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Pakistan joins Trump’s Board of Peace after charter signing at Davos

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Pakistan joins Trump’s Board of Peace after charter signing at Davos

ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (ABC): Pakistan has formally joined US President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace (BoP) after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the founding charter at Davos on Thursday.

The ceremony was held on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, where leaders and senior officials from 19 countries gathered on stage with President Trump to endorse the new body. Trump, who will serve as chairman of the Board of Peace, was the first to sign the charter.

Pakistan had received a formal invitation from President Trump to join the board, which was later accepted by Islamabad.

Addressing the gathering, Trump said the board comprised leaders who were “in most cases very popular, in some cases not so popular,” adding that this was “the way it goes in life.”

Originally conceived to oversee peace arrangements in Gaza following the war between Hamas and Israel, the board’s charter outlines a broader mandate to help resolve international conflicts. This expanded scope has prompted concerns that the body could rival the United Nations, a suggestion Trump rejected, saying the board would work “in conjunction” with the UN rather than replace it.

The initiative has also drawn controversy over its proposed membership. Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to join the board, though Moscow later said the invitation was still under consideration. Under the charter, permanent members are required to contribute $1 billion, fuelling criticism that the board could become a “pay-to-play” alternative to the UN Security Council.

Several key US allies declined to participate. Britain and France both expressed scepticism, with the UK saying it would not attend the signing ceremony.

Leaders and officials who signed the charter alongside Trump included representatives from Hungary and Argentina, as well as Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has said he intends to join the board, did not attend the ceremony.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the event that the board’s immediate priority was to ensure that any Gaza peace deal becomes durable. Trump, however, warned that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the ceasefire, or it would be “the end of them.”

The launch of the Board of Peace comes amid Trump’s long-stated frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having resolved multiple international conflicts.

Pakistani scientists test space-exposed seeds to improve crop varieties

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Pakistani scientists test space-exposed seeds to improve crop varieties

ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (ABC): Pakistani scientists are testing crop seeds exposed to cosmic radiation and zero gravity in space to assess genetic variation and expand crop diversity.

Dr Zahid Mahmood, Program Leader of the Wheat Program at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), told Wealth Pakistan that the initiative combines conventional plant breeding with space-based experimentation and focuses on the use of induced mutations to introduce new variation into crop lines for future improvement.

Dr Zahid said the seeds were sent into space under a mission coordinated by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission in collaboration with China.

He said the consignment included wheat, rice and maize seeds that were exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity conditions during the mission. After their return to Earth, the material was initially handled in Karachi and then provided to researchers for further evaluation, he said.

Dr Zahid said mutation breeding traditionally relies on radiation or chemical treatments applied under controlled conditions to induce sudden changes in DNA, and that space exposure is being examined as an additional source of mutation because cosmic radiation and zero gravity are known to cause genetic changes.

He said that because open-field trials generally allow only one generation of a crop to be evaluated each year, the returned seeds were first advanced under controlled conditions at the Speed Breeding Facility at the National Agricultural Research Centre to enable faster generation turnover.

Dr Zahid said early testing of wheat material has shown some variation and that the material has now been planted in the field for further evaluation, adding that a complete crop cycle of around one year is required before final results can be recorded.

He said the experiment is currently at a trial stage and that outcomes depend on the type of crop, treatment, and duration of exposure to space conditions.

Dr Zahid cautioned that not all mutations are beneficial and that extensive selection is required before any material can be taken forward.

According to him, traits such as plant height, disease resistance, grain size, colour, and yield are being assessed as part of the selection process.

Dr Zahid said modern evaluation tools are also being used alongside mutation and speed breeding, including drones equipped with multispectral sensors to rapidly assess plant traits across large breeding plots through high-throughput phenotyping.

He said these tools allow large volumes of data to be generated quickly, helping researchers identify promising material at an early stage and improve the efficiency of crop research.

Dr Zahid said the findings from the trials will guide future space missions, which will be planned in closer coordination to ensure suitable crop material is selected for exposure and evaluation.

