Business
KP Governor calls on PM to end ‘unconstitutional’ wheat supply restrictions – SUCH TV
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to lift what he described as “unconstitutional restrictions” on the inter-provincial movement of wheat, warning that such curbs are jeopardising the province’s food security.
In a formal letter addressed to the premier, Governor Kundi argued that the existing limitations violate the constitutional spirit of federal cooperation and are creating unnecessary hurdles in the smooth flow of essential food commodities.
He appealed to the Prime Minister to take immediate notice and direct the concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted wheat supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The governor’s plea comes shortly after the federal government approved the National Wheat Policy 2025–26 — a comprehensive plan designed to strengthen food security and standardise the wheat supply chain nationwide.
The policy was finalised in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on October 19, which was attended by chief ministers, provincial representatives, and key stakeholders from the agriculture sector.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister underscored the central role of wheat in Pakistan’s economy and highlighted that the policy had been formulated with broad-based consultation involving provinces, farmer groups, and industry experts.
According to the plan, both federal and provincial governments will jointly procure 6.2 million tonnes of wheat from the upcoming 2025–26 harvest at a support price of Rs3,500 per maund, consistent with global import benchmarks.
Significantly, the new policy also lifts restrictions on inter-provincial wheat movement, ensuring smooth distribution across the country.
To oversee its implementation, a National Wheat Monitoring Committee headed by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and comprising provincial representatives will meet weekly to report progress directly to the Prime Minister.
However, amid ongoing political tensions between provinces, Punjab’s Information Minister Azma Bokhari clarified on Sunday that there is no restriction on the transport of flour in Punjab.
In a statement, Bokhari said that if there is a flour shortage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government should release its own wheat stocks from godowns or procure supplies from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
“Punjab cannot sacrifice the rights of its people for the political spectacles of another province,” she asserted, adding that nearly 200 flour mills in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are currently closed.
The federal government has yet to issue an official response to Governor Kundi’s letter.
Business
UK airline Eastern Airways suspends operations with all flights cancelled
UK domestic airline Eastern Airways has suspended operations and all of its flights have been cancelled.
Customers of the airline, which operated regional services from airports across the UK, are being urged not to go to the airport as flights will not be operating, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said.
Destinations the airline flew to included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick, according to its website.
Eastern Airways customers are being urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.
On Monday morning Eastern Airways (UK) Ltd filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the Insolvency and Companies Court, which is within the High Court.
Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled.
“Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for the latest information.”
Following the suspension of Eastern Airways operations, London and North Eastern Railway, ScotRail, TransPennine Express, and Northern will offer free standard class travel to Eastern Airways staff and customers on October 28 and 29, on suitable routes operated by each train company, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said.
To access this support, present either an Eastern Airways employee ID, boarding pass, or flight confirmation to station staff.
Business
EU sanctions on Russia: New opportunities for Indian businesses; bilateral trade up, says IBA – The Times of India
The European Union’s latest package of sanctions on Russia has opened new avenues for Indian businesses to expand trade with Moscow, according to the Moscow-based Indian Business Alliance (IBA).On October 23, the Council of the European Union adopted its 19th round of restrictive measures targeting key Russian sectors—including energy, finance, and defense — in response to what it called “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”In a statement, the IBA said, “The EU sanctions against Russia have had an unexpected effect — instead of weakening the Russian economy, they have spurred local production and innovation. Russian industries have responded dynamically, filling the gaps left by the withdrawal of Western companies,” as cited by PTI.The alliance added that the measures have deepened Russia’s partnerships with “friendly nations, particularly India.” As Western firms exited Russia, Indian businesses stepped in to meet growing demand. “Bilateral trade between India and Russia has now reached a record $68.7 billion, reflecting the growing momentum in bilateral relationship,” the statement, signed by IBA president Sammy Manoj Kotwani, said.The 19th sanctions package also bans exports of several goods — including sanitaryware, electric motor toys, and tricycles — to Russia. The IBA said Indian companies have been quick to capitalize on these gaps. “Indian generic drug manufacturers, who in the past have been targets of western rivals’ smear campaigns, are today ensuring stable supplies for Russian hospitals and pharmacies,” it said.Indian exporters of engineering goods and machinery have expanded shipments of equipment, components, and spare parts, while Indian consumer products have reappeared on Russian shelves. The IBA noted that Indian tea, rice, spices, and garments are increasingly replacing European brands.“This cooperation benefits both nations — Russian consumers enjoy stable access to quality products, while Indian exporters gain new and growing markets,” Kotwani said, as quoted by PTI. He added that the IBA is actively helping businesses from both countries connect, facilitating logistics, partnerships, and guidance to build mutual trust. “Together, Russia and India are transforming global challenges into new opportunities — and emerging more resilient, united, and forward-looking than ever,” he said.The EU sanctions came a day after the United States announced its own measures against Russia. On October 22, Washington imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two largest crude oil producers, prohibiting all American entities and individuals from doing business with them.At the same time, the US levied a 25% tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil, in addition to existing reciprocal duties on Indian exports. Indian goods are currently subject to nearly 50% additional import tariffs in the US. New Delhi has called these duties “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.”Meanwhile, India on Monday reviewed progress in negotiations for a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic in Brussels to discuss the ongoing talks.
Business
Centre proposes ‘country of origin’ filter on e-commerce sites – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Consumer affairs department, in a draft notification, has proposed that every e-commerce company selling imported products must provide a “searchable and sortable filter” for “country of origin” with their product listings. This proposed change in the Legal Metrology Rules is aimed at helping consumers make quick choices as per their preference.TOI on July 26 had first reported this plan of govt. The department had suggested e-commerce companies explore this provision on their websites and mobile apps for products.At present, companies display the country of origin of items under the product description option and to check this, buyers need to go through the entire information of each product, which is time taking. Officials said the facility can be created easily considering that many of the e-commerce platforms have filters on their sites and apps such as price range, brand, type of product and different sizes. Hence adding another filter on country of origin is feasible.Meanwhile, the consumer affairs department has notified amended Legal Metrology Rules, stating that 18 different weights and measures will be verified by government approved test centres. These include water meter, sphygmomanometer, clinical thermometer, automatic rail weighbridges, tape measures, non-automatic weighing instruments, load cell, beam scale, counter machine, gas and energy meters, moisture meters and speed meters for vehicles.
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