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Pakistan develops 14 high-quality cotton varieties to support textile industry

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Pakistan develops 14 high-quality cotton varieties to support textile industry

ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (ABC): Pakistan approved 14 cotton varieties during 2021-2025 featuring improved fibre quality, higher ginning outturn (GOT), heat tolerance, drought tolerance and bollworm resistance, strengthening the country’s cotton seed portfolio and supporting the textile industry.

Official documents available with Wealth Pakistan show that two major cotton research institutions developed the approved varieties. The Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, produced 11 varieties, while the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Sakrand, contributed three.

The approved cotton varieties from CCRI Multan include Bt CIM-663, Bt CIM-678, Bt CIM-785, Bt Cyto-535, Cyto-226, CIM-775, CIM-343, Cyto-537, Cyto-511, Bt CIM-775 and Bt CIM-990. CCRI Sakrand developed Bt CRIS-682, Bt CRIS-674 and CRIS-644.

Fibre quality improves across new varieties

The approved varieties recorded ginning outturn (GOT) ranging from 38.2% to 42.3%, staple lengths of up to 29.6mm and fibre strength of up to 33.5.

Cotton quality depends not only on yield but also on fibre characteristics. Micronaire, fibre strength and ginning outturn directly affect spinning performance, yarn quality and fabric durability.

Micronaire measures fibre fineness and maturity. It influences spinning performance, dye absorption and fabric quality. The ideal micronaire range for most spinning mills is between 3.5 and 4.9, and all the approved varieties fall within this range.

Fibre strength determines the force a cotton fibre can withstand before breaking. A strength of 28 to 30 is considered good, 30 to 32 very good and above 32 excellent. The approved varieties recorded fibre strength ranging from 28.3 to 33.5, covering all three quality categories.

Ginning outturn measures the percentage of lint obtained after ginning seed cotton. The approved varieties recorded GOT ranging from 38.2% to 42.3%. A GOT between 38% and 40% is generally considered good, while anything above 40% is regarded as excellent.

Leading varieties deliver stronger performance

Among the approved varieties, CIM-775, released by CCRI Multan in 2023, recorded the highest ginning outturn at 42.3%. It also achieved a staple length of 27.1mm, a micronaire value of 4.8 and fibre strength of 28.6. The documents describe the variety as highly tolerant to cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV).

Cyto-226 recorded the highest staple length among all approved varieties at 29.6mm. Released in 2021, it achieved a ginning outturn of 40.3%, a micronaire value of 4.89 and fibre strength of 28.44. Researchers describe it as a high-yielding variety with strong fibre characteristics.

CIM-343 recorded the highest fibre strength of 33.5. Researchers released the variety in 2023 and identified it as drought-tolerant and resistant to bollworm.

Bt Cyto-535, approved in 2021, recorded a ginning outturn of 41.5%, a staple length of 28.4mm, a micronaire value of 3.97 and fibre strength of 28.85. Researchers say the variety combines good fibre characteristics, large bolls and high-yield potential.

Cyto-537, released in 2023, also demonstrated strong fibre quality. It recorded a ginning outturn of 41%, a staple length of 28.3mm, a micronaire value of 3.8 and fibre strength of 31.5. Researchers list it as a high-yielding variety with good fibre quality.

Climate-resilient cotton receives priority

The research programme placed strong emphasis on developing climate-resilient and pest-resistant cotton to help farmers cope with changing weather conditions and production challenges.

Researchers developed Bt CIM-663 in 2021 as a heat-tolerant, high-yielding variety. It recorded a ginning outturn of 40.2%, a staple length of 28.6mm, a micronaire value of 4.1 and fibre strength of 30.4.

Researchers also approved Bt CIM-678 in 2021. The variety combines heat tolerance with early and uniform maturity, making it suitable for improving crop management and harvesting efficiency.

Bt CIM-785 combines heat tolerance, bollworm resistance and high-yield potential. It recorded a ginning outturn of 40%, a staple length of 28.8mm, a micronaire value of 4.7 and fibre strength of 31.2.

Sindh strengthens cotton improvement programme

CCRI Sakrand developed three approved cotton varieties, strengthening Sindh’s contribution to Pakistan’s cotton improvement programme.

