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PM DIRECTS FAST-TRACKING OF PRIVATE-SECTOR PROPOSALS INTO UNIFIED INDUSTRIAL POLICY Saturday, 22 November, 2025 | 30 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
PREMIER SHEHBAZ EMPHASIZES COORDINATED DECISION-MAKING FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT GENERATION g EMPHASIZES MEASURES TO ENHANCE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS REMAINS TOP GOVERNMENT PRIORITY
CALLS PRIVATE-SECTOR’S PROPOSALS ‘COMMENDABLE,’ DIRECTING ITS INTEGRATION WITH OTHER SECTORAL RECOMMENDATIONS g PM MEETS KP GOVERNOR, DISCUSSES OVERALL NATIONAL POLITICAL SITUATION WITH KEY FEDERAL MINISTERS IN ATTENDANCE
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed federal ministries and departments to fasttrack the integration of private-sector proposals into a unified national industrial policy framework, emphasizing that coordinated decision-making and actionable reforms were essential for sustainable economic growth, job creation, and enhanced income levels. The move underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging private-sector expertise to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness. Chairing a meeting of the PrivateSector Committee on National Industrial Development, the prime minister stressed that economic growth and industrial advancement were closely linked and that the government sought to translate expert recommendations into practical policies without delay. “Measures to ensure ease of doing business and to enhance investment remain the government’s top priorities,” he said, adding that the business community’s proposals for industrial development are crucial for driving the country’s
economic progress. Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Jam Kamal Khan, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Advisor to the Prime Minister Muhammad Ali, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and industrialists included in the Industrial Working Group led by Saqib Shirazi attended the session. During the meeting, private-sector members presented comprehensive rec-
NFC meeting set for December 4 to review IMF conditions, new award ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
The National Finance Commission (NFC) will meet on December 4 to review proposed changes to the NFC Award in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations and to discuss the contours of a fresh financial arrangement. According to sources, the federal government has invited all provinces to the upcoming session, where the IMF’s proposed adjustments to the revenue-sharing formula will be taken up. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the finance ministers of the four provinces are expected to participate, as confirmed by an official notification. The IMF is likely to endorse the proposals for the new NFC Award, sources added. They noted that if the discussions extend over multiple rounds, finalising the new award could take six to eight months. The initial NFC meeting, previously set for earlier this year, had been postponed at the provinces’ request due to widespread flooding. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the IMF underscored that corruption remains a major obstacle to Pakistan’s economic stability, calling on the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to release its first annual report. In its Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment (GCDA), the Fund warned that corruption undermines economic progress and erodes public confidence. It urged the government to boost transparency, reinforce governance mechanisms, and initiate a comprehensive reform programme without delay. The assessment further advised the SIFC to establish clear operational protocols and substantially enhance transparency to ensure stronger oversight and accountability. It also recommended that the council publish a detailed annual report outlining all investment deals it has facilitated—including any tax breaks, policy relaxations, regulatory waivers, or legislative concessions—along with the justification and monetary value of each measure.
