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Cross-party consensus backs CPEC, stronger China ties as Pakistan hosts 3rd JCM

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP): All the mainstream political parties of Pakistan on Friday displayed exemplary consensus to back the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the leaders reiterating their unwavering commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China by thwarting all nefarious designs.

The political consensus was shown at the CPEC Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and 3rd Meeting of CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) and member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee Liu Jianchao who is on a three-day visit here.

Besides Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the senior leadership of all major political parties attended the event including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, MQM’s Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI-F, Hina Rabbani Khar of PPP, Senator Syed Ali Zafar of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Munazza Hassan of Istehkam Pakistan Party, National Party’s Senator Jan Muhammad, senior politicians Afrasiab Khattak and others.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said the CPEC played a catalystic role in Pakistan’s socioeconomic development.

He said besides ridding the country of a chronic issue of load-shedding, the development projects under the CPEC helped create thousands of new employment opportunities for the Pakistani people which the people of Pakistan would never forget.

Recalling the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China, the deputy prime minister said both sides showed unanimity to execute the second phase of CPEC besides signing the modalities for third-party participation in the project.

He reiterated that Pakistan was committed to promoting people-to-people linkages as both countries stood with each other through thick and thin.

Dar said the CPEC constituted a vital pillar of the Pak-China economic and strategic partnership and that there was complete unanimity on its significance as it catalyzed Pakistan’s endeavors toward socioeconomic prosperity and regional connectivity.

He said as the two countries were witnessing a high-quality second phase of CPEC with both sides prioritizing the agriculture, information technology, industry and mining and mineral sectors.

In his remarks, Chinese Minister Liu Jianchao said the agreements signed during the “very successful” visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz SHarif provided an opportunity for the two countries to upgrade their ties to bring about desirable changes.

He said the determination of both countries’ leaderships sent a clear message to the world that the China-Pakistan friendship was unbreakable.

He said Pakistan’s government introduced 5Es to focus on five key areas presenting an important opportunity for two peoples to work together to promote the community of shared destiny.

Calling party-to-party relations an integral part of bilateral relations, it was high time the parties contributed their wisdom to turn the blueprint into reality by understanding each other’s development philosophy.

He said the affinity between the two peoples was not commensurate with the iron-clad nature of friendship and announced that IDCPC would invite 300 Pakistani parliamentarians to China in three years besides providing scholarships and vocational training to Pakistani youth.

Highlighting the adverse impacts of Western social media on the young generation regarding bilateral relationships, he said China would also invite people from media on a yearly basis to better understand each other.

Addressing the JCM, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said all the political parties were committed to CPEC as it promoted collaboration in health, education, information technology and other sectors besides its contribution to addressing the power woes of the country.

He urged both sides to work together for a green and resilient future besides strengthening partnership in education and tourism sectors.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC ensured vigilant oversight of the government and followed up on the progress of the projects under CPEC through regular reporting to the Parliament of Pakistan.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the parliament, government, and people of Pakistan to build on past successes and in ensuring that CPEC reaches its full potential.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that despite political differences, all the political parties stood unanimous when it comes to China and CPEC, and were committed to revitalise the upgraded version.

He said China came to rescue Pakistan when it faced around 18 hours of load-shedding and no investor was ready to invest in the country.

The minister thanked China for the inclusion of new corridors in the CPEC which were aligned with the 5Es introduced by the incumbent government.

JUI-Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their unconditional support of the Kashmir cause and reiterated Pakistan’s support on the Taiwan issue. Similarly, both countries had unanimity of views on multiple regional and regional issues, he said, and also called for completion of delayed CPEC projects.

Minister for Federal Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Munazza Hassan called for an enhanced focus on education, information technology and artificial intelligence to harness the youth’s potential.

Syed Ali Zafar called for accelerating CPEC projects while Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute Mushahid Hussain Sayed reiterated the political parties’s commitment to take the CPEC-II forward. He also proposed the formation of rapid response information system to counter the fake news aimed at undermining the CPEC and Pak-China relationship.

National Party’s Senator Jan Muhammad called for technical training of Balochistan’s youth, while Afrasiab Khattak cautioned against the designs of the hegemonic forces in the region trying to disrupt peace.

This followed an interactive session marking the suggestions by the participating leaders with the majority emphasizing a greater focus on the parliamentary exchanges to boost people-to-people linkages.

Ahsan Iqbal highlights Pak-China partnership as beacon of stability amidst global uncertainties

By
Muhammad Ashraf Wani
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal here on Friday highlighted the importance of Pakistan-China cooperation under CPEC amidst global uncertainties.

Addressing the China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum and the Third Meeting of CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism, the minister that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a beacon of stability, regional integration, and economic interdependence.

