Pakistan

Islamabad: The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has rolled out a new, streamlined process for Pakistani citizens seeking to update their residential address on their Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC). According to a NADRA spokesperson, the updated guidelines are designed to make the address-change procedure faster, easier, and more citizen-friendly. This initiative aims to help individuals maintain accurate and up-to-date residential records, ensuring smoother access to government services, banking, and official documentation. One Valid Document Required to Update CNIC Address: Under the new policy, applicants must provide one authentic proof of residence to request an address change. NADRA has broadened the list of acceptable documents to make the process more convenient. Accepted documents include:• Utility bills (electricity, gas, or water) issued under the name of a parent, spouse, or the applicant’s own property• Domicile certificate• Property ownership documents• Housing society allotment letter• Verified rent agreement By expanding the range of acceptable documents, NADRA aims to eliminate unnecessary delays and encourage citizens to keep their addresses updated. Visit Any NADRA Registration Center Nationwide: NADRA has advised citizens to visit their nearest NADRA Registration Center (NRC) with the required documents. Trained staff at all centers will guide applicants through the complete procedure and assist them in updating their records efficiently. The improved process reflects NADRA’s ongoing commitment to enhance service delivery and provide seamless digital and in-person experiences for millions of Pakistanis. Why This Update Matters: Accurate address information on the CNIC is crucial for:• Banking and financial transactions• Property matters• Government and welfare programs• Voting and constituency records• Employment and travel documentation The simplified process is expected to significantly reduce processing time, benefiting citizens across Pakistan.

Pakistan and Cambodia are charting a new chapter in their bilateral relationship, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation grounded in mutual respect, shared economic interests, and long-term regional collaboration. The development came during a high-level sideline meeting in Kuala Lumpur, held alongside the 3rd Global Muslim Business Forum (GMBF) in Malaysia. According to the official press release, the meeting brought together Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, and Neak Oknha Datuk Dr. Othsman Hassan, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Mission for the Royal Government of Cambodia. A Renewed Focus on Trade, Investment, and Regional Connectivity: During the discussion, both sides conducted a detailed review of the current state of Pakistan–Cambodia relations. The two officials agreed to expand cooperation across several high-potential areas, including: • Bilateral trade development• Investment promotion and business partnerships• Parliamentary exchanges and institutional linkages• Regional connectivity and trade facilitation The conversation highlighted a shared vision for deeper economic integration and the creation of new opportunities for businesses and investors on both sides. Commitment to High-Level Dialogue and Long-Term Cooperation: Chairman Gilani emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with countries across Southeast Asia. He noted that forums like the Global Muslim Business Forum play a vital role in bringing together leaders, policymakers, and business communities from across the Muslim world to discuss economic growth and cross-border collaboration. Both Pakistan and Cambodia agreed to maintain high-level engagement to build on the positive momentum in their bilateral relations. This commitment is expected to pave the way for more structured cooperation and long-term strategic initiatives. Why This Matters for Pakistan’s Economic Strategy: Pakistan’s outreach to Cambodia supports its broader economic and diplomatic vision aimed at strengthening ties within Southeast Asia, one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. Enhanced collaboration with Cambodia can help Pakistan: • Expand its export markets• Attract new foreign investments• Promote parliamentary and institutional cooperation• Improve regional trade routes and connectivity For Cambodia, stronger ties with Pakistan open access to South Asian markets and provide a platform for broader engagement with Muslim-majority economies. A Step Forward for Regional Economic Diplomacy: The meeting in Kuala Lumpur marks a meaningful step toward building a more dynamic Pakistan–Cambodia partnership. With growing political goodwill and mutual economic interests, both countries are positioned to benefit from a deeper, more structured relationship in the years ahead. As global business dynamics evolve, such strategic partnerships will play an increasingly important role in shaping regional trade, investment ecosystems, and diplomatic engagement across Asia.

