Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s government has abolished the 0.25% Export Development Surcharge (EDS), a move widely welcomed by exporters, economists, and industry leaders as a step to lower business costs and enhance export competitiveness.&nbsp;The decision followed recommendations from the prime minister&rsquo;s private sector&ndash;led working group on the Export Development Fund (EDF), chaired by leading textile exporter Musadaq Zulqarnain.&nbsp;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also directed a third-party audit of the EDF to ensure funds are used according to international standards, amid long-standing concerns that allocations were diverted to unrelated projects.&nbsp;An interim steering committee, led by private sector representatives, will now oversee the utilization of the remaining Rs52 billion ($185.24 million) in the EDF, along with an additional Rs8 billion ($28.51 million) expected during the current fiscal year.&nbsp;During the working group meeting, exporters highlighted concerns over high taxes and rising energy costs.&nbsp;The prime minister noted that separate groups were finalizing recommendations on taxation and energy reforms, stressing the government&rsquo;s commitment to supporting exporters and promoting Pakistani products globally.&nbsp;EDF allocations have historically funded trade fairs, local expos, and promotional activities, with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan receiving nearly Rs4 billion ($14.26 million) in the last fiscal year. The prime minister now mandates that EDF resources be exclusively dedicated to research, skill enhancement, and competitiveness, with no funds allocated for infrastructure.&nbsp;Economists and business leaders praised the move. Economist Dr Ikram ul Haq told Pakistan TV Digital that the abolition of the surcharge and the strategic use of the Rs53 billion ($188.87 million) fund &ldquo;is indeed a step in the right direction,&rdquo; while emphasizing that its productive deployment will be the real test.&nbsp;Kashif Shafi, executive director of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the decision &ldquo;a welcome development&rdquo; that will ease cost pressures on exporters. Brokerage house Topline Securities described the move as a &ldquo;small but positive step&rdquo; for Pakistan&rsquo;s export outlook.&nbsp;The announcement comes amid a widening trade deficit. Exports in the first four months of FY26 fell 4% year-on-year to $10.45 billion, while imports surged 15% to $23.03 billion. The current account deficit expanded sharply, rising to $733 million from $206 million in the same period last year.&nbsp;Though October exports grew 4% from September, monthly imports exceeded $6 billion for the first time in nearly three years.&nbsp;While the surcharge removal provides some relief, exporters caution that comprehensive measures on energy pricing and taxation will be critical for strengthening Pakistan&rsquo;s position in global markets.&nbsp;The government&rsquo;s upcoming policy decisions will determine whether this step becomes part of a broader economic strategy or remains a standalone measure.

Economy

Pakistan abolished the 0.25% Export Development Surcharge to lower business costs and boost competitiveness. Exporters welcomed the move, though they stress broader reforms in energy and taxation as the trade deficit widens and export pressures persist.

Pakistan scraps export surcharge, boosting exporter confidence

As public transportation costs worldwide continue to rise, Pakistan stands out as a rare exception. A study by an Australian research firm analyzing fare structures across 123 countries ranks Pakistan among the most affordable countries for daily commuters. According to the 2025 World Public Transport Cost Index, Pakistan ranks fifth cheapest globally, placing it well ahead of many wealthier regions where transport costs have risen sharply in recent years.&nbsp; The report underscores stark disparities in global fare affordability, revealing that while some nations are rapidly becoming unaffordable for ordinary commuters, others, like Pakistan, have retained comparatively affordable transit pricing. At the upper end of the index sits Iceland, ranked as the world&rsquo;s most expensive country for public transport, where a single ride can cost more than Rs1,500.&nbsp; The report notes that countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway also feature prominently among the costliest, reflecting the high price of mobility across much of Europe.&nbsp; The United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Finland further round out the top tier of expensive transport markets. In sharp contrast, Luxembourg remains the cheapest country in the world, offering entirely free public transport, a policy that has placed it at the very bottom of the cost index. It is followed by Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Syria, and then Pakistan, solidifying Pakistan&rsquo;s position among the most affordable nations for commuters. While Pakistan has successfully kept transport costs within reach for everyday citizens, the report highlights a notable regional comparison: India. Despite its massive reliance on buses, metros, and local trains, India ranks significantly lower in affordability, at 17th in the index.&nbsp; The findings come at a time when inflation pressures, fuel costs, and rising operational expenses have compelled many governments worldwide to raise fares, significantly affecting accessibility and mobility for the working class. Pakistan&rsquo;s ability to keep public transportation affordable offers an important counter-narrative within this global trend.

In public transportation, Pakistan ranks among the most affordable countries for daily commuters

 The 2025 World Public Transport Cost Index, a study by an Australian research firm analyzing fare structures across 123 countries, ranks Pakistan among the most affordable nations for daily commuters.

Pakistan among world’s most affordable countries for public transport: report

LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s exports to Europe continued to rise this year, with official data showing a steady increase in demand across multiple regions of the continent. According to the State Bank of Pakistan&rsquo;s latest data, in the first four months of FY26, exports to European countries grew 5.66%, increasing from $3.004 billion to $3.174 billion. This follows the upward movement in fiscal year 2025, when exports to the EU rose 7.44%, reaching $8.863 billion compared to $8.249 billion a year earlier. The figures indicate that Europe is purchasing more from Pakistan, with growth spread across southern, northern, and eastern Europe. Even parts of Western Europe have shown modest increases. Textiles and clothing continue to account for the bulk of the rise, reinforcing their position as the backbone of Pakistan&rsquo;s export profile. SBP data shows that Western Europe remains Pakistan&rsquo;s largest export market, with Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Belgium at its core, but it showed only a marginal decline this year. Exports to the region slipped 0.2% in the first four months of FY26, edging down to $1.491 billion from $1.494 billion a year earlier. In contrast, southern Europe continued to strengthen its position as a growth driver. Shipments to the region rose 12.19% to $1.159 billion, primarily driven by higher demand from Spain and Italy. Northern and eastern Europe also contributed to the upward trend: exports to northern Europe grew 9.84% to $257.4 million, while exports to eastern Europe rose 10.03% to $267.1 million. The United Kingdom, however, once Pakistan&rsquo;s single-largest European destination, posted a modest 1.03% dip during the period, with exports easing to $752.97 million from $760.83 million. But the broader trajectory remains positive; UK-bound exports had grown 7.19% in FY25 compared with the previous year. A key point in the data is that the increase is not linked to US tariff changes or trade diversion. Instead, it reflects direct and sustained demand from European buyers. Despite broader economic uncertainty and slower consumer spending across the EU, Pakistan&rsquo;s export orders have held firm and, in several markets, expanded. For policymakers and exporters, the trend offers a clearer picture: Europe remains one of Pakistan&rsquo;s most reliable and stable trading partners. The current data suggests that European markets are not only open but gradually increasing their sourcing from Pakistan. As global trade faces volatility, this steady rise in European demand stands out as a meaningful and measurable positive for Pakistan&rsquo;s export sector.

