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Pakistan Railways builds 176 new residential units for employees

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Pakistan Railways builds 176 new residential units for employees

ISLAMABAD, Nov 30 (APP): In an effort to improve the living facilities for its staff, the Pakistan Railways (PR) has built 176 new residential units across the country, costing Rs118.382 million.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the department has renovated 608 residential units in 13 divisions across the country in last three years.

Out of 608 residential units, 65 units are located in Karachi Division, 11 in Sukkur, 10 in Quetta, 24 in Multan, 17 in Lahore, 77 workshops in Mughalpura, 30 in DGM/HQ, 130 at the Pakistan Railways Academy Walton, Lahore, 82 in Rawalpindi Division, 150 in Peshawar Division, 10 at the Pakistan Railways Carriage Factory, Islamabad, while two quarters have been repaired at the Risalpur Locomotive Factory.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Director General Planning at the Ministry of Railways, Kamran Waseem, said the Pakistan Railways has created a safer and more sustainable living environment for its workforce. He said timely repairs and structural assessments have helped prevent potential hazards.

He said surveys are regularly conducted and special repairs are undertaken within available resources. Eviction notices are issued when structures are declared unsafe, and affected families are relocated to suitable quarters.

He said the department is also working to ensure transparency and fairness in the allotment process, particularly for those displaced from the condemned units. “These efforts reflect the PR’s broader commitment to institutional reforms, improved service delivery, and long-term stability,” he said.

Waseem said the improvement in employees’ living conditions has enhanced efficiency, reduced operational stress, and improved service delivery.

He said the department has also begun implementing stricter monitoring mechanisms to identify structural issues at an early stage to reduce future repair costs.

Portugal’s ambassador reviews AKDN projects across Sindh

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Portugal’s ambassador reviews AKDN projects across Sindh

ISLAMABAD: Portugal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Frederico Silva, concluded a working visit to Karachi and Thatta from November 21 to 26, 2025, with a focused review of key socio-economic development projects implemented by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) across Sindh. The visit underscored the scale, quality and community impact of AKF’s long-standing development work in Pakistan under the leadership of its CEO, Akhtar Iqbal.

During his engagements in Karachi, the ambassador visited several Aga Khan Education (AKE) institutions, including the AK Higher Secondary School, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan School and the Aga Khan Institute for Educational Development. He observed the institutions’ innovative teaching approaches, teacher training programmes and modern learning environments.

Ambassador Silva and his delegation also held meetings with the leadership of Aga Khan University (AKU) and toured its internationally recognized hospital. The discussions centered on opportunities for enhanced academic exchanges and institutional collaboration. Admiring the university’s standing, the ambassador described AKU as “one of the most impressive institutions of higher learning and medical care in South Asia.”

A full-day field trip to Thatta District offered firsthand exposure to AKDN’s community-led development initiatives. The delegation reviewed projects undertaken by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), including sustainable livelihood activities such as crab and shrimp ponds in Ahmed Khan Baluch village. They also visited community-driven initiatives in potable water provision, sanitation improvement and small-scale agriculture in nearby rural and coastal settlements. These interventions highlighted AKDN’s capacity to deliver high-impact, people-centred development in some of Sindh’s most underserved regions.

Throughout the visit, Ambassador Silva praised AKDN’s “professionalism, vision and deep commitment to improving lives across Sindh and other provinces of Pakistan.” He said the Network’s efforts in education, health and rural development “stand as a model of excellence, offering high standards of effective, long-term and sustainable investment in empowering communities.”

The Embassy of Portugal expressed its intent to deepen future cooperation with AKDN, recognizing the Network as a valuable partner in advancing human development, social progress and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.

Huawei boosts partner ecosystem with new O3 service platform

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Huawei boosts partner ecosystem with new O3 service platform

ISLAMABAD: Huawei Pakistan’s Enterprise Business Group hosted a high-profile partner event in Islamabad, gathering more than 15 leading partners — including CXOs, service directors, and technical experts — to celebrate collective achievements in 2025 and reaffirm the company’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s ICT ecosystem.

