Pakistani PM meets Macron in Riyadh, invites him to invest in climate adaptation, renewable energy

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: PMO)
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Updated 04 December 2024
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Pakistani PM meets Macron in Riyadh, invites him to invest in climate adaptation, renewable energy

  • Government is seeking to focus on more sustainable forms of external financing like direct investment and climate financing
  • South Asian nation is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting with the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the One Water Summit in Riyadh and invited him to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in the domains of climate adaptation and renewable energy. 
As the South Asian nation, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, pursues external financing avenues, its government is seeking to focus on more sustainable forms such as direct investment and climate financing.
“Prime Minister stressed upon the need to further strengthen mutually advantageous economic and trade ties between the two countries and encouraged France to take advantage of investment opportunities in Pakistan, especially in areas of climate adaptation and renewable energy,” Sharif’s office said in a statement after he met Macron. 




Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: PMO)

“Both leaders agreed to enhance Pakistan France cooperation especially through the business to business contacts in the areas of agriculture, livestock, IT, skills development and clean drinking water.”
The statement said the two leaders exchanged views on the “full spectrum of Pakistan-France relationship, including political, economic, trade and investment, as well as cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.”
Pakistan–France relations span the military, defense, cultural, educational cooperation, and economic domains. Pakistani exports to France stood at $484.79 million during 2023, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade, while Pakistan imported were at $254.85 million.
Pakistan and France also have had a long-standing military relationship, with France being a key partner in enhancing the capabilities of Pakistan’s navy and air force. France and Pakistan began their military relationship in 1967 when France sold Pakistan its first batch of Mirage fighters and submarine technology. In 1990, Pakistan bought a second batch of Mirage fighters, and in 1996, the two countries signed a contract for 40 reconnaissance aircraft. 
In February 2023, Pakistan and France signed a roadmap to deepen their defense and security cooperation, including on counter-terrorism.


Pakistan discusses economic cooperation with Middle Eastern countries at AlUla conference

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Pakistan discusses economic cooperation with Middle Eastern countries at AlUla conference

  • Pakistan’s finmin holds discussion with counterparts from UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and other GCC countries 
  • Discussions revolved around financial policies, development strategies and sustainable growth, says Finance Division

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb participated in a group discussion with his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to discuss regional economic cooperation and development strategies, the Finance Division said on Monday, as the Pakistani finmin attends day two of the Emerging Markets Conference 2025 in AlUla city. 

Aurangzeb is in Saudi Arabia to attend the two-day conference, which has been organized by the Saudi finance ministry in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The event brings together emerging market finance ministers, central bank governors, policymakers, public and private sector leaders, international institutions and academics.

The Pakistani finance minister participated in a group discussion with his counterparts from the Middle Eastern countries at the sidelines of the conference, the Finance Division said. 

“The discussion focused on regional economic cooperation, financial policies, and development strategies, with participating countries exchanging views on shared economic goals and sustainable growth opportunities,” it said.

The global conference takes place at a time when the world economy is facing persistent shocks, trade tensions between major world powers, geopolitical instability and tight financial conditions. 

Pakistan is navigating a fragile economic recovery under a $7 billion IMF loan program secured in September 2024, after implementing austerity measures and policy reforms to avert a sovereign default in 2023.

To facilitate Pakistan’s economic recovery, Saudi Arabia signed 34 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth $2.8 billion last October to boost private sector investment in key areas, including energy, infrastructure and technology.

Speaking to Arab News on Sunday, Aurangzeb emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s leadership in economic reforms offers important lessons for Pakistan as it embarks on its own structural changes.

“As we go through our own structural reforms at this point in time, on the back of the macroeconomic stability that we have achieved, there’s a lot to learn from Vision 2030,” the minister said. He added that the Kingdom is well ahead of its targets of Vision 2030, “so there’s so much to learn in Pakistan from our partners in Saudi Arabia.”
 


Imran Khan announces nationwide protest in Pakistan after Ramadan for ‘restoration of democracy’

Updated 17 February 2025
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Imran Khan announces nationwide protest in Pakistan after Ramadan for ‘restoration of democracy’

  • Khan asks party’s negotiation committee to expedite communication with opposition parties, people from all walks of life
  • Pakistan’s ruling coalition government accuses Khan and his party of leading violent protests, particularly in 2023 and 2024

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Imran Khan has announced that his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will launch a nationwide protest movement with other opposition parties for “the restoration of democracy” and Pakistan’s constitution after the holy month of Ramadan. 

Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on a slew of charges that he says are politically motivated, claims the February 2024 general elections were rigged by the caretaker government at the time and the election commission, who had the army’s backing, to keep him away from power. All three deny the allegations, with the army repeatedly saying it refrains from interfering in political matters. 

