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Chairman DCC directs authorities to plan for cattle markets amid Eid ul Adha

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RAWALPINDI, May 12 (APP): Chairman, District Coordination Committee (DCC) Qamar ul Islam Raja has directed the authorities concerned to prepare a plan for setting up cattle markets conducive to Eid ul Adha.

According to a district administration spokesman, the Chairman while chairing the second DCC meeting held here instructed the district administration officers to finalize a plan to facilitate the citizens in the sale, and purchase of the sacrificial animals in connection with Eid ul Adha.

The meeting also reviewed the performance of the Health Department, Education Department, Punjab Revenue Authority, Building Department, Police and other departments.

Qamar ul Islam Raja said that the prevention of dengue needs to be done on an urgent basis and in the first phase, high-risk Union Councils should be targeted.

The first floor, and second floor of Holy Family Hospital would be handed over to the hospital administration by May 15, the Chairman said adding, 80 per cent of the work on the pathology lab in the basement had also been completed. The basement of Holy Family Hospital would be handed over to the hospital administration by May 22, he informed.

27 Schemes of the Building Department were being completed, Qamar ul Islam Raja said adding, that work was swiftly being completed on 24 schemes. Revamping of Kotli Sattian and Kahota THQ was in progress, the Chairman said and issued inquiry orders regarding the irregularities in the promotions of some teachers.

He said that sales tax was being collected by the provinces themselves. So far, the sales tax was being collected on 75 services including marriage halls, hotels, construction companies, consultants and other private sector, he added.

He directed that awareness should be ensured through social, electronic and print media to create awareness among the people regarding the collection of the sales tax.

He instructed the authorities that the district administration and police should play a key role in ensuring the implementation of ‘One Dish’ orders of the Punjab government. Indiscriminate action should be taken against the land grabbers, illegal societies and drugs, he directed the authorities.

PRA accelerates operation against tax defaulters

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RAWALPINDI, May 12 (APP): Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) Rawalpindi Commissionerate has accelerated its ongoing campaign against the tax defaulters.
According to a PRA spokesman, the authority had sealed a manpower recruitment agent office for not payment of tax amounting to over Rs 3.3 million.
The authority was taking action in accordance with the law the defaulters.
He informed that the action against the tax defaulters would continue without any discrimination.
Manpower recruitment agent located in the commercial market was the tax defaulter of more than Rs 3.3 million and PRA took action in accordance with the law, he said.
PRA Rawalpindi office had issued recovery notices to the manpower recruitment agent and tried to collect the tax, he said adding, despite issuing several notices, the tax was not deposited. PRA recovered Rs 2.5 million tax by taking action, he informed.
The recruitment agent office was sealed in the presence of the enforcement officer.
The operation was conducted on the instructions of Chairman PRA and Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, he added.

Pakistan calls for UN-led cyber capacity building mechanism to promote cooperation among states

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Ambassador
UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (APP):Pakistan has underscored the need for a permanent cyber capacity building mechanism under the UN, particularly in bridging the gap between the developing and developed countries, in an effort to promote trust and cooperation among states.
“International cooperation in the area of capacity building on an equal footing is a key measure for a safe, secure, stable and peaceful ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) environment,” Ambassador Munir Akram told the Global Roundtable on ICT Security Capacity Building.
“We support the idea of a permanent capacity building mechanism under the UN, as well as a dedicated funding mechanism to support capacity building projects in developing countries,” the Pakistani envoy added.
The session was presided over by Singapore’s UN Ambassador Burhan Gafoor, who heads the Open-ended Working Group on Security of and in the use of ICTs.
Cyber security capacity building is aimed at equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills and tools they need to protect themselves and their digital assets.
“We are particularly concerned at the frequency of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure,” Ambassador Akram said, pointing out that Pakistan has been a particularly long-standing victim of  its other threat — disinformation.
Noting ICT technologies’ vast positive potential, the Pakistani envoy said also highlighted their negative side —  expansion of the domains of conflict, saying,  “Cyber warfare has emerged as a new domain of warfare.”
As such, Ambassador Akram said, “It is urgent to address key emerging trends of malicious activities in cyberspace both by states and non-state actors.”
But, he said, the applicability of existing international law to cyber space was not sufficient to address the multifaceted legal challenges arising from ICTs threats.
Therefore, Ambassador Akram called for a legally binding international instrument, specifically tailored to the unique attributes of ICTs, and to provide a regulatory framework that creates stability and safety in cyberspace.
In conclusion, Ambassador Akram hoped that the discussions at the Global Roundtable would yield practical recommendations to address the capacity needs of developing countries, marking a significant step towards a safer and more secure digital future for all.

