India and Pakistan have escalated tensions after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, India-administered Kashmir, which left at least 26 people dead on April 22. The attack led to India blaming Pakistan for the assault, withdrawing from a water-sharing pact over the Indus River, and reducing its diplomatic presence in Islamabad. Pakistan rejected the allegations, demanding a neutral inquiry, and imposed a blanket suspension on trade with India, including via third countries. Trade ties between the two neighbours have been virtually frozen since 2019, but experts say actual commerce is higher through indirect routes that bypass official scrutiny.
https://www.tbsnews.net/world/south-asia/10-billion-india-pakistan-trade-hidden-official-records-1131446Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Marilina Armellin reaffirmed Italy's commitment to supporting Pakistan's textile industry, describing it as a cornerstone of the country's economic growth and export performance. She emphasized the need for stronger bilateral trade cooperation and urged Pakistani authorities to reduce import tariffs on textile machinery to make high-tech equipment more accessible. The recent IGATEX Pakistan 2025 exhibition, held at the Karachi Expo Centre, marked a milestone in Italy-Pakistan industrial collaboration, with over 450 exhibitors from 30 countries participating. Ambassador Armellin highlighted Italy's commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment across various sectors, including textile, leather, footwear, and agriculture. She also emphasized the importance of mutual participation in trade fairs and shared success stories of Italian investments in Pakistan, such as a collaboration between a major fast-food chain and an Italian coffee producer.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360564/italy-reaffirms-support-for-textile-industry-offers-advanced-tech-to-boost-exportsDemocratic Sen. Tim Kaine expressed willingness to work with President Trump to address China's unfair trade practices, but warned that tariffs on allies can harm relationships with other countries that could be used against China.
https://www.rawstory.com/given-chance-to-stand-up-to-trump-on-tariffs-senate-republicans-take-a-pass/The Kremlin's displeasure with a recent deal is seen as a positive indicator by Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The agreement, which was struck two months after the Trump-Zelensky clash, includes language that suggests Russia's invasion and offers the prospect of renewed US military assistance to Ukraine.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/with-minerals-deal-ukraine-finds-way-to-secure-trump-support/article_ff8b21cf-615d-5b4d-887f-db7bc65212bf.htmlRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov believes some optimism about resolving the Ukraine crisis comes from US President Donald Trump's approach, which differs from that of his predecessor Joe Biden's administration. Unlike Biden's administration, which provided lethal weapons to Ukraine and encouraged it to join NATO, Trump is seeking to understand the root causes of the conflict. Trump has stated that if the previous administration had not pushed Ukraine into NATO, there would have been no conflict, according to Lavrov.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968185-rubio-ukraine-will-not-push-russia-to-the-old-border-vance-kiev-is-angry-but-why-should-thousands-die-for-a-few-mileFrench Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's visit to Ukraine was a significant development, as he met with US counterpart Marco Rubio to discuss economic cooperation and a potential agreement on critical minerals. The talks aimed to advance peace in Ukraine, with the French minister welcoming the frank exchange of ideas. France is seen as having expertise in rare earth minerals, and a deal could pave the way for security guarantees from the US. Le Drian emphasized the importance of European strategic autonomy and a European pillar for NATO, while calling for de-escalation on tariffs imposed by Washington.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/eu-preparing-new-sanctions-on-russia-french-minister-tells-afp/article_b5041424-a9ec-5988-9c9c-f5ec8073b16e.htmlThe Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) signed MoUs with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), and the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) with the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA). The Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau expressed interest in an MoU with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, while the Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association plans to open an office in Pakistan. This visit facilitated $2.5 million in confirmed yarn and fabric orders and estimated $10 million in sample orders, indicating significant future trade potential between the two countries.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307351-pakistan-bangladesh-strengthen-textile-trade-ties-with-landmark-mous-12-5-million-in-ordersPakistan's former envoy Asif Durrani emphasized the need for a balanced approach in handling Afghans living in Pakistan, distinguishing between security concerns and legitimate business interests. He advocated streamlining issues to enable Afghan businesspeople to access basic services like bank accounts. The international community must also share responsibility in addressing the situation, with Afghans appealing to the broader global community for help. Former Federal Tax Ombudsperson Dr Shoaib Suddle noted that deportation is justified on specific grounds, but businesspersons and investors should be welcomed due to their economic contributions. Former ambassador Maj Gen Raza Muhammad stressed the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, citing security challenges posed by terrorist groups like TTP and BLA.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307311-afghans-may-appeal-to-international-community-for-accommodationDeveloping nations must be actively involved in the global economy, not marginalized. Dr Malik emphasized the need for courageous decisions to achieve a shared green future. He met with Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, to discuss strategies for equitable climate action and strengthen bilateral cooperation on environmental issues. They explored opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in areas such as clean energy, wildlife protection, and carbon trading, leveraging Qatar's expertise in petrochemicals and recycling.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307226-pakistan-seeks-global-help-for-green-transition-at-geneva-climate-summit