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Emerging economies gain breathing room as Fed pause expectations strengthen

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Emerging economies gain breathing room as Fed pause expectations strengthen

ISLAMABAD, Oct 9 (ABC): Growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged at its October meeting are giving emerging economies a brief window to reassess refinancing plans and manage external borrowing pressures.

Market expectations for an immediate rate increase have weakened considerably. Recent pricing indicated only about a 20.5% probability of a Fed rate increase in October, down from roughly 51% a week earlier.

However, investors continued to assign an 84.5% probability to another increase in December. This suggests that markets were postponing rather than abandoning expectations of further monetary tightening.

The shift followed signs of moderation in the US labour market. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by only 29,000 in September, while the unemployment rate stood at 4.2%, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Minutes of the Federal Reserve’s September meeting nevertheless indicated that inflation remained a major policy concern. Most participants considered another increase in the federal funds rate likely to be appropriate by the end of the year. However, they stressed that future decisions would depend on incoming economic data.

The Fed raised its target range by 25 basis points to 3.75-4% at that meeting, keeping borrowing conditions restrictive for economies dependent on international capital markets.

Fed pause could ease immediate borrowing pressures

Ali Barkat, Group Taxation Manager at Gifto Industries, told Wealth Pakistan that an October pause could temporarily reduce the pace at which external financing conditions were tightening for emerging economies.

“For developing countries, even a pause matters because it reduces the immediate risk of another increase in the benchmark rate against which international borrowing is priced. It can give governments and companies a little more room to assess refinancing options, but it should not be interpreted as a return to cheap global liquidity,” he said.

Barkat said the distinction between a pause and the end of monetary tightening was particularly important for emerging-market borrowers.

“A government planning to issue international debt cannot look only at the next Fed meeting. It has to consider where US rates and Treasury yields may be over the entire life of the borrowing. If markets expect another increase in December, lenders will continue to price that risk into financing,” he said.

That pressure remains visible in long-term US borrowing benchmarks. The 10-year Treasury yield stood at 5.28% on October 7, while the 30-year yield was around 5.67%. These elevated yields continue to keep the base cost of dollar borrowing high, even as expectations for an October Fed move weaken.

Emerging markets face continued capital outflows

Emerging markets have already felt the effects of the latest tightening cycle. Foreign investors withdrew $26.3 billion from emerging-market stocks and bonds in September, marking the first monthly outflow since June.

Fixed-income markets alone recorded $7 billion in withdrawals, according to Institute of International Finance data reported this week.

The World Bank, however, notes that developing economies have proved surprisingly resilient during the surge in advanced-economy yields. Dollar-denominated sovereign spreads have narrowed in many markets, partly absorbing the increase in US Treasury rates.

This relative resilience has helped limit the rise in borrowing costs for some developing economies. Nevertheless, the benefits have not been evenly distributed.

Median borrowing yields for weaker-credit developing economies remain around 9%, compared with about 6.3% for stronger borrowers. Countries carrying larger amounts of short-term debt face yields of around 7%, leaving them particularly exposed when existing obligations require refinancing.

Debt management remains crucial

For countries with substantial external repayments, a temporary pause in US monetary tightening offers an opportunity to review borrowing strategies. Governments can also manage repayment schedules and explore alternative financing arrangements before global conditions change again.

Barkat said the present period should be treated as an opportunity to reduce refinancing vulnerability rather than a signal to increase borrowing aggressively.

“For countries facing external repayments, a temporary easing in expectations can be useful for extending maturities, diversifying financing sources or arranging concessional funding. The risk would be to assume that the pressure has permanently disappeared,” he said.

With the Fed’s next policy meeting scheduled for October 27-28, incoming inflation and economic activity data will determine whether current expectations of a pause persist.

Barkat said emerging economies should capitalise on any temporary improvement in financing conditions to strengthen their debt-management strategies. Elevated Treasury yields and the possibility of further monetary tightening could continue to threaten future refinancing costs.