MWMC hires 500 sanitary staff for swift cleanliness in city

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MWMC workers provide facilities to beat heat
MULTAN, May 12 (APP):Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC) hired 500 sanitation staff on a contract basis to meet the shortage of manpower for swift cleanliness arrangements in the city.
Manager Admin/HR MWMC Aqeel Ahmad told this news agency that the hiring of sanitary workers and drivers was made in a transparent manner after completing all processes.
He said that the induction of new staff was made on the posts lying vacant after the death or retirement of the staff from 2013 until now.
Mr. Aqeel said that at least 1700 candidates participated in the interview process, of which 375 sanitary workers and 125 drivers were hired on a one-year contract basis on extendable conditions. The hiring committee, consisting of five members, conducted interviews with the candidates.
He said that the strength of sanitation staff reached 2400 after the hiring of new staff, and the new staff would join within one or two weeks.
He said that the hiring of new staff would help to cover the maximum area of the city.
He said that the new staff would be given minimum wages fixed by the Punjab government.

ICUBE-Q satellite result of first Pak-China lunar probe cooperation: Ge Ping

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BEIJING, May 12 (APP):: The ICUBE-Q satellite is the result of the first lunar exploration cooperation project between China and Pakistan which was guided by the principles of equality, mutual benefits, the peaceful utilization of space and inclusive development.

“The project will also enhance the friendship between the two countries and expand diverse cooperation in the field of aerospace,” said Ge Ping, Deputy Director of China National Space Agency (CNSA)’s Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center.

The collaboration was initially offered by China, expecting a student-built payload to the moon onboard the Chang’e-6 mission. A proposal by Pakistan’s IST went through the selection and started working in a collaborative effort with IST faculty and students, Pakistan’s national space agency SUPARCO and SJTU since 2023, CGTN reported.

The Chang’e-6 spacecraft, which successfully performed a near-moon braking procedure and entered the lunar orbit on May 8, is operating normally, with subsequent flight control work to be carried out as planned, said Ge.

“Both China and Pakistan attach great importance to this cooperation. During the development of the payload, government organs and scientific institutions in both countries made significant preparations,” Ge added.

“I believe that this cooperation is of great significance to promoting friendly relations between the two countries and enriching people’s understanding of the moon,” Ge noted, adding that “We will share our scientific achievements to lay the foundation for future lunar exploration activities, which will be of great significance to promoting the construction of a global community with a shared future in outer space.”

“China and Pakistan have signed a cooperation agreement on the International Lunar Research Station. China has received Pakistan’s applications for payload cooperation on the Chang’e-8 mission and for borrowing lunar samples returned by the Chang’e-5 mission. Relevant work is progressing steadily,he noted.

“We welcome Pakistan’s participation in China’s lunar and deep space exploration missions, and we will conduct extensive exchanges and cooperation related to space technology, space science and space applications to contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and serve civilization and global well-being,” Ge said.

Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi said, “The launch of the Chang’e-6 mission is a model example of international cooperation in action. It demonstrated that China acts on its word, and that it undertakes meaningful cooperation and extends meaningful assistance to developing countries.”

“Pakistan’s involvement in ICUBE-Q is a testament to the fact that the country is also making progress in space exploration and technology,” he said.