The event, attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including Minister for International Department Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Liu JianChao and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Honorable Mohammad Ishaq Dar, underscored the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China relationship and the pivotal role of CPEC.

Ahsan Iqbal said, the development of Gwadar Port, a crucial component of CPEC, was noted for its strategic significance, providing China direct access to the Arabian Sea and promising economic revitalization for Pakistan, the minister added.

He said, CPEC was envisioned as part of a broader vision for regional prosperity, fostering economic cooperation with neighboring countries. Phase-II of CPEC aims to enhance Pakistan’s manufacturing capacity through industrial cooperation, attracting Chinese investment, and relocating industrial units to Special Economic Zones.

Ahsan Iqbal expressed profound gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their steadfast support in fostering bilateral cooperation and advancing the CPEC initiative and emphasized the unique nature of the meeting, which demonstrated national consensus on Pakistan-China relations and CPEC, transcending domestic political divisions.

He appreciated the Chinese leadership for hosting the Prime Minister of Pakistan during his recent visit, resulting in a strong consensus on bilateral matters, with both sides agreeing to enhance the strategic partnership and economic cooperation.

The 13th session of CPEC’s Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) was successfully held on May 24, 2024 wherein Pakistan and China agreed to upgrade CPEC by introducing five new corridors: Growth Corridor, Livelihood Enhancing Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and Opening Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor.

These new corridors align with Pakistan’s 5E framework, prioritizing export-led growth, digital development (e-Pakistan), environmental sustainability, energy and infrastructure development, and equity and empowerment.

Both sides agreed to expedite initiatives for modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural sector with advanced technologies. Cooperation will also extend to B2B links, industrial cooperation, science and technology, artificial intelligence, and exploration of offshore oil and gas resources.

Pakistan is committed to ensuring the security of Chinese personnel working in Pakistan and measures have been implemented to provide foolproof security, and continuous updates are shared with the Chinese Embassy regarding these actions.

Regardless of political changes, Pakistan remains committed to its relationship with China.

Over the past decade, substantial progress has been made across various CPEC projects, reaffirming this steadfast dedication.

Ahsan Iqbal recounted the recent launch of Pakistan’s satellite through a Chinese rocket, symbolizing the soaring heights of Pakistan-China friendship.

Shipping Activity at Port Qasim

By
Amjad Shafique
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KARACHI, Jun 21 (APP):Four ships, Maersk Chicago, Navios Constellation, OM Shanghai and Khairpur carrying Container, Chemicals and Gasoline, berthed at Container Terminal, Engro Terminal and Oil Terminal respectively on Thursday.
Meanwhile two more ships, High Loyalty and Canopus with Edible oil also arrived at outer-anchorage of the Port Qasim on same day.
Seven ships were engaged at PQA berths during the last 24 hours, out of them two ships, Simaisma and Navios Constellation left the port on today morning while four more ships, Maersk Chicago, Atlantic Crown, OM Shanghai and Ashico Victoria are expected to sail on same day.
Cargo volume of 106,358 tonnes, comprising 69,577 tonnes imports cargo and 36,781 tonnes export cargo carried in 5,101 Containers (3,044 TEUs Imports and 2,057 TEUs export) was handled at the port during last 24 hours.
There are 04 ships at Outer Anchorage of Port Qasim, out of them edible oil carrier ‘High Loyalty’ & two more ships, Doris and OM carrying Palm oil, Grain and LPG are expected to take berths at respectively LCT, FAP and SSGC on Friday, while another containers ship ‘MSC Shay’ is due to arrive at Port Qasim on Saturday.

IUB becomes first uni to provide scholarships worth over Rs 800 mln

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
BAHAWALPUR, Jun 21 (APP):The Islamia University of Bahawalpur has become the first university in South Punjab to provide scholarships worth over 800 million rupees.
According to Director Financial Aid, “Professor Dr. Areeba Khan, the varsity is among the top universities in Punjab to provide the most scholarships and is at the forefront in South Punjab.”
“The recent budget has seen a significant increase in funds for stipends by the federal and provincial governments. Students at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur will now receive more scholarships than before,” she mentioned.
She advised incoming students not to let financial difficulties become a barrier to higher education.
“Apply to the university without hesitation, as a large number of scholarships are available after admission,”  she added.
Some of these scholarships provide such financial benefits that they easily cover living expenses along with the fees.
“This year, millions of scholarships are expected to be awarded through the Benazir Income Support Program, the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scheme, PEEF Scholarships, the HEC Need-Based Scholarship Program, and fee waivers, Dr. Areeba Khan mentioned.

