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Coffee, porridge and fruit: Imran Khan’s jail meal plan revealed

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Coffee, porridge and fruit: Imran Khan’s jail meal plan revealed

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (ABC): Former prime minister Imran Khan has outlined his daily routine and weekly meal plan at Adiala Jail, describing a structured schedule that includes prayer, exercise and a self-financed food arrangement.

Details of his routine were included in a report submitted to the Supreme Court by Advocate Salman Safdar, who met the PTI founder after being appointed amicus curiae in a case concerning his prison conditions.

Structured day inside Adiala Jail

According to the report, Imran begins his day with breakfast at around 9:45am. His morning meal consists of a cup of coffee, porridge and a few dates.

At approximately 11:30am, he recites the Holy Quran for about an hour. He then undertakes physical exercise using the limited equipment available in his compound, including an exercise bike, two 9-kilogram weights and a bar.

After showering at around 1:15pm, he is permitted access to a strolling shed within the secured compound, where he may sit or walk. Lunch is served between 3:30pm and 4:00pm, followed by a brief walk at around 5:00pm.

From approximately 5:30pm until 10:00am the following morning, he remains confined to his cell, according to the report.

Self-financed weekly meal plan

The report states that Imran selects his weekly meal plan and that it is financed by his family.

For lunch, which he described as his main meal of the day, the plan includes two days of chicken, two days of meat, two days of lentils and occasionally chaat or snacks. Bottled drinking water is made available to him.

He told Safdar that he does not take a full dinner. Instead, he consumes fruit, milk and dates in the evening.

Health concerns raised alongside routine

While outlining his routine, the former premier also raised health-related concerns. He stated that regular blood tests were not conducted and that he had not received dental consultation despite repeated requests over the past two years.

He further claimed that his access to personal physicians had been restricted during the period when his eye condition deteriorated.

The Supreme Court has since ordered the formation of a medical team to examine his eye and directed that he be allowed to speak to his children before February 16, as proceedings regarding his prison conditions continue.

Imran Khan ‘loses 85pc vision’ in right eye

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Imran Khan ‘loses 85pc vision’ in right eye

ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (ABC): The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the formation of a medical board to examine former prime minister Imran Khan after he reported losing most of the vision in his right eye while in Adiala Jail.

The court also directed jail authorities to allow him to speak to his children. Both steps must be completed before February 16.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan heard the case related to Khan’s prison conditions.

The chief justice said Khan’s health was the court’s top priority and required immediate attention. He asked the government to explain what medical care the prisoner was receiving.

Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Usman Awan told the court that the state would ensure proper treatment. He said the government would take further measures if the prisoner remained unsatisfied.

Vision dropped to 15 per cent

Advocate Salman Safdar met Khan earlier this week after the court appointed him as amicus curiae. He later submitted a seven-page report.

According to the report, Khan told him that he had normal 6×6 vision in both eyes until October 2025. After that, he began to experience blurred and hazy sight.

He said he informed jail officials several times, but they did not arrange specialist care.

Khan told Safdar that he suddenly lost vision in his right eye. Doctors later diagnosed a blood clot. Despite treatment, only 15 per cent vision remains.

Safdar wrote that Khan appeared distressed during the meeting. His eyes watered constantly, and he repeatedly wiped them with tissues.

Pims doctors confirm diagnosis

Doctors from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences examined Khan at the jail.

A medical report signed by Executive Director Professor Dr Rana Imran Sikander stated that specialists carried out a full eye assessment. The tests included fundoscopy, pressure checks and optical coherence tomography.

Doctors diagnosed right central retinal vein occlusion. They advised hospital-based treatment.

The report said doctors brought Khan to Pims on January 24 and administered an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection. The procedure took about 20 minutes and finished without complications.

Access to doctors questioned

Khan also raised concerns about medical access.

He said authorities did not conduct regular blood tests. He added that jail officials did not allow visits from his personal physicians, Dr Faisal Sultan and Dr Asim Yusuf, despite repeated requests.

