ISLAMABAD, OCT 4 /DNA/ – The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Special Talk on “Pakistan’s Investment Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward.” The Guest Speaker on the occasion was Mr. Azfar Ahsan, former Minister of State & Chairman Board of Investment (BOI).

In his remarks at the outset, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood outlined Pakistan’s unique advantages, emphasising the country’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of key regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. He pointed out that Pakistan’s youthful population provides an unmatched demographic advantage, while its vast natural resources make it an attractive destination for investors. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also acknowledged the challenges preventing Pakistan from fully realising its investment potential. He noted that while Pakistan has made progress in improving its ease of doing business ranking, significant hurdles remain, including regulatory complexities and concerns about policy continuity. These factors, along with lingering perceptions of security issues, contribute to investor hesitation.

Despite these challenges, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood remained optimistic, highlighting sectors such as IT, agriculture, and textiles as ripe for enhanced investment. He underscored the importance of fostering trust and stability to attract long-term investments and called for collaboration among all stakeholders – including government institutions, private sector, business leaders, and the media and civil society – to create an environment conducive to sustainable growth and turn Pakistan into a truly attractive investment destination.

During his address, Mr. Azfar Ahsan stressed the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to attract both local and foreign investors. He emphasized that investment success in Pakistan hinges on supporting and facilitating existing investors, a crucial step toward creating a sustainable investment climate. He strongly advocated for a long-term national approach including framing of a “country strategy” to improve investor confidence and ensure economic stability. Furthermore, Mr. Ahsan highlighted the importance of foundational reforms across all sectors of the economy. He argued that Pakistan must move away from reactive policies and focus on creating a business- and investment-friendly environment. This requires consistent policy frameworks, regardless of political changes, as well as a commitment to improving infrastructure, governance, institutional capacity, and law and order. These efforts, he noted, would not only attract new foreign direct investment (FDI) but also strengthen relationships with existing investors, which was critically important.

Mr. Azfar Ahsan’s address also highlighted the potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and foreign investors, particularly in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Mr. Ahsan emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location and youthful population as key assets that could be leveraged for future growth. He encouraged policymakers to learn from neighboring countries such as China and Uzbekistan, where strategic planning and collaboration with global businesses have led to rapid economic development. He also emphasised the importance of imbibing from the Saudi experience and working closely with Saudi authorities to significantly expand the Kingdom’s investment profile in Pakistan.

Earlier, Director of the China Pakistan Study Centre Dr. Talat Shabbir, in his introductory remarks, highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential despite current economic challenges. He emphasized the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in attracting foreign investment by offering tax incentives and improved infrastructure.

In his concluding remarks, former Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (R) stressed the integral connection between security, stability, and economic prosperity, noting that Pakistan’s progress depends on creating an environment conducive to foreign investment. He emphasized the importance of a united approach, with leadership playing a pivotal role in fostering long-term economic stability.

The talk was attended by corporate leaders, senior civil servants, academics, practitioners, think tank experts, media personnel, and members of civil society.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4 /DNA/ – Metropolitan Warehouse & Delivery Corp. (MWD), a leader in the furniture logistics and delivery industry, hosted its annual President’s Award Ceremony on October 3, 2024, at the Serena Hotel. The event led by CEO & President Shahid Latif Khan celebrated the outstanding achievements of the company’s employees and recognized their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Established in 1989, MWD has grown into a premier provider of White Glove furniture delivery services across the USA, with a global presence that includes offices in the United States, El Salvador, Pakistan, and the Philippines. MWD’s Pakistan subsidiary, MSPL, established in 2006, plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s U.S. operations with over 200 employees.

Key leadership figures, including MWD’s CFO Peet Van Der Schyff and Vice President Mark Altop along with the President Shahid Khan, distributed Long Service Awards and Top Performer Awards to honor employees who have shown exceptional dedication and performance throughout the year.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled protest rally in Islamabad’s D-Chowk today has prompted authorities to enforce widespread closures and increased security across Punjab and the federal capital.

In anticipation of the protest, all entry and exit points as well as major routes from Lahore to Islamabad have been blocked, with heavy police presence and containers set up to prevent movement. The police has also arrested three PTI workers from Islamabad’s D-Chowk.

Lahore roads sealed, Section 144 imposed
Lahore’s key entry and exit points, including the Thokar Niaz Baig Motorway M2 and Babu Sabu Interchange, have been completely sealed off. Containers, police vehicles, and water cannons have been stationed at these major locations to prevent the movement of protestors and ensure public order.

Lahore’s Babu Sabu Interchange has been closed to normal traffic with water cannons, containers, prison vans station, causing significant disruptions for citizens travelling to Islamabad. Heavy police force is also present at Babu Sabu Interchange.

Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab, with a ban on public gatherings, sit-ins, and protests from Oct 3 to 8.

After Rawalpindi and Attock, the Punjab government has also called in Rangers in Lahore also to aid in maintaining law and order, with three companies deployed to the city on October 5. Similar restrictions are in place in Sargodha, where Section 144 will remain in effect until October 6.

All kinds of political gatherings, sit-ins, meetings, demonstrations and protests have been banned, as the government notification says public gatherings can be soft targets for terrorists. It further says that the order has been issued for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property.

Furthermore, the GT Road has been closed at Bhai Khan in Gujar Khan by placing a container on it. The highways leading from KP to Punjab have been closed, as the GT Road near the Lorry Adda has been closed for traffic by parking large vehicles.

The motorways from Burhan Interchange and Pathargarh are also blocked with containers. Large queues of vehicles could be seen on GT Road due to the road closures. The Jhelum River bridge is also closed by putting up barriers. A heavy police contingent has been deployed on both sides of the bridge.

Three bridges connecting Sarai Alamgir and Jhelum have been closed for traffic by placing containers. All major and minor roads from Lahore to Islamabad are completely sealed.

Rawalpindi locked down, twin cities on high alert
In Rawalpindi, authorities have taken similar measures, closing all entry points to Islamabad with containers, other hindrances and a have police presence. The double road leading from Murree Road Cricket Stadium to IJP has been completely closed, as well as Charing Cross from both sides. Peshawar Road has been closed from both sides of MH Chowk, Haider Road, Fleishman Chowk.

Similarly, Marir Chowk and adjoining double road have been closed from both sides. However, the roads from Kutchehry Chowk, Sawal Bridge, and airport to Koral Chowk are open for traffic, the authorities said.

Security has been intensified in Islamabad, where containers have been placed around D-Chowk and other sensitive areas. Police teams have been deployed at all major points, the Red Zone completely sealed off and all the entrances to the federal capital blocked with containers.

Metro bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, and all educational institutions remain closed. The government’s work-from-home advisory for private offices continues, with commercial centres expected to remain shut during the protest.

The government has decided to deal with the protesters harshly, with special police teams constituted to carry out the arrests. There is also a ban on pillion riding of motorcycles in the twin cities.

Mobile service suspended
In a bid to ensure law and order, mobile phone services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, with disruptions reported in nearby areas, including Gojar Khan, Hasanabdal, Taxila and Kallar Syedan. Alongside mobile networks, internet services have also been affected in some regions.

Sources say that mobile service has been suspended to ensure law and order in the twin cities. However, they say broadband internet and landline services continue to function.

Key highways leading to Islamabad, including the GT Road, have been blocked with large vehicles and containers, halting traffic from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab. Traffic congestion is widespread, with long queues reported at various points, particularly near the Jhelum River Bridge and Sarai Alamgir.

PTI convoy from KP
In the meantime, PTI workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to travel towards Islamabad to participate in the D-Chowk protest. A convoy led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is set to depart from the Peshawar Motorway, with workers from Peshawar, Charsadda, and Mardan joining the procession at Swabi Interchange.

The federal government has vowed to handle the protest strictly, with special police teams formed to make arrests if the situation escalates. As tensions rise, public gatherings have been labeled as potential targets for terrorist activities, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces.

PM Shehbaz, Malaysian premier Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim discuss mechanisms to achieve concrete results

Abid Raza

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday reiterated their commitment to bolster mutually beneficial ties between the two countries.

Holding a one-on-one meeting in Islamabad, the two premiers underscored the rich history of close bilateral cooperation between the two countries, said the statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The development comes as PM Ibrahim, along with a high-level delegation, reached Islamabad on Wednesday on a three-day visit to the country.

During today’s meeting, the PMO statement added, the two sides discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest including those being faced by the Muslim Ummah.

They also touched upon the mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation to achieve concrete results in these areas.

With PM Shehbaz congratulating his Malaysian counterpart on Malaysia’s upcoming Chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (ASEAN )in 2025, the honourable visiting dignitary welcomed Pakistan’s continued engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner and expressed support for further engagement between Pakistan and ASEAN as well as Pakistan’s larger role in ASEAN.

Setting the tone and future direction of bilateral relations between the two countries, the two leaders stressed the importance of dialogue and exchanges of visits at all levels and underlined the importance of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), bilateral consultations and other mechanisms to enhance engagement at all levels.

Expanding on the Malaysian premier’s visit earlier this week, the Foreign Office said that the two sides will discuss a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia ties in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, halal industry, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said both leaders will also discuss regional and global developments.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan and Malaysia enjoy strong bilateral ties anchored in history, culture and faith. This visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia relations, added the FO spokesperson.