Author name: Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Representatives of the Corporate Dairy Farmers Association called on Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and briefed him on the progress, investment potential, and future expansion plans of Pakistan’s dairy and livestock sector, while appreciating the government’s continued engagement with the formal dairy industry. During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the transformation taking place in Pakistan’s corporate dairy sector through modern breeding, artificial insemination, scientific herd management, and advanced milk handling systems. The participants informed the Minister that commercial dairy farms are now producing high-quality milk under international standards, enabling the production and export of value-added dairy products, including cheese and processed dairy items. The delegation noted that the formal dairy sector has contributed significantly towards import substitution, employment generation, and the development of veterinary and technical expertise in Pakistan. They also highlighted the introduction of modern equipment, imported genetics, and international best practices from countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, and Europe, which have improved productivity and quality standards across the industry. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s dairy and livestock sectors possess immense untapped potential and require long-term financing models and investment-friendly policies to achieve large-scale growth. The Minister observed that affordable financing and easier access to capital were essential for enabling businesses to expand operations, adopt modern technology, and improve export competitiveness. He stated that with better financing mechanisms, Pakistan’s dairy sector could significantly increase productivity, value addition, and exports. Jam Kamal Khan further remarked that the major challenge facing businesses was often related to implementation and enforcement rather than policy formulation itself. He noted that the government was committed to improving coordination, facilitation, and implementation mechanisms to strengthen formal economic activity and create a more conducive business environment. He emphasized that enhanced collaboration between the government and private sector would help unlock further opportunities for exports, food security, and sustainable agricultural growth. The Minister also appreciated the role of corporate dairy farms in introducing scientific farming practices, veterinary services, and modern livestock management systems in Pakistan. The meeting also discussed opportunities for diversification into camel milk farming and other livestock-related industries. Jam Kamal Khan noted that several regions of Pakistan are naturally suitable for camel farming and modern dairy projects, and stressed the importance of exploring new avenues for investment and export-oriented growth. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister invited the association to submit detailed proposals and recommendations regarding taxation, financing, exports, vaccines, and sectoral development so that the matters could be reviewed in consultation with relevant ministries and stakeholders during upcoming policy and budget discussions. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s dairy and livestock sectors through policy facilitation, investment promotion, value addition, and measures aimed at enhancing exports and sustainable economic growth.

Pakistan’s healthcare sector marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the Institute of Pakistan Medical Device Industry, the country’s first national platform dedicated to the medical device sector. The event brought together industrialists, academicians, policymakers, and representatives from regulatory and public health institutions to initiate a more structured national dialogue on the future of healthcare manufacturing in Pakistan. The inauguration served as a key platform for stakeholders to discuss strengthening Pakistan’s capabilities in medical technology, diagnostics, and healthcare innovation. During the discussions, speakers openly addressed the structural challenges facing the industry, including limited resources, inconsistent industrial support, and the urgent need for more growth-oriented and industry-friendly policies. Participants emphasized that without a coherent framework encouraging innovation, investment, and local production, the healthcare sector would continue struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. Representatives from major institutions, including the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Health Services Academy, and COMSATS University Islamabad, attended the event and expressed strong support for the initiative. They highlighted the importance of creating a unified platform capable of shaping the strategic and operational direction of Pakistan’s medical device industry. A major theme of the event was the relationship between academia and industry. Speakers stressed that collaboration between educational institutions and the healthcare manufacturing sector is essential for national progress. Such partnerships, they noted, would promote research and innovation while preparing students, researchers, and professionals with industry-relevant skills and practical exposure. The discussions also focused heavily on public health challenges, particularly Pakistan’s rising disease burden from infections such as Hepatitis C and HIV. Concerns were raised over the increasing number of HIV cases and the ongoing difficulties related to diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and containment efforts. In response, speakers strongly advocated for locally manufactured and cost-effective healthcare solutions, emphasizing that indigenous diagnostic technologies and medical devices could provide more sustainable and affordable responses to public health crises, especially in underserved communities. The concluding remarks reinforced the importance of building national confidence in local manufacturing and healthcare programmes. Participants stated that with supportive policies, institutional collaboration, and trust in domestic industry, Pakistan could significantly strengthen its public health system and improve outcomes in the fight against diseases such as Hepatitis C and HIV. The launch of the Institute of Pakistan Medical Device Industry was described not merely as the establishment of a new institution, but as the beginning of a broader movement toward healthcare self-reliance, industrial resilience, and a more sustainable future for public health in Pakistan.

Karachi, Pakistan — The Aga Khan University (AKU) hosted a high-impact AI Strategy Roundtable, bringing together over 30 leading Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from across Pakistan to advance dialogue on AI policy, strategy, and implementation. The event highlighted AKU’s leadership in AI through the sharing of its AI Policy Framework and practical strategy insights. The session opened with remarks from Dr. Stephen Lyon, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Muhammad Fahd, Regional Director of ICT. They were joined by Azhar Nawaz, Group CDIO of Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), who welcomed members of the CIO Executive Network to this important and collaborative session. Dr. Zainab Samad, Chair of the Department of Medicine, presented AKU’s progress in data science and AI, followed by Shumail Khalid, Director of Data and Analytics, who outlined AKU’s strategic approach to scaling AI initiatives. A thought-provoking perspective was shared by Dr. Jameel Ahmed Khan, focusing on the role of AI in enhancing quality of life beyond 65. Participants engaged in a structured workshop to collaboratively identify priorities and recommendations for AI adoption in Pakistan. In closing, Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of Aga Khan University Health System (Pakistan), emphasized the need for practical AI solutions to transform healthcare delivery. Shaukat Ali Khan, Advisor to the President of AKU, underscored the importance of collective innovation, advocating for leveraging data-driven solutions and scaling the “Best of Pakistan to the Rest of Pakistan.” The roundtable marked a significant step toward building a collaborative AI ecosystem to drive national impact.

The Punjab government has approved amendments to impose a 0.90 percent cess on imports and exports. This move aims to boost infrastructure development revenue across the province. Broader Scope of the New Levy The amended Punjab Infrastructure Development Cess Act 2026 now covers goods produced, manufactured, consumed, imported, or exported through Punjab. It also applies to imported goods merely passing through the province’s territory. Enforcement Mechanisms Strengthened Authorities will appoint cess officers with powers to monitor, inspect, and verify goods. Checkpoints can be established at key entry and exit points, and officers may seek help from Customs and law enforcement agencies. The Punjab Assembly passed the bill through a majority vote. It awaits final approval from the Governor to become law. Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman clarified that this is not a new tax. The cess has existed for years, and the government is only restructuring the system for better collection. He highlighted the revenue gap with Sindh province. Sindh collects around Rs. 170 billion annually from similar charges, while Punjab currently gathers only Rs. 9-10 billion. Business Community Reactions Importers and exporters have expressed concerns over increased costs. Many fear the new cess will raise operational expenses and affect competitiveness in regional trade. The government maintains the funds will support infrastructure projects. Better roads, logistics hubs, and facilities could eventually benefit the same traders paying the cess. Analysts suggest the expanded scope, including transit goods, could significantly increase Punjab’s revenue. However, implementation challenges at checkpoints may cause delays for legitimate trade. This development comes amid ongoing economic pressures in Pakistan. Provinces are exploring new ways to generate funds without heavily relying on federal transfers. The cess will primarily apply to goods moving through formal customs channels. Small-scale or informal traders might see minimal immediate impact.