President approves appointment of Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan as SC Judge

President Dr Arif Alvi has approved appointment of Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan as Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan was serving as Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court.

The President also approved appointment of Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan as Chief Justice of Lahore High Court.

Justice Malik Shehzad is the senior most judge of the Lahore High Court.

Approval was also granted to the appointment of Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar as acting Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Envoy Masood lauds role of Pakistani diaspora in country’s development

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has emphasized the imperative role of the Pakistani diaspora in the development and progress of Pakistan

During a meeting with prominent leaders of the Pakistani community in New York, he said the Pakistani-American community is not only making significant contributions socially and economically but is also gaining political influence. He expressed great enthusiasm about the rising prominence of the Pakistani community and professionals across various sectors in the United States.

The Ambassador underscored Pakistan’s status as the largest country in South Asia with more than sixty percent of its population under thirty years of age. He stressed the need to harness our nation’s potential fully.

Speaking on Pakistan-U.S. relations, Masood Khan acknowledged the challenges the relationship faced after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, he highlighted the efforts of both countries that not only strengthened bilateral ties but also opened avenues for
enhanced trade and economic relations.

He urged business leaders to capitalize on the abundant opportunities in Pakistan. He mentioned priority sectors like IT, agriculture, energy, and minerals, which offer countless investment opportunities. Referring to the eighty American companies already operating in the country, he cited their success as a testament to Pakistan’s economic potential.

Furthermore, Ambassador Khan highlighted investment opportunities in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and other emerging industries in Pakistan, encouraging partnerships with institutions like the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and International Finance Corporation.

The meeting involved discussions on various topics, including Pakistan-India relations and the Kashmir issue.

Ambassador Khan reiterated Pakistan’s continuous demand from the international community, including the United States, to resolve longstanding issues in South Asia, particularly Kashmir, for sustainable peace in the region.

Emphasizing unity among community leaders, Masood Khan urged them to maintain cohesion within their ranks, ensuring that differences of opinion do not hinder national and social interests.

Ambassador Khan informed the participants about initiatives to enhance networking and collaboration between Pakistani businesses and professional organizations in the United States, aiming to strengthen community roles effectively.

Moreover, Masood Khan also held a separate meeting with the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee delegation, and discussed strategies to further strengthen New York’s ties with Pakistan, especially focusing on bolstering sister city relationships.

Source: Radio Pakistan

PM expresses gratitude to world leaders for congratulations

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed gratitude to world leaders for their good wishes following his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

In a series of posts on the social media platform X, he conveyed his appreciation to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm wishes and prayers on assuming office.

Describing the relationship between both nations as deeply rooted in historical bonds, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that fraternal ties will continue to flourish in the future. He also expressed eagerness to collaborate closely with the Crown Prince for the mutual benefit of their respective countries.

Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif extended his thanks to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and Deputy Amir Abdullah bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for their good wishes. He emphasized Pakistan’s appreciation for its brotherly ties with Qatar and his commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship further
.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his appreciation to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, for the felicitations on his election. Likewise, he expressed delight at receiving a congratulatory call from Iranian President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, during which both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to collaborate closely for the betterment of their countries and the region.

Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif thanked Kenyan President Williams Ruto for his warm wishes, highlighting the close and cordial relations between the two countries. He expressed a desire to continue collaboration for the further enhancement of bilateral ties and economic cooperation.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Sanjrani terms IPC as positive diplomatic move for Pakistan

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani has termed establishment of International Parliamentarian Congress as a prolific step to present auspicious gesture of Pakistan in the comity of nations.

He was addressing a farewell ceremony in honor of outgoing senators in Islamabad.

He said upper house holds special status across globe.

Commending the performance of outgoing senators, Sadiq Sanjrani expressed gratitude to senior and seasoned senators for providing guidance in completion of tenure of senate.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab CM assigns portfolios to eighteen-member cabinet

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has assigned portfolios to eighteen-member cabinet.

The portfolios include:

Marriyum Aurangzeb: Senior Minister, Planning and Development,

Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Shah: Minister for Agriculture,

Muhammad Kazim Pirzada: Minister for Irrigation,

Rana Sikandar Hayat: Minister for Education,

Khawaja Imran Nazeer: Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare,

Khawaja Salman Rafique: Minister for Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education,

Zeeshan Rafique: Minister for Local Government,

Bilal Akbar Khan: Minister for Transport,

Sohaib Ahmed Malik: Minister for Communication and Works,

Azma Zahid Bukhari: Minister for Information,

Bilal Yasin: Minister for Food,

Ramesh Singh Arora: Minister for Minorities Affairs,

Khalil Tahir Sandhu: Minister for Human Rights,

Faisal Ayub Khokhar: Minister for Sports Affairs,

Shafay Hussain: Minister for Industries Commerce and Investment,

Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani: Minister for Mines and Minerals,

Sohail Shaukat But
t: Minister for Social Welfare and Bait ul Mal,

Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman: Minister for Finance.

Source: Radio Pakistan

FC Balochistan (North) continuing operation against smuggling

FC Balochistan (North) and other relevant departments are continuing operation against smuggling in different areas of Balochistan.

214 metric tons of sugar, 54 metric tons of betel nuts, 700 kilogram of drugs, 699,000 liters of Iranian diesel, and other items including china salt, tyres, cigarettes, and non-customs-paid vehicles were seized over the last one month.

These operations were carried out in Pishin, Mastung, Zhob, Nushki, Chaman, Dera Allah Yar and Pak-Afghan border areas. All the items were handed over to the customs authorities.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Sindh CM announces over Rs22b for Ramzan package

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced over twenty-two billion rupees for Ramzan package to provide relief to the people of the province during the month of Ramzan.

Chairing a meeting on price control in Karachi this morning, he also accorded approval of providing an amount of five thousand rupees cash to the sixty percent population of the province with minimum wage.

The cash amount will be provided to 3.5 million households with a minimum wage of thirty two thousand rupees per month.

Addressing the meeting the Chief Minister directed a crackdown against hoarders and profiteers in the province.

Syed Murad Ali Shah directed district administration to ensure implementation of government fixed rates of commodities of daily use.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Sindh CM, Iranian Ambassador discuss bilateral ties

Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in Karachi on Thursday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and further improving the trade and transport between two countries.

Connecting railway lines from Karachi to Zahdan through Gwadar were also discussed.

Syed Murad Ali Shah invited Iranian investors for investment in low cost housing schemes, agriculture and other sectors in the province.

Source: Radio Pakistan