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Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade

Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade
In this file photo, taken on April 6, 2023, shipping containers are seen stacked on a ship at a seaport in Karachi. (AFP/File)
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Updated 3 min 8 sec ago
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Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade

Pakistan announces drafting of transshipment policy to boost role in global trade
  • International companies have shown interest in Pakistan’s maritime and transshipment potential
  • Abu Dhabi Ports has signed a deal to operate a Karachi container terminal, will invest $220 million
Updated 3 min 8 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is formulating a transshipment policy aimed at enhancing its role in regional and international trade, state media reported on Friday, as the country seeks to gain financial strength by embedding itself more firmly within the global economic system.
International transshipment nodes enable the transfer of cargo from one vessel to another, facilitating regional and international trade by efficiently directing its flow. The process can be lucrative for Pakistan, whose maritime minister announced the government’s decision to draft the policy during parliamentary proceedings.
Last year in June, Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed a 50-year concession agreement with Karachi Port Trust to operate a container terminal, committing to invest $220 million over the first decade.
Subsequently, APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, expressed interest in developing Pakistan’s first green transshipment terminal in Karachi earlier this year in May, reflecting growing international confidence in Pakistan’s maritime potential.
“Minister for Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmad Shaikh told the House during the Question Hour that this policy will provide clear guidelines and incentives for transshipment activities,” according to Radio Pakistan.
“He said it will also streamline transshipment operations at Pakistani ports, resulting in economic growth and job opportunities,” the report added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also actively promoted Pakistan’s ports to Central Asian nations, positioning them as conduits to global markets.
During his visit to Tajikistan in July, he emphasized his government’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and integration, highlighting the strategic importance of Pakistan’s ports for the region’s landlocked economies.
The maritime minister said a comprehensive transshipment policy was expected to further solidify Pakistan’s position as a pivotal trade and transit hub in South Asia.

Topics: Karachi port

Pakistan Football Federation announces contract completion with coach Stephen Constantine

Pakistan Football Federation announces contract completion with coach Stephen Constantine
Updated 01 November 2024
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Pakistan Football Federation announces contract completion with coach Stephen Constantine

Pakistan Football Federation announces contract completion with coach Stephen Constantine
  • Constantine led Pakistan to its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers
  • The seasoned football coach’s achievements include leading India to its highest FIFA ranking in 2017
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on Friday announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, a seasoned football coach with extensive international experience and head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.
Appointed by the PFF Normalization Committee as head coach in September last year, Constantine led Pakistan to a historic milestone with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad’s Jinnah Stadium.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan national team through some of its most historic achievements,” Constantine said.
“The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023, when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, will forever be etched in memory.”
The veteran football coach also paid tribute to his staff, calling them “phenomenal.” He noted that few would ever understand the level of commitment and sacrifice they poured into the journey, commending their dedication.
“To the players, you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan football, and you did it with heart and style,” he added. “You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan football once more.”
Constantine has managed national teams across multiple continents, including Nepal, India, Malawi, Sudan, and Rwanda. His notable achievements include leading India to its highest FIFA ranking in 2017. Although he may not be widely recognized in mainstream football circles, his contributions to developing football in emerging nations have earned him respect within the global coaching community.
Haroon Malik, chairman of the PFF Normalization Committee, said the Pakistani football community would forever remember the World Cup qualifier match victory achieved after the players were trained by Constantine. Malik remarked that the international coach’s invaluable contributions to Pakistani football had left an indelible mark in history.

Topics: Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Stephen Constantine

One dead, several injured as political chants start clash at Pakistan cricket match

One dead, several injured as political chants start clash at Pakistan cricket match
Updated 52 min 44 sec ago
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One dead, several injured as political chants start clash at Pakistan cricket match

One dead, several injured as political chants start clash at Pakistan cricket match
  • Incident led to chaotic scenes of fighting on the field, as fans used bats, pipes to attack each other
  • Police say two of its senior officials were also injured during the brawl and given first aid on site
Updated 52 min 44 sec ago
WASIM SAJJAD

PESHAWAR: At least one person died and several others, including two police officers, were injured in a violent clash during a cricket league final in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur tribal district amid high political tension on Friday, police confirmed to Arab News.
The brawl erupted when spectators at the Bajaur Cricket League (BCL) began chanting rival slogans in a packed stadium of over 20,000 people.
The incident occurred as Team 804, named after the prisoner identification number assigned to former Prime Minister Imran Khan following his arrest in August last year, faced off against Salarzai Zalmi in Khar.
Both teams were backed by local politicians from opposing camps, sparking an outcry from fans when, according to local media reports, a player from Team 804 was declared out by the umpire.
“Over 20,000 spectators were present in the ground who chanted political slogans against each other, which triggered the clash,” Bajaur Police Spokesperson Muhammad Israr told Arab News over the phone. “One person died of a heart attack during the incident, and while many sustained minor injuries, only a few required hospital treatment.”
Local news channels broadcast footage showing chaotic scenes of fighting on the field, with some people injured in the scuffle. As the violence intensified, fans used cricket bats and pipes to attack each other.
Local media reported the man who died had also sustained injuries and could not survive.
The police official said his department was gathering evidence and would lodge a report of the incident afterward.
“Two deputy superintendents of police were slightly injured and given first aid on site,” he added.
Cricket is a national passion in Pakistan, often fueling strong emotions among fans while their teams compete.
The incident in Bajaur, a restive region that has seen militant violence in the past, reflected how easily sports and politics can blend in the country to create a combustible mix.