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ommendations aimed at fostering industrial growth and attracting investment. PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the proposals, calling them commendable and instructing that they be merged with recommendations from other economic sectors to formulate a cohesive implementation plan within the national policy framework. “The Pakistani business community has consistently supported government
policies during challenging times, helping the country overcome economic difficulties. By the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s economic trajectory has improved, and the nation is moving toward progress,” he said, while urging all stakeholders to work even harder to achieve national development goals. The meeting also included a comparative analysis with regional countries to identify strategies for increasing the competitiveness of Pakistan’s industrial sector. The prime minister underlined that leveraging these insights would help the country attract greater investment and enhance productivity across key industries. PM, KP Governor discuss provincial affairs and national political situation Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to review provincial administrative and development matters. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the discussion also covered the broader political situation in the country. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam, along with Federal Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashir Iqbal, were also present at the meeting.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia set to ink landmark deal to resolve ‘Rohingya refugee status’ KARACHI
staff report
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have decided to sign a landmark agreement next week to resolve the longstanding issue “surrounding the legal status” of Rohingya Muslim refugees who migrated from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia decades ago, the Interior Ministry announced. The agreement is expected to mark a significant step in addressing the plight of thousands of stateless Rohingya Muslims and strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The issue concerns thousands of Rohingya Muslims who had moved from Karachi to Saudi Arabia after being allocated lands by then Pakistani military ruler Ayub Khan, following their exodus from
Myanmar’s Rakhine state due to military operations. While Pakistan had been renewing their passports for decades, the process was halted in 2012, leaving many of these individuals stateless. Over the years, Pakistani and Saudi authorities have held discussions to resolve the legal status of these Rohingya Muslims. The matter was recently reviewed during a meeting in Islamabad between Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed AlMalki, who also discussed broader bilateral relations. According to the Interior Ministry, both sides expressed satisfaction over the resolution of this longstanding issue. “The Saudi ambassador thanked the Government of Pakistan for its positive role in
resolving the matter, and a formal agreement on this issue will be signed next week in Saudi Arabia,” the ministry added. Karachi remains home to over 400,000 Rohingya Muslims—the largest population outside Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to unofficial estimates. The community began arriving in the region as early as the 1940s, before Pakistan’s creation, with most settling in the city between 1960 and 1980. They were accommodated in two Karachi settlements, Burma Colony and Arkanabad, after arduous journeys through Bangladesh and India. Since then, mass migrations have largely ceased due to tightened border controls by India with Bangladesh and restrictions on movement toward Pakistan.
Tarar urges unified D-8 media strategy to counter misinformation, promote peaceful narratives BAKU
Mian abrar
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Friday underscored the urgent need for collective action against misinformation, highlighting the transformation of the global information landscape from print to electronic and now digital media. Addressing the D-8 Media Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, he stressed that Pakistan’s youthful demographic was driving change and emphasized cooperation among member states to promote responsible communication practices. He said the D-8 platform offers an opportunity to frame a code of conduct and ethics while guiding Gen Z on the positive use of social media. Tarar described the divide between digital immigrants and digital natives as a defining feature of the modern era, noting that Gen Z has become a vital force in shaping narratives, particularly during crises. He highlighted Pakistan’s vibrant media landscape, with 117 million internet users and nearly 80 million social media users, adding that 68 percent of the population is under 30. He recalled that during the recent conflict with India, young citizens collaborated with media houses and digital platforms to disseminate timely and accurate information, demonstrating the power of coordinated communication. Pakistan’s Gen Z, he said, played a vital role in countering misinformation during the information war. Tarar warned that disinformation distorts public perception, fuels polarization and weakens institutional trust. He emphasized that the government has prioritized transparent communication, digital responsibility, and stronger coordination among media institutions. Pakistan’s crisis management strategy, he outlined, includes proactive information dissemination, strengthening national media platforms, training journalists for ethical reporting, and collaborative fact checking. He welcomed the establishment of Azerbaijan’s Media Excellence Center and proposed enhanced collaboration among member states, including a joint working group of media ministries and professionals, as well as joint trainings and workshops on crisis reporting, digital forensics, and counter-disinformation practices. Calling for a common fact-checking mechanism, Tarar proposed the adoption of a “Baku Declaration of Media Collaboration” to serve as a roadmap for D-8 countries. He suggested creating official social media handles of the forum to promote narratives of economic development, counter Islamophobia and terrorism, and highlight success stories from member states. He cited Pakistan’s reform of the Federal Board of Revenue under Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif as an example of institutional modernization that boosted revenue and public trust.
