ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for the early completion of two major hydropower projects in the country with the assistance of Chinese engineers while emphasizing their “foolproof security.”
Sharif presided over a meeting in Islamabad to review the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during his visit to China last month, aimed at enhancing collaboration in various fields, including business, agriculture, information technology, mining and energy.
During his five-day stay in China, he interacted with representatives of various firms and held meetings with top political leadership, highlighting Pakistan’s gradually improving macroeconomic situation while seeking business collaboration and increased investment.
Days after his return to Pakistan, however, a visiting Chinese official in Islamabad mentioned the country’s internal security deficit, describing it as a major challenge undermining the confidence of Chinese investors.
“The prime minister instructed WAPDA [Water and Power Development Authority] to establish safe centers to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals working on the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha projects,” said a statement released by his office, referring to two hydropower projects on the Indus River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan regions.
“He also directed that these projects should be completed as soon as possible,” it added.
The prime minister said he would not tolerate any delay in the implementation of agreements with the Chinese authorities.
The meeting was told that a delegation of Chinese shoe manufacturing companies had visited Pakistan to discuss relocating their factories.
The statement said there was a potential for an investment of up to $8 billion by these companies.
The meeting was also briefed by the information technology ministry about Huawei’s progress on technical training for 300,000 students, facilitating business through a one-stop operation, and developments in smart governance and smart city projects.
The prime minister said he would personally oversee the implementation of various projects agreed between the two countries.
Discussing the development of agriculture in Pakistan on advanced and technological lines, he said it was vital to send 1,000 students to China on government scholarships for advanced training.
“Students from all four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, will be sent to China based on merit, with special preference given to students from underprivileged areas of Balochistan,” he said.
“The process of sending students for advanced agricultural training to China should begin from the next academic semester,” he added.
The prime minister also directed to expedite the development of Gwadar port, airport and industrial zone to turn it into a hub of regional trade.
PM Sharif directs fast-tracking of hydropower projects, emphasizes ‘foolproof security’ for Chinese workers
https://arab.news/jx2u3
PM Sharif directs fast-tracking of hydropower projects, emphasizes ‘foolproof security’ for Chinese workers
- PM says he will not tolerate any delay in the implementation of agreements made during his China visit
- He instructs the authorities to expedite Gwadar’s development to turn it into a hub of regional trade
Pakistan calls for new global cricket body, says ICC ‘hostage to Indian politics’
- Pakistan’s government has barred its team from playing against India in World Cup fixture on Feb.15
- India generates largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue, enjoying overarching influence in the sport
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called for a new global cricket governing body on Tuesday, saying that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has become hostage to Indian political interests amid a fresh row between the neighbors ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pakistan’s government announced earlier this week that it has cleared its national men’s team to play the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka from Feb. 7. However, Islamabad said the national team will boycott its upcoming fixture against India on Feb. 15 without mentioning a reason. The ICC responded by saying that Pakistan’s decision was “not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan.”
Pakistan’s dispute with the ICC can be traced back to it expressing displeasure recently at the cricket body’s decision to replace Bangladesh with Scotland for the World Cup. Bangladesh had requested the global governing body shift its matches to any another venue outside India owing to security concerns, as political tensions surge Delhi and Dhaka surge.
“A new international organization of cricket is needed to keep the spirit of the gentleman’s game alive,” Asif wrote on social media platform X. “ICC has become hostage to Indian political interests in South Asia.”
India generates the largest share of cricket’s commercial revenue and hence enjoys overarching influence over the sport. Critics argue that this financial contribution translates into decisive leverage within the ICC.
A large part of that revenue comes from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the sport’s most lucrative T20 cricket competition, which is run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Between 2024 and 2027, the IPL is projected to earn $1.15 billion, nearly 39 percent of the ICC’s total annual revenue, according to international media reports.
The ICC is headed by Jay Shah, the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah. The ICC chair is expected to be independent from any cricket board and hence take impartial decisions.
India and Pakistan engaged in a military confrontation that lasted for four days in May last year before Washington brokered a ceasefire. Militaries of the two countries pounded each other with drones, missiles, fighter jets and exchanged artillery fire in what was the worst fighting between them since 1999.
These bilateral tensions have made their way to cricket, with India refusing to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers during the September 2025 Asia Cup tournament between both sides. The two teams met for three matches, all of which India won, and did not shake hands before or after the fixtures.
The two countries have not played a full bilateral series since 2012–13 due to political tensions. They meet largely at neutral venues.