The event spotlighted Huawei’s comprehensive partner-enablement initiatives, including the Golden Seed training program, mentor-led coaching, hands-on scenario-based learning, continuous skill-development tracks, and globally recognized HCIX career certifications. These programs are designed to equip partners with the skills needed to meet current challenges and capture emerging opportunities.

In his opening remarks, Ahmed Bilal Masud, CEO of Huawei Pakistan’s AI & Cloud Business, said:
“Our goal is to make every partner more capable, more competitive, and more future-ready. The impact is already visible. We deeply appreciate the strong engagement from our partners in response to Huawei’s ongoing investments in upskilling and enabling their engineering teams.”

Throughout 2025, Huawei and its partners jointly executed more than 1,400 projects across key sectors, including commercial enterprises, government, defence, banking, ISPs, and education. This strong performance underscores a simple truth: when partners are empowered, the entire ecosystem advances.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Huawei’s O3 Partner Service Platform — a unified digital service gateway integrating expertise, tools, knowledge resources, and workflows across the full service lifecycle. The platform is designed to help partners deliver projects more efficiently, improve service quality, and enhance customer satisfaction.

In his closing address, Liu Zongyi, Vice President for Delivery and Services at Huawei Pakistan, said:
“The future of digital and intelligent transformation will be shaped not by any single company, but by strong ecosystems — ecosystems built on trust, capability, and shared vision. By investing in our people and strengthening our partnerships, we can turn digital potential into measurable value and sustainable growth.”

Govt to distribute 30,000 blackberry, peach, grapes and fig plants in Potohar

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Govt to distribute 30,000 blackberry, peach, grapes and fig plants in Potohar

ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP): The Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Chakwal will distribute 30,000 high-value fruit plants across the Potohar region under a provincial initiative aimed at transforming the area’s rain-fed farming system, a senior official said.

Director BARI Dr. Nadeem Ahmed told Wealth Pakistan that the plants will be provided over three years as part of the Agriculture Transformation in Potohar Project recently approved by the Punjab government. He said the effort is designed to help small farmers shift towards high-value crops that can generate greater income from limited landholdings.

“The government has approved the Agriculture Transformation in Potohar Project, and BARI has been assigned early-generation groundnut seed production,” he said, adding that the institute will also lead the fruit development component.

He said the institute plans to distribute 30,000 plants of blackberry, peach, grapes, nectarine and fig across the region. These varieties are considered well-suited to Potohar’s ecological conditions and can improve farmers’ earnings.

In addition, the institute is testing blueberry and raspberry for possible introduction and supporting large-scale olive cultivation on more than 3,000 acres. The project includes the development of nursery tunnels and related infrastructure, enabling BARI to expand citrus plant production. The institute will also provide 15,000 citrus plants to farmers through 25 model farms over three years.

Dr. Nadeem said BARI will produce and distribute 25,000 kilograms of basic and pre-basic groundnut seed to address chronic shortages that have limited yields for small farmers in the region. After multiplication, the seed will be supplied to the wider farming community.

BARI Chakwal operates six sub-stations across Potohar, focusing on both horticulture and field crops. Facilities at Murree and Soan Valley are working on avocado, pecan, hazelnut, apple, peach and grapes, while stations at Fateh Jang and Attock are developing improved varieties of wheat, groundnut and pulses.

The Punjab Barani Tract covers all of Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Chakwal districts and parts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, D.G. Khan and Rajanpur districts.

The region is home to around 31.5 million people, or 29 percent of Punjab’s population, spread across diverse ecological zones ranging from the Murree-Kahuta uplands and Potohar plateau to the Salt Range and Thal desert.

Officials believe that long-term investment in agriculture could allow these communities to play a greater role in economic development.

New investment wave brings eight factories to Bahawalpur Industrial Zone

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New investment wave brings eight factories to Bahawalpur Industrial Zone

ISLAMABAD, Nov 27 (APP): A new wave of investment has begun reshaping the Bahawalpur Industrial Zone, where eight new factories are currently under development, driven primarily by significantly lower land rates offered by the government.

