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PM PUSHES GEMSTONE EXPORT DRIVE, ORDERS PROBE INTO SNGPL 'TENDER IRREGULARITIES' Tuesday, 28 April, 2026 | 10 Dhul-Qadah, 1447
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 33 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
g PM PUSHES CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE TO
g GOVT TASKS PLANNING MINISTRY WITH
g PAKISTAN TO HOST FIRST INTERNATIONAL
g PM ORDERS TRANSPARENT PROBE INTO
MODERNISE GEMSTONE SECTOR
P
EXPORT GROWTH STRATEGY
SNGPL PROCUREMENT IRREGULARITIES
GEMSTONE EXPO IN JULY 2026 ISLAMABAD
Staff correSpondent
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday underscored Pakistan’s vast potential in the gemstone sector, directing authorities to accelerate efforts to align mining and processing with international standards and boost exports. Chairing a high-level review meeting, the premier said Pakistan was richly endowed with natural resources, including precious stones, and emphasised that the sector could significantly contribute to export growth if properly developed. The meeting focused on plans to establish three Centres of Excellence across the country to provide world-class training in gemstone cutting, polishing and jewellery preparation. The prime minister stressed that transparency must remain central to the establishment and operation of these centres. He tasked the Ministry of Planning Development and Special Initiatives with preparing a comprehensive strategy to enhance exports of processed gemstones, directing that a detailed roadmap be presented at the earliest.
The session was attended by key cabinet members, including Ahsan Iqbal, Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, along with senior officials from GilgitBaltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Officials briefed the meeting on on-
Pakistan rejects Afghan media claims of strikes on university, homes in Kunar ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Ministry of Information on Monday dismissed reports in Afghan media alleging that Pakistan had attacked a university and residential areas in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, calling the claims false and misleading. In a post on X, the ministry shared a screenshot of a social media post by Afghan outlet Tolo News, which had claimed that Pakistan carried out attacks on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University and nearby residential areas. The ministry described the allegation as a blatant lie and said it was an attempt to generate sympathy while concealing support provided by the Afghan Taliban to Fitna al Khawarij, the term used by the Pakistani state for the banned Tehreek-iTaliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Afghan Taliban to eliminate militant sanctuaries on Afghan soil, particularly those linked to the banned TTP. According to officials, those requests have not been acted upon. The ministry said Pakistan’s actions were part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which it said was launched on the night of Feb 26 after what it described as unprovoked cross-border attacks by the Afghan Taliban. Rejecting the specific allegation regarding Kunar, the ministry said no strike had been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University and termed the reports frivolous and fake. Pakistan’s targeting is precise and intelligence-based. The ministry also accused Afghan media of spreading false reports to obscure support for militant groups and proxies such as Fitna al Khawarij, and said such claims were then amplified by Indian media. The pattern is a page of the old playbook where Afghan media creates fake news to cover up the support to terrorist groups and proxies like the Fitna al Khawarij and gets amplification from Indian media. Truth prevails over falsehood. In a separate post, the ministry shared a screenshot of another X account that repeated the claim of strikes in Kunar. Calling it fake propaganda, the ministry said the continued circulation of what it called phantom strike claims by Afghan media and officials, backed by Indian propagandists, showed that the Afghan Taliban regime had little to offer its citizens in terms of service delivery, welfare and governance and instead relied on misinformation and hate.
going efforts to introduce modern mining techniques and reduce wastage. Land has already been identified for Centres of Excellence in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, while a site in Islamabad is under consideration. The meeting was also informed that Pakistan will host its first international gemstone exhibition in July 2026, and is
collaborating with Sri Lanka and China to train skilled manpower in advanced gemstone processing. Around 1,000 individuals are currently being trained in internationally compliant mining practices, with a focus on community-inclusive projects. The prime minister directed authorities to expedite progress and finalise a comprehensive roadmap to fully tap the sector’s export potential. PM orders probe into TIP's allegations: In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered a transparent inquiry into allegations raised by Transparency International Pakistan against Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) over violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules. Taking notice of the complaint, the prime minister directed relevant authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in SNGPL’s tendering process. He instructed that strict action be taken if the allegations are proven, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public sector operations.
SBp raises policy rate by 100 bps to 11.50% after three years as inflation risks mount PROFIT
Saddam HuSSain
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday increased the policy rate by 100 basis points (bps) to 11.50%, marking its first rate hike in nearly three years, as mounting geopolitical tensions and rising global energy prices fuel inflation concerns. The decision was taken during the third Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2026 and was largely in line with market expectations, which had anticipated monetary tightening amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global energy markets. In its policy statement, the MPC warned that the prolonged Middle East conflict has intensified
risks to Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook. It noted that global energy prices, freight charges and insurance premiums remain significantly above pre-conflict levels, while ongoing supply chain disruptions continue to add to uncertainty. Although incoming data has broadly aligned with expectations so far, the committee cautioned that the full impact of global developments will become evident in key economic indicators in the coming months. In this context, the MPC assessed that inflation is likely to rise and remain above the target range in the next few quarters. “Accordingly, the MPC deemed it necessary to maintain a tighter policy stance to keep inflation expectations anchored and contain second-round effects of
the current supply shock,” the statement said. It added that preserving macroeconomic stability is essential for achieving sustainable economic growth. Key economic developments The MPC highlighted several major developments since its last meeting. Inflation rose to 7.3% in March, while core inflation edged up to 7.8%. Surveys also indicated a deterioration in inflation expectations and a decline in consumer and business confidence. On the growth front, real GDP expanded by 3.8% in the first half of FY26, compared to 1.9% during the same period last year. Meanwhile, the current account posted a small surplus during July–March FY26.
