ISLAMABAD: July 28 –
Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar addressing during the launching ceremony of Dr. Furqan Hameed’s book ‘Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: The Tiger of the Islamic World – A Leader of Vision, Resolve & Reform’ held at the National Language Promotion Department.
ISLAMABAD: July 28 –
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ISLAMABAD: July 28 – Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar addressing during the launching ceremony of Dr. Furqan Hameed’s book ‘Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: The Tiger of the Islamic World – A Leader of Vision, Resolve & Reform’ held at the National Language Promotion Department. APP/ADZ/MAF/TZD/FHA
FPCCI Advisor Meets Sindh CM to Discuss Date Palm Market Development
SUKKUR, Jul 28 (APP):Gurdas Wadhwani, Advisor to the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), on Monday met with Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah to discuss the development and revitalization of Date Palm Market in Sukkur.
During the meeting, Wadhwani highlighted the significance of Chohar Market, which is not only the largest wholesale market for dates in Pakistan but also plays a crucial role in the country’s export industry, contributing over 70% of the nation’s date exports.
Wadhwani presented several proposals to modernize the market, improve its infrastructure and provide basic facilities to make it a world-class trading hub. The proposals included constructing modern facilities, enhancing basic amenities, and upgrading the market’s infrastructure to meet international standards.
The CM acknowledged the importance of Chohar Market and assured Wadhwani of full cooperation in promoting and developing the market. He directed the relevant authorities to review Wadhwani’s proposals and take practical steps to make the market more vibrant and effective at the national and international levels.
The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to supporting key industries and trading centers in Sindh, with a focus on enhancing their competitiveness and contribution to the national economy.
Pakistan’s economy shows signs of recovery, growing resilience in FY 2025.
ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP): The Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue informed on Monday that Pakistan’s economy has demonstrated clear signs of recovery and growing resilience in the Previous Fiscal Year, 2025.
Pakistan’s economy sustained growth momentum at 2.68%, while inflation fell sharply to 4.5%, supported by a lower policy rate, exchange rate stability, and prudent macroeconomic management, according to “Monthly Economic Update and Outlook, July 2025, issued by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue here.
According to the report, social protection and climate resilience will also remain integral to aligning near-term economic actions with Pakistan’s long-term development goals.
Accordingly, real GDP is expected to grow by 4.2% in FY2026, alongside continued price stabilization.
The current account recorded a surplus of $2.1 billion, marking the first annual surplus in 14 years and the largest in 22 years, reflecting improved external balances, stronger exports and remittances, and rising foreign exchange reserves.
The fiscal deficit has been contained at 3.1% of GDP for July–May FY2025, showing improved fiscal discipline and resource management, the report said.
These improvements have strengthened market confidence, eased currency pressures, and created space for monetary easing to support growth.
Building on this momentum, FY2026 begins with a renewed focus on sustainable and inclusive growth and Policy priorities include continued fiscal consolidation, enhanced revenue mobilization, modernization of the agriculture and industrial sectors, and improvements in the business climate and human capital development, the report said.
According to the data, the Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) sector registered a 7.9 percent month-on-month (MoM) growth while a 2.3 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in May 2025.
The report revealed that the decline in Perishable food prices is moderating Inflation and CPI averages 4.5% for FY2025, a substantial drop from 23.4% during the same period last year.
The CPI inflation recorded at 3.2 percent YoY in June 2025, compared to 12.6 percent in June 2024. MoM, it increases by 0.2 percent, following a 0.2 percent decrease in May 2025.
A key factor behind this moderation is the significant decline in perishable food prices, which fell by 10.6 percent YoY, easing pressure on the overall food basket.
During Jul-May FY2025, the fiscal deficit reduced significantly to 3.7 percent of GDP from 5.0 percent recorded last year.
Similarly, primary surplus increased to 3.1 percent of GDP (Rs.3,594.6 billion) during Jul-May FY2025 from 1.5 percent (Rs.1,620.5 billion) last year due to contained growth in non-markup spending.
On stability in monetary indicators and Capital market optimism, the report said that during July 1 -June 27, FY2025, Pakistan’s broad money supply (M2) grew by 13.7 percent compared to 15.0 percent growth observed last year.
In which, the Net Foreign Assets (NFA) increased sharply by Rs.1,757 billion, compared to Rs.675.2 billion increase recorded in the corresponding period.
