Latest news with #PIDE
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Infrastructure must also safeguard health of people: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal addressed a high-level event jointly organised by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), marking the launch of AIIB's flagship report, Asian Infrastructure Finance 2025: Infrastructure for Planetary Health, said a press release. The minister stated that the launch of this report is both timely and deeply relevant to Pakistan's national and global development goals. Speaking to a distinguished audience comprising experts from PIDE, representatives of AIIB, development partners, and leaders from across sectors, the minister emphasised that Pakistan is standing at a critical moment, a point where infrastructure must not only support economic growth but also safeguard the health of its people and the health of the planet. Iqbal underlined that infrastructure today encompasses much more than roads, buildings, or power plants. It is equally about the air quality, the water nation drinks, and the healthcare systems that protect its people. He said this broader definition of infrastructure touches the idea of planetary health, where human health is intrinsically linked to the health of nature and the planet. Iqbal made clear that the Government of Pakistan is not allowing any infrastructure project to move forward unless it takes into account climate resilience, public health, and environmental protection. He affirmed that working in silos has ended, as every sector and system, be it hospitals, schools, transport systems, sewage networks, or electricity grids, must be integrated and climate-ready to remain functional and safe during natural disasters. The minister added that the government recognises the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and is actively investing in solar, wind, and green hydrogen technologies as part of its transition to cleaner energy. He stated that Pakistan is embracing nature-based solutions, highlighting ongoing initiatives such as planting mangroves along the country's coastal areas and developing green parks in cities, calling these smart, cost-effective, and equitable methods to enhance resilience. Iqbal pointed out that the data in the AIIB report echoes Pakistan's lived reality, diseases are rising due to floods and substandard water systems, food insecurity is worsening due to changing rainfall patterns, erratic rains are contributing to higher infant mortality, and lead pollution from industries and batteries is damaging children's health and brain development. He stressed that these phenomena are not abstract projections but are unfolding across Pakistan in real time. From floods and heatwaves to smog and water shortages, the impacts of climate inaction have become embedded in daily life. Iqbal assured that Pakistan is not beginning from scratch. The government has already started aligning national plans with the concept of planetary health. He specifically cited the 'Uraan Pakistan' initiative and the government's Five Es Framework as part of a comprehensive national agenda to promote climate-smart, health-responsive, and inclusive infrastructure. Under Uraan Pakistan, the government has begun transitioning to zero-emission electric buses in public transport, restoring riverbanks and wetlands to reduce flooding risks and promote green tourism, and upgrading healthcare centres to make them energy-efficient and resilient in the face of disasters. He highlighted that these efforts are well-aligned with the principles highlighted in AIIB's report, which promotes a transformative model of infrastructure that links sustainability with biodiversity conservation, public health outcomes, and climate resilience. Citing findings from the Global Commission on Adaptation, Prof Iqbal noted that every dollar invested in climate-resilient infrastructure can generate a fourfold return by avoiding future losses. He said Pakistan is incorporating urban green infrastructure solutions, including green belts, permeable surfaces, and climate-sensitive zoning regulations, which are proven to reduce urban temperatures by up to 4°C and mitigate extreme heat, particularly in cities like Jacobabad and Lahore. He added that the restoration of mangroves in coastal areas, already underway in Pakistan, is reducing storm damage by up to 30 to 50 percent while simultaneously improving fish livelihoods. Concluding his address, Prof Iqbal stated that historically, infrastructure planning in Pakistan has prioritized quantity over quality and expansion over resilience. He affirmed that the government is turning this page decisively and is committed to a new era of planning grounded in the principles of climate-smart, health-protective, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Three-year strategic roadmap unveiled by PIDE Senate
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, as Chancellor, chaired the 18th meeting of the Senate of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) Friday, where the Institute unveiled its comprehensive three-year strategic roadmap aimed at transforming into a globally recognised think tank, said a press release. Welcoming the newly-constituted Senate, Vice Chancellor Dr Nadeem Javaid outlined a forward-looking agenda focused on strengthening research capacity, expanding policy impact, modernising academic programmes, accelerating digital transformation, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring financial sustainability. 