Pakistani fresh mango exports across 49 countries reach $107m

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Pakistani fresh mango exports across 49 countries reach $107m

ISLAMABAD, Oct 09 (ABC): Pakistan’s fresh mango exports reached $107.09 million, with shipments of 85,247 tonnes to 49 countries, according to official export figures available with Wealth Pakistan.

Data from the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) shows that Pakistan exported fresh mangoes worth approximately Rs30.21 billion during the reporting period covered by the figures.

The United Kingdom emerged as the largest export market by value, importing Pakistani mangoes worth $29.92 million. Shipments to the UK totalled 8,078 tonnes.

The United Arab Emirates ranked second in export value, receiving mangoes worth $17.98 million. However, the UAE was the largest destination by quantity, importing 23,025 tonnes of Pakistani mangoes.

Kazakhstan was another major destination, receiving 18,412 tonnes of mangoes worth $13.99 million. This made it the third-largest market by export value and the second-largest by quantity.

Afghanistan ranked fourth in value terms, importing 14,261 tonnes of Pakistani mangoes worth $10.75 million. Oman followed with shipments of 10,067 tonnes valued at $7.53 million.

Five markets account for 75% of export earnings

Together, the five leading markets — the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and Oman — accounted for approximately $80.16 million. This represented nearly 75% of Pakistan’s total fresh mango export earnings recorded in the data.

Their combined import volume stood at approximately 73,842 tonnes, accounting for nearly 87% of total mango shipments.

The figures also show exports to several European, North American and Gulf markets. Germany imported Pakistani mangoes worth $4.73 million, followed by Saudi Arabia at $3.14 million and Norway at $2.73 million. Canada and Qatar accounted for $2.05 million and $1.50 million, respectively.

Pakistani mangoes reach diverse international markets

Other destinations included Italy, Sweden, Japan, the United States, Bahrain, Tajikistan, Ireland, Australia, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Singapore, Greece, Spain, Malaysia, South Korea, Kuwait, Uzbekistan and the Netherlands.

The export data also records shipments to Hong Kong, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Mauritius, Austria, Romania, Azerbaijan, Finland, Brunei Darussalam, Russia, Iraq, South Africa, Tanzania, the Philippines, Fiji, Turkey, Madagascar and Trinidad and Tobago.

China also featured among Pakistan’s fresh mango export destinations, with shipments valued at $14,510.66 and weighing approximately 11,811 kilogrammes.

Although China’s import volume was considerably smaller than those of the leading destinations, its inclusion in the figures reflects the geographical spread of Pakistani mango shipments.

UK leads in value, UAE in shipment volume

The data highlights differences in export earnings and shipment volumes across major markets. While the United Kingdom generated the highest export value, the UAE, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan accounted for substantially larger quantities.

The top five destinations collectively generated nearly three-quarters of export earnings. Meanwhile, the remaining markets accounted for approximately one-quarter of the total value.

Overall, Pakistan exported more than 85,000 tonnes of fresh mangoes worth $107.09 million across 49 international markets. The United Kingdom led in export earnings, while the UAE remained the largest destination by shipment volume.

Sindh plans $3.5m project to modernise over 120 brick kilns by 2029

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Sindh plans $3.5m project to modernise over 120 brick kilns by 2029

ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (ABC): The Sindh government has proposed a $3.5 million project to convert more than 120 traditional brick kilns to zig-zag technology by 2029. The initiative aims to reduce harmful particulate emissions and promote the use of industrial and agricultural waste in cleaner production processes.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the project is titled Decarbonizing Brick Kilns in Sindh through Modernization and Circular Economy Integration. It envisages modernising conventional brick kilns, training owners and workers, and improving environmental monitoring and occupational safety.

The project targets an approximately 40% reduction in PM2.5 emissions. It also seeks to benefit 3,000 people directly and another 20,000 indirectly.

In addition, the initiative aims to divert 20,000 tonnes of waste annually through circular-economy interventions. It also proposes establishing a carbon monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) and crediting platform.

Cleaner brick production and waste utilisation

The proposed activities include kiln retrofitting or replacement, cleaner-production training and occupational-safety training. They also cover digital MRV, carbon-credit aggregation and the use of fly ash and agricultural waste in compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs).