Net Domestic Assets (NDA) rose by Rs.3,164.9 billion, compared to Rs.3,976.8 billion last year.
According to the agriculture sector during July–May FY2025, agricultural credit disbursement rose to Rs 2,300.4 billion, marking a 16.6 percent increase from Rs 1,972.8 billion in the same period last year.
The data report also shown optimism for current FY 2025-26 and said that Pakistan’s economy is expected to sustain its recovery in early FY2026, supported by improved macroeconomic fundamentals and rising investor confidence.
Large-Scale Manufacturing (LSM) is likely to maintain momentum in June 2025, driven by increased private sector credit off take and expanding production activity.
The rebound is expected to boost imports of raw materials and intermediate goods while supporting exports of value-added products.
Strengthening domestic demand, a stable exchange rate, steady global commodity prices, and improved foreign demand are likely to enhance exports, remittances, and imports in July 2025, reinforcing external sector stability. Inflation is projected to remain within 3.5 to 4.5 percent, though risks from recent heavy rains may affect agricultural yields and supply chains, the report said.
Senate committee reviews operational readiness of defence production institutions
ISLAMABAD, Jul 28 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production met on Monday to review the operational status, challenges, and future requirements of Pakistan’s defence production institutions, reaffirming the strategic importance of strengthening indigenous defence capabilities.
Chaired by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, the session brought together committee members including Senators Jan Muhammad, Dost Ali Jeesar, Aon Abbas, and Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, who joined as a special invitee. Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan participated remotely via Zoom.
The committee received comprehensive briefings from the Ministry of Defence Production, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW), Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), and the National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC).
Officials presented updates on current projects, technological advancements, and areas requiring policy or financial support.
The meeting focused on the importance of modernizing Pakistan’s defence manufacturing capabilities to meet evolving national security needs and reduce reliance on imports.
Members discussed progress on existing projects, including shipbuilding, weapons manufacturing, and the development of secure communication technologies.
Committee members stressed the need for greater transparency, enhanced efficiency, and increased collaboration between public and private sectors to boost the performance and output of defence institutions.
‘Poultry, Livestock Expo’ will boost KP’s image: Governor
PESHAWAR, Jul 28 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that the Poultry and Livestock Expo will play a vital role in building a positive image of the province. Appreciating the initiative, he announced his participation in the upcoming event and emphasized the importance of such exhibitions in showcasing KP’s potential.
The Governor said this in a meeting with Poultry and Livestock delegation led by Haji Rajwali Mohmand, President of the Poultry Cooperative Society KP, Muhammad Asif Awan, President of the Livestock Cooperative Society KP and Khalid Waqar Chamkani to extend invitation to Governor to attend the 3rd edition of the International Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Expo 2025 as the Chief Guest. The event is scheduled to take place on September 18, at Gul Makai Palace, Northern Bypass, Peshawar.
The Governor said that KP has huge potential in every sector, including poultry and livestock, adding that he would raise related issues with federal and concerned officials to ensure proper support and development.
He also offered institutional support, saying, “Red Crescent and NAVTTC can play a key role in supporting your efforts.”
The two-day expo aims to bring together key stakeholders from across the livestock, poultry, and fisheries sectors.
They informed the Governor that the Expo will serve as a dynamic platform for farmers, breeders, researchers, investors, and policymakers from across Pakistan and abroad to exchange ideas and showcase the latest advancements in these industries.
The event is designed to foster collaboration, facilitate trade, and promote sustainable practices that enhance food security and economic development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
The organizers emphasized that the Governor’s participation as Chief Guest would be a source of encouragement and add significant prestige to the event. His address is expected to underline the provincial government’s commitment to the growth of these crucial sectors.
The organizers of the Poultry Expo highlighted several key challenges facing the industry and urged the government to take practical steps for its growth.
They called for greater flexibility in visa policies to facilitate international participation, reforms in the medicine policy and tax structure, issuance of root permits for trade with Afghanistan, and adjustments in electricity tariffs to reduce production costs.
They emphasized that resolving these issues is essential to unlock the full potential of the poultry and livestock sectors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Governor assured to take the issues with concerned officials and asked to submit proper application in this regard.
Reaffirming his commitment to collaboration, Governor Kundi concluded, “The doors of the Governor House are open let’s work together.”