'We are shaping a future-ready PIDE—one that leads with relevance, research, and results,' he noted. A key highlight was the proposed overhaul of the institute's salary structure to attract and retain top talent. Minister Iqbal directed benchmarking against leading institutions like IBA and LUMS and tasked a committee, to be chaired by Dr Shamshad Akhtar, with designing a competitive and sustainable compensation framework. In line with its academic renewal, PIDE announced the launch of domain-specific 8 new research centres and set a target of increasing research output by 3 times high-quality publications over five years. The minister urged PIDE scholars to move beyond conventional paradigms and inject bold, realistic perspectives into development discourse—especially in redefining rural development through diversified economic opportunities, not just agriculture. To bridge research with policy, a new academic programme in Public Policy and Governance was introduced: PhD candidates who complete coursework will be attached to government ministries for hands-on public policy training under work-study programme. Minister Iqbal also proposed initiating semester exchange programs with international universities to enhance student exposure. Reinforcing PIDE's accountability framework, the Senate resolved to conduct an institutional performance review every year. Additionally, a committee will be formed to craft and seek Senate approval for priority research themes aligned with national needs. 'The time for incremental change is over. We need exponential thinking,' said Minister Iqbal. 'PIDE must lead by identifying strategic opportunities in global supply chains where Pakistan can gain a competitive edge.' Senate members actively shared ideas to ensure PIDE remains adaptive, visionary, and responsive to Pakistan's evolving development landscape. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan should reinforce trade partnerships with China, Middle East amid tariff row— think tank
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan should diversify its markets for exports, collaborate with other countries to formulate a multilateral response to Washington and reinforce existing trade partnerships with China and the Middle East in response to tariffs imposed by the United States, a Karachi-based independent think tank said recently. US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on several countries on Apr. 2, defending the measures as necessary to address long-standing trade imbalances and what he described as unfair treatment of American goods abroad. Islamabad would have been slapped with a 29 percent tariff rate before Trump walked back on the announcement on Apr. 9, pausing it for 90 days. A 10 percent blanket duty on almost all US imports will remain in effect. A study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) entitled 'Impact of Unilateral Tariff Increase by United States on Pakistani Exports' said this month when added to the existing 8.6 percent Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the total duty after the imposition of the 29 percent tariff could reach 37.6 percent. This would likely result in a 20-25 percent decline in Pakistani exports to the US, translating into an annual loss of $1.1-1.4 billion, with the textile sector bearing the brunt of the blow. 'Pakistan should work on diversifying its export markets to reduce dependency on the US market,' the Policy Research & Advisory Council, (PRAC) an independent think tank that says it provides input for policies and advocates for economic and business interests, said in its report titled 'An Analysis of US Tariff Barriers Impacting Pakistan's Trade.' 'Establishing trade agreements with emerging economies such as Africa or the Central Asian Republics (CARs), or reinforcing existing partnerships, like those with China or the Middle East, could mitigate the risks of trade losses due to tariff hikes,' it added. Pakistan has strengthened its business-to-business (B2B) ties with the Kingdom in recent months, with both sides announcing in October 2024 they had signed 34 memoranda of understanding and agreements worth $2.8 billion to enhance private sector collaboration and commercial partnerships. China, on the other hand, has invested billions in an infrastructure and energy corridor project that connects China's Xinjiang province to Pakistan's Gwadar Port via a network of highways, railways, and pipelines. PRAC advised Pakistan to collaborate with other nations facing similar tariff challenges, such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, urging it to formulate a multilateral response to Washington's tariffs. 'This approach could involve coordinated advocacy at international trade forums, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), to mitigate the broader global impact of US tariff policies and promote fairer trade practices,' it said. Pakistan's textile industry is expected to face significant challenges from the tariffs, with potential losses of up to $2 billion in exports estimated by experts if the 29 percent tariff rate is reinstated. The think tank urged Islamabad to leverage its competitive advantage in sectors such as wearing apparel, woven fabrics, food products and non-metal wastes where tariff increases for Pakistan are lower compared to Vietnam and Bangladesh. It pointed out that when it comes to textile yarn, threads and carpets, despite higher tariffs Pakistan still holds an edge over Vietnam. However, sectors such as medical equipment, plastics and rubber tires benefit from smaller tariff hikes, offering growth potential. 'By focusing on these sectors, Pakistan can enhance its export basket and capture greater market share,' the report said. PRAC advised Pakistan to reduce its reliance on a 'narrow' export basket, improve production efficiencies to secure new markets to mitigate the impact of rising tariffs and safeguard its existing exports. 'Implementing these measures will not only protect the country's trade interests but also position it for greater resilience and competitiveness in the global market,' it concluded.
