Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb is talking to the media during his visit to the PBC building
Federal minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb addressing a Press Conference at Press Club
PM views Saudi leadership’s generous support instrumental in securing IMF deal
ISLAMABAD, July 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday thanked the Saudi leadership for their generous and unwavering support for Pakistan, which, he said, was particularly instrumental in securing the deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The prime minister was talking to Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy who called on him, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister asked the ambassador to convey his special gratitude to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman for the deposit of $2 billion dollars with the State Bank of Pakistan.
He also apprised ambassador Nawaf about the formation of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) to facilitate and fast-track potential investments from GCC member states, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized that mutually rewarding Pakistan-Saudi cooperation in key areas including IT, energy, infrastructure and labour must be fast-tracked and augmented.
Ambassador Nawaf, while expressing satisfaction on the current trajectory of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries, noted that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were bound in a fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other through thick and thin.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan eagerly looked forward to the visit of the crown prince and prime minister to Pakistan at his earliest convenience.
PM for creation of enabling equal opportunities for women empowerment
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed upon provision of equal opportunities to the womenfolk as they consisted of half of the country’s population and were playing varying roles at different strata of society.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of the ‘Prime Minister’s Initiative for Women Empowerment’ which is being initiated at a total cost of Rs 10.4 billion.
The prime minister said that the country’s womenfolk were an effective and energetic segment, playing effective roles in families and society as mothers, sisters, wives and daughters.
He observed that in the last 75 years, the required opportunities for the women empowerment were not sufficient and stressed upon making of further efforts for securing women rights, including the inheritance rights and creation of opportunities in a conducive environment, so that they could contribute meaningfully and productively in society.
“Look around the Muslims world and the West, the women have played their due role for the progress and prosperity of their respective nations,” he added.
Lauding different prominent women personalities of the country, he said that they had served as great ambassadors of Pakistan in different capacities.
The prime minister said that there was no dearth of talent in Pakistan as they were blessed with great minds, but there was a need to harness the true potential with creation of opportunities.
Commending the rural women, he said that the ratio of the rural area women in the national building capacity was immense as they had been working on fields along side with the men.
He further observed that to achieve a place among the the comity of nations, both genders of the country had to work together, and underlined the need for provision of financial and actual opportunities in different fields.
“The women segment of our society is the driving engine for the country’s economy and serve as builders of nation,” he added.
About the creation of Shuhada Fund initiative, he said it was their duty as the martyrs had sacrificed their lives for the protection of the motherland and saved generations.
There could be no other precedent of bravery and valour than their sacrifice, he said, adding their bereaved families deserved honour and support.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of women belonging to all walks of life, besides ministers, parliamentarians, representatives of women organizations and relevant authorities.
Referring to the current day challenges, he expressed his gratitude to the brotherly country of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for extending financial support in form of $2 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan.
The prime minister questioned that as a nation for how long they would continue to depend upon foreign loans. “It is the pricking question,” he added.
He said a neighbouring country of Pakistan in the year 1991 sought the last IMF programme and then did not require any other financial programme.
The prime minister underscored the need that they had to streamline their affairs by learning lessons from the past and ‘like an active nation have to move ahead’.
For a year, he said, he had never faced such severe financial issues, triggered further by the last year’s floods, global inflation and Ukraine war which posed a huge challenge for the country’s economy.
About the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, he hoped that it would proceed accordingly.
Terming the foreign debts fetters, he said the nation had to rid itself of financial chains.
The prime minister further highlighted that they had to focus on the development of agriculture, exports and exploration of precious minerals worth trillions of dollars.
He regretted that billions of dollars had been wasted on litigation in the past and the country did not get a single penny profit which made them to suffer collectively.
The prime minister without elaboration said that all the political leaders and dictators were equally responsible for those woes.
“If we show determination, the country can emerge within days,” he added.
The prime minister further highlighted that as chief minister of Punjab, he embarked upon different initiatives for women empowerment.
He cited the award of scholarships to the deserving girls in South Punjab whereas under the Punjab Skill Development Programme, thousands of women from the backward areas were equipped with skills development education, adding they did not invest on brick and mortar rather on human resources.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Human Rights Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that the focus on women empowerment was a significant part of the present government’s policy.
He cited that Article 25 of the Constitution and other related articles guaranteed against all kinds of gender discrimination, adding the international charter also insisted upon ensuring of equal opportunities.
Women empowerment, he further said, meant provision of equal opportunities to the women to participate fully in the national, economic and political affairs of the country.
He said the PM’s initiatives would serve to achieve the objectives under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PM’s Special Assistant on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the initiative was launched under the PM’s vision aimed at women empowerment.