IRSA releases 338,600 cusecs water

By
Amjad Shafique
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP):Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Friday released 338,600 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 298,100 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1457.18 feet and was 59.18 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 190,000 cusecs and 195,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1180.55 feet, which was 132.55 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 42,200 cusecs and 45,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 157,800, 173,600, 103,300 and 101,700 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 87,200 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 21,100 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

First Hajj flight arrived Bacha Khan Int’l Airport

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
PESHAWAR, Jun 21 (APP):The first Hajj flight arrived at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar with 275 pilgrims on board of a private airline here on Friday.
Airport Manager Zia Ahmed, along with hockey Olympian Rahim Khan, hockey Olympian Musadiq Hussain, and other officials, welcomed the pilgrims.
Soon after arriving at the international arrival terminal at the Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, pilgrims were garlanded with flowers.
According to officials, PIA’s post-Hajj operations will continue until July 21 to bring back over 35,000 pilgrims from Saudi Arabia through 171 flights.
The flights will be operational for Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar.

CPEC significantly contributed to Pakistan socio-economic development: Ayaz Sadiq

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP): Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Friday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had not only transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape but had also significantly contributed to its socio-economic development.

“All political parties of Pakistan speak with one voice in complete solidarity with CPEC as a ‘Game Changer’.

The bond between the people of the two nations has successfully withstood the test of time” he expressed these views while addressing the event “Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and the 3rd Meeting of CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism”.

He said, “China and Pakistan have always held each other’s hands and shown the world that both nations stand together as one in peace and prosperity, and tragedy and turmoil.”

Ayaz Sadiq said, “This “all-weather friendship” bears testimony to the age-old Chinese saying: A friend — one soul, two bodies.”

While reflecting on the historic visit of President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in 2015, he said it was a defining moment for this Region as agreements worth 46 billion dollars were signed on the occasion.

He also reminded that on that very occasion President Xi and Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the then Prime Minister of Pakistan, jointly inaugurated the first-ever complete “GREEN PARLIAMENT” of the world, converting the energy needs of the Parliament of Pakistan to solar energy.

“The unique project symbolizes the sincere desire of our two nations to work jointly for a brighter, cleaner, and safer future,” he added.

Mentioning continuous collaboration between the parliaments of two countries, he said, “Parliaments of Pakistan and China enjoy an all-weather partnership, mutual trust, and practical cooperation.”

He said that during his last tenure as Speaker of the National Assembly, he had the privilege of leading parliamentary delegations to China twice on the invitation of the Chairman of the National People’s Congress.

“These exchanges paved the way for deeper bilateral ties and facilitated the implementation of CPEC projects through parliamentary oversight as both nations have actively stood by each other on every international and regional parliamentary forum such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Speakers’ Conference, promoting shared interests, sovereignty, and stability,” he added.

Ayaz Sadiq shared that during his previous tenure as Speaker had the privilege of hosting the first-ever Speakers’ Conference on “Regional Connectivity and Countering Violent Extremism”, comprising of countries that included Afghanistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Turkey.

He also mentioned the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC ensured vigilant oversight of the government and followed up on the progress of the projects under CPEC through regular reporting to the Parliament of Pakistan.

The Speaker address reaffirmed the resolve of the Parliament, Government, and people of Pakistan to build on past successes and in ensuring that CPEC reaches its full potential.

Pakistan’s envoy to Mexico presents credentials to President

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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0

MEXICO CITY, June 20 (APP): Pakistan’s ambassador to Mexico, Shozab Abbas presented his credentials to President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at a formal ceremony held here at the presidential palace.

The meeting was also joined by Foreign Minister of Mexico, Ms Alicia Bárcena.

Ambassador Abbas emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral diplomatic, political, economic, and scientific relations between Pakistan and Mexico.

He highlighted the potential for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to deepen their ties.

Mexico, the second most populous country in North America after the United States, shares a significant economic relationship with its northern neighbor.

The Mexican economy, closely integrated with that of the United States, has shown remarkable growth, with its GDP surpassing USD 1.5 trillion in 2023.

Ambassador Abbas recalled the historic cooperation between Mexico and Pakistan during the 1960s Green Revolution, initiated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

This period witnessed collaborative efforts between agro-scientists from both countries, leading to the development of the high-yield wheat variety known as Mexi-Pak. This groundbreaking scientific breakthrough in the field of agriculture remains a crucial factor in addressing food security issues in Pakistan. Additionally, a number of Mexican mountaineers visit annually to climb the summit of the Karakoram mountains in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. Last year, the volume of trade recorded between the two countries was around USD 300 million.

Ambassador Abbas congratulated President López Obrador on the successful elections held on June 2, 2024. He extended his warm wishes to the newly elected President, Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum, expressing hope that the continued leadership of the Morena party would bring prosperity to the people of Mexico.