Sindh govt plans dedicated floricultural farms to diversify agriculture

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Sindh govt plans dedicated floricultural farms to diversify agriculture

ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (ABC): The Sindh government is working on a project to establish dedicated floricultural farms across the province in an effort to diversify agriculture and unlock new income opportunities for farmers.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Agriculture Extension Sindh in coordination with other provincial stakeholders, aims to tap the considerable potential of floriculture as a high-value and climate-resilient segment of agriculture.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Ghulam Mustafa Nangraj, Director of the Agriculture Extension Sindh, said the province has the climatic diversity, fertile soils and farming capacity needed to develop floriculture into a viable economic sector.

“Sindh has all the ingredients to turn floriculture into a thriving industry. These dedicated floricultural farms will serve as centres of excellence for training, innovation and commercial production,” he said, outlining the department’s vision for a more diversified agricultural portfolio.

Under the plan, clusters of floricultural farms will be established near major agricultural zones, including Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Badin and Thatta — districts already recognised for their horticultural output. The proposed farms will focus on cut flowers, potted ornamentals, nursery plants and value-added floral products such as dried flowers and essential oils.

He said modern practices including greenhouse cultivation, drip irrigation and post-harvest handling facilities will be introduced to improve yields, quality and marketability.

“Floriculture is not just about flowers; it is about economic empowerment,” Mustafa said, adding that the initiative aims to help farmers earn higher incomes, reduce reliance on water-intensive crops and gain access to domestic and international markets. “These farms will act as hubs for innovation, training and commercial activity.”

He said Sindh’s move toward floriculture aligns with broader national trends, as farmers and policymakers look for alternatives to traditional crops that require large volumes of water. He said floriculture can deliver better returns per acre with comparatively lower water use, particularly for high-value flowers and ornamentals catering to urban and export markets.

The department is also placing emphasis on capacity building for smallholder farmers. Extension services will be expanded to provide training in floriculture techniques, pest management, greenhouse operations and market linkages. Farmers will have access to certified planting material, inputs and demonstration plots to help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern horticulture.

“We are designing this initiative with farmers’ needs at the core,” Mustafa said. “From nursery management to floral packaging, growers will be equipped with the skills and infrastructure needed to compete effectively. Floriculture can also create employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, in cultivation, processing and marketing.”

Beyond farm-level gains, he said the planned floricultural farms will strengthen Sindh’s agribusiness ecosystem through collaboration with research institutions, universities and the private sector. Cold storage and value-addition facilities will also be part of the plan to preserve quality and secure better prices in local and export markets.

Paper mulberry removal to cut Islamabad allergy cases by over 40%: minister

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Paper mulberry removal to cut Islamabad allergy cases by over 40%: minister
  • Late-year allergy cases dropped from over 2,300 in 2023 to 1,031 in 2025 following targeted tree removal
  • Overall allergy prevalence fell from 8% in 2023 to 33.3% in 2025, despite population growth
  • So far, 29,115 paper mulberry trees have been uprooted under the eradication drive
  • High-density pollen zones such as F-9 Park and Shakarparian are being prioritised for clearance
  • Under a 3:1 restoration policy, three native trees are planted for every paper mulberry removed
  • By April 2026, about 90,000 indigenous trees are expected to be planted across the capital.

ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (ABC): Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Malik briefed a Senate Standing Committee on the Paper Mulberry Management and Ecological Restoration programme in the Islamabad Capital Territory, describing it as a major public health and environmental intervention to address the capital’s long-standing pollen crisis.

The briefing was given to the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, chaired by Sherry Rehman. Dr Malik told the committee that Paper Mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), an invasive non-native species introduced between the 1960s and 1980s, is responsible for around 94 percent of Islamabad’s total pollen burden.

He said Islamabad has been facing a severe pollen problem for more than two decades, with total pollen counts peaking at an unprecedented 82,000 grains per cubic metre in 2022. According to the minister, Paper Mulberry pollen is particularly hazardous because its fine particles penetrate deep into the lungs, causing severe allergic rhinitis, acute asthma attacks and, in extreme cases, life-threatening status asthmaticus.

Terming the initiative a critical public health measure, Dr Malik informed the committee that the ecological restoration programme is expected to reduce respiratory allergies in the capital by more than 40 percent, easing seasonal pressure on hospitals and emergency departments.

