Azeem Khan
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Articles by Azeem Khan
Early warnings strengthen Pakistan’s GLOF response
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s glacier-risk monitoring system showed stronger field readiness during the 2026 monsoon. Two glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) events were recorded in Gilgit-Baltistan but no casualties were reported, as alerts, sirens and community response mechanisms helped limit the impact to infrastructure damage.
Green Pakistan Programme receives 94% of climate division's FY27 development budget
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is tightening its climate PSDP portfolio around fewer schemes, with forestry, ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration taking the lead through the Green Pakistan Programme. According to the official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Division has been allocated Rs2.478 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for FY2026-27, covering four ongoing schemes.
Weekly inflation rises 0.49% as onion, petrol prices increase
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), increased 0.49% during the week ended August 20, 2026, as higher prices of onions, petrol and chicken outweighed declines in eggs, diesel, tomatoes and several other essential commodities. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the SPI is calculated weekly to assess short-term movements in the prices of 51 essential commodities collected from 50 markets across 17 cities.
Pakistan reports normal drought conditions, keeps western Balochistan under watch
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is currently experiencing largely normal drought conditions, with only a mild rainfall deficit persisting in western districts of Balochistan, as the country's drought monitoring system continues surveillance to identify any emerging risks to agriculture, livestock and livelihoods, official documents of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) show.
Better post-harvest handling can boost Pakistan’s mango export value: expert
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan exports mangoes to more than 40 countries; however, better harvesting, grading, packaging, ripening and quarantine treatment can further boost export value and enhance competitiveness in high-end markets, says a mango expert.
Pakistan’s mango exports hit four-year peak in 2024
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s fresh mango exports rose from 118,121 metric tons in 2022 to a four-year high of 132,587 metric tons in 2024 before declining in 2025, while shipments during the ongoing 2026 season reached 44,882 metric tons by July 9.
Pakistan receives 258 Chinese farm machines to accelerate agricultural modernisation
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan has received 258 units of advanced agricultural machinery and irrigation equipment from China and trained 885 agricultural graduates under the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernisation Initiative, according to official documents of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, also available with Wealth Pakistan.
Pakistan’s wholesale food prices rise sharply in July as vegetables, potatoes lead increases
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Wholesale prices of several essential food commodities rose sharply in July 2026, with vegetables, potatoes, poultry, eggs, wheat and processed food products recording significant increases, according to figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics and available with Wealth Pakistan. Vegetables registered the steepest month-on-month increase of 40.32%, followed by edible roots and potatoes, whose prices rose by 36.25%.
Pakistan to strengthen weather forecasting, climate resilience capabilities
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan plans to strengthen its weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and climate resilience capabilities through a series of projects and policy initiatives. According to the Annual Plan 2026-27, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has been allocated Rs1.6 billion to improve forecasting systems and disaster risk management.
Govt advances technology-driven rice strategy to bridge yield gaps
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan has completed a five-year rice productivity enhancement project across Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, providing modern farm machinery to growers on a 50% cost-sharing basis to help bridge the gap between actual and potential rice yields.
Pakistan expands wheat cultivation by 0.67m acres, output rises to 29.61m tonnes
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan brought an additional 0.67 million acres under wheat cultivation during the Rabi 2025-26 season, lifting the cultivated area to 23.19 million acres and increasing wheat production to 29.61 million metric tonnes, according to an official document of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Punjab brings 29.6m acres under cultivation as land use intensity hits 98%
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s cultivated area reached 29.645 million acres, with land use intensity improving to 98%, according to the Agricultural Census 2024. The census estimates show that Punjab had 29.645 million acres of cultivated area, of which 29.026 million acres were net sown, while 0.618 million acres were current fallow. Net sown area accounted for 98% of the cultivated area at the provincial level. The land-use picture has improved compared with 2010.
