May 20-21, at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart, to attend the regular meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Astana.

She said that Dar will also hold meetings with counterparts and other participating leaders.

Besides, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is scheduled to visit Pakistan from May 19-20. She said that during the visit, the Turkish foreign minister will meet the foreign minister, prime minister, National Assembly speaker and Senate chairman.

She further stated that Secretary General of SAARC Golam Sarwar is due to visit Pakistan on May 20-24 on a maiden and introductory visit to all member states. While in Islamabad, she said that Sarwar will meet senior leadership and interact with the intelligentsia, besides visiting the offices of SAARC bodies in Islamabad.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have expressed their commitment to further enhance coordination on multilateral fora on matters relating to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The sixth round of the Pakistan-United Kingdom Dialogue on Arms Control and Non-Proliferation was held here on May 15, 2024, the Foreign Office said on Thursday.

Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control and Disarmament), Ambassador Mohammad Kamran Akhtar, and Director, Defence and International Security at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), United Kingdom, Ambassador Stephen Lillie, led their respective delegations.

It added that a broad spectrum of topics relating to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation came under discussion during the dialogue.

Both sides also shared their perspectives on issues concerning global and regional security, new and emerging technologies, including the military use of artificial intelligence and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

It further stated that the discussions encompassed matters pertaining to the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

“The dialogue was held in a cordial environment and both countries expressed their commitment to further enhance coordination on multilateral fora on matters relating to arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation,” it added.

While reiterating the need to ensure continuity in the conduct of the dialogue, the two sides agreed to hold the 7th round of Consultations next year in London on a mutually agreed date.

“The dialogue is a regular feature of Pakistan-UK bilateral interactions and provides an opportunity to both countries to take stock of global arms control and disarmament landscape and to exchange views on regional and global security situation,” it further stated.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have agreed to deepen and substantiate Beijing’s eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and forge an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by jointly building a growth corridor, as the two sides reaffirmed to upgrade strategic cooperation to break new ground and set new goals in their “All-weather” Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

This was agreed in the Fifth Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by foreign ministers of the two countries in Beijing on May 15, 2024.

According to a joint statement issued simultaneously in Islamabad and Beijing on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited China from May 13 to May 16, 2024, at the invitation of a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

China ready to work on ‘upgraded’ economic corridor with Pakistan, minister says

During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on the entire range of bilateral relations and cooperation, including in strategic, economic, political, defence and security, trade, investment and commerce, and cultural and people-to-people domains. International and regional issues of shared interest were also discussed and the two sides reached consensus to collectively take measures to safeguard their common interest, promote the socio-economic development of peoples of the two countries, and work together to promote peace, development and prosperity of the region.

“The two sides will work together to deepen and substantiate China’s eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and forge an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by jointly building a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, by aligning them with Pakistan’s development framework and priorities,” according to the joint statement.

It was also agreed to accelerate progress on major connectivity projects including upgradation of ML-1, the Gwadar Port, realignment of Karakoram Highway Phase II, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industrial parks, mining, information technology and other fields according to local conditions, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.

“The two sides believe that the Khunjerab Pass plays an important role in promoting bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges, and agreed to speed up efforts to make sure that the Khunjerab Pass can function all year round,” it added.

The two sides discussed ongoing energy cooperation and agreed to further enhance it. It was agreed to further strengthen financial and banking cooperation, including through support to each other at regional and international forums. “The Pakistani side appreciated China for providing support for its fiscal and financial sectors and assistance in the face of floods and other natural disasters,” it added.

Both sides also expressed satisfaction at their expanding space cooperation and agreed to further build on it for a peaceful and mutually beneficial exploration of space.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

KARACHI: Although Pakistan continues to grapple with its energy challenges, the nation has been actively incorporating renewable energy into its energy strategy.

To delve deeper into this critical topic, Nutshell Group hosted the most recent iteration of their webinar series, ‘The Future of Energy’ in collaboration with K-Electric, titled The Trajectory of Renewable Energy in Pakistan.

