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Khalid Taimur Akram urges youth to build empires via CPEC

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Executive MBA students at NUST Business School gather for a group photo with the guest speaker Khalid Taimur Akram following an insightful lecture on CPEC’s Phase II and corporate law."

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Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) Khalid Taimur Akram, gave a special academic lecture on “Corporate Law in the Age of CPEC: Legal Frameworks Driving Business Expansion and Investment”.

As per details, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) Khalid Taimur Akram, gave a special academic lecture on “Corporate Law in the Age of CPEC: Legal Frameworks Driving Business Expansion and Investment” to executive MBA students at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Business School (NBS), at Islamabad on 11th April 2025,

Duirng the lecture, Khalid Akram emphasized the transformative potential of CPEC’s second phase, describing it as a “goldmine for entrepreneurs.”

He said that Phase I focused on laying critical infrastructure foundations.

He explained that Phase II prioritizes “services, innovation, and business facilitation,” creating fertile ground for startups and SMEs to thrive.

He argued that this shift aligns with global economic trends where agility and creativity drive growth. Urging the audience to embrace entrepreneurship over traditional employment,

Khalid Akram stated, “True growth lies in creating opportunities, not waiting for them.”

He stressed the importance of practical business skills, risk-taking, and self-reliance, presenting CPEC as an ecosystem where ambitious individuals can “build their own empires” through scalable ventures.

Mr. Akram also focused on the Belt and Road Initiative, highlighting how it serves as a framework for fostering international cooperation and mutual benefits among participating nations.

He emphasized the Community with a Shared Future concept, which advocates for collaborative development and shared prosperity, aligning with the broader goals of CPEC.

Furthermore, he outlined President Xi Jinping’s policies aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and investment, urging the students to leverage these frameworks to unlock their entrepreneurial potential within this transformative ecosystem.

Khalid Akram talk also focused on the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, including arbitration and mediation, in ensuring smooth cross-border operations under CPEC.

He highlighted ADR as a vital tool to minimize legal bottlenecks.

He advised businesses to incorporate ADR clauses in contracts to avoid protracted litigation, noting that “These mechanisms are not just legal safeguards, but essential drivers of investor confidence and operational efficiency in a globalized economy.”

It is worth mentioning that Khalid Akram outlined actionable opportunities within CPEC’s Phase II framework, identifying sectors such as logistics, fintech, renewable energy, and tourism as high-potential areas for innovation.

He encouraged entrepreneurs to leverage Pakistan’s strategic location and CPEC’s connectivity to develop solutions in supply chain modernization, digital payments, green technologies, and cultural tourism. “The corridor is more than a physical network,” he remarked, “it’s a platform for redefining regional economic collaboration.”

UN to cut aid operations in Pakistan

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Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Tom Fletcher attends a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 3, 2024. — Reuters

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United Nations (UN) aid chief Tom Fletcher confirmed that the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will reduce its staff by 20% because United States cutting its funding.

As per details, Fletcher announced that OCHA is facing a funding shortage so OCHA will reduce its work and staff in countries like Pakistan, Cameroon, Colombia, Eritrea, Iraq, Libya, Nigeria, Turkey (Gaziantep), and Zimbabwe.

He explained that OCHA will now focus more on a smaller number of countries.

He informed that right now OCHA has about 2,600 staff working in over 60 countries. Because of the funding cut, they plan to reduce to around 2,100 staff in fewer places.

Fletcher told staff that these changes are not because the need for help has gone down, but because funding has been cut.

He said the need for humanitarian help is growing due to war, climate change, disease, and violations of international law.

Fletcher pointed out that the US has been OCHA’s biggest donor for many years. Its $63 million annual contribution would have made up 20% of OCHA’s extra budget in 2025.

Since starting his second term in January, US President Donald Trump’s administration has reduced billions in foreign aid to match his “America First” policy.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently announced a plan to make the UN more efficient and reduce spending as the organization marks its 80th year during a financial crisis.

Pakistan Urges UNSC to end Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty

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Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Picture Credit: APP

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Pakistan has called on the United Nations (UN) Security Council (SC) to take urgent action against Israel’s continued violations of Syrian sovereignty.

