KARACHI: December 28 –
Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Hon’ble Aneeq Ahmed is being presented a memento and a bouquet in a seminar on Religious Minorities and Interfaith Social Tolerance in Pakistan at NED University Karachi.
KARACHI: December 28 –
Court set Jan 4 to indict PTI founder in Toshakhana reference
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): The Islamabad Accountability Court on Thursday decided to indict the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s founder chairman and his wife Bushra Bibi in the Toshakhana reference case on January 4.
Judge Muhammad Bashir heard the Toshakahna reference case at Adaiala jail.
During the course of hearing, copies of the reference and relevant information were provided to the accused.
Former PTI chairman and his wife have been named in the list of accused for possessing gifts received from international dignitaries, which they were obligated to deposit in the Toshakhana.
Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar chairing a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet
ISLAMABAD: December 28 –
A man with his bull cart loaded with sugarcane on the way at Bhuwana Road
SARGODHA: December 28 –
Pakistan’s total liquid foreign reserves rise to $ 12.855 billion
KARACHI, Dec 28 (APP):The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan increased to US$ 12,855.7 million while the reserves held by the central bank reached at $ 7,757.1 million in the week ended on December 22, 2023.
The State Bank of Pakistan, in a statement issued here on Thursday, informed that SBP’s reserves increased by $ 852 million to $ 7,757.1 million mainly due to receipt of official Government of Pakistan inflows during the week under review.
Meanwhile, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $ 5,098.6 million, it added.
Total liquid foreign reserves held by the country, in the previous week ended on December 15, 2023, were $ 12,068.4 million. Among them foreign reserves held by the central bank were $ 6,904.8 million while net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were $ 5,163.6 million.
No shortage of electricity meters: FESCO Chief
FAISALABAD, Dec 28 (APP):There is no shortage of electricity meters in FESCO region and all the pending electricity connections will be installed by the end of January 2024, said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO) Engr. Muhammad Amir.
He was addressing an E-Katchehry held on Facebook at the FESCO Headquarters on the special directions of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division).
In the Katchehry, the consumers belonging to Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Sargodha, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Toba Tek Singh and Khushab districts informed the CEO about their electricity related problems.
The FESCO Chief issued on spot orders for redressal of the same and said that consumer’s problems would be resolved on top priority basis.
In this connection, he directed the concerned officers for immediate resolution of public complaints related to electricity.
He also issued orders for preparation of LT proposals, replacement of old and defective transformers, replacement and repair of electric wires and removal of voltage drop.
Chief Engineer Operation Muhammad Rafiq, Chief Engineer (CS) Madam Sadaf Naz, DG (HR) Athar Ayub Chaudhry, Additional DG (IT) Abdul Hayee, Additional DG (PR) Tahir Sheikh, Director Commercial Muhammad Saeed, Director (CMU) Iqbal Khan Niazi, Director (CS) Faisal Raza Marth, Company Secretary Abid Rasheed and other officers were also present in the Katchehry.
SIFC initiatives to start new phase of industrialization in Pakistan: Gohar Ejaz
KARACHI, Dec 28 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Commerce, Industries and Production Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Thursday, reiterating the government’s commitment to economic revival said that measures envisaged by the Special Investment Facilitation Council would start a new phase of industrialization in the country.
The minister was chairing a meeting with a delegation of the business community having representation of agriculture, textile, engineering and other sectors, said a press release issued here
The delegation was informed about the priorities of the government and the role and efforts of SIFC for the economic revival of the country.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz speaking at the occasion said that SIFC was working vigorously with countries of Gulf Cooperation Council and China and inflow of huge foreign investment was expected in Pakistan that would promote industry and exports and bolster employment opportunities in the country.
Pakistan possess a vast potential of trade at regional and global level but despite of population of 250 million volume of its economy is $ 350 billion while trade volume is near $ 100 billion, he noted and stressed on the need of enhancing trade to strengthen the economy on sustainable basis and taking prompt and comprehensive measures for the purpose.
China is not only our iron friend but also a major trade partner and Pakistani businessmen needed to explore trade opportunities in China and further promote bilateral trade, he added.
The minister said that Karachi is the economic hub of the country that drives the national economy while China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and many other countries expressed keen interest in making investments in Karachi.
He said that the government has planned to open the Garment City and a new industrial estate and also to set up a new
Special Economic Zone and an Export Processing Zone in the metropolis with a vision of instituting innovative trends of industrialization through the promotion of small industries.
SIFC has become a continuous and progressive institution and it will work with new assemblies and government following upcoming general elections to ensure sustainability and continuity of the policies, Dr. Gohar Ejaz assured.
Referring to energy costs for industries the minister said that currently electricity tariff in Pakistan was higher than the world while the gas tariff was lower than the global prices.