K-Electric's commitment to renewable energy and its advocacy for renewables in Pakistan have been longstanding. As the largest power distribution firm in Pakistan's major metropolis, K-Electric has consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to energy transition.

As emphasized by the CEO, investing in sustainability is not merely a cost but a strategic investment with significant returns. By embracing renewable energy, K-Electric actively tackles environmental concerns as well as bolstering energy security and making power more affordable.

This webinar which was moderated by Ali Khizar, economist and business analyst, Head of Research at Business Recorder showcased a panel of esteemed speakers provided invaluable insights into the current and future landscape of Pakistan's renewable energy sector.

Among the experts were Afia Salam, environmentalist, senior journalist, and media consultant; Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, CEO of K-Electric; Prof Dr Fiaz Chaudhry, Professor and Director of LUMS Energy Institute, Program Director of Power Sector Centre of Excellence, and CEO of Engineers Guild (Pvt) Ltd; and Dr Khalid Waleed, Head of Energy and Climate at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Moonis Alvi emphasised the importance of investments in renewable energy and grid infrastructure: "By 2030, K-Electric plans to boost renewable energy share up to 30% and reduce reliance on imported fuel.

The company will include 640 megawatts of affordable renewable electricity to its system in the next two years through solar and wind energy projects, which will lead to a notable decrease in the cost of generation. This will, in turn, support the government in balancing the sustainable induction of energy with its long-term affordability.”

Moonis impressed upon the importance of integrating renewable energy plans within a broader framework, highlighting the need for regulatory approval. He noted that the addition of new power sources to Pakistan's energy mix is now determined through competitive bidding processes.

Afia Salam highlighted the critical role of integration as the overarching solution to address the diverse challenges confronting Pakistan's power industry. She acknowledged the importance of achieving alignment and cooperation among all stakeholders to salvage the sector, emphasizing that unified efforts and shared objectives are essential to fostering a sustainable and resilient power industry in Pakistan.

Additionally, she highlighted the imperative of optimising resource utilisation and minimising waste. She noted that the power industry transcends mere energy generation, recognizing that true conservation warrants a holistic approach.

Salam questioned the proliferation of concrete structures nationwide, citing the significant carbon emissions associated with concrete use and the heightened energy consumption required for its temperature control. She advocated for the adoption of indigenous building methods, critiquing the reckless and brazen outlook that perpetuates presently rampant unsustainable construction practices.

She stressed the importance of advancing technology in the sector to reduce reliance on outdated and environmentally damaging methods.

She emphasised the need for sensible and forward-thinking approaches to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for Pakistan's power industry – a sentiment mirrored by Prof. Dr Fiaz stated: "The inadequate construction of our homes significantly contributes to the challenges faced by the power industry. It is imperative that homes and buildings prioritize energy efficiency to alleviate these challenges."

Dr Khalid Waleed added to the discussion, pointing out Pakistan's unique energy consumption patterns: "In Pakistan, 50% of electricity demand comes from residential consumers, while only 20% comes from the industrial sector. This presents a conundrum that requires integrated macroeconomic planning aligned with the trajectory of the power industry."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is likely to visit Pakistan within a couple of days on the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, well informed sources in Commerce Ministry told Business Recorder.

The concerned Ministries, sources said, have started consultation to finalize agenda to be discussed during the visit of Turkiye President.

As per the information conveyed by the Turkish side the following MoUs/Agreements are pending on Pakistani side: (i) MoU on Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance between Government of Pakistan and Turkiye; (ii) Air Services Agreement (ASA) between Pakistan and Turkiye; (iii) MoU between the Presidency of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye and M/o Religious Affairs of Pakistan; (iv) MoU on cooperation between the Presidency of Turkish abroad and related Community of the M/o Culture and Tourism of Turkiye and HEC of Pakistan; (v) Cooperation Agreement on Seed Production between the Government of Turkiye and Pakistan; (vi) Protocol between Pakistan and Turkiye concerning exchange of information in combating international terrorism and organized crime; (vii) Protocol between Turkiye and Pakistan on the exchange of Military and Civilian personnel for social and cultural purposes; (viii) MoU between National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) & Energy Market Regulatory Authority (ENRA); and (ix) Cooperation protocol between the Government of Turkiye and Pakistan in the fields of vocational and Technical Education and Religious Education.