Bt CRIS-682 and Bt CRIS-674, both approved in 2024, each recorded a ginning outturn of 38.5%. Bt CRIS-682 achieved a staple length of 28mm, a micronaire value of 4.7 and fibre strength of 29.1, while Bt CRIS-674 recorded a staple length of 28.2mm, a micronaire value of 4.6 and fibre strength of 29.3.

CRIS-644 recorded a ginning outturn of 40.5%, a staple length of 28.4mm, a micronaire value of 4.4 and fibre strength of 28.3. The documents list it as a non-Bt, high-yielding cotton variety.

Overall, the 14 newly approved cotton varieties combine improved fibre quality, climate resilience and pest resistance. These characteristics are expected to boost cotton productivity, strengthen Pakistan’s textile industry and improve the competitiveness of Pakistani cotton in international markets.

کیا سی پیک 2.0 پاکستان کو ٹیکنالوجی پاور بنا دے گا

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کیا سی پیک 2.0 پاکستان کو ٹیکنالوجی پاور بنا دے گا

75% of federal civil servants’ service records digitized

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75% of federal civil servants’ service records digitized

ISLAMABAD, Aug 3 (ABC): The federal government has digitized around 75% of the service records of civil servants belonging to four occupational groups under a major reform to modernize human resource management and reduce reliance on paper-based records.

According to official documents presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat and available with Wealth Pakistan, the Establishment Division has made significant progress through the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS).

The centralized digital platform manages the service records of officers belonging to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), Office Management Group (OMG), and Secretariat Group (SG).

HRMIS digitization progresses

According to the briefing, around 75% of the service record data has already been entered into the HRMIS platform.

The remaining records are being prioritized for digitization. The Establishment Division is also conducting a comprehensive verification and correction exercise to ensure the authenticity, completeness and accuracy of the data.

The digital system includes officers’ personal profiles, postings, promotions, seniority, qualifications, training history, leave records, Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs) and other service-related information.

Officers have been given access to review their records and submit correction requests. The Establishment Division verifies these requests before incorporating them into the system.

Single digital repository

The Establishment Division informed the committee that manual record handling is not causing delays in the digitization process.

According to the briefing, the current focus is on completing the remaining data entry and validation before HRMIS becomes the government’s authoritative source for personnel management.

Once fully operational, the system will serve as a single digital repository for service records. It will support promotions, transfers, training and other human resource functions.

The initiative is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, data integrity and evidence-based decision-making across the federal government.

Punjab develops first master plan for conservation of Taxila

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Punjab develops first master plan for conservation of Taxila

ISLAMABAD, Aug 3 (ABC): The Punjab government has developed the first comprehensive long-term conservation strategy for the UNESCO World Heritage Property of Taxila, replacing decades of fragmented restoration with an integrated management programme to protect one of South Asia’s most important archaeological landscapes.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative marks a shift from isolated restoration projects to an integrated heritage management framework for the wider Taxila World Heritage Property. The programme includes major conservation work at the ancient sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap.

The strategy aims to preserve the authenticity, integrity and Outstanding Universal Value of Taxila while ensuring its sustainable conservation for future generations.

Long-term conservation strategy

According to the documents, the World Heritage Property has suffered for decades from natural deterioration, moisture damage, erosion, uncontrolled vegetation and incompatible restoration methods.

Previous conservation work was carried out without a comprehensive management framework. The use of reinforced concrete and cement in earlier repairs also damaged the historic fabric of several monuments.

To address these challenges, the Punjab government commissioned The Urban Unit to prepare Taxila’s first master plan. NESPAK later developed the implementation programme.

The strategy combines archaeological research, structural conservation, environmental management, museum development, visitor facilities, digital documentation, accessibility improvements and institutional capacity building.

Restoration at key heritage sites

The conservation programme began at Mohra Moradu, one of the finest Buddhist monastic complexes of the Gandhara period.

The project removed reinforced concrete structures from the Main Votive Stupa and replaced them with a lightweight protective shelter designed according to internationally recognised conservation principles.