“Space cooperation between China and Pakistan is a vital aspect of our bilateral relations,” Khalil Hashmi said.

“The two countries have drawn a concrete roadmap for future collaboration on space exploration, knowledge and research exchange visits, and knowledge transfers and resource-sharing,” he added.

“This mission will open up opportunities for Pakistan to explore the deep space environment and study the dynamics and geography of the moon. It will also give impetus to higher education in the space sciences in Pakistan,” said Syed Amer Ahsan Gilani, deputy director-general of the Satellite Manufacturing Department of the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission.

“Space cooperation between China and Pakistan is a vital aspect of our bilateral relations,” Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said.

“The two countries have drawn a concrete roadmap for future collaboration on space exploration, knowledge and research exchange visits, and knowledge transfers and resource-sharing,” he added.

“It is just the beginning because our satellite ICUBE-Q is still far from our targeted area of the south pole of the moon, and we are anxiously waiting to receive pictures taken from a distance of up to 200 meters from the moon’s surface,” said Khurram Khurshid, the project manager of ICUBE-Q.

“About 65 to 70 students worked on different stages to build the satellite, and it was very exciting for them to receive the pictures because they worked very hard on the project and were keeping their fingers crossed for the results,” Khurshid said.

APP/asg

IPC Minister praises Pak hockey team for superb performance in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

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Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD, May 12 (APP): Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has commended the Pakistan hockey team for their outstanding performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final against Japan.
The Pakistani team made the nation proud by showcasing their skills and reaching the final of the tournament after 13 years, which is a great achievement.
Ahsan in a statement issued here, praised the Pakistani players for their top notch display in the final, despite limited resources.
He emphasized, “There is immense talent in the country, and the team’s performance in the tournament was a testament to that.”
The minister assured, “Government is focusing on the revival of sports in the country and hopes that the hockey team would regain its lost glory in future.”

Ahsan expressed his optimism that the Pakistani hockey team would perform better in future international tournaments.

He acknowledged that the team’s performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final was a positive sign for the future of hockey in Pakistan.

It may be mentioned that Japan emerged as the champion of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling penalty shootout. The match ended in a 2-2 draw at the scheduled time, but Japan won the game on penalty shootouts by 4-1.

Pakistan’s team, which had won the bronze medal in the previous event, put up a stellar performance and won a silver medal in the extravaganza.

US treating pro-Palestinian student protesters unfairly: UN expert Farida Shaheed

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UNITED NATIONS, May 12 (APP): A UN human rights expert has warned that the recent increase in student protest attacks across campuses in the United States reflected an ‘Erosion of intellectual freedom and democratic principles within educational settings.’

“I am deeply troubled by the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators, arrests, detentions, police violence, surveillance and disciplinary measures and sanctions against members of the educational community exercising their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, a Pakistani sociologist, said in a statement at the end of an official visit to the US.

The Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council-appointed expert said, “She is particularly concerned by the way protesters are unfairly treated based on their political viewpoint – specifically pro-Palestinian protestors.”

While Shaheed was in the US, she visited Washington DC, Indiana and Colorado.

Her visit occurred simultaneously with US students setting up encampments on campus grounds to stand in solidarity with Palestinians, call for a ceasefire, and in many cases demand that university divest any assets linked to Israel.

She said, “These attacks signal a concerning erosion of intellectual freedom and democratic principles within educational settings.”

Shaheed is appealing to the US Government to reiterate its core commitment to freedom of speech by ensuring all students have unrestricted access to diverse ideas and perspectives.

The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern about 307 policies and educational gag order bills introduced in the US since January 2021.

“These policies, manifested through book bans and restrictions on curricula, have instilled a pervasive ‘chilling effect’ that stifles the free exchange of ideas and silences marginalized voices,” she said.

Shaheed found that underfunding in the US educational system paved the way for other systemic issues including teacher shortages and student mental health support challenges, according to a UN press release.

These educational funding disparities are worsened by over reliance on local property taxes, harming marginalized and low-income neighbourhoods, it said.