According to the document, the proposed carbon MRV and crediting platform would help measure and document the environmental outcomes associated with the project.

The ECC&CDD Sindh has been designated as the lead agency, with GIZ and UNDP identified as technical partners. Meanwhile, implementation support is envisaged from the Pakistan Brick Kiln Association and cement and fly-ash suppliers.

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency, Labour Department, universities and research institutes are also identified as collaborators.

Kiln modernisation targeted for 2029

The document sets 2029 as the target for completing the conversion of more than 120 traditional brick kilns to zig-zag technology.

Monitoring and evaluation activities would include baseline, mid-term and end-line reviews, along with third-party audits. Continuous digital monitoring, reporting and verification would also form part of the proposed system.

The project carries an estimated budget of $3.5 million. It is among the proposals being processed under the World Bank Country Partnership Framework for Pakistan, covering FY2026 to FY2035.

TAPI progress revives Pakistan’s prospects for Central Asian gas supplies

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TAPI progress revives Pakistan’s prospects for Central Asian gas supplies

ISLAMABAD, Oct 08 (ABC): Progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is reviving prospects for Pakistan to secure a new source of Central Asian gas. However, experts say the country must accelerate legal, commercial and infrastructure preparations to benefit from the project’s renewed momentum.

Construction is advancing on the 153-kilometre Serhetabat-Herat section of the pipeline inside Afghanistan. According to Turkmenistan’s state oil and gas authorities, around 700 Turkmen specialists and more than 250 units of construction and specialised equipment have been deployed. The workforce includes engineers, welders and gas specialists, supported by heavy construction machinery.

The overall TAPI pipeline is planned to run about 1,814 kilometres from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Indian border. It has a designed capacity of 33 billion cubic metres of natural gas annually.

The project gained further momentum following high-level Turkmen-Afghan talks in August 2026. Turkmenistan said work on the Serhetabat-Herat stretch was progressing rapidly after construction began in September 2024. The giant Galkynysh field will provide the gas resource base for the pipeline.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates the project cost at about $10 billion, based on the feasibility study. It also identifies TAPI as part of the country’s energy security strategy. Islamabad and Ashgabat signed a Joint Implementation Plan in 2023 to accelerate work on the Pakistan section.

According to the Asian Development Bank, Pakistan and India are each expected to receive 47.5% of the contracted gas volumes. Afghanistan would receive the remaining 5%.

TAPI could strengthen Pakistan’s energy security

Maliha Mehmood, Research Assistant at the Institute of Regional Studies, told Wealth Pakistan that TAPI could strengthen Pakistan’s energy security by adding a land-based source of Central Asian gas. Such diversification could help reduce exposure to fluctuations in international liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets.

“An overland pipeline would reduce Pakistan’s dependence on seaborne energy supplies and provide an additional option when global LNG prices or maritime routes come under pressure,” Mehmood said.

She added that the project could enhance Pakistan’s importance as an energy transit state by linking resource-rich Central Asia with major South Asian markets.

Commercial viability remains critical

Dr Masood Ahmed, Assistant Professor at the Department of Governance and Public Policy at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, said the project’s long-term value would ultimately depend on its commercial competitiveness.

“Pakistan will have to compare the delivered cost of TAPI gas with LNG and other available supply options. The final gas price, transit fees, financing costs and security arrangements will determine whether the project is economically sustainable,” he said.

Ahmed said the commercial case would also depend on whether productive sectors could absorb the gas at competitive prices.

“If TAPI can provide reliable gas at a price that supports industry, fertiliser production and other gas-dependent sectors, its economic value would be significant. But if the delivered cost becomes too high, the strategic benefits alone may not be enough to justify long-term commitments,” he maintained.

He added that predictable demand, payment security and stable contractual arrangements would be essential for the project’s sustainability. Cross-border pipelines require sustained commercial flows over many years to recover investment costs.

