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Wednesday, 9 September, 2026 | 26 Rabiul Awwal, 1448
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVII No 165 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia PM CONDEMNS HOUTHI ATTACKS ON SAUDI deepen cybersecurity ARABIA, REAFFIRMS ‘UNWAVERING SOLIDARITY’ cooperation as g
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PAKISTAN STANDS IN 'UNWAVERING' SOLIDARITY WITH SAUDI LEADERSHIP AND ITS PEOPLE, SAYS PM SHEHBAZ
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REITERATES PAKISTAN BACKS SAUDI SOVEREIGNTY, SECURITY AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, PRAYING FOR SWIFT RECOVERY OF ALL THOSE INJURED
FO SUPPORTS RIYADH’S RIGHT TO DEFEND TERRITORY AND NATIONAL ASSETS AFTER 73 CIVILIANS INJURED AS FRESH ATTACKS HIT SOUTHERN SAUDI CITIES
Pakistan backs Saudi right to defend territory after Houthi attacks ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
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ISLAMABAD SALEEM JADOON
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned fresh attacks by Yemen’s Houthi group targeting cities and civilian and economic infrastructure in southern Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Pakistan’s “unwavering” solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people and its steadfast support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. “I condemn in the strongest terms, the cowardly attack by Houthis targeting
civilian and energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which have left many people injured,” the prime minister said in a post on X. “Such dastardly attacks threaten innocent lives as well as regional peace and security. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” he added. The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan stood in “unwavering” solidarity with the Saudi leadership and its people. In a related development, the Foreign Office on Tuesday reaffirmed Pak-
Petrol, diesel prices hiked again as fuel shocks deepen for consumers PROFIT
AHMAD AHMADANI
Petrol price has been increased by Rs5.58 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs4.18 for September 9, adding another burden on already hard-pressed consumers following a major fuel price hike announced just a day earlier. According to the Petroleum Division, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), under the revised petroleum pricing mechanism issued by the Federal Government, has revised the ex-depot prices of petroleum products for September 9, 2026. The ex-depot price of Motor Spirit (petrol) has been increased from Rs358.77 to Rs364.35 per litre, while the ex-depot price of high-speed diesel has risen from Rs381.77 to Rs385.95 per litre. Over the past two days, petrol prices have surged by Rs18.48 per litre, while the price of high-speed diesel (HSD) has increased by Rs7.90 per litre, significantly adding to the fuel burden on consumers and businesses. The latest adjustment means consumers will now pay Rs364.35 per litre for petrol and Rs385.95 per litre for HSD, with both products witnessing another increase in their applicable prices. The increase in petrol prices is likely to immediately affect millions of motorcycle and car users who depend on petrol for daily commuting. The higher fuel cost will raise the expenses of people travelling to offices, businesses, educational institutions and other destinations. Petrol is also widely used by taxis, ride-hailing vehicles, delivery services and other light transport. Any increase in petrol prices therefore raises operating costs for individuals and businesses that depend on petrol-powered vehicles. The impact of diesel prices, however, extends considerably beyond vehicle owners.
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Pakistan on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia, backing the kingdom’s right to take necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and safeguard national assets following recent Houthi attacks on civilian and economic facilities. In a statement, the Foreign Office strongly condemned what it described as “reprehensible attacks” by the Houthi militia on the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. “Pakistan fully supports the Kingdom’s legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents and safeguard its national assets against any threat,” the statement said. According to Saudi authorities, the attacks injured 73 people, including
istan’s support for Saudi Arabia, backing the Kingdom’s legitimate right to take necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents and safeguard national assets against any threat following the latest Houthi attacks. In a statement, the Foreign Office strongly condemned what it described as “reprehensible attacks” by the Houthi
women and children. The strikes also triggered fires at several energy facilities, where operations were suspended as firefighting and emergency teams worked to contain the blazes and assess the damage. Pakistan described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that they threatened regional peace and stability and undermined efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Yemen conflict. “Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty, terriintegrity, security and torial prosperity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and stands in complete solidarity with the leadership, government and brotherly people of the Kingdom,” the statement added. The Foreign Office also expressed solidarity with those injured and wished them a speedy recovery.
militia on the southern Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. “Pakistan fully supports the Kingdom’s legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its territory, protect its citizens and residents and safeguard its national assets against any threat,” the statement said.
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startups secure $400,000 investment, tech deals PROFIT
NEWS DESK
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen cybersecurity cooperation as Pakistani startups secured a $400,000 investment and new commercial partnerships during LEAP 2026 in Riyadh, where more than 75 Pakistani startups and technology companies showcased their products and services. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja led Pakistan’s participation at the technology conference, held from August 31 to September 3 under the Tech Destination Pakistan banner, according to a statement. During the event, Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation against emerging cyber threats. Under the agreement, the two countries will exchange cybersecurity expertise and best practices as they seek to strengthen their capabilities in the sector. Pakistan also mounted one of its largest national participations at LEAP, according to the IT ministry, seeking to showcase the country’s technology ecosystem and secure investment, business partnerships and greater access to international markets. Khawaja formally inaugurated the Tech Destination Pakistan Pavilion, which brought together 25 startups and more than 50 Pakistani technology companies showcasing solutions in artificial intelligence, automation and other digital technologies. The ministry said Pakistan’s participation was designed to facilitate business-to-business partnerships, attract international investment and expand global market access for Pakistani technology companies. Several Pakistani startups announced investment and commercial agreements during the conference. Edversity, an Ignite-supported startup operating under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, secured a $400,000 investment from Rapidev Group. The investment will be used to accelerate Edversity’s international expansion and scale its AI-powered education platform, according to the ministry.