Southern Europe continues to strengthen position as growth driver; shipments to the region rise 12.19%, reaching $1.159 billion. northern, eastern Europe add to upward trend: exports to northern Europe grow 9.84% to $257.4 million, while eastern Europe records a 10.03% increase to $267.1 million.

Europe buys more from Pakistan as export trend strengthens

LAHORE: There&rsquo;s a particular magic in Lahore after sunset, just before the city lights flicker on, when the walls of Lahore Fort seem to inhale. Standing near the Roshnai Gate at that hour, I felt as if the centuries were leaning into a whisper. The Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour promised a journey through time, and it delivered. Our small group gathered by the British-era Roshnai Gate, murmurings blending with the scent of damp stone and blooming jasmines. Questions floated: &ldquo;Is this the original gate?&rdquo; &ldquo;What year was it rebuilt?&rdquo; There was palpable anticipation: tonight, Sheesh Mahal would open its doors to the night sky. Then, suddenly, the darbaan appeared, the king&rsquo;s guard, his voice rolling across the courtyard. The gates swung open ceremoniously, nudging us into the past. The moment reminded me of illustrations from Mughal chronicles, where courtiers awaited royal processions in poised silence. We paused at Allama Iqbal&rsquo;s mausoleum. At night, it seemed contemplative, softened by shadow. Behind it, the Badshahi Mosque glowed from within, Aurangzeb&rsquo;s vision luminous under the moonlight. Even centuries-old sandstone and marble took on a new vitality in darkness. A short walk brought us to Hazoori Bagh. The marble baradari at its center, Ranjit Singh&rsquo;s celebration of his Koh-i-Noor acquisition, gleamed in gentle white light. From afar, it seemed fragile; up close, it was resolute. Stone weathered by time, yet full of pride.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/e39046c1-33f0-4038-b4c8-9c75f0da7d2b-15-11-25 H.00_14_36_15.Still004 (1).jpg" alt="15-11-25 H.00_14_36_15.Still004 (1).jpg" class="fr-fil fr-dib"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">The Lahore Fort during the Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour on November 2, 2025.</figcaption></figure> Alamgiri Gate loomed next. Even with repeated visits, its scale stilled the crowd. Cameras rose instinctively. A child tugged her mother&rsquo;s sleeve. History was no longer in books; it was breathing around us. The Picture Wall glimmered, telling silent stories of artisans who had once traced its panels with brush and gold. Nearby, craftsmen displayed wares reflecting Lahore&rsquo;s layered history. Visitors climbed onto rickshaws and wooden carts. The very routes once trodden by royal elephants. The air smelled of nostalgia, damp stone, and faint attar. By the time we reached Barood Khana, the old British ammunition depot, the night had fully claimed us. Then it happened: the performance began. Drums thundered. Swords clashed. A Kathak dancer spun so quickly her mirrors scattered sparks of light. Sufi performers, Sikh martial artists, Mughal-era daasiyaan. All came together in a living kaleidoscope of traditions, stitched carefully by the WCLA to awaken history.<figure class="fr-media"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/uploads/f2a7f014-2d68-4e39-a337-5c29e497d5af-15-11-2025.00_15_35_05.Still008.jpg" alt="15-11-2025.00_15_35_05.Still008.jpg" style="width: 380px;" class="fr-dib fr-fil"><figcaption class="caption-cover-image text-sm text-gray-600 italic">Dancers perform at Lahore Fort during the Walled City of Lahore Authority&rsquo;s &ldquo;History by Night&rdquo; tour on November 2, 2025.</figcaption></figure> Inside Sheesh Mahal, mirrors multiplied the magic, no LED, no projection, no modern trickery. Just light, reflection, and the genius of Mughal imagination. The Emperor arrived (an actor, yes, but so convincingly that children and adults stared wide-eyed). Music swelled; the court breathed once again. The tour ended in the fort kitchen with refreshments. Music softened, visitors lingered, unwilling to leave. This, perhaps, is the WCLA&rsquo;s greatest triumph: transforming Lahore&rsquo;s heritage from static museum pieces into living companions. 2024 alone brought new tours: Roshan Galiyan, the Yatra Sikh heritage walk, hidden fort corners, old havelis, museum mysteries, and even &ldquo;Fort Fright,&rdquo; a historical horror tour. More than 5.3 million Pakistanis visited Lahore Fort last year, alongside over 80,000 foreign tourists. A remarkable achievement for a country often misunderstood abroad. Jahangir&rsquo;s Tomb, Shalimar Gardens, and the Walled City itself saw throngs, proof that history is alive and calling.

Blogs

In centuries-old stories, Lahore Fort comes alive at night. Mirrors, music, and performances revive Mughal, Sikh, and Sufi traditions, immersing visitors in history’s living spectacle.