COP31 offers pathway to turn energy-transition plans into investable projects

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COP31 offers pathway to turn energy-transition plans into investable projects

ISLAMABAD, Oct 7 (ABC): COP31 offers developing countries an opportunity to turn national energy-transition ambitions into investable projects. Experts say clearer fossil-fuel transition plans, backed by international finance, technology transfer and stronger implementation frameworks, could help translate climate commitments into action.

During the UN General Assembly high-level week in September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on governments to develop credible national roadmaps for transitioning away from coal, oil and gas. These roadmaps should include clear timelines and protections for affected workers and communities.

The call comes as global energy investment reaches record levels, creating opportunities for countries with well-prepared transition projects. However, access to financing remains unevenly distributed.

According to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Investment 2026, total energy investment is expected to reach $3.4 trillion this year.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), however, found that 90% of energy-transition investment remained concentrated in advanced economies and China. Grants accounted for less than 1% of financing.

The financing question is gaining immediate attention as COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, with Türkiye holding the presidency and Australia leading the negotiations.

Developing countries need finance, technology support

Muhammad Arif Goheer, Executive Director of the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), told Wealth Pakistan that stronger transition commitments from developing countries needed adequate international finance, technology transfer and capacity-building.

He said developing countries should also arrive at COP31 with clearly identified projects and implementing institutions. They should demonstrate domestic resources already committed and specify financing gaps rather than presenting financing requirements alone.

Pakistan’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 illustrates both the scale of the investment requirement and the potential pipeline for climate-related projects. It estimates total investment requirements of $565.7 billion by 2035, including $163.7 billion for the low-carbon power transition.

Pakistan aims to reduce its projected 2035 greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 50%. Of this, 17 percentage points are to be achieved through domestic resources. Another 33 percentage points are conditional on adequate international climate finance, technology transfer and capacity-building.

Goheer said the climate process needed to move from commitments to finance and from finance to implementable outcomes.

Climate disasters squeeze fiscal space

Anfal Nadir, Research Associate at the Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED), said calls for national transition roadmaps should also acknowledge the financial pressures confronting climate-vulnerable developing economies.

She said countries were being asked to finance long-term transitions away from fossil fuels while simultaneously meeting growing recovery costs from floods and other climate disasters. This reduces the fiscal space available for investments in grids, renewable generation, storage and other transition infrastructure.

Nadir said the challenge was not simply the overall volume of climate finance. The speed with which countries could access funding and whether support arrived through grants or additional debt were also important.

She said the timeline between climate disasters and the eventual availability of international assistance illustrated another challenge. A significant gap could emerge between an immediate climate emergency and the institutional processes required to approve financing.

Nepal’s August floods highlighted such pressures. The government formally sought emergency support from the Loss and Damage Fund following the August 26 disaster. Its Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment subsequently estimated reconstruction requirements at approximately $4.78 billion.

Nadir said repeated climate shocks could further shrink the fiscal space available for longer-term energy transition. This was particularly relevant where countries already faced high borrowing costs and recovery itself required additional debt.

She called for faster financing mechanisms and a greater share of grants for highly indebted and vulnerable economies. Simpler access procedures were also needed for countries and institutions with limited technical capacity.

Pakistan needs investment in grids, storage

Muhammad Basit Ghauri, Manager, Special Initiatives and China Program at Renewables First, told Wealth Pakistan that Pakistan’s expansion of distributed solar showed that parts of the energy transition were already taking place. However, the next phase would require much larger investment in storage, grids and clean electrification.

He said efforts to prepare bankable projects were useful, but project readiness alone could not overcome a wider shortage of affordable climate finance.

At COP29, countries agreed that developed countries would take the lead in mobilising at least $300 billion annually for developing countries by 2035. Meanwhile, all actors would work towards scaling climate finance from public and private sources to at least $1.3 trillion annually by the same year.

Ghauri said the $300 billion commitment remained inadequate relative to developing-country requirements. He added that COP31 needed to address not only the volume of climate finance but also its affordability and accessibility.

Greater access to affordable finance, he said, would be critical if countries such as Pakistan were to expand renewable energy, storage and stronger electricity systems without adding to existing debt pressures.