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to international nuclear safety, security standards
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PM stresses export-led growth as key to economic progress ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that Rs800 billion had been recovered within a year through enforcement measures alone, without imposing any new taxes, highlighting that long-pending structural reforms had been introduced over the past two and a half years through sustained consultation and teamwork between the government and the business community. Addressing leading industrialists, businessmen and entrepreneurs, the prime minister welcomed members of the business fraternity and underscored the importance of continued government-business coordination for strengthening the country’s economy, particularly through exportled growth. “Cases pending in courts for the past ten years had been pursued and followed up, particularly those relating to indirect sales tax paid by consumers, and such improvement in enforcement had not been witnessed before in the country’s history,” he noted. The prime minister recalled that, prior to the federal budget, multiple rounds of consultations had been held with the business community on various economic issues. He said the Finance and Commerce ministers, along with
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
their respective secretaries, had also held meetings with stakeholders before his own interaction with the business community. He said recommendations put forward by business representatives during earlier meetings, including at difficult times, had helped the government introduce structural changes with their support. He termed the reform process a long journey achieved through collective effort and sustained teamwork between the government and the private sector. The prime minister said it was for this reason that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for the first time, extended relevant allowance, while the IMF Managing Director, during her interaction
with the prime minister, had agreed to offer a tax waiver. He said all these measures had been undertaken in consultation with the business community, describing them as part of a long journey accomplished through teamwork. He reiterated that the government would continue to move forward on this path with the guidance, support and assistance of the business community. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that any economic growth achieved by the country must be export-led, saying growth without an export orientation would be meaningless. He said it was for this reason that special tax relief had been extended to exporters in the federal budget.
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Dr Raja Ali Raza Anwar on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to maintaining international standards of nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security, stressing that responsibility for nuclear safety and security within a state rested exclusively and entirely with that Member State. Delivering Pakistan’s National Statement at the ongoing meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, the PAEC chairman said nuclear safety and security remained essential components of Pakistan’s peaceful nuclear programme and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to international standards in these fields. He stressed that the fundamental principle of state responsibility should remain central to the IAEA’s planning and activities concerning nuclear safety and security. Dr. Anwar highlighted Pakistan’s five decades of safe and secure operation of nuclear installations, describing the country’s record as a testament to the robustness of its domestic nuclear safety and security regime. He appreciated the continued progress made worldwide in nuclear safety and security with the assistance of the IAEA, particularly acknowledging the Agency’s central role and sustained support to Member States through capacity-building programmes.
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Pakistan moves to import 750,000 tonnes of wheat amid supply concerns PROFIT
SHAHZAD PARACHA
The federal government has moved to import 750,000 metric tonnes of wheat to strengthen domestic supplies and meet the country’s requirements, as concerns over availability and provincial stocks persist. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), a state-owned commercial organisation working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce, has issued an international tender for the procurement of 750,000 metric tonnes of wheat. In accordance with Rule 21(A) of the Public Procurement Rules, 2004, the TCP has invited sealed bids from international wheat suppliers for the supply of 750,000 metric tonnes, with a plus or minus 10% margin at the supplier’s option, on a Cost and Freight (CFR) basis to Karachi and/or Gwadar ports.
The wheat must be from the latest crop year and may be supplied directly by international suppliers or through their local offices or representatives registered with the relevant provincial or federal tax authorities. Suppliers must have the capacity to provide wheat in bulk from sources anywhere in the world. The tender requires the contracted wheat to be delivered to the designated ports in Pakistan according to the shipment schedule specified in the tender document. The wheat must also meet the quality standards and specifications prescribed in the tender documents and comply with the Import Policy Order in force. The TCP said bids for quantities of less than 50,000 metric tonnes, with a plus or minus 10% margin at the supplier’s option, would not be accepted. The requirement is aimed at securing supplies from suppliers capable of delivering substantial quantities
within the prescribed timeframe. According to government sources, the imported wheat will be distributed among the provinces according to their requirements. Sindh is expected to receive 300,000 metric tonnes, while Punjab will receive 250,000 tonnes and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 200,000 tonnes. The decision to import 750,000 metric tonnes was approved by a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, sources said. The latest procurement follows an earlier decision by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to approve the import of one million metric tonnes of wheat after the provinces requested additional supplies. The scale of the proposed imports needs to be viewed against Pakistan’s substantial annual wheat requirement. The latest available 2026/27 market outlook estimates national wheat consumption at around 31.3
million tonnes, while production is forecast at approximately 29.6 million tonnes, indicating a sizeable gap that has to be managed through stocks and, where necessary, imports.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 also puts wheat production at around 29.61 million tonnes, up from 28.40 million tonnes in the previous year.