Lahore Fort night tour: Echoes of kings, mirrors, music, memory

<p style='margin: 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' id="isPasted">LAHORE: Pakistan&rsquo;s automotive industry is shifting decisively into recovery mode, with October sales of cars, vans, pickups, and SUVs rising to 17,333 units, a 32% year-on-year increase and a 1% month-on-month uptick, according to data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA).<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Cumulative sales for the first four months of FY26 reached 59,600 units, up 46% from 40,693 in the same period last year. A surge driven by economic stability and renewed consumer confidence.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>&ldquo;After a period of uncertainty, the market is showing strong signs of recovery,&rdquo; said Waqas Ghani, head of research at JS Global and Pakistan TV Digital. He attributed the upbeat trend to improving macroeconomic conditions.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>&ldquo;A stable rupee, easing inflation, and lower borrowing costs are encouraging buyers to return to the market.&rdquo;<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Ghani explained that the turnaround stems from both supply and demand improvements.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>&ldquo;If we go back to 2022, there were import restrictions, plants were shutting down, and supply chains were disrupted. That is no longer the case. Production lines are now up and running,&rdquo; he said.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>On the demand side, he added, &ldquo;Disposable incomes are improving, and with inflation falling and interest rates down 11%, auto loans have become more accessible. These factors combined have fueled the surge in sales.&rdquo;<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Still, the recovery is uneven. PAMA data shows Pakistan Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) recorded an 18% MoM decline in October, driven by a company-wide reset and discontinuation of models such as Ravi, Bolan, Every VX, and Wagon R.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Swift sales fell 17%, Ravi plunged 84%, and Every dropped 28%, while Bolan has posted no sales since May 2025. Even so, PSMC&rsquo;s YoY sales edged up 1%, and its July&ndash;October total rose 33% YoY to 27,234 units, underscoring resilience amid restructuring.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>In sharp contrast, Indus Motor Company (IMC) delivered the strongest gains, posting 44% MoM growth to 4,529 units. Corolla, Yaris, and Cross models collectively rose 41% MoM and 78% YoY to 3,742 units, while Fortuner and IMVs climbed 58% MoM and 83% YoY to 787 units.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>IMC&rsquo;s four-month sales surged 66% YoY to 14,418 units, driven by robust demand for sedans and SUVs.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Hyundai Nishat recorded the highest YoY growth among automakers, rising 82% to 1,086 units, led by Tucson and Elantra, though MoM sales dipped 8%. Its four-month total reached 4,698 units, up 81% YoY.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Umair Shahid of Hyundai Central Sales said the improvement is closely tied to monetary easing. &ldquo;Sales have increased thanks to the fall in bank interest rates,&rdquo; he said.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Shahid added that in-house financing has strengthened the upswing: &ldquo;Hyundai is offering promotions, including easy monthly installments and even 0%-markup purchase options, making it easier for customers to acquire vehicles.&rdquo;<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) also posted strong results, with 72% YoY and 13% MoM growth in October, driven by steady demand for City and Civic models. Four-month sales rose 54% YoY to 7,487 units.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Growth extended beyond passenger cars. Two- and three-wheeler sales increased 20% YoY and 4% MoM in October to 165,500 units, nearing a four-year high. Atlas Honda Limited set a new benchmark with 140,178 CD70 units sold, surpassing its September 2025 record.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>The agriculture and commercial sectors also saw momentum. Tractor sales jumped 67% YoY and 265% MoM to 2,886 units, buoyed by the Punjab Green Tractor Scheme, though four-month numbers slipped 15% YoY to 5,867 units. Truck and bus sales rose 118% YoY, despite a 7% MoM decline, bringing four-month totals to 2,630 units, up 106% YoY.<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>Looking ahead, analysts expect the upward trajectory to continue. In her latest report, Myesha Sohail of Topline Securities wrote: &ldquo;Lower interest rates and the launch of new models &mdash; conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid- are expected to sustain momentum in FY26.&rdquo;<p style='margin: 0.75rem 0px 0px; font-family: "Atlassian Sans", ui-sans-serif, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 2; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: -0.005em; text-overflow: ellipsis; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(41, 42, 46); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;'>With rising demand across sedans, SUVs, motorcycles, tractors, and commercial vehicles, Pakistan&rsquo;s auto market appears poised for a high-powered year, signalling renewed confidence for manufacturers, dealers, and consumers alike.

File - Hyundai dealership in Lahore on November 15, 2025. (Faraz Saeed/ Pakistan TV Digital)

Analysts cite improved economic conditions, lower interest rates, restored production, and growing consumer confidence as key drivers behind the surge in cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.

Pakistan’s automotive sector hits high gear as sales surge nationwide

LAHORE: Pakistan registered 727,381 workers for overseas employment last year through the Bureau of Emigration &amp; Overseas Employment (BE&amp;OE) and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), according to the Economic Survey 2024-25. Such figures often fuel warnings of an accelerating &ldquo;brain drain.&rdquo; Analysts argue that talent is fleeing and the country is &ldquo;bleeding its brightest minds.&rdquo; Those concerns reflect real pressures at home: stubborn unemployment, particularly among educated youth, and what many describe as an entrenched culture of nepotism, corruption, and favoritism. For young Pakistanis, the gap between achievement and opportunity has widened. A 2023 Gallup Pakistan survey reported that 62% of young professionals would prefer to work abroad if given the chance. Yet migration is also one of the country&rsquo;s strongest economic pillars. Overseas Pakistanis sent home $38.5 billion in remittances last year, the single largest source of foreign exchange. These inflows support households, stabilize reserves, and sustain businesses. Economists say many expatriates now work as &ldquo;investors, founders, and connectors,&rdquo; linking Pakistan to global markets. Data also challenges the conventional narrative. Research by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) shows that more than 765,000 Pakistanis migrated in 2022-23, but only 2% were highly qualified, while the rest were skilled or semi-skilled. &ldquo;This isn&rsquo;t brains fleeing,&rdquo; one researcher noted. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a workforce on the move.&rdquo; Global trends reinforce that view. India, which received $123 billion in remittances last year, frames migration as a strategic advantage. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has dismissed &ldquo;brain drain&rdquo; as &ldquo;a term from the last century.&rdquo; Academic studies echo this shift. A landmark review in science finds that high-skilled mobility often results in &ldquo;brain gain.&rdquo; University of Michigan economist Dean Yang said, &ldquo;Migration creates positive feedback loops; people study more when they see pathways abroad; remittances fund education; diaspora networks bring back technology and trade.&rdquo; International examples show similar effects. When 27,000 Filipino nurses moved to the United States, more than 80,000 new nurses were trained at home. India&rsquo;s surge in IT graduates followed easier tech visa policies abroad. Managed mobility, researchers argue, expands the talent pool rather than depletes it. With a diaspora of nine million, Pakistan stands at a similar turning point. Overseas Pakistanis send back billions, launch companies, and represent the country across boardrooms, universities, and political institutions worldwide. The challenge, experts say, is not to restrict mobility but to build conditions that encourage return. That requires predictable policy, fair taxation, and a governance climate where &ldquo;ideas, not influence, are currency.&rdquo; Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir summed up the shift, calling overseas Pakistanis an example of &ldquo;brain gain, not brain drain.&rdquo; Global success stories reinforce the point. India celebrated when Satya Nadella became Microsoft&rsquo;s CEO and Kamala Harris became US vice president. Pakistanis felt similar pride when Syeda Warsi entered the British cabinet or Sadiq Khan, the son of a Pakistani bus driver, became London&rsquo;s mayor. Analysts argue Pakistan must adopt the same mindset. Each dollar sent home, each business link forged abroad, and each professional succeeding globally, they say, &ldquo;is not a drain; it&rsquo;s a dividend.&rdquo;