He shared data from the National Institutes of Health Allergy Center, showing that late-year allergy cases declined from more than 2,300 in 2023 to 1,031 in 2025 following targeted removal efforts. Overall allergy prevalence also fell from 45.8 percent in 2023 to 33.3 percent in 2025, indicating a reduced per-capita risk despite population growth.

The minister said that to prevent aggressive resprouting, the ministry, in coordination with the Capital Development Authority, is implementing a strict three-step eradication protocol involving cutting, complete uprooting of the root system and soil compaction. Of the approximately 80,000 Paper Mulberry trees identified for removal across Islamabad, 29,115 have been cleared so far, with priority given to high-density areas such as F-9 Park and Shakarparian.

He added that ecological restoration is a core component of the programme. Under a 3:1 restoration policy, three indigenous trees are being planted for every Paper Mulberry removed. By April 2026, around 90,000 native trees — including kachnar, amaltas, desi toot and drought-resilient pilkan — are expected to be planted to help restore the capital’s natural ecosystem.

The committee was told that the initiative is being supported through public-private partnerships, with contributions from organizations including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, MIRA Power and Beaconhouse.

Concluding the briefing, Dr Malik said the programme aligns Islamabad with international best practices in urban environmental health governance adopted in countries such as the United States and Australia. He expressed hope that by April 2026 the project would be completed in line with approved technical protocols, resulting in sustained control of seasonal pollen levels and a measurable reduction in pollen-related allergic and respiratory illnesses in the federal capital.

MQM-P urges Centre to declare Karachi federal territory

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MQM-P urges Centre to declare Karachi federal territory

ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (ABC): The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Thursday called on the federal government to declare Karachi a federal territory and designate it as the country’s financial capital, citing chronic governance failures highlighted by the recent Gul Plaza fire tragedy.

Addressing a press conference, MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal urged the Centre to invoke Articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution to assume a stronger administrative role in the metropolis. He said Article 149 empowers the federal government to issue directives to provinces to avert threats to peace, public order, or economic life.

Arguing that Karachi’s economic weight warrants special status, Kamal said the city cannot be left to the existing provincial administration, a reference to the Pakistan Peoples Party (Pakistan Peoples Party) government in Sindh. “We have an administrative capital, but Karachi should be the financial capital,” he said, adding that broader demands for new provinces could be taken up later.

Kamal also accused the provincial setup of disenfranchising residents and warned that governance failures risk alienating citizens and benefiting hostile forces. He claimed the PPP was taking unfair advantage of the 18th Amendment and demanded stronger local governments (LGs), recalling that proposed LG reforms had support during talks on the 27th Constitutional Amendment but stalled due to political deadlock.

He said MQM-P has long linked its backing of constitutional changes to empowering LGs under Article 140A, and announced the party would now pursue its proposals as part of a future 28th Amendment. The issue also surfaced in the National Assembly of Pakistan, where lawmakers discussed LG reforms following the Gul Plaza incident. MQM-P’s Farooq Sattar called for creating additional administrative units, while PML-N’s Khawaja Asif supported strengthening LGs to improve city management.

Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon rejected MQM-P’s demands, accusing the party of politicising the tragedy. He questioned whether rolling back the 18th Amendment or handing Karachi to the Centre would prevent such incidents, asserting the Sindh government was not evading responsibility for public safety and property protection.

ICC turns down Bangladesh plea to relocate T20 World Cup matches from India

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ICC turns down Bangladesh plea to relocate T20 World Cup matches from India

NEW DELHI, Jan 21 (ABC): The International Cricket Council has rejected Bangladesh’s request to move its T20 World Cup matches out of India, saying there was no credible security threat and that changes to the schedule were not feasible so close to the tournament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday following a board meeting, the ICC said its decision was based on multiple security assessments, including independent reviews, all of which concluded that Bangladesh players, officials, media personnel and fans would be safe at the tournament venues in India.

Bangladesh had sought to have its matches shifted to Sri Lanka, the tournament’s co-host, citing safety concerns arising from strained political relations between the two countries.

“The decision was taken after considering all security assessments conducted, including independent reviews, all of which indicated there was no threat to Bangladesh players, media persons, officials and fans at any of the tournament venues in India,” the ICC said.

The governing body added that altering the match schedule at this late stage would be impractical and could undermine future events.