As per details, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, while speaking to the Security Council (SC) regarding prevailing situation in Syria.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, strongly condemned the Israeli attacks, which reportedly targeted multiple locations across Syria, including civilian infrastructure and densely populated urban areas.

Ambassador Ahmad stated, “These airstrikes are a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter. They not only endanger innocent lives but also pose a serious threat to regional and global peace and security.”

The ambassador highlighted that the attacks have resulted in civilian deaths and damage to essential infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Syria.

He warned that allowing such illegal military actions to continue could set dangerous precedents and further destabilize an already fragile region.

Pakistan reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and urged the Security Council to uphold its responsibility to maintain international peace and security.

The call comes amid growing international concern over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly following a series of Israeli strikes that have drawn condemnation from several UN member states and humanitarian organizations.

Ambassador Ahmad urged the Council to act decisively and ensure that international law is respected by all parties. “Accountability and restraint are essential if we are to prevent further escalation,” he said.

Pakistan continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, in line with UN resolutions and the principles of the UN Charter.

Noor Zaman praised by PM Shehbaz, President Zardari

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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed joy on the performance of Noor Zaman in the Under-23 World Squash Championship.

Reportedly, Prime Minister in his post, on X, he said, “Delighted to see our homegrown talent, Noor Zaman, storm into the men’s final of the Under-23 World Squash Championships with an astounding 3-0 victory. Also, great performance by Muhammad Ammad and Amna Fayyaz in the plate events!”

President Asif Ali Zardari said that Noor Zaman gave the best performance in the championship, including the final.

Noor Zaman shone the name of Pakistan in the game of squash, he added.

He expressed hope that Noor Zaman will achieve more success in the future.

He prayed for the success of Noor Zaman in the future.

PM Shehbaz Sharif visits Belarus to strengthen bilateral ties

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed by Belarus Prime Minister Alexander Turchin on arrival in Minsk, Belarus on Thursday. — APP

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 Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Belarus on Thursday, April 10, 2025, for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Alexander Lukashenko.

As per details, on the invitation of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, PM Shehbaz Sharif accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, has arrived in Belarus.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin and officials from the Pakistan Embassy.

During the visit, PM Shehbaz Sharif will hold meetings with President Lukashenko to discuss and review progress in trade, economic cooperation, and other areas of mutual interest.

As a gesture of friendship, President Lukashenko hosted a special dinner at his farmhouse in honor of PM Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also attended the event.

President Lukashenko showed great warmth and hospitality towards both Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif, appreciating Pakistan’s interest in closer ties with Belarus.

In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked him for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, expressing hope for stronger partnerships between the two countries.

 

Pakistan to deport Afghan Refugees after April 30 if not resettled: Tallal Chaudhry

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Afghan refugees walk through barbed-wire corridors as Pakistan begins mass deportations ahead of the April 30 deadline.

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Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior, Tallal Chaudhry, gives a warning to send back thousands of Afghan refugees if they are not relocated by April 30, 2025.

As per details, Tallal Chaudhry conducted a press conference, in which he gave final warning to those Afghan refugees, who are waiting to move to western countries may be sent back to Afghanistan if they are not relocated by April 30.

Tallal Chaudhry also informed the media that 857,157 undocumented foreigners have already been sent back to their home countries.

He also stated that there will be no extension for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders. Their deadline to leave was March 31.

He mentioned that although some refugees have been approved for resettlement in other countries, the process is slow. While the government won’t give a general extension, they may consider individual cases with strong reasons.

He added that a new system will soon require all foreigners to enter Pakistan with a valid visa and passport.

Talal Chaudhry also explained the deportation policy of October 2023.

According to the deportation policy, the process of deportation will be carried out in three phases. Firstly, undocumented foreigners without any legal papers were deported.

In the second phase, ACC holders will be sent back. In the last phase, those with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will be deported.

Talal Chahduary also ensured to protect the dignity of ACC holders, transit center has been established in all regions of Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

He shared the information of the transit centers as Punjab has 38 transit centers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has 3, Sindh has 2, Azad Kashmir has 3,Balochistan, Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan each have 1.

He further informed that these centers give ACC holders shelter, food, medical care, and transport before being sent to Afghanistan.

He also ensures that the system will find and deport unregistered Afghan refugees.

