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Chinese firm selected for N-5 highway rehabilitation in Sindh

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Chinese firm selected for N-5 highway rehabilitation in Sindh

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (ABC): China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd. (CSCEC) has been selected for the rehabilitation of specific sections of National Highway N-5 in Sindh under a project supported by a $100 million Chinese grant.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the National Highway Authority (NHA), under the Ministry of Communications, is implementing the project.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project on February 27, 2026.

The document states that CSCEC was selected to bid for the scheme, while the contract has been drafted for signing.

China commits $100 million in grant assistance

The project carries a Chinese grant commitment of $100 million. Pakistan and China signed the grant agreement on December 31, 2020.

According to the document, the project has a planned implementation period of 24 months from its commencement.

The selection of the Chinese firm marks an important step towards rehabilitating key sections of one of Pakistan’s major national highways.

Rehabilitation to improve road safety and transport efficiency

National Highway N-5 serves as a major transport corridor connecting cities, commercial centres, industrial zones and agricultural markets across Pakistan.

The planned rehabilitation aims to improve road conditions and enhance safety along the targeted sections in Sindh.

It is also expected to facilitate smoother movement of passenger vehicles and freight traffic.

Improved road conditions could help reduce vehicle operating costs and transportation delays. In addition, the project is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains and benefit transport operators, businesses and local communities.

Project strengthens Pakistan-China infrastructure cooperation

The Chinese grant assistance reflects continued cooperation between Pakistan and China in infrastructure development.

The project focuses on improving existing transport infrastructure, which plays an important role in supporting trade, logistics and regional connectivity.

It also highlights the broader scope of bilateral development cooperation, with Chinese financial and technical assistance contributing to the modernisation of Pakistan’s road network.

The rehabilitation of the targeted N-5 sections is expected to improve transport efficiency and support economic activity along this important national highway.

SSGC plans Rs1.92bn gas supply projects for 46 Sindh villages

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SSGC plans Rs1.92bn gas supply projects for 46 Sindh villages

ISLAMABAD, Oct 19 (ABC): Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL) plans to extend natural gas infrastructure to 46 villages and towns in Sindh during the current financial year 2026-27 at an estimated cost of Rs1.922 billion.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the schemes will cover 31 villages and towns in Sanghar district and 15 in Shikarpur district. The projects involve laying 178.52 kilometres of gas pipelines to serve 2,710 prospective consumers.

The schemes form part of the sixth phase of SSGCL’s gasification programme for communities located within a five-kilometre radius of gas-producing fields.

Sanghar to receive Rs1.50bn gas infrastructure

Under the plan, SSGCL proposes to extend gas infrastructure to 31 villages and towns surrounding the Bobi gas field in Sanghar district.

The scheme carries an estimated cost of Rs1.503 billion and involves laying 132.40 kilometres of pipelines. It aims to provide gas infrastructure for 1,767 prospective consumers.

Meanwhile, a separate scheme will cover 15 villages and towns near the Hassan gas field in Shikarpur district.

The Shikarpur project will cost approximately Rs418.99 million. It includes 46.12 kilometres of pipeline networks to serve 943 prospective consumers.

Together, the two schemes aim to expand access to natural gas infrastructure in communities surrounding producing gas fields.

Government to provide Rs1.776bn for projects

According to the financing arrangements, the government will provide Rs1.776 billion for the two schemes. SSGCL will contribute Rs146.34 million under its prescribed cost-sharing criteria.

For the Bobi gas field scheme, the government’s contribution stands at Rs1.408 billion, while SSGCL will provide Rs95.418 million.

Similarly, the Hassan gas field scheme involves government funding of Rs368.071 million and a company contribution of Rs50.922 million.

The gasification programme is being implemented in accordance with the prime minister’s directions and orders passed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Implementation Bench of the Sindh High Court.

Its objective is to provide gas infrastructure to communities located within five kilometres of producing gas fields.

SSGCL has already covered 404 villages and towns

According to the documents, SSGCL has completed gasification schemes covering 404 villages and towns during the first four years of implementation.

These schemes served communities around various gas fields in Sindh and Balochistan, including those in Badin, Tando Muhammad Khan and Sanghar districts.