Foreign Affairs

 Pakistan registered 727,381 workers for overseas employment last year through the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE) and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC)

Pakistan recasts migration as economic dividend, not brain drain

LAHORE: Hamid holds up an imported blazer, its designer label still intact, and makes his pitch to a crowd of shoppers huddled against the winter cold. &quot;Abroad, this would cost Rs20,0000 ($71.24), maybe Rs15,000 ($53.43),&quot; he says, gesturing at his stall filled with imported blazers and suits. &quot;Here? Just Rs2,500 ($8.9).&quot; Within minutes, it&#39;s sold. Welcome to landa bazaar, Lahore&#39;s sprawling secondhand clothing market, where Pakistan&#39;s thrift revolution is hitting its stride. What began decades ago as a necessity for low-income families has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. It is driven by social media, sustainability trends and a generation that turned &quot;landa&quot; from stigma to status symbol. The numbers tell the story: Pakistan imported $511 million worth of used clothing in fiscal 2024-2025, according to customs data. This shattered the previous year&#39;s record of $434 million. Much of it flows through markets like this one, where tons of coats, shoes and handbags from Europe, the United States, Japan, South Korea and China arrive each season. They sell for a fraction of their original prices. From railway stalls to Instagram stores Landa bazaar started as a tight cluster of stalls near Lahore Railway Station, a place where working-class families could afford winter coats and school shoes. Government cleanups scattered the vendors across the city to Anarkali, Ichhra, Liberty Market, Makkah Colony, but the market only grew. The real shift came around 2020, when Western thrift culture exploded on TikTok and Instagram. Gen Z and millennials turned secondhand shopping into content: thrift hauls, #thriftflip videos, vintage finds. Platforms like Poshmark made it mainstream. That wave reached South Asia quickly. In Lahore, young shoppers began posting their &quot;landa hauls&quot; online, showing off branded jackets and retro sneakers. The same clothes their parents once bought quietly, they now advertised proudly. &quot;It&#39;s from landa,&quot; became a boast, not an admission. The resellers Ijaz, who sells imported trousers from a roadside stall, has watched his customer base change. Luxury cars now park near his setup. Women from affluent neighborhoods arrive with shopping lists. &quot;The word landa used to have a stigma,&quot; he says. &quot;Social media changed everything. Now people buy in bundles, wear the clothes, photograph them and sell them online.&quot; These entrepreneurs, mostly young women, have built businesses around &quot;pre-loved fashion.&quot; They source inventory from landa bazaar, curate collections and market them on Instagram as sustainable, affordable alternatives to fast fashion. Weekly &quot;drops&quot; sell out in hours. Social media reframed secondhand clothes as &quot;finds&quot; rather than castoffs. The stigma faded. In its place: pride, individuality and the appeal of smart shopping. Winter rush Winter still brings the biggest crowds. Shoppers hunt for coats, boots and scarves as temperatures drop. But the thrift culture now runs year-round, fueled by a steady stream of imports and online demand. The government crackdowns that pushed vendors from the railway station haven&#39;t slowed business. If anything, landa bazaars have multiplied. Vendors adapt, customers follow. On a recent morning, the Anarkali market buzzed with activity. Shoppers sorted through piles of jeans, held jackets up to the light, negotiated prices.&nbsp;A teenager filmed herself trying on a vintage leather jacket for TikTok. Nearby, a woman filled two large bags with sweaters, likely destined for her Instagram store. Hamid folded another blazer, ready for the next customer.

Culture

Each coat, bag, and pair of shoes carries a second life - a reminder that style doesn’t need a heavy price tag.

Designer coats for $9: Winter brings thrifting crowds to Lahore's landa bazaar

LAHORE: As winter settles over Lahore, the city&rsquo;s chai (tea) culture comes alive, turning ordinary evenings into warm, aromatic celebrations. From Gulberg to Johar Town, chai caf&eacute;s glow with laughter, music, and steaming cups of tradition. &ldquo;Matka [clay cups] chai is outstanding, especially in winter! I come here every day with my friends,&rdquo; says Bilal, a regular visitor in his 20s, during an interview with Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;The atmosphere is amazing, with Qawwali and all, we really enjoy it here.&rdquo; At Chaye Hujra, the scent of simmering spices blends with the soft rhythm of qawwali. Owner Irfan says, &ldquo;We serve special Matka Chai, along with Zafrani and Kashmiri Chai. The most loved one is our Tandoori Matka Chai. With qawwali, bonfires, and laughter, winter nights here are always full of life.&rdquo; Matkas cradle centuries of flavor, aroma, and shared tradition, turning each sip into a small celebration. Steam rises, music flows, and Lahore&rsquo;s chai caf&eacute;s become the city&rsquo;s winter stage, where friends gather and stories are shared. Pakistan&rsquo;s love for chai spans millions, placing it among the world&rsquo;s highest-consuming nations of the beloved beverage. For many Lahoris, winter is synonymous with a steaming cup of chai, a simple yet cherished moment of warmth amid the crisp evening air.

 From Gulberg to Johar Town, clay cups cradle centuries of tradition, making winter evenings warm, aromatic, and full of life.

