Pakistan’s agricultural trade with the United Arab Emirates stands at a critical juncture. Accounting for 6% to 7% of the UAE's total fruit and vegetable imports-a trade volume exceeding US$150 million annually-Pakistan remains a key supplier of essential staples like onions and potatoes. However, relying on high-volume shipments of raw commodities through traditional wholesale markets is a vulnerable long-term strategy. To secure higher margins and build lasting trade resilience, Pakistani exporters must pivot aggressively from basic supply to strict food safety, traceability, and sanitary compliance. Why is Pakistani Produce Facing Increasing Import Rejections in the UAE? For years, the export pipeline from Pakistan to the Gulf region relied on proximity and bulk pricing rather than meticulous quality controls. Today, UAE regulatory authorities are raising the baseline for imported food products, focusing heavily on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) compliance. Pakistani shipment...
Floodwaters across Punjab reached alarming levels on Tuesday after India released additional discharges into the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, while persistent monsoon rains intensified the crisis, putting millions of lives at risk and raising fears of a super flood in Sindh.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the Sutlej at Ganda Singh Wala recorded over 350,000 cusecs of water — the highest level since 1955.
At Sulemanki, the flow was measured at 124,000 cusecs, while Islam Headworks reported nearly 86,000 cusecs. The Ravi also witnessed a dangerous rise, with water levels recorded at 54,000 cusecs in Jassar, 60,000 in Shahdara, 137,000 in Balloki, and 107,000 in Sidhnai.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that over one million people have so far been relocated to safe areas, while 41 people have lost their lives since August 26. He described the ongoing relief and evacuation efforts as the largest rescue operation in the province's history.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed stated that over 3,200 villages and more than 2.4 million people have been affected. He said 395 relief camps, 392 medical camps, and 336 veterinary camps have been set up across flood-hit areas, while nearly one million people and over 708,000 livestock have been relocated to safer places.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of further heavy rains over the next 24 to 48 hours, cautioning that water pressure is likely to rise in the lower Indus and southern Punjab. Authorities have expressed fears that the situation could escalate into a super flood in Sindh, threatening millions more in the days ahead.
In southern Punjab, the Chenab's surge has entered Multan district, where local authorities are weighing breaching embankments to protect the city.
In Sindh, low-level flooding has been reported at Sukkur, Kotri and Guddu barrages, though many residents in riverine "katcha" areas are resisting evacuation orders. Officials warn that the refusal to leave the areas could complicate relief efforts if river levels continue to rise.
The FFD reported that Tarbela Dam has reached full capacity, while Mangla is 83 per cent filled. Rawal Dam has opened its spillways as levels approached the danger mark. Authorities said more rainfall is expected through September 3, with forecasts pointing to continued high flows in the Ravi, Sutlej and Chenab rivers.
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