The move is expected to create employment opportunities for residents across South Punjab and enhance the region’s industrial base, said a press release issued here on Thursday.

Muhammad Sami, an official of the Punjab Industrial Estate Development and Management Company responsible for managing the zone, told Wealth Pakistan that the government is providing land at considerably lower rates compared to other parts of the district.

He said this pricing strategy has made the area more appealing to investors, and the Punjab government is working tirelessly to extend maximum support to industrialists operating in Bahawalpur.

He noted that under the government’s business-friendly policies, around eight factories are in the process of being established in the industrial zone.

According to him, these projects will create new jobs, generate revenue, and contribute meaningfully to strengthening the national economy.

Sami added that the government has moved beyond making announcements and is now focused on ensuring the zone becomes fully functional and attractive for businesses. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, and essential facilities have been ensured to encourage investors.

“Our priority has been to remove obstacles that frustrate investors,” he said, emphasising that the ongoing investment reflects continuous efforts rather than one-time measures. “Our goal is long-term industrial growth, not temporary activity,” he added.

Industrialist Farhan Ahmed also confirmed that comparatively lower land rates in the Bahawalpur Industrial Zone, combined with stronger investor facilitation, have boosted confidence among the business community. However, he highlighted the importance of affordable electricity for industries to achieve sustainable expansion.

Ahmed appreciated the provincial government’s efforts, saying it is commendable that work is being done actively to promote industrialisation.

He noted that gas and electricity rates should be lowered so that local industries can compete effectively in international markets. He added that long-term policies developed by Punjab government aimed at strengthening South Punjab’s economic activity will ultimately produce positive results for the region.

Pakistan acquires 945 germplasm lines from China, IRRI to boost rice breeding

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Pakistan acquires 945 germplasm lines from China, IRRI to boost rice breeding

ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): Pakistan has acquired 945 germplasm lines from China and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to strengthen its rice breeding base under major national development programmes.

A Ministry of National Food Security and Research document available with Wealth Pakistan stated that under the Productivity Enhancement of Rice Project (2019–2025), several achievements have been recorded. These include the acquisition of 945 germplasm lines from China and IRRI, the development of 14 new rice varieties, and extensive farmer outreach activities that involved more than 450 field days and training events.

In addition, 1,553 units of rice machinery have been distributed among farming communities, while 3,885 tons of certified seed have also been provided to support better yields and improved production practices.

A total of 2,493 demonstration plots have been established across the country to promote good agricultural practices, direct-seeded rice, and mechanical transplanting, helping farmers adopt more modern and efficient cultivation techniques.

The document further notes that under the Sino-Pak Agricultural Breeding Innovations Project for Rapid Yield Enhancement (2020–2025), Pakistan has established its first intelligent glasshouse and an IoT-based smart facility for speed breeding.

The initiation of genome-based speed breeding, following the establishment of a world-class Next Generation Sequencing Facility at the National Agricultural Research Centre, has enabled faster development of climate-resilient and high-yielding rice varieties.

Germplasm acquired from China, including thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) lines, is contributing to advancements in hybrid rice development.

The ministry’s document also provides funding details of ongoing projects. The “Productivity Enhancement of Rice” project (2020–25) is a major PSDP initiative with a total allocation of Rs15,789 million. Of this, Rs3,750 million has been allocated under PSDP, against which Rs1,432 million has so far been released, with expenditures recorded at Rs1,424 million. An amount of Rs611 million has been allocated for the Sino-Pak Breeding Innovations Project (2020–25), while the Fertilize Right Pakistan programme under the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas is being implemented with total funding of $282 million.

