Day: April 26, 2024

Polish Ambassador to Pakistan Maciej Pisarski has said relations between Pakistan and Poland are based on solid foundations and we are working with Pakistani partners in the development sector.

Talking to media in Islamabad, he said volume of bilateral trade between the two countries has nine hundred thirty million dollars, with the potential to increase to one billion dollars.

The Ambassador said Polish Oil And Gas Company is working in Sindh to address Pakistan’s energy crisis.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has again demanded of the United Nations and international community to consider further measures to secure Israel’s adherence to a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to its plausible genocide.

The demand was made by Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Usman Jadoon while taking part in the Ministerial-level debate at the UN Security Council on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question.

He said Israel continues to defy the UN Security Council’s resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire, is hampering the flow of humanitarian assistance and creating the reality of famine in Gaza.

The Ambassador said Israel has also refused to abide by the interim injunctions of the International Court of Justice.

He condemned Israel’s relentless violence in Gaza, including the tragic loss of over 34,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly children and women, and its defiance of international calls for ceasefire.

Ambassador Usman Jadoon reiterated Pakistan’s u
nwavering support for Palestine’s quest for self-determination, emphasizing that UN membership is a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering conditions for meaningful negotiations.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a two-State settlement based on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as the capital of a Palestinian State.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has said that the significance of improving Pakistan’s defense capabilities lies in its challenging geographical location and rough neighborhood.

He made these remarks while addressing a gathering of scholars, intellectuals and opinion-makers during Ambassador Circle Series organized by World Affairs Council of Charlotte in US state of North Carolina.

The Ambassador expressed hope for the continuation of defense ties between Pakistan and the United States and encouraged both countries to invest in both security and non-security areas.

The Ambassador highlighted the threat of counter-terrorism saying that it has not diminished just because the United States has returned from Afghanistan. He said this menace poses a significant danger not only to Pakistan and Afghanistan but also to the United States and its allies in the region. Masood Khan said that for maintaining regional peace and stability, it is crucial for Pakistan and the United States to keep
collaborating through all diplomatic channels and tools.

He said the rapid growth of Pakistan’s tech industry in recent years is a promising development in the context of strengthened Pakistan-US relations. He said Pakistan has become an integral part of the overall technological ecosystem and has made significant strides in the tech industry.

In response to a question regarding Pakistan’s tourism potential, the Ambassador emphasized the diverse range of tourism options available, such as adventure, religious, and eco-tourism which draw millions of visitors from around the world annually. He warmly invited the audience to explore Pakistan firsthand and witness the country’s abundant tourism offerings.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Senate today commenced discussion on the Presidential address to the Joint Sitting of the Parliament.

Opening the discussion, Pakistan People’s Party Senator Sherry Rehman said President Asif Ali Zardari’s invitation for political reconciliation should be welcomed.

She said there is a need to do away with the politics of confrontation and turn a new page in politics in order to steer the country out of challenges.

Senator Khalil Tahir said consensus should be built on important national issues. He said the politics of anarchy and chaos must come to an end. He said the focus should be on improving economy.

Senator Ali Zafar said the treasury and opposition benches should work together on legislation. He said there should be detailed discussion on any issue, tabled for legislation, before its passage by the House.

Jam Saifullah Khan paid tributes to the sacrifices of security forces in the war on terrorism.

Senator Irfan ul Haque Siddiqui said the opposition should sit with the government to take th
e country forward on the path of economic development.

He said reconciliation cannot be achieved single handedly, but it requires the participation of both sides.

Irfan Siddiqui said it is the right of opposition to pinpoint the shortcomings of the government but it should be done in accordance with democratic norms.

Senator Jan Muhammad said the current economic situation warrants that all the stakeholders sit together to find solution to the problems. He said the political parties will have to act in a responsible manner to lead the country in the right direction.

Others who spoke on the occasion included: Mohammad Humayun Mohmand Bushra Anjum Butt and Aslam Abro.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday at three p.m.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that work has been started for the establishment of forensic laboratory and a prison in the federal capital.

Talking to the media persons in Islamabad today during his visit to Public Facilitation Center, he expressed the commitment to bring down crime rate in the capital territory. He said police stations of the capital will be transformed into three to four months. He said a criteria will be put in place for the registration of FIRs. He said the Safe City project will be further upgraded.

The Interior Minister said a proposal is being sent to the federal government for recruitment of two thousand police personnel in Islamabad. He said this strength is also required to further enhance the security of Chinese nationals.

Mohsin Naqvi said the Public Facilitation Center will remain functional round the clock. He said this facilitation center is providing twenty eight services including those related to excise and traffic.

Earlier, while talking to media men at the
Parliament House Islambad, the Interior Minister said an effective strategy is being worked out for the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.

He said additional measures are being taken on war-footing for the security of the Chinese nationals.

The Interior Minister said a decision will soon be taken to initiate an action against illegal Afghan nationals. He said extension of three months has been given to the card holder Afghans.

Mohsin Naqvi said it is our desire to provide on arrival visa facility to the Sikhs.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborate with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders in propelling Pakistan towards a modernized taxation framework.

The Minister chaired the meeting of the Steering Committee on the Digitalization of the Federal Board of Revenue in Islamabad today.

He underscored that digitalization of FBR is not only crucial for improving tax collection and administration, but also for promoting sustained economic growth.

During the meeting, the committee approved the top proposal from McKinsey and Company, a globally renowned consulting firm, for the digitalization project. Director DFS Karandaaz Sharjeel Murtaza briefed the committee on the procurement process, which involved comprehensive technical evaluation by an approved committee comprising senior officials from FBR and technical experts from Karandaaz Pakistan.

McKinsey and Company emerged as the top bidder after thorough evaluation of technical and financial aspects.
The negotiated full and final proposal from McKinsey and Company was presented to the committee, leading to the approval for contracting and onboarding McKinsey and Company and commencing the project.

The Finance Minister commended the Procurement Committee for ensuring the selection of high-quality consulting services for this important national project, and stressed upon the need for a result-oriented approach, leveraging existing knowledge on digitalization, and prioritizing early successes.

The committee reviewed the progress made so far in the digitalization of FBR’s operations and explored the avenues to further enhance efficiency and transparency of tax administration across the country.

The meeting concluded with the agreement on the next steps for commencement of the process of digitalization of FBR’s operations through collaboration between FBR and the private sector for a digitally empowered tax ecosystem in the country.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including Chairman FBR, CEO K
arandaaz Waqas ul Hasan, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Country Lead Syed Ali Mahmood, and representatives from FBR.

Source: Radio Pakistan

National Assembly was informed today that repair work of old National Highway will be started this month.

Responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Dr Nafisa Shah and others, Minister for Communication Abdul Aleem Khan said five hundred million rupees have been approved under the annual repair programme for this purpose.

The Minister said the deadline to complete the repair work is December this year.

Earlier, newly elected Member National Assembly Faisal Amin Khan took oath.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah administered the oath to him.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet on Monday afternoon.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepen and expand collaboration with Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

He was addressing annual meeting of Defence Ministers of member states of the Organisation in Astana, Kazakhstan today.

On the occasion, the Defence Minister expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Gaza.

He said Pakistan has consistently advocated for a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question as per the international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Defence Minister held meetings with his counterparts from friendly countries of the SCO to discuss bilateral defence cooperation.

The meeting reviewed the regional security issues, defence cooperation initiatives.

Various areas of mutual interest including counter terrorism, Afghanistan situation and review of national security priorities, extremist threats, border management and maritime security were a
lso deliberated upon.

Source: Radio Pakistan