Day: June 11, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad today and discussed overall economic and financial situation in the country. During the meeting, views were also exchanged on proposals regarding provision of relief to the people in the upcoming budget. President Asif Ali Zardari said the government should take special care of the poor and the middle class sections of the society in the budget. Both the leaders also discussed development projects in the next budget. The Prime Minister apprised the President about his recent visit to China. The President assured the Prime Minister of his cooperation in country's development and achieving economic targets. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal was also present in the meeting. Source: Radio Pakistan

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott met with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal in Islamabad to discuss ongoing and future collaborations between the two countries. During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal reflected on the Vision 2025 initiative which serves as a strategic roadmap for Pakistan's economic and social development. He also highlighted efforts to eradicate basic education deprivation through public-private partnerships, provincial cooperation to enhance capacity in education, health, and human resources, and significant budget increases for higher education. The Minister said that the government is committed to modernizing the higher education curriculum and skilling university students. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering stronger ties and collaborative efforts for mutual growth and development. Source: Radio Pakistan

The training of the crew of PNS Babar has been completed at Golcuk Naval Base in Turkiye. The first-of-its-kind of training was jointly organized by Turkish Naval Forces and Pakistan Navy. The purpose of the training was to train the ship's crew for various naval operations and to further strengthen the mutual relationship between the two navies. Top officials of the Turkish Naval Forces appreciated the operational and training standards of the Pakistan Navy. PNS Babar is the first of the four Milgem-class ships being developed in cooperation with Turkiye. Under the Pak-Turkiye agreement, two ships are being built in Istanbul while two other will be built in Karachi. Source: Radio Pakistan

Chairman of the Executive Committee of Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Prince Rahim Aga Khan met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Prince Rahim Aga Khan for establishing various social welfare projects in the less developed and remote areas of Pakistan, especially in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the establishment of software Technology Park and solar power plants by Aga Khan Development Network in Hunza. The Prime Minister invited Aga Khan Development Network to invest more in the tourism sector and to collaborate with the Government of Pakistan on renewable energy projects. The Prime Minister congratulated Prince Rahim Aga Khan on receiving Nishan-i-Pakistanfrom the government. Source: Radio Pakistan

The World Bank has approved one billion dollar additional financing for Pakistan to support Dasu Hydropower Project and the transition to clean and affordable energy. A decision to this effect was take in the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors in Washington. According to a statement of the Bank, this financing will support the expansion of hydropower electricity supply, improve access to socio-economic services for local communities, and build the Water and Power Development Authority's capacity to prepare future hydropower projects. The Dasu Hydropower Project site is one of the best hydropower sites in the world and is a game changer for the Pakistan energy sector. With a very small footprint, the Project will contribute to greening the energy sector and lowering the cost of electricity. The additional financing will further support ongoing socio-economic initiatives in Upper Kohistan, particularly in the areas of education, health, employment, and transport. Source: Radio Pakistan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Amman, Jordan today to attend the high-level conference on 'Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza'. At the airport, he was received by Jordanian Minister of Prime Ministry Affairs Ibrahim Al Jazi, Governor of Amman Yaser Al Adwan and the Mayor of Amman, Al Shawarbeh. The Conference is jointly hosted by Jordan, Egypt, and the UN. During the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister will reiterate Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Palestine in the backdrop of Israel's grave crimes in Gaza. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has imposed a one document regime at Chaman Border to stop the transportation of contrabands and illegal cross bordering of people. The imposition of one document regime will transform Chaman and make it a Border trade hub instead of smuggling trade hub. However, smuggler mafia and some political leaders are misleading the people about one document regime. In reality, smuggler mafia and their allies will suffer from one document regime. Government has taken multiple steps for the welfare of the people at Chaman Border including establishment of Passport Office, taxi stands and markets, reduction in the passport fees and provision of free ration to the deserving people. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has termed his recent visit to China as successful saying that it will further strengthen strategic relationship between the two countries. Chairing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad today, he said a high-powered Chinese delegation will soon visit Pakistan as a follow up of his successful visit to China. The Prime Minister lauded the efforts of all relevant departments, ministries, federal ministers and higher government authorities who played their part to make the visit successful and fruitful. Shehbaz Sharif said second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be started very soon, which will further augment our friendly ties with China. Source: Radio Pakistan