Pakistan households face rising food and fuel costs as inflation returns to double digits. (AI-generated image) The Pakistan government responded on September 14 with approval of a targeted fuel relief initiative via the Economic Coordination Committee. The scheme will provide Rs500 weekly to eligible two- and three-wheelers. Car owners with engines up to 800cc will receive Rs1,000 for every ten days. Assistance is limited to non-commercial users and one vehicle per person. The Ministry of IT and Telecom will oversee the digital Fuel Pass System. Consumers in Lahore are facing substantial gaps between official prices and market rates for key food items as Pakistan endures renewed inflationary pressures. Official rate cuts have not been reflected across many retail outlets. This week, chicken, vegetables, and fruit all exhibited large disparities between notified and actual market prices. Households are feeling the pinch as the national consumer inflation reaches double digits and rising fuel costs add further strain to daily expenses. For instance, chicken meat officially costs Rs461 per kilogram after a Rs22 reduction in the notified rate, yet retailers charge between Rs520 and Rs570 per kilogram in Lahore. Potatoes, officially priced between Rs27 and Rs30, are selling for Rs50 to Rs70. Tomatoes officially range from Rs130 to Rs180, but market prices soar to Rs250 to Rs300. Onions are sold for Rs200 to Rs220 despite a ceiling of Rs175. Other vegetables reflect similar disparities: spinach is officially Rs57 to Rs60

The official engagement occurred during President Begaj’s working visit to the United Arab Emirates, aimed at enhancing diplomatic ties and economic collaboration between the two nations. The talks concentrated on fast-tracking economic collaborations, infrastructure projects, renewable energy initiatives, and advanced technological integration. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his confidence in the visit’s potential to foster new avenues for meaningful commercial partnerships and sustained economic development, welcoming the Albanian delegation.Officials reaffirmed their resolve to stay closely coordinated across global forums to promote sustainable resource management and regional stability. As part of the diplomatic exchanges, President Bajram Begaj presented Sheikh Mohamed with the Grand Star of the Supreme Order of the Eagle, Albania’s highest state honor. This award recognizes the UAE President’s efforts in strengthening UAE-Albanian relations and fostering economic, cultural, and developmental collaborations between the nations.

Nepal has projected a reconstruction requirement of approximately $4.78 billion to rebuild following the severe floods caused by the Bhote Koshi River. The government released this estimate through its Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment after the disaster on August 26. The assessment indicates that direct physical damage amounts to around $1.8 billion, while economic losses are estimated at roughly $883 million. Officials clarified that these figures encompass damages across social, productive, and infrastructure sectors. The floods impacted communities and vital infrastructure across districts such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and others.

UAE-Jordan talks focus on bilateral ties, trade cooperation and regional issues. Throughout the meeting, both parties reviewed collaborative efforts in economic, trade, and developmental areas under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Sheikh Mohamed and King Abdullah expressed their dedication to deepening ties that support their respective national development goals. They also explored new ways to expand cooperation aligned with mutual interests. The two nations continue to maintain robust political and economic relations, supported by regular high-level exchanges. This latest engagement underscored their focus on bilateral development and regional coordination. Arriving in Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah was welcomed by Sheikh Mohamed and was accompanied by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Prime Minister Jafar Hassan. The presence of senior UAE officials, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighted the significance of the visit. Their participation reflected the broad scope of bilateral issues discussed during the talks. Expansion of UAE-Jordan economic cooperation under new agreement The primary foundation for intensified economic collaboration is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed on October 6, 2024, which officially came into force on May 15, 2025. Notably, this represents the UAE’s first comprehensive economic partnership with an Arab nation. The agreement facilitates trade liberalization across more than 98% of tariff lines, encompassing services, investments, digital trade, customs cooperation