Pak, Sri Lankan Army Chiefs discuss ways for enhancing bilateral defence ties

Commander of the Sri Lankan Army Lieutenant General H L V M Liyanage called on Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on Friday.

During the meeting matters of professional interest, ways for enhancing bilateral defence ties were discussed.

Sri Lankan Army Chief praised Pakistan Army for its professionalism and successes in ongoing operations for bringing peace and stability in the region.

The COAS highlighted that Sri Lanka has historic relations with Pakistan and its Armed Forces, particularly in the fields of Defense and Training cooperation.

The visiting dignitary will also witness the passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul on Saturday.

Earlier on arrival at GHQ, the Commander of Sri Lankan Army laid floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada.

A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour to the visiting dignitary.

Source: Radio Pakistan

ECP working diligently to further electoral process: Murtaza Solangi

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi has said that the Election Commission of Pakistan is performing its duties diligently to further electoral process in a responsible way.

The Minister was talking to private television channels in two separate programmes on current affairs.

In an interview, he said the ECP had already announced that the election would be held by the end of January.

He said the Election Commission will announce final dates for the election and it is our responsibility to provide financial, administrative, and security assistance to the ECP for the purpose.

Murtaza Solangi said the state media is providing equal coverage to all political parties.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan exploring transit trade arrangements with regional countries: Gohar Ejaz

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Production, Gohar Ejaz has said Pakistan is negotiating agreements and exploring transit trade arrangements for market access with regional countries.

He was talking to the President of the EXIM Bank Ren Shengjun during a meeting in Shangai on Friday.

The Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to opening up its mining sector for investment and encouraged Chinese companies to become partners in this development.

Dr Gohar Ejaz announced the establishment of Special Economic Zones in Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate industrial growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Ren Shengjun expressed his desire to see Pakistan become China’s hub for productivity and development.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan seeks to learn from Xinjiang’s success in agricultural modernization: PM

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has expressed Pakistan’s interest in partnering with Xinjiang in promoting connectivity in terms of infrastructure development, economic synergy, trade and investment, agriculture, educational exchanges, science and technology, people-to-people connections.

Addressing the students and faculty of Xinjiang University in Urumqi on Friday, he said Pakistan seeks to learn from Xinjiang’s success in agricultural modernization. We would also aim to set up a joint agricultural demonstration zone in Pakistan to introduce modern farming techniques and practices.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan aims to develop linkages between the Industries of Xinjiang and Pakistan especially Gilgit-Baltistan region. He said one particular area in this regard could be solar energy, a key sector in Xinjiang.

He said we look forward to promote cultural and people to connections with Xinjiang. He invited tourists from Xinjiang and other parts of China to visit tourist places in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said Xinjiang holds a special place in the hearts of Pakistanis as our neighboring region with longstanding cultural and historical linkages. He said Khunjerab border connecting Pakistan and China through this region is a more than a geographical demarcation. It is not only a channel of trade and transportation but also a vital bridge that connects the two great nations.

He said we will jointly work to identify the respective strengths of Gilgit-Baltistan and Xinjiang and build on our synergies for improving the livelihoods of the people of our region.

The Prime Minister said as per consensus reached in Beijing, our land border at Khunjerab will be converted into an all-weather border. We will like to upgrade the customs and other logistic services to facilitate trade and movement of people. He said Pakistan aims to utilize Xinjiang’s position as an important nod of CPEC and its linkages with Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said China and Pakistan relationship is unique and special. It is rooted in bilateral trust, mutual respect and shared aspirations and invaluable warm that has been nurtured by successive generations of leadership and peoples of our countries.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Pakistan views its ties with China from a strategic long term perspective. He said in this ever changing global landscape, Pakistan-China friendship is a constant and will remain so. He said building on the success of our political ties, the two countries have placed special focus on the economic partnership manifested in CPEC.

The Prime Minister also visited the History Museum of Xinjiang University where he was briefed with regard to the history of the 99 year old Xinjiang University.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar interacted with the students of Xinjiang University and also had a group photo with them.

In his concluding remarks while addressing the students of Xinjiang University, Urmuqi, the Prime Minister raised voice to speak for the voiceless people of Gaza under Israel’s ruthless aggression.

He also interacted with the students and had a group photo with them.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Australia urged to take advantage of ample pool of skilled Pakistani professionals

Pakistan has urged Australia to take advantage of ample pool of skilled Pakistani professionals to enhance labour mobility between Pakistan and Australia and bolster the Australian market.

The offer was disclosed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Jawad Sohrab Malik during his meeting with Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins in Islamabad on Friday.

The meeting was aimed at fostering cooperation and exploring new avenues to enhance labour mobility between Pakistan and Australia.

The SAPM highlighted the immense potential of Pakistani skilled workers to work in Australia.

Additionally, the discussion explored the possibility of setting up centers of excellence within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sectors of both nations.

Source: Radio Pakistan