Topics: Bajaur

Pakistan’s national airline sale stalls as bid falls short of government expectations

Pakistan’s national airline sale stalls as bid falls short of government expectations
Updated 01 November 2024
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Pakistan’s national airline sale stalls as bid falls short of government expectations

Pakistan’s national airline sale stalls as bid falls short of government expectations
  • Sole bidder Blue World City declines to meet government’s minimum price of $305 million
  • PIA employees’ union labels the stalled sale an ‘embarrassment’ for Pakistani authorities
Updated 01 November 2024
Aamir Saeed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Privatization Ministry said on Friday the national airline’s privatization has stalled after months of efforts, as the sole bid came in “too low” compared to government expectations, which the airline employees’ union and an economist called a “major embarrassment” for the authorities.
The national flag carrier received a Rs10 billion ($36 million) bid from real estate development company Blue World City a day earlier for 60 percent Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) stakes during a televised auction, far below the minimum price of Rs85 billion ($305 million) set by the government.
The country plans to sell more than 51 percent of its stake in the loss-making national air carrier as part of economic reforms Islamabad agreed to with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a critical 37-month, $7 billion bailout deal approved in September.
Pakistan’s government pre-qualified six groups in June, but only the real estate development company met a Tuesday deadline to submit final documents to participate in the auction.
“The airline’s sale process has stalled for now, but the Privatization Commission Board will review the bid offer in its next meeting,” Dr. Ahsan Ishaq, a spokesperson for the Privatization Ministry, told Arab News, without specifying a date for the meeting.
“Finally, the matter will go to the federal cabinet for approval, but obviously, the bid is too low compared to government expectations,” he added. “Therefore, it may not receive formal assent.”
The state-owned Pakistan Television broadcast the bidding process live, with Blue World City as the sole bidder.
The $36 million bid was read out in front of government officials and financial advisers, which the PIA employees’ union later described as a “major embarrassment” for the authorities.
“The government should add at least twenty planes to the PIA fleet on dry lease to make it a profitable airline instead of selling it for peanuts,” said Hidayatullah, president of the PIA employees’ union, who goes by a single name, while speaking to Arab News.
“We will not allow the privatization of this national asset, and we will launch a nationwide protest if the government goes ahead with this bid,” he said.
During the bidding event, Blue World City Chairman Saad Nazir refused to match the government’s minimum price of Rs85 billion, saying, as per his company’s assessment, the offer made was “the best decision.”
The government’s initial plan was to finalize the PIA sale on the country’s Independence Day, August 14, but the plan was delayed following requests from bidders who were awaiting the airline’s latest audited accounts, aircraft lease agreements and clarity on flights to Europe, which are currently banned.
The auction was postponed twice, first to September and then to October, but neither event materialized.
Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, a senior economist, said the government had failed to “hunt potential investors” for PIA ahead of the formal auction and did not organize roadshows to market the airline’s assets to attract major investors.
“Major foreign investors have already expressed serious reservations about difficulties in repatriating their profits from investments in various sectors,” he told Arab News. “Therefore, they were apprehensive about joining the bidding process.”
“The government should have initiated measures to address the concerns of major investors and businesses ahead of formally launching the auction process for PIA to attract a fair price for the airline,” he continued.
Official data available to Arab News shows that there are 88 commercially operated state-owned enterprises in Pakistan, with collective losses amounting to Rs730.258 billion ($2.61 billion) in the fiscal year 2022.
In its five-year privatization plan ending in 2029, the government approved 24 state-owned enterprises for sale, including PIA.
With a fleet of 34 aircraft comprising 17 Airbus A320s, 12 Boeing B777s, and 5 ATRs, PIA loses market share to Middle Eastern carriers, who dominate with 60 percent due to the absence of direct flights to key destinations.
The carrier has air service pacts with 87 countries and landing slots at significant destinations such as London Heathrow.
The reorganization plan will separate aviation-related operations from non-core components, thereby freeing the operating subsidiary from a large portion of legacy debt.