The sources said Prime Minister is likely to convene a meeting soon for an overview of issues being faced by Turkish companies working in Pakistan and progress made in decisions taken in the past to resolve them.

Turkish companies especially in energy sector have conveyed their concerns time and again to the concerned authorities but they have not received encouraging response despite commitments made by the Prime Minister.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Degree attestation from the Inter Board Chairman Council (IBCC) & Higher Education Commission (HEC) is a new business in Pakistan. This attestation system consists of excessive and unjustified friction that makes it difficult for students during degree attestations.

One of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) narratives is to reduce sludge in the system which is unnecessary paperwork, bureaucratic hurdles and NOCs & attestation system but unfortunately, sludge exists in most institutions, organizations and educational departments such as IBCC, HEC and educational boards.

Before applying for higher study from abroad, the first step is that they must verify their Matriculation and FSC, BS and MPhil degrees as well as examination certificate from respective board. The arduous and complex process of verifying all academic degrees underscores the significant challenges.

An invisible monetary burden, students facing considerable financial losses of around 26,000 rupees minimum, involving navigating hurdles and enduring lengthy waiting periods, all of which contribute to heightened stress levels and hinder educational pursuits.

This barrier not only prevents them from applying for offered scholarships but also deprives them of crucial possibilities for academic advancement.

The annual report of HEC states that there are 248 degree-awarding institutions (168 public and 80 private) in Pakistan with about 2-million students comprising 1.2 million males and 0.8 million females.

I currently reside in Islamabad and am faced with the task of sending my matriculation certificate to BISE-Kohat. The process of obtaining a stamp on Detailed Marks Certificate (DMC) and Examination Certificate issued by the concerned board, requires a separate challan submission, amounting to Rs 1,000 per document, totaling Rs 2,000 for original and Rs 2,000 for photocopies (a proof for IBCC), vary from board to board.

Furthermore, considering the need for physical travel to Kohat, the approximate travel expenses total Rs.2700 for a single-day trip, excluding the possibility of an overnight stay. Alternatively, sending through TCS service, a big risk with academic records, including travel, and delivery charges’ cost is Rs930. The combined attestation and travel costs thus amount to Rs 6,700.

The same protocol applies to the verification process for Intermediate; at this time, the degree was from BISE-Peshawar. Accounting for potential travel expenses around Rs 2,200 is required for a single-day trip, or additional arrangements may be needed for an overnight stay alternative is a risky TCS service.

The next step is to visit the IBCC portal for an online appointment, usually a minimum wait of 30-45 days. There is a non-refundable option to pay online, but the process is complicated, students mostly choose physical payment of Rs4,800 (1,200 PKR per document) in the bank to get a fee challan, which consists of both time and financial costs, along with the stress of navigating the queue system at banks.

Only blood-relatives are permitted to process an individual’s attestation. My civic duty is to plan early morning visits with all necessary documents mentioned on the portal readily available. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the expiration of allocated time slots. Furthermore, it is essential to emphasize that all degrees must be presented without plastic coating, example are there, many students received documents back while the plastic coating was attested.

Upon entering the IBCC premises, individuals should anticipate a waiting period of approximately 1-2 hours before proceeding to obtain a token through the line system, a further waiting period of 2-3 hours is to be expected for document submission at the attestation window.

If certain documents are found to be missing, arrangements can be made to provide them on the following day; however, it is crucial to note that the appointment letter must be endorsed by the head of IBCC. If a problem arises, individuals may need to schedule another online appointment. It may be noted that the IBCC head usually starts office duties at 10:30 am.

The next day, you have to visit the IBCC office to submit the attested documents. You will join the queue system outside the IBCC premises. There will be another line system, where you will present the assigned token number to receive the original degree and certificate. The same is the process for HEC verification from the online appointment till completely attesting original Bachelor’s and MPhil degrees.

