Year: 2026

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Friday warned of an emerging underwater heat emergency in the Arabian Sea, calling for immediate and coordinated climate action to protect coastal communities, fisheries, and maritime infrastructure. In a statement issued on Climate Day, the minister said nature offers sustainable solutions to the climate crisis but stressed that urgent action is needed to safeguard ecosystems from escalating environmental stress. He noted that sustained sea-surface temperatures in the northern Arabian Sea have exceeded the 90th percentile across more than 30…

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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has earmarked approximately Rs179 billion for around 44 water sector and hydropower development schemes under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026–27, including 43 ongoing and one new project, amid continued fiscal constraints. According to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the total allocation includes around Rs106.62 billion in local funding requirements and Rs72.37 billion in rupee cover obligations. For ongoing hydropower projects, about Rs42.66 billion has been set aside. Major allocations include Rs25 billion for the Dasu Hydropower Project (Stage-I), Rs4.28 billion for…

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ISLAMABAD: The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has initiated high-level engagements with a visiting Saudi delegation led by Chairman of the Pakistan-Saudi Joint Business Council, Prince Mansour, aimed at expanding investment cooperation across multiple sectors of Pakistan’s economy, according to well-informed sources in the Ministry of Energy. The visit, scheduled from June 4–5, 2026, includes a series of government-to-government (G2G), government-to-business (G2B), and business-to-business (B2B) meetings focused on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, real estate, and logistics development. Official documents indicate that the SIFC Secretariat has instructed relevant ministries and departments to…

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LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has welcomed the establishment of Pakistan’s first coal-based fertiliser plant under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing the $1.12 billion investment as a landmark project that will strengthen agricultural productivity, enhance food security, generate employment opportunities, and promote industrial growth. In a statement issued on Thursday, PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the project would enable Pakistan to utilise its indigenous coal resources for fertiliser production, reducing reliance on imported fertiliser inputs and ensuring a more stable and affordable supply…

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has renewed efforts to attract Saudi investment in a long-delayed $10 billion oil refinery project at Gwadar, as growing trade activity at the strategic port strengthens its position as a regional energy and logistics hub. Government officials have once again urged Saudi Arabia to establish an oil refinery and strategic fuel storage facilities at Gwadar Port, a project first proposed during the 2019 visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Pakistan. The renewed push comes as activity at Gwadar Port has reportedly increased by around 30…

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