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Pakistan warns of surging global military spending, arms race fueled by AI

Pakistan warns of surging global military spending, arms race fueled by AI
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad (on screens), addresses General Debate of the UN Disarmament Commission’s 2025 session in New York, US, on April 8, 2025. (@PakistanUN_NY/X)
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Updated 46 sec ago
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Pakistan warns of surging global military spending, arms race fueled by AI

Pakistan warns of surging global military spending, arms race fueled by AI
  • Pakistan’s envoy at the UN calls for a halt to the development, use of advanced weapons technologies
  • Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad urges safeguards to prevent AI from fueling a new global arms race
Updated 46 sec ago
Fatimah Amjad
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday warned that a sharp rise in global military spending, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), is accelerating a new arms race internationally with potentially grave consequences for global security.
The remarks were delivered by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, during the General Debate of the UN Disarmament Commission’s 2025 session.
Established in 1978 following the First Special Session of the UN General Assembly devoted to disarmament, the commission was tasked with formulating proposals on nuclear disarmament and preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, it has made little tangible progress over the decades and has often been criticized for its inability to produce concrete results.
“We are witnessing unprecedented increase in military spending in recent memory, fueling ever-increasing arms race now turbocharged by technological advancements,” Ahmad said, according to an official statement. “The relentless pursuit of power and geopolitical competition has intensified in recent years, taking us further away from this important international priority.”
The Pakistani envoy emphasized the urgent need for effective international measures to halt the development and use of advanced weapons technologies that could further destabilize global security.
He warned that such advancements were extending the arms race into new frontiers, including outer space, cyberspace and the world’s oceans.
“Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a pervasive feature of our daily lives with profound impact on international peace and security,” Ahmad continued, adding that the military application of AI posed a range of challenges – security, operational, ethical and legal – particularly regarding compliance with international humanitarian law.
The Pakistani diplomat cautioned the unchecked spread of AI-powered autonomous weapons could spark fresh arms races and destabilize both regional and global security environments.
“It is imperative to ensure that AI does not become another area of ongoing arms race with huge implications for global peace and security,” he said, calling for a “multifaceted, holistic and multilateral response.”
Ahmad said the UN should play a central role in shaping a coordinated global approach to the challenges posed by military AI technologies, and expressed Pakistan’s readiness to cooperate with it over the issue.

Topics: United Nations AI Asim Iftikhar Ahmad

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South Africa-based Pakistani entrepreneur to invest in coal-to-gas plant at Thar coalfields

South Africa-based Pakistani entrepreneur to invest in coal-to-gas plant at Thar coalfields
Updated 27 sec ago
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South Africa-based Pakistani entrepreneur to invest in coal-to-gas plant at Thar coalfields

South Africa-based Pakistani entrepreneur to invest in coal-to-gas plant at Thar coalfields
  • The project will convert coal into synthetic gas for industrial use
  • Initiative can reduce energy costs, alleviate growing fuel import bill
Updated 27 sec ago
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A South Africa-based Pakistani entrepreneur is investing in a coal-to-gasification plant at the Thar coalfields in southern Sindh province to generate cleaner energy and reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels, state media reported on Tuesday.
The announcement follows Pakistan’s high-profile mining summit in Islamabad, which brought together investors, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to explore the country’s vast untapped mineral wealth.
Businesswoman Tabassum Pardesi’s investment signals a renewed effort to harness Pakistan’s Thar coal reserves through gasification technology, which converts coal into synthetic gas for industrial use. The initiative can reduce energy costs, alleviate the country’s growing fuel import bill and provide a domestic alternative to costly liquefied natural gas.
“Tabassum ... is now spearheading a landmark investment initiative to establish a coal-to-gasification plant at the Thar coalfields,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in its report.
“The venture, in collaboration with leading South African mining conglomerates, aims to generate cleaner energy, reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels, and unlock long-term economic opportunities for the region.”
It highlighted that Pardesi, who is known for co-founding the South African Skywise Airlines, has submitted a proposal for the project to the Pakistani authorities and also initiated a “strategic lobbying” campaign during the minerals summit.
The report said her goal was to secure high-level public-private partnerships, streamline regulatory pathways and ensure alignment with Pakistan’s national energy and climate resilience goals.
Pakistan aims for a low-carbon future, targeting 60 percent renewable energy and 30 percent electric vehicle sales by 2030. It plans a 15 percent emissions reduction, increasing to 35 percent with international support.
“Pakistan has the potential to become a global mining powerhouse,” APP quoted Pardesi as saying. “With its abundant natural resources and a youthful workforce, all we need is visionary execution and international collaboration — and I’m here to help make that happen.”
The Thar desert is home to the world’s largest lignite coal reserves, estimated at 175 billion tons, equivalent to 50 billion tons of oil and 2,000 trillion cubic feet of gas. Pakistan’s mineral sector contributes only 3.2 percent to GDP and 0.1 percent to global mineral exports despite rich mineral resources including salt, copper, gold and coal.

