Day: June 28, 2024

Pakistan says the Resolution 901 adopted by the US House of Representatives is an unsolicited interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs which is neither welcomed nor acceptable. At her weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the resolution clearly stems from an inadequate and erroneous understanding of political and electoral process of Pakistan. She said it is also an unsolicited interference in Pakistan's domestic affairs. We believe that bilateral relations between countries should be based on mutual respect and sovereign equality. The Spokesperson said the timing and context of the resolution is also not conducive to the current positive trajectory of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States. Replying a question, she said Pakistan would like to develop its relations with the United States on the basis of mutual trust and confidence and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. The Spokesperson expressed concerns over the continued suppression of the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She said the oppressive measures are yet another example of the autocratic approach of the Indian authorities and a violation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights, especially of the rights of association and peaceful assembly. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the government has appointed Additional Foreign Secretary (Middle East and SIFC) Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh as Pakistan's Ambassador to Washington. She further said that Asim Iftikhar, currently serving as Pakistan's Envoy in France, has also been appointed as Pakistan's Additional Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York. Replying to a question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan will participate in Doha-III meeting on Afghanistan. She said Pakistan will be represented by Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Durrani and Ambassador to Afghanistan Obaidur Rehman Nizamani in the talks. Answering yet an other question, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan has always stated that it respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. She said it is also critical that Afghanistan takes effective actions against those terrorists and groups, which are responsible for terror incidents and attacks inside Pakistan. The Spokesperson said Pakistan has also urged Afghanistan to ensure that any terrorist hideouts that destabilize the region should be eliminated. Pakistan expects Afghanistan to fulfill this commitment made to the international community, specifically Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Benazir Income Support Programme and the Ministry of Information Technology have agreed to devise a strategy to combat fraudulent activities targeting innocent people. During a meeting with Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized the need for a national-level strategy with MOIT's assistance to protect people from deceptive practices exploiting the BISP name. Senator Rubina Khalid highlighted BISP's ongoing efforts to alleviate poverty through technical skills education for its beneficiaries. Stressing the importance of skill development in poverty alleviation, she invited MOIT to recommend IT-related courses and institutions for BISP beneficiary families. She said BISP plans to present a comprehensive digital solution to MOIT for consultation and collaboration to ensure transparent transactions and minimize fraudulent activities. Shaza Fatima Khawaja assured full cooperation in develop ing a digital strategy for beneficiary payments. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to seek technical assistance from the United Kingdom's government for the protection of water resources, its better management and wise use. Presiding over a meeting in this regard in Peshawar today, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said conservation and wise use of water resources is the need of the hour and the provincial government is taking serious steps to this effect. The program titled 'Water Resource Accountability for Pakistan' will be initially started in Charsadda and Mansehra districts which will later be extended to other districts of the province. Under the program, the International Water Management Institute will provide technical assistance to the provincial government in six different sectors in Pakhtunkhwa. Source: Radio Pakistan

FC (North) is taking measures to empower women in Malakand Division. In this regard, Women Vocational Training Center was inaugurated in the area. Training is being impart at the center in the areas of tailoring, computer and English language. The aim of the training center is to provide skills to local women so that they can get employment in a dignified manner. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of mother of Saudi Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz. In a post on X, the Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman, Prince Mansour bin Saud bin Abdulaziz and the Royal Family. Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated Parliamentary Development Research Centre at Punjab Assembly in Lahore today. During the briefing, it was informed that the Parliamentary Development Research Centre will assist in enhancing the capacity of assembly members and also support the house committees. Source: Radio Pakistan

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Energy Minister to expedite the solarization of government offices across the province during daytime hours. He made these remarks while chairing a meeting in Karachi today. Murad Ali Shah emphasized that converting government buildings to solar power will lead to substantial reductions in electricity expenses. He directed Energy Minister Nasir Shah to accelerate the solarization efforts starting from new financial year. Source: Radio Pakistan

In Swat, at least one student was killed and several others critically injured when a school van carrying fifty students overturned into a ditch on Friday. Rescue teams reached the site immediately and shifted dead and injured to Tehsil Khawaza Khila Hospital. Source: Radio Pakistan