ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top investment body reviewed the country’s economic engagements with Middle Eastern states on Wednesday, focusing on mechanisms to implement recently signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and agreements in the region at the earliest.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military hybrid forum, was established in July last year to fast-track decision-making and promote investment from foreign nations, particularly from the Gulf countries.
The council has helped the country sign billions of dollars of deals with countries like the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait where Pakistan’s official delegation was led by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar in November while looking for economic opportunities and foreign investment.
Kakar also chaired the 8th meeting of SIFC’s Apex Committee to examine progress on projects carried out in key economic sectors and determine plans for timely realization of the envisaged investments.
“The Committee appreciated the enhancing level of economic engagements with friendly countries including finalization of Bilateral Investment Treaty with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Qatar as well as signing of MoUs and Framework Agreements with United Arab Emirates and State of Kuwait respectively,” said an official statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting.
“The forum gave directions to convert these sovereign commitments into economic reality at fast pace,” it added.
The SIFC reviewed progress on various measures taken by the government to improve the investment climate while approving policy level interventions, such as strengthening of domestic dispute resolution mechanism, to facilitate investors.
It also examined progress on privatization process and appreciated the collaborative approach of various stakeholders.
The participants of the meeting expressed firm resolve to act against smugglers, hoarders and market manipulators, saying such elements had negatively impacted the country’s economic trajectory.
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, who is part of the committee, assured the unwavering support of the armed forces to help the government in its endeavor to strengthen the national economy.
The prime minister directed all stakeholders to vigorously pursue various SIFC initiatives to ensure their accomplishment within the stipulated timeframe.
Pakistan’s investment body reviews economic progress, seeks swift implementation of Middle East deals
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Pakistan’s investment body reviews economic progress, seeks swift implementation of Middle East deals
- Special Investment Facilitation Council helped Pakistan sign billions of dollars of deals with Kuwait, UAE last year
- The SIFC reviewed progress on various measures taken by government to improve Pakistan’s investment climate
Pakistan bans prominent Pashtun rights group critical of its military
- Pakistan’s interior ministry says Pashtun Tahafuz Movement involved in activities “prejudicial” to country’s peace and security
- Formed in 2014, PTM advocates for the rights of Pashtuns, especially in country’s militancy-hit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Interior Ministry announced on Sunday it had declared the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a prominent Pashtun rights group, a “proscribed organization” for being involved in activities prejudicial to the country’s peace and security.
Originally formed as the Mehsud Tahafuz Movement in 2014, the PTM campaigns against alleged extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances of Pashtuns and other ethnic minorities in Pakistan.
The PTM alleges Pashtuns have faced rights abuses during Pakistan’s war against militants, mainly in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It blames Pakistan’s powerful military for rights abuses in the northwestern province, a charge the institution has consistently denied.
In a notification released on Sunday, the interior ministry said it has “reasons to believe” the PTM is engaged in “certain activities which are prejudicial to the peace and security of the country.” The notification did not elaborate what activities it was referring to.
“NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (XXVII of 1997), the Federal Government is pleased to list the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in the First Schedule as a proscribed organization for the purposes of the said Act,” the notification read.
Formed by veterinary sciences student Manzoor Pashteen, the PTM was a pressure group that shot to national prominence when they spearheaded protests against the killing of Naqeebullah Mehsud, a young garment trader and aspiring model shot dead by police in Karachi in 2018.
In the 2018 election, PTM leaders Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir were elected to parliament from Pakistan’s restive North and South Waziristan districts, respectively.
The PTM says it has faced harassment, intimidation and censorship at the hands of Pakistan’s powerful military, which has ruled the country directly for over 30 years since it gained independence in 1947.
The military denies the PTM’s accusations and has often accused it of being funded by foreign intelligence agencies, notably Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) and India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The PTM denies these allegations.
Pakistan to attract over $27 billion from Saudi Arabia, other countries in coming years— state media
Pakistan to attract over $27 billion from Saudi Arabia, other countries in coming years— state media
- Notable investors include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Azerbaijan, says state media
- Says investment’s main objective is to stabilize economy by developing its key sectors
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to secure more than $27 billion in foreign direct investment from Asian and European countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and others in the coming years, state-run media reported on Sunday.
Facing a prolonged economic crisis, Pakistan has turned to regional allies in the Middle East and Central Asia in recent months for foreign investment. The South Asian country sees foreign investment as the answer to an economic crisis that has seen its foreign reserves decline considerably and currency weaken over the past two years.
“With the facilitation of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the government is set to attract more than twenty-seven billion dollars in foreign direct investment from Asian and European countries in the coming years,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
The SIFC is a hybrid civil-military government body formed in 2023 to fast-track decision-making and attract investment in Pakistan’s critical sectors such as minerals, IT, defense and agriculture. The body aims to attract international investments, particularly from Gulf countries.
