rcci calls stronger

RCCI calls for stronger Pakistan-Indonesia trade ties

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has called for enhanced trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia, with a particular focus on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening business-to-business linkages and promoting private-sector engagement.

The call was made during a visit to the RCCI by Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan H.E. Chandra W. Sukotjo, who was accompanied by officials of the Indonesian Embassy, including Head of Economic Affairs Mrs. Ingan Malen.
RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Vice President Fahad Barlas, members of the Executive Committee and representatives of the business community welcomed the ambassador and his delegation.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat highlighted the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Indonesia and said there was considerable untapped potential for expanding bilateral trade. He stressed the need to increase Pakistani exports to Indonesia, facilitate business delegations and establish stronger business-to-business contacts.

He also called for greater cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, value-added products and emerging industries, saying that closer economic ties could create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

On this occasion, Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening economic and commercial relations with Pakistan. He identified tourism, halal food, renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and digital technologies as promising areas for bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador said that Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy excellent diplomatic relations and that the existing goodwill should be translated into stronger trade and investment partnerships.He further informed the business community that Indonesia had simplified the visa process for Pakistani business travellers, while a reduction in visa fees was also under consideration to facilitate greater business mobility and commercial exchanges.

The Indonesian ambassador also invited Pakistani exporters, manufacturers and investors to participate in the 41st Trade Expo Indonesia, scheduled to be held from October 14 to 18, 2026. He described the exhibition as a major trade platform in Southeast Asia, offering Pakistani businesses opportunities to explore new markets, develop strategic partnerships and expand their international presence.

The meeting concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, increasing private-sector engagement and exploring new avenues for sustainable economic growth between Pakistan and Indonesia.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Karachi crime remains high in July

    The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) has released its latest crime statistics for Karachi, showing a significant number of killings, extortion cases, mobile-phone thefts and vehicle-related crimes during July. According to the CPLC data, 40 people lost their lives in different incidents across the city during the month. The figures also showed that extortion remained a concern, with 18 cases of bhata khori reported in July. Street crime continued to affect residents, particularly through mobile-phone and motorcycle theft. The CPLC recorded 1,846 mobile phones stolen across Karachi during the month, highlighting the continued risk faced by citizens while travelling or moving through public places. Vehicle-related offences also remained a major challenge. Criminals stole 110 vehicles in July, while 12 cars were snatched from citizens. The figures indicate that vehicle owners continued to face the threat of both theft and armed or forced snatching. Motorcycles accounted for the largest share of vehicle-related crime. The CPLC recorded 2,648 motorcycle thefts during July, while criminals snatched 492 motorcycles from citizens. The latest figures reflect the scale of crime reported across Karachi during the month, with motorcycles, mobile phones and vehicles remaining frequent targets. The data also highlights continued concerns over public safety, particularly in relation to street crime and property offences. The CPLC regularly compiles crime data from across the city to provide an overview of reported criminal activity. The July figures are likely to keep the focus on law-and-order conditions in Karachi and the need for stronger measures to protect citizens and their property.

  • | |

    Bomb disposal officer injured in explosion at DI K…

    A bomb disposal officer was injured after an explosion ripped through the malkhana (evidence store) inside the Police Lines in Dera Ismail Khan on Thursday, causing significant damage to the building. According to police officials, the blast occurred inside the evidence store where confiscated explosive materials and other recovered items are kept. The force of the explosion caused part of the building’s roof and a wall to collapse. The officer in charge of the Bomb Disposal Squad sustained injuries in the incident. Rescue teams and fellow police personnel rushed to the scene and shifted him to a nearby hospital, where he received medical treatment. His condition was not immediately disclosed. Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was triggered by the accidental detonation of hand grenades stored inside the malkhana. However, officials stressed that the exact cause would only be confirmed after a thorough investigation. Following the explosion, police sealed off the affected area and launched a detailed search of the site. Investigators and forensic teams began collecting evidence to determine how the stored explosives detonated. Senior police officials also visited the Police Lines to inspect the damaged building and review the initial findings of the investigation. Authorities said all possible angles are being examined, including the handling, storage and condition of the explosive material kept in the evidence store. Police added that a comprehensive inquiry has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the blast and to determine whether any negligence or procedural lapse contributed to the incident.

  • | |

    Faisal Kundi calls for modern arms for K-P police

    PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has called for the provincial police to be equipped with modern weapons, advanced technology and additional resources to strengthen their ability to counter terrorism. Speaking at Governor House during a meeting with a 33-member delegation of Sindh Police Deputy Superintendents of Police visiting the province for training, Kundi praised the K-P police for continuing to serve on the frontline despite severe security challenges. The governor said policing in K-P was fundamentally different from other provinces because of the persistent threat of terrorism. He stressed that police personnel needed modern weapons, more bulletproof vehicles and advanced technological equipment to respond to emerging threats, including attacks involving militant quadcopters. Kundi said proposals had also been forwarded to the provincial government regarding improvements in police salaries. He maintained that better resources and welfare measures were essential for strengthening the force. He said K-P’s long border with Afghanistan had created additional security challenges, while the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps were contributing significantly to border protection. He urged the government to provide comprehensive support to all law-enforcement agencies engaged in counterterrorism operations. Addressing a question about cross-border terrorism, Kundi said attacks originating from Afghan territory were unacceptable. He claimed that evidence had surfaced regarding the involvement of some Afghan nationals in terrorist incidents in K-P and said the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals was continuing.