He further said no dentist examined him over the past two years.

Safdar noted these complaints in his submission and asked the court to ensure better medical oversight.

Calls with children allowed

The court also addressed Khan’s contact with family.

The chief justice said phone calls with his children were important. The bench ordered authorities to facilitate the calls before the next hearing.

However, the court said the Islamabad High Court would decide broader matters related to family meetings.

The Supreme Court directed the jail administration to comply with both orders and submit reports at the next date of hearing.

Fresh cane cultivation begins as Punjab mills crush 70% of crop

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Fresh cane cultivation begins as Punjab mills crush 70% of crop

By Muhammad Luqman

LAHORE, Feb 12 (Wealth Pakistan): Farmers across Punjab have started sowing the spring sugarcane crop after more than 70 percent of the current sugarcane harvest was crushed by 41 sugar mills operating in the province. Growers are planting within the recommended February–March window to ensure better yields and timely harvesting.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Director of Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI) Faisalabad Dr Kashif Munir said spring sowing accounts for nearly 70 percent of total sugarcane cultivation in Punjab. In contrast, September cultivation contributes only 10 to 15 percent, while farmers obtain the remaining output through ratoon crops.

He explained that ratoon sugarcane grows again from underground stubble left after harvesting the previous crop. This method saves time and cost but usually gives lower yields than fresh planting.

Dr Munir said the recommended varieties for the current spring season include CPF-253, CP-77-400, HSF-240 and CPF-237. He added that newly approved varieties — FDP-254, S2016 and S-284 — are also available this year. According to him, the prevailing weather conditions favour spring cultivation and support healthy crop growth.

However, farming representatives said sugar mills generally prefer September-sown cane because it matures in about 15 months and delivers higher sucrose recovery. The spring crop matures in around 10 months.

“Sugar mills obtain higher sucrose recovery from September-grown sugarcane, but farmers face losses because autumn sowing forces them to give up up to three cropping cycles,” Ebadur Rehman Khan, Director of Farmers Associates Pakistan, told Wealth Pakistan.

Industry performance improves

Punjab’s sugar industry has shown strong performance during the current crushing season. According to Cane Commissioner Punjab Amjad Hafeez, mills have crushed 30.83 million tons of sugarcane so far and produced 2.93 million tons of sugar.

He said this marks a clear improvement over last year, when mills crushed 28.60 million tons of cane and produced 2.59 million tons of sugar during the same period. The average recovery rate also increased to 9.69 percent from 9.18 percent last year.

Stocks decline, supply rises

The cane commissioner noted that carry-forward sugar stocks dropped sharply to 0.11 million tons compared to 0.60 million tons a year earlier. As a result, total sugar availability in the province now stands at 3.04 million tons.

He added that mills have sold 1.20 million tons of sugar during the current season, leaving a closing balance of 1.83 million tons.

Prices and payments

Hafeez said the average price received by growers stands at Rs460 per 40 kg. The minimum price of Rs400 per 40 kg was recorded in Kot Addu and Sargodha, while the maximum price of Rs580 per 40 kg was observed in Mianwali.

With improved supply in the market, ex-mill sugar prices range between Rs142 and Rs146 per kilogram. Retail prices vary between Rs145 and Rs160 per kg. Data from the Punjab Bureau of Statistics show that sugar prices across the province range from Rs145 to Rs170 per kg.

Regarding payments, the cane commissioner said mills purchased sugarcane worth Rs342.53 billion during the 2025-26 crushing season. Out of this, they have already paid Rs317.46 billion. The outstanding amount stands at Rs25.08 billion, reflecting a payment clearance rate of 92.68 percent.

Huawei highlights AI, cloud solutions at Indus AI Week

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Huawei highlights AI, cloud solutions at Indus AI Week

ISLAMABAD, Feb 11 (ABC): Huawei showcased its latest artificial intelligence and cloud computing solutions during the Indus AI Week Islamabad, an event organized by the Ministry of IT and Telecom to promote innovation and accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation.

