Day: June 26, 2024

President of the Global Development Division at Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Chris Elias called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad today. They reviewed different areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the Foundation. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan's resolve to continue working closely with the Foundation in health sector particularly for eradication of polio. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly has approved one hundred and three demands for grants pertaining to different ministries and departments for the next fiscal year. These were moved by Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb. No cut motions were moved on these demands for grants. These were related to Defense Division, Communications, Federal Education and Professional Training, Climate Change, Economic Affairs Division, Geological Survey of Pakistan, National Heritage and Culture Division, Housing and Works Division, Human Rights Division, Industries and Production, Information and Broadcasting Division, IT and Telecommunication Division, Combined Civil Armed Forces, Inter Provincial Coordination Division, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Division, Maritime Affairs Division, Narcotics Control Division, National Assembly, The Senate, National Health Services, Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Parliamentary Affairs Division, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division, Poverty Alleviati on and Social Safety Division, Privatization Division, Pakistan Railways, Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Division, Science and Technology Division, States and Frontier Regions, Water Resources Division, Aviation Division and Commerce Division. The National Assembly has also approved twelve demands for grants relating to the cabinet division, establishment division and the national security division. Cut motions moved by the opposition on the demands for grants were rejected by the House. Another six demands for grants relating to various departments including Power, Petroleum, Revenue and Finance Divisions as well as the Federal Board of Revenue were also approved by the House. The House will now meet again tomorrow at 11 in the morning. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Business Forum and International Business and Professional Corporation (IBPC) have signed an MoU aimed at boosting commerce and trade activities and promoting Made in Pakistan Products in France. Pakistan's Ambassador to France Asim Iftikhar Ahmad attended the MOU signing ceremony. The participants appreciated the working of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) which is focused at facilitating overseas business community by providing conducive environment for investment and growth. In order to benefit from the opportunities offered under one window SIFC, a delegation of prominent businessmen is likely to visit Pakistan to explore investment opportunities and promote Pakistan's exports to Europe. Source: Radio Pakistan

FC Balochistan (North) continues to provide services in the education sector of Balochistan province. More than fifteen thousand male and female students are being equipped with education in fifty three FC schools and colleges and twenty-nine free schools in North Balochistan. FC Balochistan (North) provided financial assistance of five hundred and thirty-nine million rupees during the last four years to meet the educational needs. Scholarships worth over seventeen million are being provided annually to needy and intelligent students. E-Learning facilities are being provided at a cost of thirteen million annually. Local elders of Balochistan, students studying in FC schools and their parents appreciated the educational services provided by FC. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized to focus on renewable energy resources particularly solar energy to overcome the country's energy needs. Chairing a high-level meeting to review issues related to Petroleum Division in Islamabad today, he directed the authorities concerned to evolve a comprehensive strategy regarding gasification of Thar Coal. The Prime Minister said Thar Coal is of utmost importance to Pakistan's energy needs and all necessary steps should be taken regarding laying down railway line for access of Thar Coal to other parts of the country. The meeting was briefed on developments and proposals regarding petroleum and gas sectors. It was informed that Pakistan is the fifth most vulnerable country regarding adverse impacts of climate change despite having a very low carbon footprint. The meeting was also apprised that steps are being taken to overcome adverse effects of climate change through promotion of alternative energy based products. A plan of action will be prepared regardi ng the increase in production of Tight Gas. Similarly, smart meters will be installed to prevent theft from oil and gas pipelines. It was further informed that work is also underway on evolving a policy regarding electric bikes, cars and electric home appliances. Proposals will be worked out to deregulate petroleum sector, while the process for Petroleum and gas exploration will be fully digitized. Similarly, it was told in the meeting that steps are being taken to ensure competitiveness in petroleum and gas sectors, while strategies are also being prepared to increase local oil and gas production besides promotion of biofuels. Source: Radio Pakistan