Morally: Attestation of degrees is a significant financial burden for students, costing around 52 billion PKR per annum in Pakistan. One potential solution to this problem is to associate certified academic credentials with a passport or CNIC.

Furthermore, institutes would be responsible for presenting the degrees of an entire graduating batch to the HEC, who would subsequently authenticate them and issue attested copies to the respective students.

To address these systemic challenges, authorities of educational departments and policymakers must work together to prioritize reforms targeted at simplifying procedures, increasing transparency, and reducing the students’ financial and emotional burdens. Only by implementing such reforms will we be able to ensure a smoother and fairer path for students to access educational opportunities abroad while also contributing to the progress of the nation’s human capital and socioeconomic development.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that there is a need for political stability and continuity of economic policies to put Pakistan on a sustained growth trajectory and attain prosperity for the people.

Addressing the Pakistan Development Summit on Wednesday, the minister said that Pakistan is blessed with all natural resources and by mobilizing these resources, we can take it on the path of rapid economic growth and social development within a 10-year time period.

He said that the country is rich in all forms of wealth, but development is not possible without peace and political stability.

He hailed projects such as CPEC as gifts for the nation and underscored the need for a comprehensive national economic charter to ensure sustained progress. He stressed the importance of efficient resource utilization, proper planning, and policy continuity, and emphasized that sustained policies, coupled with decade-long democratic stability, are key to successful outcomes.

The minister highlighted the 5Es framework, which includes Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy, and Equity and Empowerment; as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards sustainable economic growth and development.

“The theme of the event was 5Es Framework Roadmap to a Trillion Dollar Economy by 2035, which aimed to bring together stakeholders from academia, industry, and sectoral professionals to shape the future of Pakistan’s economic growth,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Iqbal stressed the need to devise an economic charter, besides maintaining the continuity of the economic policies to turn around Pakistan’s economy. He said that peace and political stability in the country were the other prerequisite elements to put the nation on a fast track to economic development.

The minister also urged the need for an accelerated pace of economic growth and development not only to compete with the regional nations but to bring it at par with these economies.

Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC), he said that it was a game-changer project, which would help to transform local industrial and agriculture sectors.

He also urged for mobilizing domestic resources to meet the financial needs and reducing the reliance on borrowing.

The minister said that the income of the government was Rs7,000 billion and debt repayment was Rs8,000 billion, adding that it was borrowing Rs1,000 billion per annum to bridge the gap between income and expenditure.

He emphasized the need to promote a tax compliance culture to generate resources to meet expenses. The minister also stressed the need to strengthen the foreign exchange reserves to ensure the timely payments of all international commitments.

Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra acknowledged Pakistan’s economic challenges but reassured ongoing efforts towards comprehensive policy implementation. He noted the nation’s resilience in facing economic hurdles, including climate change, with a robust framework comprising short, medium, and long term initiatives across various sectors such as exports, energy, and investment. He said that with the collective efforts of the government, industry experts, and citizens, Pakistan can overcome its economic challenges and become a trillion-dollar economy by 2035.

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BEIJING: China is ready to pool efforts with Pakistan to promote an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, foreign minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday, according to his ministry.

Wang met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing on Wednesday.

CPEC review meeting: Certain proportion of imports should be done thru Gwadar port: PM

Dar arrived in Beijing on Monday on an official four-day visit to co-chair the 5th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

During his visit, the FM will also hold meetings with Chinese leaders and senior officials as well as with prominent business enterprises.

Meanwhile, earlier, in a meeting with Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ambassador Zhang Ming, Dar expressed Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing SCO’s security and development cooperation agenda.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter and the Organization’s fundamental ideals as enunciated in the ‘Shanghai Spirit.’

KARACHI: In a meeting between the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Bakheet Ateeq AL Remeithi, and Chief Secretary Sindh Syed Asif Hyder Shah discussions centred around ongoing and future collaborative projects aimed at supporting the people of Sindh, particularly those affected by natural disasters.