The rapporteur said, “Communities need to find a way to distribute funds more equitably between wealthier and poorer districts to end the cycle of deprivation and segregation.”

“I also urge the federal government to take decisive action to address disparities in educational funding,” she added.

The Special Rapporteur has called on federal and state authorities to acknowledge education as a human right while ensuring fair access for all students irrespective of background or identity, level of income, place of residence or any other personal circumstance.

Shaheed also said, “Despite federal non-discrimination safeguards, school safety and police presence in schools in addition to standardized testing and students’ mental health, are all related but negatively affect people from marginalized and minority communities.”

“It is crucial to remove police presence from schools and invest in qualified personnel such as counsellors and social workers to create a safe and nurturing learning environment,” Shaheed said.

“It is time to shift the narrative, prioritizing holistic growth and social interaction skills over standardized testing results reducing students to mere numbers,” she added.

“Special Rapporteurs and other UN rights experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organization,” it was pointed out.

They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work.

Hunza-The sleeping beauty

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By Sultan Shoaib

GILGIT-BALISTAN, May 12 (APP): Tucked away in the majestic Karakoram mountain range, Hunza Valley has been a coveted destination for nature lovers, travelers and traders for centuries presenting mesmerizing views, cleaner environment and rich habitat.
Lying along Hunza River and bordering Ishkoman to Northwest, Shigar to Southeast, Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor to North and Xinjiang region of China to Northeast, the Hunza Valley floor is situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet).
This breathtaking valley in Gilgit Baltistan has a rich history dating back to the Silk Road era and been a melting pot of cultures, with influences from ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Persians and Chinese for over 2000 years.
The most enchanted view it presents is seeing through the upper atmosphere – say from the windows of a place or a chopper – feeling a beautiful woman enjoying sound sleep that names it as ‘a sleeping beauty.’
Once a princely state and remaining so till 1974, Hunza is home to many ancient forts, palaces and mosques that are testament to its glorious past. Visitors can explore these historical landmarks and learn about the valley’s unique culture and traditions.
“It is a paradise on earth. I have lived here all my life and I still cannot get enough of its beauty,” narrated Husan Ali, a local resident. “The lakes, mountains, scenery – everything is just breathtaking. I am so grateful to have been born and raised in this beautiful valley.”
Being proud of his abode known for its stunning natural beauty and unique culture, Husan remarked, “the scenery is so captivating that it will leave you speechless. If you are a nature lover, a tourist or someone who loves beauty, this valley will stir your emotions and feelings.”
Endowed with towering mountains, crystal-clear rivers and lush green fields, the beautiful Hunza valley is also a treasure trove of rich habitat, singing brooks, sky high mountains and precious wildlife.
Hunza Valley is also home to some most beautiful lakes like Attabad and Borith Lakes – just a couple of treasures of this stunning valley. These lakes offer a serene and peaceful experience, with crystal-clear water reflecting the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a boat ride, go fishing or simply sit back and enjoy the mesmerizing views.
Attabad Lake is specifically a popular attraction for tourists. Formed in January 2010, due to a landslide in Attabad village in Hunza Valley, this 21 kilometer long lake offers activities like boating, jet-skiing, fishing, and other recreational activities. It is frozen in winter and has a teal blue color in summer.
“I have travelled to many places around the world, but Hunza Valley is something different,” remarked Sarah khan a tourist from Lahore. “Its views are stunning, people are friendly and the culture is so rich and vibrant. Every nature lover is bound to love this place. Visiting it once would definitely bring you back here again and again.”
Being an ancient locality, Hunza Valley also boast of its religious and cultural history, ancient watchtowers in Ganish village, Baltit Fort on top of Karimabad and Altit Fort at the bottom of valley.
Besides breathtaking landscapes, Hunza valley is also home to magnificent rubies, one of rare gemstones in the world, demanded globally due to their vibrant colors. It is also home to some most famous mountains in the world that offer a thrilling experience for trekkers and mountaineers, offering breathtaking tracks and challenging trails.
Besides, its scenic beauty, Hunza also offers plentiful revenue to its residents through tourism as its weather varies throughout the year, making it a great destination for different experiences. In the summer, the valley is warm and sunny, while in winter, it’s cold and snowy.
“During 2023, the valley received over 1.5 million tourists, generating over Rs. 1.7 billion revenue,” informed Akbar Hussain, an local hotel owner. “Tourists influx benefits local people who earn sufficient money during the tourism season that also make them go during harsh winter when their income opportunities drop significantly.”
Known for their unique culture and traditions, people of Hunza are believed to be dwelling there since centuries and their language and customs remained relatively unchanged over this period.
One of the most fascinating aspects of their culture is longevity as they have the highest life expectancies with many people living in their 90s and 100s owing to their lifestyle and diet.
Hunza Valley is a destination having something for everyone right from its rich history and cultural heritage to its breathtaking natural beauty and adventure tourism.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, a trekker, mountaineer, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, this valley has it all. You can hike to the nearby mountains, explore local markets, or simply sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Even if you are a history buff, a researcher, painter or writer or simply someone who appreciates beauty, Hunza Valley is a must-visit destination offering you enthralling views, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
It is high time for federal and GB governments to fully promote tourism in this region as it was less to none across the world in its beauty and tourism potential.