The programme also improved accessibility by constructing a discreet earthen ramp for persons with disabilities without affecting the site’s original stone staircase.

Archaeological investigations uncovered the monastery’s original drainage system and rediscovered a historic sacred water well, improving both preservation and archaeological understanding.

At Sirkap, conservation teams cleared extensive vegetation and debris that had concealed archaeological remains and accelerated structural deterioration.

The work focused on stabilising vulnerable masonry with compatible materials and minimum-intervention techniques instead of speculative reconstruction.

Scientific documentation and future management

According to the documents, the programme introduced comprehensive scientific documentation for the first time.

The work included archival research, archaeological investigations, Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, three-dimensional laser scanning, structural condition surveys, Heritage Impact Assessments and material compatibility studies. These measures provide a technical baseline for future monitoring and conservation.

The programme also resulted in Taxila’s first Conservation Management Plan. The plan establishes long-term policies for conservation, maintenance, visitor management, disaster preparedness, environmental monitoring and institutional coordination.

In addition, the programme strengthened legal and spatial protection by defining buffer zones around component sites. It also proposed improvements to visitor facilities, interpretation, site presentation and museum displays to better showcase Taxila’s historical significance.

پاکستان میں اسٹارٹ اپ کلچر کا عروج

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پاکستان میں اسٹارٹ اپ کلچر کا عروج

پاکستان چین کے ترقیاتی ماڈل سے کیا سیکھ سکتا ہے

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پاکستان چین کے ترقیاتی ماڈل سے کیا سیکھ سکتا ہے

Rs 7.9bn spent on 10 projects under Kohlu development package

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Rs 7.9bn spent on 10 projects under Kohlu development package

ISLAMABAD, Aug 1 (ABC): Spending on 10 projects under the federal Kohlu Development Package has reached Rs7.915 billion against a combined approved cost of Rs7.958 billion, with road infrastructure accounting for the largest share of the development portfolio.

According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan, the package covers road, education, healthcare, electricity, water supply and irrigation projects in Balochistan’s Kohlu district.

The document states that these projects form part of the broader Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package, which the federal government launched in November 2009 to address constitutional, political, administrative and economic development issues in the province.

Roads dominate development spending

The largest project under the package is the construction of the Sibi-Rakhni Road via Maiwand, covering the Talli-Kohlu section from kilometre 24 to kilometre 164.

The project’s approved cost and reported expenditure both stand at Rs6.545 billion.

Another Rs222.245 million has been spent on constructing blacktop roads linking villages with Kohlu town, while the Kohlu bypass road recorded expenditure of Rs197.860 million. Both projects have reached their approved costs.

Education, health and utilities

The education component includes the establishment of a Cadet College and a Government Inter Girls’ College in Kohlu.

The Cadet College project recorded expenditure of Rs218.754 million, matching its approved cost. Expenditure on the Government Inter Girls’ College reached Rs102.096 million against an approved cost of Rs125 million.

In the healthcare sector, the 50-bed hospital project recorded expenditure of Rs205.094 million against an approved cost of Rs225.704 million.

The power component includes the construction of a 132-kilovolt grid station at Kohlu, where expenditure reached the full approved cost of Rs330.043 million.

The package also financed the installation of an 11-kilovolt Tamboo feeder to Mast Tawalki, with expenditure of Rs10 million matching the approved allocation.

Water infrastructure projects include the Kohlu water supply scheme and the Kahan Irrigation Scheme. Both projects recorded expenditure equal to their approved costs, amounting to Rs67.584 million and Rs16.434 million, respectively.

Two projects still below approved cost

According to the document, expenditure has reached the approved cost for eight of the 10 projects under the package.

The only exceptions are the 50-bed hospital and the Government Inter Girls’ College. Together, these two projects account for the Rs43.514 million gap between the package’s total approved cost of Rs7.958 billion and reported expenditure of Rs7.915 billion.

The document states that federal and provincial ministries and agencies implemented projects under the package. It adds that the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division oversees projects financed through the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).

According to the document, the federal government continues to prioritise less-developed regions, particularly Balochistan, through development projects implemented under the PSDP.

