MNA Hamid Hameed calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
New UK initiative will boost trade with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Jul 18 (APP): The United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) has now entered into effect, providing tariff reductions and simpler terms of trade to Pakistan and 64 other countries.
The new scheme has replaced the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and will help drive business between the UK and developing countries, reducing the need for aid.
UK Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston launched the scheme on Monday, during a visit to Ethiopia’s largest industrial business park, Bole Lemi.
Under the DCTS, Pakistan has retained its enhanced preferences status and will continue to benefit from duty-free exports to the UK on 94% of goods exported. It will also remove tariffs on over 156 additional products, and simplify some seasonal tariffs.
Total trade (goods and services) between the UK and Pakistan each year currently stands at £4.4 billion. It is expected that £120 million in tariffs will be saved on exports to the UK under the scheme.
Pakistan and other DCTS countries will be supported to participate in the international trading system through the UK’s Trade Centre of Excellence, which will provide specialist support to fully participate in the global trading system. This may include support on meeting trade standards, and participating in multilateral trade forums.
UK’s Trade Director for Pakistan and British Deputy High Commissioner, Karachi, Sarah Mooney, said:
“This is a major development in the trading relations between the UK and Pakistan. This important new scheme will further strengthen the economic ties between our two great countries, helping Pakistan to bolster its exports to the UK and harness the power of trade for development.’’
Maldivian envoy pays farewell call on foreign secretary
ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): High Commissioner of Maldives Farzana Zahir on Tuesday paid a farewell call on the Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed Khan here.
The foreign secretary appreciated the high commissioner’s efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between two countries in various fields including political, economic, education and tourism, according to a Foreign Office statement.
PM visits Tariq Fazal Ch to condole death of his son
ISLAMABAD, July 18 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday visited the residence of former federal minister and central leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to condole the death of his son.
The prime minister offered expressed grief and Fateha for the departed soul of Tariq Fazal’s son who lost his life in a road accident on Monday.
He also prayed to Allah Almighty for strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Railways and Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Energy Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir and Advisor Ahad Cheema accompanied the prime minister.
First Muharram-ul-Harram to fall on July 20, Ashura on July 29
QUETTA, Jul 18 (APP): Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad on Tuesday announced that the crescent of Muharram-ul-Harram 1445 AH had not been sighted at any nook and cranny of the country.
Addressing a press conference after a thorough consultation with all stakeholders, he said the first of Muharram-ul-Haram would fall on Thursday, July 20 and Ashura on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met here for sighting the crescent of Muharram-ul-Haram 1445 AH. Meanwhile, the meetings of Zonal and District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees were held at their respective headquarters.
The sighting of the moon holds great significance for the Islamic community, as it marks the beginning of the holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram. To ensure the accurate determination of the new moon, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee collaborated with Zonal and District Ruet-e-Hilal Committees, which simultaneously held their meetings at their respective headquarters.
Ministry’s Spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt said the announcement was made after thorough deliberations and mutual understanding with all stakeholders.
The committee’s decision was based on credible and solid testimonies from reputable sources, ensuring utmost accuracy, he added.
He said this important meeting aimed to facilitate the observance of Muharram-ul-Haram with harmony and unity throughout the country. Religious scholars, community leaders, and stakeholders were urged to cooperate in providing credible testimonies, fostering a spirit of consensus and togetherness, he maintained.
Umar Butt said the Ministry had requested all citizens to look for the new moon on this evening and promptly report any sightings to their nearest Ruet-e-Hilal Committee representatives. The cooperation of the public was vital in ensuring the timely and accurate announcement of the crescent sighting, he added.
He said the entire nation hoped for a blessed and peaceful Muharram-ul-Haram, commemorating the sacrifices and teachings of Islam’s revered figures.
He prayed to Allah Almighty that may this holy month of Muharram-ul-Haram bring peace, blessings, and harmony to all Muslims across the nation.