Day: July 2, 2024

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has emphasized the need for strong economic relations between Pakistan and Canada. Talking to Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon in Islamabad today, he said the two countries have a long-standing and multilateral relationship. He said Canada is Pakistan's main development partner. The Canadian High Commissioner was appreciative of government's economic initiatives. Source: Radio Pakistan

Global Digital Economy Conference 2024 starts in Beijing today. The conference is aimed to expand global cooperation in the digital economy. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja is in China to represent Pakistan at the conference. She will also attend 'Euro Asia Pakistan Digital Economy Forum' and participate in the panel discussions. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain has emphasized on the role of Islamic scholars in maintaining unity, brotherhood, and peace in the country especially during Muharram-ul-Haram. Addressing a meeting of leading scholars and religious leaders at the Council of Islamic Ideology in Islamabad today, he said the remaining roots of extremism and radicalism in the country are being eradicated. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of the Council Dr. Raghib Naeemi said the "Azm-e-Istihkam" initiative would strengthen the National Action Plan and achieve the desired outcomes for peace. He said promoting a separate code of conduct specifically for Muharram-ul-Haram is necessary to maintain law and order. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has left for Dushanbe on a two-day official visit to Tajikistan. The Prime Minister is paying the visit at the invitation of Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah tarar, and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi are accompanying the Prime Minister during the visit. At his arrival in Dushanbe, the Prime Minister will visit the memorial of National Hero of Tajikistan Ismail Samani and lay floral wreath at the monument. The Prime Minister will meet President Emomali Rahmon at Qasr-e-Millat. He will also attend the signing ceremonies of different bilateral agreements and MoUs in diverse areas of cooperation. The Prime Minister and Tajik President will also address a joint press conference on the occasion. The Tajik President will host a dinner in the honour of the Prime Minister and his entourage at Qas r-e-Nowruz. Source: Radio Pakistan

Former Federal Minister and Senior Leader of Awami National Party Ghulam Ahmed Bilour called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad today. They discussed overall political, security and law and order situation of the country. The President emphasized that all political parties need to work together for economic and political stability and addressing the country's problems. He said consultation and consensus with all political parties on important national issues is inevitable. Ghulam Ahmad Bilour congratulated Asif Ali Zardari on assuming the office of President for the second time. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan's Ambassador to France, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad inaugurated Pakistan Pavilion in Texworld Evolution in Paris. The Pavilion is showcasing attractive textile products of twelve exhibitors from Pakistan enthusiastic to work with international customers. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Embassy's Trade and Investment Section aim to project country's prowess in textile world. It also aims at opening new vistas of growth and development by facilitating Business to Business contacts with potential clientele. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik says the government is swiftly taking measures to pass on the benefits of prudent economic policies to the public. Addressing media in Islamabad this afternoon, he mentioned various steps taken by the government for provision of relief to people in the Federal Budget. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken special measures with regard to solar panels. He said the government has introduced contributory pension scheme for new inductions and the Armed Forces of Pakistan have also been asked to align themselves with newly introduced contributory pension scheme to reduce burden on national exchequer. The Minister of State said investors' trust is increasing while stock market has also witnessed historic boom. Ali Pervaiz Malik said with consultation of the World Bank, work on privatization of power distribution companies is also under process. He clarified that consumer protection would remain a core priority in whole exercise. The Minister said und er the austerity measures, the Prime Minister ordered to wind up Pakistan PWD and within next few weeks, the curtailment of various departments will be ensured that are not yielding market oriented results. Ali Pervaiz Malik also stressed the need to bring stability in macroeconomic fundamentals through coordination and consultations with provinces. Source: Radio Pakistan

The process for election of Chairmen of different Standing Committees of the National Assembly is underway. Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk has been elected as Chairman of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Law and Justice, Ms. Munaza Hassan as Chairperson for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Khawaja Sheraz Mahmood as Chairman of National Assembly's Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Muhammad Atif as Chairman Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Division, Muhammad Idrees as Chairman Standing Committee on Energy, Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan , Standing Committee on Railways, Syed Amin Ul Haq as Chairman Standing Committee on Information Technology, Farooq Sattar as Chairman Standing Committee on Privatization, Syed Hafeezuddin as Chairman Standing committee on Industries and Production, and Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan has been elected as Chairman National Assembly's Standing Committee on Commerce. Source: Radio Pakistan