Day: June 19, 2024

A 4.7 magnitude earthquake has rocked northern parts of the country including Islamabad, Rawalpindi and cities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to National Seismic Monitoring Centre Islamabad, the earthquake tremors were felt in various cities including Peshawar, Swat, Malakand, North Waziristan, Parachinar, Lower Dir, Hangu, Charsadda, Swabi and surrounding areas. The center of earthquake was region of South-East Afghanistan and depth was 98 kilometers. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and conveyed warm greetings on the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, earlier today. The two leaders extended best wishes and prayers for the continued progress and prosperity of the peoples of both the UAE as well as Pakistan. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's deep appreciation to the President for the UAE's consistent support to Pakistan and also reaffirmed Pakistan's full support to the UAE through thick and thin. Recalling his most productive visit to the UAE last month, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to transform the fraternal and special ties between the two countries into an enduring and mutually beneficial strategic partnership, especially focused on trade and investment. Emphasizing the significance of frequent high level exchanges between the two countries, the Prime Minister reiterated to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al N ahyan a most cordial invitation to undertake an official visit to Pakistan, at his earliest convenience. In response, Sheikh Mohamed graciously conveyed his acceptance of the invitation and agreed to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at an early date. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in order to advance their shared desire to take the brotherly and close ties between the two countries to even greater heights. Source: Radio Pakistan

London-based Fitch Ratings says Pakistan's federal budget initiatives have strengthened prospects for an IMF deal. In a report, Fitch Ratings said it forecasts that the fiscal deficit will narrow and this should reduce external pressures. The report has forecast growth rate three percent to three point five percent in short-term indicators of economic activity. Fitch said our updated fiscal forecasts project a primary surplus of 0.8 percent and an overshoot in current spending, partly offset by under-execution in development spending. The report said Pakistan's external position continued to improve since February's election. The current account deficit is on track to narrow to 0.3 percent of GDP in current fiscal year from 1.0 percent in last fiscal year. Subdued domestic demand has compressed imports, while exchange rate reforms have attracted remittance inflows back to the official banking system. Strong agricultural exports have also helped. Source: Radio Pakistan

Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed has become the first Pakistani to address the official International BRICS Forum hosted by Russia at the Far Eastern port of Vladivostok. During his keynote address at the forum, he said Pakistan hopes to join BRICS as it wants to be part of the new emerging order of the Global South. Mushahid Hussain Syed said Pakistan as a member of the UN Security Council during 2025-2026 will be a robust voice for peace, justice and the oppressed. He also thanked Russia and China for their principled position on the Gaza Genocide. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has called for investigation into acquisition of sophisticated arms by terrorist groups including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Addressing the Fourth Review Conference of the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons at the UN today, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram made a powerful demand for an investigation into how terrorist groups and criminal organizations acquire such sophisticated weapons. Highlighting the need for a concerted campaign to recover all weapons from terrorist groups like the TTP, the Pakistan UN envoy said it is the responsibility of all States and the UN at large to take measures to prevent the illicit trade, transfer, and diversion of these arms. He drew the world's attention to how the illicit proliferation, excessive accumulation, and misuse of SALW are exacerbating conflicts, fueling terrorism, threatening peace and security, and undermining sustainable development globally. He also identified the advent of new technol ogies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and drones, as deepening challenges in combating the proliferation of increasingly lethal small arms. The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan's steadfast commitment to UN Programme of Action. Pointing out the limitations of a supply-side approach to tackling the SALW challenges, he called for more strenuous efforts and resources to be deployed to resolve and end conflicts in various regions and sub-regions, end terrorist activities, and eliminate organized crime. Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that the Information Technology and agricultural sectors could improve the country's economy. Speaking to a private news channel, he said government has undertaken various steps to promote these sectors to boost domestic and foreign investments. The Minister said the present government's economic initiatives are aimed at uplifting the downtrodden and reducing disparity between the rich and the poor. He further said the country, through sustainable industrial development, can tackle the present external and internal challenges. Source: Radio Pakistan

Eight hundred and twenty new international standard wagons will be integrated into Pakistan Railways system by end of fiscal year 2025-26. In a statement, Pakistan Railways says the cooperation reflects dedication to modernization and efficiency, setting a new standard in transportation sector. The statement said that China's technology transfer empowers Pakistan Railways towards greater self-reliance. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the killing of President Landi Kotal Press Club Khalil Gibran. In his condolence message, he expressed grief and extended sympathies with the bereaved family. The President stressed for taking measures for the protection of journalists in Pakistan. He said efforts should be made to provide justice to the victim. Source: Radio Pakistan