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PM APPRECIATES GROWING INTEREST OF UAE INVESTORS IN PAKISTAN’S DIGITAL ECONOMY
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Saturday, 10 January, 2026 | 20 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 186 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
g PM SHEHBAZ WELCOMES UAE DESCRIBES PAKISTAN-UAE TIES AS DEEP, FRATERNAL, INVESTORS, EMPHASIZING B2B AND LONGSTANDING, BASED ON TRUST, MOVING COOPERATION IN IT, BLOCKCHAIN, TOWARD MORE EFFECTIVE ECONOMIC AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES COOPERATION AND INVESTMENT
g SAYS RECENT UAE PRESIDENTIAL VISIT LAUDS PARTICIPATION OF INT’L FIRMS IN STRENGTHENS BILATERAL ECONOMIC TIES, AUCTION OF TWO NEW PSL FRANCHISES, TERMING PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT SAYING IT WOULD HELP PROMOTE KEY TO BOOSTING INVESTMENTS FOREIGN INVESTMENT
new system introduced to get rid of corrupt practices in Ramazan Package: PM ISLAMABAD
staff report
P
ISLAMABAD
staff report
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday appreciated the increasing interest of UAE investors in Pakistan’s digital economy, saying the government accords special importance to business-to-business (B2B) cooperation in areas such as information technology, digital innovation, blockchain, and other emerging technologies. The prime minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delega-
tion from the UAE’s Sajwani Group, noting that recent high-level contacts and exchanges had strengthened mutual trust between the private sectors and investors of both countries, providing a solid foundation to advance bilateral economic cooperation. He described the Pakistan-UAE relationship as deep, fraternal, and longstanding, based on trust, and said it was moving toward more effective economic cooperation and investment. PM Sharif highlighted that the recent visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan had further rein-
Fawad Ch urges Nawaz Sharif to intervene as political crisis deepens ISLAMABAD
staff report
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday called on Pakistan Muslim League-N President Nawaz Sharif to play a role in easing the country’s political turmoil, saying the situation had reached a critical stage and required dialogue. Speaking to reporters after appearing before an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad, Chaudhry said political negotiations were essential to stabilise the country, adding that the absence of meaningful engagement had worsened tensions. He said senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf were behind bars, while individuals with little political stake were avoiding talks. He criticised the government for allowing such figures room to manoeuvre instead of focusing on resolving the broader political crisis. Chaudhry also urged the authorities to release political prisoners, naming PTI figures Bushra Bibi and Dr Yasmeen Rashid, arguing that their detention was increasing political pressure rather than reducing it. Referring to Nawaz Sharif, the former minister said the PML-N leader’s political experience could be used to help bridge divides and bring opposing sides to the table. He also highlighted the country’s economic difficulties, citing a recent government survey that showed nearly 30 percent of the population was unable to afford three meals a day. He said incomes had fallen back to 2015 levels while living costs had risen sharply, placing severe strain on salaried workers and other sectors of the economy. Meanwhile, an antiterrorism court extended Chaudhry’s interim bail until February 13 in cases linked to the May 9 violence. ATC Judge Manzoor Ali Gill heard five cases related to arson and vandalism incidents, including allegations of setting a vehicle on fire near Jinnah House Chowk and arson at Sherpao Bridge.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said the federal government has established a transparent system to provide subsidized essential food items to the underprivileged during Ramazan, replacing a decades-old corrupt system plagued by financial irregularities and mismanagement in utility stores. Chairing a review meeting on the proposed Ramazan package and the third-party validation of last year’s initiative, the prime minister directed all relevant institutions to design an even more effective and inclusive relief package for the upcoming holy month. He praised the efforts of ministries and institutions involved in last year’s Ramazan package, noting that a rep-
forced bilateral partnership, creating a conducive environment for private sector engagement and investment promotion. He added that the UAE’s investment capacity and global connectivity, com-
utable audit firm had verified its transparency and effectiveness. The prime minister observed that, in the past, deserving individuals were often deprived of their rights due to corruption in utility stores. “Financial support and social well-being for the poor and middle class are among the top priorities of the government,” PM Sharif said, directing that subsidy amounts for the Ramazan package be distributed exclusively through digital wallets to protect the dignity of recipients. He highlighted that providing subsidies through digital wallets would also mark a significant step toward a cashless economy, stating, “The inclusion of the State Bank of Pakistan in the distribution of the Ramazan package will further promote a cashless system.”