She expressed the hope that maximum number of women would take benefits from the initiatives and would play their role in the progress and prosperity of the country.
Shaza also stressed upon provision of opportunities to the womenfolk, besides availability of platforms to serve as springboards for the aspiring womenfolk to excel in different fields.
The present government has given a high priority on human rights and gender equality. It has allocated Rs 5,000 million for the Prime Minister’s Initiative for Women Empowerment in PSDP 2023-24 plus a new project titled “Women on Wheels” for which the PSDP allocation for 2023-24 is Rs 500 million.
The funds will be used for various projects aimed at promoting gender equality and women empowerment with a total cost of Rs 10,410 million.
PM launches Laptop Scheme for KP students, inaugurates Fata University
PESHAWAR, Jul 11 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here Tuesday launched the Prime Minister National Laptop Scheme for the talented students of Khyber Pakthunkhwa including merged areas enabling them to continue their studies and contemporary research.
The laptop distribution ceremony was held at Governor House and attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan, Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Zyad Akram Durrani, Special Assistant for Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima, PM Adviser Engr Amir Muqam, Federal and Provincial Ministers, Chairman HEC and students in large number.
The prime minister distributed laptops among the position holder students of different universities in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the laptops scheme was launched for all the talented students of the country including KP that was being distributed strictly on merit. No favouritism or nepotism would be tolerated in its distribution, he added.
The prime minister said that 100,000 laptops would be distributed among students in the country this year. A total of one million laptops were distributed so far among students under the PM scheme in the country.
He said the laptops would help students to excel in their studies and get dignified jobs in the competitive IT market.
The prime minister said that the laptops distributed by the PML-N Government had greatly helped students to continue their studies during the testing time of COVID-19.
The prime minister said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the land of brave people who played a key role in saving the country from the menace of terrorism and held the sacrifices of law enforcement agencies, police, doctors, engineers, traders and people in high esteem.
He said that the deal with IMF was made in compulsion for the economic stability of the country.
Pakistan has all natural resources including precious lands for agriculture, mineral wealth and only strong will was required to take the country’s out of existing challenges, he added.
The prime minister said that a comprehensive programme has been prepared for the promotion of Information technology, agriculture and mineral resources, and increasing exports to alleviate poverty and generate employment opportunities for youth.
He said that today our neighbour has excelled in development while in ’90s our country was the best exporter of cotton and textile in the region and our rupee was stronger than the neighbour.
The prime minister said, “We have to take lesson from past mistakes and instead of blaming each other, have to work hard and move forward.”
He announced an increase in laptops distribution from existing 100,000 to 400,000 in accordance with the province’s population ratio per year if voted to power.
He said that quality research and education were imperative for sustainable development and economic growth.
The prime minister said that the re-happening of the May 9 vandalism incident can be countered through the promotion of education for which the Government decided to distribute laptops among students to divert their attention towards studies.
He said we have to work for the elimination of corruption and favouritism and uphold the supremacy of merit.
The Prime Minister thanked Saudi Government including crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman for providing $2 billion in assistance to Pakistan.
Earlier, the prime minister inaugurated Fata University Phase 1 constructed with an estimated cost of Rs1.5 billion after its foundation was laid by the previous PMLN Government.
The prime minister was received by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and caretaker Chief Minister KP upon arrival at Governor House, Peshawar.
The prime minister suggested changing the name of Fata University after consultation with tribal elders and elected representatives of merged areas.
The KP police presented a guard of honour to the position holders/merit scholars students in the presence of the prime minister.
Rehman Ali, a position holder student of physics at Buner University thanked the prime minister on behalf of the laptops winners.
The function was also addressed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and Adviser to Prime Minister Engr Amir Muqam.
Traditional turban was presented to the prime minister on this occasion.
Ahsan Iqbal holds a meeting with Chairman NDRC
BEIJING, July 11 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives held an official meeting with Zheng Shanjie, Chairman, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China this morning here at NDRC headquarters.
The minister conveyed felicitations of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Chairman Zheng on assuming his new role and assured him of full support of the Government of Pakistan and Planning Division in smooth implementation of CPEC projects.
Recalling the launch of CPEC a decade ago, the minister noted that the development of CPEC had been a remarkable journey.
He remarked that since 2013, the relevant institutions from the two sides had worked as one team and successfully implemented key energy and physical infrastructure projects, laying a strong foundation for the next phase of CPEC.
The chairman NDRC remarked that China and Pakistan were good friends and partners.