Additionally, Ambassador Abbas advocated for the reopening of the Mexican embassy in Islamabad, a move that President López Obrador principally agreed to.

Pakistan and Mexico enjoy cordial relations and support a consensus on United Nations Security Council reforms. However, high-level political interactions are essential to further promote bilateral relations and bring the people of both countries closer together in areas of mutual interest. The late President Pervez Musharraf was the last Pakistani president to visit Mexico, in 2004.

Weekly inflation up by 0.94 pc

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP): The weekly inflation measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), witnessed an increase of 0.94 percent for the combined consumption groups during the week ended on June 20, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.

According to the PBS data, the SPI for the week under review in the above-mentioned group was recorded at 316.88 points as compared to 313.93 points during the past week.

As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined consumption group in the week under review witnessed an increase of 23.78 per cent.

The weekly SPI with the base year 2015-16 =100 covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.

The SPI for the lowest consumption group of up to Rs 17,732, increased by 1.58 per cent and went up to 309.10 points from the last week’s 304.28 points.

The SPI for consumption groups of Rs 17,732-22,888, Rs 22,889-29,517; Rs 29,518-44,175 and above Rs 44,175, increased by 1.44 percent, 1.20 percent, 1.11 and 0.69 percent respectively.

During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 25 (49.02%) items increased, 5 (9.80%) items decreased and 21 (41.18%) items remained stable.

The items, which recorded a decrease in their average prices on a week-on-week basis included petrol (3.76%), diesel (0.84%), rice basmati broken (0.08%) pulse masoor (0.08%) and chicken (0.05%).

The commodities which recorded an increase in their average prices on week-on-week basis included tomatoes (65.84%), potatoes (5.61%), onions (3.78%), bananas (3.29%), LPG (2.44%), cigarettes (1.67%), pulse moong (1.53%), garlic (1.29%), milk fresh (0.95%), eggs (0.83%), georgette (0.28%) and shirting (0.17%).

On-year basis, the commodities that witnessed decrease included wheat flour (32.90%), chicken (20.60%), cooking oil 5 litre (16.17%), vegetable ghee 2.5 kg (13.39%), vegetable ghee 1 kg (12.42%), bananas (11.69%), mustard oil (8.24%), tea packet (2.52%) and petrol (1.38%).

The commodities which recorded an increase in their average prices on year-on-year basis included gas charges for q1 (570.00%), tomatoes (191.00%), onions (122.66%), chilies powder (54.81%), garlic (40.55%), shirting (30.75%), salt powder (29.49%), gents sandal (25.01%), pulse gram (22.67%) pulse mash (22.60%), beef (22.12%) and electricity charges for Q1 (21.46%).

Lawmakers urge govt to provide more relief to agriculture, IT sectors

By
Amjad Shafique
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 21 (APP):Lawmakers in the National Assembly on Friday urged the government to focus on people-oriented policies and provide more relief to the agriculture and Information Technology sectors.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) leader Muhammad Farooq Sattar, while participating in the budget debate, termed the budget for 2024-25 as traditional, reflecting a continuity of policies from the past 77 years.
“The country’s current debt servicing issues, noting that most budget allocations are used for this purpose,”  he highlighted.
 He said, “It is the government’s responsibility to prepare the budget with the public’s issues in mind.”
He said, “Unfortunately, every budget seems to favor the wealthy.”
Sattar urged the government to focus on the agriculture sector and criticized the imposition of more taxes on salaried individuals.
He called for relief measures for the poor in the budget and asked the government to revise the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.
He stressed the need to resolve Karachi’s water issues and to allocate more funds to improve the city’s drain system.
 He also advocated for more incentives to attract Foreign Direct Investment and for policies that encourage a growth-oriented economy.
Sunni Ittehad Council’s Rana Atif thanked his party for giving him the opportunity to contest the elections and promote the party’s vision.
He highlighted the issues of his constituency and asked the government to solve these issues of every district without discrimination.
He called for the government to address the issue of IPP capacity payments and to take steps to further enhance the country’s import.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s Asia Naz Tanoli said that in 2018, the government solved the issue of load-shedding and that during the PML-N tenure, more funds were allocated for development projects.
She recalled that the PML-N government saved the country from bankruptcy and sacrificed its politics.
She said, “Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif always worked for the development of the country, and that global confidence in the country improved during their tenure.”
She asked the government to start metro bus services from Taxila to Islamabad.
Sunni Ittehad Council’s Omer Farooq thanked his party chairman for awarding him tickets and appreciated the people of his constituency for electing him.
He said that the issue of corruption should be resolved.
Farooq advocated for more relief for the agricultural, industrial, and Information Technology sectors as these sectors would create more job opportunities for the people.
He also highlighted the issue of law and order in his constituency.
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