Pakistan Railways seeks restoration of Khewra station for tourism

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Pakistan Railways seeks restoration of Khewra station for tourism

ISLAMABAD, Oct 07 (ABC): Pakistan Railways has approached the Punjab Archaeology Department for the restoration of the historic British-era Khewra Railway Station as a tourist attraction.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the station has remained non-operational since passenger services ceased in 2011. Over the years, its building, platforms and associated railway infrastructure have deteriorated.

The Chalisa-Khewra railway section was opened in August 1887, primarily to transport rock salt, coal and other minerals. It also provided passenger services to communities in the surrounding areas.

Railway supported Khewra’s industrial development

The railway played an important role in the industrial development of Khewra and the Salt Range. Its significance increased with the establishment and expansion of industries, including Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) and later Lucky Core Industries (LCI).

However, the growing use of road transport gradually reduced railway freight from the 1990s onwards. Passenger services eventually ceased in 2011, leaving Khewra Railway Station non-operational.

Since then, the station building, platforms and associated railway infrastructure have suffered deterioration.

Restoration aimed at tourism

Pakistan Railways has now approached the Punjab Archaeology Department to restore the historic station building. The proposed restoration is aimed at preserving the railway heritage and developing the site as a tourist attraction.

Pakistan establishes meat export base in 14 countries

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Pakistan establishes meat export base in 14 countries

ISLAMABAD, Oct 06 (ABC): Pakistan has established a meat export base in 14 countries as the government continues efforts to expand market access. It is also seeking to diversify livestock and meat exports across Gulf, Asian and other international markets.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, Pakistan’s existing meat export markets include Qatar, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Other markets include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Jordan and China.

The Ministry of Commerce is pursuing further market access and addressing foreign-country restrictions through Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). It is also coordinating with the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), Animal Quarantine Department (AQD) and relevant authorities in importing countries.

Under the Prime Minister’s Export-led Growth Initiative, the Ministry of Commerce has undertaken product-market prioritisation, market intelligence and market-access facilitation. In addition to established GCC markets, Uzbekistan, China, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon have been identified as diversification opportunities.

Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia emerge as key markets

Uzbekistan has shown growing potential, with Pakistan’s meat exports to the country increasing from around $15.1 million, or 4,439 metric tonnes, in FY2025 to $18 million, or 6,094 metric tonnes, in FY2026.

Saudi Arabia remains another major market, with Pakistan’s meat and poultry exports reaching $191.5 million in FY2025-26.

Meanwhile, further market-access and establishment work is being pursued with China, Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Lebanon in coordination with MNFSR and AQD.

For poultry, Pakistan has sought market access in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Access also remains under process for Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Applications concerning table and hatching eggs in Saudi Arabia are under consideration by the relevant authorities.

China-related applications cover boiled chicken feet, ready-to-eat chicken products and pasteurised egg products. In addition, Vietnam’s country-registration dossier has been submitted for further processing.

TDAP rolls out 24-month export marketing plan

The export drive is being supported by TDAP’s 24-month Agri-Exports Marketing Plan covering September 2026 to August 2028. It includes international exhibitions, trade delegations, business-to-business matchmaking, webinars, field seminars and targeted buyer and regulatory delegations.

Planned participation covers major international events, including the Saudi Food Show, SIAL Paris, Gulfood, SIAL Shanghai and FoodExpo Kazakhstan. Other events include Oman AgroFood, FOODEX Japan, SIAL Canada, Food Africa and Africa’s Big 7.

FoodAg 2026 in Karachi is also included as a national buyer-matching platform involving buyers from 80 countries.

The plan provides for 98 webinars and online B2B sessions covering meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, rice, seafood and other priority products. It also includes 32 field seminars focusing on export compliance and production-related requirements.

Modern-trade initiatives are planned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Meanwhile, product-development measures include heat-treated beef cuts for China and other value-added products.

From September 2027, exhibitions, delegations and campaigns are planned to continue on an outcome-based basis. Their continuation will depend on confirmed orders, modern-trade listings and successful market-access outcomes.

