Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

Pakistan and the United States have made significant progress in negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, although some technical clauses still require further discussions with the Office of the US Trade Representative.

Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul shared the update during a meeting between Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker. The discussions covered opportunities to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation. The prime minister’s coordinator on commerce and industry, Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, also attended.

Khan said expanding trade and economic ties with the United States remained a priority for Pakistan, highlighting opportunities for investment and closer collaboration between businesses in both countries.

The meeting also addressed access to the US market for Pakistani mangoes and dates. Paul stressed the need to expedite visits by US inspection teams to facilitate mango exports, adding that market access for dates from Balochistan would benefit growers and exporters.

The US delegation assured the Pakistani side that it would engage the relevant authorities on market access for agricultural products. Both sides also discussed increasing imports of US cotton and soybeans and explored trade financing opportunities.

Inviting American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial sectors, Khan highlighted opportunities in modern farming technology, food processing and cold chain infrastructure. He also pointed to potential for value addition in dates, olive oil and other agricultural products in Balochistan.

The commerce minister invited US businesses to participate in the FoodAg 2026 exhibition, scheduled for November 23 26 in Karachi.

The discussions also covered minerals, mining, technical cooperation and skills development. The US delegation expressed keen interest in expanding investment and technical collaboration in Pakistan’s minerals sector.

Khan identified Hub, Balochistan, as an important location for industrial investment, manufacturing and special economic zones. The meeting also reviewed regional trade connectivity and challenges affecting overland trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asian markets.

Paul underscored the importance of reliable trade routes and efficient logistics for export growth. Khan said Pakistan sought a sustainable economic partnership with the United States based on mutual benefit.

Baker expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with Pakistan in trade, agriculture, technology and investment. Both sides agreed to advance trade negotiations, address market access issues and strengthen institutional links.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The National Assembly has passed the Evacuee Trust Properties (Management and Disposal) (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at modernising the management of evacuee trust properties, removing illegal encroachments and ensuring the protection of these assets.

During Monday’s sitting, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik moved a motion seeking consideration of the bill as reported by the relevant standing committee.

Following approval of the motion, the state minister presented the amendment bill to the House. The deputy speaker then put its provisions to the House for clause-by-clause approval, after which the assembly passed the bill.

The amendment seeks changes to the legal framework governing evacuee trust properties, with asset protection and the removal of unlawful occupation among its central objectives.

Islamabad | ReNews Pakistan

The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has initiated procurement for a transaction advisor to assess a proposed joint venture apartment and commercial development at Mouza Charahan on Angori Road in Murree.

According to the procurement notice published on October 16, 2026, the authority is processing a private developer’s proposal under Rule 9(3) of the FGEHA Joint Venture and Public Private Partnership Rules, 2025.

The mixed use project is initially proposed on 84 kanals, with the possibility of expanding the land area to 1,000 kanals also subject to assessment.

Under the proposed arrangement, the land would be transferred into FGEHA’s name, while the authority would facilitate the necessary approvals. Twenty per cent of the residential apartments would be allocated to eligible FGEHA members at subsidised rates.

The proposal also includes a commercial component, continuing revenue streams for the authority and a buy-back facility for its allocated quota.

The private developer would be responsible for design, construction, sales and financing. Proposed terms envisage no equity investment by FGEHA and no assumption by the authority of the developer’s project liabilities. These provisions remain subject to assessment.

The transaction advisor will conduct due diligence on the land and developer, prepare feasibility studies, undertake valuations, and review development costs and payment plans.

The assignment also includes assessing the discount offered on the members’ quota, the proposed commercial share, potential expansion from 84 to 1,000 kanals, and the terms and security supporting the buy back arrangement.

The procurement concerns advisory services to evaluate the proposal and its transaction structure.