Pakistan exports 1,700MT homeopathic medicines to 26 countries in five years

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Pakistan exports 1,700MT homeopathic medicines to 26 countries in five years

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): Pakistan has exported nearly 1,700 metric tons of homeopathic medicines to 26 countries in five years, generating more than USD 5 million in revenue.
According to five-year data (2020-21 to 2024-25) of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (NHSR&C) available with Wealth Pakistan, a total of 1,696.27 metric tons of homeopathic medicines were exported to 26 countries, fetching USD5.23 million.
The countries where the medicines were exported include Sudan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, the United States, Kenya, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Lesotho, Cambodia, South Africa, Guyana, New Zealand, China, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore.
Among these 26 countries, Sudan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are major importers. Sudan imported 274.96 MT of homeopathic medicines from Pakistan in five years, followed by Bangladesh with 158.87 MT and Afghanistan with 157.96 MT.
The year-wise break-up of medicines is 238.99 MT in 2020-21, 165.93 MT in 2021-22, 229.40 MT in 2022-23, 284.00 MT in 2023-24, and 777.95 MT in 2024-25.
The total worth of these exported medicines, as calculated by the NHSR&C, is USD5.23 million, with USD0.86 million fetched in 2020-21, USD0.91 million in 2021-22, USD0.99 million in 2022-23, USD0.87 million in 2023-24, and USD1.60 million in 2024-25.
Meanwhile, Pakistan also spent USD21.28 million importing 7611.40 MT of homeopathic medicines from seven countries and regions, including Germany, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the European Union and Spain.
The country imported 1966.20 MT of medicines in 2020-21, 2065.80 MT in 2021-22, 2099.20 MT in 2022-23, 1231.30 MT in 2023-24, and 248.9 MT in 2024-25. The largest quantity of homeopathic medicines, weighing 248.9 MT, was imported from Germany in 2024-25, costing USD5.18 million.
Health experts say that homeopathic medicines offer a natural and individualized approach to health by stimulating the body and self-healing mechanisms. Normally, these medicines are prepared from highly diluted substances, making them generally safe with minimal side effects.
Talking with Wealth Pakistan, health expert Muhammad Mahar said homeopathy treats the person as a whole, addressing physical, emotional, and mental symptoms rather than just isolated diseases. “It can help manage chronic conditions, allergies, digestive issues, and stress-related problems,” he said, adding that many people prefer homeopathy for its gentle, non-invasive nature, suitability for all ages, and emphasis on long-term wellness. However, the effectiveness varies.
Mahar said the export of homeopathic medicines offers significant financial and strategic benefits for both manufacturers and the national economy. The global demand for alternative and natural healthcare products is growing. By tapping into international markets, companies can increase revenue streams, achieve higher profit margins, and diversify their customer base, reducing dependency on domestic sales alone.
He further highlighted that on a broader economic level, homeopathic medicine exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the national economy. It creates jobs across the manufacturing, research, marketing, and logistics sectors, boosting local industries.
Additionally, exporting innovative or standardized formulations enhances the country’s global reputation in alternative medicine, which will definitely open doors for international collaborations, investments, and knowledge exchange.
Beyond financial gains, exporting these medicines promotes public health worldwide by providing access to safe, natural treatment options, which are often in demand in countries with a growing preference for holistic wellness, he added.

Govt allocates Rs400m for new universities, research institutions

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Govt allocates Rs400m for new universities, research institutions

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): The federal government has allocated Rs400 million for the establishment of new universities and research institutions in the country in order to expand academic opportunities and build a stronger foundation for future technological advancement.

According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, an amount of Rs400 million allocated in FY2025-26 will be spent on the establishment of a public sector university in Muzaffargarh district, an institute of science and technology in Rajanpur, a campus of the Institute of Fashion Design in Karachi, and the establishment of an NCA Karachi campus.

As for the budgetary details, Rs150 million has been allocated for building a public sector university in Muzaffargarh District of Punjab, Rs50 million for the establishment of the Institute of Science and Technology, Rajanpur, Rs100 million for the establishment of a campus of the Institute of Fashion Design, Karachi, and Rs100 million for the establishment of NCA Karachi Campus, Karachi.

