Day: July 17, 2026

Islamabad: The textile exports witnessed an increase of 0.26 per cent during the financial year 2025-26 as compared to the last year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported Thursday.

The textile exports from the country were recorded at US $17.932 billion during July-June (2025-26) against the exports of US $17.887 billion during July-June (2024-25), according to the latest PBS data.

The textile commodities that contributed to trade growth included cotton yarn, the exports of which grew by 12.40 percent to $765,124 million from $680,700 million, while readymade garments exports increased by 3.87 percent to $4,288 million from $4,128 million.

The other commodities that witnessed trade growth included raw cotton, the exports of which increased by 199 percent to $2.606 million from $0.871 million.

The textile commodities that witnessed negative growth in trade included cotton cloth, exports of which declined by 7.55 percent to $1,672 million rom $1,808 million whereas the exports of yarn other than cotton yarn decreased by 13.92 percent to $29.305 million from $34.042 million.

Likewise, the exports of knit-wear went down by 0.88 percent to $4,966 million from $5,010 million, bed-wear by 0.01 percent, to $3,112 million from $3,112 million, towels by 1.93 percent to $1,061 million from $1,082 million, tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 3.81 percent to $120.118 million from $124,870 million.

Meanwhile, the exports of all other textile materials increased by 8.67 percent to $790 million from $727 million, the PBS reported.

On a year-on-year basis, the textile exports declined by 16.71 percent in June 2026 to $1,267 million compared to exports of $1,521 million in June 2025.

On a month-on-month basis, the exports of textiles declined by 22.72 percent when compared to the exports of $1,640 in May 2026.

Islamabad: Vice Chancellor of Ziauddin University, Karachi, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh visited the office of Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP) and held detailed discussions on strengthening collaboration in research, climate action, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

The meeting focused on the importance of forging stronger partnerships between academia and development organizations to equip Pakistan’s youth with future-ready skills, promote women’s economic empowerment, and develop practical solutions to climate change-related challenges.

Dr. Shaikh met with FGP Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Anwar, Board Director Urooj Raza Sayyami, Strategic Policy Advisor Shafqat Aziz, and Head of Economy Dr. Shahbaz Tariq to explore cooperation in higher education, research, policy advocacy, youth entrepreneurship, climate resilience and capacity building.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shaikh said universities must move beyond their traditional academic role and become active partners in driving innovation. He said stronger collaboration between higher education institutions and the development sector would equip young people with practical skills, promote leadership and innovation, and create greater economic opportunities for youth and women.

Welcoming the visiting vice chancellor, Muhammad Anwar highlighted that FGP is committed to building partnerships that bring together academia, policymakers, civil society and the private sector to generate evidence-based solutions and translate ideas into meaningful community impact.

Urooj Raza Sayyami emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between universities and development organizations to promote public awareness, climate literacy, research and informed policy dialogue.

Shafqat Aziz said such partnerships are vital for preparing future leaders capable of addressing the issues.

Dr. Shahbaz Tariq underscored the importance of empowering youth and women through entrepreneurship, research, innovation and skills development. He said academia has a pivotal role in preparing graduates not only for employment but also for enterprise creation and sustainable economic growth.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to pursue institutional collaboration in research, policy dialogue, climate action, youth leadership, entrepreneurship and capacity-building initiatives, reaffirming the importance of academia-development partnerships in advancing inclusive and sustainable development agenda.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday chaired the inaugural meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Genetically Modified (GM) Corn, directing members to undertake an objective, science-based and evidence-driven review of Pakistan’s policy on the commercialization of genetically modified maize.

The committee, constituted by the prime minister, has been tasked with examining the scientific, economic and policy dimensions of commercializing GM maize and formulating recommendations in Pakistan’s long-term national interest, a news release said.

Opening the meeting, the finance minister said the committee had been entrusted with a focused mandate to objectively assess all available scientific evidence, economic implications and policy considerations.

He stressed that deliberations should remain factual, balanced and evidence-based while ensuring that the views of all relevant stakeholders are fully taken into account before final recommendations are prepared.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research gave a detailed briefing on the National Agricultural Biotechnology Policy, outlining its formulation process, international regulatory practices, scientific assessments and the committee’s terms of reference.

Participants were informed that the policy had undergone an extensive consultative process involving relevant stakeholders prior to its approval.

