Delay in NOC stalls NADRA counter at Pakistan Emba…

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports have reached a 20-year high of $457 million, stressing that the pharmaceutical industry must establish a clear contribution towards the country’s ambitious target of generating more than $100 billion in exports by 2035. Speaking at a roundtable conference in Islamabad organised to facilitate pharmaceutical exports under the government’s Uraan Pakistan initiative, the federal minister said the industry needed to adopt a long-term strategy to expand its presence in international markets. Ahsan Iqbal called on representatives of the pharmaceutical sector to hold consultations over the next month and prepare a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s development through 2030 and beyond. He said Pakistan’s objective should be to transform the country into a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports. The minister emphasised that Pakistan needed to secure a significant position in the international pharmaceutical market by improving the competitiveness and quality of locally manufactured products. He said cooperation between the government and private sector could help the industry compete more effectively at the global level. According to the minister, continuity in government policies and the creation of a business-friendly environment are essential for the sustainable growth of the pharmaceutical sector. He stressed that investors and manufacturers require predictable policies and a supportive regulatory framework to make long-term investments in production, research and exports. Ahsan Iqbal also highlighted the need to reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical inputs and increase domestic manufacturing capacity. He said approximately 85 percent of the raw material used by the pharmaceutical industry is currently imported, creating challenges for the sector and increasing its exposure to international supply disruptions and currency fluctuations. He called for strengthening the local pharmaceutical value chain so that a greater proportion of raw materials, intermediate products and finished medicines could be produced within Pakistan. The minister said enhancing domestic production would not only reduce the country’s import bill but could also improve the competitiveness of Pakistani pharmaceutical companies in international markets. A stronger local supply chain could help manufacturers reduce production costs, improve efficiency and develop products that meet international standards. He further stressed the importance of developing a coordinated strategy involving government institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and other stakeholders. Such cooperation, he said, would be necessary to identify the major obstacles facing the sector and develop practical solutions. The roundtable conference was held as part of efforts under Uraan Pakistan to promote exports and strengthen productive sectors of the economy. The initiative aims to improve Pakistan’s economic performance by encouraging investment, increasing exports and promoting sustainable industrial development. Ahsan Iqbal said the pharmaceutical industry had significant potential to contribute to Pakistan’s export growth if its structural challenges were addressed. He urged industry representatives to use the consultation process to develop realistic targets and identify measures that could help Pakistan increase its share in the global pharmaceutical market. The minister’s remarks come as Pakistan seeks to diversify its export base and reduce dependence on traditional export sectors. He said the pharmaceutical industry could become an important contributor to this effort by improving domestic production, investing in innovation and expanding access to international markets. The government, he added, would continue working with the private sector to create conditions that encourage investment and promote the long-term growth of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.

Pakistan has issued a high-level flood alert after India released a significant volume of water from the Salal Dam following heavy rainfall in Indian-administered Kashmir. The move has raised concerns among Pakistani authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise in the Chenab River. According to Punjab’s Irrigation Department, the heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas prompted Indian authorities to open all gates of the Salal Dam, allowing a large flow of water to move downstream toward Pakistan. Officials have warned that the increased water discharge could reach Wazirabad within the next 48 hours, prompting precautionary measures in vulnerable areas. The Irrigation Department stated that water levels in the Chenab River have already begun to increase. Authorities are continuously tracking river flows to assess the potential impact on downstream districts and to provide timely updates if the situation changes. As a precaution, a high alert has been issued for flood-prone areas, particularly in Sialkot and Wazirabad, where local administrations have been instructed to remain prepared for any emergency. Disaster management teams are coordinating with relevant departments to monitor developments and ensure a rapid response if water levels continue to rise. Officials have urged residents living near the Chenab River and low-lying areas to stay informed through official announcements and avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks. Emergency services are also on standby to respond quickly should flooding occur. Seasonal monsoon rains often lead to rising river levels across the region, making cross-border water management a critical issue during this period. Sudden increases in water discharge from upstream reservoirs can significantly affect downstream communities, requiring close coordination between authorities and continuous monitoring of river conditions. While officials have expressed concern over the rising water levels, they are also emphasizing that the situation remains under observation. The extent of any flooding will depend on rainfall patterns over the coming days and the volume of water continuing to flow into the Chenab River. Residents in at-risk areas are advised to follow guidance issued by local authorities, remain alert for weather and flood updates, and take necessary precautions if evacuation advisories are issued. Authorities have assured the public that monitoring efforts will continue around the clock to minimize risks and protect communities from any potential flooding. With the water surge expected to arrive within the next two days, emergency agencies remain on alert as Pakistan prepares for the possible impact of increased river flows during the ongoing monsoon season.

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have alleged that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is pursuing a coordinated agenda to disrupt peace and destabilise the region, claiming recent clashes with security forces demonstrate that the group has transformed into an armed organisation. Addressing a press conference in Rawalakot, AJK Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat said the violence of the past two days contradicted claims circulating on social media that the movement was peaceful. He alleged that armed individuals occupied buildings, established fortified positions and opened fire on police and security personnel using automatic and sophisticated weapons. According to the police, law enforcement personnel had been deployed across various parts of Rawalakot to maintain public order when they came under attack. Shaukat said authorities had exercised restraint throughout the situation but were compelled to respond in accordance with the law after security forces were targeted. The police spokesperson maintained that the nature of the weapons used and the organised tactics adopted during the clashes suggested the involvement of more than an ordinary protest movement. He further claimed that the group’s activities were intended to damage social harmony, weaken the atmosphere of brotherhood in AJK and create instability in the region. Officials said the confrontation claimed the life of a Rangers official, while around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured during the exchanges. Police have reiterated that operations are being carried out under the law to restore order, while investigations into the incidents and the alleged network behind the violence remain ongoing.