The company now plans further expansion under the sixth, seventh and eighth phases of the programme.

Another 127 villages targeted by FY2028-29

During FY2027-28, SSGCL plans to extend gas infrastructure to another 67 villages and towns at an estimated cost of Rs1.831 billion.

These schemes will involve laying 171.97 kilometres of pipelines for 2,281 prospective consumers.

In FY2028-29, the company proposes to cover another 60 villages and towns at an estimated cost of Rs1.796 billion.

The planned works include 155.02 kilometres of pipeline networks to serve 1,620 prospective consumers.

Overall, the sixth to eighth phases envisage gasification schemes covering 173 villages and towns. The proposed infrastructure includes a combined pipeline network of 505.51 kilometres at an estimated cost of Rs5.549 billion.

Of this amount, SSGCL’s proposed contribution stands at Rs356.994 million, while the government’s share is estimated at Rs5.192 billion.

The planned expansion is expected to strengthen gas distribution infrastructure in communities near producing fields, subject to the implementation of the proposed schemes.

TMUC Lahore celebrates Class of 2026 graduation

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TMUC Lahore celebrates Class of 2026 graduation

LAHORE, Oct 17 (ABC): TMUC Higher Education Group celebrated its Class of 2026 at a graduation ceremony in Lahore, bringing together academic leaders from Pakistan and the United Kingdom, international education partners, faculty members, families and graduates.

According to a press release, former Punjab Education Minister Mian Imran Masood attended the ceremony as chief guest. Senior representatives of leading British universities and international education organisations also participated.

The guests included Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Hertfordshire, and Professor Lyndsay Duthie, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Partnerships and Industry Engagement at the University for the Creative Arts.

Saad Wasim, Regional Advisor for South Asia at the University of London, and Waqar Shah, Deputy General Manager of Pearson Pakistan, also attended.

Dr Faisal Mushtaq TI, Founder and CEO of The Millennium Education Group and TMUC Higher Education Group, hosted the ceremony.

TMUC marks key milestones in UK academic partnerships

The graduation ceremony marked two important milestones in TMUC’s international academic partnerships.

These included 10 years of collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire and eight years of partnership with the University for the Creative Arts.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Faisal Mushtaq discussed the changing role of higher education in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, entrepreneurship and evolving professions.

“A university’s greatest ranking is not in a magazine, but in the employability of its graduates,” he said.

He emphasised that future graduates must combine academic excellence with creativity, adaptability, communication, leadership and global confidence.

UK university leaders highlight employability and innovation

Professor Anthony Woodman encouraged graduates to focus on employability, ambition, adaptability and an international outlook.

He highlighted the importance of preparing students not only for their first jobs but also for careers and industries that will continue to evolve.

Meanwhile, Professor Lyndsay Duthie stressed the growing importance of creativity, industry engagement and innovation in a technology-driven world.

Her participation also marked eight years of academic collaboration between TMUC and the University for the Creative Arts.

Representatives of the University of London and Pearson Pakistan shared perspectives on international higher education, professional qualifications, skills development and the future of learning.

Graduates from Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala recognised

Chief guest Mian Imran Masood congratulated the Class of 2026 on completing an important stage of their academic journey.

He joined TMUC and its international partners in recognising the role of education in preparing confident, capable and future-ready young professionals.

The ceremony brought together graduating students from TMUC campuses in Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala.

It celebrated their academic commitment, resilience and achievements across various disciplines.

The event also highlighted TMUC’s efforts to strengthen internationally connected higher education in Pakistan.

Through its academic partnerships, the institution aims to bring together global education, industry engagement, creativity, technology and employability to prepare graduates for changing professional opportunities.

China’s high-speed rail expansion strengthens regional economic integration

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China’s high-speed rail expansion strengthens regional economic integration

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (ABC): China’s expanding high-speed railway network is strengthening connectivity between major economic centres, reducing travel times and supporting regional economic integration. The country continues to invest in modern transport infrastructure while improving links between industrial and commercial markets.

China opened four high-speed railway sections in September 2026. These connect Xiong’an with Shangqiu, Xi’an with Ankang, Yichang with Xingshan and Harbin with Yichun.

The new sections extend modern rail connectivity across northern, northwestern, central and northeastern China.

The expansion comes amid sustained railway investment and growing passenger demand.

According to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd., fixed-asset investment in the railway sector reached 511.8 billion yuan during January-August 2026. This represented an increase of 1.5% compared with the same period last year.

Meanwhile, railway passenger journeys reached a record 3.32 billion during the eight-month period, rising 3.9% year-on-year.

Integrated railway networks create wider economic benefits

Dr Hassan Daud Butt, Senior Advisor to Energy China and former Project Director of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), discussed China’s railway expansion with Wealth Pakistan.

He said the latest developments demonstrated how individual infrastructure projects could generate wider economic benefits when integrated into a national transport network.

“Connectivity produces the greatest economic return when a new line does not end with the cities it directly serves but links into other corridors, industrial centres and markets. That multiplies the economic catchment area of the infrastructure and can encourage investment well beyond the railway itself,” he said.

Butt explained that China’s approach highlighted the importance of treating railway development as part of a broader economic strategy.

Rather than focusing only on individual transport links, countries should develop networks that connect economic centres and support commercial activity.

Integrated railway systems can improve market access, facilitate passenger movement and strengthen economic connections between regions. As a result, they can also create opportunities for businesses and industrial development.

China’s continued railway investment demonstrates the importance of long-term network planning. This becomes particularly relevant as transport demand increases and economic activity expands across different regions.

For developing economies, the experience offers lessons in coordinating infrastructure investment with regional connectivity and economic development.

Such planning can help connect production centres, commercial markets and major urban economies.

Pakistan can learn from China’s railway development

Butt said Pakistan could draw important lessons from China’s approach as it considers railway modernisation and regional connectivity projects under CPEC.

“Pakistan needs to think increasingly in terms of economic corridors rather than standalone transport projects. Railways should connect ports, industrial zones, agricultural markets and major urban centres in a way that reduces logistics costs and creates commercially useful movement across the network,” he said.

He emphasised that railway investment should focus on economic outcomes alongside infrastructure development.

The benefits depend not only on the quality of railway tracks and facilities but also on their connections with industrial activity and logistics networks.

“China’s experience demonstrates that the economic value of a railway network comes from how effectively different regions and economic centres are connected. For Pakistan, modernising the Karachi-Peshawar ML-1 corridor could deliver wider economic benefits if it improves freight reliability, strengthens links with industrial zones and reduces the cost of moving goods between production centres and ports,” Butt said.

The proposed modernisation of Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-1 (ML-1) remains an important component of the country’s long-term transport development plans.

The project has the potential to improve domestic freight movement, passenger services and connectivity between major economic centres.

However, Pakistan’s railway requirements differ in some respects from China’s latest high-speed rail expansion.

While China’s newly opened sections primarily improve passenger connectivity, Pakistan also needs to strengthen freight efficiency and logistics services.

Improving the movement of goods between industrial centres and seaports remains particularly important for the country’s trade competitiveness.

Efficient logistics essential for regional connectivity

Engr. Saqlain Ahmed, Assistant Professor at HITEC University, Taxila, said Pakistan’s geographical position offered considerable potential for regional transport connectivity.

The country could strengthen transport links with China, Central Asia and Afghanistan while improving access to maritime trade routes serving the Middle East and other international markets.

However, Ahmed cautioned that geographical advantages alone could not guarantee commercially successful trade corridors.

“Competitive transit services require efficient border procedures, compatible transport arrangements, reliable logistics infrastructure and predictable movement of cargo,” he told Wealth Pakistan.

He said Pakistan needed to complement railway infrastructure investment with improvements in operational efficiency, technical expertise and institutional capacity.

According to Ahmed, cooperation with China should extend beyond infrastructure financing.

It should also cover railway operations, technical training, signalling technology, maintenance systems and logistics management.

“Pakistan can benefit from Chinese expertise in railway engineering and network management, but the objective should be to strengthen domestic operational capabilities. Training railway engineers, technicians and logistics professionals, developing modern maintenance practices and introducing data-driven freight management could create lasting improvements in the sector,” he said.

Technical expertise and financing remain key priorities

Ahmed said modern railway systems increasingly depended on efficient operations, reliable maintenance and the effective use of technology.

These capabilities help improve service quality, reduce operating costs and ensure more reliable transport services.

Strengthening technical and operational capacity could also help Pakistan make better use of its existing railway infrastructure.

In addition, such improvements would prepare the country for future network expansion and closer integration with regional transport corridors.

Ahmed emphasised that railway modernisation required realistic financing and implementation arrangements, particularly given Pakistan’s fiscal constraints.

He said infrastructure investment needed to follow practical financial planning and sustained improvements in operational capacity.

These measures would help ensure that railway projects delivered long-term economic benefits rather than creating additional financial burdens.

Railway modernisation offers long-term economic opportunities

China’s continuing high-speed railway expansion illustrates how integrated transport networks can strengthen regional economic connections.

Improved railway connectivity can also support mobility between major population centres, industrial areas and commercial markets.

For Pakistan, experts believe the central lesson is to link railway modernisation with industrial development, logistics efficiency and regional trade connectivity.

They also highlighted the importance of developing the technical expertise and financial capacity needed to sustain infrastructure improvements.

Ahmed stressed that Pakistan’s railway development priorities should focus on practical financing arrangements, stronger operational capabilities and efficient transport services.

Such an approach could help the country improve domestic connectivity, reduce logistics costs and support trade and economic activity over the longer term.

NADRA establishes 43 citizen facilitation centres across 11 KP districts

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NADRA establishes 43 citizen facilitation centres across 11 KP districts

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (ABC): The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has established 43 citizen facilitation centres across 11 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under a $46 million World Bank-funded project.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the centres form part of the KP Citizen-Centred Service Delivery Project, which has achieved 72% implementation progress.

The project aims to strengthen citizen-centred service delivery across the province. NADRA serves as its implementing agency, while the initiative falls under the social policy sector.

The official status report describes the project’s implementation as on track. It identifies the establishment of 43 citizen facilitation centres across 11 districts as a major achievement.

Project completion deadline extended to December 2026

According to the document, the project commenced on July 19, 2023, with an original completion deadline of June 30, 2026.

However, the authorities subsequently extended the completion deadline to December 31, 2026, allowing additional time for the remaining activities.

The project has a total financing amount of $46 million, provided through World Bank support.

Project records 72% implementation progress

The official document records overall implementation progress at 72%, indicating that several project activities remain incomplete.

The revised deadline of December 31, 2026, provides the updated timeframe for completing the outstanding work.

The establishment of the 43 centres represents a key milestone in the project’s efforts to improve citizen-centred service delivery across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Balochistan plans 30 livestock ponds, 40 water tanks under Saudi-funded project

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Balochistan plans 30 livestock ponds, 40 water tanks under Saudi-funded project

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (ABC): The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD)-supported Livelihood Restoration Project in Balochistan envisages the excavation of 30 community livestock ponds and the construction of 40 water tanks to improve water availability and support rural livelihoods.

According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the proposed ponds and water tanks are among several interventions aimed at restoring livelihoods and improving essential infrastructure across the province.

The documents show that the bidding process for the excavation of 30 community livestock ponds began in 2024. However, the bid evaluation was still awaiting approval from the Saudi Fund for Development.

The proposed ponds aim to improve access to water for livestock-dependent communities, particularly in rural areas where water shortages remain a challenge.

Water infrastructure and livelihood activities

Another major component involves the construction of 10 water diversion structures and the boring and drilling of wells.

The SFD has approved the bid evaluation for these works. However, approval of the draft agreement remains pending.

Meanwhile, the project also includes the construction of 40 water tanks. According to the documents, the bidding process for these tanks was underway.

In addition to water infrastructure, the project envisages the provision of sewing machines to support livelihood restoration activities.

These interventions form part of broader efforts to improve basic facilities and create livelihood opportunities for communities in Balochistan.

SFD reviews project implementation

An SFD mission visited the project in February 2026 to review implementation progress and procurement activities.

During the visit, the project director briefed the delegation on the status of various schemes and the progress of bidding procedures.

The briefing highlighted that the project authorities had submitted bid evaluations for five schemes to the SFD for concurrence.

The fund approved the bid evaluation for the water diversion structures and wells. However, approval of other pending schemes was still awaited.

The authorities also rationalised the project’s scope by removing a subcomponent involving the construction of 150 rooms. This adjustment resulted in estimated savings of $0.13 million.

Project records 32% physical progress

According to the official documents, the Livelihood Restoration Project has achieved 32% physical progress.

The Project Management Unit of the Human Rights Affairs Department, Balochistan, is implementing the initiative with grant assistance from the Saudi Fund for Development.

The documents put the project’s total cost at $1.50 million, while expenditure has reached $0.48 million.

The planned livestock ponds, water tanks and other infrastructure works remain important components of the project. Their completion will depend on the remaining procurement approvals and subsequent implementation activities.

Fed’s flexible rate outlook offers emerging markets temporary relief

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Fed’s flexible rate outlook offers emerging markets temporary relief

ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (ABC): The US Federal Reserve’s flexible approach to future interest rate decisions could offer emerging markets temporary relief from tighter global financial conditions. This flexibility could give developing economies more time to manage debt repayments, currency pressures and external financing requirements.

The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4% in September. The increase followed nine months of unchanged rates. However, the Fed has indicated that future decisions will depend on incoming economic data rather than a fixed schedule of rate increases.

Recent US economic indicators have presented a mixed picture. Nonfarm payrolls increased by just 29,000 in September, while unemployment remained at 4.2%. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings rose 3% year-on-year. These figures suggest some moderation in labour market momentum and add uncertainty to the outlook for further monetary tightening.

However, inflation remains above the Fed’s objective. US consumer prices increased 3.4% year-on-year in August, while inflation excluding food and energy stood at 2.4%. The September inflation report was scheduled for release on October 14. Markets expected the figures to influence interest rate expectations ahead of the Fed’s October 27–28 meeting.

Fed policy flexibility could reduce market volatility

Ubaid Ullah Khan, former Unit Head at the State Bank of Pakistan, discussed the implications for emerging economies with Wealth Pakistan.

He said the key issue was not whether the Fed would raise rates again. Instead, it was whether further increases would occur gradually enough for global financial markets to adjust.

“When monetary policy is not tied to consecutive rate increases, emerging markets get some breathing space. It reduces the risk of sudden repricing in currencies, bonds and external financing and gives central banks more room to manage their own policy response,” he said.

However, Khan cautioned against interpreting policy flexibility as a shift towards monetary easing. He explained that inflation remained a concern for US policymakers.

“The Fed is still signalling concern about inflation. For emerging economies, the benefit is that the adjustment may be spread over time rather than delivered through a rapid sequence of rate increases. That distinction matters significantly for countries managing external debt and foreign exchange pressures,” he added.

The Fed’s approach affects economies far beyond the United States. Changes in American interest rates influence global borrowing costs, international investment decisions and cross-border capital flows.

Higher US interest rates generally make dollar-denominated assets more attractive to international investors. As a result, emerging-market currencies can face additional pressure. Governments and businesses may also find it more expensive to secure financing from international markets.

In contrast, a more predictable pace of monetary tightening can reduce financial uncertainty. It can also give emerging economies more time to manage debt repayments and strengthen foreign exchange reserves. Moreover, central banks may gain additional flexibility to adjust domestic financial policies.

Emerging markets face greater exposure to capital flows

These developments have become increasingly important because emerging economies now depend more heavily on international portfolio investment. Consequently, changes in global financial conditions can have a greater impact on their borrowing costs and financial stability.

According to research published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this year, portfolio debt liabilities now average around 15% of GDP across emerging markets. In comparison, the figure stood at approximately 9% in 2006.

The research also found that nonbank investors provide about 80% of this capital. This highlights the growing importance of international investment funds and other nonbank financial institutions in emerging-market financing.

Separate IMF research identified US monetary policy changes as an important driver of emerging-market borrowing spreads and capital flows. Therefore, even changes in expectations about future Fed decisions can influence financing conditions across developing economies.

Adil Mustafa, Director Compliance at Khushhali Bank, said greater predictability in US monetary policy could temporarily improve funding conditions for emerging economies.

He explained that a more predictable policy outlook could reduce uncertainty surrounding dollar liquidity and international borrowing costs.

“For banks and businesses in developing markets, the challenge is not only the level of US interest rates but the volatility surrounding their future direction. A more flexible and data-dependent approach allows institutions to plan liquidity, foreign currency exposure and refinancing requirements with greater confidence,” he told Wealth Pakistan.

Mustafa also highlighted the impact of US monetary policy on international investor behaviour. He said countries that depend heavily on external financing and foreign portfolio inflows were particularly exposed to changes in market expectations.

“When markets fear rapid US tightening, international investors tend to become more defensive and emerging market assets face greater pressure. If rate increases are spaced out, it can reduce that immediate pressure, although countries with weak external positions will still need to maintain strong buffers,” he said.

High external debt increases financial risks

The changing outlook for US interest rates is particularly important for developing economies facing substantial external debt obligations. Many of these countries also face high refinancing costs, which place additional pressure on public finances.

According to World Bank estimates, low- and middle-income countries paid a record $415 billion in interest on external debt in 2024. Meanwhile, their combined external debt reached $8.9 trillion.

These figures highlight the growing financial burden on developing economies. High borrowing costs can reduce fiscal resources, limit development spending and increase the cost of servicing existing debt.

For Pakistan, greater stability in global interest rate expectations could provide some relief in financial planning. The country must manage external financing requirements while addressing domestic economic priorities.

However, experts stressed that lower market volatility alone would not resolve financial vulnerabilities. Any lasting improvement would also depend on foreign exchange reserves, debt sustainability, investor confidence and access to external financing.

Mustafa said banks and businesses should use periods of reduced market volatility to improve liquidity planning. They should also manage foreign currency exposure more effectively and prepare for future financing requirements.

Nevertheless, he warned that slower US monetary tightening would not eliminate the risks associated with elevated global interest rates. Economies with weak external positions would remain particularly vulnerable.

Experts urge stronger reserves and debt management

Khan also advised emerging economies to use the Fed’s policy flexibility to strengthen their financial resilience. He cautioned against treating temporary relief as an opportunity to increase dependence on external borrowing.

Countries facing substantial refinancing requirements should focus on extending debt maturities and building foreign exchange reserves, he said. In addition, they need to reduce their exposure to sudden changes in international capital flows.

“For emerging economies, breathing room is valuable only if it is used to lengthen maturities, strengthen reserves and reduce refinancing vulnerabilities. The global interest rate environment remains restrictive, so policy flexibility in Washington should be treated as an opportunity to prepare, not as evidence that financing risks have disappeared,” he said.

Laila Naz Taj receives Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026

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Laila Naz Taj receives Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (ABC): Laila Naz Taj, a development professional with extensive experience in human development, public policy and humanitarian response, has received the Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of her contributions to Pakistan’s social and institutional development.

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the ceremony as chief guest, while the Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety presented the award.

The Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan Excellence Awards recognise distinguished women whose leadership, professional achievements and dedication have contributed to Pakistan’s social, economic and institutional development.

The award citation acknowledged Taj’s commitment to nation-building, public service and community empowerment.

An alumna of Harvard Business School and the London School of Economics, Taj has worked across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Afghanistan.

Her professional experience includes engagement with governments, communities, development partners, civil society organisations and institutions to translate policy priorities into practical development initiatives.

Taj reaffirms commitment to community development

Speaking at the ceremony, Taj expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty, the Government of Pakistan and the selection committee for recognising her services.

She reaffirmed her commitment to supporting marginalised communities through the Aga Khan Development Network and promoting integrated, community-driven development initiatives.

Taj also paid tribute to her parents and mentors, acknowledging their guidance and encouragement throughout her professional journey.

She said their support had strengthened her resilience and inspired her pursuit of excellence through achievement and perseverance.

Taj pledged to continue contributing to national progress and the betterment of humanity with dedication, humility and an enduring commitment to excellence.

Award recognises women’s contributions to national development

The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) conferred the award in collaboration with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, and the Islamabad Centre of National Cohesion and Outreach.

The initiative recognises women who have demonstrated professional excellence, leadership and commitment to public service while contributing to Pakistan’s development and social progress.

Punjab farmers urged to adopt water-saving irrigation methods

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Punjab farmers urged to adopt water-saving irrigation methods

ISLAMABAD, Oct 15 (ABC): Water experts have urged Punjab farmers to gradually shift from traditional flood irrigation to more efficient methods, including drip and sprinkler systems, to conserve dwindling water resources and cope with erratic rainfall and rising temperatures caused by climate change.

They also recommended improving existing irrigation practices to reduce water losses while keeping costs manageable for farmers.

Flood irrigation remains widely used across Pakistan despite having an overall efficiency rate of less than 45%. Experts believe better water management and the gradual adoption of modern irrigation techniques could help conserve water and sustain agricultural production.

Dr Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial, Director of the Irrigation Research Institute (IRI), Punjab, said farmers should not abandon flood irrigation overnight. Instead, they should adopt more efficient practices in phases, considering their financial capacity and crop requirements.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he explained that flood irrigation involved relatively low initial costs. However, poor management could lead to excessive water application, runoff, waterlogging and soil salinity.

He recommended laser land levelling, proper irrigation scheduling and furrow irrigation as practical steps to improve existing systems before investing in more expensive technologies.

Dr Sial said farmers should introduce drip and sprinkler irrigation where the economic and technical benefits justified the investment. Financial assistance, technical training and maintenance facilities could also encourage wider adoption.

He stressed that farmers should assess the total cost of irrigation systems over their useful life rather than focusing only on installation expenses.

“For low-margin crops such as wheat, improving existing flood irrigation may be the most practical starting point, while drip irrigation may be economically attractive for suitable orchards and high-value crops,” he explained.

He also warned that excessive reliance on tubewells could accelerate groundwater depletion, particularly when extraction exceeded natural or artificial replenishment.

Climate-smart farming can reduce water demand

Water experts have called for greater emphasis on water stewardship, watercourse lining, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and responsible water reuse to address growing water scarcity.

Sohail Ali Naqvi, Director of Water Resources at WWF-Pakistan, said improving irrigation efficiency alone would not ensure sustainable water conservation. Farmers also needed to adopt climate-smart cropping practices.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said rotating cereals with legumes, including mung bean, chickpea and lentil, could improve soil health and reduce water requirements.

Similarly, farmers in water-scarce regions could reduce the area under water-intensive crops such as rice and sugarcane. They could also adopt heat- and drought-tolerant varieties to minimise climate-related losses.

Naqvi highlighted the importance of timely sowing in protecting crops from rising temperatures. He said sowing wheat by mid-November could help crops avoid terminal heat, particularly during El Niño years.

Over the next five to 10 years, Pakistan should expand nature-based solutions, climate-informed irrigation practices, laser land levelling and watercourse lining, he suggested.

He also called for improved water management in urban and industrial areas. Cities and industries should increase water reuse, promote rainwater harvesting, reduce leakage and strengthen groundwater management.

“These are practical interventions that can be expanded through systems we already have,” he said.

Naqvi stressed that Pakistan should treat groundwater as a strategic national resource rather than an unlimited reserve.

Farmers encouraged to adopt smarter irrigation practices

Aamir Mushtaq, Deputy Director of the Water Management Department, Punjab, said farmer training in smart irrigation techniques was essential to reducing water losses.

He explained that farmers should schedule irrigation according to crop water requirements and soil moisture levels instead of applying water unnecessarily.

Mushtaq also highlighted Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) for paddy rice. He said the technique could reduce irrigation requirements when properly managed.

He recommended Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) as another alternative to conventional transplanted rice, noting that it could significantly reduce water consumption.

According to the experts, Punjab needs a balanced approach that combines affordable improvements to traditional irrigation with the gradual adoption of modern technologies.

They stressed that better irrigation management, climate-resilient crops and responsible groundwater use would be crucial to conserving water and sustaining agricultural production across Pakistan.

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