Day: June 15, 2024

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif says the government's reform agenda prioritizes enhancing governance and delivering superior services to the public. He made these remarks while presiding over a meeting on strategic institutional reforms within the federal government in Islamabad today. The Prime Minister directed all the federal ministries to fully support these reforms. During the meeting, a comprehensive briefing was given on the strategic roadmap for reforms. The participants were informed that the task management system, nearing completion, is being introduced as per the Prime Minister's directives. Efforts have also commenced to appoint international experts in federal ministries. Additionally, it was disclosed that Key Performance Indicators will be established to monitor the ministries' performance.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has extended warm greetings and best wishes to Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani on the auspicious occasion of Eid. During a telephonic conversation today, the two leaders exchanged views on the importance of Eid ul Adha, which symbolizes sacrifice, compassion and unity. At this joyous moment, both the leaders also spoke about the plight of the brave and innocent people of Palestine and urged the international community to redouble peace efforts and ensure an immediate end to violence and bloodshed in the region. The Prime Minister and the Amir reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship and brotherhood between Pakistan and Qatar, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. They discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Qatar's support and cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade, investment and labour. The two leaders agre ed to continue to work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond. The Prime Minister thanked the Amir for graciously accepting the invitation to undertake an official visit to Pakistan and said the dates of his visit would be worked out soon.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has reaffirmed that promotion and protection of the rights of minorities is top priority of the government. Addressing a gathering of over one hundred Pakistani American Christians at Mar Thoma Church in the Greater Philadelphia Region, he said an effective strategy has been evolved to stem abuse of laws for settling disputes and personal feuds. He said Pakistan would continue to counter and penalize hate speech. He also highlighted the measures being taken to improve police response in order to reduce fatalities and enhance community safety. Ambassador Masood Khan called for joint efforts to promote inter-faith cooperation. He underscored the need for mutual respect and understanding among different faiths to build a more harmonious and inclusive society. He said Christians are an integral part of the societal fabric of Pakistan, and their contributions to the nation's development are invaluable. Masood Khan also highlighted various legislative and administrative steps including the law against forced conversion, child marriages and discrimination against any vulnerable group.

The National Disaster Management Authority has issued an advisory for public awareness regarding the weather on upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The NDMA forecast chances of rain, wind and dust storm and thunderstorm in most parts of country including Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Gilgit, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, South Punjab and some parts of Sindh during the Eid holidays. NDMA advises preparedness for potential floods and landslides, especially in Upper KP, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. Meanwhile, NDMA has launched the 'PAK-NDMA Disaster Alert' application to provide general public with up-to-date alerts, advisories and hazard specific guidelines and public service messages.

The government has reduced the prices of petroleum products for next fortnight. The price of petrol has been reduced by 10.20 rupees per liter, which will be now available at 258.16 rupees. The per liter price of high speed diesel has been slashed by 2.33 rupees, going down to 267.89 rupees. The new prices are effective from today.

Regional and country desks have been established in the Special Investment Facilitation Council Secretariat to accelerate the process of attracting foreign direct investment in the country. Six regional and country desks have been established to focus on the needs of foreign capital investment, which will be self-sufficient in all respects. One desk has been established for China, Far East and Rest of the World. Another desk has been established for Central Asian countries, Russia, Middle East and Africa. Third desk will deal with Europe, North America and South America. Similarly, fourth will look at the investments from Qatar and Kuwait while two separate desks have been established for Saudi Arabia and UAE.

The naval forces of Trkiye and Pakistan held Turgutreis-9 exercise in the Eastern Mediterranean to enhance operational readiness and foster cooperation. PNS Babur visited Aksaz naval base and participated in the exercise. The purpose of the exercise was to further enhance the interoperability and joint operations capability between the two navies.