Day: June 20, 2024

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar says a high level delegation of China is arriving in Islamabad today to participate in third meeting of the Pakistan-China Joint Consultative Mechanism being held tomorrow (Friday). Addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, he said the visit of the Chinese delegation to Pakistan is a proof of trust between the two countries. The Minister urged all political parties to welcome the delegation and manifest the exemplary bond between the two countries. Talking about the Prime Minister's recent visit to China, the Minister said Pak-China friendship and progress on CPEC projects were discussed during meetings. Terming Pak-China friendship beyond politics, he said China's commitment during Prime Minister's visit to upgrade CPEC is a welcoming step. Appreciating the efforts of all departments concerned of Punjab and Federal Capital for cleanliness drive during Eid days, Attaullah Tarar said all elected representatives including the Punjab Chief Mi nister remained active for arrangements of this cleanliness. He said all the government institutions performed their duties with due diligence during this drive. The Minister said no talks can be initiated with the perpetrators of May 9 incident as they compromised the national interests. He said members of a specific party also ran a campaign against Pakistan-China friendship during Eid. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly and Senate will resume sessions today at the Parliament House in Islamabad. The senate will consider a motion to make recommendations to the National Assembly on the Finance Bill 2024. The National Assembly will start general debate on the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly today started the general discussion on Federal Budget for next fiscal year. Initiating the discussion, Opposition Leader in the Lower House Omar Ayub Khan urged the government to focus on strengthening the economy and creating job opportunities for the people. He called for relief measures to address the impact of inflation on the populace. Highlighting the importance of peace and tranquility, the Opposition Leader said the dream to bring investment to the country will remain elusive without upholding rule of law. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said power load-shedding is being carried out on feeders where massive electricity theft is taking place. Responding to points raised by the opposition leader, he said this load-shedding is not restricted to a particular area. He questioned how an uninterrupted power supply is possible on feeders, reporting eighty percent electricity theft. Commenting on the performance of the PTI Government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Minister said they have added over 900 billion rupees to the province's debt. Khawaja Asif said it was the PTI people, who desecrated martyrs' memorials and attacked military installations in the country. Regarding inflation, he said the current government inherited a dilapidated economy and we are determined to turnaround it and provide relief to the people. Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Aslam Ghumman said strict action should be taken against those responsible for import of wheat. He said youth should be equipped with necessary skills to meet market demand. He said agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan's economy and the country cannot progress without promoting this sector. Those who spoke on the occasion included Rai Hasan Nawaz, Mubeen Arif and Naseem Ali Shah. The House was adjourned to meet again tomorrow (Friday) at 11 in the morning. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari will arrive in Gwadar today on a day-long visit. The President will preside over a meeting there on the law and order and security situation in Balochistan. On the occasion, he will be briefed on the overall security situation of the province. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti will attend the meeting. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistani climber Samar Khan has successfully scaled Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, and descended the peak by snowboarding. Hailing from Dir, area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Khan becomes the first Pakistani to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus, standing tall at 5,642 meters in Russia. With the support of the Frontier Corps North, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Khan accomplished this remarkable feat and proudly hoisted the Pakistani flag on the summit. Samar Khan also holds the distinction of being the first female cyclist to ride through Kilimanjaro in Africa, the third largest non-polar glacier in the world. She also claimed first position in Redbull Homerun Snowboarding Race in 2021 and made Pakistan proud. Source: Radio Pakistan

Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) has directed Cabinet Division to initiate the process for winding up of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. The decision to this effect was taken during today's meeting of the CCoSOEs that was held in Islamabad with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair. The committee also considered the summaries of the Ministry of Housing and Works relating to Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants and National Construction Limited. The committee approved the proposal for winding up of PEPAC. It also directed the authorities to complete the ongoing projects of the NCL and prepare the plan for winding up its operations. The committee further approved the proposals presented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding categorization of the Port Authorities including Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, and Gawadar Port Authority as Essential. The Committee was informed that port operations were already outsourced in a n umber of cases and this policy will continue. The Committee directed Ministry of Maritime Affairs to ensure that the governance framework of Port Authorities is compliant with the SOE law. To this end, the Ministry will initiate amendments to their respective statutes. Source: Radio Pakistan

Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has provided an enabling environment for investment and business development in the country by working with utmost diligence and dedication over the last one year. The most important of the measures is the provision of facility for investors in the IT sector to repatriate up to fifty percent of their profits. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, IT exports have grown by sixty two percent. Similarly, the establishment of the Office of the Investment Ombudsman has provided a platform to investors to resolve their issues efficiently and invest with confidence. Appellate Tribunals have also been established in the privatization and telecom sectors so that investors can seek guidance on legal issues related to their investments. Since June last year, the SIFC has made many amendments at the policy level due to which the efficiency of the government system has greatly improved. Under the policy measures, the visa policy has been revised by rem oving unnecessary barriers, which has increased the confidence of foreign investors. National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority has been set up to provide high quality seeds to the farmers. A comprehensive aquaculture policy has been formulated to enable the export of seafood to other countries. This will ensure the processing of fish and other aquaculture products in accordance with international standards, which will benefit the industry. Source: Radio Pakistan

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated Sindh Surveillance System under the safety city project and Police health card in Karachi this morning. Addressing the ceremony, Syed Murad Ali Shah said safe city project is aimed at ensuring protective measures without hindrances. The Chief Minister said that with the installation of the programme two programs of Automatic number plate Recognition and face identification programmed will work together to control crime and criminal activities. He said that a smart surveillance system could be helpful in arresting over eighty thousand absconding criminals in the province. Source: Radio Pakistan