Owner-operated farms strengthen as Punjab tenancy declines
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s farm ownership structure has shifted further towards owner-operated agriculture, with owner farms rising to 4.376 million in 2024, while tenant farms have fallen sharply to 0.335 million, according to the Agricultural Census 2024 report available with Wealth Pakistan. This change is important because ownership status affects farm decision-making, investment behaviour, access to credit, the use of machinery and the willingness to improve land.
Pakistan's olive oil industry gains global recognition with latest international award
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's olive oil industry has earned another international accolade after Loralai Olives (LO) won a Gold Medal at the Dubai International Olive Oil Competition (DUBAIOOC) 2026, reinforcing the country's growing reputation as an emerging producer of premium extra virgin olive oil and opening new export opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Sindh cultivated area up 6%, uncultivated land down 51%
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Sindh brought more land into cultivation in 2024, with the cultivated area rising by 6% to 8.11 million acres, while the uncultivated area dropped sharply by 51%, according to the Sindh Agricultural Census 2024 available with Wealth Pakistan. The latest census shows that the cultivated area increased from 7.64 million acres in 2010 to 8.11 million acres in 2024.
Pakistan’s food imports reach Rs180.33bn in June 2026
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s food import bill rose 19.90% year-on-year to Rs180.33 billion in June 2026, mainly due to higher imports of palm oil, pulses and all other food items, although the monthly bill eased from May, according to an official import statement available with Wealth Pakistan.
Punjab farm mechanisation surges as tractors rise 134%, solar pumps dominate
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s agricultural machinery base has expanded sharply, with tractor numbers rising by 134% to 777,404 units and tubewells and lift pumps increasing by 84% to 1.542 million units, according to the Agricultural Census 2024, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan. The census presents a clear picture of a changing farm machinery landscape in Punjab.
Punjab records large livestock population in Agricultural Census 2024
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s livestock sector has expanded significantly since the previous census, as the Agricultural Census 2024 records large populations of cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats across the province. This census holds special significance as it is the first-ever integrated digital census of agriculture in Pakistan’s history.
Sindh livestock base expands as goats reach 19m, buffaloes 13.4m
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Sindh’s livestock base expanded strongly between 2006 and 2024, with goats reaching 19.01 million, buffaloes 13.46 million and cattle 11.21 million, according to the Agricultural Census 2024. The census, a copy of which is available with Wealth Pakistan, shows that goats remained the largest livestock category in the province. Their population rose by 51%, from 12.57 million in the Livestock Census 2006 to 19.01 million in the Agricultural Census 2024.
Kinnow, apples and oranges lead Pakistan’s fruit-tree base
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s fruit-tree base is led by kinnow/fruiter, apples, oranges, mangoes and guava, with the Agricultural Census 2024 recording 25.77 million kino/fruiter trees, 23.20 million apple trees and 17.64 million orange trees across the country. According to the Agricultural Census 2024 National Report available with Wealth Pakistan, 617,888 farms reported orchards, with orchard area recorded at 1.609 million acres.
Pakistan’s first digital agricultural census lays foundation for smarter farm policies
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s first-ever integrated digital Agricultural Census 2024 has laid the groundwork for evidence-based policymaking by giving the government a more accurate and timely picture of the country’s agriculture, livestock and farm machinery sectors.
Pakistan seeks wider market access in China for farm exports
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand agricultural exports, with China emerging as a key market where several Pakistani commodities already enjoy access and a fresh list of products is under negotiation.
Pakistan seeks to expand mango exports beyond traditional markets
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistanis stepping up efforts to turn its prized mango crop into a stronger export earner, with the Department of Plant Protection securing fresh progress in China and pursuing approvals across several other high-potential markets.
Punjab’s 5m farms operate over 31m acres, shows agricultural census
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s farm economy has shown a broad and diversified base, with the province reporting 5.05 million farms operating over 31 million acres, according to the latest Agricultural Census 2024. The census results show that the average farm size in Punjab stood at 5.3 acres, while the average size of cultivated area was recorded at 5.9 acres.