The meeting reviewed global scientific evidence on the commercialization of GM maize, including international regulatory frameworks, biosafety evaluations and coexistence mechanisms adopted in countries producing both GM and non-GM maize.

Members also discussed the technology’s potential contribution to higher agricultural productivity, climate resilience, farmer welfare, food security, industrial competitiveness and recent advances in agricultural biotechnology.

The committee further examined the possible economic implications of commercializing GM maize, including domestic demand, requirements of Pakistan’s poultry, livestock and industrial sectors, export prospects and considerations related to non-GM export markets.

Participants also discussed international trade practices, certification systems, supply chain management and measures to facilitate the coexistence of GM and non-GM production systems where appropriate.

Representatives from government institutions, regulatory bodies, the private sector, exporters and industry shared their perspectives on the potential benefits, implementation challenges, regulatory preparedness, export-related issues and international market requirements associated with GM maize commercialization.

Senator Aurangzeb reiterated that the committee’s recommendations must be firmly grounded in scientific evidence, objective analysis and Pakistan’s long-term national interest.

While emphasizing the importance of policy consistency, he said the committee had been constituted to independently review the available evidence and carefully evaluate all relevant viewpoints before submitting its recommendations.

The finance minister observed that agriculture remained central to Pakistan’s economic transformation and sustainable growth. He stressed the need to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and enhance farmers’ incomes through evidence-based policies and the responsible adoption of modern technologies.

He added that implementation capacity, regulatory preparedness, environmental safeguards and market access considerations should remain integral components of the country’s policy framework.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the public and private sectors, including the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Agriculture and Food Security, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Green Initiative, members of the business and export sectors, as well as technical and scientific experts.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja arrived in Shanghai, China, on Thursday to participate in the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2026.

According to a news release issued by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the minister is playing an active and key role during her visit to Shanghai and is participating in high-level technical negotiations on the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO).

Shaza Fatima Khawaja will represent Pakistan at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference 2026 being held in Shanghai.

During her visit, the minister is also scheduled to hold important bilateral meetings with global technology leaders and foreign ministers to promote cooperation in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and digital innovation.

Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court on Thursday dismissed an appeal filed against the employment of an MA-qualified individual as a sweeper in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), upholding the decision of the Peshawar High Court.

The bench further remarked that the provincial government should provide the petitioner with a more suitable position.

A three-member bench, headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, heard the case. During the proceedings, Justice Rizvi expressed astonishment, asking, “Is an MA graduate now expected to work as a sweeper?”

He further noted that it would be inappropriate to terminate the individual’s employment after ten years of service, suggesting instead that the provincial government reassign him to a more appropriate role.

When the Additional Advocate General informed the court that there were currently no vacancies for sweepers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Justice Rizvi retorted, “Is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so clean that there is no need for a sweeper?” He added sarcastically that he had heard such claims about other provinces.

Expressing severe displeasure over the situation, the court remarked that the system deserved “commendation” for making an MA graduate perform the duties of a sweeper, calling the entire situation a “tragedy.”

The District Education Officer, who appeared before the court, confirmed that the employee’s duties included sweeping and cleaning. Upon hearing this, Justice Rizvi remarked, “Does no one feel ashamed that he is made to sweep?”

Consequently, the Federal Constitutional Court dismissed the provincial government’s appeal and directed them to facilitate the employee with an alternative position commensurate with his qualifications.

Islamabad: Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP), in collaboration with Atlas Honda, organized a special road safety camp for motorcyclists to promote safe riding practices and encourage compliance with traffic laws in the federal capital.

An ITP official told reporter on Thursday that Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Kainat Azhar Khan visited the camp and distributed free helmets and side mirrors among motorcyclists, while riders were also provided with the facility to replace defective motorcycle lights and side mirrors free of cost.

Speaking on the occasion, CTO Kainat stressed the importance of wearing helmets, maintaining motorcycles in roadworthy condition and strictly observing traffic rules to ensure safer roads for all road users.

She said the Islamabad Traffic Police would continue practical road safety campaigns in collaboration with public and private sector partners to create greater awareness among citizens and reduce road traffic accidents.

The CTO Kainat urged motorcyclists to adopt all necessary safety measures before travelling, emphasizing that the use of helmets and properly functioning motorcycles were the basic requirements for a safe journey.