CJ Aminuddin calls FCC ‘an enduring symbol of justice for generations to come’ ISLAMABAD
staff report
Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan on Friday expressed hope that the newly established court would “stand as a guardian of constitutionalism and an enduring symbol of justice for generations to come,” underscoring the institution’s vital role in Pakistan’s evolving judicial landscape. Established under the recently enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment, the FCC aims to ease the Supreme Court’s caseload, ensure timely adjudi-
cation of constitutional matters, and reinforce the independence and credibility of the judicial system. Speaking in a message posted on the newly launched FCC website, Justice Aminuddin described the creation of the court as “an important moment in the nation’s ongoing constitutional journey, one that reinforces our collective commitment to the rule of law and the enduring promise of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” He emphasized that the FCC has been entrusted with a “mandate of great significance”: to interpret the Constitution with clarity, independence, and fi-
delity; safeguard the fundamental rights guaranteed to the people; and ensure that the constitutional order remains a source of stability, justice, and balance across all state institutions. “The work of this court is not only judicial—it is also a solemn trust that carries profound implications for the lives, liberties, and aspirations of Pakistan’s citizens,” he said. Justice Aminuddin noted that as the court begins its institutional life, the focus remains on building a forum characterized by integrity, impartiality, and intellectual rigor. He added that every case brought be-
fore the FCC would be approached with “an unwavering commitment to fairness and restraint, guided solely by the Constitution and the principles of justice that lie at its heart.” He further stressed the aspiration to nurture a tradition of reasoned adjudication, institutional dignity, and public confidence—qualities he called indispensable for any constitutional court. Reflecting on his role as the first FCC Chief Justice, Justice Aminuddin said he considered it “a privilege to contribute to the foundations of an institution whose purpose transcends individuals and moments in time.”
Pakistan, Germany and EU partners strengthen ties at Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum BRUSSELS
staff report
Pakistan and Germany on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across defence, political, economic, trade, investment, and educational sectors during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the fourth EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels. The discussions highlighted both countries’ shared interest in sustainable development, climate action, and strengthened bilateral ties. According to a Foreign Office statement, FM Dar welcomed Germany’s commitment of 114 million euros for 2025-26, aimed at supporting climate and energy transition, sustainable economic development, vocational training, and social protection in Pakistan. He also invited the German leadership to visit Pakistan, while both sides expressed sat-
isfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Germany relations and agreed to maintain close dialogue to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in areas of shared interest. On the sidelines of the Forum, FM Dar also held meetings with foreign ministers of Slovenia, Netherlands, Cyprus, Denmark, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Poland, Cambodia, and Japan to discuss bilateral, regional, and global matters. During his meeting with Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Dar exchanged views on the full spectrum of bilateral relations and regional developments. Both countries signed an MoU establishing a mechanism for Bilateral Political Consultations, with Dar inviting Minister Fajon to Islamabad for the inaugural round of consultations and encouraging Slovenia’s participation in the Pak-EU Business Forum scheduled for April 2026. In his discussion with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Dar appre-
ciated the positive trajectory of Pak-Denmark relations and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation in economy, investment, trade, green energy, and people-topeople exchanges. Both sides agreed to maintain close contact at multilateral fora, particularly as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2025-26. The meetings with Foreign Minister of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos and Netherlands’ David van Weel focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, with both sides agreeing to sustain regular contact to further mutual interests. Additionally, FM Dar met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation. Both nations expressed satisfaction with their ongoing collaboration at the UN and other multilateral platforms, reaffirming their commitment to stay closely connected.
Dar warns India’s suspension of Indus Water Treaty poses ‘real threat’ to regional stability BRUSSELS
staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday cautioned that India’s “illegal and unilateral” move to place the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in abeyance represents a serious danger to regional stability. He made the remarks while addressing the Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable in Brussels. India announced in April that it was suspending the IWT following an attack in occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam that left 26 dead — an incident New Delhi blamed on Pakistan without presenting evidence. Islamabad denounced any effort to halt its water share as
an “act of war”, stressing that the treaty contains no clause allowing unilateral suspension. Pakistan has since indicated it is considering legal action, citing violations of the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Speaking at the forum, Dar said water resources must serve as instruments of cooperation rather than be “weaponised for politics”. He reiterated that lasting peace in South Asia is impossible without a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. On Afghanistan, Dar said the situation there “remains consequential for Pakistan and for regional stability”.