pakistan set begin
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Pakistan set to begin $2.5bn ML-1 Railway upgrade …

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LAHORE: Pakistan Railways is moving ahead with preparations for the first phase of the $2.5 billion Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, with civil works expected to begin in January 2027 under the government’s accelerated implementation plan.

The first phase will focus on the 480-kilometre Karachi-Rohri railway corridor, where new tracks will be constructed alongside safety fencing to prevent unauthorised access. The project is expected to take around two-and-a-half to three years to complete.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi said the department was making every effort to meet the January deadline set by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He noted that consultations with contractors and consultants, international tendering, bidding, shortlisting and contract awards could take four to five months, but the government was determined to keep the project on schedule.

Pakistan Railways has scheduled an online market engagement session for September 8 with local and international contractors, consultants and other stakeholders. The discussions will focus on project readiness, procurement, technical requirements, contract packages, qualification criteria, risk allocation and construction while railway operations continue.

The Karachi-Rohri section has been prioritised because it carries a major share of the country’s railway traffic and includes stretches affected by deteriorating infrastructure and frequent accidents. Once upgraded, the corridor is expected to allow trains to operate at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour.

The project will include track reconstruction, selected realignments, bridges, culverts, stations, freight facilities and other infrastructure along the Keamari-Landhi-Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Nawabshah and Nawabshah-Rohri sections. Upgrades to signalling, telecommunications and Walton Academy are also part of the broader plan.

The Asian Development Bank is expected to finance the project, while Pakistan is also exploring co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank and other partners.

A meeting at Pakistan Railways headquarters reviewed preparations for the Karachi-Rohri upgrade, with Railway Board Chairman Syed Mazhar Ali Shah directing officials to complete the project review by October 30, 2026. Weekly monitoring of progress was also ordered.

Officials said international expertise and market feedback would be incorporated into the project to improve its efficiency, sustainability and technical viability. Authorities also pledged to maintain transparency, competitiveness and merit throughout the procurement and implementation process.

The government sees ML-1 as a key step towards modernising Pakistan’s railway network, improving passenger services, increasing freight efficiency and strengthening connectivity between major population centres and industrial areas.

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    Pakistan seeks $1.3 billion Chinese loan refinancing to strengthen forex reserves

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    Pakistan has formally approached China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan, as the government continues efforts to strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves and meet its external financing obligations. According to officials familiar with the matter, negotiations between Pakistani and Chinese authorities are currently in progress to finalise the terms and conditions of the refinancing arrangement. Once the discussions are completed, the funds are expected to be disbursed later this month. The anticipated inflow is expected to provide much-needed support to Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which remain under pressure due to significant external debt repayments and ongoing financing requirements. The refinancing would also help ease short-term liquidity pressures while supporting the country’s broader macroeconomic stability. Sources revealed that Pakistan repaid approximately $2.2 billion in external debt during July, including the settlement of the $1.3 billion Chinese commercial loan. The government’s request for refinancing is aimed at replacing the repaid amount, ensuring that reserve levels remain stable without placing additional strain on the country’s external account. The move comes as Islamabad continues to pursue a strategy of securing rollover agreements and refinancing facilities from friendly countries and international partners to meet its debt servicing commitments. Maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves has remained a key priority for economic managers as Pakistan seeks to strengthen investor confidence and sustain financial stability. Economic experts believe that successful refinancing of the Chinese loan would provide temporary relief to the country’s external financing position while allowing policymakers greater flexibility in managing upcoming debt obligations. Officials said talks with Chinese financial institutions are progressing positively, although the final timeline will depend on the completion of documentation and agreement on financing terms. The refinancing request also reflects Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to manage its external debt profile prudently amid global economic uncertainties and higher financing costs in international markets.

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    Field Marshal Asim conveys US offer to Iran for Hormuz reopening