The flagship event brought together policymakers, technology firms, researchers, and industry leaders. Participants displayed emerging technologies and explored partnerships aimed at strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.

Government calls for public-private collaboration

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal visited the Huawei booth and stressed the need for closer cooperation between the public and private sectors. He said such partnerships are vital for building a competitive knowledge economy.

He also invited leading technology companies, including Huawei, to participate in the Narowal Innovation Center initiative. According to him, collaboration with global firms will help Pakistan adopt advanced technologies faster and create new opportunities for youth.

“Partnerships with Huawei and other innovators will accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and keep the country competitive in the global knowledge economy,” he said. “Huawei’s strong presence in Pakistan is already fostering innovation and supporting our journey toward Digital Pakistan.”

Huawei reaffirms commitment to Pakistan

Huawei Pakistan’s CEO for AI and Cloud, Ahmed Bilal Masood, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s technology sector.

He said Huawei aims to support local innovation, skill development, and digital infrastructure through advanced AI and cloud solutions.

“Huawei is proud to be a trusted partner in Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem,” he said.

Platform for innovation

Meanwhile, Indus AI Week Islamabad served as a platform to connect stakeholders, showcase new technologies, and encourage knowledge sharing. Officials said the initiative will help position Pakistan as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

Farmers in Punjab shift to broccoli cultivation as demand rises

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Farmers in Punjab shift to broccoli cultivation as demand rises

By Muhammad Luqman

LAHORE, Feb 10 (Wealth Pakistan): Sensing a lucrative opportunity, progressive farmers in Punjab are increasingly turning to broccoli cultivation as demand for the vegetable rises among upper-income consumers in major urban centres.

Although broccoli remains a niche crop compared to traditional vegetables such as cauliflower and cabbage, its presence in the market has expanded in recent years. The vegetable is now widely available at major supermarkets, specialised vegetable outlets, and online platforms catering to urban consumers.

Cultivation spreading beyond Lahore

At present, broccoli is being cultivated mainly on the outskirts of major cities, particularly Lahore. Farmers have also started growing the crop in Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sahiwal, and Pakpattan districts, where climatic conditions during winter favour its production.

“This is a profitable crop. There is a strong demand for broccoli in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi,” said Pir Mehmoud Chishti, a broccoli grower from village Tibba Sherkot in Pakpattan district.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Chishti said that while prices are attractive, growers face uncertainty due to the absence of a well-developed marketing network for the exotic vegetable.

Prices attractive but market remains limited

According to growers, the retail price of broccoli currently ranges between Rs400 and Rs700 per 500 grams. This is significantly higher than prices of traditional vegetables such as cauliflower or cabbage.

Despite the premium prices, Chishti said imported seed remains the highest cost component in broccoli cultivation. He added that marketing also poses a major challenge, as the vegetable is still unfamiliar to a large segment of the population.

“Because broccoli is not commonly used by the general public, its market is limited,” he explained.

He said the main buyers include high-end hotels, departmental stores, and selected vegetable shops in large cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Some farms also sell broccoli directly to affluent households through online platforms, where it is mainly used in salads.

“You cannot supply broccoli in large quantities. Sending small volumes is more profitable because demand is limited. In case of oversupply, growers face losses,” he added.

Green variety dominates local production

Several varieties of broccoli are currently being cultivated in Pakistan, with the green variety being the most popular among growers and consumers.

Often described as a superfood, broccoli is primarily grown during the cool season, from September to March. Farmers say the crop performs best during winter, when lower temperatures support healthy growth and better yields.

Imported seed drives up production costs

Vegetable seed dealers say all broccoli seed used in Pakistan is imported from countries including Holland, Japan, China, and Thailand.

“A 10-gram packet costs around Rs3,000, making broccoli cultivation an expensive venture,” said Tahir Saleemi, a vegetable seed dealer.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said that developing local broccoli varieties could significantly reduce production costs and encourage more farmers to adopt the crop.

Research efforts underway for local seed

Efforts are ongoing to develop local broccoli varieties, but progress has been slow due to climatic constraints.

