ISLAMABAD, OCT 20 /DNA/ – Further expanding its international outreach, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) has concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Thought Forum (ATF) — a Middle Eastern think-tank based in Jordan. The MoU was signed by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General, ISSI; and Dr. Al-Sadig M. Al-faqih, Secretary General of ATF. The on-line event was also attended by Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East, and Africa (CAMEA), ISSI; and Dr. Shakaib Rafiq, Pakistan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Amman, among others.

DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, expressed special appreciation for the visionary approach of His Royal Highness Prince al-Hassan bin Talal, Founder and Chairman of the ATF, who established the first of its kind of regional institutions focused on research and dialogue on a range of subjects of strategic relevance to the Arab world. He also commended the efforts of the Pakistan Embassy in Amman for facilitating the institutional relationship between the two think-tanks. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Arab world, including Jordan, and stressed that they could potentially pave the way for deeper research and academic collaboration as well. He further highlighted the wide range of subjects for mutual cooperation, fostering not only exchanges in the academic arena, but also reinforcing people-to-people exchanges between the two fraternal countries. He expressed the hope that this collaborative partnership will enable the two institutions enhance mutual understanding and promote shared objectives.

In his remarks, ATF Secretary General Dr. Al-Sadig Al-Faqih recalled Pakistan’s close proximity and long-standing fraternal ties with Jordan and the Arab countries at large. While highlighting various specific instances of close collaboration, he stated that Pakistan’s special position and status in the Arab and Muslim world was the rationale behind ATF’s keen interest to engage with the country’s leading think-tank. Dr. Al-Faqih underscored the importance of deeper engagement and the desirability of carving out ways of practical cooperation under this MoU.

Earlier, Ms. Amina Khan, in her introductory remarks, underlined the importance of this collaborative initiative for institutional cooperation on issues of bilateral and regional nature. Dr. Shakaib Rafiq highlighted a number of areas of potential cooperation beyond traditional research focus. He reaffirmed Pakistan Embassy’s steadfast support to foster enhanced collaboration between the two sides.

The MoU marks a vital step forward in strengthening collaboration between the academic and research communities of Pakistan and the Arab world. The central element of the ISSI-ATF MoU is the exchange of officials and experts for the purposes of research, field study, professional training, exchange of views, and sharing of experience in the areas of common interest. Joint scientific research, events, and exchange of publications will also constitute part of the agreed framework of cooperation.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 20: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Saudi Arabia next week to attend the International Future Investment Initiative (FII) Conference, where he will promote Pakistan’s investment potential and economic reform agenda.

According to official sources, the PM will embark on a three-day visit to the Kingdom, accompanied by senior political and military leaders.

The FII Conference, organized under Saudi Vision 2030, will bring together global investors, economists, and business leaders to explore opportunities in emerging markets.

Focus on investment, reforms, and partnerships

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to highlight Pakistan’s economic reforms, investment incentives, and development priorities in his address and sideline meetings.

During the visit, the Prime Minister is also likely to hold bilateral meetings with Saudi leadership, global investors, and business entities to discuss cooperation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, IT, mining, and infrastructure.

The conference will provide a platform for Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to align their development goals. According to sources, there will be important consultations on shared economic interests and collaboration under Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and sustainable growth.

Shehbaz Sharif will also emphasize Pakistan’s pro-investment policies, ease of doing business measures, and the government’s efforts to attract foreign capital into priority sectors.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 20 /DNA/ – With Pakistan identified as a highly favorable country for olive cultivation, a major national summit is set to chart a course for developing a safe, sustainable, and export-ready olive supply chain, positioning the nation to become one of the world’s leading olive producers in the coming years.

The Al Baraka Olive Summit-2025, organized by the National Alliance for Safe Food (NAFS) and Al Baraka Bank, will be held on October 21, 2025, at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from the agriculture, banking, and policy sectors to strategize on unlocking the immense potential of Pakistan’s olive industry.

The summit will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, underscoring the government’s commitment to this emerging agricultural sector.

The central theme of the summit is “Promoting a Safe, Sustainable, and Export-Ready Olive Supply Chain.” Discussions will focus on critical areas such as:

• Advanced Cultivation Techniques: Promoting modern farming practices to increase yield and quality.
• Food Safety and Standards: Ensuring Pakistani olive products meet stringent international export requirements.
• Supply Chain Development: Building efficient systems from farm to market, including processing, packaging, and logistics.
• Financial Support and Investment: Exploring funding models and banking solutions for olive farmers and entrepreneurs.

The recognition of Pakistan’s ideal climatic and soil conditions for olive farming has opened a new frontier for agricultural exports and economic growth. The Al Baraka Olive Summit-2025 is poised to be a pivotal moment, transforming this potential into a tangible, high-value industry for the country.

Stakeholders anticipate that the event will result in a concrete action plan to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, driving Pakistan towards its goal of joining the ranks of the world’s biggest olive-producing nations.

From Our Correspondent

PESHAWAR, OCT 20 /DNA/ – Former President of the Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zahid Shinwari has said that traders, transporters and the public on both sides are suffering huge losses due to the closure of the border. He said that there is an annual trade of about one billion dollars between the two countries, while the national treasury is losing Rs 700 to 800 million on a daily basis.