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    TEHRAN: The United States has reportedly conveyed a proposal to Iran under which Washington would ease its economic pressure and blockade measures in exchange for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks by Iran-linked groups. According to a report by Al Arabiya English, the proposal was conveyed to Iranian officials during Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s recent visit to Tehran. The report attributed the details to a senior source and said the message was delivered as Pakistan continued its diplomatic efforts to help end the conflict. The source said Munir held a meeting with Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and a representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The meeting was described as “clear and decisive”. During the discussions, Munir reportedly called on Iran to stop attacks carried out by groups linked to Tehran. The Pakistani military chief also conveyed the US position on the need to restore conditions that could allow broader diplomatic engagement. According to the report, Munir also urged Tehran to resume implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding reached between Iran and the United States in June. He reportedly told the Iranian side that both Washington and Tehran had played a role in disrupting the implementation of the understandings reached under the agreement. The reported US proposal comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the confrontation. The strategically important waterway is a major route for global energy shipments, and disruptions to maritime traffic have already contributed to higher oil prices and increased concerns about energy supplies. Washington’s reported offer links the reopening of the waterway with broader steps aimed at reducing military escalation. The proposal would also involve easing the economic restrictions and blockade measures imposed on Iran. Iran has repeatedly rejected demands that it reopen the strait without corresponding commitments from the United States. Tehran has maintained that sanctions and restrictions must be addressed as part of any sustainable settlement. The June understanding also became a key element in subsequent diplomatic efforts. However, disagreements over its implementation reportedly prevented the arrangement from developing into a lasting agreement. Iranian officials have accused Washington of failing to fulfil its commitments, while the United States has continued to pressure Tehran over regional security and maritime access. Munir’s visit to Tehran therefore comes against the backdrop of a difficult diplomatic environment. Pakistan has sought to use its relations with both Iran and the United States to encourage dialogue and push for a peaceful resolution to the wider regional crisis. The reported meeting with Rezaei could be significant because of his position within Iran’s national security structure and his links to the country’s senior leadership. The discussions also highlight Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in attempts to reduce tensions between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has consistently called for a peaceful, sustainable and comprehensive settlement rather than prolonged military confrontation. The reported US offer has not, however, been publicly confirmed in full by Washington or Tehran. The details were attributed to a senior source by Al Arabiya English, and the next steps will depend on whether the two sides can agree on reciprocal measures. With the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and attacks by Iran-linked groups remaining major points of contention, the reported proposal could provide a framework for renewed negotiations if both sides are prepared to make reciprocal concessions.

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    Rihanna back in the studio as A$AP Rocky confirms …

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    Rihanna fans may finally have a reason to celebrate after years of waiting. According to A$AP Rocky, the global superstar is officially back in the recording studio and actively working on new music. The exciting update came during Rocky’s appearance on the latest episode of The Jason Lee Show, where the rapper was asked about persistent rumors surrounding Rihanna’s long-awaited ninth studio album. Rather than keeping fans guessing, Rocky confirmed that the singer has returned to work on fresh material.  “She in the studio right now,” Rocky said during the interview. “Yeah, I said it. Sorry, babe. Like, bro, she working. She cooking, no funny s–t. Damn, I’ma get in trouble for this.”  His comments immediately sparked excitement across social media, where fans have spent years eagerly awaiting Rihanna’s next album. The Barbadian singer has not released a full-length studio album since Anti in 2016, despite remaining one of the world’s most-streamed artists. Over the past decade, she has focused on expanding her successful Fenty empire, acting projects, and raising her family with A$AP Rocky.  During the interview, Rocky also dismissed speculation that the couple is secretly working on a joint album. While he confirmed Rihanna is creating new music, he made it clear that fans should not expect a collaborative project featuring both artists. The latest update aligns with Rihanna’s own recent comments about her long-awaited album. Earlier this year, she revealed that she had finally found the creative direction she wanted and was determined to make music that truly reflects her artistic vision instead of chasing commercial trends. She has repeatedly said the lengthy wait will be worthwhile because she refuses to release anything that does not meet her expectations.  Although neither Rihanna nor her team has announced a release date or shared details about the project’s sound, Rocky’s comments are the clearest indication yet that the album is actively taking shape. Fans have grown accustomed to years of rumors and teases, but this confirmation from someone closest to the singer has renewed optimism that new music could finally be on the horizon.  The revelation has already generated widespread buzz online, with many fans expressing cautious excitement after nearly a decade without a studio album. While some remain skeptical until an official announcement arrives, others believe Rocky’s remarks suggest Rihanna’s musical comeback is closer than ever. For now, one thing appears certain: Rihanna is back in the studio, and according to A$AP Rocky, she is “cooking” something special. After years of anticipation, the wait for her next musical chapter may finally be nearing its end. 

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    Alex Cooper’s drink company reportedly shutting …

