Latest news with #MuhammadRiaz
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pink salt's export potential remains untapped
Beneath Karachi's blistering sun, a salt farmer harvests shimmering sea crystals in a coastal area — a backbreaking labour that yields just Rs1,000 a day. Each grain tells a story of toil, endurance, and the quiet dignity of labour. PHOTO: ONLINE Even though India's ban on Pakistani pink salt has opened up new opportunities for local traders in other international markets, the true potential of the profitable sector remains untapped since Pakistan, till date, has not been able to develop a value-adding system for processing and rebranding what many consider to be the world's healthiest salt. A local salt exporter, Muhammad Riaz, revealed that even in the past, governments were advised to export Pakistan's unique salt with value addition, but none took serious steps while India continued to market Pakistani salt as its own across global markets. "Indian traders are currently obtaining salt through Dubai. During the tenure of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, a proposal had been made for Pakistan to export salt directly to other countries rather than allowing India to benefit from it. Presently, Pakistani salt exporters are again emphasizing that salt should not be exported as a raw material but instead should be processed and branded, enabling Pakistan to boost exports and earn valuable foreign exchange," noted Riaz. Sources indicate that the ongoing political tensions between Pakistan and India have severely affected trade, pushing traders on both sides to adopt new strategies. From November 2023 to October 2024, Pakistan remained a major exporter of pink salt. During this period, 3,789 shipments of Himalayan salt were exported, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the previous year. In 2023, India had imported 462 metric tons of Himalayan pink salt from Pakistan, which increased to 642 metric tons in 2024. However, these numbers are still significantly lower compared to 2018 (74,457 metric tons) and 2019 (72,631 metric tons). After India imposed a direct ban on the import of Pakistani salt in 2019, trade was completely halted. As a result, India lost access to the inexpensive pink salt it used to source from Pakistan. However, Indian traders continue to import this salt through other countries, rebrand it, and sell it under their own labels. Although the volume of trade has decreased, indirect exports of Pakistani salt to India are still ongoing. For years, India earned substantial profits by purchasing this salt at low prices and selling it for much more. Previously, India used to receive cheap salt via the Wagah land route, but now it has to pay significantly more to acquire it. Since the complete suspension of trade through Wagah following the Pahalgam incident, relations between the two countries have become increasingly strained. In the meantime, Indian traders have started importing Pakistani pink salt via third countries. In this way, Indian companies are continuing to trade Pakistani salt through indirect means and earning profits through value addition. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, India imposed a 200 per cent tariff on Pakistani goods, which drastically reduced trade. As a result, exports of Pakistani pink salt to India became negligible. In 2025, a complete ban was enforced on salt trade, and now it is expected that even indirect trade through third countries may come to a halt. Due to the halt in the import of Pakistani Himalayan pink salt, local prices in India have surged. Salt that was previously sold for 45 to 50 Indian rupees per kilogram is now priced at up to 150 Indian rupees per kilogram. Hence, India is now looking towards countries like the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Iran, Australia, and Afghanistan to meet its salt requirements. In the meanwhile, during the first five months of 2025, Pakistan's salt exports to China increased by 38 per cent. Exporters say that in Punjab, the Mines and Minerals Department is actively extracting salt from mines, and salt reserves have been leased to the private sector. This has enabled private companies to play a more active role in increasing exports. "The government needs to stop the export of raw salt entirely and focus on value-added products," implored Riaz.
Arab News
14-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistan Football League announces cash award, job for financially struggling footballer
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Football League (PFL) on Wednesday announced a cash prize of Rs1 million [$3,573] and a 'prominent position' in the league for struggling footballer Muhammad Riaz, who made headlines recently after a video of him selling a popular street to make ends meet went viral on social media. The announcement came days after Riaz, who represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, was seen in a video frying popular street snacks jalebis in the northwestern city of Hangu. The video went viral online, with netizens criticizing the government and sports bodies for ignoring the footballer. Sports athletes in the subcontinent, including Pakistan, usually come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds before becoming household names overnight and attaining financial success. 'I on behalf of PFL would like to reward Muhammad Riaz with a prize money of Rs1 million and a prominent position in PFL as he is not only an excellent player but has also represented Pakistan at the global fronts on the soccer field,' the league quoted PFL Chairman Farhan Junejo as saying in a statement. 'And such amazing talent deserves all the support we can offer in our maximum capacity' The PFL is a franchise league that says it is driven by a UK-based company with foreign investment solely committed to uplifting football from the grassroots to a professional level in Pakistan. PFL said it took notice of the viral video and established contact with Riaz, describing him as a 'prime example' of thousands of talented footballers who are forced to quit their profession due to financial constraints. 'PFL remains committed in its objective to revive football in Pakistan and provide international training for all other footballers like Riaz,' the league said. Riaz thanked the PFL for recognizing the hardships he had to deal with following the previous government's decision to suspend departmental sports. 'I am thankful to PFL for providing me an opportunity to showcase my lost love for football and ensure that I will be working together with PFL to make sure no other player remains neglected,' Riaz was quoted as saying. The PFL said it would also make arrangements to provide Riaz training as per international standards to ensure football talent in the country doesn't go unnoticed. It added that PFL would also offer free football kits and training facilities to footballers in Hangu. The plight of football in Pakistan is a tale of unfulfilled potential, administrative chaos and lack of investment. Despite a passionate fan base and a pool of talented players, the sport has suffered due to mismanagement by governing bodies, political interference and inadequate infrastructure. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has been marred by internal disputes and FIFA suspensions which have hindered the development of the game at all levels.