LAHORE – Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced Sunday that Pakistan will start selling surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) in international markets from January 1, 2026, to curb mounting circular debt and losses exceeding Rs1,000 billion since 2018-19.Speaking at a press conference, Malik said reduced power sector demand had created an LNG glut, forcing diversion to domestic consumers and hurting local producers. “From January 1, we will monetize this excess in global markets, ease financial burden, and enable state-owned gas companies to operate at full capacity and generate profits,” he declared. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/lng-solarization-pakistans-fuel-oil-exports-smash-record-cross-1-4-million-tons-in-2025/ The move follows Pakistan’s recent cancellation of 21 LNG cargoes from Italy’s Eni and ongoing talks with Qatar to defer or resell additional volumes.Malik also unveiled major foreign investment inflows: Turkish Petroleum is returning after 20 years for onshore and offshore exploration and opening an Islamabad office. Azerbaijan’s SOCAR will arrive next week to finalize exploration partnerships and invest millions in the Machike–Thalian oil pipeline with PSO and FWO; construction begins within six weeks.For the Reko Diq copper-gold project, $3.5 billion in private debt has been secured, matched by Barrick Gold and local firms, totaling $6–7 billion in phase-one investment. The signing ceremony is expected within two months.

Islamabad: In a historic shift, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday held high-level talks with a Binance delegation led by Global CEO Richard Teng, signaling Pakistan’s strong commitment to regulated digital assets.The meeting, also attended by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and PVARA Chairman Bilal bin Saqib, follows Friday’s consultative session at the Finance Division where central bank officials, commercial bank heads, and Binance executives discussed Pakistan’s National Digital Asset Framework. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/crypto-pioneer-bilal-bin-saqib-exits-government-role-sparks-social-media-speculation/ The government emphasized building a secure ecosystem with licensed Virtual Asset Service Providers, robust on/off-ramp infrastructure, enhanced AML/CFT compliance, and integration of citizen-held crypto into formal financial monitoring, without granting legal tender status. Officials described digital asset adoption as an “irreversible global trend” that offers economic opportunities through better financial visibility and credit assessment.Despite Bilal bin Saqib’s recent resignation as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, he continues to lead the autonomous Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority. The rare civil-military engagement with the world’s largest crypto exchange marks Pakistan’s decisive pivot from its earlier blanket ban toward a regulated, innovation-friendly digital asset market.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has achieved a major clean energy milestone months ahead of schedule, with renewable sources now contributing more than 46% of the country’s total electricity generation as of September 2025, Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari informed the National Assembly on Friday. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/k-electric-to-build-26mw-dedicated-grid-station-at-port-qasim/ In a written reply to lawmakers, the minister revealed that the country has already surpassed its own ambitious 2025 target of 40% renewable energy in the national grid. The government remains committed to raising the share to 60% by 2030.While installed on-grid renewable capacity currently stands at 37%, ongoing public and private sector projects are rapidly coming online, pushing the actual generation share significantly higher.The development marks one of the fastest clean-energy transitions among developing nations and positions Pakistan as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption.

Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, held a meeting with the Head of the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Mr. Salvatore Praano, to discuss bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s marble sector. Federal Secretary for Industries and Production, Saif Anjum, and CEO P also attended the meeting. During the discussion, both sides reviewed opportunities to improve Pakistan’s marble industry through enhanced skills development, value addition, and the adoption of advanced technologies. Haroon Akhtar Khan said that a team of experts from Italy will be invited to assess Pakistan’s marble industry and provide actionable recommendations. He added that the government aims to strengthen the national marble sector through consultation with international experts and local stakeholders. He further stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive Marble Industry Policy to promote the sector’s sustainable growth. “Pakistan has immense marble potential, and value addition supported by new technology is the need of the hour,” he noted. The Italian Trade Agency emphasized the importance of improving product quality and integrating modern techniques in marble processing. Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to long-term cooperation for the development of the marble industry. He directed PASDEC to prepare a detailed plan in collaboration with the ITA and relevant experts and submit a comprehensive report.

KARACHI: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired an important meeting with the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to review the recent fire incident at the Landhi Export Processing Zone in Karachi. Haroon Akhtar expressed serious concern over the repeated fire incidents in export zones, stating that such occurrences were alarming and must not be allowed to happen again. He directed EPZA to ensure strict implementation of safety protocols and preventive measures across all export processing zones. He emphasized that fire safety measures must be mandatory for all factories, and no negligence or delay in compliance would be tolerated. “Human lives are precious, and any form of carelessness is unacceptable,” he said. Haroon Akhtar made it clear that EPZA must take full responsibility for preventing future incidents. “There should not be any other accident. The responsibility lies with EPZA, and strict action will be taken if safety standards are ignored,” he added. He further instructed EPZA to hire qualified safety experts and ensure that every factory fully complies with national and international safety rules and regulations. He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy for negligence and incompetence, stressing that the protection of workers’ lives is the top priority. Haroon Akhtar directed EPZA to upgrade all processes and safety systems in line with international standards, highlighting that tangible results are now essential. To ensure continuous oversight, he announced that weekly review meetings will be held, during which EPZA will present progress reports and compliance updates.