bined with Pakistan’s human resources and skilled workforce, represented a mutually beneficial partnership for sustainable economic growth.
ConTinued on Page 03
naqvi orders nationwide crackdown on begging and immigration mafias ISLAMABAD
staff report
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Friday ordered the FIA Immigration Wing to launch a strict crackdown against organised begging networks and illegal immigration mafias, warning that no tolerance would be shown for activities damaging Pakistan’s international image. Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the interior minister reviewed the performance of the FIA Immigration Wing and evaluated measures taken against illegal immigration and human trafficking. He directed authorities to continue indiscriminate action against groups involved in smuggling people abroad.
Naqvi said individuals facilitating professional begging and human trafficking deserved no concession, adding that Pakistan’s reputation could not be allowed to be tarnished under any circumstances. He instructed the FIA to ensure rigorous enforcement of immigration laws and further strengthen screening procedures at airports. The minister stressed the need to enhance document verification and tighten immigration checks to prevent illegal travel and trafficking. He said the FIA must adopt a results-driven approach and ensure visible action against criminal networks. The meeting was attended by the federal interior secretary, additional interior secretary, FIA director general and zonal directors
from Karachi and Lahore. Naqvi’s directives follow earlier assurances given to Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmed Al-Maliki that Pakistan would take decisive action against organised begging networks operating abroad. During a visit to the Saudi Embassy last August, the interior minister had acknowledged that professional beggars travelling overseas were harming Pakistan’s image and said the FIA had been tasked with launching a nationwide crackdown. In a follow-up meeting later the same month, Naqvi informed the ambassador that a full-scale operation against the begging mafia was under way and that a zero-tolerance policy had been adopted to dismantle such networks.
Achakzai condemns govt conduct, calls for constitutional supremacy at Lahore gathering LAHORE
staff Correspondent
Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai on Friday strongly criticised the conduct of state institutions, saying that while Pakistan is described as a “fortress of Islam,” Islam itself appears to have been confined within the country. Addressing a gathering at Aiwan-e-Adl in Lahore, Achakzai condemned violence against women and children and denounced the use of live ammunition against protesters at D-Chowk. He also criticised police actions, alleging mistreatment of detainees, and questioned claims of Pakistan being an Islamic state under such circumstances. Speaking on political unity, Achakzai said he had not come to Lahore to attack other political parties but to stand alongside the oppressed. He said Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) enjoys unprecedented public support, yet its founding leader remains incarcerated due to what he described as a lack of discipline and organisation within the party, stressing that political movements require structure and discipline to succeed. Referring to recent protests, he pointed out that despite the presence of MNAs and MPAs, no loudspeakers were used, which he said reflected organisational shortcomings. Addressing the youth, Achakzai called for a peaceful protest on February 8 by keeping roads empty, emphasising that the movement would remain non-violent and free from abuse or hate speech. Also addressing the gathering, Allama Raja Nasir said that Allah had granted human beings the right to freedom, which is also guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. He alleged that an oppressive system had weakened the justice system and undermined people’s right to defence and their public mandate through constitutional amendments. He urged citizens to resist those who had stripped them of their freedoms and voting rights, saying that “Hussainiyat” represents a principled stand against oppression rather than a mere slogan. He warned that the country could not survive without safeguarding the rights of its people. Calling on authorities to acknowledge their mistakes, Achakzai urged them to come forward to protect the Constitution. Addressing the legal community, he said anyone who violated or opposed the Constitution deserved rejection, declaring that every individual acting against it should be opposed. He concluded by stating that institutions such as the army and intelligence agencies are necessary for the country, but must operate strictly within constitutional limits, warning that any violation of the Constitution would be openly resisted. Achakzai also announced his support for Irfan Hayat Bajwa, the presidential candidate of the Hamid Khan group, in the Lahore Bar Association elections scheduled for January 10.