Wheat dominates Punjab farmland with over 20m acres under cultivation
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Punjab’s acreage pattern for five major crops shows a strong wheat base across the province, while rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize remain concentrated in specific divisions, offering a clear roadmap for targeted farm planning, processing investment and market development.
Pakistan mango exports stay active as Iran, UAE and Oman dominate volumes
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s mango exports remained active across a wide range of international destinations this season, with Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and the United Kingdom emerging as major volume markets, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan. The document shows that Pakistan exported 42,343 metric tonnes of mangoes from June 1 to July 6, 2026, compared with 44,092 tonnes during the same period last year.
China's vast mango market offers major export opportunity for Pakistan
By Azeem Ahmed Khan China offers one of the biggest untapped export opportunities for Pakistan's mango industry, but commercial shipments remain extremely small as high logistics costs, post-harvest constraints and climate-related production challenges continue to hold back exports. Although Pakistan has been exporting mangoes to China since 2017-18, commercial shipments remain extremely small despite strong consumer demand.
Pakistan's wheat reforms lift output to over 29m tons in FY26
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's wheat production rose to 29.61 million metric tons in 2025-26 as government reforms over the past two years boosted cultivation, improved access to quality inputs and strengthened farmer confidence.
Pakistan's edible oil, oilseed import bill rises to $5.52bn in July-May
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's edible oil and oilseed import bill continued its upward trajectory during the first 11 months (July–May) of FY2025–26, rising by 11.1% year-on-year to US$5.522 billion, compared with US$4.971 billion in the corresponding period of FY2024–25, according to the official data available with Wealth Pakistan.
Pakistan's oilseed boom lifts edible oil output by 30% in FY26
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's oilseed sector has delivered one of its strongest performances in recent years, with edible oil production from major oilseed crops rising by 30% in 2025-26 despite only a modest 4% increase in cultivated area, reflecting significant improvements in crop productivity and a growing shift by farmers towards more profitable oilseed cultivation.
Pakistan targets 3.6% agriculture growth in FY27
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s agriculture sector is targeted to grow by 3.6% in the fiscal year 2026-27, up from 2.9% growth recorded during FY26 despite flood damage, according to the Monthly Economic Update & Outlook, June 2026, released by the Finance Division.
FPCCI report proposes roadmap to boost Pakistan's tourism exports
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan can strengthen its tourism exports through easier visa procedures, digitalized public services, improved tourist safety, climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger public-private partnerships, according to a latest report by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
Pakistan unveils broad CPEC expansion plan for FY2026-27
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan plans to advance the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in FY2026-27 through major initiatives in transport networks, industrial expansion, digital transformation, mining, energy, science and technology, regional connectivity, and socio-economic development.
Pakistan to establish Green University to build climate-skilled workforce
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan plans to establish a Green University aimed at developing climate-resilient human capital, promoting green innovation and supporting the country's transition toward a sustainable and low-carbon economy.
Pakistan's average temperature rises 0.5°C in 50 years, projected to increase up to 5°C by 2100
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's annual mean temperature has risen by approximately 0.5°C over the past five decades and is projected to increase by a further 3°C to 5°C by the end of the century, underscoring the growing threat of climate change to the country's economy, environment and population, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey highlights a sharp rise in temperatures across northern Pakistan during 2025.
Minor crops post strong gains as gram, potato, mung bean production rises
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's minor crop sector recorded a mixed but largely encouraging performance during 2025-26, with strong gains in the production of gram, potato and mung bean helping offset declines in some other crops. The latest agricultural data presented in the Annual Plan 2026-27 available with Wealth Pakistan shows that several crops registered significant increases in both cultivated area and output, reflecting positive momentum in important segments of the agriculture sector.
Wheat, rice, sugarcane exceed expectations in 2025-26
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan's major crops sector posted a largely positive performance in 2025-26, with wheat, rice and sugarcane recording higher production than the previous year, according to the latest official assessment of area and production targets. Wheat, the country's staple crop, showed a notable improvement during the year, says the Annual Plan 2026-27 available with Wealth Pakistan.
