The Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi recently discussed the trade relationship between Pakistan and Malaysia with members of the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They highlighted the inclusion of 10,000 Pakistani products in the free trade agreement and expressed the intention for Malaysian traders and businessmen to visit Hyderabad. Efforts are being made to bridge the gap in academic opportunities for Pakistani students in Malaysia. Malaysian ports could be utilized as a transit facility for Pakistani exporters. Trade volume and cooperation in the education sector need to be increased for balanced trade ties.

The Consul General of Malaysia in Pakistan announced plans to include 10,000 Pakistani products in the bilateral free trade agreement, strengthening economic ties. Additionally, Malaysia offered scholarships to Pakistani postgraduate and PhD students, and both countries expressed interest in joint ventures and increased rice imports. Promising future for Malaysia-Pakistan relations.

The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) highlights Pakistan’s pressing issue of tobacco use, proposing increased taxes on cigarettes to reduce health costs and economic crises caused by tobacco consumption. With 31.9 million adults using tobacco products and over 160,000 deaths annually due to tobacco-related illnesses, comprehensive strategies are needed to combat this epidemic and protect the well-being of Pakistan’s youth.

The inflation rate in Pakistan remained steady at 23.06% in February, the lowest in 20 months, primarily due to a decline in food prices. This marks a significant decrease from the peak of 37.97% in May 2023. Inflation had consistently been around 29% but has shown a noticeable downward trend since January 2024.

Discover the culinary sensation taking Peshawar by storm: Charsadda’s ‘Mota Chawal’. Food enthusiasts are flocking to outlets in Firdaus to savor the delicious taste of this special rice variety, often paired with grilled, spicy meat. Experience the flavors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s traditional cuisine and explore the demand for Mota Chawal and Chapli Kabab during the winter season.

The President of FPCCI, Atif Ikram Sheikh, emphasizes the need for Pakistan to tap into the export market of D-8 countries to address its regional trade deficit. By focusing on sectors like textiles and IT services, Pakistan can significantly boost its exports and strengthen its economy.

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) engaged with stakeholders in the padi and rice industry to discuss important factors such as purchase price and sustainability. All views will be analyzed and a new action plan will be presented on March 20. Attendance included various associations and government representatives.

Step into Yadgar in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and discover the culinary gem of Rice and Three. This unique South Asian restaurant style, known as Thali, features a large plate filled with rice, naan, and a variety of curries. The tradition thrived in Manchester due to the city’s South Asian communities, and canteens like Cafe Marhaba continue to serve authentic Pakistani cuisine while adapting to modernization.

Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani accuses Pakistan of sheltering the Haqqani network, contradicting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan. Ghani stresses the need to sever the special relationship between the Taliban and Pakistan, while expressing disappointment in the limited progress made in US-Taliban talks. Despite increasing violence, Ghani reassures that Afghanistan’s military forces are strong. He identifies the environment as the country’s biggest challenge and calls for a regional approach to address climate change.

India’s basmati rice exports are expected to decline in 2024 due to Pakistan’s competitive prices, fueled by increased production. The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee and lower export demand have also affected India’s export market. Delays in shipping and higher freight costs have further impacted exports.