During the meeting, the Consul General briefed the Chief Secretary Shah on the UAE's initiatives, including the establishment of a hospital in Larkana and a housing scheme in Dadu, specifically designed to aid individuals and families impacted by flooding.

Expressing unwavering commitment, Consul General of UAE reiterated the UAE's solidarity with Pakistan during times of need. He also highlighted the significant contribution of over a million Pakistani residents in the UAE, who play a vital role in the development and progress of the Emirates.

Furthermore, the Consul General expressed the UAE's intention to continue its support by expanding housing and healthcare initiatives in Sindh. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, he outlined plans to build more houses and hospitals in the region.

Chief Secretary lauded the UAE government's initiatives in establishing the hospital in Larkana and the housing scheme in Dadu, recognising their immense impact on the local communities and their resilience in the face of adversity.

He conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the benevolent efforts of the United Arab Emirates, particularly emphasizing the importance of collaborative endeavours in fostering enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday emphasised the government's firm stance on national security matters, highlighting the necessity of addressing them through proper channels.

Joined by Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar clarified that the recent request by the Attorney General for Pakistan for an in-camera briefing on a specific national security issue was solely driven by the imperative of safeguarding the nation's interests.

He urged the public to grasp the sensitivity of such issues and assured that the Attorney General had clarified his stance on the matter.

Stressing the importance of discussing national security concerns at appropriate forums, Tarar reiterated that the Chief Justice holds the authority to convene a full-court if necessary.

Expressing optimism, the minister affirmed that all institutions would collaborate to prioritise the national interests of the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common ICT challenges through dialogue and knowledge sharing.

The first meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) on Policy Regulation and Services commenced Tuesday in Islamabad.

Organised by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) and hosted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the three-day international meeting convenes regulatory experts and policymakers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

The meeting started with an inaugural event attended by industry and government stakeholders.

Masanori Kondo, secretary general of the APT, in his welcome address, urged the delegates to actively engage in insightful discussions and commended the PTA for organising the workshop.

Dr Khawar Siddique Khokar, Member Compliance and Enforcement PTA who is also the chair of the SATRC Working Group on Policy, Regulation, and Services (PRS) in his address, outlined the meeting’s primary objective: fostering the exchange of insights, experiences, and best practices to address challenges, explore opportunities, and finalise initial steps on work items.

Chairman PTA Maj General Hafeezur Rehman (retired) in his inaugural note, underscored the importance of regional collaboration in addressing common ICT challenges through dialogue and knowledge sharing, and highlighted the importance of learning from each other's experiences to effectively introduce new technologies and services while safeguarding consumer rights and nurturing industry growth.

Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for IT and Telecom, who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, outlined Pakistan’s visionary initiative of a digitally empowered country with the aim of providing access to every citizen across Pakistan.

She emphasised Pakistan’s vast potential as a nation of 250 million, predominantly youth, and how their useful participation can boost growth. She stressed on boarding the 50 percent of the total population, which is female, and reiterated the prime minister’s and the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s commitment to gender inclusion. She lauded the chairman PTA's leadership in bridging the digital gender gap, acknowledging significant strides in this area.

The STARC meeting serves as a vital platform for comprehending the dynamic ICT landscape, initiating research analysis, and setting agendas for the next two years.

Over the next two days, the meeting will feature 10 sessions, each dedicated to crucial contemporary topics and trends in the regional telecommunication sector.

The workshop’s first day featured four sessions. The initial session highlighted insights from APT’s GA-16 and MC-47, focusing on SATRC and beyond. The second session addressed the regulatory challenges of new technologies and smart solutions for broadband. The third session explored maximising the Universal Service Obligation Fund for digital inclusion. Lastly, the workshop discussed enhancing ICT E-Waste Management Regulations for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for effective regulations and strategies to ensure a greener future.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

ISLAMABAD: The deteriorating bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, coupled with a lack of meaningful state-to-state engagement, pose significant challenges for Islamabad in addressing the terror threat, especially from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

According to a research report, titled, “Pakistan’s Evolving Militant Landscape: State Responses and Policy Options,” released by Islamabad-based think-tank Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) here on Tuesday, Pakistan should pursue critical shifts in foreign policy, prioritising peace with neighbouring countries like Afghanistan and India.