As winter descends, Lahore warms with clay cups of chai

LAHORE: The Lahore Digital Arts Festival (LDF) transformed Pakistan&rsquo;s cultural capital into a living laboratory of creativity and technology, showcasing how digital innovation can inspire empathy, care, and environmental awareness.&nbsp;The fourth edition of the festival, titled &ldquo;Breathing Algorithms,&rdquo; ran from November 6 to 9 across multiple venues, including the Alliance Fran&ccedil;aise de Lahore, Aangun Cultural Center, R Space, and Beaconhouse National University, reaffirming Lahore&rsquo;s position as a hub for emerging digital culture.&nbsp;Co-curated by Najam-ul-Assar and Sarah Rajper, and presented in collaboration with Novembre Num&eacute;rique, the French Embassy in Pakistan, and UNESCO, the festival reimagined algorithms not as cold codes but as living systems capable of connecting people and ideas.&nbsp;&ldquo;Airborne Memory is both a record and a reflection,&rdquo; Fajr Faisal and Huzaifa Ahmad, the Lahore-based artists behind the immersive project that visualizes air quality data from 2020 to 2025, told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a reminder of how the air we breathe holds traces of our choices and shared responsibilities.&rdquo;&nbsp;International participants included artists from France, Canada, the UK, Iran, and Denmark, with installations, video works, digital performances, and interactive experiences exploring how artificial intelligence, climate change, and cultural identity intersect.&nbsp;French artist Mikhail Margolis praised the festival&rsquo;s scale and organization, telling Pakistan TV Digital:&nbsp;&ldquo;It was unexpected to be invited to Lahore, and I&rsquo;m delighted to see a digital arts festival at such a good level. The organization is amazing, much better than many festivals I&rsquo;ve attended elsewhere.&rdquo;&nbsp;Christina Menegazzi, UNESCO Culture and Heritage Expert, emphasized the wider significance:&nbsp;&ldquo;Access to culture is a human right. It&rsquo;s particularly important here in Pakistan, not just for artists but for every human being to remember that art nourishes the soul and connects us to each other,&rdquo; she said.&nbsp;Throughout its four-day run, the LDF invited audiences to experience interactive works that blur the boundaries between art, science, and society, illustrating how technology can foster dialogue rather than division.&nbsp;As the festival concluded, Lahore emerged not just as a host city but as a living canvas where art, imagination, and digital innovation breathe together, reminding audiences that even in a world shaped by algorithms, there is still room to be human.

At Lahore Digital Arts Festival, artists and technologists showcased interactive digital works, blending art, technology, and environmental awareness, engaging audiences in immersive experiences across Pakistan’s cultural capital.

Pakistan’s cultural capital showcases interactive digital arts

LAHORE: Pakistan received $12.9 billion in workers&rsquo; remittances during the first four months of the current fiscal year (4MFY26), marking a 9.3% increase from $11.9 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). In October alone, remittances amounted to $3.4 billion, up 12% year-on-year. On a month-on-month basis, inflows rose 7% from $3.2 billion in September, representing one of the strongest monthly inflows in recent months. The SBP said the rise reflected the government&rsquo;s ongoing push to encourage formal channels and expand digital transfer systems, while reducing reliance on informal money transfer networks. Saudi Arabia remained the single largest source of inflows, contributing $821 million in October, an increase of 9% from September and 7% higher than the same month last year. Remittances from the United Arab Emirates totaled $698 million, up 12% year-on-year. Inflows from the United Kingdom reached $488 million, rising 13% annually and 7% from the previous month. The United States sent $290 million, showing an 8% month-on-month increase, though 4% lower than a year earlier. Meanwhile, receipts from European Union countries surged 27% year-on-year to $457 million. Pakistan recorded $38.3 billion in total remittances during FY25, the highest annual inflow on record. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the increase, calling overseas Pakistanis &ldquo;a backbone of the economy.&rdquo; &ldquo;Overseas Pakistanis are our invaluable assets, serving the nation by sending their hard-earned money,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;The consistent rise in remittances reflects the trust expatriates have in our economic direction.&rdquo; Analysts said higher remittances are providing much-needed support to Pakistan&rsquo;s external account, especially as export growth remains subdued. Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global, said remittances had &ldquo;clocked in at one of the strongest levels in recent months,&rdquo; adding that cumulative inflows of $12.96 billion in 4MFY26 indicated &ldquo;a decent 9 percent year-on-year growth.&rdquo; However, he cautioned that sustaining the trend will depend on &ldquo;consistent policy support, expansion of digital channels, and diversification of overseas labor markets.&rdquo; The Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), launched in 2009 to encourage the use of formal banking channels, continues to play a central role. The number of participating financial institutions has grown from around 25 in 2009 to more than 50 by 2024, improving speed and security for overseas senders. Economists say remittances, now Pakistan&rsquo;s largest source of foreign exchange, will remain critical for economic stability as the country continues to face external financing pressures and persistent inflation.

With Saudi Arabia among largest contributors, Pakistan received $12.9bn in remittances during 4MFY26, rising 9.3%, bolstering external finances as authorities promote formal transfer channels.

Pakistan remittances rise to $12.9 billion in early FY26: central bank

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday unveiled a proposal for a Regional Maritime Dialogue, a multicontinental framework aimed at bringing together countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Central Asia and Africa to address shared maritime challenges and strengthen cooperation, according to an official statement.&nbsp;The initiative was introduced by Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a breakfast reception hosted by Pakistan at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London.&nbsp;Delegations from more than 173 countries, including over 100 maritime ministers, attended what officials described as one of the most widely participated events of the IMO Assembly week.&nbsp;Calling the IMO &ldquo;the pinnacle of maritime diplomacy,&rdquo; Junaid told delegates that Pakistan was &ldquo;ready to play a proactive role in shaping regulations that reflect the needs of our region.&rdquo;&nbsp;Junaid and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez also jointly inaugurated a model of the PNSC ship Karachi, one of three new vessels the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation intends to acquire.&nbsp;The minister said the rapidly evolving maritime environment required new regional mechanisms capable of addressing &ldquo;operational, environmental, regulatory and technological needs.&rdquo;&nbsp;He added, &ldquo;Our maritime policies must reflect our vulnerabilities and our priorities.&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the proposal, the Regional Maritime Dialogue would prioritize emissions reduction, maritime safety, coordinated search-and-rescue operations and navigational safety.&nbsp;Junaid highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s current role as coordinator of NAVAREA IX, one of 21 global navigational zones under the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service, responsible for ensuring ships receive timely and reliable safety alerts.&nbsp;To support long-term capacity building, the minister also proposed the establishment of a Regional Maritime University and a Regional Maritime Training Institute, arguing that new IMO regulations, autonomous shipping and digitalization demand updated skills.&nbsp;&ldquo;We want to prepare our workforce for the future of shipping, where technology, environmental compliance and digital skills will be essential,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s ambition to emerge as a regional maritime leader, Junaid said the country remained committed to working closely with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and partners across Central Asia and Africa to shape global maritime policy and advance shared development priorities.

Climate & Environment

At IMO headquarters in London, Islamabad proposes a multicontinental maritime dialogue linking Gulf, Central Asian and African states to strengthen cooperation on safety, emissions, regulation and future shipping technologies.