“Among the notable investors, Saudi Arabia has pledged to invest five billion dollars, while the UAE and Kuwait want to invest ten billion dollars each, while Azerbaijan has expressed desire to invest two billion dollars,” Radio Pakistan said.
It said the investment’s main objective is to assist in “stabilizing” Pakistan’s economy by developing its key sectors.
Radio Pakistan said Azerbaijan is “particularly keen” to invest in Pakistan’s space industry projects, hydrometeorology and climate change initiatives.
“In addition to these investments, the Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group of China wants to contribute to Pakistan’s energy sector by exploring technological advancements and joint ventures in energy, petrochemicals, and industrial development,” it said.
It said Pakistan is set to engage with Denmark’s “renowned mining companies” to modernize its mining industry using advanced technologies.
Five of the best: Pakistan-England Test thrillers
- Pakistan, England will play first Test of three-match series on Monday at Multan
- England skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out of first Test due to injury
MULTAN: The history of Tests between England and Pakistan is resplendent with memorable matches since the very first series in 1954.
Ahead of their three-match series starting on Monday in Multan, AFP Sports recalls five of the most exciting Tests between the two countries:
Pakistan had been playing Tests for less than two years when Fazal Mahmood took 12 wickets to beat England by 24 runs in the final Test at The Oval — a shock the home media dubbed “England Fazalled” as it gave Pakistan a 1-1 series draw.
Chasing just 168, England were cruising at 109-2, but lost their last eight wickets for 34 as seam-bowler Fazal took 6-46 making Pakistan only the second country to win a Test on their maiden tour of England after Australia.
Fazal also bagged 6-53 in the first innings, figures that Wisden noted “would have been much better but for dropped catches.”
After two tame draws, Pakistan were chasing a modest 231-run target at Headingley to win a series in England for the first time.
England captain Ray Illingworth removed three of the top order with his off-spin as Pakistan were reduced to 65-4, but Sadiq Mohammad and Asif Iqbal put their side back on course with a fifth-wicket stand of 95.
All-rounder Iqbal was out for 33 but opener Sadiq was still there, batting serenely.
After Sadiq fell, caught and bowled by Basil D’Oliveira for 91 with 44 more still needed, England paceman Peter Lever ripped through the tail and the visitors were all out for 205 to lose by 25.
Pakistan squeezed home by two wickets in a pulsating second Test at Lord’s where pace spearheads Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis starred with ball and bat to create the legend of the “two Ws.”
The menacing Waqar had match figures of 5-91 and 2-40, while left-armer Wasim returned 2-49 and 4-66 as England collapsed from 108-3 in their second innings to 175 all out.
Chasing just 138 to win, Pakistan were in trouble at 95-8 when Waqar joined Wasim at the crease.
Wasim hit 45 and Waqar 20 as they put on an unbroken 46 for a famous victory.
England bowled out Pakistan for 158 on the final day leaving them 176 to win in only 44 overs, in fast fading light.
Pakistan skipper Moin Khan employed every time-wasting trick in the book to escape with a draw, appealing to the umpires that it was too gloomy for his fielders to see the ball near the end.
But the officials and Graham Thorpe were having none of it and kept going as dusk closed in.
From 65-3, Thorpe steadily accelerated as the light grew dimmer, putting on 91 with Graeme Hick off 21 overs to take England within 20 of only their second win on Pakistan soil, and on a ground where the hosts had been unbeaten for a staggering 34 Tests.
Nasser Hussain joined Thorpe at the crease and the pair gleefully reached the target less than three overs later in almost total darkness with Thorpe a triumphant 64 not out.
England were denied a Lord’s victory as Pakistan completed a 75-run win in a thrilling first Test largely due to slow bowler Yasir Shah’s 10 wickets in the match.
Pakistan’s bowling attack was too powerful for England with pace trio Rahat Ali, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir, who was returning to Test cricket after serving a ban for spot-fixing, supporting leg-spinner Yasir.
Chasing 283 to win on the fourth day, Alastair Cook’s side collapsed from 195-6 with victory sealed by Amir on his first Test appearance since 2010 when he shattered last man Jake Ball’s stumps.
It sparked a joyous celebration which culminated in the entire Pakistan team doing military-style press-ups on the outfield. A brilliant series went on to be drawn 2-2.
England target repeat of Pakistan Test whitewash
- England face a Pakistan team at a low ebb that was beaten 2-0 by Bangladesh
- Ben Stokes’ side last month wrapped up 2-1 series victory against Sri Lanka
LONDON: Ben Stokes’ England take on Pakistan in a three-Test series starting on Monday, buoyed by memories of an astonishing 3-0 series sweep in 2022.
