NEW YORK: September 26 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the sidelines of the UNGA.
NEW YORK: September 26 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif meets Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the sidelines of the UNGA.
NEW YORK: September 26 –
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia calls on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP): The Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy Thursday called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.
A wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
The deputy PM underlined the importance of deep-rooted and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
He extended warm wishes on the occasion of the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
DPM Dar appreciated the Kingdom’s unwavering support to Pakistan on various international platforms.
The Saudi ambassador reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.D
PM reaffirms commitment to achieve Pakistan’s development goals
NEW YORK, Sep 26 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving Pakistan’s development goals, aligned with Vision 2025 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The prime minister was talking to President of the World Bank Ajaypal Singh Banga in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb was also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, the prime minister appreciated the World Bank’s continuous support to the Government of Pakistan in introducing critical economic reforms and addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges, including poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
The prime minister apprised the WB president of the government’s steps, involving policy, administrative and organizational reforms, to realize the full potential of the economy and to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
He added that the government has also implemented reforms, particularly in energy, finance, and revenue sectors and Pakistan looks forward to enhanced support from the World Bank for the government’s revitalized economic reforms agenda.
He stressed exploring innovative financing solutions for Pakistan’s development projects, including water management, energy, and human development.
NA body on Petroleum takes serious notice of substandard fuel quality
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Energy (Petroleum Division) Thursday took serious notice of the substandard fuel quality in Pakistan and directed the Ministry of Energy to investigate the causes behind it.
During a meeting chaired by Syed Mustafa Mehmood, MNA, various issues related to the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Division, and its attached departments were discussed.
The Committee expressed concern over the absence of officers from the meeting, deciding to summon them if they continued to be absent in the future.
The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), and the Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) briefed the committee on the fuel quality standards in the country.
They explained that fuel is sourced from both imports and domestic refineries, with initial verification done by the HDIP.
OGRA’s Enforcement Department ensures compliance through inspections, penalizing violators when necessary.
The Secretary of the Petroleum Division informed that since 2021, Pakistan has shifted 50% of its fuel imports to Euro-5 standards. He also mentioned that the Pakistan Oil Refining Policy includes incentives for upgrading refineries within five to six years.
The committee decided to hold its next meeting with a singular focus on fuel quality to ensure a productive discussion for the betterment of the public.
China resolve to strengthen collaboration with HEC Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP): Chairman China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Luo Zhaohui has resolved to strengthen collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan for the uplift of higher education sector in Pakistan.
Welcoming Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, who visited the CPEC Headquarters in Beijing on his invitation on the sidelines of HUAWEI Connect 2024 event, the Chairman CIDCA reiterated his support to all higher education projects being executed under the umbrella of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), said a press release on Thursday.
The meeting was in continuation of Zhaohui’s visit to Islamabad in April 2024 wherein he had visited the Air University and interacted with students and faculty from various universities connected through Smart Classrooms.
Zhaohui expressed satisfaction over the execution of Smart Classrooms, as HEC has set up 100 Smart Classrooms connected to high-speed, dedicated internet through Learning Management System (LMS).
“It was a matter of great pleasure to see teachers and students connected from remote areas through a seamless high-speed internet using these classrooms. This is an important area of further collaboration and CPEC can play an important role in this regard,” he underlined.
Reiterating his support to CPEC projects, especially those related to higher education, he showed keen interest in training Pakistani youth, particularly from Balochistan and erstwhile FATA.
He mentioned the available funds for such initiatives, including interest free loans from China.
He also hinted at availability of scholarships for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in China.
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad highlighted three major projects for consideration under CPEC, including Smart Classrooms (Phase II), solarisation of universities, and capacity building of the human resource through intensive training programmes for youth in the emerging fields.
He emphasised the need for a long-term strategy to formalise collaboration in these areas through outcome-based projects.
The two sides also brought under consideration various potential areas for collaboration, including partnership for online education between Pakistani and Chinese universities, establishing Chinese language centres in Pakistan, taking medical and health education initiatives, training programmes for provincial and village management, customised training programmes based on Pakistan’s indigenous needs, training of master trainers in key fields, and leadership training and exposure programmes for university administrators in China.
During the visit, the Chairman HEC was accompanied by Member Information Technology Division HEC Dr. Jamil Ahmad and Project Manager Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) M. Azeem Khan.
Education Attache at Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Beijing also accompanied the delegates during the meeting.
IRSA’s technical committee meets to assess water availability for Rabi
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):The technical committee of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) met on Thursday to assess the availability of water in the rivers and reservoirs for the upcoming Rabi season 2024, scheduled to commence from Oct 1.
The meeting of the IRSA technical committee was convened to provide an assessment of the water flows in the rivers and reservoir level during the upcoming Rabi season.
The meeting was presided over by the IRSA Director Operation Khalid Idress Rana while Chief Engineer WAPDA, Directors Regulation Punjab, Sindh, Superintendent Engineer Irrigation Balochistan, Director Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and officials of
Tarbela and Mangla dams also participated in it.
The Water Accord 1991 empowered the IRSA to determine water availability in the country and provincial share twice a year, once for Kharif season and the other for Rabi season. Rabi season starts from October 1, while Kharif starts from April 1.
Gilani lauds security forces for successful operation in North Waziristan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Senate Chairman, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Thursday, commended the security forces for their successful intelligence-based operation against eight Fitna Al Khawarij in Razmak area of North Waziristan.
During the operation, the forces killed eight Fitna Al Khwarij involved in multiple acts of terrorism, including targeted killings.
Gilani appreciating the security forces, said, “The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our forces in the war against terrorism. The terrorists cannot succeed in their nefarious designs to spread chaos and unrest in the country.”
He reiterated the nation’s resolve to eradicate the roots of terrorism, expressing his best wishes for the brave soldiers engaged in this fight.
“The whole nation is praying for the continued success of our courageous security forces,” he added.
Mashhood urges Youth to explore diversity in tourism
ISLAMABAD, Sep 26 (APP):Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, on Thursday emphasized the need for youth to engage in tourism activities and explore diverse cultural traditions.
Celebrating World Tourism Day at a local hotel, he highlighted the importance of tourism in youth development and its impact on the economy.
The event featured discussions on tourism initiatives, cultural exchanges, and networking opportunities.
Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting tourism and empowering youth.
He encouraged youth to take advantage of tourism opportunities and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The event aimed to promote tourism and cultural exchange among youth and was attended by youth leaders, tourism stakeholders, and government officials.
PM appreciates IMF’s assistance to help strengthen country’s institutions, improve economic management
NEW YORK, Sep 26 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday appreciated the IMF’s technical assistance and capacity-building programs, which have helped strengthen the country’s institutions and improve its economic management.
He was talking to Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva in a meeting on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.
Appreciating the collaboration with IMF for a successful Staff Level Agreement (SLA) for a 37-month, USD 7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan, the prime minister highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing structural reforms and promoting private sector development.
The IMF managing director expressed the Fund’s support for Pakistan’s efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability and promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.
During the meeting, they also discussed the urgent need to mobilize adaptation financing for climate change.
The prime minister agreed to have the finance minister take up this critical issue with senior management at the IMF during the Annual Meetings in October.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the government and the IMF to promote economic stability and growth.