“The seed production phase of broccoli falls in late March and April. Because of high temperatures during this period, we have not yet succeeded in developing a local variety,” said Wajeeha Khan, a broccoli expert at the Vegetable Research Institute.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, she said scientists at the institute are experimenting with different sowing windows to overcome the temperature challenge.

“Hopefully, we will succeed in developing a local broccoli variety in the future,” she added.

Punjab suitable for winter broccoli cultivation

According to Khan, broccoli requires low temperatures for optimal production. This makes the entire Punjab province suitable for its cultivation during winter.

“It can easily be grown alongside cauliflower and cabbage in the same field,” she said.

Unlike traditional vegetables, broccoli is usually cultivated on small plots, sometimes on less than an acre. Despite the limited area, growers report much higher returns compared to conventional crops.

Health benefits fuel rising demand

Nutritionists say broccoli’s growing popularity is also driven by its health benefits.

The vegetable is rich in fibre, vitamins C, K, and A, and compounds such as sulforaphane, which make it a nutrient-dense food.

“It supports heart health, boosts immunity, and strengthens bones,” said Syed Ali Haider, a nutritionist at a hospital in Lahore.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said broccoli contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help reduce cancer risk, aid digestion, and offer low-calorie, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits.

Pakistan faces growing child eye cancer burden

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Pakistan faces growing child eye cancer burden

RAWALPINDI, Feb 9 (ABC): Pakistan faces a growing child eye cancer burden and a high rate of inherited vision disorders. Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital has completed genetic testing for 139 patients from 91 families in one year.

The hospital launched the country’s first ophthalmic genetic testing lab in January 2025. The facility helps doctors identify genes that cause inherited blindness. Early detection improves treatment and protects children’s sight.

Dr Rutaba Gul, Geneticist at the Department of Ophthalmic Genetics, said inherited eye diseases affect nearly eight million people worldwide. However, Pakistan’s burden remains higher than the global average. She noted that no official national data currently exists.

Genetic testing enables early diagnosis

Doctors at the lab use advanced DNA testing to confirm the exact cause of eye disorders. The method provides faster and more accurate results. It also helps doctors plan targeted treatment.

Eye specialists refer patients based on symptoms and family history. After confirmation, families receive counseling about risks and future planning. This guidance helps prevent complications in other family members.

Early diagnosis also reduces the risk of severe vision loss and blindness.

Cousin marriages increase inherited risks

Health experts link the high rate of inherited diseases to cousin marriages. Such marriages remain common in many regions of Pakistan.

Research shows that more than 70 percent of inherited retinal disease cases occur in children born to closely related parents. Therefore, these disorders appear more frequently in Pakistan than in Europe, the United States, or other Asian countries.

Doctors encourage awareness and genetic counseling to lower future risks.

Hospitals treat 700 child eye cancer cases yearly

Prof Dr Tayyab Afghani, Head of the Orbit and Oculoplastics Department, said Pakistan also carries a heavy child eye cancer burden. Al-Shifa Trust hospitals treat around 700 children with eye cancer every year.

He said this number is nearly double the cases reported in India. Doctors stress that early detection improves survival rates and saves vision.

Free care and national expansion planned

Major General (Retd) Rehmat Khan, President of Al-Shifa Trust, said the hospital provides all genetic tests free of charge. The trust absorbs the high costs to support poor families.

Nearly 80 percent of patients receive free treatment at Al-Shifa hospitals in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Kohat, Sukkur, Muzaffarabad, and Gilgit. The trust will open a new hospital in Lahore by 2027.

He added that the hospital plans to expand testing services and create a national database. The database will support early screening and future research.

Chinese hybrid rice and canola varieties lift yields, incomes in Pakistan

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Chinese hybrid rice and canola varieties lift yields, incomes in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 (Wealth Pakistan): Chinese agricultural technologies are transforming Pakistan’s farming sector by increasing crop yields, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating new income opportunities for rural communities.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Zhou Xusheng, Country Director of Wuhan Qingfa Hesheng Agricultural Development Company, said Chinese hybrid seeds and modern machinery are helping farmers produce more food with fewer inputs.

