Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan ink deal on railway project

Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan signed an agreement for a joint feasibility study on a major railway project connecting Central Asia with Pakistani seaports via Afghanistan, aimed at boosting regional trade and connectivity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who visited Kabul for the signing, announced the development on X. “I congratulate the people and governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan on the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Naibabad–Kharlachi rail link under the UAP Railway Corridor,” he said.

The proposed railway will pass through Termiz (Uzbekistan), Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar (Afghanistan), entering Pakistan via the Kharlachi border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It aims to provide passenger and freight services while improving access to Pakistani ports.

Dar met Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, along with Pakistan’s Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and other officials. Both sides agreed to enhance trade, transit, and security cooperation.

Dar credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership for initiating the project during his previous tenure. The agreement follows a 2023 decision by the three countries to jointly pursue the railway initiative.

Reko Diq paid $17.5m in royalties to the Balochistan government

Reko-Diq Mining Company (RDMC) has paid more than $17.5m in royalties to the Balochistan government. The details were shared during a media briefing on the Reko-Diq project’s progress.

Communications Manager Samia Ali Shah said payments tallied as of June 2025 include $17.5m in royalties to the Balochistan government and nearly $3.8m to the federal government on account of employees’ and other parties’ income taxes collected by the company.

Ms Shah explained that the Balochistan government holds a 25 percent partnership with the project without making any direct investment. The overall venture is a 50-50 partnership between the government of Pakistan and RDMC. The briefing also highlighted the company’s efforts in local workforce development. Present at the event were trainees who had just returned to Pakistan after completing 18 months of training in Argentina, sponsored by the company.

“The young talent going for training abroad comprises 14pc females,” Ms Shah said, adding the project has long-term benefits for the region.

Germany deports 81 Afghans

Germany deported 81 Afghan men convicted of crimes to their Taliban-controlled homeland, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government looks to signal a hard line on immigration.

The interior ministry said a plane carrying the men took off Friday morning bound for Afghanistan, adding that all the deportees were under expulsion orders and were convicted by the criminal justice system. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the government of Europe’s top economy was forging ahead with a “policy change.” Dobrindt was hosting several European counterparts for a migration meeting.

NA panel endorses PIA privatization

The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defence reaffirmed its support for the government’s decision to privatise Pakistan International Airlines Company Ltd (PIACL), while underscoring the need to preserve the airline’s heritage and protect the rights of its employees.

Chaired by Fateh Ullah Khan, the committee empha¬sised that any future operator must ensure that PIA aircraft continue to display the Pakistani flag and the iconic PIA logo, symbols regarded as representations of national pride and continuity. Members urged that employees be treated fairly and compassionately throughout the privatisation process, with their rights and livelihoods protected.

The committee expressed strong appreciation for the recent resumption of PIA flights to the United Kingdom and France after a five-year suspension, calling it a significant step towards restoring Pakistan’s international aviation presence. It commended the Ministry of Defence and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) for facilitating the development.

During the meeting, the panel reviewed PIA’s operational status and discussed broader strategies to strengthen the aviation sector. The PIACL director-general briefed the committee on fleet development, organisational structure, and plans for expanding domestic and international networks. Noting positive management steps to reclaim the airline’s lost stature, members voiced concern over the continued absence of domestic flight operations, which they said affects mobility for a large population segment. The committee called for urgent restoration and expansion of domestic air routes.

U.S. firms eye investment in Pakistan’s port sector

Over 65 U.S. companies joined a landmark webinar in July to explore commercial opportunities at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.

The webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, part of the ‘Gateways to Growth: South Asia Port Opportunities’ series, has opened new doors for American commercial services in the port sector of Pakistan. The webinar served as a strategic platform for American companies to engage directly with Pakistani port officials and private operators. “US investors have made substantial contributions to Pakistan’s development, and we are confident that the port sector will be another area where we can achieve great success together,” said U.S. Consul General Scott Urbom in Karachi, emphasising the role of partnership in fostering long-term commercial ties.

“We believe that by working together, we can unlock the full potential of Pakistan’s port sector, create new opportunities for American businesses, and contribute to Pakistan’s economic development,” he said.