“The ICC board noted that it was not feasible to make changes so close to the tournament and that altering the schedule under the circumstances, in the absence of any credible security threat, could set a precedent that would jeopardise the sanctity of future ICC events,” the statement said.

According to the ICC, its management held a series of meetings and exchanges with the Bangladesh Cricket Board to address the concerns raised. During these engagements, the ICC shared detailed information on event security, including venue-specific plans and layered arrangements involving federal and state law enforcement agencies.

An ICC spokesperson said the council had engaged in sustained and constructive dialogue with the BCB over recent weeks to facilitate Bangladesh’s participation in the tournament.

“During this period, the ICC has shared detailed inputs, including independent security assessments, comprehensive venue-level security plans and formal assurances from the host authorities, all of which consistently concluded that there is no credible or verifiable threat to the safety or security of the Bangladesh team in India,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that the ICC remained committed to acting in good faith, upholding consistent standards, and protecting the collective interests of international cricket.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin next month, with matches to be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.

Pakistan accepts US invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza

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Pakistan accepts US invitation to join ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (ABC): Pakistan has accepted an invitation from United States President Donald Trump to join the proposed “Board of Peace,” saying the move is aimed at supporting international efforts to achieve lasting peace in Gaza, the Foreign Office (FO) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the FO said the invitation to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was extended by President Donald J. Trump as part of the US administration’s initiative to establish a new international framework focused initially on Gaza and its post-war governance and reconstruction.

“In response to the invitation extended to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif by President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Pakistan would like to announce its decision to join the Board of Peace as part of its ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza peace plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803,” the statement said.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan hoped the establishment of the proposed framework would lead to concrete progress toward a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an expansion of humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and the reconstruction of the war-affected territory.

The statement further said Pakistan expected that the initiative would contribute to the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination through a credible and time-bound political process, consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

According to the FO, Pakistan supports the establishment of an independent, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

“Pakistan looks forward to continuing to play a constructive role as part of the Board of Peace for the achievement of these goals as well as to end the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters,” the statement added.

President Trump first proposed the creation of the Board of Peace in September last year while announcing a plan to end the Gaza conflict. Invitations sent to world leaders last week outlined a broader mandate for the body, including a potential role in addressing conflicts beyond Gaza.

According to a draft charter circulated by the US administration and seen by Reuters, countries seeking membership beyond an initial three-year period would be required to contribute $1 billion in cash. The charter was reportedly sent to around 60 countries.

The inclusion of a formal charter in the invitation has raised concerns among some European governments, who fear the proposed body could undermine the role of the United Nations. Trump has previously criticised the UN, accusing it of failing to support his conflict-resolution initiatives.

Separately, the Financial Times reported that the Trump administration intends to expand the Board of Peace into a permanent global body that could operate as an alternative to existing international institutions.

The draft charter describes the board as a “more nimble and effective international peace-building body” and proposes that it be chaired by Donald Trump. It states that the board would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before extending its mandate to other global disputes.

Under the draft charter, the chairman would be granted wide executive authority, including the power to appoint and remove member states, with such decisions subject to reversal only by a two-thirds majority vote. The chairman would also retain effective veto power over board decisions.

The document further authorises the chairman to create, amend or dissolve subsidiary entities to carry out the board’s mission. It also allows the chairman to serve indefinitely, subject only to voluntary resignation or removal due to incapacity confirmed by a unanimous board vote.

According to reports, only a limited number of countries — including Hungary, Israel and the United Arab Emirates — have so far accepted the invitation to join the Board of Peace without reservations.

Govt launches electric vehicle subsidy scheme

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Govt launches electric vehicle subsidy scheme

ISLAMABAD, Jan 21 (ABC): The federal government has formally launched the Prime Minister’s Special Electric Vehicle (EV) Scheme, initiating the release of funds to provide subsidies on electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders as part of efforts to promote affordable and environmentally friendly transport in Pakistan.

With the start of subsidy disbursements to approved applicants, the scheme has entered its implementation phase, marking the government’s first practical step toward encouraging large-scale adoption of electric vehicles across the country.

Under the programme, subsidies amounting to around Rs9 billion will be provided during the current financial year, while cumulative allocations are projected to exceed Rs100 billion over the next five years, up to 2030.