Hybrid rice improves exports and farm productivity

Zhou said one of the earliest successes came through hybrid rice cultivation. He noted that Pakistan has moved from being the world’s seventh-largest rice exporter to fourth place and is now approaching third.

Since arriving in Pakistan in 2010, Zhou has overseen the expansion of hybrid rice adoption. According to him, the technology has increased average rice yields from 50–60 mounds per acre to 90–100 mounds. In some areas, farmers are achieving even higher output.

He said hybrid rice has strengthened Pakistan’s export capacity while generating employment across the seed supply chain, agrochemical marketing, cultivation, processing, and overseas sales.

Moreover, future cooperation will focus on improving grain quality. Chinese varieties fetch higher prices in international markets and can help Pakistani exporters access premium buyers.

Hybrid canola reduces oil imports

Alongside rice, Zhou highlighted edible oil as a major national challenge. Pakistan currently imports nearly 90 percent of its edible oil and spends about $4 billion annually.

He said that after nearly a decade of joint research, Pakistan registered its first hybrid canola variety in 2019. In 2025, the project was formally incorporated into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor framework.

Hybrid canola offers higher yields and better oil content. At the same time, it requires less fertilizer and fewer chemicals, which benefits both farmers and the environment.

Village-level processing boosts household incomes

Zhou explained that the project also promotes small and micro oil extraction units in rural areas. These units allow villages to process canola locally and supply nearby communities with affordable, high-quality oil.

Under this model, families grow crops and process them simultaneously. Women can operate extraction machines, sell oil, and use the high-protein by-product as livestock feed. As a result, households earn additional income and reduce dependence on middlemen.

Modern machinery cuts post-harvest losses

Post-harvest losses remain a key issue in Pakistan. Zhou said canola losses can reach 30–40 percent due to limited harvesting equipment.

Drawing on Chinese experience, he noted that specialized machinery has reduced losses to 5–10 percent in China. Pakistani farmers using similar equipment can therefore increase effective yields and profits.

He added that Chinese enterprises are keen to invest in modern harvesting technologies to expand business opportunities while helping farmers reduce waste.

Rising Chinese demand offers export potential

Zhou also pointed out that China’s demand for imported agricultural products is growing steadily. Pakistan’s climate and soil conditions make it well suited to supply crops such as grains and sesame if yields and quality improve.

He said shrinking farmland and rising consumption in China will create sustained demand for overseas farm products. This trend presents long-term export opportunities for Pakistani growers.

“If Pakistan increases yield and quality, its products will become competitive in this market,” Zhou said.

He added that agriculture remains central to Pakistan’s economic development. Deeper China-Pakistan cooperation in seeds, machinery, processing, and market access can help farmers achieve higher productivity and better livelihoods.

Karachi’s major water supply project receives Rs5bn boost

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Karachi’s major water supply project receives Rs5bn boost

By Abdul Ghani

ISLAMABAD, Feb 07 (Wealth Pakistan): The K-IV water supply project, a flagship initiative aimed at easing Karachi’s chronic water shortages, has received an additional Rs5 billion in funding, raising the total allocation for fiscal year 2025-26 to Rs8.2 billion, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.

The fresh injection of funds marks a sharp increase from the earlier Rs3.2 billion allocation and reflects the federal government’s renewed push to complete the project on schedule.

Officials say the K-IV project remains on track to supply 260 million gallons of water per day to Karachi by December 2026, significantly improving water availability for the city’s growing population.

Funding to accelerate construction

The enhanced financial allocation will help cover rising construction costs and ensure that critical phases of the project continue without delays.

These phases include laying transmission lines, building pumping stations and completing other key water supply infrastructure.

Sources told Wealth Pakistan that the Ministry of Water Resources has also sought additional funding through internal savings to further speed up implementation.

