Pakistan signs agriculture, livestock technology deals with Türkiye to boost exports

The photograph released on February 13, 2026, shows officials from Pakistan and Türkiye posing for a group photo during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan. (X/@jameelaq)
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Updated 13 February 2026
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Pakistan signs agriculture, livestock technology deals with Türkiye to boost exports

  • The deals link Pakistani research and corporate entities with Turkish companies
  • MoUs align with Islamabad’s export-led growth push after IMF-backed stabilization

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has facilitated two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with Turkish partners in agriculture technology and livestock development, an official announced on Friday, as Islamabad seeks to boost productivity and exports following recent economic stabilization efforts.

The deals, brokered under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), bring together the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council and Türkiye’s Agricultural Technologies Cluster (TÜME), as well as Green Corporate Livestock Initiative (Pvt.) Ltd. and Dost Agriculture Enterprises.

The SIFC, a hybrid civil-military body formed in 2023 to fast-track decisions related to international investment in sectors including tourism, livestock, agriculture and mines and minerals, has been central to Pakistan’s efforts to attract foreign capital and streamline approvals.

“Pakistan possesses vast agricultural potential, fertile land, and a dynamic workforce,” Jamil Qureshi, Federal Secretary of the SIFC, said in a post on social media. “By combining these strengths with Türkiye’s advanced expertise and technological innovation, we are unlocking new pathways for productivity, value addition, and global market access.”

Qureshi said the agreements reflected a shared commitment to technology transfer, modernization of livestock practices and enhanced export competitiveness.

Pakistan is pushing for export-led growth after emerging from a prolonged economic crisis that saw foreign exchange reserves fall sharply and inflation surge. The country stabilized its economy with the support of the International Monetary Fund and financial assistance from friendly nations, and is now seeking to accelerate reforms and attract investment into productive sectors.

“At the SIFC, our role is clear: to facilitate investors, enable strategic partnerships, and ensure seamless coordination so that agreements translate into measurable economic outcomes,” Qureshi said.

He added the government had pledged to create a business-friendly environment to draw foreign investors, particularly in sectors where international collaborations can thrive.


Punjab tells court 17 killed during Basant kite-flying festival this month

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Punjab tells court 17 killed during Basant kite-flying festival this month

  • Report by provincial authorities says electrocution, rooftop falls among leading causes
  • Festival was revived this year after nearly two decades of ban over safety concerns

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government on Wednesday informed the Lahore High Court 17 people were killed in Lahore during the Feb. 6–8 Basant kite-flying festival, which was revived this year after nearly two decades of restrictions.

Basant, a traditional Punjabi spring festival marked by rooftop kite flying, was banned in Punjab after repeated fatalities linked to metallic or chemically treated kite strings, electrocution from power lines, rooftop falls and injuries to motorcyclists.

The provincial government revived the festival this year under regulatory measures that included restrictions on hazardous kite string and enforcement protocols aimed at preventing injuries.

“It is respectfully submitted that during kite flying festival 2025, 17 casualties have been reported in District Lahore due to electrocution (3), falling down from rooftop (12) and trees (2),” according to a supplementary report submitted in compliance with a court order dated Feb. 17.

The supplementary report was filed by provincial authorities in response to proceedings initiated by the Judicial Activism Panel against the Province of Punjab. Further hearings in the matter are expected before the Lahore High Court.

The government had banned metallic or chemical-coated killer strings for the Basant festival this year.

Kites and strings had to bear individual QR codes so they could be traced and motorcyclists had to attach safety rods to their bikes to fend off stray thread.

Some 4,600 producers registered with authorities to sell kites and strings, while rooftops with 30 or more revelers also had to be registered and dozens of roofs were declared off-limits after inspections.