Economy, Trade & Aid

Chinese Projects, Reforms Boost Pakistan's Growth To Fastest In 13 Years

Pakistan's economy is growing by 5.8 percent this fiscal year, the fastest pace since 2005, aided by structural reforms and China's new Silk Road project, the government estimates.

Afghans Head To Opium Poppy Harvest

Afghans heading to take part in the opium harvest tell RFE/RL they have no other way of making a living. Afghanistan is the world's biggest poppy producer.

Taliban Attacks Short-Circuit Kabul Power Plays

Frustrated by power cuts caused by Taliban attacks on far-away transmission towers, a growing number of Kabul residents are calling on the government to heed a Taliban demand for electricity in areas under the militant group's control.

Pakistan Drafts Governance Rules For Islamic Firms, Securities

Leaders Hail Gas Pipeline Project As Start Of Central-South Asia Corridor

Leaders from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan said a new pipeline being built between their countries is the start of a major new energy, road, and communications corridor connecting Central Asia with South Asia.

Pakistan Reportedly To Be Put Back On Terror 'Grey List' By June

Pakistan will be put back on a terror financing watch list by June if it does not take further action against militants operating within its borders, media are reporting.

Leaders Mark Start Of Work On Afghan Section Of TAPI Pipeline

Leaders and senior officials from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and India have inaugurated the start of work on the Afghan part of a multibillion-dollar pipeline project that they hope will meet the region's energy needs.

Leaders To Mark Start Of Work On Afghan Section Of TAPI Pipeline

Leaders of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Pakistan, and India were expected on February 23 to inaugurate the start of work on the Afghan part of a multibillion-dollar pipeline project that they hope will meet the region's energy needs.

Tea, Haircuts, And Fish Bones: Letting The Light Into Pakistan

Currently, only 4 percent of Pakistani households tap into solar power due to a lack of awareness, limited supply chains, and a shortage of consumer financing for relatively high up-front costs, according to the World Bank.

China Touts Anti-Corruption Drive to Promote 'Clean Corridor' With Pakistan

China has stressed the need for Pakistan to guard against “external interferences” and prevent domestic “disturbances” for promoting the construction of massive infrastructure and energy projects under a multi-billion dollar bilateral economic corridor.

Iran Opens Extension Of Port Emerging As A Key Afghan Transit Hub

Iran has officially opened an extension of its southeastern port of Chabahar, which Tehran hopes will become a key transit hub for land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asia.