Topics: Thar coalfields

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to partner on geological surveying amid push to tap $6 trillion minerals sector

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to partner on geological surveying amid push to tap $6 trillion minerals sector
Updated 3 min 15 sec ago
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to partner on geological surveying amid push to tap $6 trillion minerals sector

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to partner on geological surveying amid push to tap $6 trillion minerals sector
  • Geological surveys significantly impact mining by helping to locate, assess, and sustainably exploit mineral resources
  • Government officials, heads of private companies from various countries attend two-day mineral summit in Pakistani capital
Updated 3 min 15 sec ago
SAIMA SHABBIR

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to collaborate in the field of geological surveys through experience sharing and knowledge transfer, the chief of the Saudi Geological Survey said on Tuesday, as Islamabad seeks to tap the potential of the country’s vast natural reserves estimated to be worth $6 trillion. 

Geological surveys, scientific studies that map and analyze the Earth’s geological features, will be a key part of Pakistan’s efforts to tap the underutilized promise of Pakistan’s mineral sector, which despite rich reserves including salt, copper, gold, and coal contributes only 3.2 percent to the GDP and 0.1 percent to global mineral exports. Geographical surveys help to identify mineral deposits, and significantly impact mining by helping to locate, assess, and sustainably exploit mineral resources.

“For the Saudi Geological Survey and Pakistan Geological Survey, yesterday we had a meeting, and we agreed that we will work together to share the experience, transfer the knowledge, the learning, understanding the best practices, which are going to really help both countries in moving forward,” Eng. Abdullah Mefter Al-Shamrani, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Geological Survey, told Arab News on the sidelines of the two-day Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum being held in Islamabad. 

“There is good cooperation between the two organizations, [and] it is going to bring great value for both countries.” 

Al-Shamrani said Saudi Arabia had sent a large delegation comprising government officials and private investors to the mineral summit, who had held productive discussions with Pakistani companies.

“We had a great discussion between companies from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where they agreed together that they will continue working, exploring and looking for opportunities here in Pakistan and also at the same time for Saudi Arabia,” Al-Shamrani said. 

“Today [Tuesday] we have seen some of the investors in Saudi Arabia, they are asking for permission to go and explore some areas in Pakistan,” he added.

Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest porphyry copper-gold mineral zones, while the Reko Diq mine in southwestern Balochistan has an estimated 5.9 billion tons of ore. Barrick Gold, which owns a 50 percent stake in the Reko Diq mines, considers them one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas, and their development is expected to have a significant impact on Pakistan’s struggling economy.

Topics: Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum Pakistan Saudi Ties

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Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office

Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office
Updated 08 April 2025
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Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office

Heatwave-like conditions to prevail in southern Pakistan over next 24 hours — Met Office
  • At the same time, a shallow westerly wave, likely to enter upper parts of the country on Tuesday night, may cause rain and thunderstorms in upper regions
  • Pakistan has witnessed frequent, erratic changes in its weather patterns, including floods, droughts and cyclones, that have been blamed on climate change
Updated 08 April 2025
KASHIF IMRAN

ISLAMABAD: Heatwave-like conditions will prevail in southern parts of Pakistan over the next 24 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Tuesday, urging people to avoid sun exposure and take precautions.
The weather conditions may cause temperatures to rise 4-7°C above normal in central and southern Punjab, Sindh and parts of the Balochistan province.
“General public especially children, women and senior citizens are requested to take precautionary measures. Avoid exposure to sun light during the daytime and get hydrated,” the PMD said in its advisory on Tuesday.
“Farmers are advised to manage their crop activities (wheat harvesting) keeping in view the weather conditions and take care of their livestock as well. Judicious use of water is advised.”
Similarly, the PMD said, a shallow westerly wave is likely to enter upper parts of the country on Tuesday night and may persist till Friday.
The weather system may cause rain-wind/thunderstorm in Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Battagram, Bunner, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, Murree, Galliyat, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Talagang, Mianwali, Jhelum. Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal and Lahore during the period, according to the advisory.
Isolated hailstorm may also occur during the forecast period. Dust-storm and gusty winds are also expected in the plains of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Sindh during the forecast period.
“Wind-dust-storm/hailstorm and lightning may damage loose structures like electric poles, trees, vehicles and solar panels,” the PMD added.
Pakistan has witnessed frequent, erratic changes in its weather patterns, including floods, droughts, cyclones, torrential rainstorms, heatwaves and the slow-onset threat of glacial melting, in recent years that scientists have blamed on human-driven climate change.
In 2022, unusually heavy rains triggered floods in many parts of the country, killing over 1,700 people, inflicting economic losses of around $30 billion, and affecting at least 30 million people.