It noted that after Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, Afghanistan’s neighbours are becoming increasingly concerned that their return to power has emboldened terrorist groups and networks, which are using the “hospitable” environment to regroup, rearm, and recruit substantially.

The primary concern for Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region, as well as the broader international community, is the credibility of the Taliban's counterterrorism assurances extended to other countries.

The report categorises terrorist groups in Afghanistan into two groups: those aligned with the Taliban and those in opposition to it.

Among the Taliban’s allies are al-Qaeda, the TTP, and a number of Central Asian terror groups. The main group of concern that is opposed to the Taliban is the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP).

Experts assert that despite the Taliban’s policies or stance towards militants in Afghanistan, the latter feel more at ease there now, given the significant pressure they faced under previous Afghan governments.

Additionally, the Taliban’s perspective on terrorism differs significantly, which complicates Pakistan's efforts to persuade them, among other reasons, to take action against the TTP.

Talking about the security problems, it says that the deteriorating bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, coupled with a lack of meaningful state-to-state engagement, pose significant challenges for the former in addressing terrorist violence and border insecurity.

“Bilateral mistrust has deepened due to various issues including border disputes, cross-border violence, Afghan refugee repatriation, and visa problems,” it adds.

The report points out that the banned TTP issue has emerged as a major source of tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The data suggests that Pakistan’s decision to repatriate illegal Afghan refugees was influenced by the Afghan Taliban's apparent indifference towards TTP attacks within Pakistan.

“Ultimately, resolving bilateral challenges hinges on Pakistan's sustained engagement with the Taliban-led interim government in Kabul.”

The civilian government must take ownership of the Afghan policy, with input from both parliament and security agencies, it suggests.

Since August 2021, Pakistan has experienced a significant surge in terrorist attacks and consequent casualties, says one of the findings. Terrorist violence has been rapidly increasing and intensifying in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, with several major attacks also reported in Punjab and Karachi, says another finding.

Following a surge in attacks by TTP chapters in KP and northern Balochistan, there are indications that the militant group's announced chapters for Punjab province are also becoming active, the study warns.

It noted that the provincial counterterrorism departments (CTDs) lack clarity on militant groups’ dynamics, connections and operational strategies, apart from facing issues related to coordination, funding and intelligence gathering.

While CTDs have established their own specialised intelligence units and analysis wings to study militant behaviour, they often lack skills to process data effectively and remain largely dependent on premier intelligence agencies.

The study unveils a comprehensive analysis of Pakistan's evolving militant landscape besides precisely examining state responses and presenting viable policy options for fostering stability and peace in Pakistan.

The research including interviews and focused group discussions was conducted over the course of one year, with primary and secondary data collected from June 2023 to February 2024.

The report says that funding issues plague CTDs except Punjab whose counterterrorism department has adequate funding. These departments often lack the necessary equipment and training to effectively tackle multifaceted challenges of terrorism and militancy.

It recommends Pakistan should establish a robust implementation mechanism for national extremism and security policies, including the revised National Action Plan (NAP).

“Regular yearly reviews of both the National Security Policy (NSP) and NAP are necessary to enhance responses to evolving security challenges. A parliamentary oversight committee can ensure transparency and effectiveness,” it added.

The research urges the government that there is a need for a multi-dimensional and all-inclusive approach to address the complexities of Pakistan's extremism challenge. It also advises soft measures saying merely relying on military force overlooks the underlying factors driving extremism.

While kinetic approaches may eliminate existing terrorists, without addressing the ideological roots, new militants will emerge. Therefore, soft measures are essential in any counterterrorism framework, particularly in Pakistan, where religious extremism is widespread alongside terrorism.