Officials believe that timely disbursement of funds will prevent bottlenecks and keep work aligned with the project timeline.

Federal-provincial coordination

Alongside federal support, the Sindh government has pledged to release its outstanding financial share.

This commitment ensures full backing from both federal and provincial authorities.

Experts say such coordination is essential for large-scale infrastructure schemes, especially those designed to address Karachi’s longstanding water crisis. Joint financial support also reduces the risk of project slowdowns caused by funding gaps.

Dedicated power supply planned

Another major milestone involves securing uninterrupted electricity for the system.

The Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company has been tasked with providing a dedicated 50-megawatt power supply for the project.

This dedicated supply will operate the pumping and distribution systems once the network becomes functional. Officials said synchronising the power connection with construction and testing schedules remains critical to maintaining the overall timeline.

Without stable power, the system cannot function efficiently.

PC-I revision under review

Meanwhile, the project’s second revised PC-I document is under review by the Ministry of Water Resources.

The document outlines updated financial estimates, operational details and implementation strategies. Once cleared, it will be forwarded to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives for final approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.

Officials told Wealth Pakistan that timely approval will streamline procedures and allow faster transition to the next stage of development.

Relief for Karachi’s water crisis

Karachi has long struggled with severe water shortages due to rapid population growth, ageing infrastructure and supply-demand gaps.

Authorities believe the K-IV project will provide a sustainable solution by significantly increasing daily water supply. With 260 million gallons per day expected upon completion, the project could ease pressure on existing sources and improve access for residential, commercial and industrial users.

Officials say resolving financial and logistical challenges now will help ensure the project meets its December 2026 completion target.

Once operational, the K-IV project is expected to deliver reliable water to millions of residents and support Karachi’s long-term urban and economic growth.

Flurry of activities to mark 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties

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Flurry of activities to mark 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan and China are set to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 with a year-long series of events, as the government plans dozens of joint initiatives to commemorate their historic partnership and strengthen future cooperation.

To oversee the celebrations, the prime minister has constituted a special committee tasked with organizing 72 activities throughout the year. Officials say the initiatives will highlight the depth of bilateral ties and open new avenues for collaboration across trade, culture, technology and diplomacy.

The planned activities aim not only to celebrate past achievements but also to reinforce the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Commemorative coin and stamp

Among the key highlights, Pakistan will issue a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the milestone year.

These symbolic items will represent the enduring friendship between Islamabad and Beijing and serve as a tribute to decades of mutual trust and cooperation.

Officials told Wealth Pakistan such gestures reflect the historical significance of Pakistan-China ties, often described as “all-weather” and time-tested.

Wide-ranging joint events planned

In addition, more than two dozen joint activities are already under active preparation.

These programmes will take place across both countries and cover multiple sectors. They include trade exhibitions, cultural exchanges, academic collaborations and technology initiatives.

Authorities from Pakistan and China are working closely to ensure smooth execution of the events.

Officials believe these engagements will deepen people-to-people contacts and strengthen business and institutional linkages.

Diplomatic momentum builds

The anniversary celebrations gained further momentum with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s recent visit to China.

He became the first foreign dignitary to attend the 7th Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, underscoring the high level of trust between the two countries.

During the visit, the Pakistani foreign minister and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi jointly launched a special anniversary logo.

The logo symbolises the resilience and continuity of Pakistan-China relations and reflects both nations’ commitment to expanding cooperation.

Focus on future cooperation

Officials say the 75th anniversary offers an opportunity to look ahead, not just back.

While the celebrations will recall shared history and achievements, they will also focus on new areas of collaboration. These include strategic coordination, economic development, cultural exchange and technological advancement.

Analysts note that Pakistan-China ties have expanded steadily under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader regional cooperation frameworks.

Therefore, the anniversary year could further accelerate joint projects and investment initiatives.

Strengthening an all-weather partnership

The planned activities demonstrate both governments’ commitment to maintaining strong and stable relations.

Officials say the partnership has remained resilient through global challenges and continues to adapt to new economic and geopolitical realities.