قومی ترقی میں ماہرین اور بیوروکریسی کا اشتراک

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قومی ترقی میں ماہرین اور بیوروکریسی کا اشتراک

Pakistan could reach 400m population by 2040 without timely action: Bharath

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Pakistan could reach 400m population by 2040 without timely action: Bharath

ISLAMABAD, July 30 (ABC): Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Thursday warned that Pakistan’s population could reach nearly 400 million by 2040 if timely and effective measures are not taken. He called for collective national action to promote family planning and improve reproductive healthcare.

Speaking at a ceremony for the handover of reproductive health and family planning commodities, the minister said population management was not solely the responsibility of the government. He said every segment of society must play its role.

Family planning and maternal health

Dr Bharath said family planning was not merely about limiting the number of children. Instead, it was about ensuring that every child was born into a healthy, safe and dignified environment.

He urged parents to consider whether they had the resources to provide adequate nutrition, quality education, timely immunisation, healthcare and proper upbringing before planning their families.

The minister said the use of modern contraceptive methods in Pakistan remained lower than in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Türkiye. According to him, limited use of safe family planning methods contributes to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, posing serious risks to women’s health and increasing pressure on the healthcare system.

Dr Bharath said a healthy mother was the foundation of a healthy family and a strong nation. He added that improving maternal health was essential for children’s development and the country’s long-term progress.

National strategy under preparation

The minister said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a National Council to address Pakistan’s population challenges.

According to Dr Bharath, the council is preparing a comprehensive national strategy to promote balanced population growth, improve maternal and child health, and strengthen family planning services across the country.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services. He said the Ministry of National Health Services would continue working with provincial governments, development partners and other institutions to improve the accessibility, quality and effectiveness of maternal and child healthcare and family planning services.

China donates reproductive health supplies

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services said the Government of China, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had provided Pakistan with reproductive health and family planning medicines, medical supplies and equipment worth US$2 million.

The supplies were handed over at a ceremony held at the Basic Health Unit (BHU), Tarlai, Islamabad.

According to the ministry, the assistance will strengthen reproductive healthcare services, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and expand public access to quality family planning services across Pakistan.

Chitral-Shandur highway set to complete by December

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Chitral-Shandur highway set to complete by December

ISLAMABAD, July 30 (ABC): All four packages of the 153-kilometre Chitral-Booni-Mastuj-Shandur Road are targeted for completion by December 2026, with the project requiring Rs4.20 billion during FY2026-27 to meet the deadline.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, construction is progressing along the National Highway N-140, which connects Chitral with Shandur through Pret, Booni, Mastuj and Shaidas. The route was federalised in May 2020 and divided into four construction packages.

The documents show that the government has spent Rs6.59 billion on the project so far. During FY2025-26, the project received an allocation of Rs1.50 billion, while an additional Rs5.50 billion was required to maintain construction progress.

Progress across four packages

The first package, covering 38.965 kilometres from Chitral to Pret in Lower Chitral, is the most advanced section of the project. Construction began in November 2021 and has reached 47.54% physical progress. The contract cost increased from Rs2.67 billion to Rs2.74 billion, while the completion target was revised from November 2023 to December 2026.

The second package covers the 39.723-kilometre Pret-Booni section in Lower Chitral. Work also started in November 2021 and has achieved 34.77% physical progress. Its contract cost was revised from Rs2.83 billion to Rs2.81 billion, while the completion deadline was extended from November 2023 to December 2026.

The third package spans 36.14 kilometres between Booni and Shaidas in Upper Chitral. Construction commenced in November 2021 and has reached 38.16% physical progress. The contract cost increased from Rs2.55 billion to Rs2.61 billion, and the revised completion target is December 2026 instead of November 2023.

The fourth package extends 37.782 kilometres from Shaidas to Shandur in Upper Chitral. Construction began in August 2022 and has achieved 29.78% physical progress. The contract cost rose from Rs2.87 billion to Rs2.93 billion, while the completion date was revised from August 2024 to December 2026.

Project completion target

According to the documents, all four construction packages are scheduled for completion by December 2026, subject to the availability of the required funding during FY2026-27.

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