  • | |

    Bilawal accuses PML-N of undermining Shehbaz

    PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged that some elements within the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are weakening Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s position and creating divisions between the government and its political allies. Addressing an election rally in Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal said the PPP’s political differences with the PML-N were normal during elections. However, he claimed that the real problem was internal and involved elements within the ruling party. Bilawal said reports suggesting that the government had collapsed were incorrect. He described Prime Minister Shehbaz as a person with “good intentions”, but questioned whether the premier could succeed if people around him were working against his interests. The PPP chairman alleged that a significant section of the PML-N wanted the prime minister to confront not only opposition parties but also his coalition partners. He also criticised the phased AJK election schedule, questioning why polling was not held on a single day if the region was considered one electoral unit. Bilawal said the elections were being conducted in phases in the name of maintaining peace and ensuring free and fair polling. However, he alleged that the process had instead created opportunities for electoral manipulation. He accused the PML-N of securing seats in advance and alleged that the party had already “taken” seats in Mirpur and Muzaffarabad and was now targeting Poonch and Bagh. The PPP leader urged voters in Poonch and Bagh to respond through their votes in the upcoming elections. The AJK elections are being conducted in three phases. Polling in the Mirpur division was held on July 27, while the second phase in the Muzaffarabad division took place on August 2. The PML-N won nine of the 13 seats contested in Mirpur, while the PPP secured four. In the second phase, the PML-N won 15 additional seats in Muzaffarabad, while the PPP added six. The third phase was originally scheduled for August 10 across the Poonch division. However, the AJK Election Commission has revised the schedule because of security concerns. Under the revised plan, polling on August 10 will be held only in Bagh and Haveli districts. Elections in Poonch district and Pallandri in Sudhnoti district have been postponed. The Election Commission said it took the decision after receiving a report from the AJK home secretary highlighting concerns about the law and order situation in parts of Poonch and Pallandri. The decision follows clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot on July 27, which reportedly resulted in several casualties. Tensions have persisted in Rawalakot since early June, with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) organising periodic protests and sit-ins. The group has been demanding the abolition of 12 seats in the AJK legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir.

  • Punjab to support students from other provinces, Education Minister

    Lahore – Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced that the Punjab government will support students from other provinces who wish to study at universities in Punjab. He also revealed that a Semester Exchange Program for students from other provinces is expected to be launched soon while Daanish Schools will also be established in Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The announcement came during a meeting between Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Punjab Communications and Works Minister Sohail Bharth and a delegation of students from various universities in Balochistan. The delegation also included students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. During the meeting, students praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat for their education reforms. Students from Balochistan humorously remarked that they wished to have Punjab’s Chief Minister and Education Minister lead their province for six months so that Balochistan could also achieve similar progress. The students discussed Punjab’s development projects, education system and other public initiatives with the provincial ministers. They also requested the introduction of a Semester Exchange Program to which the Education Minister responded that, subject to the approval of the Chief Minister, the program could be launched from next year. Many students from Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan expressed their desire to enroll in Punjab’s universities. In response, Rana Sikandar Hayat assured them that students from Balochistan would be offered admissions through scholarship programs in Punjab’s universities. He personally recorded the details of interested students during the meeting. The minister said that more than 15,000 students from other provinces are currently studying in educational institutions across Punjab. He added that he has a deep emotional connection with Balochistan and would be proud to see more Baloch students pursuing higher education in Punjab. Rana Sikandar Hayat also revealed that he has been in regular contact with the Education Minister of Balochistan to launch the Google Education Program in the province with both ministers having held seven consultations over the past few months. He further assured students that Punjab would also support learners in distance education. He emphasized that if students from Balochistan or any other province wish to study at any university in Punjab, the provincial government will extend full support. The minister also announced that Daanish Schools will soon be established in Balochistan, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted that 1,900 students from Gilgit-Baltistan are currently studying in Punjab on scholarships while the 10 percent admission quota for Balochistan students in Daanish Schools is also being increased. Rana Sikandar Hayat said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has a special commitment to supporting the youth of Balochistan and other provinces. Therefore, students from other provinces have been included in scholarship programs, university admission quotas and the Punjab laptop scheme. At the end of the meeting, Rana Sikandar Hayat and Sohail Bharth presented one laptop each on behalf of the Chief Minister of Punjab to every student in the visiting delegation.

  • Swat peace rally blast kills 14, injures over 20

    By Haroon Siraj SWAT – At least 14 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a bomb blast during a peace demonstration at Kabal Chowk in Swat district on Sunday, according to rescue officials. The demonstration had been organised by Olasi Pasoon, with people from different parts of the district gathering to demand peace amid growing security concerns and recent militant activity in the area. Participants were chanting slogans calling for the restoration of peace when the explosion occurred. Rescue officials said nine bodies and at least 16 injured people were shifted to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, while five bodies and several injured were taken to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Kabal. Police and security forces cordoned off the area immediately after the blast and launched a search operation. The nature of the explosion and those responsible were not immediately confirmed, while an investigation was underway. The incident comes days after an armed clash between suspected militants and police in the Shalkho Sar area of Swat’s Matta and Kabal tehsils. In that exchange of fire, one police was killed, while police claimed that militants were also killed during the operation. No group had claimed responsibility for Sunday’s blast at the time this report was filed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *