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Punjab starts work on seedless, pigmented kinnow varieties

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Punjab starts work on seedless, pigmented kinnow varieties

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): The Citrus Research Institute (CRI) Sargodha has begun developing seedless and pigmented kinnow varieties to better meet global market demand, marking a major shift in Punjab’s citrus improvement efforts.

Punjab has 358,000 acres under citrus cultivation, with expected production for the current season estimated at 3.3 million metric tons.

“The current varietal spectrum is not fully aligned with international market demand, as it remains heavily dependent on traditional seedy kinnow,” said Dr. Akbar Hayat Saggu, Director of CRI Sargodha.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Dr. Saggu said the institute is currently working on pigmented and seedless kinnow varieties that enjoy strong global demand. He said international buyers prefer seedless, easy-peeling and high-quality mandarin types, whereas most citrus varieties grown in Pakistan lack these characteristics.

Pakistan’s citrus landscape is dominated by kinnow — a mandarin hybrid often containing around 20 seeds — along with other varieties including Musambi, Valencia Late oranges, Succri, Ruby Red, Eureka and Lisbon lemons, and Kaghzi limes, primarily cultivated across Punjab, particularly in Sargodha.

Dr. Saggu said climate change has placed substantial stress on kinnow production in Punjab, as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall and intensified pest and disease pressure have reduced yields. Heat stress during flowering and inconsistent winter patterns have affected fruit set and quality.

“We have to take care of both international trends and the climate-related issues presently affecting kinnow orchards,” he said.

He added that persistent smog in Punjab has also impacted kinnow production by reducing the sunlight required for photosynthesis, slowing tree growth and weakening fruit development. Smog traps pollutants that reduce plant vigor and increase susceptibility to diseases.

According to Dr. Saggu, around 100 citrus varieties are currently cultivated in Pakistan, with an additional 70 varieties being imported for research and development. However, imported varieties cannot be exported without breeder agreements due to intellectual property restrictions.

Citrus exporters believe Pakistan urgently needs new, competitive citrus varieties for the international market. “We can’t compete with countries like China, Turkey and Mediterranean countries with the existing decades-old kinnow varieties,” said Waheed Ahmad, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.

He said Pakistani kinnow exports have declined to 250,000 tons from 550,000 tons over the last five years due to shorter shelf life and excessive seeds. “Shipments to Russia take at least one month. The current kinnow varieties do not have that much shelf life,” he said.

Ahmad noted that Pakistani scientists should have introduced at least three to four new citrus varieties by now to help the country remain competitive in the global market.

Sindh collaborates across sectors for youth development

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Sindh collaborates across sectors for youth development

LAHORE: Shaping Tomorrow: A Public–Private Partnership Symposium on Increasing Investments for Youth Development was held at Beach Luxury Hotel, Karachi, bringing together over 200 participants from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and youth-focused organizations from various districts of Sindh.

The event was organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Pathfinder International, in collaboration with the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sindh with the aim of strengthening collaboration for advancing youth development in Sindh.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Mr. Munawar Ali Mahesar, Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sindh, highlighted the importance of investing in young people, and shared that around 26 district-level youth centers have been established across Sindh with a total allocation of PKR one billion, and underscored ongoing efforts to connect youth with industry through partnerships with chambers of commerce and industrial platforms.

He emphasized the need to create pathways that allow young people to find their own way and contribute meaningfully to the province’s development.

Additional Secretary Dr. Asad Ishaque of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, and Mr. S.M. Habibullah, Deputy Director, Directorate of Youth Affairs, provided insights into the government’s approach to public–private partnerships for youth empowerment.

They stressed that the people for whom policies are being made must have a voice in them and welcomed the private sector and youth to come forward with their questions, ideas, and innovations. Mr. Habibullah further explained that to bridge trust deficits, private sector funds would remain under their own control to ensure transparency.

Addressing the scale of investment required, Mr. Golden Mulilo, Head of UNFPA Sindh Sub Office in Karachi stressed that youth development must be a strategic priority. “The need is immense and cannot be met without strong public–private partnerships,” he said.

“Youth development is not a challenge but a smart investment, young people are our future workforce, customers and leaders. Let us make Sindh a youth-friendly investment path and ensure every young person has the opportunity to find their own way.”

Panel discussions during the event focused on strengthening public–private partnerships and ensuring youth inclusion in a rapidly transforming digital future.

Speakers discussed issues of trust, transparency, and meaningful youth engagement in policy and program design.