“We are working to rationalize the energy prices in the country to ensure uniformity in electricity tariff,” he said adding that the country’s natural gas deposits were depleting fast and LNG mix has become vital to meet the demand for natural gas.
Overall law, order situation in Balochistan better than in past: CM Domki
QUETTA, Dec 28 (APP):Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki on Thursday said that the overall law and order situation in the province was better than in past.
All available resources were being utilized for the restoration of peace and financial security of the people, he added.
Talking to local media representatives during the reception ceremony organized by the tribal leader Mir Nazir Ahmed Rahu at Goth Shahmir Rahu near Skarund in Sindh.
The CM said that the caretaker provincial government was committed to conducting fair, transparent and impartial elections, the issue of missing persons was a long-standing issue.
He said that committees and commissions have been set up on which it would be premature to say anything before the fact-finding reports come, unofficial figures on the number of missing persons were based on unfounded assumptions, of which there was no corroborated evidence.
The Missing Persons Commission is investigating, during this time, many people have also returned, the correct data would be revealed only after the final report of the commission, he noted.
Domki said that the provincial government has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident that took place in Turbat saying that an FIR has been registered against the accused officers, dismissed them and the matter was being transparently investigated.
He said that the protestors of the sit-in in Islamabad were asked about the ill-treatment of the police.
In response to a question, he said that the central government has set up a special committee consisting of three members of the Caretaker Federal Cabinet to investigate the incident adding that there was also some fault of the protesters who tried to advance towards the red zone, on which the Islamabad police had to take action to restore peace, but the government wanted to resolve the issue with understanding.
The committee comprising the caretaker federal ministers has held several meetings with the protesters and the parties have agreed that around two hundred arrested persons would be released which 163 people were released a few days ago, while 34 persons would be released very soon after necessary legal action, the CM maintained.
He said that the Federal Committee was in constant contact with Dr Mah Rang Baloch, who told the committee that she would convey her demands in writing but so far nothing has been given to the committee.
It would be decided what steps the government would take only after receiving written demands from them, he noted.
Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki said that for the promotion of national unity, we have to move forward by eliminating hatred, establishing unity for a prosperous and developed Pakistan was the need of the hour.
Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah,, Sardar Mushtaq Ahmed Raho, Sardar Abdul Sattar, Mir Irfan Khan Jamali, Syed Mehmood Shah, Javed Ahmed Raho, Imran Raho, Qazi Javed, Ghulam Qadir Chandio, Abdul Ghani Memon and other regional elders and dignitaries participated in the ceremony.
22-day short Hajj being introduced to facilitate pilgrims: Aneeq
KARACHI, Dec 28 (APP):Caretaker Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmad on Thursday said that all out efforts are being made to extend maximum facilities to Pakistani pilgrims.
They will feel visible difference this year as first time in the history of this country, a 22-day short Hajj is being introduced, he said while talking to media on the occasion of Hajj balloting 2024 held for intending Pakistani pilgrims at Karachi Press Club.
The minister said that Hajj quota for Pakistani pilgrims this year is 189210 while around 5633 surplus applications against the Hajj quota were received, he added.
He said that our endeavours to reduce the cost of Hajj package also brought results and we have succeeded to reduce Rs 100,000 from the total expense of Hajj package.
Aneeq Ahmed said that mobile phone sims will also be provided to Pakistani pilgrims free of cost with 7GB data and unlimited calls facilities to enable them get in touch with their loved-ones. Besides, a 30kg suitcase with QR code and “Abaya” with Pakistani flag on its back for the female pilgrims will also be provided, he added.
Speaking about the facility of immigration clearance at Pakistani airports before leaving for Hajj under Saudi Arabia’s “Road to Makkah” project, the minister said, this facility would be available at Islamabad and Karachi airports this year and we are also trying to add more cities of Pakistan in it.
In reply to a question, he said that first time in the history of Pakistan, Hajj flights will also operate from Skardu.
He said that 25,000 seats were reserved for the sponsorship scheme to facilitate Overseas Pakistanis to sponsor himself or anyone else for performing Hajj but the response is slow because we have only received around 3500 applications under this scheme so far, he added. He said that date is extended to December 31, 2023.
Earlier, digital balloting of Hajj-2024 was held and the Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs informed that successful Pakistani pilgrims would be informed through sms on their registered mobile numbers.
He also advised the successful Pakistani pilgrims to download mobile application “Pakhajj” to stay up-to-date regarding all the phases from their departure for Hajj, till return to Pakistan.
To another question, he said that in case any successful applicant refuses to perform Hajj due to some reason, then other candidate from the same city will be given an opportunity as per merit from waiting list.