Topics: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD)

After bloodbath a day earlier, Pakistan stocks gain in line with global recovery

After bloodbath a day earlier, Pakistan stocks gain in line with global recovery
Updated 08 April 2025
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After bloodbath a day earlier, Pakistan stocks gain in line with global recovery

After bloodbath a day earlier, Pakistan stocks gain in line with global recovery
  • Pakistan Stock Exchange fell to intraday low of 8,687 points on Monday, largest intraday point-wise drop in PSX history
  • Major stock indexes plunged on Monday after US President Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from the rest of the world
Updated 08 April 2025
Arab News Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan stocks closed at 115,532, gaining 623 points (0.54 percent) on Tuesday, a day after the Pakistan Stock Exchange fell to an intraday low of 8,687 points, the largest intraday point-wise drop in PSX history.

Major stock indexes plunged on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from the rest of the world, saying a 10 percent tariff on all nations and much higher rates of up to 50 percent on individual countries will boost the US economy and protect jobs.

“In line with the global trend, the market saw a recovery,” Topline Securities said in its daily market review. “A total of 526 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 33 billion.”

Major stock markets jumped on Tuesday after three days of heavy selling while US Treasury yields rose for a second day as investors were optimistic that Washington might be willing to negotiate on some of its aggressive tariffs. Oil prices rebounded as well, helping lift energy shares. European shares also rose from 14-month lows on Tuesday after four straight sessions of heavy selling, although investors’ mood remained sensitive to tariff-related developments. Britain’s main indexes also recovered from their lowest levels in more than a year, as investors looked for any indication of Washington softening its stance on the aggressive tariffs that have roiled global markets over the last few days.

Pakistan is sending a commerce ministry team to negotiate a 29 percent tariff on Pakistani goods announced by Washington last week. 

Topics: Pakistan Stock Exchange

Kabul slams Pakistan’s ‘violence’ against Afghans pressured to leave

Kabul slams Pakistan’s ‘violence’ against Afghans pressured to leave
Updated 08 April 2025
AFP
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Kabul slams Pakistan’s ‘violence’ against Afghans pressured to leave

Kabul slams Pakistan’s ‘violence’ against Afghans pressured to leave
  • Islamabad canceled the residence permits of hundreds of thousands of Afghans in Pakistan as part of a deportation program
  • Afghan refugees should be allowed to take their wealth, belongings and household goods with them, Afghan refugees ministry says
Updated 08 April 2025
AFP

KABUL: The Taliban government condemned on Tuesday the “violence” used by Pakistan in its new campaign to expel Afghans from the country, accusing Islamabad of using the migrants for “political goals.”
Islamabad canceled the residence permits of hundreds of thousands of Afghans in Pakistan, including many who were born or living for decades there, as part of a deportation program.
“The mistreatment of them (Afghans) by neighboring countries is unacceptable and intolerable,” the Taliban Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said on X, calling for a joint agreement to facilitate repatriations.
An average of 4,000 Afghans crossed the border from Pakistan on Sunday and Monday, “far higher than the March daily average of just 77,” the International Organization for Migration (IOM) told AFP.
The new phase in Pakistan’s campaign to repatriate Afghans “could affect up to 1.6 million undocumented Afghan migrants and Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders during 2025,” the agency said.
The UN says nearly three million Afghans live in Pakistan: 800,000 had their Pakistani ACC residency cards canceled in April and 1.3 million still have residence permits until June 30 because they are registered with the UN refugees agency UNHCR. Others have no papers.
“It is with great regret that Afghan refugees are being subjected to violence,” the Taliban refugees ministry said.
“All refugees should be allowed to take their ho was born in northern Afghanistan, told AFP on Monday after crossing the Torkham border point.
“I had papers and they ripped them up.”
In September 2023, hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans poured across the border into Afghanistan in the days leading up to a deadline to leave, after weeks of police raids.
More than 800,000 Afghans by the end of 2024, according UN figures.wealth, belongings, and household goods with them to their own country,” it added.
Afghans crossing the border have told AFP in recent days that they left without being able to take all their belongings or money, while others are rounded up and taken directly to the border.
Human rights activists have for months been reporting harassment and extortion by Pakistani security forces against Afghans.
Moniza Kakar, a lawyer in Pakistan’s largest city Karachi, said, “(Officials) are picking and arresting people randomly, from different places. There is no proper mechanism to shift the whole family,” she told AFP.
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have soured since the Taliban takeover, fueled by a sharp rise in violence in Pakistan along the Afghan border.
“No one should use refugees as tools for their political goals,” the Afghan refugees ministry added.
Pakistan authorities did not provide immediate comment when contacted by AFP.
“My only crime is that I’m Afghan,” Shah Mahmood, who was born in northern Afghanistan, told AFP on Monday after crossing the Torkham border point.
“I had papers and they ripped them up.”
In September 2023, hundreds of thousands of undocumented Afghans poured across the border into Afghanistan in the days leading up to a deadline to leave, after weeks of police raids.
More than 800,000 Afghans by the end of 2024, according UN figures.

Topics: Afghan refugee in Pakistan

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Pakistan warns of surging global military spending, arms race fueled by AI
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia agree to partner on geological surveying amid push to tap $6 trillion minerals sector
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