Despite the vicissitudes of global politics, the two countries have always stood together and extended complete support to each other.
He also appreciated the key role played by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal in the development of CPEC.
The two sides agreed to fast-track work on the implementation of ML-1 project in line with the leadership consensus and launch it at the earliest possibility.
On the proposal of the Planning Minister, Chairmen Zheng offered to share Chinese expertise and knowledge to enhance Pakistan’s export earnings and accelerating SEZs development.
Both sides decided to hold regular meetings of the Joint Working Groups (JWGs) to review ongoing cooperation under CPEC framework and work closely for the next phase which is much wider in scope and focuses more on industrialisation, agriculture, science & technology and socio-economic development.
After the meeting, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal co-chaired the 12th (Special) JCC meeting along with Vice Chairman NDRC, Mr. Cong Liang.
APP/asg
Chinese Girls’ documentary highlights rich, diverse culture of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The short documentary film titled “Threads of Friendship: A Chinese Girl’s Adventure in Pakistan” screened here on Tuesday at the Aiwan-e-Quaid auditorium showcased the rich and diverse culture of the country captured in visuals presented by a native Chinese in pure Urdu language.
The speakers at the screening of the short documentary film termed China as Pakistan’s all-weather, ‘iron’ friend and said that both the countries were linked in a bond of friendship that spanned over decades and travels through generations.
The documentary is in fact a joint venture of the China Media Group (CMG) and 101 Friends of China, an Islamabad-based mega strategic think-tank founded by the late Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer, Zahid Malik in 2014.
In the 22-minute short film, Director of the China Media Group (CMG) Urdu Service, also known as the China International Radio Urdu Service, (FM 98 Dosti Radio) Noreen (Chinese name: Nao Ling) has successfully tried to explore various layers of the ancient, rich, diverse and unique culture of Pakistan.
She started her journey by visiting Faisal Masjid giving some useful information about its architecture, design and historical perspective.
She also visited the Pakistan Monument, Saidpur Village, Rawal Lake and the National Incubation Centre.
“Pakistan” in her words “is a country full of wonders,” she added.
At the closure of the documentary she said, “My journey has just started and soon I shall be back with more such captivating sights.”
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (Minister of State) on Interior Affairs, Jawad Sohrab Malik was the Chief Guest on the occasion while among the noted guests who attended the show included Press Attache of the Embassy of China Liu Chang, Vice-Chancellor of the Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Vice-Chancellor, National Skills University, Prof Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, CEO of Pakistan Observer and Vice Chairman 101 Friends of China Faisal Zahid Malik, DG National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), Vice Admiral (R) Ahmed Saeed and former Project Director (PD) China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Hassan Daud Butt.
The audience that included a large number of the Pakistani and the Chinese viewers applauded as the short documentary progressed and admired her for portraying an enlightened, peaceful and moderate Pakistan in her documentary.
“Her command of Urdu and ease of using the right Urdu word at the right place is simply amazing,” said Fatima, one among the audience.
In the words of the moderator and co-producer, Fahd Gauhar Malik, the screening exemplified the power of video-sharing and communication that enabled us all to delve deeper into the nuances of Pakistan’s customs and traditions through the lens of our Chinese friends.
“During the four weeks of recording and while working with Noreen we always found her full of energy and passion to film the ‘real potential’ of Pakistan’s tourism sector and to attract the local as well as foreign tourists to this land of peace, harmony and diversity,” said Fahd Malik.
Chief Guest on the occasion SAPM Jawad Sohrab Malik commending the work of the CMG and 101 Friends of China said Pakistan had always valued its friendship with China. Pakistan’s tourism sector indeed carried a huge potential that must be tapped and Noreen and Fahd through the documentary have tried to reflect that.
Dr Hassan Daud Butt in his speech shared his experience of the Chinese people’s hospitality and love for the Pakistanis and held that he felt the same feeling of sincerity and camaraderie in the ‘Chinese Girl’s Adventures in Pakistan.’ Noreen, he said, has become a household name in Pakistan because of FM98 Dosti Radio and a large number of the Pakistani people are tuned to its transmissions.
While thanking the audience, Noreen said she planned to do more such documentaries on Pakistan’s sites that have not so far been discovered.
To a question, she said wherever she went for the sake of the documentary she found the Pakistani people very kind, helpful, cooperative and hospitable. A certificate was also presented to Noreen in recognition of her great work.
Development work to be completed by 2025: FGEHA
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) Tuesday said the development work of Green Enclave II residential project of the government employees would be completed by 2025.
FGEHA Director General Tariq Rasheed said the development work of Green Enclave II residential project of the government employees would be completed by 2025.