Besides this, the federal government has also taken some other initiatives. The plan to build the Danish University of Emerging Technologies, Islamabad is one of such steps. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is the custodian of the project, while the modalities, including the enactment of its Charter/Act, are in process.

Likewise, the plan to establish King Hamad University of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences in Islamabad is in progress. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination is looking after the project. The modalities are expected to be completed in the upcoming months.

The enactment of the Charter/Act for the establishment of Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre (University) is also in process.

Moreover, the government has planned to establish the National University of Public Policy and Administration (NUPA), Islamabad.

According to the documents, the government also allocated a development budget through specific projects aimed at both hard and soft interventions in universities. These include infrastructure development such as new campuses, academic and administrative blocks, hostels, and laboratories; human resource development; establishment, enhancement, and upgrading of laboratories and equipment; faculty development; procurement of transport; improvement of ICT infrastructure; and support for extracurricular activities.

According to the documents, the HEC’s development portfolio for the FY2025-26 is Rs39.0 billion for 140 projects.

The government, through special schemes/projects, also offers merit and need-based scholarships at undergraduate, postgraduate, and post-doctoral levels for students to promote higher education access.

Starting a faculty development program is among the schemes aimed at enhancing the teaching, research, and professional skills of the university faculty members to ensure high-quality education and academic excellence.

In order to improve the quality of research and education, the HEC supports research, innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country to enable the higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan to become hubs of economic growth and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

Such research programs include National Research Program for Universities (NRPU), Technology Development Fund (TDF), Research and Innovation Grants under Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project, Grand Challenge Fund (GCF), Local Challenge Fund (LCF), Technology Transfer Support Fund (TTSF), Rapid Research Grant (RRG), and Center of Excellence Grant (COE).

An official at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) described this strategic funding as a reflection of a long-term commitment to education, technology, and human capital growth, benefiting students and society alike.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said the investment would promote research and innovation, encourage collaboration with international institutions, create skilled professionals, and strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness in science, medicine, and technology.

VRW set to launch Season 4 amid intensifying climate crisis

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VRW set to launch Season 4 amid intensifying climate crisis

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: Voices from the Roof of the World (VRW), the acclaimed documentary series spotlighting the environmental upheaval gripping Central and South Asia, is set to launch its fourth season.

The new season intensifies its focus on urgent climate stories, including air pollution, rising heat, glacier melt, water scarcity and the resilience of communities living in the ‘third pole’—the Roof of the World—whose glaciers sustain an estimated 1.6 billion people downstream.

As Pakistan endures one of the most challenging environmental periods in its history, the climate crisis has become part of daily life. In recent years, the country has experienced intense rainstorms triggering deadly floods and landslides, devastating homes and infrastructure. Rapid glacier retreat has further magnified the scale and severity of these disasters.

At the same time, Pakistan is battling a worsening air-pollution emergency that threatens every form of life. Ranked among the world’s five most polluted countries, millions in Punjab—especially children—are seeking treatment for respiratory diseases. Despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions, developing nations like Pakistan face the harshest impacts of climate change.

One of VRW’s earlier films, Color of Smog, directed by Jawad Sharif, captures Lahore’s spiraling air-quality crisis. Once celebrated for its gardens, the city now ranks among the world’s most polluted.

“Smog in Lahore is not just a figure but a daily reality that shapes how people breathe, move and imagine their futures,” said filmmaker Jawad Sharif. “Behind every air-quality reading are families trying to protect their health and dignity. Through VRW and films like Color of Smog, we hope audiences can clearly see how the climate crisis is already unfolding around us and why meaningful action can no longer wait.”

VRW’s Executive Producer Andrew Tkach, an eight-time Emmy Award winner with more than 30 years of experience, mentors young filmmakers and helps refine their ideas into compelling climate stories.

“VRW was created to highlight the climate emergency from the perspective of the people who live it every day,” Tkach said. “In Season 4, we examine communities confronting melting glaciers and disappearing forests, but also more hopeful stories—saving falcons, reviving ancient water canals. These stories make one thing clear: the environment is changing faster than we are responding.”

