Pakistan opens pavilion at Big 5 Global trade event in Dubai

People walk past Big 5 Global 2025 exhibition in Dubai, UAE on November 24, 2025. (Big 5 Global/Facebook)
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Updated 25 November 2025
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Pakistan opens pavilion at Big 5 Global trade event in Dubai

  • Nine Pakistani firms exhibit building materials, construction technology at major UAE trade fair
  • Event offers Pakistani exporters access to new buyers as Middle East construction demand rises

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan inaugurated its pavilion at the Big 5 Global 2025 exhibition in Dubai on Monday, showcasing a range of building materials and construction technologies as the Gulf region accelerates large-scale infrastructure and real estate development. 

The Big 5 Global is one of the world’s largest construction industry gatherings, bringing together companies involved in supply chains, urban planning, infrastructure design, and facilities management. The Gulf region, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, has been a growing market for construction inputs, creating opportunities for export-oriented manufacturers from countries like Pakistan. The annual exhibition serves as a key platform for firms seeking entry into regional procurement networks and long-term buyers.

Speaking at the inauguration of the event, Hussain Muhammad, Pakistan’s consul general in Dubai, said nine exhibitors from Pakistan were participating under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.

“Pakistani companies are presenting a diverse range of products and services, including electric cables, lighting solutions, PVC pipes, U-PVC windows and doors, aluminum architecture, and laminated boards,” Muhammad was quoted as saying in a statement by his office after he opened the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai World Trade Center. 

“The event provides exhibitors with a premier platform to promote innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in building materials and construction sector.”

Pakistan’s trade mission in the UAE said the fair offers a critical channel for Pakistani firms to tap into regional and global markets. Trade Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan emphasized the export potential of the event, saying the UAE offers “excellent opportunities for Pakistani firms to connect with international buyers, explore new markets, and contribute to Pakistan’s export growth.”

Pakistan’s participation in the Big 5 Global event this year is aimed at boosting its presence in the regional construction supply chain and promoting export diversification at a time when the country is seeking to expand foreign exchange earnings.


China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks

Updated 03 February 2026
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China backs Pakistan in fight against militancy after deadly Balochistan attacks

  • China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in major infrastructure projects, including in Balochistan
  • Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says ‘we mourn for lives lost, and our hearts go out to injured and those who lost loved ones’

ISLAMABAD: China condemns the recent attacks that killed more than 200 people in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday, reaffirming Beijing’s support for Pakistan in its fight against militancy.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) group launched coordinated attacks in several cities across Balochistan on Saturday, killing 33 civilians and 17 security personnel. Officials said 117 militants were killed in skirmishes and follow-up operations.

Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, is the site of a decades-long insurgency waged by Baloch separatist groups who often attack security forces, foreigners and non-local Pakistanis and kidnap government officials.

China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan and has pledged over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“China strongly condemns the [Balochistan] attacks... We mourn for the lives lost, and our hearts go out to the injured and those who lost their loved ones,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

“China firmly opposes any form of terrorism and will as always firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.”

Chinese nationals working in Pakistan have often been targeted by militants, particularly in the southwestern Balochistan province, where China is developing a deep seaport that is touted as the crown jewel of CPEC.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said last week the attacks, claimed by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), were planned from India. New Delhi rejected the allegation as “baseless,” saying Islamabad was attempting to deflect attention from its internal challenges.

Balochistan is home to vast reserves of minerals and hydrocarbons. Separatist militant groups such as the BLA blame Islamabad for exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources and denying locals a share in them. The military and civilian government reject these allegations and say they are investing in the province’s development.