The former premier and his party have been accused of leading violent anti-government protests in the past, particularly in May 2023 and November 2024. On May 9, 2023, frenzied mobs across the country carrying the PTI’s flags attacked government and military installations while in November last year, Khan supporters gathered in Islamabad to demand his release from prison. The government says four troops were killed in clashes with Khan supporters. The PTI denies it instigated its followers to violence in both instances, accusing the military and its political rivals of resorting to rights abuses, including torture and a nationwide crackdown against its supporters. 

“After the holy month of Ramadan, we will formulate a strategy in collaboration with all opposition parties and launch a nationwide protest movement,” a statement posted from Khan’s social media account on X said on Sunday night. 

The cricketer-turned-politician said he has directed his party’s negotiation committee to expedite communications with other parties, adding that the PTI would invite individuals from all sectors of Pakistan including lawyers, farmers, laborers, scholars and students to participate in the protest. 

“This protest will be for the restoration of democracy and the constitution, and for our genuine freedom and sovereignty,” he added. 

Khan’s party held negotiations with the government in December 2024 to ease political tensions in the country. However, talks between both sides broke down in January after the PTI pulled away, accusing the government of not fulfilling its two principal demands of forming judicial commissions to investigate the 2023 and 2024 protests. 

The government rubbished the PTI’s allegations, accusing the party of “unilaterally” abandoning talks without waiting for the government to respond to its demands. 

“Despite our repeated demands, no judicial commission has been formed to investigate the events of May 9th and November 26th (2024),” Khan’s statement read. “The truth would have been revealed to the public if such a commission had been established.”

Khan alleged his supporters were being denied their right to visit him in prison, describing it as a fundamental violation of his rights. 

“Even my own children are not allowed to speak with me, all in an attempt to exert pressure on me,” the former premier claimed. 

The government has so far not reacted to Khan’s call for protests. 

Khan’s ouster from office since April 2022 has plunged Pakistan into a political crisis, particularly after he was sent to jail in 2023. The former prime minister fell out with Pakistan army’s top leaders in the lead-up to his ouster and has since led an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the institution.

He continues to remain popular among the masses, with his party’s rallies drawing thousands of people in various cities. 


ODI World Champions Australia arrive in Pakistan for Champions Trophy tournament 

Updated 17 February 2025
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ODI World Champions Australia arrive in Pakistan for Champions Trophy tournament 

  • Australia will kick off Champions Trophy campaign by facing England in Lahore on Feb. 22
  • Injuries have ruled out matchwinners Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood and Marsh from event 

ISLAMABAD: Led by their captain Steve Smith, the Australian cricket team arrived in Pakistan for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy tournament on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said days before they are scheduled to take on England in the 50-over event. 

The Australian cricket team will arrive in Pakistan in two batches, the PCB said. A 14-member squad comprising Australian coaches, captain Smith and the sports staff reached Lahore from Colombo via Dubai while a 17-member squad, including 15 players of the Australian cricket team, will arrive in Lahore at 8 am on Monday, the board said.

“Australia will play their first match in the ICC Champions Trophy against arch-rivals England on Feb. 22 at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore,” the PCB said. 

The Australian cricket team has arrived in Pakistan after suffering a 2-0 away ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka. Smith’s squad lost the first ODI to Sri Lanka by 49 runs on Feb. 12 before losing the second one as well on Feb. 14 by a huge 174 runs. 

Before that, the 2023 World Cup winners lost a home ODI series to Pakistan 2-1 in November last year, with Pakistan’s pace attack and opening batter Saim Ayub demolishing the Australians to take home their first away series in the country in 22 years. 

Injuries have also impacted the Australian cricket team ahead of the key Champions Trophy tournament. Smith’s squad will be without matchwinners Mitchell Starc, regular skipper Pat Cummins and key seamer Josh Hazlewood, and all-rounder Mitch Marsh. Cummins, Hazlewood and Marsh have been ruled out of the tournament due to injuries while Starc has pulled away due to personal reasons. The surprise retirement of Marcus Stoinis has forced Australia to call-up back-up players. 

After facing England in Lahore on Feb. 22, Australia are set to clash against South Africa in Rawalpindi on Feb. 25 before heading back to Lahore to face Afghanistan on Feb. 28. 

Squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Traveling reserve: Cooper Connolly


Pakistan’s deputy PM arrives in New York to attend Security Council meeting on multilateralism 

Updated 17 February 2025
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Pakistan’s deputy PM arrives in New York to attend Security Council meeting on multilateralism 

  • Pakistan to reaffirm strong commitment to multilateralism in meeting scheduled to be held on Feb. 18 
  • Summit comes at a time of growing concerns about multilateralism amid increasing conflicts worldwide

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has arrived in New York to attend a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on multilateralism and global governance, state-run media reported on Monday. 
The meeting will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Feb. 18, as China holds the council’s rotating presidency for the month. The deliberations come at a time of growing concerns about multilateralism, particularly after United States President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, and a growing number of conflicts around the world.
“Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, flew into New York on Sunday afternoon to participate in the high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on multilateralism and global governance set for Tuesday,” the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Monday. 
APP said Pakistan welcomes the “timely initiative” by China to hold the meeting, saying that it underscores the critical importance of multilateralism in addressing today’s global challenges.
The Pakistani deputy prime minister will reaffirm Pakistan’s strong commitment to the principles of multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in promoting international peace, security, and sustainable development, the state-run media said. He will also highlight Pakistan’s priorities as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive global governance. 
Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2025-2026 term in June 2024 with 182 out of 193 votes and officially began its two-year tenure on January 1, 2025.
“On the sidelines of the UNSC meeting, the DPM/FM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts, as well as senior UN officials,” APP said. 
Dar is also expected to give interviews to media and hold a press conference for US-based Pakistani journalists.


Champions Trophy set for liftoff after India-Pakistan row, boycott calls

Updated 17 February 2025
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Champions Trophy set for liftoff after India-Pakistan row, boycott calls

  • This is the first global cricket tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades 
  • India’s matches will be played in Dubai after they refused to visit neighbor Pakistan 

KARACHI: The Champions Trophy begins Wednesday after a turbulent build-up that saw the tournament split between Pakistan and Dubai, and with England facing calls to boycott their match against Afghanistan.

The event, regarded as second only to the World Cup in the one-day game, runs until March 9 and is the first global cricket tournament hosted by Pakistan in nearly three decades.

India’s matches will however be played in the United Arab Emirates after the sport’s financial superpower refused to visit their neighbor over long-standing political tensions.

A month-long impasse ended in December when the International Cricket Council said that India would play their games in Dubai.

It raises the prospect of the final of the eight-nation showpiece taking place there, rather than in Pakistan, if India get that far — a good chance given they are favorites to lift the trophy.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who only face off in international competitions because of the politics, clash in Dubai on February 23 in the group phase.

England play Afghanistan three days later in Lahore in a match that has been met with a backlash in some quarters in Britain.

More than 160 British politicians called for a boycott in response to the Taliban government’s ban on women in sport.

England Cricket Board chairman Richard Thompson vowed the match would go ahead, saying a “coordinated international response” by the cricket community would achieve more than unilateral action.

The Champions Trophy will be Pakistan’s first ICC event since co-hosting the 1996 World Cup with India and Sri Lanka.

Karachi and Rawalpindi are the other Pakistani cities that will stage games.

Pakistan became a no-go area for foreign teams after the visiting Sri Lankan squad were attacked by gunmen in 2009, leaving eight people dead and wounding several touring players.

But with improved security across most of the country, international cricket returned to Pakistan in 2020.

India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh form Group A while Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa are in Group B.

Two teams from each group qualify for the semifinals in Dubai and Lahore.

Pakistan are reigning champions, having defeated India in the final in 2017 at The Oval in London.

But it is two-time winners India who are favorites, with superstar batsman Virat Kohli hoping to overcome a poor run of form by his sky-high standards.

It could be the 36-year-old’s last hurrah on the international stage, with captain Rohit Sharma also likely to retire after the tournament.

“India is playing superb all-round cricket and so are among the favorites for the Champions Trophy,” former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar told AFP.

“The other teams, in my opinion, to watch out for are defending champions Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.”

India will however be missing ace pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

Australia beat hosts India to win the one-day World Cup in 2023 but they are missing several key players.

Their formidable pace attack of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are all out.

Coupled with the sudden retirement from ODIs of Marcus Stoinis and injury to Mitchell Marsh — both key all-rounders — and Australia suddenly look vulnerable.

They were well beaten 2-0 in Sri Lanka in a two-match series last week. Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan will open the ninth edition of the Champions Trophy with a match against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday.

The co-hosts are unpredictable, as they showed in the last edition of the tournament, losing to India by 124 runs in the opening match before winning the final against them by 180 runs.

England go into the competition under a cloud, having been outclassed by India in both a T20 and one-day series in the lead-up.

With quality spinners led by Rashid Khan, Afghanistan are dangerous.

They shocked England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup and reached the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup last year.