The symposium also provided a platform for small-scale youth-led projects to showcase their initiatives and innovations and concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to support youth development initiatives across Sindh.

Federal E-Office system saves Rs 9.5bn annually, official processing time falls 84%

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Federal E-Office system saves Rs 9.5bn annually, official processing time falls 84%

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Pakistan’s federal digital reforms have helped save Rs 9.5 billion annually, reduced official processing time by 84%, and processed over 3.48 million digital files.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan on Sunday, the largest quantified gains stem from the federal E-Office system, which has cut the summary processing time from 25 days to four days, reflecting a reduction of 84%.

The shift to paperless work flows has helped save Rs 9.5 billion annually by cutting the expenditure on paper, printing, courier services, and manpower.

E-Office adoption now spans the federal government, with over 350 organizations on-board and full implementation in 35 of 39 divisions.

As of September 2025, over 3.48 million digital files have been processed, indicating system-wide usage rather than pilot-level deployment. According to the document, all transactions are secured through digital signatures cleared by the Cabinet Division.

Beyond internal workflows, the document highlights measurable outcomes in citizen facilitation and international services.

The Apostille Attestation System, described in the document as a fully digital and Hague-compliant mechanism, has served 255,835 citizens and enabled the attestation of 633,877 documents.

The automated system has generated Rs 2.21 billion, and more than 110 countries now recognize Pakistan’s digitally attested documents.

The document also outlines revenue and usage data from the Pakistan Asaan Khidmat platform, which serves as a unified access point for government services.

According to the document, the platform has attracted 1.37 million subscribers, processed more than 1.3 million applications, and generated Rs 22.86 billion in excise and taxation revenue.

In public sector recruitment, the National Jobs Portal has introduced merit-based and transparent hiring processes nationwide, replacing manual systems and reducing human bias in recruitment, though no financial figures are attached to this reform.

On the infrastructure side, secure sovereign communication platforms are now operational, with all data hosted within Pakistan’s infrastructure.

In the health sector, a lifelong digital health identity system has been deployed at PIMS, Islamabad. Six hospitals have been integrated, supporting AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and daily management of 7,000 to 10,000 laboratory tests.

According to the document, these outcomes mark a shift from earlier conditions of decentralized IT systems, paper-based and sluggish governance, and limited strategic digital planning.

This baseline changed following the merger of the National Information Technology Board with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication’s E-Government Directorate and its declaration as an autonomous body in August 2022.

According to the document, NITB now focuses on automation, emerging technologies, and standardized digital platforms to support service delivery and data security across the federal government.

Pakistan, China sign 24 tech MoUs to deepen digital cooperation

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Pakistan, China sign 24 tech MoUs to deepen digital cooperation

ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): Pakistan and China have expanded their technological cooperation through the signing of 24 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening digital collaboration under the Joint Working Group on IT Cooperation.

According to a document available with Wealth Pakistan on Sunday, the MoUs signed in Beijing include one government-to-government, seven government-to-business, and 16 business-to-business agreements.

The initiative focuses on developing an innovative and pragmatic digital corridor to enhance cooperation in the IT industry.

According to the document, the digital corridor is intended to create new avenues for Pakistani technology companies and expand cooperation in ICT infrastructure development, such as fiber optic cable projects, cybersecurity and human resource development, while supporting connectivity, emerging technologies and digital skills.

The document highlights that the Ministry of IT and Telecom has been pursuing multiple international collaborations to train up to 300,000 Pakistani youths in advanced digital skills, promote AI adoption and expand IT exports and digital capacity.

One major initiative is the skills training partnership with Huawei, which aims to train up to 300,000 youths in fields including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity. The effort seeks to address the digital skills gap and contribute to job creation by leveraging Huawei’s global expertise and partnerships with Pakistani academic institutions.

Another initiative detailed in the document is the collaboration with Google on AI training. The partnership focuses on training government officials in artificial intelligence as part of a broader national AI effort covering school, university and vocational levels. The document states that this aims to enhance public sector excellence and integrate AI across sectors such as the judiciary, healthcare and governance.

The document further noted collaboration with the Asian Development Bank through Ignite on practical AI use-case development. Priority areas include EdTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, ClimateTech and GovTech. According to the document, this initiative translates national AI policy into actionable solutions while fostering a local AI innovation ecosystem.

