Manufacturers of Hyderabadi bangles, desired Eid accessory, struggle to survive

A vendor waits for customers at his shop at the Choori Para in Hyderabad, Pakistan, on April 30, 2022. (AN photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)
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Updated 06 May 2022
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Manufacturers of Hyderabadi bangles, desired Eid accessory, struggle to survive

  • Hyderabad city is hub of bangle manufacturing with most artisans having migrated from India in 1930s
  • Hyderabad’s bangle industry hit by energy crisis, high electricity bills and raw material and labor issues

HYDERABAD: Glass bangles are a favorite Eid Al-Fitr accessory in Pakistan, though many don’t know that a bulk of the delicate bands in every conceivable color and pattern are produced in the southern city of Hyderabad.
Most of the local artisans associated with the business originally migrated in the 1930s from the Indian district of Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh, and set up the hub of glass bangle production in Pakistan’s Hyderabad. 
Today, however, the industry is struggling, hit by energy cuts, high power bills and raw material and labor shortages.
“Before the partition of the subcontinent [in 1947], not only the technical support but also the skilled labor arrived here in Hyderabad [from India],” Hassan Jamal Siddiqui, a spokesperson for the Glass Bangles Manufacturers Association in the city, told Arab News. “Today we have the fourth generation of those laborers [producing bangles in Pakistan].”




Vendor Ali ul Haq displays bangles at his shop at the Resham Gali Market in Hyderabad, Pakistan, on April 30, 2022. (AN photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)

But despite its virtual monopoly over the supply of bangles in Pakistan, the industry in Hyderabad is shrinking and more than half of the city’s manufacturing units have shut down in the last two decades.
“Out of the 70 glass bangle factories in the 1990s, only 40 have survived,” Siddique said, saying the industry was “shrinking due to the energy crisis combined with high rates of electricity, raw material shortage, and labor problems.”
According to the bangle manufactures association, the sector operated eight months a year and produced 60,000 bangle bunches per day, with each bunch comprising 290 bangles.
To make bangles, broken glass is first collected, mostly by women and then melted at a temperature of 1,400 °F (760 °C) until it becomes thin, viscous streaks. Using a roller, the streaks are then converted into bangle rolls.




A worker rolls bangles in Hyderabad, Pakistan, on April 30, 2022. (AN photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)

“In ‘jurai,’ the next major phase, the two ends of the bangle are joined together over a flame,” Jameela Latif, who works at a bangle factory in Hyderabad’s Liaquat Colony, said. “In the final stage, ‘meena kaari’ is used to give finishing touches through glitter or by adding gold water and multicolored crystals on the outer surface of bangles.”




A woman makes bangles in Hyderabad, Pakistan, on April 30, 2022. (AN photo by Zulfiqar Kunbhar)

Siddiqui said manufacturers produced new bangle designs on a fortnightly basis.
“Most designs and color themes are inspired by Indian television dramas,” he said. “For instance, ‘jhumki’ is in fashion these days. Colors like red, blue, black, brown, golden, yellow, green, shocking pink and magenta are also popular.”
Ahead of this Eid, some vendors complained of low sales during the daytime due to intense summer temperatures. 
“Due to Hyderabad’s extreme heat, a majority of customers usually came to us in the evening,” Ali ul Haq, a 22-year-old seller of bangles in Resham Gali Market, said.
Customer Shahida Rajpar said bangles were a favorite gift to give to friends and family members on Eid.
“I have three daughters for whom I annually purchase bangles from the local Resham Gali Market,” she said. “On Eid, one cannot afford to forget one’s family and friends when it comes to giving bangles as gifts.”


Pakistan PM receives high-level IFC delegation, urges increased investment in key sectors

Updated 14 February 2025
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Pakistan PM receives high-level IFC delegation, urges increased investment in key sectors

  • IFC visit comes weeks after the World Bank pledged $40 billion in assistance to the South Asian country
  • Shehbaz Sharif stresses the importance of maximizing private sector participation in development process

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday urged the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to enhance its support in key sectors during a high-level delegation visit, weeks after the World Bank pledged $40 billion in assistance to the South Asian country.
The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets.
The World Bank last month announced a decade-long Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan, marking the unprecedented commitment, including $20 billion in sovereign lending through the International Development Association and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The IFC will mobilize an additional $20 billion to spur private sector investments in Pakistan.
“The Prime Minister lauded IFC’s role in fostering private sector investments and expanding its portfolio in Pakistan,” said a statement circulated by Sharif’s office after the meeting with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, who is leading the delegation. “He encouraged IFC to enhance its support under key areas including infrastructure and logistics, outsourcing of large airports, agriculture, information technology, mining, climate resilience, health care, and water & sanitation.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a meeting with the International Finance Corporation Managing Director Makhtar Diop in Islamabad on February 14, 2025. (PMO)

