Day: June 22, 2024

In ICC Men's T20 World Cup's Super 8 clash, West Indies beat United States of America by nine wickets at Bridgetown. Batting first, United States of America scored 128 runs for all out in allotted 20 overs. In reply, West Indies achieved the target for loss of one wicket in 10.5 overs. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of security pesonnel in the war on terrorism. In his remarks on the occasion of funeral service of Sepoy Haroon William, at Saint Paul's Church, Rawalpindi today, he said the blood rendered by the security personnel will not go in vain. He said history of armed forces of Pakistan is full of such great sacrifices and there is no precedence of it in the contemporary world. The Prime Minister recognized the services of minorities including christians, hindus and Sikhs in diverse fields. He said they are also rendering services in different wings of the armed forces. He especially mentioned the contributions of Christian community in the field of education. Shehbaz Sharif said all the citizens of the country enjoy equal rights under the country's constitution and they have every right to excel in the fields of their choice. He said Pakistan will be transformed into a welfare state as espoused by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Al lama Iqbal through collective efforts. He emphasized the importance of promotion of tolerance and harmony in order to take the country forward. Source: Radio Pakistan

A large number of local and foreign investors have reposed confidence in the Green Pakistan Initiative and signed agreements for investment in agriculture sector. The initiative, under the Special Investment Facilitation Council, is aimed at developing agriculture on modern lines which will boost agri exports, ensure food security and create job opportunities. The initiative has attracted investment for 140 thousand acres land by foreign investors and 460 thousand acres by local investors and companies. Under the Green Pakistan Initiative, modern agricultural farming is being promoted on more than 7 million hectares of uncultivated land and a large area of land has so far been made cultivable with civil and military efforts. Source: Radio Pakistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed the relevant authorities to ensure thorough implementation of SOPs of security plan for foreign nationals especially Chinese working in Pakistan. He was chairing an important meeting in Islamabad today, to review the measures taken for protection of foreigners, especially Chinese citizens. The Minister said the formulated security plan should be regularly monitored at every level and relevant institutions should keep close contact to foil any nefarious intentions of anti-state elements. He said there is no room for negligence regarding the security plan. During the meeting, overall security situation of the country was discussed and a briefing was given on the security plan. Source: Radio Pakistan

Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon met Interior Minister and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. During the meeting, they discussed various issues including bilateral relations, border security, immigration, illegal human trafficking and drug trafficking. Mohsin Naqvi said Pakistan is taking solid measure to stop human trafficking. He told the Canadian High Commissioner that Pakistan could provide skilled manpower to Canada in various fields and Migration of skilled manpower to Canada would reduce cases of illegal human trafficking. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a reinvigorated and re-energized national counter-terrorism campaign through launching of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. The approval was granted during today's meeting of the Central Apex Committee on National Action Plan that was held in Islamabad with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. The decision was taken with consensus of all stakeholders including the Provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, symbolizing the national resolve to eradicate extremism and terrorism from the country. The forum conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing counter-terrorism campaign and assessed the internal security situation. The progress on the multi-domain tenets of the National Action Plan was scrutinized, with particular emphasis on identifying shortcomings in the implementation for addressing the same at top priority. It underscored the necessity for a comprehensive and reinvigorated counter-terrorism strategy, founded on complete national consensus and system-wide synergy. Azm-e-Istehkam will integrate and synergize multiple lines of effort to combat the menaces of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner. In the politico- diplomatic domain, efforts will be intensified to curtail the operational space for terrorists through regional cooperation. The renewed and full blown kinetic efforts of the armed forces will be augmented by full support from all Law Enforcement Agencies, empowered by effective legislation to address legal voids that hinder effective prosecution of terrorism-related cases and award of exemplary punishments to them. The campaign will be duly complemented by socioeconomic measures aimed at addressing genuine concerns of the people and creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies. The information space will be leveraged to promote a unified national narrative in support of the campaign. The forum reiterated that the fight against extremism and terrorism is Pakistan's war and is absolutely ess ential for the nation's survival and well-being. The forum resolved that no one will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state without any exception. The forum also reviewed measures to ensure foolproof security for Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Following the Prime Minister's approval, new Standard Operating Procedures were issued to relevant departments, which will enhance mechanisms for providing comprehensive security to Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said the personnel of armed forces have been rendering sacrifices in the war on terrorism and also registered successes which have no precedence. He however emphasized the armed forces are not solely responsible to fight this scourage. He said the federal and provincial governments as well as all the institutions will have to play their part. The Prime Minister held out a firm assurance to provide the necessary equipment and resources to the security forces in the fight against terrorism. The Prime Minis ter underlined the need for greater coordination and harmony amongst the institutions to achieve concrete results and ensure long term stability. Shehbaz Sharif noted that there should also be clarity of purpose in political and religious ranks in the war against terrorism. This is our war and we have to fight it to protect our future generations. He said we have to move forward with consensus and mutual consultation whilst rising above political differences to achieve our goal. Source: Radio Pakistan