Day: July 1, 2024

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said the general election would only be held in 2029 upon completion of the constitutional tenure of the incumbent government. Reacting to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman's presser, he said the Parliament is an appropriate forum to do politics in the current circumstances. He said solution to all the problems in politics lies in negotiations and dialogue. Attaullah Tarar termed Maulana a seasoned and respected politician and urged him to appreciate the government's economic policies that drove an increase in the foreign exchange reserves, and took the stock exchange to historic highest level. He lauded the government for strengthening the rupee and reducing trade deficit significantly. Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reiterated the commitment to provide a conducive environment for the IT industry, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and innovation in Pakistan. He was talking to with the Executive Committee Members of Pakistan Software Houses Association led by Chairman PASHA Muhammad Zohaib Khan in Islamabad today. The Executive Committee Members of PASHA highlighted the organization's ongoing initiatives and the need for government support in promoting growth in IT sector. Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged the significant contributions of PASHA and assured the association of government's support. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue working together to address the challenges and harness the opportunities for the IT sector. Source: Radio Pakistan

At the invitation of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a two-day official visit to Dushanbe from tomorrow In Dushanbe, the Prime Minister will meet President Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of Majlisi Namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli Mahmadtoir Zoir Zokirzoda and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda. The visit is a part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Tajikistan. The two sides will engage in wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest to further deepen bilateral cooperation especially in the areas of regional connectivity, trade, people-to-people contacts and energy as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. Agreements and MoUs in diverse areas of cooperation will also be signed during the visit. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan and India today exchanged lists of prisoners in each other's custody through diplomatic channel, in Islamabad and New Delhi. According to the Foreign Office, these lists are exchanged simultaneously, in pursuance of the Consular Access Agreement of 2008 on the 1st of January and 1st of July every year. Pakistan handed over a list of 254 Indian or believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen in Pakistani jails. India shared a list of 452 Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani civilian prisoners and fishermen in Indian jails. A list of 38 missing Pakistani defence personnel, believed to be in India's custody since the wars of 1965 and 1971, was also handed over by Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has called for immediate release and repatriation of all Pakistani prisoners who have completed their sentence in India. A request for special consular access to various believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally-challenged prisoners, has been made and for exped itious confirmation of their national status. The Government of Pakistan has also urged India to ensure safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani or believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, awaiting their release and repatriation. The Government of Pakistan is committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority. It will continue its endeavours to ensure early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. As part of these efforts, repatriation of 62 Pakistani prisoners in 2023, and four in the current year, has so far been secured. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Army has completed the construction of a bridge at Lovat Bala in the Upper Neelum Valley. Due to the dilapidated condition of the bridge, the local people were facing severe difficulties. The construction of the bridge has now eased their difficulties and especially benefitted the school going children. The local people appreciated the initiative of Pakistan Army and raised slogans in its favour. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja is in China on an official visit to represent Pakistan at Global Digital Economy Conference 2024 starting in Beijing tomorrow (Tuesday). The Minister of State will visit booths of Pakistani tech companies and meet their representatives. She will also attend 'Euro Asia Pakistan Digital Economy Forum' and participate in the panel discussions. Shaza Fatima will hold meetings with important figures relating to Information and Communication Technology. The conference is aimed to expand global cooperation in the digital economy. Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has commended the Federal Board of Revenue for its outstanding performance in surpassing revenue collection target for financial year 2023-24 with a total collection of 9,311 billion rupees. The Minister visited FBR headquarters and held a meeting with Chairman Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana and Members of the Board. The Finance Minister expressed confidence in FBR's capabilities and hoped that the Board would continue to play a pivotal role in achieving the Government's fiscal objectives. He also appreciated FBR team for exceeding the annual revenue target despite multiple issues. The meeting underscored the government's commitment to strengthening the FBR and supporting its initiatives aimed at enhancing revenue collection, digitization and economic documentation. Source: Radio Pakistan