The series has earned numerous distinctions, including the John B. Oakes Award for Distinguished Environmental Journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. VRW films have been screened at more than 50 international festivals.

“VRW’s unique expression of local realities highlights the impact of climate change on the lives and cultures of vulnerable communities while narrating the story of a changing era,” said Laila Naz Taj, Director, AKDN Pakistan Communications. “These films are not distant warnings; they reflect the challenges communities are facing right now across Pakistan and the region.”

VRW is a joint initiative of the Aga Khan University (AKU), Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), University of Central Asia (UCA) and the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).

It is made possible through the support of Ross Beaty, the Jenabai Hussainali Shariff Family, the Sitka Foundation, Gulshan Kassamali Jiwa Family and the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment.

Across three seasons, VRW has produced 30 documentaries from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Nepal and beyond, available in English, Urdu and Russian, with Arabic versions planned.

Barani Institute Chakwal produces over 60 crop varieties

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Barani Institute Chakwal produces over 60 crop varieties

ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): Pakistan’s leading dryland research institute has produced more than 60 crop varieties and a range of water-saving technologies, strengthening crop resilience across the country’s rain-fed farming belt.

“The Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Chakwal, has so far developed over 60 crop varieties, including those of wheat, groundnut, oilseeds, pulses and fruits, alongside technologies to conserve soil moisture and improve irrigation efficiency,” Director BARI Dr Nadeem Ahmed told Wealth Pakistan.

Established in 1979 to tackle the unique farming challenges of the Potohar plateau, the BARI has emerged as a multi-disciplinary hub working to transform Pakistan’s rain-fed agriculture through crop innovation, water-efficient technologies, and farmer capacity building.

“The main purpose for the establishment of this institute was to tackle the issues related to farming communities in the Potohar region and to address the issues related to rain-fed agriculture,” he said.

Agriculture in the Potohar region is entirely dependent on rainfall, without an irrigation network like the canal systems in other parts of Punjab. “There was a great need to establish such an institute to address the issues related to crop productivity, yield enhancement, and water deficiency,” he explained.

Since its establishment, BARI Chakwal has evolved into a multi-crop and multi-disciplinary research centre. “We have developed varieties for wheat, groundnut, oilseed, pulses, vegetables, and also different fruit crops, including high-value peach, grapes, pistachio, pecan nut, and avocado,” Dr Ahmed said.

The institute is not only focused on crop development but also on improving water management. “We work on high-efficiency irrigation systems and develop various techniques to get maximum output using minimum amount of water,” he pointed out.

Dr Ahmed said BARI Chakwal also emphasises capacity building for scientists, extension workers, and students. “We provide them training through workshops and seminars for the dissemination of agricultural achievements to farming communities. We also provide technical assistance to farmers so they can benefit from our research outcomes and improve their livelihoods.”

The institute also supports students through research and internship programmes, he added.

Among recent achievements, BARI Chakwal has taken major strides in promoting olive cultivation in the region. “We have achieved remarkable progress in olive propagation and dissemination. Potohar has now become the centre of excellence for the development of olive,” Dr Ahmed said.

He described the introduction of olive cultivation as a great landmark for the institute, noting that BARI has built a complete value chain for olive production and propagation.

The institute has also introduced blackberry as a high-value fruit crop to provide small farmers with new income opportunities. “We introduced blackberry to provide farmers a short window to get maximum profits from minimum land,” Dr Ahmed said.

The Punjab Barani Tract includes Attock, Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Chakwal districts and parts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujrat, Khushab, Mianwali, Jhang, Bhakkar, Layyah, DG Khan and Rajanpur districts.

The tract stretches across 14 districts, making it one of the province’s most diverse ecological zones and forming its backbone of dryland agriculture and rangeland economy.

The Barani tract also contains around 75% of the province’s forest resources and some 10 million acres of high-quality rangeland, considered among the best in the world.

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