While talking to the media, Zahid Shinwari said that more than a week has passed since the closure of Torkham and other borders, as a result of which there has been a significant increase in the wave of inflation on both sides. According to him, fruits and other goods coming to Pakistan from Afghanistan are stuck at the border, due to which they are spoiling, while the people there are also facing severe difficulties and inflation due to the closure of goods going from Pakistan to Afghanistan.

 He further said that after the peace talks in Doha, the capital of Qatar, it was expected that all the borders would be opened immediately so that trade activities could resume, but unfortunately this did not happen.

According to Zahid Shinwari, even in areas of the world where wars are ongoing, borders are not closed but are kept open so that trade is not affected.

He said that if any problem arises, the two governments should sit down and find a solution through negotiations, instead of closing the border, continue trade activities because the border closure is causing huge losses to both countries.

Drivers and Torkham workers are facing severe difficulties due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan Torkham border.

The closure of the Torkham border has badly affected not only trade but also the lives of the general public, workers and drivers. It has been a week since the border was closed, due to which the prices of grapes, pomegranates, apples and other fruits have doubled, while hundreds of vehicles are stranded on various highways.

 According to market sources, the price of grapes per kg has increased from Rs 400 to Rs 800, pomegranate from Rs 300 to Rs 600 and apples from Rs 200 to Rs 400 per kg. Traders say that the closure of the Torkham border has affected the supply of fruits and created a shortage in the market. On the other hand, drivers of trucks and trailers parked on the highways told the media that they have been waiting for the border to open for several days and have run out of money for expenses, while the tires of the vehicles are close to being damaged due to the heavy weight. They said that the cost of a pair of tires is more than Rs 100,000, which they cannot afford. At the same time, hundreds of laborers work in Torkham every day, but due to the closure of the border, the stoves of their homes have become cold, and the workers on both sides are forced to starve.  According to sources, there are more than 2,500 taxis in Torkham, Landi Kotal and Peshawar whose livelihood depends on the rides coming and going from Afghanistan. When the border is open, they get rides, but during the Torkham closure, all these vehicles are parked in houses or huts, which is affecting the livelihood of hundreds of families.

Traders and transporters have appealed to both governments to end the border tension and restore trade and transportation so that the difficulties of laborers, drivers and traders can be reduced.

According to sources, a ceasefire has been established between Pakistan and Afghanistan and it is expected that the border will be opened soon, which will reduce the prices of other food items including fruits and restore economic activities.

Court removes registrar’s objections and issues notices to Adiala jail superintendent, others on CM’s petition

Whoever attacks Pakistan would receive strong response: CM Afridi

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday removed registrar office’s objections on a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi seeking meeting with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan in Adiala jail.

IHC Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the plea and issued notices to the interior secretary, the Punjab Home Department secretary, the inspector general of police, and the superintendent of Adiala jail. The court directed authorities to submit their responses by October 23.

Afridi moved IHC on October 17, just two days after being sworn in as KP chief minister on October 15. A day earlier, on October 16, he had obtained protective bail from the PHC and proceeded to Adiala jail — where PTI founding chairman Imran Khan has been incarcerated — to seek a meeting with him. However, the prison authorities denied the request.

Following the denial, he approached IHC but the registrar’s office initially raised objections over the maintainability of his petition.

During the hearing, Afridi’s counsel Advocate Ali Bukhari appeared before the court and informed IHC that the registrar’s office had raised multiple objections to the petition.

Subsequently, after hearing arguments, the court issued notices to the Adiala jail superintendent and others for October 23.

In his plea, CM Afridi maintained that consultation with PTI founder is must for the formation of cabinet in KP and guidance on provincial governance.

In the application, CM Afridi stated that he is the elected chief minister and represents a population of 45 million people. He added that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa voted for the PTI in the 2024 general elections, through which the party secured 92 seats.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 20 (DNA): The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on Monday adjourned the hearing of multiple petitions challenging the imposition of super tax until Tuesday.

A five-member bench headed by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan heard the case involving several corporate taxpayers, including major telecom companies. During the proceedings, counsel for various taxpaying companies, Abid Shaban, concluded his arguments.

Shaban contended that the Senate’s role is limited to giving recommendations, while the authority to pass amendments rests with Parliament.

 Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail observed that the Senate could make suggestions, but enacting amendments was not within its mandate.

The counsel argued that while the Senate proposed a 4 percent tax, the National Assembly approved a 10 percent instead. Responding, Justice Mandokhail remarked that the National Assembly holds the authority to accept or reject Senate recommendations.

Following this, counsel for telecom companies, Nauman Haider, began his submissions, stating that his clients provide internet services and that he would try not to repeat previous arguments.

 Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar asked which arguments he intended to adopt.

 Haider replied that he would rely on the submissions of Makhdoom Ali Khan, who had yet to present his case.

Haider further argued that lawyers’ fees are subject to advance tax deductions, yet they are also required to pay super tax, which amounts to double taxation.

Justice Mazhar clarified that the super tax applies to income remaining after standard tax deductions.

The counsel added that India initially followed the 1961 tax model but has since adopted a system similar to Pakistan’s, with the tax year starting from April 1.

The bench adjourned further hearing until Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., when Haider will continue his arguments on behalf of the telecom sector.