Karachi: The Dairy & Cattle Farmers Association of Pakistan (DCFA) has issued an urgent appeal to the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, highlighting a rapidly escalating crisis affecting the province’s dairy, livestock, and food security landscape. In a formal letter, DCFA President Shakir Umer Gujjar warned that the growing practice of cement factories and large industries burning wheat straw (toori/bhoosa) as fuel has triggered a severe shortage of livestock fodder, a development he says is pushing dairy farmers toward bankruptcy and driving up the cost of essential food commodities. Industrial Use of Wheat Straw Sparks Fodder Shortage: According to Gujjar, wheat straw is the primary and most affordable feed for livestock across Sindh, particularly for dairy and meat-producing farmers in Karachi. However, to cut energy expenses, various industrial units have begun purchasing massive quantities of this straw to burn in their boilers. This industrial diversion is generating severe consequences, including: However, a recent price notification (27 November) set the official farm-gate price at only Rs. 200 per liter.This Rs. 70 per liter loss is making dairy operations financially unsustainable. Many farmers, he warns, are already collapsing under the ppressure DCFA’s Urgent Demands to Sindh Government: On behalf of Pakistan’s dairy farmers, Shakir Umer Gujjar has requested immediate intervention from provincial authorities, including: Gujjar emphasized that the issue is not merely economic, it is a matter of human and livestock survival. Without immediate government action, he warned, Sindh’s dairy sector could face total collapse, triggering widespread inflation, food scarcity, and long-term damage to Pakistan’s livestock economy. DCFA has requested an urgent meeting with the Chief Minister and Commissioner Karachi to discuss emergency measures.

KARACHI/ABU DHABI: UAE-based logistics company, AD Ports Group, on Friday announced that its subsidiary Karachi Gateway Terminal Multipurpose Limited (KGTML), under Noatum Ports, has signed a long-term agreement with Louis Dreyfus Company Pakistan (Private) Limited (LDC) to develop and operate a modern, food-grade clean bulk handling and storage facility for agricultural commodities at Karachi Port.Under the pact, KGTML will fully fund the design, construction, conveyor systems and supporting infrastructure, while LDC guarantees inbound volumes of dry agricultural bulk cargo. The investment is in addition to the earlier $75 million committed by AD Ports Group for phase one of the KGTML project.The Strategic Investment and Infrastructure Utilisation Agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi by Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, and Rubens Marques, Head of South & Southeast Asia for LDC.The new facility will significantly enhance efficiency, reduce handling times and align Pakistan’s agri-logistics with global food safety standards, strengthening the national supply chain and reinforcing Karachi Port’s role as a regional trade gateway.“This partnership reflects shared commitment by two ADQ portfolio companies to upgrade Pakistan’s port and agricultural logistics ecosystem,” stated AD Ports Group. The project further deepens UAE-Pakistan economic ties and supports growing bilateral trade.

KARACHI: Service Industries Limited (PSX: SRVI) on Friday informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange that its subsidiary, Service Long March Tyres (Private) Limited (SLM), has decided to raise fresh capital through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and subsequently list on the PSX.“We are pleased to convey that Service Long March Tyres (Private) Limited (SLM)… has decided to raise capital through IPO and, accordingly, to seek listing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited,” the company stated in its notice.SLM, Pakistan’s leading all-steel radial truck-and-bus (TBR) tyre manufacturer, is a joint venture between Servis Group and China’s Chaoyang Long March Tyre Co. Service Industries and its subsidiary Service Global Footwear currently hold 32.09% and 18.91% stakes in SLM, respectively.The company had earlier announced plans to invest an additional Rs60 billion in Pakistan, including a new export-oriented project targeting specialised tyres for the EU and US markets.The move follows recent IPO announcements in the corporate sector, including Ghani Dairies Limited’s planned Rs2.5 billion offering.