To deal with the problem of unrest in Balochistan, the report recommends that there is a need to reduce the appeal of insurgent ideology and cause among the Baloch people and that can be done by winning the hearts and minds of the people.

As the Baloch insurgents and even the TTP tend to exploit the issue of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the province to win public support and recruits, the government needs to evolve a plan or policy to manage this particular issue amicably and in accordance with the law so that people do not fall for militants’ narratives, it further suggested.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

BEIJING: Executive Vice President of China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG) and Chairman of China Three Gorges International Limited (CTGI) Wu Shengliang called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday.

The deputy prime minister, who is on a four-day visit to China, highlighted Government of Pakistan’s reform agenda and shared an overview of the opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan, especially in infrastructure development and renewable energy sectors.

He appreciated the renewable energy projects of CTG in Pakistan, including in Karot and Jhimpir that serve as model projects.

Dar noted renewable energy as one of the priority sectors identified by the incumbent government in Pakistan, along with the incentives offered to international investors in this regard.

Chairman CTGI reaffirmed CTG’s continued commitment to Pakistan and expressed his determination to expedite completion of the in-progress projects like Kohala and Mahl Hydro Power Projects, in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

KARACHI: United Bank Limited (UBL) - a leading bank of Pakistan, has acquired a 14,092 sq. yards commercial plot in Naya Nazimabad, Karachi, to build its regional office.

Naya Nazimabad is located at the cusp of District West and Central of Karachi. The area is a major hub for the professional talent pool of the city and represents the largest enrolment at the city’s educational institutions.

Naya Nazimabad is a master-planned gated community designed for integrated living for the middle and upper middle strata of Karachi. This transaction marks a major transformational addition to its character as now office space shall be added to its portfolio of residential, retail, social and entertainment related assets.

This acquisition will allow UBL to attract professional talent from the area and utilize it more effectively. Its strategic location will substantially reduce the travel time and related stress for its employees. This is also likely to be, economically, highly effective for the bank. The plot is in close vicinity of world class retail, sports and social amenities.

This acquisition highlights the foresightedness of UBL’s leadership and its commitment and its capacity to play a lead role in development and progress. It is anticipated that more professional and progressive organizations shall follow suit for timely capitalization of opportunities in terms of acquiring strategic locations for their operations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

BEIJING: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has expressed Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s security and development cooperation agenda.

He was talking to Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Ambassador Zhang Ming in Beijing on Monday.

Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter and the Organization’s fundamental ideals as enunciated in the ‘Shanghai Spirit.’

The deputy prime minister is on a four-day visit to China to co-chair the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi which would cover the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations.

Senator Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the SCO Charter and the Organization’s fundamental ideals as enunciated in the ‘Shanghai Spirit.’ He expressed Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing SCO’s security and development cooperation agenda.

The discussion also touched on Pakistan’s initiatives and contributions in its ongoing Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government.

Ambassador Zhang conveyed his best wishes to the Government of Pakistan on assuming the Chair and reiterated SCO Secretariat’s continued support to Pakistan during its tenure as Chair of the Heads of Government of the Organization.

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkiye on Monday agreed to increase the volume of trade to $5 billion.

Additionally, plans for the establishment of a branch of a Turkish Bank in Pakistan were also discussed in order to further solidify economic ties between the two nations.

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkiye, Mehmet Pacaci, paid a courtesy call on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema.

The meeting centred on reinforcing the longstanding brotherly relations between Turkiye and Pakistan, with a focus on elevating economic cooperation to new heights.

The Minister for Economic Affairs warmly welcomed the ambassador and highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Turkiye and Pakistan, which are founded on shared faith, history, and cultural affinity.

Cheema commended the signing of the Trade in Goods Agreement/Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on 12 August 2022, and was hailed as a significant step forward.

The minister apprised the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Pakistan, aimed at attracting investments from friendly countries, and highlighted the potential for Turkish investment in Pakistan especially in agricultural machinery and equipment and large-scale corporate farming.

He further highlighted the untapped potential in bilateral trade and investment and stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration through government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) arrangements.