“The anniversary is a reminder of the robust ties that connect our two nations and our shared vision for the future,” an official said.

As preparations continue, the year-long celebrations are expected to showcase the breadth of Pakistan-China cooperation and reinforce their long-standing friendship for decades to come.

Rashakai SEZ rolls out investor-friendly policies to boost investment

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Rashakai SEZ rolls out investor-friendly policies to boost investment

By Ayesha Saba

ISLAMABAD, Feb 7 (Wealth Pakistan): Rashakai Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is rolling out investor-friendly policies, fiscal incentives and reliable utility services to attract local and foreign manufacturers, positioning itself as a key driver of Pakistan’s industrial growth under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Officials say the zone combines tax exemptions, long-term land leases and uninterrupted infrastructure to create a business environment that lowers costs and improves operational certainty for investors.

The SEZ has already allocated 102 acres to 26 enterprises, signalling rising industrial activity and growing investor confidence.

Incentives to reduce startup costs

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Abdul Hameed, Marketing Manager at the Investment Department of the Rashakai Economic Zone Development and Operation Company, said the zone offers a comprehensive package of incentives designed to ensure ease of doing business and long-term sustainability.

He explained that Rashakai SEZ provides a one-time exemption from customs duties and taxes on the import of capital goods. This concession significantly lowers initial setup expenses for factories and manufacturing units.

In addition, investors can avail a 10-year income tax exemption starting from the commencement of commercial operations.

“This makes the zone highly attractive for both domestic and foreign investors,” Hameed said.

Moreover, businesses receive a 99-year land lease, which offers stability and encourages long-term expansion plans.

One-window facility speeds approvals

To further support investors, the zone operates a one-window service system.

The system functions as a one-stop centre for approvals, documentation and regulatory procedures. As a result, companies can shorten processing times and avoid bureaucratic delays.

Hameed said this streamlined approach improves efficiency and helps investors start operations faster.

At the same time, round-the-clock security arrangements ensure a safe and secure environment for industrial activity.

Growing investor interest

Providing an update on investment trends, Hameed said the response from businesses has been encouraging.

So far, 26 enterprises have secured 102 acres of land within the zone. He added that dozens of Chinese companies are actively exploring partnerships with local firms to establish manufacturing units.

Meanwhile, hundreds of domestic enterprises have also expressed strong interest in setting up operations.

Industry observers say this interest reflects increasing confidence in Pakistan’s special economic zones as reliable production hubs.

Reliable utilities and infrastructure

A major attraction for investors is the availability of uninterrupted utilities.

The SEZ currently offers 160 megawatts (MW) of power supply, which authorities plan to expand to 210MW in the long term. In addition, the zone ensures 33 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas supply to meet industrial demand.

For logistics and storage needs, standardized warehouse facilities covering over 10,000 square metres have already been developed.

Furthermore, an effluent treatment plant with a capacity of 12,000 tons per day supports environmentally sustainable operations and compliance with regulations.

Phased development plan

Rashakai SEZ spans nearly 1,000 acres and is being developed in three phases.

Phase I covers 247 acres, where core infrastructure is already in place. The zone features dedicated internal roads, drainage systems, gas supply lines, 11KV power connectivity and telecom services up to the enterprise level.

It also offers customized workshops, commercial complexes, residential apartments and other supporting facilities to create a complete industrial ecosystem.

Officials say this integrated setup allows companies to operate efficiently within a self-contained environment.

Strategic CPEC advantage

Hameed told Wealth Pakistan that Rashakai SEZ enjoys strategic importance under CPEC, which enhances its attractiveness to Chinese and regional investors.

With modern infrastructure, policy incentives and strong connectivity, the zone is expected to play a central role in boosting exports, creating jobs and promoting regional economic development.

He said the SEZ could become a catalyst for Pakistan’s industrial transformation by supporting value addition and manufacturing growth.

As investment activity accelerates, Rashakai SEZ aims to position itself as one of the country’s leading industrial hubs.

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