Agriculture to remain key growth driver in FY27 as govt targets export boost
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Agriculture will remain a major driver of economic activity during the upcoming financial year 2026-27, supported by projected growth across crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry under the government's sustainability and export agenda.
Pakistan expands mango export push to China
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is stepping up efforts to expand mango exports by deepening access to the Chinese market and opening new export destinations, even as adverse weather conditions, rising freight costs and regional trade disruptions threaten this year's export performance.
Food prices ease in May as vegetables, poultry become cheaper
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Consumers received some relief in May as prices of several key food items, particularly vegetables and poultry products, declined significantly on a month-on-month basis, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The latest PBS figures showed that tomatoes registered the sharpest monthly decline, with prices falling 38.39% compared to April 2026. Fresh vegetables also became considerably cheaper, posting a 24.69% decrease during the month.
Livestock supports 8 million rural families, contributes 14.6% to GDP
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Livestock continues to serve as the backbone of Pakistan's rural economy, supporting the livelihoods of more than 8 million rural families and contributing 14.6% to the national gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26. The survey highlights livestock as the largest component of the agriculture sector, playing a central role in income generation, food security and employment across rural areas.
PSDP 2026-27: Rs4.183 billion set aside for food security projects
By Azeem Ahmed Khan The federal government has proposed a strong development portfolio for the National Food Security and Research Division under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, with a total allocation of Rs4.183 billion aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and supporting livestock and research initiatives across the country.
Pakistan allocates Rs2.478 billion for climate change in PSDP 2026-27
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience by allocating Rs2.478 billion for ongoing schemes under the Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Division in the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2026-27, with the flagship Green Pakistan Programme continuing to receive the largest share of funding.
Pakistan expands climate resilience drive through global partnerships, early warning systems
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is strengthening its disaster preparedness and climate resilience framework through international academic partnerships, advanced research initiatives, early warning systems and community-based measures, according to the latest report released by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Satellite technology strengthens agricultural planning, food security in Pakistan
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is increasingly using satellite technology and artificial intelligence to strengthen agricultural planning and food security, with advanced crop monitoring systems developed by SUPARCO providing real-time insights for crop assessment and policymaking, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.
Pakistan upgrading radar network to improve weather forecasting
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan is expanding and upgrading its weather radar network to bring almost the entire country under radar coverage, strengthening climate resilience and improving the accuracy of weather forecasting in the face of growing climate change challenges.
Pakistan targets 70% edible oil self-sufficiency by 2035 under expansion plan
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to cut its reliance on imported edible oil, targeting 70% self-sufficiency by 2035 through a large-scale expansion of local oilseed production and olive cultivation. The strategy aims to increase domestic edible oil production to more than 4.578 million tonnes annually, with the potential to reduce the country’s import bill by nearly $7 billion each year.
PCSIR plans Rs983m lab upgrade project to boost agri exports
By Azeem Ahmed Khan The Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) plans to launch a Rs983.35 million project to upgrade testing laboratories aimed at improving quality assurance for agricultural products and enhancing the country’s export potential, according to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan.
Pakistan olive oil wins another global accolade in Europe
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s olive oil industry has achieved another international milestone, with Loralai Olives securing a Silver Award for Sensory Quality at the prestigious Berlin Global Olive Oil Awards 2026, one of Europe’s leading olive oil competitions.
Cotton output misses FY25 national target
By Azeem Ahmed Khan Pakistan’s cotton crop remained below national targets during FY2024-25, although Sindh delivered comparatively better performance in cultivation and production while Balochistan demonstrated strong yield efficiency, according to the Year Book 2024-25 released by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The report showed that cotton cultivation covered 2.043 million hectares against a national target of 3.118 million hectares, achieving 66% of the sowing target.
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