New trade missions planned

Sector-specific promotion includes proposed outgoing trade missions to Thailand for meat, dairy and livestock and to China for dairy. Missions are also planned for CIS markets, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, for meat and dairy, as well as Brazil for meat and livestock.

Incoming delegations from China, Lebanon, Malaysia and Uzbekistan are also envisaged to facilitate inspections, protocols and commercial engagement.

The documents identify disease control, traceability, animal productivity, meat and milk yields, breed improvement and exportable surplus as areas requiring attention. Logistics, value addition and sanitary and phytosanitary compliance are also considered important for further export growth.

These supply-side areas require coordinated action by MNFSR, provincial livestock departments, AQD and other competent authorities. At the same time, the Ministry of Commerce and TDAP will continue to pursue market access, buyer engagement and promotion of value-added products.

Direct Pakistan-Turkmenistan flights to boost Central Asia trade connectivity

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Direct Pakistan-Turkmenistan flights to boost Central Asia trade connectivity

ISLAMABAD, Oct 6 (ABC): The proposed resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Turkmenistan is set to add a new channel for trade and business connectivity with Central Asia. The air link could complement road and rail corridors whose reliability has increasingly become a concern for regional traders.

Pakistan and Turkmenistan are considering the resumption of cargo and commercial flights between Islamabad and Ashgabat. The proposed connection comes against a backdrop of limited bilateral trade despite the geographical proximity of the two countries.

According to official trade data, Pakistan exported about $1.18 million worth of goods to Turkmenistan and imported $5.87 million in FY2025-26. This took bilateral trade to around $7.05 million.

Air connectivity could open new trade opportunities

Sabz Ali Khan, Director at the Directorate General of Trade Organization (DGTO), told Wealth Pakistan that improved air connectivity could provide another route for moving people, goods and business services. It could also create stronger commercial links with the wider Central Asian region.

He said the small existing trade base showed substantial room for Pakistani exporters to identify products with demand in Turkmenistan. This could help diversify beyond the limited range of goods currently traded.

“Improved trade facilitation, better transport connectivity, market intelligence, business-to-business linkages and participation in trade exhibitions could help Pakistani exporters explore this relatively untapped Central Asian market,” he said.

The significance, however, extends beyond Turkmenistan. The case for alternative connectivity has gained importance as disruptions on Pakistan’s traditional overland route through Afghanistan have exposed the vulnerability of trade access to Central Asian markets.

According to the Asian Development Bank’s Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) corridor monitoring data, average road border-crossing times across the CAREC network more than doubled from 6.3 hours in 2010 to 14.1 hours in 2024.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently approved a $400 million regional facility aimed at modernising border crossings and reducing transport and logistics costs across participating CAREC economies.

Multimodal connectivity gains importance

Khan said these constraints made multimodal connectivity increasingly important for Pakistan.

He pointed to Pakistan’s existing trade arrangements with Uzbekistan and said bilateral links with individual Central Asian states should be viewed within a broader network of regional transit. Such relationships, he added, should not be treated as isolated trading arrangements.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan already have a Preferential Trade Agreement and an Agreement on Transit Trade, providing an institutional framework for expanding commercial and transport links.

Khan said Uzbekistan’s central geographical position could help connect Pakistani businesses with other Central Asian markets. However, sustainable trade would require predictable transit rules, efficient customs clearance and alternative routes when individual corridors were disrupted.

The same argument was highlighted at the September CAREC meetings in Mongolia. There, Pakistan called for CAREC Corridors 5 and 6 to evolve from basic transport routes into integrated economic corridors. The proposed approach would link Central Asia with the Arabian Sea through logistics, rail, road and port infrastructure.

Air links could complement road, rail routes

Rana Asif Khan, Founder President of the International Road Transport Chamber of Pakistan (IRTCoP), told Wealth Pakistan that greater use of multimodal cargo systems could reinforce regional connectivity. Such systems could combine air, road and maritime transport.