The document also highlighted a planned nationwide ICT skills program with ZTE targeting up to 100,000 trainees, along with a proposal for ZTE to establish its eighth global training centre in Pakistan. The initiative aims to strengthen human resource capacity and reinforce Pakistan’s position as a competitive technology hub.

According to the document, institutional initiatives supported by the World Bank under the Digital Economy Enhancement Project focus on developing digital public infrastructure, improving access to government services and modernising governance.

The document also records bilateral and multilateral cyber security cooperation through PKCERT. It additionally notes extensive international engagements, including participation in IMM meetings, trade consultations, commerce dialogues, foreign investment discussions at the SIFC and the signing of MoUs with Azerbaijan, Iran, the UAE, China and others, along with the formation of multiple Joint Working Groups.

According to the document, these initiatives collectively aim to enhance Pakistan’s digital skills, broaden global partnerships and support the country’s digital transformation through coordinated collaboration in emerging technologies and ICT development.

Govt expands seed inspection network to curb fake, substandard seed

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Govt expands seed inspection network to curb fake, substandard seed

ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP): Pakistan has intensified efforts to strengthen enforcement of its seed regulatory regime by expanding the network of authorised seed inspectors across provinces, aiming to curb the sale of fake and substandard seed and better protect farmers’ interests.

According to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan, the initiative is being spearheaded by the Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD) under the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority (NSDRA), the body responsible for enforcing the Seed Act, 1976, and its subsequent amendments.

According to the document, effective regulation of Pakistan’s seed sector requires the mandatory registration of all stakeholders, including seed importers, producers, exporters, and dealers, to ensure quality assurance across the entire value chain and safeguard farmers from losses linked to poor-quality inputs.

Enforcement of the Seed Act remains a core mandate of FSC&RD, particularly to prevent the marketing and distribution of counterfeit, substandard, or unapproved seed of any crop or plant. However, the document notes that current staffing levels at FSC&RD are insufficient to monitor the expanding scale of seed business operations nationwide. To overcome this issue, NSDRA has delegated seed inspector powers under Section 19 of the Seed Act to provincial agriculture officials and 134 officers of the Punjab Agriculture Department have been notified as seed inspectors, leveraging the province’s extensive field presence and large agricultural footprint.

Building on this model, NSDRA has also issued letters to other provincial agriculture departments, seeking nominations of officers to be authorised as seed inspectors in their respective jurisdictions. In response, the Government of Sindh has recommended 93 officers for notification as seed inspectors in the province.

The document states that the broader objective is to improve regulatory enforcement at the grassroots level, expand field coverage and monitoring frequency, ensure compliance with seed quality and certification standards, strengthen protection for farmers against fraudulent and substandard seed, and establish a harmonised national enforcement framework.

ETPB to restore historic gurdwaras in Peshawar, Sialkot

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ETPB to restore historic gurdwaras in Peshawar, Sialkot

ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has launched a major initiative to restore and rehabilitate several historic Sikh religious sites in Peshawar and Sialkot, aimed at preserving Pakistan’s Sikh heritage and promoting interfaith harmony.

According to official documents, the restoration plan includes two prominent gurdwaras in Peshawar — Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh and Gurdwara Bhai Biba Singh — as well as Gurdwara Nanak Sar in Daska, Sialkot.

Gurdwara Bhai Joga Singh, constructed during the reign of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, holds significant historical and religious importance for the Sikh community.

The ETPB has engaged a consultancy firm to prepare designs and plans for its restoration and rehabilitation.

The project is currently at the tender approval stage and is expected to commence once clearance is granted by the departmental committee.

To ensure the safety of worshippers and visitors, enhanced security arrangements have already been put in place at both gurdwaras in Peshawar. These include the installation of CCTV cameras and round-the-clock security personnel.

The ETPB is also considering introducing a shuttle service for pilgrims between the two Peshawar gurdwaras, which are located approximately 2.6 kilometres apart.

Officials said the service would be provided if a formal request is received from Sikh yatrees or the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and if sufficient demand exists.

In Sialkot, Gurdwara Nanak Sar in Daska — currently a non-functional shrine — is set to undergo extensive renovation to prevent further structural deterioration.

Although there is no Sikh population in the immediate area, the ETPB considers the project essential for preserving the site’s architectural and historical value. Preliminary measures, including temporary structural support, have already been carried out by the board’s technical wing.

Officials said the restoration projects reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding religious heritage sites and fostering mutual respect among different faith communities.

The initiatives are intended to ensure that these historic places of worship are preserved for future generations while remaining secure and accessible for pilgrims.