The ambassador thanked the minister and acknowledged the relations between both nations. He reiterated the significance and conveyed Turkiye’s eagerness to explore avenues for expanding bilateral trade through the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) and the Strategic Economic Framework (SEF) and fostering cooperation in energy, banking, commerce, railways, and tourism. Plans for the next session of the HLSCC, expected to convene soon, were discussed, with a focus on increasing the volume of trade to $5 billion.

Cheema reiterated the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to continue working closely to realise the full potential of the bilateral relationship and enhance cooperation across various sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived on Monday in Beijing to co-chair the 5th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

This visit is the first official visit to China by Dar after he took office.

The minister was received by Ambassador Wang Fu Kang and Pakistan’s envoy to China Dr Khalil Hashmi.

During his visit, Dar will co-chair the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister and Director of the General Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, Wang Yi.

“The two sides will comprehensively review Pakistan-China bilateral relations including economic and trade cooperation; high-level exchanges and visits; up-gradation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and future connectivity initiatives,” the Foreign Office had earlier stated.

It further stated that the sides will also exchange views on the unfolding regional geopolitical landscape and bilateral cooperation at the multilateral fora.

The FM will also hold meetings with Chinese leaders and senior officials as well as with prominent business enterprises.

Meanwhile, commenting on the current relations with Pakistan and China’s expectation for the visit, a Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson said that China would like to work with Pakistan to take this visit as an opportunity to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders.

The neighbor also would like to carry forward the traditional friendship, step up strategic communication and coordination, deepen practical cooperation in various areas, upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, deepen the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has underscored the need for a permanent cyber capacity building mechanism under the UN, particularly in bridging the gap between developing and developed countries, to promote trust and cooperation among states.

“International cooperation in the area of capacity building on an equal footing is a key measure for a safe, secure, stable and peaceful Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) environment,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the Global Roundtable on ICT Security Capacity Building.

“We support the idea of a permanent capacity building mechanism under the UN, as well as a dedicated funding mechanism to support capacity building projects in developing countries,” the Pakistani envoy added.

The session was presided over by Singapore’s UN Ambassador Burhan Gafoor, who heads the Open-ended Working Group on the Security of and the use of ICTs.

Cybersecurity capacity building is aimed at equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves and their digital assets.

“We are particularly concerned at the frequency of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure”, Ambassador Akram said, pointing out that Pakistan has been a particularly long-standing victim of its other threat — disinformation.

Noting ICT technologies’ vast positive potential, the Pakistani envoy said and also highlighted their negative side — expansion of the domains of conflict, saying, “Cyber warfare has emerged as a new domain of warfare.”

As such, Ambassador Akram said, “It is urgent to address key emerging trends of malicious activities in cyberspace both by states and non-state actors.”

But, he said, the applicability of existing international law to cyberspace was not sufficient to address the multifaceted legal challenges arising from ICT threats.

Therefore, Ambassador Akram called for a legally binding international instrument, specifically tailored to the unique attributes of ICT, and to provide a regulatory framework that creates stability and safety in cyberspace.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s lunar satellite iCube Qamar has sent the first picture from the orbit after successfully completing three rounds of the moon.

The iCube-Qamar was launched on board China’s Chang’e-6 rocket from Hainan, China, on May 3.

According to the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), iCube Qamar entered lunar orbit on May 8. The satellite is equipped with two cameras, which are taking pictures of the moon from a distance of 200 kilometres.

According to the Institute of Space Technology, the satellite iCube-Qamar had been designed and developed by IST in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University SJTU and Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO.

Chang’e6 is the sixth in a series of China’s lunar exploration missions.

Chang’6, China’s Lunar Mission will touch down on the Moon’s far side to collect samples from the surface and return to Earth for research.

The mission holds significance for Pakistan as it also took a Pakistan CubeSat Satellite iCube-Q, developed by IST.

Earlier, iCube Qamar had been successfully deployed in orbit. This has been told by a member of the core team at the Institute of Space Technology, Dr Khurram Khurshid while talking to a private TV channel.