Pakistan seeks multicontinental alliance to shape future of global shipping

ISLAMABAD: Bahrain has conferred its highest state award on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as both countries move to deepen political, economic and defense cooperation, according to the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO).&nbsp;In a meeting in Manama, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa presented Pakistani PM with the Order of Bahrain (First Class), described by the PMO as &ldquo;the highest award Bahrain confers on heads of state and government.&rdquo;&nbsp;The PMO said PM Sharif thanked the King for the warm reception and for what he called Bahrain&rsquo;s &ldquo;longstanding goodwill and friendship toward Pakistan.&rdquo; He also commended &ldquo;His Majesty&rsquo;s leadership in promoting peace, tolerance and coexistence.&rdquo;&nbsp;According to the PMO, King Hamad told Sharif that Bahrain had &ldquo;the privilege of being represented at a legal forum by none other than Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,&rdquo; adding that Pakistan&rsquo;s founding father &ldquo;remained Bahrain&rsquo;s lawyer for a long time.&rdquo;&nbsp;Both sides reviewed the &ldquo;encouraging momentum&rdquo; in bilateral ties and agreed to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, defense and cultural fields.&nbsp;The PMO quoted PM Sharif as reaffirming Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to deepening relations &ldquo;based on shared faith and mutual respect.&rdquo;&nbsp;The prime minister thanked the King for Bahrain&rsquo;s continued support, including the establishment of the King Hamad University for Nursing and Allied Medical Sciences in Islamabad, inaugurated in September 2025.&nbsp;He also expressed gratitude for Bahrain&rsquo;s solidarity following recent terrorist incidents in Pakistan.&nbsp;On economic ties, the PMO said the prime minister highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s desire to expand trade and investment, noting that bilateral commerce is expected to grow with the upcoming Pakistan&ndash;GCC Free Trade Agreement, now in its final stages.&nbsp;He invited Bahraini investors to explore opportunities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), particularly in food security, IT, construction, mining, tourism and healthcare.&nbsp;The PMO added that PM Sharif expressed appreciation for Bahrain&rsquo;s support to the more than 150,000 Pakistanis living in the Kingdom and thanked King Hamad for pardoning Pakistani prisoners.&nbsp;Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the defense partnership and agreed to continue cooperation in training, logistics, manpower and defense production.&nbsp;They also discussed developments in Gaza, agreeing that peace and stability are &ldquo;long overdue for the people of Gaza,&rdquo; the PMO said.&nbsp;At the end of the meeting, the PMO noted that both sides expressed confidence that the visit would &ldquo;further consolidate the enduring friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and Bahrain.

In Manama, PM Shehbaz Sharif receives Bahrain’s highest honor, strengthens Pakistan-Bahrain ties, discusses trade, defence, regional issues, and affirms commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation, says PMO.

 Bahrain awards top honor as leaders deepen strategic Pakistan ties

GAZA CITY: The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Israel returned the bodies of 15 Palestinian prisoners on Wednesday under the US-brokered ceasefire exchange deal.&nbsp;&quot;The Ministry of Health announces the receipt of 15 bodies of martyrs released today by the Israeli occupation via the International Committee of the Red Cross, bringing the total number of bodies received to 345,&quot; the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;A medical source at Gaza&#39;s Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis confirmed it had received 15 bodies via the Red Cross.&nbsp;Under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on October 10, Israel was required to turn over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned.&nbsp;The 15 bodies returned on Wednesday were in exchange for the remains of Dror Or, one of the last three deceased hostages held in the Palestinian territory, whose body was handed over to Israel on Tuesday by militants, via the ICRC.&nbsp;Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the handover &quot;reflects Hamas&#39;s steadfast commitment to fully complete the exchange process and its ongoing efforts to finalize it despite significant difficulties.&quot;&nbsp;The last two hostages&#39; bodies still in Gaza are those of Israeli Ran Gvili and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.&nbsp;At the start of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, militants were holding 20 living hostages and 28 bodies of deceased captives.&nbsp;Hamas has since released all the living hostages and returned the remains of 26 dead hostages.&nbsp;In exchange, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in its custody and returned the bodies of hundreds of dead Palestinians

Middle East

Israel returned 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under a US-brokered ceasefire deal, exchanging them for the remains of Israeli hostage Dror Or, Hamas says it remains committed to completing the process, with two hostage bodies still in Gaza.

Israel returns 15 Palestinian bodies to Gaza under US-brokered ceasefire deal

ISLAMABAD: In a significant endorsement of its role in global arms control, Pakistan has been re-elected to the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) for the term 2026-28. The vote was held during the 30th Session of the Conference of States Parties in The Hague, Netherlands, from Nov. 24 to 28. The 41-member Executive Council serves as the organization&#39;s principal policy-making body, overseeing implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and ensuring member-state compliance. It also advances scientific and economic cooperation for peaceful chemical use. With 193 states as parties, the convention is widely regarded as one of the most successful international disarmament treaties, having verified the destruction of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. Pakistan, which ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention&nbsp;in 1997, has remained an active contributor to the OPCW mandate and has been part of the executive council multiple times.&nbsp; The Pakistan Foreign Office said the country continues to host routine OPCW inspections at relevant national facilities and participates in capacity-building and technical cooperation initiatives.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1993554767017353469&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2Fnew%2F&sessionId=3ba96c4b85199724f9f942c96144bb1d2a408154&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 922px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>The foreign office described the re-election as an endorsement of Pakistan&rsquo;s &ldquo;constructive contributions&rdquo; and a reflection of member states&rsquo; confidence in Islamabad&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening global chemical security. &ldquo;Pakistan will continue to provide effective leadership and support to the work of the OPCW,&rdquo; the statement added. According to its website, the OPCW oversees the global endeavor to permanently and verifiably eliminate the use of chemical weapons.

File: Entrance of the OPCW headquarters in The Hague - Wikimedia Commons 

Security

Pakistan was re-elected to the 41-member Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons for 2026-28. Islamabad’s active participation and hosting of routine inspections highlight its ongoing role in promoting chemical weapons disarmament and compliance.