APP/ssb/maz (APP Feature Service)

Initiatives urged to facilitate people in getting access to quality healthcare services

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By Muhammad Sohaib Khalid

LAHORE, May 12 (APP): Punjab, the most populous province of the country, has been faced with significant challenges in healthcare system urging the government to launch initiatives on war-footing-basis to facilitate people in getting access to quality medical services.

Inadequate infrastructure and shortage of medicines had often hindered access to essential healthcare services for residents across the province. However, the recent developments signals a turning point as the provincial government undertakes some bold initiatives to address the pressing issues in healthcare sector.

Under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, improving healthcare facilities has emerged as one of the top priorities for the provincial government. Minister for Information Azma Bukhari in a statement has underscored the government’s commitment to this cause, highlighting the establishment of field hospitals and the launch of a home delivery program and essential medicines.

In a bid to extend healthcare services to remote areas lacking infrastructure, the Punjab government has inaugurated multiple fully-equipped field hospitals. These facilities are strategically located to cater people by bringing essential medical care closer to those in need.

Talking to APP, Punjab’s Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan informed that equipped with modern tools and skilled healthcare professionals, these field hospitals represent a crucial step towards bridging the gap in healthcare access across the province.

One of the most innovative initiatives launched by the Punjab government is the home delivery of medicines program. The Secretary said this program aims to streamline the delivery process. Patients can now receive their prescribed medicines directly at their doorsteps, eliminating the need for frequent trips to pharmacies and ensuring continuity of care.

The health secretary said that Punjab’s healthcare transformation is an ambitious plan to revamp Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs) across the province. He said that this comprehensive overhaul includes the provision of free medicines in government hospital emergencies and the establishment of a central pathology lab to enhance diagnostic capabilities.

By investing in infrastructure and strengthening primary healthcare facilities, the government aims to enhance quality and accessibility of medical services for all residents, particularly those in rural areas, he said.

In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure development, Punjab has witnessed the inauguration of healthcare projects worth over Rs. 15 billion. In a statement, Punjab’s Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that these projects encompass the construction and renovation of hospitals, the procurement of medical equipment, and the recruitment of additional healthcare staff.

Moreover, the approval of an additional Rs 26 billion for healthcare initiatives underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to delivering excellent healthcare facilities in the province. These investments signal a long-term commitment to improving the healthcare landscape and fostering better health outcomes for the residents.

The health minister said that a revolutionary step is the introduction of a transparent system of health insurance like the PML-N’s initiative of the health card, which was later reintroduced by the PTI government with many flaws in it.
Unfortunately, the PTI government could not make it transparent, and several embezzlements and scandals were disclosed. However, the current government is going to introduce this project with several changes and improvements so that deserving citizens could get the facility.