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    Alex Cooper’s venture into the beverage industry may be coming to an end. The Call Her Daddy host’s Unwell Beverage business is reportedly shutting down after less than two years on the market. According to a Bloomberg report cited by People, the company is expected to end its beverage operations after releasing a final collection of Halloween-themed drinks this fall. Neither Cooper nor Target, the brand’s main retail partner, has publicly confirmed the report. (People.com⁠) The reported closure marks an unexpected turn for a business that Cooper created after noticing what she believed was a gap in the hydration market. The idea for Unwell Hydration came to her while she was on her 2024 Unwell Tour. Cooper said she often struggled to find hydration and energy drinks that felt designed for women rather than men. She wanted to create something convenient for people with busy lifestyles while also offering lower-sugar options. Cooper previously explained that she would often feel exhausted while traveling and performing. She said many of the drinks she found either tasted unpleasant or contained more sugar than she wanted. That experience helped inspire the concept behind Unwell Hydration. (People.com⁠) The beverage line was developed in partnership with Nestlé and officially launched in 2025. It initially focused on electrolyte drinks before expanding into additional products, including Unwell Focus, Unwell Protein and Unwell Energy. The products were primarily sold through Target stores and online. (People.com⁠) Cooper’s goal was to bring her huge female audience into a category that had traditionally been associated with sports and performance. The company’s branding was closely connected to the wider Unwell media network, which Cooper has continued to expand through podcasts, entertainment projects, merchandise and other ventures. However, the beverage business reportedly struggled to establish a long-term position in an increasingly crowded functional-drinks market. The Cut noted that the brand moved from its original hydration focus into protein and energy products, potentially making its overall identity less clear to consumers. (The Cut⁠) The reported shutdown does not mean Cooper’s larger Unwell business is disappearing. Her media company continues to operate across several areas, and recent reports indicate that Unwell itself has secured new investment that values the broader company at around $500 million. (TMZ⁠) For now, fans may still see Unwell beverages on shelves as retailers sell through their remaining inventory. The final Halloween-themed release could become the brand’s last major product launch. While the drink company may have had a short run, Cooper’s attempt shows how quickly major digital creators are moving beyond social media and podcasts into consumer products—and how difficult it can be to turn a huge online following into a lasting beverage brand. (People.com⁠)

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    More than 20,000 evacuated as wildfires sweep south-west France

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    More than 20,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and holiday campsites as fast moving wildfires continue to spread across south western France. Emergency officials said the fires have already destroyed thousands of hectares of land in the Gironde region near the Bay of Arcachon, while firefighters are battling difficult weather conditions that are expected to worsen the situation. Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas said around 12,000 people were evacuated overnight, with another 8,800 residents and visitors later ordered to leave as a precaution. Many of those affected were tourists staying at campsites on the Lège Cap Ferret peninsula, a popular summer destination along France’s Atlantic coast. Authorities said the evacuations were carried out in an orderly manner and no injuries had been reported. Roads and forest areas considered at high risk have been closed to protect the public while emergency crews continue to fight the flames. According to local officials, the fire has already burned around 2,400 hectares of land. Firefighters worked throughout the night to stop the blaze from spreading, but rising temperatures and stronger winds are making the operation increasingly difficult. Gironde fire service chief Marc Vermeulen warned that changing wind conditions could make the fire unpredictable during the evening, requiring crews to remain on constant alert. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by emergency vehicles and aircraft, are continuing efforts to contain the flames before they threaten more communities. The latest wildfire comes only days after two firefighters lost their lives while battling another blaze near Bordeaux Airport. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez paid tribute to the victims, thanking them for their service and expressing support for their families during a difficult time. Residents described scenes of thick smoke, falling ash, and darkened skies as the fire approached their communities. Yassmina de Freitas, who lives in the coastal town of Le Porge, said smoke began filling the air during the afternoon before ash and pieces of burned tree bark started falling around her neighbourhood. By evening, police ordered her family to evacuate to a temporary shelter in a nearby town. She said the family had to leave behind two cats and four chickens because they could not find them before leaving. Throughout the night she followed updates on the fire, watching the number of burned hectares continue to increase. Tourists staying in the area have also been affected. Some visitors chose to leave campsites before official evacuation orders were issued, while others waited for instructions from emergency services. Holidaymakers reported unusually quiet roads and businesses as thousands of people left the peninsula. The wildfire in Gironde is part of a wider wave of fires affecting southern Europe. In southeastern France, residents who had earlier been evacuated from parts of the Var region were allowed to return home to assess damage, although officials warned that strong winds could cause fires to restart. Italy and Spain are also struggling with severe wildfires. In Sicily, a firefighter died while responding to a blaze and another was injured. Authorities reported more than 350 fires across the island, including several major incidents that forced precautionary evacuations. Officials believe many of the fires were caused by human activity. In Spain, residents have started returning to their homes after a large wildfire near Toledo burned nearly 900 hectares of land. Emergency crews are still working to fully contain the blaze. Earlier this week, Spain also experienced its largest wildfire of the year in the Guadalajara region, where more than 35,000 hectares were destroyed before firefighters gained control. Scientists have linked the growing number of extreme wildfires across Europe to increasingly frequent heatwaves and prolonged periods of dry weather. Climate experts say Europe is warming faster than any other continent, creating conditions that allow fires to spread more rapidly and become more destructive. Emergency authorities across southern Europe remain on high alert as high temperatures continue and weather conditions increase the risk of new wildfires.