Topics: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) PIA privatization

Pakistan’s Punjab seeks US expertise to combat Lahore’s growing smog crisis

Pakistan’s Punjab seeks US expertise to combat Lahore’s growing smog crisis
Updated 01 November 2024
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Pakistan’s Punjab seeks US expertise to combat Lahore’s growing smog crisis

Pakistan’s Punjab seeks US expertise to combat Lahore’s growing smog crisis
  • Maryam Nawaz Sharif discusses the issue with USAID officials, urges bilateral cooperation
  • Punjab CM also seeks collaboration in trade, renewable energy, health care and education
Updated 01 November 2024
Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: The provincial administration of Punjab expressed interest in leveraging American expertise and technology to address environmental issues on Friday as pollution levels in the eastern city of Lahore has hit dangerous highs in recent weeks.
The idea of collaborating with the United States over the issue came up for discussion during a meeting between Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) amid Lahore’s consistent ranking among the world’s most polluted cities.
The Punjab administration has decided to tackle the issue head-on, rolling out several initiatives aimed at reducing the city’s hazardous smog such as implementing mandatory face masks, suspending outdoor school activities and a ban on fireworks for about three months.
The Punjab government also introduced “green lockdown” earlier this week to bolster these efforts, limiting pollution-heavy activities in the city’s worst-affected areas, though local media reports say the enforcement of these measures remains inconsistent.
The issue of air quality in Lahore was one of the focal points during Sharif’s meeting with the USAID officials at her office, according to a statement from the provincial government.
“During the discussion, matters of mutual interest, strengthening US-Pakistan relations and enhancing cooperation in various fields were addressed,” the statement said.
“Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s intent to benefit from the US expertise in green energy and advanced technology to combat climate change and environmental pollution,” it added.
Both sides also agreed to deepen collaboration in other areas, including trade, renewable energy, women’s economic empowerment, health care and education.
Sharif highlighted her government’s initiatives for women’s safety, such as the “panic button” and virtual police stations.
She noted that modern internships are being provided to nurture a skilled workforce within the province.
The chief minister emphasized that Pakistan, particularly under the present government, has made strides toward becoming safer and more peaceful, setting new benchmarks in governance and transparency.
She praised the country’s achievements in combating extremism and militancy, stressing the importance of further enhancing collaboration between Washington and Islamabad in the area.
The discussion also included opportunities to boost investment to meet future demands of the two countries and strengthen connections between their people.

Topics: Pakistan Smog smog

Pakistan says working closely with Saudis to make $2.8 billion investment deals ‘operational’

Pakistan says working closely with Saudis to make $2.8 billion investment deals ‘operational’
Updated 01 November 2024
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Pakistan says working closely with Saudis to make $2.8 billion investment deals ‘operational’

Pakistan says working closely with Saudis to make $2.8 billion investment deals ‘operational’
  • The deals between Saudi and Pakistani companies were signed during Saudi investment minister’s visit to Islamabad in October 
  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this year reaffirmed commitment to expedite $5 billion investment package for Pakistan
Updated 01 November 2024
Hasaan Ali Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani information minister Attaullah Tarar said on Friday Islamabad was working closely with Riyadh to make “operational” $2.8 billion in investment deals signed last month, saying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had discussed the investments with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a recent visit to Riyadh.
Saudi Minister for Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih said on Wednesday 27 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth $2.2 billion that had been signed between Saudi and Pakistani businesses in October had been enhanced to $2.8 billion. The business-to-business deals, now enhanced to 34, were signed on Oct. 10 during Al-Falih’s visit to Islamabad with a delegation of top investors and entrepreneurs from the Kingdom. 
“The [Pakistani] prime minister met the Saudi crown prince in a great atmosphere,” Tarar told reporters. “And so more agreements have been signed and we discussed taking them forward, making them operational, work has already started on five [agreements].
“Talks on that also happened and we reaffirmed the commitment that we will enhance Saudi-Pakistan ties and expand investment and trade.”
Tarar said the $600 million additional investment from Riyadh was a “big step” and involved sectors such as energy, minerals, trade, livestock, human resource and IT.
Speaking about Sharif’s visit to Doha after Riyadh, Tarar said Qatar would invest $3 billion in Pakistan:
“In Qatar, [Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif] has met a business delegation as well as the Qatari PM and emir of Qatar. Agreement has been made in expanding economic cooperation and relations in the field of culture. Discussions happened to further investment and trade also. I think this $3 billion investment will really boost Pakistan’s economy.”

Sharif’s visits to Doha and Riyadh took place at a time when Islamabad is seeking to strengthen trade and investment ties with friendly nations. Riyadh in particular has promised a $5 billion investment package that cash-strapped Pakistan desperately needs to shore up its dwindling foreign reserves and fight a chronic balance of payment crisis.
In 2022, the Qatar Investment Authority said it aimed to invest $3 billion in Pakistan. Doha has also shown interest in airport management partnership and the Roosevelt Hotel in New York’s Manhattan owned by the Pakistan International Airlines. 
During a visit to Qatar in 2022, Sharif, then in his first term as PM, invited QIA, Qatar’s $450 billion sovereign wealth fund, to invest in Pakistan’s energy and aviation sectors. He had previously mentioned renewable energy, food security, industrial and infrastructure development, tourism and hospitality, among sectors of interest.

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