Talks impossible without debate on Feb 8 mandate, says KP CM aide ISLAMABAD
staff report
Special Assistant to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said negotiations with the government could not move forward unless the February 8 electoral mandate was placed on the table, ruling out participation in talks merely for optics. Speaking on a private television pro-
gramme, Shafi Jan said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was not opposed to dialogue but insisted that any negotiations must be meaningful and conditional. He said the party had shifted its focus towards a street movement, adding that the government renewed talk of negotiations only after this change in strategy. He claimed the dialogue process had reached a deadlock and maintained that PTI had attempted to initiate talks two to three times in the past without success.
He said discussions that ignored the February 8 mandate would serve no purpose. Responding to the remarks, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik accused PTI of creating hurdles in the negotiation process. He said senior PTI leader Salman Akram Raja had submitted an affidavit to the court stating that he would not speak to the media outside Adiala Jail. Barrister Aqeel Malik said the government’s approach was focused on
maintaining peace and security. He explained that visitors to Adiala Jail were required to submit affidavits to the jail superintendent, committing that they would not engage in political discussions or make media statements after meetings. “The purpose of the affidavit is to ensure that peace and order are maintained and that no security concerns arise,” he said. The minister alleged that PTI leaders, lawyers and family members had repeatedly violated jail rules.
Pakistan nears $1.5b deal to supply weapons, jets to Sudan, sources say PROFIT
reuters
Pakistan is in the final phases of striking a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan, a former top air force official and three sources said, promising a major boost for Sudan’s army, battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Their conflict has stoked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for more than 2-1/2 years, drawing in myriad foreign interests, and threatening to fragment the strategic Red Sea country, a major gold producer. The deal with Pakistan encompasses 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for scouting and kamikaze attacks, and advanced air defence systems, said two of the three sources with knowledge of the matter, who all sought anonymity. It was a “done deal”, said Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters.
Besides the Karakoram-8 jets, it includes Super Mushshak training aircraft, and perhaps some coveted JF-17 fighters developed jointly with China and produced in Pakistan, he added, without giving figures or a delivery schedule. Pakistan’s military and its defence ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Sudan’s army did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment. Assistance from Pakistan, especially drones and jets, could help Sudan’s army regain the air supremacy it had towards the start of its war with the RSF, which has increasingly used drones to gain territory, eroding the army’s position. Sudan’s army accuses the RSF of being supplied by the United Arab Emirates, which has denied supplying weapons. POSSIBILITY OF SAUDI BACKING The sources did not say how the deal
was being funded but Masood said it was possible the finances would come from Saudi Arabia. “Saudi Arabia may favour and support all the favourable regimes in Gulf for procurement of Pakistani military equipment and training,” he said. One of the sources said the Saudis brokered the deal but added there was no indication they were paying for the weapons. Another source said Saudi was not providing funds. Reuters has reported that Islamabad is in talks with Riyadh for a defence deal that could be worth between $2 billion and $4 billion. Masood said the weapons for Sudan could be included in such an agreement, without confirming discussions with Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government media office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are part of the U.S.-led quad grouping of nations that has tried to push Sudan’s army and the RSF towards peace talks.
On recent visits, Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan requested Saudi assistance in the war, according to Sudanese and Egyptian sources. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are embroiled in a
major feud sparked by recent events in Yemen. The two most powerful countries in the Gulf have sharp differences on a range of volatile Middle East issues, from geopolitics to oil output.