Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali calls on Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, at Finance Division and discussed fiscal matters of KP province and status of the ongoing development projects
Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, Dr. Reza Moghaddam calls on Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Chaudhry Salik Hussain
PM invites Saudi govt, firms to avail investment opportunities in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday invited Saudi government and companies to avail the investment opportunities in agriculture, mining, IT, energy and other sectors of Pakistan.
The prime minister, in a meeting with Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Engineer Waleed Abdulkarim El Khereji who called on him here, said the establishment of a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) would facilitate and fast-track potential investments from GCC member states, especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In this regard, the prime minister appreciated the Kingdom’s serious interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan.
The Saudi vice minister is leading a high level delegation with members from the Saudi ministry of foreign affairs, energy, health, environment and agriculture, industry and mineral resources, investment etc.
Prime Minister Shehbaz welcomed the delegation and expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of bilateral relations with the Kingdom.
He also conveyed his greetings for the Saudi leadership and thanked Saudi Arabia for its timely financial support to Pakistan, especially during the floods and appreciated Saudi Arabia’s role in helping Pakistan in its efforts to achieve macroeconomic stability in the country.
The visit of the Saudi delegation manifests the deep interest and willingness on both sides to transform the longstanding fraternal ties into concrete and mutually rewarding economic partnership. The visit will contribute to further enhancement of multi-faceted collaboration between the two countries.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have a longstanding history of brotherly bilateral ties marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of mutual support.
Planning Ministry gives 75 Development Leadership Awards; launches BNIP
ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on Tuesday gave Development Leadership Awards to 75 personalities for their significant contributions in the development of Pakistan.
It also launched the Prime Minister’s Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Programme (BNIP) to award 60,000 internships to young graduates empowering them with on-job training and valuable work experience at a ceremony held here, a news release said.
The ceremony was attended by Secretary Planning Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Chief Economist, the awardees, students and people from different walks of life.
Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsa Iqbal was the chief guest at the occasion.
The awards were categorized into high achiever (over 40 years of age) who has contributed significantly to the socioeconomic development of Pakistan, and Emerging Young Leaders of the country (under 40 years of age) who would lead “our way to prosperity” and Overseas Pakistanis who have dedicated their resources to Pakistan’s development.
Ba-Ikhtiyar Naujawan Internship Programme (BNIP) is an initiative of the Planning Ministry aimed at empowering the youth by offering 60,000 paid internships to young graduates.
Each internship would last for a period of 6-12 months, during which candidates to receive both off-job and on-job training, and equip themselves with marketable skills and practical experience.
Additionally, a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000 will be provided.
This programme presents a remarkable opportunity for young graduates to gain valuable work experience and enhance their prospects in the job market, explained Rafiullah Kakar, Member (Social Sector & Devolution) at the Planning Commission, who implemented this project in a short span of time.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal said the Development Leadership Awards highlighted the profound impact that dedicated individuals and organizations could make in promoting economic development, social prosperity, and a healthier society,
“This recognition serves as an inspiration to our young generation, instilling hope and optimism,” the minister said while lauding the contributions of award recipients for the country’s development.
While highlighting the several initiatives taken by the government since it came into power in April 2022, he said the government had taken significant measures including the Skill Development programme worth Rs 10 billion, which established partnerships with skill training providers to address the skills gap and promote modern and ICT-based skills.
“These skills are essential for meeting national and international demands, making our youth highly sought-after assets,” he added while urging the youth to play their constructive role ahead of global challenges.
Similarly, he said that with an allocation of Rs75 billion for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the government aimed to promote access and quality in higher education.
“This includes initiating 5,000 scholarships for students from erstwhile-FATA’s marginalized areas in KP province and 75 scholarships for most talented students in top-25 world universities of the world, ensuring our best and brightest receive world-class education and exposure.”
The government has established a National Fund “Out of School Children” worth 25 billion, aimed at addressing the crisis of out-of-school children, he said while highlighting the key initiatives taken in a short span of time.
Speaking at the occasion, Secretary Planning Ministry Syed Zafar Ali Shah said that as Pakistan marked its 75th anniversary, “We stand at a juncture where we reflect on our journey of progress and envision a future of even greater possibilities.”
“Today’s events epitomize this spirit, embracing both the recognition of past accomplishments and the promise of future endeavors,” remarked Syed Zafar Ali Shah, while appreciating the contribution of unsung heroes for the country’s development.
He informed the participants that the awardees hailed from diverse backgrounds, from Emerging Young Leaders and High Achievers to Institutions.
“From thought leaders to policy shapers, business magnates to societal influencers, each awardee contributes uniquely to Pakistan’s advancement.”
The awards were given to Rescue 1122, National Highways & Motorway Police, Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP); Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB); National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA); Punjab Masstransit Authority (PMA); China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Secretariat; Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), China Machinery Engineering Corporation (Joint Venture); Balochistan Residential College Loralai (BRC Loralai); Balochistan Institute of Information Technology, Engineering, & Management Sciences (BUITEMS); Oxford Pakistan Program (OPP); Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP); Public Private Partnership Authority (P3A); National Highway Authority (NHA); Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS); Society Leaders Agha Khan Foundation; Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust; Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital; Rashid Memorial Welfare Organization (RMWO) & Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industries.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif interacting with families of Martyrs during his visit of General
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif distributing laptops among the children of Martyrs during his visit of General Headquarters
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif being presented Guard of honor at General Headquarters
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attends a ceremony to honor the Martyrs and Ghazis of Pakistan Army at General Headquarters
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif addressing a ceremony to honor the Martyrs and Ghazis of Pakistan Army at General Headquarters
NA Speaker bids farewell to parliamentary leaders
ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf bid farewell to the parliamentary leaders of various parties present in the House, establishing a new parliamentary tradition.
He held individual meetings with parliamentary leaders, including Mr. Shahz Zain Bugti from Jamhoori Watan Party, Mr. Mohsin Dawar from National Democratic Movement, Mr. Muhammad Afzal Dhandla from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mr. Muhammad Islam Bhootani, Mr. Tariq Bashir Cheema from Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Mr. Ghous Bakhsh Khan Mahar from Green Democratic Alliance, and Mr. Ali Nawaz Shah.
Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf presented memorable shields to all political leaders, acknowledging their commendable and positive roles in the activities of the 15th National Assembly.
Addressing the meetings, Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf expressed gratitude to the parliamentary leaders and their parties for effectively fulfilling their roles during the tenure of the 15th National Assembly.
Speaker National Assembly stated, “I am the spokesperson of the hopes of 240 million people of Pakistan. While abiding by the Constitution, we have fulfilled our democratic responsibilities.”
“During the past one and a half years, all parties have played a crucial role in the effective functioning of the House, Speaker National Assembly emphasized.
The rapid legislation by the parliamentary political parties concerning public welfare, prosperity, and safeguarding public interests in such a short period is unforgettable,” Speaker National Assembly noted.
The visiting parliamentary leaders also congratulated Speaker National Assembly for steering the House with utmost positivity and expressed their gratitude for his leadership.