CPEC 2.0: Pakistan, China shift focus to B2B investment

  Karachi is expected to experience mostly cloudy and humid weather conditions during the next 24 hours, according to the latest forecast issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department. The weather authorities have predicted that light drizzle may occur in different parts of the city, particularly during the morning and nighttime hours. The meteorological department stated that the overall weather situation in Karachi is likely to remain warm, humid, and partly cloudy throughout the day. Residents may experience increased moisture levels in the atmosphere, which could make the temperature feel higher than the actual recorded temperature. The presence of humidity, combined with limited sunshine due to cloudy skies, is expected to create uncomfortable weather conditions for many citizens. According to the weather forecast, the minimum temperature recorded in Karachi today was 28 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius. Although these temperatures are typical for the coastal city during this period, the high humidity level may increase the feeling of heat among residents. The humidity level in Karachi has been recorded at 78 percent, indicating a significant amount of moisture in the air. The city is also experiencing sea breezes from the southwest direction, moving at a speed of approximately 11 kilometers per hour. These coastal winds may provide some relief from the heat, but the high humidity is likely to continue affecting the overall comfort level. The weather department has advised citizens to remain aware of changing weather conditions, especially during early morning and nighttime hours when chances of drizzle are higher. Light rainfall is not expected to cause major disruption, but some areas may experience temporary wet conditions due to the drizzle. Karachi’s coastal location often results in humid weather patterns, particularly when moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea influence the city’s atmosphere. Cloud cover and sea breezes usually help control extreme temperatures, but high humidity can make daily activities more challenging for residents. The meteorological department further explained that no major change in weather conditions is expected during the next 24 hours. The city will likely continue to experience cloudy skies, humid conditions, and occasional light drizzle in some areas. People are advised to plan outdoor activities while keeping the possibility of brief rainfall in mind. Overall, Karachi’s weather is expected to remain mild in terms of temperature but uncomfortable due to elevated humidity levels. The combination of cloudy weather, warm temperatures, and moisture in the air will continue to define the city’s weather pattern over the coming day.

  Overseas Pakistanis have welcomed the proposal to create new provinces in the country, describing it as a positive step toward improving administrative efficiency, strengthening governance and bringing public institutions closer to citizens. Rajah Nasir Hussain, a representative of overseas Pakistanis and a prominent businessman from Gujar Khan, expressed his support for the proposal . He said the idea of creating seven provinces should be considered alongside the establishment of an eighth province comprising Islamabad and the Potohar region. According to Hussain, the creation of new provinces could help address administrative challenges and improve the delivery of public services. He stressed, however, that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces should be made through constitutional amendments and broad political consensus. He said the issue should not be treated as a matter of political rivalry or regional competition. Instead, it should be viewed as an administrative reform aimed at improving governance and ensuring that citizens in different parts of the country receive better access to state institutions and public services. Hussain also highlighted the important role played by overseas Pakistanis in the national economy. He said millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad contribute significantly to the country through remittances. The funds sent by overseas Pakistanis provide vital support to Pakistan’s economy and help strengthen the country’s financial system. He noted that overseas Pakistanis continue to make economic contributions despite living outside the country. Their remittances support families, increase foreign exchange inflows and contribute to economic stability. In his view, their role should therefore be recognised not only in economic terms but also through greater representation in the country’s administrative and political framework. Hussain argued that the government and political leadership should explore new mechanisms through which overseas Pakistanis can participate more effectively in national affairs. He said their experience of living and working in different countries gives them exposure to modern administrative systems, business practices and governance models that could potentially benefit Pakistan. He further suggested that overseas Pakistanis should have greater opportunities to contribute to policy discussions concerning economic development, investment, governance and administrative reforms. Their participation, he said, could help policymakers understand international practices and identify approaches that may be adapted to Pakistan’s circumstances. Regarding the proposed new provinces, Hussain emphasised the importance of consultation among all stakeholders. He said political parties, provincial governments, civil society, constitutional experts and representatives of the affected regions should be involved in the discussion before any final decision is taken. He maintained that the creation of provinces should be based on administrative requirements, population, geographical considerations, economic viability and the interests of local communities rather than short-term political objectives. The proposal to consider Islamabad and Potohar as an eighth province, he said, should also be examined within this broader framework. Such a move, if supported by constitutional and political consensus, could potentially improve administrative management and representation in the region. Hussain reiterated that overseas Pakistanis support reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s administrative structure. He said the debate over new provinces provides an opportunity to consider broader governance reforms while ensuring constitutional procedures and national consensus. He concluded that overseas Pakistanis should be regarded as important stakeholders in Pakistan’s future. Given their economic contributions and national role, developing effective mechanisms for their political and administrative representation should be considered a priority alongside wider institutional reforms.

  Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Raja Nasir Abbas, has said that the government is legally bound to implement the Supreme Court’s decision and expressed hope that the ruling would be implemented today. Speaking during a Senate session, Raja Nasir Abbas said that the Supreme Court’s decision had created a positive atmosphere and provided an opportunity for political forces to move closer to one another. He noted that there had been signs of improvement in the political environment following the court’s ruling. According to the opposition leader, the government is obligated to respect and implement decisions issued by the country’s highest court. He said that the opposition expected the government to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision without further delay. Raja Nasir Abbas emphasized that implementation of the court’s ruling could help maintain a positive political atmosphere. He said that after the Supreme Court decision, the situation appeared to be improving and political sides were gradually coming closer together. He suggested that developments could lead to greater political understanding if the government continued to act responsibly. During his speech, the opposition leader also raised concerns about the health and treatment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and physician Dr Yasmin Rashid, who is currently being held at Kot Lakhpat Jail. Raja Nasir Abbas said that it was the government’s responsibility to protect the health and well-being of people in its custody. He highlighted Yasmin Rashid’s medical condition and expressed concern about the circumstances in which she was being held. According to Abbas, Dr Yasmin Rashid is a cancer patient and has also continued to provide medical assistance to other people even while in prison. He said that despite facing serious health challenges herself, she had remained committed to helping others. The opposition leader further stated that doctors had raised concerns about a problem involving Yasmin Rashid’s spinal vertebrae. He said medical professionals had warned that her condition could become serious and that she might even lose the ability to walk. Abbas argued that, given her medical condition, Yasmin Rashid should not be kept in prison. He called on the government to take medical advice seriously and ensure that prisoners suffering from serious illnesses receive appropriate healthcare. He also expressed concern about conditions inside the prison, particularly the availability of electricity. According to him, there are periods of four hours or more during which electricity is unavailable in the jail. He suggested that such conditions could further worsen the difficulties faced by prisoners, particularly those with serious medical conditions. The opposition leader’s remarks come amid broader political discussions over the treatment of political prisoners and the implementation of judicial decisions. His statement reflects the opposition’s expectation that the government should follow court orders while also ensuring that prisoners receive adequate medical care. Raja Nasir Abbas maintained that respecting judicial decisions and protecting prisoners’ health were both important responsibilities of the state. He urged the government to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised regarding Yasmin Rashid and to ensure that her medical needs are properly addressed. He also expressed optimism that the Supreme Court’s decision could help create a more constructive political environment. According to him, cooperation and implementation of the court’s ruling could contribute to reducing political tensions and improving relations between the government and opposition. The opposition leader concluded by emphasizing the importance of the government fulfilling its legal responsibilities and protecting the health and dignity of individuals in its custody.