ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Pakistan and China have greatly expanded economic dimension of their relationship as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a flagship initiative in this regard which would speed up economic cooperation and connectivity.

The political leadership-level interaction had increased which would of course further deepen this relationship, Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari said.

In an exclusive talk with APP in connection with anniversary of Pakistan and China diplomatic ties here on Tuesday, he said the friendship was all-weather and time-tested.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nuzhat Sadiq Tuesday said Pak-China relations had developed into a strong tree having deep roots, nurtured by generations of leadership of both the countries.

The all-weather ties between two countries were touching new heights during tenure of Prime Minister Muhammed Nawaz Sharif as numerous development projects, especially in energy sector were being carried out with cooperation of China in Pakistan.

In an exclusive talk with APP in connection with 67th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations, she said the development work was being implemented under “one belt, one road” vision for promoting regional contacts.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Minister for Information Technology, Anusha Rahman on Tuesday said introduction of mobile broadband has contributed a lot in connecting people and increased internet penetration in the country from mere 3 percent to 18 percent in a short period.

Availability of these technologies have resulted in speedy proliferation of broadband access both in urban and rural communities with a record achievement of more than 30 million subscribers in less than 2 years.

She was addressing a ceremony held here in connection with World Telecommunication and Information Society Day which was also attended Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar as chief guest, Minister of State Health Services, Saira afzal Tarar, Legislators, Secretary IT, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr. Syed Ismail Shah, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior staff of Mobile Phone Operators, industry’s experts, government officials, media-persons and students and teachers of ICT for Girls programme.

ISLAMABAD, May 17 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz
Sadiq on Tuesday said that Pakistan was keen to forge strong bilateral relations with Portugal.

He underlined the need for regular exchange of Parliamentary delegations to facilitate comprehensive bilateral engagements.

He was speaking to Portuguese Charge de Affairs Joao Paulo Marques Sabido Costa who called on him here at Parliament House.