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
No intention of responding to tariffs imposed by Trump administration — Pakistan finmin
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said Islamabad was concerned about new tariffs imposed by the US administration of President Donald Trump but had no intentions of imposing reciprocal taxes, BBC reported on Sunday. Islamabad would have been slapped with a 29% tariff rate before Trump's temporary suspension announcement on Wednesday. A 10% blanket duty on almost all US imports will remain in effect, the White House has said. 'There is a minimum tariff of 10% and then there is an additional tariff, I think we need to talk about this issue,' Aurangzeb said in an interview to the BBC. In response to a question about reciprocal tariffs, he said: 'If your question is whether we are going to give any response [to the US] in return, the answer is no.' 'There is a situation of uncertainty, and we all have to think about how to move forward with this new world order,' the finance minister added. When asked if he felt Pakistan was losing out in the tug-of-war between the US and China, he said Washington had been a 'strategic partner' of Pakistan for a long time, not just in trade but also in other sectors, while relations with China were important in their own right. A study by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) entitled 'Impact of Unilateral Tariff Increase by United States on Pakistani Exports' said this month when added to the existing 8.6% Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff, the total duty after the imposition of the 29% tariff could reach 37.6%. This would likely result in a 20-25% decline in Pakistani exports to the US, translating into an annual loss of $1.1-1.4 billion, with the textile sector bearing the brunt of the blow. The textile sector in Pakistan generates about $17 billion in exports and is the largest employer in the country, according to the Pakistan Textile Council. The industry is expected to face significant challenges from the tariffs, with potential losses of up to $2 billion in textile exports estimated by experts if the 29% tariff rate is reinstated after Trump's 90-day pause ends. Despite the risks, the PIDE reports also view the tariffs crisis as an 'opportunity for strategic transformation.' In the short term, it recommended that Pakistan engage in high-level diplomatic efforts to highlight the mutual costs of the tariffs and preserve long-standing trade relations. In the long term, it called for the need to diversify both export products and markets, seeing destinations such as the European Union, China, Asean nations, Africa and the Middle East as offering growth potential in sectors like IT, halal food, processed foods and sports goods.
