Day: March 19, 2024

Pakistan and China have agreed to advance their collaboration in various sectors including industrial zones, agriculture, mineral and mining and renewable energy.

It was discussed in a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister highlighted the roll-over of SAFE deposits and the refinancing of commercial loans, which have significantly contributed to the economic stability of country.

He further emphasized the paramount importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in country’s growth strategy and overall economic recovery.

During the meeting, it was said that next phase of CPEC would focus on monetisation of gains made during the first phase.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong extended felicitations to Muhammad Aurangzeb upon his appointment as Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue and expressed confidence towards further strengthening of economic ties between
both countries.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has denounced the Indian authorities’ decision to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League and four factions of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League as “unlawful associations”.

In a statement, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Bloch said Pakistan also denounces the decision to extend the ban on Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction) for five more years.

With the fresh notifications, a total of 14 Kashmiri political parties have become outlawed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The Spokesperson said the affiliates of these parties are also facing persecution.

She said most notably, a death penalty has been sought for Yasin Malik, who has been awarded life sentence in 2022.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said such oppressive tactics cannot suppress the Kashmiri people’s aspirations for realization of their inalienable right to self-determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

She said India’s ongoing campaign to crush dis
sent in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) contravenes the international human rights and humanitarian law as well as democratic norms.

The Spokesperson said the Indian Government is urged to lift the curbs on the banned Kashmiri parties; release all the political prisoners, including Yasin Malik; and implement the UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Scrutiny of nomination papers filed for forty-eight vacant seats of the Senate is underway and will conclude today.

Revised list of candidates will be issued on the 26th of this month while candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by 27th of this month.

Polling will be held on the 2nd of next month.

In the federal capital, members of the National Assembly will elect members of the Senate against one general seat and one seat for technocrats, including Ulema.

Members of the four provincial assemblies will elect senators for seven general seats, two women seats, and two seats for technocrats, including Ulema from each province, as well as one seat for non-Muslims from both Punjab and Sindh provinces.

Meanwhile, Election Commission of Pakistan has constituted five appellate tribunals to address appeals regarding the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers submitted by candidates for the vacant Senate seats.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said government is seeking economic consensus with all political parties to push the country towards economic prosperity.

Talking to a private news channel, he said that it is included in PML-N’s manifesto to give facilities to the interior areas of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and bring them at par with major cities.

The Minister said the government is taking steps to overhaul the fragmented tax system, ensuring businesses pay their tax in time, while also tackling electricity and gas theft to strengthen the economy.

Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the need for transforming the brotherly ties between Pakistan and Bahrain into a mutually rewarding economic partnership.

He was talking to Commander of the National Guard of Bahrain, General Sheikh Mohammad bin Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, who called on him in Islamabad today.

The President said Pakistan attaches great value to its fraternal ties with Bahrain which are based on shared religion, culture and history and is desirous of further strengthening them.

He expressed the belief that Pakistan will grow stronger as it has immense potential to become a prosperous country.

On the occasion, the visiting dignitary felicitated the President on assuming the office for the second time and expressed the hope that Pakistan would prosper under his leadership.

He reiterated Bahrain’s continued support to Pakistan.

Noting the excellent defence cooperation between the two countries, the Bahraini Commander expressed his gratitude for the supportive role of the Armed Force
s of Pakistan.

General Sheikh Mohammad bin Isa extended invitation to the President to visit Bahrain.

Source: Radio Pakistan