“The work of the first part of the project Green Enclave II (Commoners Sky Garden) is going on vigorously. The Housing Authority Green Enclave II- Project is a joint venture of FGE Housing Authority, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Housing and Construction, with Sky Garden to provide low-cost plots/flats to government employees.
He said the work on the first part of Green Enclave-II was progressing towards completion.
The project consists of about 11,000 kanals of land, and the development work on about 2403 kanals of the first part consisting of (A, B, C, D & E) blocks of Phase-I will be completed by the end of 2025 while 20 per cent work is completed in Block D.
The road work and other facilities would also be completed soon, he said.
The director general said as per promises made by the Housing Authority would be fulfilled within the stipulated time period.
GCF approves US$66 funding for WWF-Pakistan’s flagship Recharge Pakistan project
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has announced US$ 66 million in funding to support the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to reduce the twin climate impacts of flooding and drought.
The investment will improve the resilience of some of the country’s most vulnerable communities affected by the impacts of climate change, including catastrophic flooding.
The new 7-year project, ‘Recharge Pakistan: Building Pakistan’s Resilience to Climate Change through Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for Integrated Flood Risk Management’, is the largest investment at the national level to date in an ecosystem-based approach to flood and water resources management, a news release said.
A collaboration between the Government of Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) under the Ministry of Water Resources, and WWF-Pakistan; the project will demonstrate the effectiveness of ecosystem-based adaptation and green infrastructure as an innovative addition to the nation’s traditional grey infrastructure solutions to flood and drought.
This will be achieved through restoration and reforestation of forests and wetlands; rehabilitation of water flow paths and channels; development of recharge basins and retention areas; and strengthening the climate resilience of local businesses in the agriculture and forests sectors.
In addition to the GCF funding, the project is supported through a collective US$ 12 million investment and technical support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Coca-Cola Foundation and WWF-Pakistan.
Collectively, the project’s interventions will directly benefit over 600,000 people and will indirectly benefit close to 7,000,000 people.
Speaking about the announcement, President WWF International Dr Adil Najam stated, “The floods of 2022 were yet another stark reminder of climate change’s impacts on Pakistan. Initiatives like Recharge Pakistan are the need of the hour to rehabilitate the Indus Basin, Pakistan’s lifeline. Through ecosystem-based adaptation and nature-based solutions, this collaboration will help restore the basin’s health, enhance resilience, and safeguard the most vulnerable communities. Today, we are one vital step closer to building climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and securing a sustainable future for Pakistan.”
Director General WWF-Pakistan, Hammad Naqi Khan added, “A focus on green infrastructure and ecosystem-based adaptation is crucial, especially for a country like Pakistan, where the impacts of climate change are manifesting with increasing frequency and severity and deepening the economic crisis. On behalf of my team, I am thankful to the GCF for their trust and acknowledgment, and would like to thank Minister Sherry Rehman for her support in seeing this through. Under her leadership, the Ministry of Climate Change took all possible measures to secure this critical funding. I am confident that in collaboration with our capable partners, we will deliver the impact expected from this critical and far-reaching undertaking.”
Announcing the news on social media, Senator Sherry Rehman, Minister of Climate Change stated, “We worked very hard to convert this GCF funding from loan to grant. After the 2022 megaflood our view was that Pakistan needs grant based climate financing, and are grateful to the GCF for accepting our advice. Rigorous design implementation involved months of consultations with all the provinces. After this stage, implementation now lies with them as the executing partners.”
PSX stays bullish, gains 570 points
ISLAMABAD, Jul 11 (APP):The 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued with bullish trend on Tuesday, gaining 570.67 points, a positive change of 1.28 percent, closing at 45,155.80 points against 44,585.13 points the previous trading day.
A total of 555,100,181 shares were traded during the day as compared to 440,221,059 shares the previous day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 15.487 billion against Rs 12.086 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 363 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 253 of them recorded gains and 92 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 18 companies remained unchanged.
The three top-trading companies were WorldCall Telecom with 35,089,048 shares at Rs 1.28 per share; Pak Refinery with 31,421,276 shares at Rs.16.95 per share and Fauji Foods Ltd with 23,204,209 shares at Rs.6.74 per share.
Rafhan Maize witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 242.95 per share price, closing at Rs 8,597.95, whereas the runner-up was Khyber Textile with an Rs 55.89 rise in its per share price to Rs 801.09.
Bata (Pak) witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 38.35 per share closing at Rs 1,714.65; followed by Siemens Pakistan with Rs 16.01 decline to close at Rs 699.99.