Senior representatives from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Port Qasim Authority, Abu Dhabi Ports, which operates Karachi Gateway Terminal Ltd, and Dubai Ports World, which operates Qasim International Container Terminal, outlined Pakistan’s infrastructure goals, regulatory landscape, and trade priorities, and participated in the webinar. The hybrid session highlighted how American firms can support Pakistan’s port development plans, helping expedite trade flows and build new supply chain linkages between our countries. Ean Hundley, Director of ICT and Infrastructure Policy at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, noted, “This initiative equips US companies with market intelligence and direct access to local decision-makers, enabling them to capitalise on infrastructure opportunities across South Asia.”

Dr. Tariq Sohail Receives Life Achievement Award

Dr. Tariq Sohail, renowned founder of Medicare Hospital, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, and Sohail University, was honored with the prestigious Life Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to health and education. The award was presented in a special ceremony recently held at the Zaki Hasan Auditorium of Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi.

The event, presided over by veteran journalist Mahmood Sham, was graced by prominent figures from various fields, including journalism, research, and academia. Notable attendees included Zahid Hussain, Dr. Mubarak Ali, Dr. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Anis Haroon, Khalid Ahmed, Dr. H.R. Ahmed, and Bee Gul, among others.

During his address, Mahmood Sham highlighted Dr. Tariq Sohail’s dedication to public welfare, stating that while he could have easily excelled in his medical profession alone, Dr. Sohail chose to establish institutions that would benefit society at large in the long run. Zahid Hussain, an esteemed English journalist, reflected on his long association with Dr. Sohail and praised his humanitarianism and professional integrity. He described Dr. Sohail as a living embodiment of these values, which made him a noble figure in all respects.

The ceremony also featured the launch of Hikayat-e-Dil-e-Dard Aashna, a memoir chronicling Dr. Sohail’s life and achievements. The book, compiled by Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, was published by the Institute of Historical and Social Research, an institution founded by Dr. Sohail himself to promote academic research and social development.

The event served as a reminder of Dr. Tariq Sohail’s enduring commitment to education, health, and the upliftment of society.

Pakistan, EU agree to deepen dialogue on security issues

The European Union and Pakistan have agreed to deepen discussions on security-related matters.

The understanding was reached during the 10th Political Dialogue between the EU and Pakistan in Brussels. The dialogue covered key issues in EU-Pakistan cooperation and regional and international issues, including multilateral collaboration. The EU and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Strategic Engagement Plan signed in 2019, aiming to deepen further cooperation in all areas covered under the SEP. The two sides reiterated their resolve to continue close engagement under the GSP+ framework. They acknowledged the meaningful cooperation on various aspects of migration, aiming to hold the third Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Dialogue later this year.

Besides bilateral cooperation, both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues. They acknowledged the importance of multifaceted collaboration on security matters, including counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics. They condemned all forms of terrorism. Both sides agreed on the need for efforts based on dialogue and diplomacy to solve contentious issues. They underscored the importance of upholding international law and the sanctity of international agreements. They exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine as well as India-held Kashmir. Both sides stressed the need to find peaceful solutions to conflicts based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. They agreed on the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Both sides called for the resumption of a ceasefire. They supported initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in Palestine through the two-state solution.

104 regulatory proposals to ease the business climate

The Cabinet Committee on Regulatory Reforms concluded a series of meetings, finalising the first package of reforms to reduce compliance burdens, eliminate outdated procedures, and improve the ease of doing business.

Chaired by Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, the committee held three meetings to review 136 reform proposals submitted by the Board of Investment (BoI). Of these, the Cabinet Committee for Implementation approved 104 proposals. The approved reforms include eliminating 19 redundant regulatory requirements and streamlining 57 procedural steps through simplification, digitalisation, and modernisation to enhance transparency and service delivery. Once implemented, the reforms are expected to reduce costs, shorten approval timelines, and create a more business-friendly regulatory environment.

The committee directed relevant federal ministries and departments to implement the approved reforms within timelines of up to 90 days, depending on the complexity of each measure. The BoI will oversee the implementation and regularly update the cabinet committee on progress. Further reform packages are being developed, targeting critical sectors of the economy. These upcoming measures aim to further ease regulatory compliance, enabling businesses to invest, grow, and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.

The conclusion of this review process reflects the government’s commitment to regulatory modernisation and fostering a conducive environment for business and investment. Minister Sheikh praised the efforts of the BoI’s reform team and acknowledged the constructive role played by regulatory bodies in advancing the national reform agenda. He termed the meetings a key milestone in the government’s drive to simplify and modernise Pakistan’s regulatory framework per the prime minister’s directives.

