PTI demands steps to build trust
Pakistan’s PTI called on the government on Wednesday to take concrete confidence-building steps if it wants meaningful political talks. According to Dawn Pakistan, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram demanded the reversal of measures the party considers unlawful, restoration of its provincial government’s mandate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the release of political prisoners.
Akram also sought protections for PTI founder Imran Khan’s rights, including meetings with his lawyers and family, timely proceedings in cases involving Khan and his wife, and treatment supervised by his personal physicians under applicable court orders. He alleged that raids, detentions and pressure targeting elected representatives and party workers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were intended to intimidate political opponents.
The demands followed remarks from Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who said on Tuesday that a formal ban on PTI was no longer necessary following governor’s rule and an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Akram rejected those measures and disputed Tarar’s assessment of PTI’s political standing, maintaining that the party retained broad support.
Sri Lanka focuses on rubber-export compliance
A technical workshop in Colombo brought together Sri Lankan government institutions, rubber-industry representatives and European experts to prepare for the European Union Deforestation Regulation, EconomyNext reported. The event was organised by the EU-funded Green Recovery Facility, implemented by Expertise France.
The regulation covers natural rubber and various rubber-derived goods, including tyres, hoses and conveyor belts. Discussions focused on requirements for exporters and on practical needs such as supply-chain traceability, reliable production information, institutional coordination and support for producers and businesses.
Gunadasa Samarasinghe, secretary to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, said producers, processors and exporters need the knowledge and systems required to maintain access to the EU market. European Commission policy officer Alessio Cartosio outlined obligations for EU operators and traders, while a European Forest Institute expert presented findings from its 2025 assessment of Sri Lanka’s preparedness, with a focus on rubber.