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Fisheries sector: A wasted resource for poultry feed
Listen to article Despite having a 1,050 km coastline and vast inland waters, Pakistan has failed to capitalise on its fisheries sector to develop a sustainable poultry feed industry. Fish meal, a high-protein feed ingredient made from small fish and fish waste, could significantly reduce the country's dependence on expensive soybean imports, saving millions in foreign exchange. However, due to a lack of government focus, mismanagement, and quality concerns, the industry has remained underdeveloped. Experts warn that without urgent reforms, Pakistan risks missing a major opportunity to strengthen its poultry sector while boosting the local economy. Pakistan's fishing sector generates $534 million in exports and supports thousands of jobs, yet lags behind regional competitors, according to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE). Urgent reforms are needed to unlock its economic benefits, support fishing communities, and improve food security. Based on recent statistics and data from the Pakistan Poultry Association, the country has emerged as the 11th largest poultry producer globally, with a yearly turnover above Rs1,533 billion. The contribution from commercial poultry includes 2.028 million tonnes of meat and 19.170 billion eggs. However, the per capita availability of poultry meat in Pakistan remains at 5kg per year, with 51 eggssignificantly lower than the figures seen in developed countries, where it stands at 41kg of meat and 300 eggs annually, according to the official website of the National Library of Medicine of the United States government. Pakistan's feed industry has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years due to its reliance on imported genetically modified organism (GMO) soybeans. Following a three-year suspension, the approval of GMO soybean imports a month ago has led to a rebound in feed production, which had previously declined from an annual high of 8.59 million metric tonnes (MMTs) to 4.55.9 MMTs. The industry's output has since recovered to approximately 7 MMTs and is projected to reach 9 MMTs soon; however, it comes at a high foreign exchange cost. Around 1.6 to 2.2 million metric tonnes (MT) per year is consumed by poultry. In Pakistan, the previous restriction on GMO soybean imports impacted the poultry industry and caused production to nearly halve, as the country has not tapped into alternative feed such as fish meal. Majeed Motani, Founding Member of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, discussed the use of fish meal in poultry feed, highlighting several key aspects. He explained that there are two types of fish meals available in the market. One has lower protein content and is produced using traditional methods, while the other is made from fresh fish scraps in automated plants, which is also exported and used in local poultry feed. However, fish availability has declined, and soybean meal has become a more common alternative. Motani pointed out that the soybean meal used in poultry feed is not complete but primarily consists of soybean husk, which is more affordable compared to fish meal. As a result, poultry feed manufacturers use minimal fish meal, reducing costs. However, he noted that while soy-based feed takes longer to support poultry growth, fish meal ensures faster and healthier development of chickens. Last year, fish meal prices reached Rs95 per kg, but due to the increased use of soybean meal, prices have dropped to Rs4045 per kg. He also mentioned that in the Ibrahim Hyderi industrial area, most fish meal factories operate with automated plants that process fresh fish instantly. "The fish meal is primarily produced only in Karachi and is a seasonal product rather than being available throughout the year," former Chairman of the Pakistan Poultry Association (North Zone) Dr Abdul Karim told The Express Tribune. It is derived from small fish that are not consumed by humans and is instead processed into meal for poultry feed. However, the fish meal industry in Pakistan has struggled due to quality adulteration, making it an undesirable ingredient for poultry farms, especially in Punjab, he said. Adulteration significantly reduces its nutritional value, rendering it ineffective as a reliable protein source. While fish meal has historically been an essential source of protein, alternative animal-based and plant-based protein sources are now being used in poultry feed. Among plant-based protein sources, soybean meal is considered the best option for poultry feed due to its high protein content, digestibility, and balanced amino acid profile. In Pakistan, canola meal is also used, but soybean meal remains the preferred choice due to its superior nutritional benefits. Saeed Baloch, General Secretary of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, highlighted that fish meal in Pakistan is primarily made from fish waste, commonly known as trash fish. "While the industry continues to operate, it has not experienced significant growth," he added. Traditionally, low-income groups consumed trash fish, which includes species such as Mori, Barra, Doma, Chakoo, Loovar, Mori Kechak, Prah, and Choddi. However, in recent years, fish meal production has shifted towards industrial use. Despite its role in animal feed, the industry has struggled to expand due to multiple challenges. Last year, the price of trash fish was