The reform package, developed under the supervision of the BoI’s reform team, focused on two principal areas: streamlining federal-level Registrations, Lice­nces, Certificates, and Other Permits (RLCOs), and modernising the Com­panies Act 2017 for unlisted companies.

Unreleased Beyoncé music stolen in Atlanta

Computer drives containing unreleased music by US superstar Beyoncé and plans related to her concerts were stolen last week in Atlanta, police said Monday, with a suspect still at large.

The items were stolen from a rental car used by Beyoncé’s choreographer and a dancer on July 8, two days before the pop icon kicked off the Atlanta leg of her Cowboy Carter tour, a police incident report said. Choreographer Christopher Grant, 37, told police that he returned to the car to find its rear window smashed and their luggage stolen.

Inside were multiple jump drives that “contained watermarked music, some unreleased music, footage plans for the show, and past and future set lists,” the report said.

Also missing were an Apple MacBook, headphones, and several luxury clothing items. Police investigated an area where the MacBook and headphones had pinged their location, but the report did not mention any items being recovered.

Humaira Asghar Ali laid to rest in Lahore

Humaira Asghar Ali was laid to rest in the Model Town Q Block graveyard in Lahore after a sparsely-attended funeral, days after her body was discovered at her apartment in Karachi.

The late actor’s remains were found in her rented apartment in DHA’s Ittehad Commercial by a police team executing a court-ordered eviction notice. The police believe she died eight to 10 months before the discovery of her body. The autopsy report has been released to the police, but the coroner could not determine the actor’s cause of death due to the level of decomposition. The authorities are awaiting the chemical and histopathological examinations, but have so far said they do not believe foul play was involved.

India scoffs at Nato chief’s warning over Russian oil import

India dismissed Nato chief Mark Rutte’s threat of “100 per cent secondary sanctions” on countries trading with Russia, particularly in gas and oil, and warned the West against adopting any “double standards.”

Reacting to Mr Rutte’s comments, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said securing the country’s energy needs remains an overriding priority, guided by what is available in the markets and the prevailing global circumstances.

“We have seen reports on the subject and are closely following the developments. Let me reiterate that securing the energy needs of our people is understandably an overriding priority for us.

In this endeavor, we are guided by what is on offer in the markets and the prevailing global circumstances.“ He further said that India would “particularly caution against any double standards” on the issue.

While the EU has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian oil, some European countries still import it directly or through third-party countries. According to Foreign Policy, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Spain were among the top countries depositing the most money into Russian accounts for fossil fuels in 2024. Additionally, some Russian crude oil is processed into fuels like petrol and diesel in India and then exported to Europe.

Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Rutte, according to Reuters, said countries in business with Russia should phone Russian President Vladimir Putin and “tell him that he has to get serious about peace talks (on ending the Ukraine conflict), because otherwise this will slam back on Brazil, on India and on China in a massive way.”

HBL wins “Best Bank in Pakistan 2025” award by Euromoney

Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025 has awarded HBL the accolade of ‘Pakistan’s Best Bank’. The Bank has also won ‘Pakistan’s Best Bank for Large Corporates’ and ‘Pakistan’s Best Investment Bank’.

Euromoney is a global English-language publication focused on business and finance. These awards are the most prestigious recognition in the banking industry globally.

The Euromoney citation acknowledges that “HBL remains an undisputed leader as Pakistan’s best bank, demonstrating once again standout financial growth and continuous improvement in the digital space.”

The citation went on to note, “HBL remains one of the key players in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, a vital part of the country’s economy, highlighting the Bank’s commitment to the economic development of Pakistan.”

Commenting on the recognition, Muhammad Nassir Salim, President and CEO of HBL, said, “HBL is proud to serve its valued clients who have made these wins possible. These wins are a tribute to our millions of clients’ continued trust and confidence in HBL.”

Bangladesh police arrest 20 after deadly clashes

Bangladesh police arrested 20 people, a day after clashes between supporters of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina and security personnel killed at least four people.

The clashes erupted in Hasina’s hometown of Gopalganj on Wednesday after members of her Awami League party tried to foil a rally by the National Citizens Party (NCP), made up of many students who spearheaded the uprising that toppled her government last year.

Bricks, stones, and shattered windows littered the area where the clashes occurred. More than 1,500 police, soldiers, and border guards have been deployed in the district to enforce a curfew. “The law and order situation in Gopalganj is currently under control.