Pakistan’s poverty reduction initiative creates 179,000 jobs

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Pakistan’s poverty reduction initiative creates 179,000 jobs

ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP): Pakistan’s flagship poverty reduction initiative has generated approximately 179,000 new jobs nationwide, highlighting a key outcome of the National Poverty Graduation Programme (NPGP).

According to Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety document available with Wealth Pakistan, hundreds of thousands of households benefited from NPGP interventions during its implementation period. More than 165,000 households received productive livelihood assets along with technical training aimed at supporting sustainable income generation. In addition, over 204,000 households accessed interest-free loans, with total disbursements exceeding 304,000, reflecting repeated support provided to beneficiaries for enterprise development and livelihood activities.

Capacity building remained a central component of the programme. Nearly 227,000 households participated in structured livelihood training programmes covering enterprise development, financial literacy, asset management, and basic business skills. These interventions were designed to enable beneficiaries to manage assets effectively and transition toward economic self-reliance.

The programme’s impact was assessed through an independent endline survey conducted by a third-party evaluator. As cited in the document, the survey found that 56 percent of households receiving livelihood assets and interest-free loans successfully graduated out of extreme poverty. Additionally, 47 percent of beneficiaries reported an increase in household income of 30 percent or more, indicating sustained improvement in earning capacity.

The initiative also delivered notable social outcomes. According to the survey findings, 48 percent of women beneficiaries reported an increased role in household decision-making, reflecting gains in women’s empowerment alongside economic progress.

The document attributes the successful implementation of the NPGP to strong coordination among federal institutions. The Finance Division supported fiscal allocations and ensured the timely release of funds, while the Economic Affairs Division facilitated external financing arrangements and donor coordination, including engagement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives worked closely with the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety to align the programme with national development priorities and integrate poverty graduation indicators into the federal Sustainable Development Goals framework.

Close collaboration was also maintained with the Benazir Income Support Programme to synchronize beneficiary targeting through the National Socioeconomic Registry. This coordination helped prevent duplication and enabled ultra-poor households receiving cash assistance to be effectively linked with graduation-focused interventions under the NPGP.

As per the document, the National Poverty Graduation Programme has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most impactful poverty reduction initiatives, delivering measurable employment gains, economic uplift, and social empowerment for hundreds of thousands of low-income households across the country.

Denmark, Aga Khan Foundation partner to promote climate-resilient livelihoods

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Denmark, Aga Khan Foundation partner to promote climate-resilient livelihoods

ISLAMABAD: The Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKF-P) and the Embassy of Denmark on Tuesday signed an agreement to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods for vulnerable mountain communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, aiming to strengthen food security and income stability in climate-affected regions.

Under the initiative, communities will be supported to adopt climate-smart and regenerative farming practices, improve water management systems, and develop locally viable green business models suited to fragile mountain environments. The project is expected to directly benefit around 5,890 individuals, with up to 34,000 people gaining indirect benefits, with a strong focus on the inclusion of women, youth and marginalised groups.

The agreement was signed by H.E. Maja Derrous Mortensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, and Akhtar Iqbal, Chief Executive Officer of the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan. Senior representatives from the Embassy of Denmark and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Pakistan were present at the signing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Mortensen said the initiative marked Denmark’s third partnership with the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan. “Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral by equipping them with the tools and knowledge required for climate-smart agriculture,” she said, adding that empowering women and youth through equitable participation was a central pillar of the project.

Akhtar Iqbal said the partnership reflected a shared commitment to addressing the growing impacts of climate change in some of Pakistan’s most vulnerable regions. He noted that the initiative would strengthen local agricultural systems and support communities in adapting to changing environmental conditions.

As part of the programme, farmers will receive training in climate-smart agricultural practices, while efforts will be made to improve irrigation infrastructure and promote efficient water management. Youth and women entrepreneurs will participate in ideation boot camps, with selected participants receiving micro-grants to develop green livelihood initiatives. Local communities and other stakeholders will also be engaged through outreach activities and policy dialogues.

The project will further support community-owned water and natural resource management systems, with the objective of developing practical and replicable models for resilient mountain agriculture. Implementation will be led by the Aga Khan Foundation in collaboration with AKDN agencies, including the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP).

Young Leaders Conference 2025 explores power of informed citizenship

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Young Leaders Conference 2025 explores power of informed citizenship

LAHORE: Day 3 of the Young Leaders Conference (YLC) 2025 focused on the theme Manifesting Informed Citizenship, encouraging young leaders to critically engage with politics, economics, culture, and civic responsibility in an increasingly interconnected world.

