IMF demand on special economic zones to dissuade China investments in Pakistan — Bloomberg

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday called for “more flexible and grants-based” financial assistance to help developing countries like Pakistan build climate resilience in a message to a gathering focusing on the issue.
Sharif’s video message was played at the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference, a two-day event hosted by Dawn Media Group in Islamabad. The event brought together nearly 100 global experts to address critical climate issues, aiming to foster collaboration and develop actionable solutions for a sustainable future.
In recent years, Pakistan has experienced erratic environmental patterns attributed to climate change, including extreme weather events such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. These events have led to loss of life, infrastructure damage and food security concerns.
“Pakistan’s climate story embodies a cruel paradox of our times,” Sharif told the gathering. “Our emissions are less than 1 percent, yet we are one of the most climate-affected countries with an unprecedented cycle of climate-induced floods, rapid glacial meltdown, blistering heat waves and soil-cracking droughts.”
“Developing countries like Pakistan need more predictable, flexible and grant-based financial support to build resilient infrastructure and invest in sustainable development,” he continued while reflecting on the nature of international support.
Sharif recalled that two years ago, one-third of Pakistan was submerged in floodwaters, displacing 33 million people and claiming 1,700 lives, transforming climate change from a distant threat to an urgent call to action.
He noted that without global empathy and support, “the path to climate adaptation and green transformation will remain elusive.”
“Therefore, let us make Breathe Pakistan a resounding call to action to ensure a cleaner, greener and more resilient Pakistan for generations to come,” he added.

ISLAMABAD: Oman has expressed interest in expanding collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and exploring Pakistan’s indigenous defense production capabilities, according to a statement by the military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Friday.
The announcement follows Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu’s visit to the Arab country, where he engaged in discussions with civil and military leaders. The air chief was received with full military honors, underscoring the importance of the visit in enhancing bilateral relations.
Sidhu highlighted that both countries had consistently supported each other in challenging times, and the Pakistan Air Force was committed to providing training and support for the Royal Air Force of Oman, from basic to tactical-level training.
“During the meetings, the leadership of the Sultanate of Oman showed keen interest in the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and expressed a strong desire for enhanced industrial and technological collaboration,” the statement said, referring to a high-tech facility established by Pakistan to promote indigenous defense production, aerospace research and technological innovation.
“The leadership of the Sultanate of Oman expressed a deep desire to expand the existing Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, underscoring the importance of joint bilateral and multilateral aerial exercises, exchange visits and knowledge-sharing platforms,” it added.
Pakistan and Oman have a history of defense cooperation, including joint military exercises and defense procurement. In October 2020, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen military ties through knowledge exchange and expertise-sharing.
Diplomatically, the two countries share close relations based on mutual cooperation and cultural ties. Oman has an embassy in Islamabad and a Consulate-General in Karachi, while Pakistan maintains an embassy in Muscat.
The ISPR statement informed the Omani officials acknowledged the participation of a Royal Air Force of Oman contingent as observers in Exercise Indus Shield-2024, expressing appreciation for the multi-domain airpower strategies demonstrated, particularly the integration of disruptive technologies in space, cyber and electronic warfare.