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    Doctors reject FBR POS system, warn of public prot…

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    Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical Association Punjab has warned the Federal Board of Revenue that doctors could launch legal action, protests and even withdraw medical services if the proposed Point of Sale system is imposed on private healthcare establishments. PMA Punjab President Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh said the medical community was ready to fight the issue through courts, public protests, banners and awareness campaigns if its concerns were not addressed. He said the doctors could also consider token strikes or withdrawal of services. The warning came during a press conference at the National Press Club, where the PMA Punjab provincial council met in Islamabad. Doctors from different parts of Punjab discussed the FBR initiative concerning POS systems and the requirements linked to Section 175C. Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh said doctors were not refusing to pay taxes. He stressed that the medical profession should not be treated like an ordinary business because healthcare is an essential public service. According to Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh, the proposed system could create additional technical and financial difficulties for doctors and ultimately increase the cost of healthcare for ordinary patients. He also raised concerns about patient privacy. He said information about a patient’s illness, visits and expenses must remain confidential and should not be exposed through systems that could allow unnecessary access or monitoring. The PMA Punjab president said private healthcare providers were already paying taxes on several areas, including electricity, equipment, water, gas and buildings. He argued that adding more technical requirements could take doctors away from their main responsibility of treating patients. Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh also warned that doctors were already leaving Pakistan and that healthcare establishments in some areas were closing rather than opening. He said further administrative pressure could make the situation worse. The PMA leadership said it had already held two meetings with the FBR and had also sent written communications explaining its position. According to Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh, the discussions had not produced the result the doctors wanted. He said the medical community was prepared to keep all legal and democratic options open. “We will fight legal battles, go to court and protest,” Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh said during the briefing. He also warned that doctors could come onto the streets and consider withdrawal of services if the issue was not resolved. Dr Maqsood Zahid, President Elect of PMA Punjab, also questioned whether POS technology was suitable for medical services. He argued that healthcare was different from selling ordinary products because doctors provide services that can be required at any time, including emergencies during the night. He said doctors could not stop treating an emergency patient simply because a machine was not working or an internet connection had failed. Dr Maqsood Zahid said many patients also receive treatment without paying the full amount. Some patients receive services at half rates, while others are treated free of charge. He questioned how such cases would be properly reflected through a system designed mainly around payment records. He gave the example of a hospital in Mian Channu, Khanewal, where doctors reportedly deal with many patients without charging them. He said that out of 100 patients, around 60 could be treated without receiving even a single penny, making a simple payment based system difficult to apply to real medical practice. The doctors also argued that medical treatment cannot be measured in the same way as the sale of a retail product because the cost and complexity of treatment can change from patient to patient. Dr Maqsood Zahid said the medical community was willing to discuss a suitable tax formula with the government if a system could be designed according to the realities of medical practice. The PMA representatives said doctors across the country were being represented in discussions on the issue. They said representatives from Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Karachi, Islamabad and Punjab had participated in consultations. The PMA also raised the problem of smaller clinics in remote areas. Doctors argued that poor internet services, electricity problems, shortage of technical workers and maintenance costs could create serious difficulties for clinics outside major cities. Dr Muzaffar Niazi said doctors would not accept a situation in which the medical profession was treated like a normal retail business. He said doctors were prepared to pursue legal action, demonstrations, public awareness campaigns and other forms of protest. The PMA leadership also stressed that it was not against taxation itself. Dr Maqsood Zahid said doctors were law abiding citizens and accepted that taxes were necessary to run the country. The main demand was for the government to develop a system that recognised the special nature of healthcare and did not place unnecessary financial and administrative pressure on doctors or patients. The PMA Punjab had already formally raised the issue with the FBR. In a letter dated January 20, 2025, Dr Kamran Saeed Sheikh, President PMA Punjab, asked the FBR Chairman to defer the installation of POS systems in private healthcare establishments. The letter warned that additional administrative, technical and financial requirements could increase the cost of healthcare and reduce the time available for doctors to provide medical treatment. It also pointed to problems such as unreliable electricity and internet services, shortage of technical staff and difficulties faced by small and medium sized clinics. PMA Punjab also warned in the letter that additional pressure on private healthcare could discourage young doctors and female doctors from starting private practices in remote and less developed areas and could contribute to further brain drain from Pakistan. The letter was also copied to the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Governor Punjab, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Chief Minister Punjab, Speaker Punjab Assembly, provincial health ministers and the Chairman Punjab Health Care Commission. The PMA leadership has now made clear that the dispute is no longer limited to a technical discussion over a machine. Doctors say the issue involves taxation, patient privacy, the cost of healthcare and the ability of small clinics to continue providing services. If the disagreement remains unresolved,

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