The day began with reflective sessions and meditation, setting a thoughtful tone for dialogue and awareness. Participants explored the influence of narratives in shaping societies during Creativity Is a Superpower by Ali Rez, followed by Think Global, Act Local, where Atiya Zaidi highlighted the importance of balancing global awareness with meaningful local action.

Participants then took part in an interactive activity led by Ali Haider on Breaking the Narrative, where they examined how narratives are constructed, how they influence public perception, and the impact they have on individuals and communities. The activity encouraged critical thinking, dialogue, and reflection on personal and collective responsibility in shaping narratives.

Immersive simulations such as Paisa Aur Power allowed participants to experience firsthand how money, alliances, and influence shape systems and decision-making. Sessions including Who Is Responsible for What? by Syed Habibullah and When Youth Took Charge by Irfan Junejo further explored accountability, governance, and the evolving role of youth in shaping national and global discourse.

The evening featured creative and expressive breakout sessions across writing, journalism, theatre, dance, music, and digital media, demonstrating how art and expression remain powerful tools for awareness, resistance, and social change. The day concluded with a red-carpet dinner and Warrior Stories, celebrating youth voices, resilience, and collective purpose.

Day 3 reaffirmed YLC’s commitment to developing conscious, informed, and engaged citizens ready to question systems, participate actively, and lead with empathy and responsibility.

Pakistani scientists working to develop smog-tolerant potato varieties

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Pakistani scientists working to develop smog-tolerant potato varieties

ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP): Scientists at the Potato Research Institute (PRI) Sahiwal are working to develop potato varieties capable of withstanding smoggy and foggy conditions.

According to Punjab Agriculture Department, potatoes are cultivated on nearly one million acres in the province, with average annual production of around nine million tons. However, changing climatic conditions and rising smog levels have increasingly affected crop yields.

“Smog and frost are highly detrimental to potato crop growth. We are currently working on several smog-tolerant potato lines to address the decline in productivity,” Dr Syed Ijazul Hassan, Director of the Potato Research Institute Sahiwal told Wealth Pakistan.

He said multiple factors, including rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns and reduced water availability, have contributed to falling potato output. Smog, he explained, inhibits photosynthesis, promotes the spread of diseases such as blight and lowers overall tuber quality.

Other diseases affecting potato crops in Punjab include Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV), Potato Virus Y (PVY), mosaic virus, early blight, brown leaf spot, Rhizoctonia, common scab and black leg.

Dr Ijazul Hassan said PRI has already developed 12 fog-tolerant, high-yielding potato varieties and is now focusing on smog-tolerant lines.

Locally developed varieties include PRI-Red, Ruby, Sadaf, Sahiwal Red, Sahiwal White, Ravi, Punjab, Sutlej, Kashmir, Sialkot Red, Ijaz-22 and Cosmo.

Imported seed varieties currently used by farmers include Constance, Kuroda, Esmee, Rudolph, Alouette, Emanuelle, Fabula, Felsina (for fries), Franceline, Frisia, Sababa, Alverstone Russet, Hermosa, Allison, Desiree, Cardinal and Diamant.

“Among locally produced varieties, Ijaz-22 is a smog-specific potato that has successfully tolerated smoggy conditions in Punjab,” the PRI director said.

He added that PRI produced 60,000 kilograms (60 tons) of potato seed this year, of which 4,550 kilograms (4.55 tons) were distributed among farmers. However, the non-availability of quality-certified local seed in bulk remains a major challenge, forcing growers to rely heavily on costly imported seed and pushing up production expenses.

Dr Ijazul Hassan also stressed that integrated pest management and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices could help reduce the adverse effects of smog on potato crops.

Chaudhary Maqsood Ahmad Jatt, Vice Chairman of the Potato Growers Cooperative Society, told Wealth Pakistan that most potato seed is imported from the Netherlands, making cultivation increasingly expensive for farmers. He also noted that the suspension of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade has severely hit potato exports. “Cold storage facilities are full of potatoes, while the new crop has already arrived in the market,” he said.

Jatt said Pakistan can export potatoes to at least 37 countries, adding that China could be a key destination for Pakistani potatoes between January and April.

He emphasized the need to promote value addition, urging that potatoes be exported in processed forms, such as powder, starch and chips, to prevent oversupply, stabilize prices and reduce losses for growers.

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