According to the Engineering Development Board, subsidies in the first phase are being granted for 41,000 electric vehicles. These include 40,000 electric bikes and 1,000 electric rickshaws and loaders.

The scheme allows consumers to purchase electric vehicles at subsidised prices. For instance, an electric bike costing around Rs250,000 will be eligible for a government subsidy of up to Rs80,000.

Officials said the subsidy is being offered through both bank leasing and cash purchase mechanisms to ensure wider accessibility. Electric bikes and rickshaws are being provided on easy installment plans to reduce the financial burden on buyers.

In the first phase, subsidy amounts are being transferred directly to applicants’ accounts through the State Bank of Pakistan. The Engineering Development Board confirmed that Rs3.5 billion has already been released to commercial banks under the scheme.

In the second phase, the government plans to extend subsidies to more than 78,000 additional electric vehicles, which officials say will significantly increase the number of electric bikes, rickshaws, and loaders operating on roads across Pakistan.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and cost-effective transport, reduce reliance on fuel-powered vehicles, and lower carbon emissions. Authorities believe the scheme will also help stimulate local manufacturing and create new opportunities in Pakistan’s automotive and energy sectors.

Gold prices cross Rs5 lakh mark for first time in Pakistan

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Gold prices cross Rs5 lakh mark for first time in Pakistan

Islamabad, Jan 21 (ABC): Gold prices surged to a historic high in Pakistan on Wednesday, crossing the Rs5 lakh level for the first time amid a sharp rally in the international bullion market and rising global uncertainty.

According to the All Pakistan Sarafa, Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of gold per tola rose by Rs12,700 to Rs506,362, marking an all-time high in the domestic market. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold also increased by Rs10,888 to Rs434,123.

Silver prices followed the upward trend. The price of 24-karat silver per tola increased by Rs64 to Rs9,933, reflecting strong demand in both local and global markets.

In the international market, gold jumped by $127 to $4,840 per ounce as escalating geopolitical tensions drove investors toward safe-haven assets. Silver also reached a new milestone, breaking above $95 per ounce for the first time.

Commenting on the rally, Fawad Razaqzada, a market analyst at City Index and FOREX.com, said gold has moved deeper into uncharted territory as investors seek protection against rising political risks. He added that a weaker US dollar has provided additional support to precious metals, strengthening gold’s momentum at a time when confidence in US assets appears to be under pressure.

The surge in prices comes ahead of former US President Donald Trump’s expected meeting with global business leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. At the same time, the US dollar recorded its biggest single-day decline in more than a month, making dollar-denominated gold cheaper for international buyers.

Market analysts said the outlook for gold remains positive amid global economic uncertainty and sustained demand for safe-haven assets. They noted that gold’s limited supply, intrinsic value, and historical independence from government and central bank policies continue to make it an effective hedge against inflation, currency depreciation, and broader economic instability.

Gold is widely viewed as a reliable store of value during periods of economic stress, as it tends to preserve purchasing power when paper currencies weaken. Its strong performance during times of geopolitical tension further reinforces its status as a preferred safe-haven asset for investors worldwide.

NA passes bill seeking secrecy of parliamentarians’ asset details

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NA passes bill seeking secrecy of parliamentarians’ asset details

Islamabad, Jan 21 (ABC): The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the Elections Amendment Bill, 2026, seeking to allow limited secrecy of parliamentarians’ statements of assets and liabilities under specific security-related circumstances.

The proposed legislation amends Section 138 of the Elections Act by inserting a proviso that empowers the speaker of the relevant assembly or, in the case of the upper house, the chairman of the Senate of Pakistan to withhold public disclosure of a member’s asset details.

Under the amendment, the speaker or chairman may issue a ruling in the chamber determining that the statement of assets and liabilities of a member should not be published by the Election Commission of Pakistan if such publication poses a serious threat to the life or safety of the member or their family.

The bill states that any such restriction on publication will be time-bound and may not exceed one year at a time. It also makes clear that the concerned parliamentarian will still be required to submit a complete and true statement of assets and liabilities confidentially to the Election Commission.

According to the proposed amendment, the provision is intended to address security concerns while maintaining the requirement for mandatory asset declarations under the law.

The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. If approved by the upper house, it will require assent from the president before becoming law.

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