England, third in the world rankings after winning five of their past six Tests, are facing a Pakistan team at a low ebb after being crushed by Bangladesh.
AFP Sport looks at some of the key talking points for the tourists ahead of the series, which starts in Multan.
England last month wrapped up a 2-1 series victory against Sri Lanka without skipper Ben Stokes, but he remains the team’s undisputed leader and talisman.
The 33-year-old all-rounder misses the first Test after failing to recover from a torn hamstring and it remains to be seen whether he will bowl when he does return.
The inclusion of Stokes as a specialist batsman would alter the balance of the side England favored in the recent Sri Lanka series, where they played five frontline bowlers.
The visitors could opt to replace one of their regular top order with the skipper but it is more likely they would play four specialist bowlers and rely on Joe Root’s off-spin to supplement the attack.
Stokes has not played for two months but he showed his worth against the West Indies, scoring three fifties in his last four innings of the series.
England’s tour of Pakistan in 2022 came in the first few heady months of the “Bazball” era — a method of all-out attack encouraged by Brendon McCullum, who had become coach earlier that year.
The visitors set the tone for the series on the first day in Rawalpindi, smashing a remarkable 506-4, with four men making centuries.
After England’s 4-1 series loss in India earlier this year, McCullum spoke about the need to “refine” their style and a less gung-ho approach of controlled aggression has paid dividends.
England demolished the West Indies 3-0 before beating Sri Lanka 2-1 on home soil.
“I think the style will work in Pakistan, for sure,” retired England bowling great Stuart Broad said ahead of the launch of Inside Lord’s, Marylebone Cricket Club’s new digital platform.
“It was a great tour to Pakistan in 2022. All the players really enjoyed it and ultimately, England’s batting group are wonderful players of spin.
“I think they’re really positive and aggressive, they can find the boundary and don’t get tied down by spin.
“England will have to play fast-paced cricket to force results over there because you generally do need five days to make something happen.”
The era of Broad and James Anderson is over for England, who are trying to build a new pace attack that can take the fight to India and Australia next year.
Chris Woakes is the senior paceman and enjoyed a superb summer at home but his figures in overseas Tests are poor, while express bowler Mark Wood is out of action.
Surrey seamer Gus Atkinson has enjoyed a remarkable start to his Test career, taking 34 wickets in his first six games.
But he, Matthew Potts and Olly Stone have just 19 caps between them and Brydon Carse will make his debut in Multan.
Aside from left-armer Jack Leach, who is back in the fold after being deemed surplus to requirements during the English season, the spin attack is also inexperienced.
Leach’s Somerset team-mate Shoaib Bashir has played just nine Tests while Rehan Ahmed has not featured since the India series, having made his debut in England’s memorable 2022 series win in Pakistan.
Broad warns that inexperience could cost the visitors.
“It’s very difficult to go into a Test match, particularly when Ben Stokes isn’t playing or not bowling with three very inexperienced bowlers because if it goes wrong and the spinner’s inexperienced you could lose a Test match in an hour,” he said.
UK to establish 280 skill centers to help Pakistanis find jobs in Middle East
- Workforce export has long been a significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy, with its reliance on remittances
- The visiting British delegation says it wants to promote education cooperation with Pakistan to empower youth
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom plans to set up 280 skill centers in Pakistan focusing on technical and vocational training, reported state-owned media on Saturday, adding the project will be carried out in collaboration with Middle Eastern institutions to train individuals aspiring for jobs in places like the Gulf region.
Workforce export has long been a significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy, with the country heavily reliant on remittances sent by workers employed abroad, particularly in the Middle East. However, in recent years, Pakistani workers have faced challenges due to more exacting requirements of international job markets, making the training and upskilling of nationals a government priority.
The establishment of the skill centers became a focal point of discussions as a British delegation arrived in the country on a two-day visit and met with Pakistani officials working in the field of conventional and technical education.
“The delegation representatives said that around 280 skills centers will be established in Pakistan,” said the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency. “The candidates who successfully complete the training in these centers, they will be given a joint certificate by Pakistani, UK and Gulf universities.”
The report added that 80,000 jobs will be given to the successful candidates graduating from these skill centers in the first phase.
“These jobs would be offered in different Gulf countries, including [places like] Dubai, in the security, hospitality, construction, veterinary, nursing and police,” it said.
Pakistan’s Federal Secretary Education Mohiyuddin Wani and Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Gulmina Bilal highlighted the government’s priority to provide quality training to its nationals to give their best on any job around the world.
The delegation, which includes members of Britain’s House of Lords, said they were committed to promoting educational cooperation with Pakistan to empower its youth.
It will also visit Karachi to hold a meeting with Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