Pakistan retains seat at chemical weapons elimination body

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said a truly futuristic approach is essential to move forward. Speaking at PTV Home&rsquo;s programme &lsquo;Rising Pakistan&rsquo; on the occasion of the channel&rsquo;s 61st anniversary, Attaullah Tarar said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV. The minister said during Pakistan-India war, it was realized that there was a need to start channels as a stratcom tool. &ldquo;We are encouraging private sector channels as well,&rdquo; he said. Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan TV Satellite has a fresh and new look and &ldquo;our stories are being quoted by international media outlets like BBC and Reuters&rdquo;. He said our strategic and geopolitical situation is such that exclusive stories from here have international significance.&ldquo;We brought new vigour in English media, whether it be digital or satellite,&rdquo; he said. Attaullah Tarar said very capable women were heading most departments in PTV, adding that it is a women-led initiative in the information domain.He said in sports, we got exclusive rights of many series through which we generated revenue. The minister said a sustainable model is needed.&nbsp; He went on to say that we are trying to do collaboration with the private sector for PTV Home. &ldquo;We can make good dramas and do collaborations with the private sector under profit-cost sharing basis,&rdquo; he said, adding that public-private partnership is a way forward. He said those who are leaders in entertainment in private sector should be invited to collaborate with PTV. The minister said today all those who are leading the entertainment industry say they started from PTV. He added that PTV has given birth to the entertainment, sports and news industries. Attaullah Tarar said he does not believe in criticism for the sake of criticism, adding that there should be constructive criticism to bring reforms. He said the private sector will be strongly encouraged in media projects, adding that Pakistan Idol was launched as private sector collaboration at a minimum cost. The information minister said the government aims to expand youth involvement through private sector programmes.

Speaking at PTV Home’s programme ‘Rising Pakistan’ on the occasion of the channel’s 61st anniversary, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV. (Photo: Pakistan TV Satellite)

SAT News Desk

Speaking at an event marking PTV's 61st anniversary, the information minister said new platforms are being created to connect Gen Z with PTV.

Moving forward with futuristic approach is essential: Tarar

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir praised the &ldquo;professionalism, resolve and commitment&rdquo; demonstrated by Pakistan&rsquo;s Armed Forces during Marka-e-Haq, stating that it had &ldquo;enhanced the global stature of Pakistan.&quot;&nbsp; He was addressing participants of the National Security Workshop&ndash;27 at GHQ, Rawalpindi, according to a press release by Inter-Services Public Relations, the military&#39;s media wing. The Pakistan Army defines the period of conflict with India, starting from the April 22 Pahalgam attack to the May 10 conclusion of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, as Marka-i-Haq in May. The army chief said Pakistan was a &ldquo;country of consequence and is destined to reach its rightful place in the comity of nations,&rdquo; ISPR said.&nbsp; The army chief highlighted the &ldquo;fluid regional environment shaped by heightened geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism, and hybrid threats.&rdquo; Despite complex challenges including &ldquo;externally supported militancy and information-centric warfare,&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces, intelligence agencies, and law-enforcement institutions continue to demonstrate unwavering professionalism and resolve to safeguard national security,&rdquo; the ISPR quoted him as saying. Participants were also briefed on ongoing &ldquo;national efforts against illegal activities, including the crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organized criminal networks that adversely impact security.&rdquo; Updates were shared on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners to maintain internal order and protect national interests. Field Marshal Munir reiterated that the &ldquo;territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen is paramount for the Pakistan Army and will not be compromised under any circumstances.&rdquo; He reaffirmed the army&rsquo;s commitment to supporting federal and provincial governments. &ldquo;Coordinated national efforts and institutional synergy are vital for lasting peace, stability and prosperity,&rdquo; ISPR quoted him as saying. The National Security Workshop, run by the National Defence University, brings together parliamentarians, senior civil and military officials, academics, and representatives from civil society.

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir addresses participants of National Security Workshop–27 (NSW–27) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on November 26. — (ISPR)

Says success earned during Marka-e-Haq 'enhanced the global stature of Pakistan; crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organized criminal networks that adversely impact security continuing.

Field Marshal Munir hails armed forces for defeating India

LONDON:&nbsp;The co-founder of activist group Palestine Action will on Wednesday challenge a UK government ban under anti-terror laws that has led to mass arrests, sparking free speech and civil liberties concerns. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has said the ban &ldquo;appears disproportionate and unnecessary,&rdquo; while Europe&rsquo;s human rights watchdog, the Council of Europe, criticised &ldquo;excessive limits&rdquo; on the right to protest. The UK government proscribed the pro-Palestinian group in July, days after activists protesting the war in Gaza broke into an air force base in southern England. Prosecutors have said they caused an estimated &pound;7 million ($9.3 million) of damage to two aircraft at the base. The legal action brought by the group&rsquo;s co-founder, Huda Ammori, at London&rsquo;s High Court is expected to last from Wednesday to Thursday, with a third day to be set at a later stage. The ban &mdash; which makes being a member of the group or inviting support for it a serious criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison &mdash; has resulted in at least 2,300 arrests, according to protest organizers Defend Our Juries. Those arrested include students, teachers, pensioners, and even an 83-year-old retired vicar, with many carried away from the protests by police. According to London&rsquo;s Met Police, so far 254 people have been charged with a lesser offence that carries a sentence of up to six months. The proscription under the Terrorism Act 2000 means the group has been added to a list that also includes al-Qaida and Hezbollah. The interior ministry, or Home Office, has accused Palestine Action of conducting an &ldquo;escalating campaign&rdquo; involving &ldquo;sustained criminal damage,&rdquo; including to Britain&rsquo;s national security infrastructure. It also accuses the group of &ldquo;intimidation, alleged violence, and serious injuries.&rdquo; &#39;Not non-violent&#39;At a court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors alleged a Palestine Action activist struck a police officer with a sledgehammer at an Israel-based defence firm&rsquo;s UK site after breaking into the factory in western Bristol in August. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, defending the ban in August, said some supporters of the group &ldquo;don&rsquo;t know the full nature of this organisation because of court restrictions on reporting while serious prosecutions are underway.&rdquo; &ldquo;But it&rsquo;s really important that no one is in any doubt that this is not a non-violent organisation,&rdquo; she said, adding the government had received &ldquo;clear security assessments and advice&rdquo; before opting for a ban. Set up in 2020, the group&rsquo;s stated goal on its now-blocked website is to end &ldquo;global participation in Israel&rsquo;s genocidal and apartheid regime.&rdquo; It has mainly targeted weapons factories, especially those belonging to the Israeli defence group Elbit. Since the ban came into force on July 5, protesters have held a string of rallies at which they have held up signs saying: &ldquo;I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.&rdquo; Award-winning British film director Ken Loach has called the ban on Palestine Action &ldquo;absurd&rdquo; and accused the government of being complicit in Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;incredible crimes&rdquo; in Gaza. &ldquo;This level of political repression is not what we expect in a democracy &mdash; it&rsquo;s the kind of tactic typically associated with authoritarian regimes around the world,&rdquo; a spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said. Areeba Hamid, co-executive director of Greenpeace UK, said the government had broken past pledges that the Terrorism Act would not be used to prosecute people taking direct action. &ldquo;Classifying a protest group as a &lsquo;terrorist organisation&rsquo; should send a chill down your spine,&rdquo; Hamid said. &ldquo;Progressive change is rarely made by any government without pressure from the public, and removing our right to protest is an erosion of democracy,&rdquo; she said.

A protester is escorted away by police officers for taking part in a demonstration in support of "Defend Our Juries" and their campaign against the ban on Palestine Action, outside Britain's Ministry of Justice in London on November 20, 2025. (Photo by Ch

United Kingdom

The co-founder of activist group Palestine Action will on Wednesday challenge a UK government ban under anti-terror laws that has led to mass arrests, sparking free speech and civil liberties concerns.

Palestine Action launches court bid to overturn UK government ban

GUWAHATI: Spinner Simon Harmer took six wickets as South Africa romped to victory by 408 runs in the second Test for their first series win in India in 25 years on Wednesday.&nbsp;World Test champions South Africa bowled out a dismal India for 140 in a mammoth chase of 549 on day five in Guwahati for a 2-0 Test sweep.&nbsp;It is India&#39;s biggest defeat at home by runs and a fifth loss in seven home Tests, having been whitewashed 3-0 by New Zealand last year.&nbsp;Off-spinner Harmer, 36, returned figures of 6-37 as South Africa clinched a Test series in India for only the second time, the first in 2000 under Hansie Cronje.&nbsp;Ravindra Jadeja resisted with 54 before Keshav Maharaj had him stumped and the spinner soon got the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj, with Marco Jansen pulling off a stunning catch in the deep.&nbsp;India lost the opening Test in Kolkata inside three on a pitch with uneven bounce before South Africa once again beat the hosts in their own game of spin on a batting-friendly track.&nbsp;The visitors declared their second innings on 260-5 on day four to hand India a record chase but the hosts batting once again failed and they never threatened to get close.&nbsp;India rode their luck early in the day when Jansen had Sai Sudharsan caught behind but the delivery was declared a no-ball after the bowler overstepped. The batter was on four.&nbsp;In the next over another overnight batter Kuldeep Yadav survived a reprieve on four when Aiden Markram dropped him at first slip off Harmer.&nbsp;But the relief was short-lived for India as a relentless Harmer soon bowled Kuldeep for five for the first wicket of the day.&nbsp;The off-spinner then dismissed Dhruv Jurel, for two, three balls later and soon sent back skipper Rishabh Pant for 13 as India slumped to 58-5.&nbsp;The batters fell like nine pins on a pitch where South Africa posted 489 after they elected to bat.&nbsp;India were bundled out for 201 to concede a first-innings lead of 288 but South Africa did not enforce the follow-on and decided to bat again.&nbsp;Left-arm quick Jansen returned figures of 6-48 in India&#39;s first innings after the bowler hit a quickfire 93 with the bat.&nbsp;South African all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy led the batting charge with his 109, his maiden Test century.

Cricket

World Test champions South Africa bowl out a dismal India for 140 in a mammoth chase of 549 on day five in Guwahati for a 2-0 Test sweep.

South Africa condemn India to biggest home Test loss for series sweep

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: source-sans-pro, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important;" id="isPasted">MOSCOW: The Kremlin confirmed Wednesday that US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as Washington presses negotiations on a plan to end the Ukraine conflict. &quot;A preliminary agreement has been reached on (Witkoff&#39;s) visit to Moscow next week,&quot; Putin&#39;s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said on Russian TV. Several other officials from President Donald Trump&#39;s administration will accompany Witkoff, Ushakov said. Trump first announced the trip Tuesday, saying Witkoff would meet with Putin in Moscow and may be joined by Jared Kushner, the US president&#39;s son-in-law. The confirmation comes after news agency Bloomberg reported that Witkoff had coached Ushakov on how Putin should talk to Trump about a potential plan to end the conflict in Ukraine. &quot;I speak fairly often with Witkoff, but the content of those conversations is confidential,&quot; Ushakov said in his comments to Russian TV. He said such reports risked damaging US-Russian ties, which &quot;are being built, with difficulty&quot;, notably through phone calls.

Asia

The Kremlin confirmed that US envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Moscow next week to meet President Vladimir Putin, with additional Trump administration officials joining as Washington pushes negotiations on a plan to end the Ukraine conflict, adviser Yuri Ushakov said.

Kremlin confirms US envoy Witkoff will visit Moscow next week

ISLAMABAD: A British member of parliament has urged political leaders and the media to take greater responsibility in challenging rising Islamophobia across the UK. In a message shared to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, Labour MP&nbsp;for Nottingham East, Nadia Whittome, warned that Muslim communities continue to face threats, discrimination, and attacks on places of worship, violence she says is being fueled by &ldquo;Islamophobic and anti-migrant rhetoric from far-right politicians and large sections of the media.&rdquo; &ldquo;We stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and neighbors,&rdquo; Whittome wrote. &ldquo;All of us, but especially those in power, have a responsibility to challenge the normalization of such hatred.&rdquo;<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1993365377561063628&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=c898a2a62ba7bb9baa026934ecf67f8368aff73a&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 897px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Her comments come amid ongoing concerns raised by community groups and rights organizations about the escalation of anti-Muslim incidents nationwide. Several mosques have reported targeted harassment this year, while advocacy groups have called for stronger government action and clearer commitments to countering hate speech. Whittome, who also serves on the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee and is a member of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, has been an outspoken critic of discriminatory rhetoric in public life. She emphasized that Islamophobia Awareness Month should serve as a reminder for institutions to strengthen protections for minority communities and promote social cohesion. Islamophobia Awareness Month, held each November, includes educational campaigns, community events, and initiatives aimed at challenging stereotypes and addressing the impact of anti-Muslim prejudice across the UK.

Nadia Whittome warns that Muslim communities continue to face threats, discrimination, and attacks on places of worship.

Articles by Faraz Saeed