The recent developments in Punjab’s healthcare sector represent a transformative shift towards addressing longstanding challenges and improving the quality and accessibility of medical services. As these efforts gain momentum, the province is poised to emerge as a leader in healthcare innovation, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.

APP/msk/taj (APP Feature Service)

Conducive environment for investors to stimulate sustainable growth

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By Shams Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, May 12 (APP): With a foundation of sound economic governance, the government is actively driving foreign direct investment to propel the country into a new era of economic prosperity through a range of initiatives designed to foster a conducive environment for investors to stimulate sustainable growth.

The government had underlined many potential sectors that could drive huge investments into the country with introduction of welcoming investment policies and facilitation processes. The important sectors the government is focusing on to boost foreign investments include mines and minerals, tourism, and agriculture, which offer attractive prospects for foreign investors.
In a recent significant development, the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Investment Forum has brought together 30 Saudi companies and Pakistani stakeholders to explore investment and business cooperation opportunities. Led by Assistant Minister for Investment Ibrahim Al Mubarak, the Saudi delegation expressed keen interest in various sectors in Pakistan, paving the way for potential collaborations and investments.
Apart from this, the high-level engagement, investors from United States, European Union and Chinese investors also held discussion with the finance team of the government on investment opportunities in Pakistan in addition to having discussions with country’s business community.
The government initiatives including elimination of red tape and giving priority to the private sector to promote foreign investment was repeatedly reiterated by ministers including the federal minister of finance and the minister of commerce and energy. Giving priority to the private sector and adopting role of a facilitator role, the government will certainly pave the way for foreign investment.
Talking to APP on the sidelines of ‘Pakistan Saudi Arab Investment Forum’, 2024, Federal Minister of Petroleum Musadik Malik said that after holding this forum, there will be more sessions, expressing the hope that Saudi Arabia would invest up to $10 billion in Pakistan, of which $5 billion are expected to come in the private sector and $5 billion in the public sector.
The Minister said that the private sector is currently the priority of the current government which can help the country navigate through current economic challenges. He said that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are partners in each other’s development and the investors and businessmen of Saudi Arabia had a very important role in the economy of Pakistan.
To attract foreign investment, economic governance and economic reforms are very important in which ease of doing business and simplification of business procedure and company registration process and tax reforms are very important.
Likewise the economic indicators are stable as highlighted by Federal Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb while addressing the Pakistan Saudi Arabia Investment Forum. He also highlighted the importance of foreign investment for macroeconomic stability, saying the visit of Saudi investors to Pakistan is a link in this chain.
The minister said that short medium and long-term strategies are being worked on for macroeconomic stability to bring foreign direct investment in the country. “At present all the economic indicators are going positive in the country’s economy, which is the proof of the progress of the country’s economy,” he added.
Finance Minister said that agriculture is growing by five percent and major crops including wheat and rice have had bumper crops this year and the current account surplus is going on in macroeconomic indicators positive.
Aurangzeb said that in the last two weeks, three high-level delegations have exchanged views between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Minister said that export-led growth, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and excess to capital are priorities of the government.
Saudi Arabia has a very important role in the development of Pakistan and Saudi Investment ties can breathe a new life into the economy of Pakistan. Recently, a delegation of Saudi Arabian investors participated in the Pakistan Saudi Arabia Investment Forum, and about 30 Saudi invested companies. They participated in the forum and held talks with the private sector of Pakistan on business and investment.
On this occasion, Saudi Assistant Minister Ibrahim Al Mubarak said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia help each other in development and currently, two million Pakistanis are working in Saudi Arabia, including doctors, engineers and professors. He said that currently Pakistan is working very hard on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Minister said that Saudi companies are always ready to invest in Pakistan and Pakistan has resources and potential and Saudi investors will help in the development of Pakistan.
APP/sha/taj (APP Feature Service)