ISLAMABAD, Sep 28 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Flood Response and Coordination Center (NRFCC), the provincial disaster management authorities, provincial government and other relevant authorities for chalking out an immediate comprehensive strategy and taking of practical steps to drain out flood water from different districts of Sindh.
The prime minister chaired a meeting of the federal cabinet. The meeting was informed of the provision of additional water pumps by the government of France.
The prime minister and the cabinet expressed their gratitude to the French government and the French ambassador in Pakistan for the provision of pumps.
The prime minister also lauded Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety over the distribution of Rs50 billion among 2 million families under Prime Minister’s Flood Relief cash programme through Benazir Income Support Programme.
He further stressed that that cabinet should be apprised of the steps taken to resolve any future complaints during the distribution phase.
Moreover, the prime minister stressed that transparency was an important element of the flood relief cash programme which was being ensured by the federal government.
The federal cabinet in its meeting approved a comprehensive strategy over the present and future ‘Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)/ Treaties with Investment Provisions (TIPs)’ on the recommendation of Board of Investment and its decision taken on 27-07-2021. In this regard, three main treaties were of utmost important.
The prime minister said that a complete, comprehensive and permanent strategy over the treaties with different countries was vital for the promotion of investment in Pakistan. He directed for its promulgation and implementation on priority basis.
The federal cabinet also approved in principle the formation of a steering committee under the Living Indus Initiative upon the recommendation of the ministry of climate change. The committee would be comprising the federal ministries, provincial governments, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
The cabinet emphasized that inclusion of suggestions from the parliament regarding Living Indus Initiative was very significant. Moreover, at the grassroots level, awareness must be created about the initiative through inclusion in the educational syllabus.
The proposed initiatives, would ensure the construction of infrastructure and adaptation regarding protection of the natural resources linked with the river Indus and other connected rivers and the economic activities, thus protecting them from the future climate changes.
Upon the recommendation of the ministry of industries and production, the cabinet allowed Trading Corporation of Pakistan to import 300,000 metric ton urea under G2G for the Rabi crops.
It also ratified its decision taken on September 7 in the ECC meeting regarding CCoP.
The cabinet also endorsed the following decision taken on September 21 during ECC meeting:-
1. Clearance of Stuck-up Consignments in Light of Office Memoranda Dated 22 July 2022, 19 August 2022 and 23 August 2022 issued by Ministry of Commerce.
During the meeting, the foreign secretary gave a detailed briefing to the cabinet members about the prime minister’s visit to Samarkand and New York.
During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, the prime minister held meetings with ten leaders of different countries including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin and the presidents and leaders of the Central Asian Republics.
During a meeting with the Russian president, both leaders agreed to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in different sectors including energy.
Moreover, the prime minister apprised the Russian president about Pakistan’s interest to purchase wheat at the low cost which was welcomed by President Putin.
Besides, both sides agreed to further activate inter-governmental commission between the two countries. It was also agreed that a high-level delegation from Pakistan would soon visit Russia.
The meeting was further informed that prime minister’s participation in the SCO and address were the important components of the visit. During the visit, at the SCO forum and in the bilateral meetings, the historic climatic induced floods and the plight of the flood affectees were effectively highlighted upon which the member countries had assured to support Pakistan.
For the energy sector, regional linkages, trade and investment and people to people contacts, task forces had been established and it was expected that they would yield positive results.
The SCO member countries had endorsed Pakistan’s stance over enhanced global support for durable peace in Afghanistan, countering of terrorism in the region and the resolution of Kashmir issue in line with the aspiration of the Kashmiri people for a permanent peace and progress and prosperity in South Asia.
During the 77th United Nations General Assembly session, the foreign secretary said at the global level, prime minister’s viewpoint regarding developed countries’ responsibility over the climatic change which led to disastrous affects upon Pakistan, despite its low carbon footprints, was highly appreciated.
Besides, stressing upon the need for support and relief measures for the flood affected people of Pakistan, the world leaders assured their full support to the flood affected people during their bilateral meetings with the prime minister.
In the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, both leaders agreed to further strengthen the bilateral ties.
The French president offered to arrange donors’ conference for the flood victims of Pakistan which was not only a welcome step for the flood affected people, but also would further cement the bilateral ties between the two countries.
The UN secretary general also fully supported Pakistan. Moreover, Pakistan once again made the world to realize that for peaceful South Asia and for the economic prosperity of the region, durable resolution of the Kashmir issue was indispensable.
The prime minister also attended the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II and held meeting with King Charles III. The King expressed his deep grief over losses in the floods and assured full support.