“He also encouraged IFC to enhance collaboration with the private sector arms of other multilateral institutions for maximizing private sector participation in the development process and achieving greater impact,” the statement added.
The prime minister emphasized the need for export-led growth and called for the digitization of Pakistan’s economic ecosystem. He also highlighted ongoing digitization efforts within the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to streamline financial and economic processes.
Diop agreed with Sharif, according to the statement, by stressing the need for increased private sector investment in Pakistan’s road and power sector infrastructure, particularly transmission lines, airport services and wheat storage facilities such as silos to strengthen exports.
He also underscored the importance of private investment in water, health care and sanitation, with necessary social safeguards, to ensure sustainable economic growth.
The IFC official commended Pakistan’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and ongoing economic reforms. He noted that the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for private sector operations had boosted investor confidence. He assured Sharif of the IFC’s continued support, aligned with Pakistan’s development priorities.
Earlier in the day, Diop and his team met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who briefed them on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability in terms of both debt and equity, as well as key structural reforms undertaken by the government, according to the finance ministry.
The World Bank’s lending program for Pakistan, set to commence in 2026, will focus on six core outcomes: improving education quality, tackling child stunting, boosting climate resilience, enhancing energy efficiency, fostering inclusive development, and increasing private investment.


Pakistan Air Force demonstrates long-range JF-17 capabilities in Saudi exercise

Updated 14 February 2025
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Pakistan Air Force demonstrates long-range JF-17 capabilities in Saudi exercise

  • PAF pilots and ground crew participated in Exercise Spears of Victory-2025 at King Abdul Aziz Air Base
  • JF-17 displayed combat performance against advanced fighter jets, showing its operational potential

KARACHI: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) demonstrated the long-range operational capabilities of its indigenous JF-17 fighter jets during an international exercise in Saudi Arabia, the military’s media wing said on Friday, as the PAF contingent returned home.
The PAF participated in Exercise Spears of Victory-2025, held at King Abdul Aziz Air Base, alongside air forces from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, France, Greece, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The drills, which began earlier this month, aimed to enhance interoperability through realistic air combat scenarios.
“For this international deployment, PAF fighters executed a non-stop flight from their home base in Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back, conducting in-flight air-to-air refueling, demonstrating long-range operational capabilities of the JF-17 Block-III aircraft,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The PAF contingent included JF-17 Block-III fighter jets, combat pilots and technical ground crew, who actively participated in the exercise. The JF-17 Block-III displayed its combat performance against advanced fighter jets, earning recognition for its technological strengths and operational potential.
The PAF’s participation highlights its commitment to staying at the forefront of aerial warfare through joint exercises and modern combat training, ISPR added.


Clinical New Zealand thump Pakistan to win tri-nations series final

Updated 14 February 2025
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Clinical New Zealand thump Pakistan to win tri-nations series final

  • O’Rourke’s 4-43 helped New Zealand bowl out Pakistan for 242 before securing a five-wicket win
  • Victory boosts their confidence ahead of Wednesday’s Champions Trophy opener against Pakistan

KARACHI: Pace bowler Will O’Rourke claimed four wickets while Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham hit half centuries as New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets to clinch the tri-nations series final on Friday.
O’Rourke’s 4-43 helped the tourists dismiss Pakistan for 242 in 49.3 overs before Mitchell’s 58-ball 57 anchored the chase as the Black Caps finished on 243-5 in 45.2 overs at Karachi’s National Stadium.
The victory gives the New Zealanders a timely boost ahead of the Champions Trophy opener against the same opponents at this venue on Wednesday.
New Zealand lost opener Will Young in pacer Naseem Shah’s first over for five before Devon Conway (48) and Kane Williamson (34) steadied the chase with a second wicket stand of 71.

New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, center, and Glenn Phillips, right, shake hand with Pakistan’s players after winning the tri-series ODI cricket final match against Pakistan, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Williamson lost his wicket while charging down the wicket against spinner Salman Agha while Naseem returned for his second spell to dismiss Conway.
At 108-3 the tourists’ chase wobbled but Mitchell found an able ally in Latham (56) as the two added 87 for the fourth wicket.
When Mitchell fell caught and bowled off spinner Abrar Ahmed the tourists needed just 48 runs which Latham and Glenn Phillips (20 not out) reduced to ten.

New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, left, and Tom Latham run between the wickets during the tri-series ODI cricket final match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Mitchell hit six boundaries in his knock while Latham’s 64-ball innings featured five fours.
Naseem was the pick of an otherwise ineffective Pakistan bowling attack with 2-43 off eight overs.
Earlier, spinners Mitchell Santner (2-20) and Michael Bracewell (2-38) backed up O’Rourke to ensure Pakistan did not post a big total.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a 76-ball 46, while Salman Agha hit 45 off 65 balls as slow and variable bounce on the National Stadium pitch proved tough for batting.

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, center, shakes hand with Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan, second right, after winning the tri-series ODI cricket final match against Pakistan, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman to O’Rourke in the fourth over for 10 and then Saud Shakeel for eight.
Babar Azam looked good for his 29 runs, hitting four boundaries and a six, and reached 6,000 runs scored in one-day internationals when he was on 10.
He was playing his 123rd innings, the joint fastest to reach the 6,000-run milestone with South African Hashim Amla.

Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, left, walks off the field after his dismissal during the tri-series ODI cricket final match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Azam fell to a miscued shot off Nathan Smith, leaving Pakistan struggling at 54-3.
Rizwan and Agha, who shared a match-winning 260-run partnership against South Africa on Wednesday, then revived the innings with an 88-run stand.

New Zealand’s Will O’ Rourke, center, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman during the tri-series ODI cricket final match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Rizwan hit four boundaries and a six but he and Agha fell within 19 runs of each other to end any hope of a challenging total.
Tayyab Tahir hit a 33-ball 38, also with four boundaries and a six, while Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem (19) added 39 invaluable runs to get Pakistan past 240.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam plays a shot during the tri-series ODI cricket final match between Pakistan and New Zealand, in Karachi on February 14, 2025. (AP)

Brief scores:
Pakistan 242 all out in 49.3 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 46, Salman Agha 45; W. O’Rourke 4-43) v New Zealand 243-5 in 45.2 overs (D. Mitchell 57, T. Latham 56; Naseem Shah 2-43)
Result: New Zealand won by five wickets
Toss: Pakistan


Pakistan takes steps to enhance workforce skills for Middle Eastern job market — official

Updated 14 February 2025
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Pakistan takes steps to enhance workforce skills for Middle Eastern job market — official

  • Government is integrating interpersonal and problem-solving skills into technical and vocational training
  • Pakistan heavily relies on remittances which is a key source of foreign exchange for its struggling economy

ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani official said on Friday the government had taken key measures to bridge the skills gap and boost the global competitiveness of people aspiring to work abroad, particularly in the Middle East, to better integrate them into the international job market, state media reported.
Pakistan relies heavily on remittances sent by its overseas nationals, a key source of foreign exchange that serves as a lifeline for its struggling economy. Many Pakistani workers seek jobs in Gulf countries, where demand for skilled labor remains high.
At the same time, the government has been working to open legal avenues for employment abroad following a series of tragic boat accidents involving illegal immigrants attempting to reach European shores, with dozens of Pakistanis among the victims.
Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar shared the government’s strategy for workforce development while responding to questions during a National Assembly session.
“The government is integrating life skills and soft skills — such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, interpersonal skills and work ethics — into technical and vocational training programs,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency said while reporting on her briefing to the assembly. “These skills are highly valued by Middle Eastern employers and are crucial for workplace success.”
“The curriculum is also being updated to reflect the latest industry trends and technologies, ensuring that Pakistani workers are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to meet evolving job market demands in the Middle East,” it added.
Akbar said as part of these reforms, Pakistan has established the Pakistan Skill Company and the Pakistan Skill Development Fund to centralize and improve technical and vocational training across the country, aiming to create better employment opportunities for workers abroad.
To align Pakistani qualifications with international standards, the government has revised National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) regulations, ensuring that workers’ certifications meet the requirements of both European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Akbar said authorities were shifting toward competency-based training programs, which emphasize practical skills and hands-on experience, ensuring that workers are not only trained but also proficient in job-specific skills required by Middle Eastern employers.
She noted the measures were part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s labor force and increase employment opportunities for skilled workers in the Middle East.


New Zealand’s O’Rourke’s four wickets limit Pakistan to 242 in tri-series final

Updated 14 February 2025
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New Zealand’s O’Rourke’s four wickets limit Pakistan to 242 in tri-series final

  • Final is a dress rehearsal for opening Champions Trophy match between the two sides on Wednesday
  • Pakistan’s batting ace Baber Azam scored confident 29, reaching 6,000 runs in one-day internationals

KARACHI: New Zealand pace bowler Will O’Rourke took four wickets to restrict Pakistan to a modest 242 runs in the tri-series final in Karachi on Friday.
O’Rourke finished with 4-43 and was ably supported by spinners Mitchell Santner (2-20) and Michael Bracewell (2-38) as Pakistan were dismissed in 49.3 overs after they won the toss and batted.
Skipper Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a 76-ball 46, while Salman Agha hit 45 off 65 balls, with slow and variable bounce on the National Stadium pitch proving tough for batting.
The final is a dress rehearsal for the opening match of the Champions Trophy between the same teams at the same venue on Wednesday.
Pakistan lost opener Fakhar Zaman to O’Rourke in the fourth over for 10 and then Saud Shakeel for eight.
Babar Azam looked good for his 29 runs, hitting four boundaries and a six, and reached 6,000 runs scored in one-day internationals when he was on 10.
He was playing his 123rd innings, the joint fastest to reach the 6,000-runs milestone with South African Hashim Amla.
Azam fell to a miscued shot off Nathan Smith, leaving Pakistan struggling at 54-3.
Rizwan and Agha, who shared a match-winning 260-run partnership against South Africa on Wednesday, then revived the innings with an 88-run stand.
Rizwan hit four boundaries and a six but he and Agha fell within 19 runs of each other to end any hope of a big total.
Tayyab Tahir hit a 33-ball 38, also with four boundaries and a six, while Faheem Ashraf (22) and Naseem Shah (19) added 39 invaluable runs to get Pakistan past 240.