He said a recently introduced multimodal cargo model had created an additional option for cross-border trade. In particular, it could facilitate shipments moving between different modes of transport under a more integrated documentation framework.

According to him, the model is currently centred on Karachi. Extending such arrangements to Islamabad, Lahore, Quetta and Gwadar could broaden Pakistan’s regional logistics network.

He said direct air and multimodal connections could be particularly useful for time-sensitive and higher-value cargo. Meanwhile, road, rail and maritime links would remain essential for larger trade volumes.

For Pakistan, direct Islamabad-Ashgabat flights would therefore be more significant as part of a wider regional connectivity network than as a standalone solution. Air links could improve business mobility and provide an alternative channel for selected cargo, while road, rail and transit arrangements would continue to carry the bulk of regional commerce.

China’s vaccine assistance boosts Pakistan’s livestock disease-control efforts

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China’s vaccine assistance boosts Pakistan’s livestock disease-control efforts

ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (ABC): China’s provision of 300,000 veterinary vaccine doses to Pakistan has strengthened efforts to protect livestock from disease. It also highlights the need for a sustained system of surveillance, vaccination and veterinary coverage to safeguard rural incomes and animal productivity.

The vaccines are intended to support the control of lumpy skin disease (LSD) and Brucella melitensis. Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security and Research said they would be used under applicable technical requirements. These include proper cold-chain management, monitoring and coordination with provincial livestock authorities.

The intervention is economically significant because livestock is Pakistan’s largest agricultural subsector. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26, livestock contributed 62.45% of agricultural value addition and 14.64% of GDP. The subsector grew 3.75% during the year.

Pakistan’s Agricultural Census 2024 counted 55.86 million cattle, 47.74 million buffaloes, 44.59 million sheep and 95.83 million goats. These numbers illustrate the scale of household and rural assets exposed to livestock disease.

Disease prevention protects rural incomes

Globally, animal-health authorities increasingly view disease prevention as an economic, food-security and public-health issue. The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) says vaccination, early detection, biosecurity and movement controls are central to managing lumpy skin disease. Meanwhile, brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with significant economic consequences for livestock producers.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Sher Ahmed, former Chief of the Mountain Agricultural Research Centre at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, said the economic value of vaccination extended beyond preventing animal deaths.

“Livestock diseases translate directly into losses in farm income, productivity and food security,” he said. “Lumpy skin disease reduces milk production, affects fertility and damages hides, while brucellosis causes reproductive losses and can also infect humans.”

Ahmed said the Chinese assistance should be treated as the beginning of a structured disease-control programme rather than a one-off vaccine distribution exercise.

He said vaccination should be guided by disease prevalence and supported by diagnostic testing and surveillance. Cold-chain management, animal identification and systematic records showing which herds had been vaccinated were also important.

Pakistan strengthens disease surveillance

The need for such a system has also gained wider policy attention. On September 25, Pakistan called at an FAO meeting in Rome for greater investment in animal health and disease surveillance.

The government said an upgraded electronic Animal Disease Reporting and Surveillance System was being developed with the endorsement of provinces and regions. The initiative forms part of broader One Health efforts.

At the farm level, however, access to preventive veterinary care remains uneven.

Muhammad Shaukat, who runs a dairy farm in Islamabad, told Wealth Pakistan that disease outbreaks could impose substantial losses on farmers. At the same time, awareness and institutional support remained limited.

“We mostly depend on our own networks. If a disease appears in another area, we become alert and get our animals vaccinated,” he said.

Shaukat said he normally consulted a local veterinarian and purchased vaccines privately. He estimated that vaccination for around 24-25 animals could cost approximately Rs10,000.

Dr Umar Nawaz, Manager Dairy and Livestock at HBL Zarai Services, said the Chinese vaccine donation highlighted the need to improve access at the village level. Farmers in some areas could face vaccine shortages and limited veterinary coverage.

He said disease-control programmes should identify hotspots and develop disease-controlled areas that could gradually be expanded. Greater farmer awareness should also form part of such efforts.

Disease control could support meat exports

Ahmed said stronger disease control could also support Pakistan’s livestock-export ambitions. However, vaccination would need to be integrated with traceability, testing, accredited laboratories and veterinary certification.

