2025

Uncategorized

Islamabad, August 30, 2025, 12:01 AM PKT – PM Sharif Departs for China to Strengthen Strategic Ties

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PM Sharif China visit Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departed for China on August 30, 2025, for a six-day visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and hold bilateral talks, following his acceptance of President Xi Jinping’s invitation. The visit aims to deepen Pakistan-China ties. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told NEN, “This visit will advance CPEC Phase-II and economic cooperation. ” Sharif will meet Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss trade, investment, and security, while attending a military parade in Beijing for the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Fascist War. Over 20 business agreements are expected. The Prime Minister will address a Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference, engaging 50 top Chinese firms. The visit follows recent CPEC advancements, with Pakistan seeking $2 billion in energy investments. “This is a milestone for our partnership,” said an official. Stay updated at nenagency.

Business, International

Rawalpindi, August 29, 2025, 03:11 AM PKT – RCCI Delegation Prepares for Bangladesh Trade Summit

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RCCI Bangladesh delegation The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) finalized preparations for its exporters’ delegation to Bangladesh on August 28, 2025, following discussions with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan. The delegation, set to depart on September 5, aims to boost bilateral trade beyond $1 billion. RCCI President Usman Shaukat told NEN, “We’re targeting pharmaceuticals and textiles for collaboration.” The 30-member delegation will attend a business summit in Dhaka, focusing on B2B linkages and joint ventures, with 10 MoUs expected to be signed (web:0, web:1, web:2, web:5). The initiative builds on recent ministerial talks (web:0). Commerce Minister Khan assured full support, highlighting Bangladesh’s demand for Pakistani goods. The delegation includes 12 pharmaceutical firms, with plans to explore non-conventional sectors. “This is a breakthrough for trade,” said a chamber official. Stay updated at nenagency.

Disaster, National News

Lahore, August 29, 2025, 02:46 AM PKT – Punjab Expands Flood Rescue Operations, 60,000 Evacuated

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Punjab’s Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122) evacuated over 60,000 people by August 28, 2025, as flood rescue operations expanded across 15 districts, following the rescue of 51,129 reported earlier. The effort, intensified due to persistent monsoon rains, deployed 800 boats in affected areas. Secretary ESD Dr. Rizwan Naseer told NEN, “Our teams are working tirelessly to save lives.” Operations in Kasur, Sialkot, and Multan have shifted 8,000 families to 120 relief camps, with 45 boats added in Bahawalnagar. Army units assisted in clearing 30 blocked roads. The PDMA issued alerts for rising Sutlej and Chenab levels, urging residents to relocate. Crop damage assessments are underway, with Rs. 300 million allocated for immediate relief. “We’re ensuring no one is left behind,” said a PDMA official. Stay updated at nenagency.

International

Islamabad, August 29, 2025, 02:40 AM PKT – Pakistan Pushes for Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize Nomination

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Pakistan intensified its campaign to nominate U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize on August 28, 2025, following Senator Irfan Siddiqui’s praise for Trump’s role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan crisis. The initiative highlights Trump’s diplomatic efforts in securing a ceasefire. Siddiqui told NEN, “Trump’s leadership averted a regional catastrophe.” The nomination, backed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, credits Trump’s engagement with Islamabad and New Delhi, preventing a nuclear conflict after India’s aggression violated Pakistan’s sovereignty. A formal proposal will be submitted to Oslo by September 10. The Foreign Office urged global support for the nomination, citing Trump’s offers to mediate the Kashmir dispute. Public forums in Karachi echoed the call, praising his pragmatic diplomacy. “His efforts deserve recognition,” said a diplomat. Stay updated at nenagency.

Economy

Islamabad, August 29, 2025, 02:23 AM PKT – Finance Minister, FPCCI Finalize Industrial Policy Incentives

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Islamabad, August 29, 2025, 02:23 AM PKT – Finance Minister, FPCCI Finalize Industrial Policy Incentives Pakistan industrial incentives Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh finalized a package of tax and energy incentives for Pakistan’s new Industrial Policy on August 28, 2025, following SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan’s discussions with FPCCI. The incentives aim to boost manufacturing and exports. Pakistan industrial incentives Aurangzeb told NEN, “These measures will fuel industrial growth and job creation.” The package includes a 15% tax break for SMEs and reduced power tariffs for export-oriented units, targeting 300,000 new jobs by 2028. Eight sub-committees will oversee implementation, with FPCCI input ensuring business-friendly reforms. The policy addresses high energy costs, with a pilot program for solar-powered industrial zones planned for Punjab by 2026. Sheikh emphasized rapid execution to enhance competitiveness. “This is a win for the economy,” he said. Stay updated at nenagency.

Business, Economy

ADB, Pakistan Finalize $1B Development Projects for 2026

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Islamabad, August 28, 2025, 05:38 PM PKT – ADB, Pakistan Finalize $1B Development Projects for 2026 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs finalized agreements for $1 billion in development projects for 2026 on August 28, 2025, following a meeting between ADB President Masato Kanda and Minister Ahad Khan Cheema. The projects focus on climate resilience and infrastructure. Cheema told NEN, “These initiatives will drive sustainable growth.” The funding includes $600 million for Sindh’s flood recovery and $400 million for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rural roads, building on ADB’s $720 million signed in September 2024. Kanda praised Pakistan’s reform progress, including tax and energy measures. The projects aim to create 15,000 jobs and benefit 2 million residents, with implementation starting in January 2026. The ministry will form oversight committees to ensure transparency. “This partnership is transformative,” said a senior official. ADB Pakistan projects Stay updated at nenagency.

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