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PM, PFL provide cash prize to Muhammad Riaz, footballer forced to sell 'jalebis'
The Pakistan Football League (PFL) has announced a cash prize of PKR 1 million and a key position within the league for footballer Muhammad Riaz, whose struggles gained attention after he was forced to sell sweets following the disbandment of his departmental team. Riaz, a former K-Electric player, found himself jobless after his club was dissolved due to the controversial ban on departmental sports imposed by the previous government. With no financial support, the 29-year-old turned to selling jalebis in his hometown, Hangu, to make ends meet. His plight came to light after a video of him surfaced online, leading to an invitation to the Prime Minister House. Following the viral video, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Riaz to the Prime Minister's House for a meeting. During the meeting, the PM awarded him a cheque of PKR 2.5 million and announced a job for the footballer. Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also provided him with PKR 1 million in financial assistance. PFL Chairman Farhan Junejo, acknowledging Riaz's hardships, not only announced the PKR 1 million prize but also assured him a key role in the PFL, a league determined to revive football in Pakistan. 'Muhammad Riaz is a prime example of the many talented footballers in Pakistan who have been forced to leave the sport due to a lack of platforms and financial support,' Junejo said. 'We are committed to ensuring that such talent does not go unnoticed. Riaz will not only be financially supported but will also play an active role in the PFL's efforts to develop the game in Pakistan.' The PFL also pledged to provide international training opportunities to Riaz and other aspiring footballers, ensuring that Pakistan's footballing talent gets the recognition and support it deserves. Riaz, an Asian Games hero, expressed his gratitude, saying, 'I am thankful to PFL for giving me the opportunity to return to football. I will work with PFL to ensure no other player is neglected.' His story has shed light on the struggles faced by Pakistani athletes, with many social media users pointing out that such talent would be highly valued and well-compensated in other countries. Despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directives to restore departmental sports, the ban imposed during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government continues to affect countless athletes, leaving them without financial security or career stability.
Express Tribune
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistani footballer Muhammad Riaz forced to sell jalebis for survival
Listen to article Muhammad Riaz, once a celebrated footballer who represented Pakistan in the 2018 Asian Games, now finds himself in a dire situation, selling jalebis on the streets to make ends meet. Riaz, originally from Hangu and a former player for K-Electric, shared his story in a tearful video that has been circulating on social media. The 29-year-old athlete expressed his frustration at the lack of support for athletes in Pakistan and the government's failure to fulfil promises regarding the revival of departmental sports. Riaz's situation sheds light on the struggles faced by many sportspeople in Pakistan. Despite previous assurances from the prime minister about the revival of sports departments, Riaz, like many others, has been left without a stable income and has had to resort to street vending to survive. He criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for banning departmental sports, a decision he believes has damaged the country's sports infrastructure and left athletes without essential support. "For years, I waited for the promised revival of departmental sports," Riaz said. "But with no income, I had no choice but to cook jalebis on a street corner to feed my family instead of practising football." Riaz's situation is far from unique. Many national athletes, particularly in football and hockey, are facing similar struggles.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Man throws acid on wife over alimony dispute
A woman and her stepfather suffered burn injuries after her ex-husband threw acid on her over an alimony dispute in the Chakri Road area, under the jurisdiction of Dhamial police station. Sadaf Kanwal informed the police that she is a resident of Thalian Road, Rawalpindi, and was previously married to Muhammad Riaz, with whom she has a son. She added that Riaz frequently subjected her to domestic violence. Unable to endure the abuse, she sought a divorce through the court, which granted her a decree awarding Rs85,000 in alimony. Riaz paid only one instalment last month. On Friday, Kanwal, was on her way to court with her stepfather to collect the second installment of her court-ordered alimony when her ex-husband, Muhammad Riaz, along with an unidentified accomplice, attacked her with acid. The attack caused severe burns to her face, arm, and other parts of her body, while her stepfather sustained injuries to his back and arms. The suspects sped away after committing the crime. Following the incident, CPO Rawalpindi Khalid Hamdani took immediate notice, directed SP Saddar Nabeel Khokhar to submit a report, and ordered the swift arrest of the accused. The police registered a case and arrested Riaz, while efforts were underway to apprehend his accomplice.