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Pakistan and China sign three MoUs on desalination, farm technology and tea cooperation BEIJING
Staff report
Pakistan and China on Monday signed three memoranda of understanding aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation in seawater desalination, agricultural technology and the tea sector during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China. President Zardari witnessed the signing of the agreements between Pakistani and Chinese entities. Dawn reported that the president is on a week-long visit to China until May 1, while Geo National described it as a five-day visit. The first MoU was signed between the Sindh local government and Lucion Environmental Technology Group for cooperation on a seawater desalination project in Karachi intended to increase the city’s water supply. The agreement was signed by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on behalf of the Pakistani side and by Yuhui, secretary of the Party Branch and chairman of Lucion Environmental Technology Group, on behalf of the Chinese side. The second agreement was signed between the Sindh local government and Long Ping Hi-tech Information Company for cooperation in agricultural technology. Memon signed the document for the Sindh government, while Chen Zhixin, chairman of Long Ping Hi-tech Information Company, signed for the Chinese side. The third MoU focused on the tea industry and was signed between Meskay & Femtee Trading Company, Hunan Tea Group and Jiaolong International Technology (Hainan). According to the reports, the agreement is meant to promote cooperation across all areas of the industry, support the development of the tea sector in both countries and strengthen economic, trade and people-to-people ties. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla signed the tea-sector MoU from the Pakistani side. From the Chinese side, the signatories were Zhou Chongwang, party secretary and chairman of Hunan Tea Group, and Hao Jiaolong, chairman of Hainan Jiaolong International Trade Technology.
Dar steps up global outreach, engages key allies on regional peace efforts ISLAMABAD
Staff correSpondent
Saudi arabia steps up diplomacy as regional powers intensify backchannel efforts RIYADH
agencieS
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has intensified diplomatic outreach to ease rising regional tensions, engaging key counterparts as efforts to stabilise the Middle East gather momentum. According to official statements, Saudi Arabia has been actively coordinating with regional and global partners to keep dialogue channels open amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. In recent engagements, the Saudi foreign minister held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas
Araghchi, stressing the urgent need to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. He also spoke with Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focusing on regional developments and coordinated efforts to maintain security and stability. These diplomatic engagements come against the backdrop of continuing hostilities linked to the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which has resulted in sustained missile and drone exchanges and significant civilian casualties, particularly in
Iran and Lebanon. Meanwhile, Araghchi, speaking during his visit to Russia, blamed the collapse of the latest round of talks with Washington on what he described as “excessive demands” by the United States, despite earlier progress. He also highlighted the importance of regional consultations, noting that discussions were held with Pakistan to assess the evolving situation and strengthen diplomatic coordination. Araghchi further pointed to Oman as a key partner, particularly in managing issues related to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday intensified Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach, holding a series of high-level telephonic engagements with counterparts from Egypt, United Kingdom, and Canada to discuss the evolving regional situation and ongoing peace efforts. In a conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, both leaders exchanged views on the latest regional developments, with the Egyptian side appreciating Pakistan’s continued role in promoting dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Abdelatty also briefed Dar on his own outreach to regional and international partners. Separately, Dar spoke with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, where the two discussed the current regional dynamics. The British side commended Pakistan’s facilitation efforts and its commitment to advancing diplomacy as a means to de-escalate tensions. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact. In another key engagement, Dar held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The two reviewed the regional situation and ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability, while also discussing bilateral relations, including cooperation in trade, agriculture and other sectors.
Iran looking into Trump's request for negotiations: FM Araghchi ST. PETERSBURG agencieS
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Monday that Tehran was looking into United States President Donald Trump's request for negotiations, according to a post on the minister's Telegram account. He told reporters in Russia that Trump requested negotiations because the US has not achieved any of its objectives. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to regional stability, saying Russia would “do what it can” to support peace efforts as he met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The meeting took place in Saint Petersburg amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive talks between Iran and the United States following a temporary ceasefire. According to Iranian state media, Putin
said Russia would support the interests of Iran and other regional countries while working towards restoring peace in West Asia. He also expressed hope that the Iranian people would overcome current challenges and that stability would soon return to the region. Araghchi, who is on a regional diplomatic tour, said Iran had “bravely resisted” what he termed US aggression and would continue to defend its interests. He emphasised that Iran and Russia share a strategic partnership and are committed to strengthening cooperation across multiple domains. The high-level meeting was attended by senior Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, and intelligence chief Igor Kostyukov. The Iranian delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali. Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the meeting as highly sig-
nificant given the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East. Araghchi arrived in Russia after visits to Pakistan and Oman, where he held consultations on the ongoing conflict and diplomatic pathways forward. He noted that discussions in Islamabad focused on assessing the stalled negotiations with Washington and exploring conditions for resuming dialogue. Blaming the breakdown of the latest round of talks on what he described as “excessive demands” by the United States, Araghchi stressed the importance of continued regional consultations and diplomatic coordination. He also highlighted Oman’s role as a key regional partner, particularly in managing issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor shared by Iran and Oman. The visit comes as mediators intensify efforts to sustain dialogue between Tehran and Washington despite recent setbacks. Analysts note that Russia’s engagement signals
its intent to remain a key player in shaping the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East,
as regional powers seek to prevent further escalation and stabilise the situation.