Pakistan needs improved, galvanized ties with CARs, Azerbaijan amid rising economic significance: Experts
ISLAMABAD, Dec 28 (APP): The experts at a roundtable discussion on Pakistan’s ties with Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Azerbaijan on Thursday called for a better strategy and efforts for improved and galvanized relationship with CARs and Azerbaijan amid growing economic significance of the region.
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a roundtable discussion on “Pakistan’s Relations with Central Asia and Azerbaijan: Imperatives of Regional Connectivity” to initiate discourse on workable solutions to further improve cooperation with the CARs.
ISSI Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, said the country’s relationships with the Central Asian region were important and Pakistan was the first country to recognize CARs’ states and expanded its cooperation expanded in multiple domains.
Pakistan, he said, was part of many important regional forums, including Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC). “It also has multifaceted relationships in the areas of trade, investment, security and defence, connectivity and other.”
He underlined the need for deepening of hard and soft connectivity with CARs and Azerbaijan as Pakistan provided the shortest route to the landlocked Central Asian countries which was a shared agenda giving a win-win situation for both sides.
Senior Fellow (Central Asia and Eurasia), East West Institute, Brussels, Dr. Najam Abbas, in his keynote address, said the country needed to line up its policy discourse to set priority areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation with the Central Asia region as the world after the pandemic and Ukraine-Russia Crisis was looking for alternate supply chains and trade routes to avert any blockade.
As per the global freight projections by 2050, he said, the potential of increased cooperation in the Asia region in terms of freight demanded fulfillment of certain conditions as the world was looking for alternates in the connectivity areas that were halted or faced blockade.
“The Europe, South Caucuses, China and CARs can be connected through Pakistan as the countries like Azerbaijan and Iran that are not well connected due to certain reasons and sanctions can get recovery,” he underlined.
Dr Najam said that Pakistan should focus on five priorities for next five years namely bolstering development in border regions, promote knowledge and skill transfers, forge partnerships, support local transport entities, and cultivate capacity for diversification ensuring growth.
“The discourse should shift from distance to deliverables on the above priorities,” he added.
Director Area Study Centre, University of Peshawar, Professor Shabir Ahmad Khan said the world was moving towards group cooperation with enhanced regional cooperation, whereas Pakistan was a multi-regional country that made it a transitional hub.
He added that CARs were the past and the future of Pakistan as the middle corridor emanating from China entering into CARs had gained attention after sanctions on Russia.
Pakistan-Afghanistan-CARs Route had multiple connectivity routes, whereas the problem was unsettled relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said, adding, “Pakistan’s strategic goals in Afghanistan should be translated into economic dividends otherwise it will become a liability.”
He added that Afghanistan’s ancient role of a bridge between CARs and the world should be revived that would help compliment the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through the CARs, Afghanistan and Pakistan economic connectivity corridors.
Farhat Asif from the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies provided a detailed overview of her institute’s efforts that garnered diplomatic cooperation through effective lobbying concerted efforts for trust building and bilateral cooperation.
She underlined that the Pakistani exports through Afghanistan to Dushanbe, and other revealed problems as Afghanistan was a problematic country as the trade transaction mechanisms did not exist.
She noted that the traders from Punjab and Sindh were not interested to send their exports to CARs through Afghanistan whereas the Afghan were buying Pakistani goods and labelling them as theirs and sending it to CARs.
“There is a lack of information, skills and joint forums that needs to be addressed whereas the trade leaders should also be convened to such forums for healthy and informed discourse as there can no progress on it without them,” she added.
Khalid Khan founder Central Asian Wireless Forum said the IT market was of $10 trillion in the world and its expanding globally and this industry demanded people equipped with skills.
He added that Pakistan’s internet connectivity status was sufficient to start trade in the sector.
“Azerbaijan is producing 3000 plus IT skilled human resource and Pakistan is producing over 30,000 IT skilled persons a year,” he added.
Khan said the trade between Pakistan and CARs was mostly of chemicals and natural resources, whereas infrastructure was not important but rather to improve cooperation and information through enhanced trade interaction.
Reema Shaukat, Communication Expert from IRS said Pakistan, Azerbaijan, CARs had cultural and religious affinity. However, the country’s bilateral trade with Azerbaijan was very low which had great potential for sports goods, leather products, agriculture products and others.
She mentioned that a Gulab Jamun Truck was exported to CARs which was a great success but failed to bag media’s attention in the country.
“Azerbaijan lacked any direct access to sea and it can benefit from Pakistan, whereas both countries can improve public diplomacy, media trainings, film showcasing, youth opportunities for entrepreneurship etc. and participation of Pakistan experts at other events like COP-29 in Azerbaijan,” she added.