CM highlights police reform, security modernisation, flood rehabilitation, education, development
KARACHI, Jul 28 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday outlined a comprehensive vision for law enforcement reform, public welfare, and post-flood recovery during a meeting with Civil Service Academy probationary officers and senior officials at the CM House.
His address reflected a blend of security modernisation and development aimed at addressing both persistent and emerging challenges across the province.
The CM Murad Shah revealed a substantial development budget, including Rs. 366.75 billion for foreign-funded projects, with the Sindh government investing heavily in expanding Karachi’s Road network, building new flyovers, underpasses, and implementing landmark projects such as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the People’s Bus Service. New sewage, water supply, and solid waste management upgrades are ongoing, further enhancing urban infrastructure.
Highlighting the devastation caused by the 2022 floods, Shah noted that 12.4 million residents were impacted, with 5 million pushed below the poverty line and 2.1 million homes damaged. In response, the province has mobilised extensive rehabilitation resources, including $1.497 billion for Sindh Flood Emergency Housing Reconstruction, targeting the reconstruction of 1.14 million homes. $530 million for the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP), rejuvenating rural roads, water supply, and irrigation infrastructure. Additional investments include $200 million for Emergency Flood Assistance (rehabilitation of inter-district roads), $230 million for the Sindh Water & Agriculture Transformation Project, and $275 million to rebuild 1,600 secondary schools.
These efforts are reinforced by the establishment of a unified social protection registry and programmes focused on healthcare, family planning, and agriculture, demonstrating the government’s commitment to public welfare and recovery, the CM said.
Murad Shah celebrated Sindh Police’s historic legacy as Pakistan’s second-largest force, with 162,000 personnel and the nation’s highest number of police martyrs, 2,549, reflecting decades of service and sacrifice. Addressing lawlessness in the Kacha area, a haven for criminals due to difficult terrain and tribal disputes, he emphasised the government’s strategy to build bridges, improve roads, and bolster police mobility. “Notably, the completion of the Kandkot-Ghotki Bridge is set to shift the security landscape in upper Sindh,” he said.
The Chief Minister spoke on tangible progress in counterterrorism, including the capture of those behind major attacks on Chinese workers and the neutralisation of terror plots from notorious groups. Modernisation efforts include a Rs. 772 million Fusion Centre equipped with open-source intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics, enhancing investigative and operational capacity. Hundreds of new vehicles and advanced surveillance gadgets- like AI-powered CCTV and facial recognition at 42 toll plazas- have been deployed. A dedicated Sindh Police Highway Patrol (SPHP) with 2,000 personnel and 100 vehicles now secures highways, supported by an ambitious Rs. 34 billion multi-phase programmes to install 12,000 surveillance cameras.
In an unprecedented move, Rs. 6 billion has been allocated directly to police stations, providing station officers with fiscal autonomy, the Chief Minister said. He added that model station renovations and the rollout of a Rs. 4.9 billion health insurance packages, covering officers and their families, demonstrate a renewed focus on police welfare.
The “Shaheed Package” for families of fallen officers has been increased, investigation allowances introduced, and a province-wide cadre of specialised Investigation Officers is now in service, with regular judicial training, he said.
To professionally handle civil disturbances, Murad Shah said that his government has established a Crisis Management Unit trained by Turkey’s Anti-Riot Force, equipped with 2,000 anti-riot kits and incorporating female officers. Recruitment of 2,000 new constables is ongoing.
The Chief Minister said that his government is advancing major initiatives in urban sustainability, education, and climate action.
Discussing the solid waste emergency project of $100 million, the CM said that improving urban waste management through emergency response, building state-of-the-art landfill sites at Jam Chakro and Dhabeji, and strengthening solid waste infrastructure to reduce pollution and enhance city sanitation.
Shah said that enhancing early grade education by boosting student transitions and attendance, improving reading and numeracy in grade-3, transforming teaching practices, upgrading schools, and building management capacity has been started.
Murad Shah said that conserving 225,000 hectares in the Indus Delta to reduce 127 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, with verified carbon credits generating revenue for the government.
The Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s initiatives underscore his government’s resolve to foster secure, resilient communities, grounded in technological innovation, human development, and post-disaster recovery, shaping a safer and more prosperous future for millions across Sindh.