It is worth mentioning here that the said the decision was made because of current security concerns, claiming that some Afghans were involved in drug trafficking and terrorism.

Pakistan hosts successful Minerals Investment Forum 2025

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ISLAMABAD: April 08 - Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addresses the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025. APP/ABB/FHA

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The Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 was successfully held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, aiming to showcase the country’s untapped mineral wealth and attract global investment.

As per details, the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025 was successfully held at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad with the support of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and relevant government departments.

Delegations from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United States, China, and Canada, attended the forum.

Investors and industry leaders were briefed on Pakistan’s vast reserves of copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth elements, which remain largely underexplored.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his keynote address, said that Pakistan possesses mineral reserves worth trillions of dollars.

He further stated that foreign investment in the sector could play a major role in overcoming the country’s economic challenges and reducing dependency on international loans.

However, the prime minister made it clear that Pakistan would not allow the export of raw minerals. Instead, he emphasized the need for foreign companies to set up local processing units and export finished products to help generate employment and increase value-added exports.

A series of notable agreements has been signed during the event including one with Barrick Gold, a Canadian company that already holds a 50% stake in the massive Reko Diq gold and copper project in Balochistan.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the forum, highlighting that Pakistan is offering competitive incentives to attract investors.

He also ensures that Pakistan’s investment policies are aligned with international standards to create a business-friendly environment.

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir also assured the security of international investors. He stated that the military would ensure the safety and confidence of all partners investing in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

COAS General Asim Munir addresses the he Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025

It is worth mentioning here that CEO of the Saudi Geological Survey, Abdullah Shamrani, called the forum a valuable step not just for Pakistan but for the global mineral industry. He said that international cooperation in this field would lead to mutual economic benefits.

 

NDMA launches climate awareness documentaries amid rising risks

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has started making documentaries to better communicate the risks caused by climate change.

As per details, NDMA has started making documentaries aim to inform people about climate change, different types of natural hazards, and the specific risks faced by different areas.

The goal is to help people understand these dangers and encourage them to be better prepared.

One of the latest documentaries is called “Climatic Dynamics and the Karakoram Anomaly in Gilgit Baltistan – Story 4.” It explains the unusual weather patterns in the Karakoram region and the science behind them.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan is currently the fifth most vulnerable country in the world when it comes to climate change.

PM Shehbaz praises PIA’s first profit in 20 Years

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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)

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Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is expected to report a profit for the first time in two decades—a major breakthrough after years of financial losses.

As per detaisl, Today, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif take social media platform X (formerly Twitter), to shared the news with a note of gratitude:
“Another good news! Alhamdulillah! PIA is set to post its first profit in 20 years—a major turnaround after decades of losses. The skies ahead look brighter, Inshallah!”

He praised the efforts of the entire team and especially commended Aviation Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif for his leadership in achieving this success.

According to media reports, PIA’s Board of Directors has approved the airline’s financial results for 2024.

These results show an operational profit of Rs3.9 billion and a net profit of Rs2.26 billion—a rare achievement, as the last time PIA made a profit was back in 2003.

This turnaround is being seen as a hopeful sign for the national carrier, which had been struggling with mismanagement, rising debts, and declining performance for years.

PM Shehbaz wants stronger ties with the Trump Administration

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PM Shehbaz Sharif met the US delegation led by Eric Meyer, Picture Credit: APP

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Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said Today that Pakistan wants to work closely with President Trump and with his administration to strengthen its relationship with the United States.

As per details, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif met with a United States(US) delegation led by a Senior Bureau Official and Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at US Department of State, Eric Meyer, Today.

The delegation visited the prime minister as part of their trip to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum held on April 8–9, 2025.

Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the U.S. team, participated in the forum, and said Pakistan’s mineral sector has great investment potential. He encouraged U.S. companies to explore business opportunities in this area.

PM Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of strong Pakistan-U.S. relations—not only for both countries but also for regional peace, security, trade, and the fight against terrorism.

On the other hand, Eric Meyer congratulated Pakistan on hosting a successful forum and said U.S. companies are interested in investing in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

He said the U.S. wants to work with Pakistan on common goals and looks forward to building stronger ties.

It is worth mentioning that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other key ministers and officials, were also present at the meeting.

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