The World Bank approved a $300 million loan for Pakistan, earmarked for the Punjab Clean Air Programme.

According to the World Bank’s statement, the funds will be utilised to combat air pollution in Punjab.

The World Bank’s Country Director stated that the initiative aims to enhance public health by improving air quality.

Also Read: No respite from smog as Lahore still world’s most polluted city

The Punjab Clean Air Programme is designed to mitigate smog, marking a significant step towards improving the well-being of millions.

Cleaner air is expected to reduce respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

He further noted that the project is part of the World Bank’s new Country Partnership Framework and is expected to benefit 13 million residents of the Lahore Division.

US President Donald Trump is urging senior advisers to take a more aggressive stance on tariffs as the administration prepares for a major escalation in its global trade war, the Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing four people familiar with the matter.

Despite calls from allies on Wall Street and Capitol Hill to adopt a more measured approach, Trump has been pushing for sweeping trade actions aimed at reshaping the U.S. economy, the report said.

Trump has continued to tell his advisers that he wants to keep increasing trade measures, and in recent days, he has brought back the idea of a universal tariff that would apply to most imports, no matter which country they come from, according to the report.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has expressed regret over not implementing broader tariffs during his first term and has blamed advisers for persuading him to pull back, the Post said, adding it remains unclear how seriously the idea of a universal tariff is being considered.

The president has told advisers that tariffs are a win for the United States, bringing back manufacturing jobs and adding trillions in government revenue, according to the Post.

Earlier on Friday, Trump said that he was open to carving out deals with countries seeking to avoid US tariffs but those agreements would have to be negotiated after his administration announces reciprocal levies on April 2.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwaar Chaudhry on Wednesday revealed that Denmark’s $2 billion investment in Pakistan’s port sector was moving forward, with Danish investors actively collaborating with the government to accelerate the process.

Talking to media during his introductory visit to Port Qasim, he highlighted that Port Qasim’s land will be allocated strictly for industrial purposes and will be sold transparently to genuine investors.

Real estate dealings on the port’s land will be discontinued, and any allottees failing to establish industries within the allotted time will have their allotments cancelled. A new assessment of Port Qasim’s land will be carried out according to regulations.

Junaid Anwaar Chaudhry further invited investors and Sindh government to join hands with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs in improving Karachi’s infrastructure.

He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to enhancing the city’s infrastructure but stressed that such projects require the collaboration of the Sindh government.

The Minister promised to expedite and improve the ministry’s projects and processes on a fast track, including establishing a clear policy for lands under Port Qasim, KPT, and PNSC. Promotion opportunities will be provided for lower-grade officers in the ministry, and external expertise will only be brought in when absolutely necessary.

He also confirmed that PNSC ships, having completed their operational life, were sold and are now being replaced with relatively newer ships through better deals. The inclusion of these new ships is expected to enhance PNSC’s competitiveness.

Chaudhry added that the ministry has sought plans from its subsidiaries, with monthly progress reviews scheduled. Additionally, a special cell will be set up to fast-track maritime affairs related to Islamabad.