Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, May 12: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan held a detailed meeting with Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, to discuss bilateral trade enhancement, regional connectivity, energy cooperation, and strengthening institutional engagement between the two brotherly countries. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the growing importance of regional trade corridors, logistics cooperation, and improving commercial connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asian states. Discussions focused on expanding trade routes, facilitating smoother movement of goods, and enhancing direct interaction between the business communities of both countries. Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position as a natural gateway connecting Central Asia with regional and international markets through Pakistan’s seaports. He observed that evolving regional dynamics and changing global supply chain patterns have further increased the importance of Pakistan’s connectivity and logistics potential. The Minister emphasized that stronger economic integration, efficient transportation linkages, and enhanced business-to-business engagement can unlock significant trade opportunities for both countries. He also underlined the importance of organizing business forums, exhibitions, and institutional interactions between chambers of commerce to promote direct engagement between private sectors. Ambassador H.E. Atadjan Movlamov appreciated Pakistan’s positive approach towards regional trade facilitation and connectivity initiatives. He reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s interest in expanding bilateral economic cooperation and strengthening commercial and transport linkages with Pakistan. Both sides also discussed prospects for cooperation in the energy sector, including regional energy connectivity and future infrastructure collaboration aimed at promoting long-term regional economic integration and stability. The meeting further reviewed various areas of mutual economic interest and emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic engagement, institutional coordination, and high-level exchanges to further strengthen Pakistan-Turkmenistan relations. Both sides expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in trade, energy, logistics, and private-sector engagement would open new avenues for economic partnership between the two countries.

KARACHI, Monday, May 11, 2026- Lasbela Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has strongly condemned the murder of a factory manager at Sera-e-Noor Factory in Hub Industrial Area, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants, and has called on the provincial government and law-enforcement agencies to arrest the perpetrators without delay. The LCCI president and executive committee, in a statement issued on Monday, expressed deep grief and shock over the killing, warning that such incidents generate a pervasive sense of fear and insecurity among industrialists, investors, management staff, workers and all others associated with industrial activity in the region. “While the exact motive behind the attack is yet to be established, the incident raises serious and troubling questions about the state of law and order within the industrial zone,” the statement read. The Chamber extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and appealed to the Chief Secretary Balochistan, Inspector General of Police Balochistan, Senior Superintendent of Police Hub, Frontier Corps authorities and all relevant law-enforcement agencies to take immediate and effective measures to bring the culprits to justice at the earliest. Ismail Suttar, former president of the LCCI and chairman of its Law and Order Committee, reiterated his longstanding proposal for the establishment of a dedicated, professionally trained industrial security force for the Hub Industrial Trading Estate (HITE). He said such a force must be equipped with modern surveillance infrastructure, rapid-response capability, effective patrol mechanisms and strict monitoring of all entry and exit points to prevent unauthorized access to the industrial zone. The Chamber stressed that urgent and tangible measures are essential to restore the confidence of industrialists and the thousands of workers employed across Hub Industrial Area. The LCCI also reaffirmed its full commitment to cooperating with the administration and law-enforcement bodies in maintaining peace and security across the region. “Economic stability and investor confidence are directly linked to a safe and secure business environment. Without the restoration of law and order, neither investment nor development can be sustained,” the Chamber cautioned.

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of National Steel Complex Limited met Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to discuss issues relating to industrial competitiveness, tariff rationalization, value-added manufacturing, and operational challenges being faced by the steel and engineering sectors. During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Minister on concerns arising from the existing duty structure applicable to raw materials, intermediate goods, and products processed through Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Representatives explained that industries importing raw materials into the tariff area are required to pay customs duties at the import stage, while additional duties are again imposed when processed or value-added products return from EPZs to the tariff area. The delegation informed the Minister that the current mechanism effectively results in double taxation on industrial products and increases the cost of manufacturing, particularly for industries involved in machining, lining, coating, fabrication, and other value-added industrial activities. They proposed that duties should only apply to the additional value created within the EPZ instead of the total value of the finished product. Participants also highlighted technical complexities related to customs valuation, classification of processed products, and determination of value addition during industrial processing. They emphasized the need for transparent and practical mechanisms to facilitate genuine industrial activity while ensuring regulatory compliance. During the discussion, it was clarified that NTC primarily functions as a technical body on tariff-related matters, providing analytical and advisory support regarding tariff structures and trade remedy measures. The Commission is responsible for implementing trade protection instruments, including safeguards against unfair trade practices by foreign exporters to protect local manufacturers. Matters relating to customs valuation, industrial costing, regulatory enforcement, and sector-specific compliance fall within the respective mandates of relevant authorities such as FBR, Ministry of Industries, and other concerned regulatory bodies. The delegation further apprised the Minister of the challenges being faced by long-term industrial projects due to rising energy costs, evolving tariff structures, and changing economic conditions. Participants observed that several projects were initiated under significantly different economic and industrial circumstances, while current operational realities have increased financial pressures on manufacturers. Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting industrial development, export-oriented manufacturing, and value addition in Pakistan. The Minister observed that policymaking should remain practical and responsive to the realities of industrial operations. He stated that the government values the technical expertise and practical experience of industrial stakeholders in identifying workable and legally sustainable solutions for the sector. Jam Kamal Khan directed the relevant authorities to continue consultations with stakeholders, including EPZA, customs authorities, tariff experts, and industry representatives, to examine the matter comprehensively and explore mechanisms that facilitate industrial growth while maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance. The meeting also included discussions on industrial preparedness, machinery procurement, contractor coordination, and institutional facilitation required for the smooth implementation and expansion of industrial projects in the country.

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.