around Rs80-90 per kilogram. However, due to the bulk availability of soybeans, the price has now dropped to Rs40-50 per kilogram, "meaning it has decreased by half compared to last year," Baloch said. A major factor affecting fish meal production is the poultry industry's complete shift to soybean-based feed. Once reliant on fish meal, especially in Karachi, poultry producers now prefer soybean by-products due to their affordability and high protein content. Soybean meal, a primary by-product of soybean processing, serves as an essential feed ingredient for poultry. The process involves crushing soybeans to extract soy oil, leaving behind protein-rich soybean meal. This meal undergoes defatting and heat treatment to remove anti-nutritional factors before being ground and mixed with other feed components. Additionally, soy hulls, a fibrous by-product, are used in livestock feed. The poultry sector's dependence on soybeans has significantly reduced the demand for fish meal in Pakistan. Apart from declining demand, Pakistan's fishing industry faces severe challenges due to rising fuel costs and overfishing, said Baloch. High fuel prices have made fishing operations increasingly expensive, preventing many fishermen from expanding their businesses. Boats require substantial fuel for deep-sea fishing, and the escalating costs have considerably reduced profit margins. Additionally, overfishing has become a critical problem, driven by factors such as lack of regulation, the use of fine-mesh nets that capture juvenile fish, growing seafood demand, and illegal fishing practices. As a result, fish stocks are depleting rapidly, leading to economic difficulties for small-scale fishermen and disrupting marine ecosystems. Another major hurdle is the lack of investment in Pakistan's fishing sector. Expanding and modernising the industry requires significant capital, but large investors have shown little interest in the sector. Without adequate funding, fishermen are left with outdated equipment, increasing operational costs, and declining fish populations due to overfishing. This has led to reduced income opportunities for fishermen, making it harder for them to sustain their livelihoods. Addressing these challenges requires strong policy interventions, investment in modern fishing techniques, and stricter regulations on overfishing to ensure long-term sustainability, Baloch suggested. One of the best animal-based protein sources for poultry feed is meat and bone meal, which is derived as a byproduct from slaughterhouses, said Karim. In Pakistan, this source is commonly used due to its high protein and calcium content, which supports poultry growth and bone development. Additionally, poultry remains are also processed and included in poultry feed. However, strict quality control is required to ensure these byproducts are free from contamination and pathogens. While animal-based protein sources provide essential nutrients, their use requires careful management to prevent disease transmission and maintain feed quality. Despite Karachi's extensive coastline, Pakistan's fish meal industry has not developed into a viable and sustainable sector. "One of the major issues is the outdated and inefficient processing technology," he said. In developed countries, large ships are equipped with onboard fish meal processing facilities, ensuring freshness and quality. In Pakistan, however, fish must be transported to the shore before processing, causing delays that compromise its nutritional value. Furthermore, once it reaches land, adulteration practices further degrade its quality. These factors have prevented the fish meal sector from expanding, even though a well-managed industry could reduce foreign exchange dependency on imported feed ingredients. The poultry industry in Pakistan faces several challenges despite playing a critical role in fulfilling the country's protein demand. Unfavourable market conditions and economic instability have hindered the sector's growth. The government often holds the poultry industry responsible for price hikes without considering external economic factors, such as feed costs, fuel prices, and inflation. Chicken plays a crucial regulatory role in the Pakistani food market, impacting the prices of other meats and vegetables. When the prices of vegetables, such as ladyfinger, rise, consumers shift to chicken. This demand fluctuation, in turn, pressures the market to stabilise vegetable prices. Similarly, chicken prices influence the rates of beef, mutton, and pulses, making it a key component of Pakistan's food supply chain. Dr Hafeez Ahmed Siyal, former Secretary of the Livestock and Fisheries Department, estimated the fish industry's value in billions, emphasising that fish can be utilised not only as food but also as feed and seed for various industries. He noted that high-value freshwater species such as shrimp and other fish are widely consumed in Pakistan. However, fish waste is often discarded without being utilised effectively. If scientifically processed, this waste could be repurposed as poultry feed, adding value to the industry. Siyal also pointed out challenges such as low purchasing power among consumers and the lack of development in fish nurseries. He stressed that a strong policy focus and reduced taxation could drive significant growth in the fisheries sector. "The fisheries industry offers quick returns, making it an area worth prioritising for economic development," he added.