Pakistan exported 114,046 tonnes of meat and meat preparations worth $530.25 million in FY2025-26, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data.

China is also becoming a growing market for selected Pakistani meat products. Data from China’s General Administration of Customs showed that Pakistan exported 2.38 million kilograms of boiled beef worth $14.52 million to China in 2025. The export value increased 177% year-on-year.

Ahmed cautioned that vaccination alone would not deliver export competitiveness.

“Disease surveillance, vaccination, traceability, accredited laboratories and export certification have to be developed as one integrated system,” he said. Pakistan also needed stronger control of other trade-relevant diseases, particularly foot-and-mouth disease, he added.

Cooperation could move towards technology transfer

The vaccine assistance also fits into broader Pakistan-China agricultural cooperation. The two countries exchanged a Letter of Exchange on animal vaccines in May 2026. Agriculture and livestock development, technology transfer and disease-control capacity also form part of cooperation under CPEC Phase II.

Ahmed said the next stage should move from vaccine donations towards technology transfer, modern diagnostics and laboratory development. Cooperation could also cover disease modelling and, eventually, local vaccine-production capacity.

“Pakistan should use this cooperation to build long-term disease-control capacity rather than depend on periodic assistance,” he said.

Stronger surveillance, reliable vaccination coverage and improved veterinary services, he added, would help protect farmers from preventable losses. These measures could also strengthen livestock productivity and Pakistan’s ability to meet animal-health requirements in export markets.

Rs15.26bn paid as M-6 land acquisition reaches 100%

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Rs15.26bn paid as M-6 land acquisition reaches 100%

ISLAMABAD, Oct 4 (ABC): Land acquisition for the Sukkur-Hyderabad Motorway (M-6) project has reached 100%, with National Highway Authority (NHA) payments amounting to about Rs15.26 billion. This is according to the latest official data available with Wealth Pakistan.

The updated land acquisition status shows that the motorway requires 7,548 acres across seven districts of Sindh along its 306-kilometre alignment. Of the total requirement, 1,026 acres comprise state land, while 6,522.26 acres are private land.

The data show awards covering about 6,522 acres of private land. Mutation has also been completed for about 6,522 acres.

Khairpur, Matiari account for major land requirements

District-wise figures show that Khairpur Mir’s has the largest land requirement. The project needs 1,877 acres for a 76-kilometre section, including 88 acres of state land and 1,789 acres of private land. NHA payments in the district amount to Rs4.076 billion.

In Matiari, the 70-kilometre stretch requires 1,729 acres, comprising 100 acres of state land and 1,629 acres of private land. NHA payments stand at about Rs4.093 billion.

Another major portion falls in Naushahro Feroze, where 1,581 acres are required for a 64-kilometre stretch. Of this, 87 acres comprise state land and 1,494.26 acres are private land. Payments have reached about Rs3.619 billion.

In Shaheed Benazirabad, the project requires 1,457 acres for a 59-kilometre section. This includes 80 acres of state land and 1,377 acres of private land, with payments amounting to about Rs3.029 billion.

Land acquired across seven Sindh districts

The requirement in Jamshoro stands at 568 acres for a 23-kilometre section. It comprises 464 acres of state land and 104 acres of private land, while NHA payments stand at Rs21.85 million.

Hyderabad requires 296 acres for a 12-kilometre section, including 194 acres of state land and 102 acres of private land. Payments in the district amount to Rs321.135 million.

In Sukkur, 40 acres are required along a two-kilometre stretch. This comprises 13 acres of state land and 27 acres of private land, with payments standing at Rs99.792 million.

The latest status report places overall land acquisition progress at 100%. However, the table separately shows award and mutation involving 79 acres as being in process. This comprises eight acres in Hyderabad, 51 acres in Matiari and 20 acres in Khairpur Mir’s.

The document also states that 713.30 acres are required for interchanges, service areas and rest areas. However, the available information does not specify whether this acreage is included in the overall 7,548-acre requirement.

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