Day: March 20, 2024

Prime Minster Shehbaz Sharif says the government will focus on increasing the tax net to increase revenue instead of levying more taxes.

He was chairing a high level meeting in Islamabad today to discuss economic initiatives.

The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to consult international experts and national stakeholders regarding initiatives for economic stability and development of the country.

He said provision of access to the global market will be ensured to the export industry and small, medium and large scale industries will be developed in the country.

The Prime Minister emphasized increasing exports through value addition.

He said improvement of the national economy is the topmost priority of the government.

On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif also announced to personally monitor the implementation of economic reforms as well as to chair the meetings with stakeholders.

He sought a report on the phased reforms of the economic sectors and a comprehensive action plan to utilize the cu
rrent capacity of the power sector.

Besides, the Prime Minister directed to start Skill Development Program in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

He said the government will equip the youth with knowledge and skills compatible with modern standards.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers for senate elections can be filed till tomorrow.

The tribunals will dispose of the appeals on Monday while the revised list of the candidates will be issued on the Tuesday. The candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by Wednesday.

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

The members of the four provincial assemblies will elect senators, including seven for general seats, two for women seats, and two for technocrats, including Ulema, from each province.

One senator for non-Muslims will be elected each from Punjab and Sindh provinces.

Polling will be held on second of next month.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Donald Lu, has termed the allegations leveled by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founding Chairman about Cipher as completely false.

Speaking during a Congressional hearing in Washington, he said these allegations, which is conspiracy theory is a lie and complete falsehood.

He said the then Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed Khan had also described these allegations as false.

Donald Lu said I have reviewed press reporting relating to this, what is called the Cipher in Pakistan, the alleged leaked diplomatic cable from the embassy in Washington. He said it is not accurate, at no point does it accuse the US government or me personally of taking steps the PTI Chairman.

The US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia said the United States respects Pakistan’s sovereignty and always prioritizes that its economy is flourished.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan has said that the developing countries need eighty to one hundred billion dollars annually in concessional finance for Climate Action.

Making a statement during a meeting of the Group of Friends for Sustainable Energy, in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Munir Akram said current pledges fall short and lack concessionality thus hindering progress towards vital targets.

Munir Akram said without concessional finance, achieving climate goals is at risk.

He said there is a need to build synergies between the UN, public and private sectors in order to scale up investment in sustainable infrastructure for the energy transition.

Source: Radio Pakistan

United Arab Emirates Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salim Alzaabi called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad today.

They discussed matters regarding bilateral relations and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.

The Ambassador extended felicitations to Muhammad Aurangzeb upon his appointment as Minister for Finance and Revenue and expressed confidence towards further strengthening of economic ties between the two countries.

The Finance Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, which are deeply rooted in shared history, culture, and faith. He emphasized the cherished nature of these traditional and longstanding relations.

Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council in Pakistan, aimed at attracting investments from friendly countries in various sectors. He also highlighted the progress made with the government’s privatization program, specifically mentioning the
privatization of Pakistan International Airlines.

The Ambassador appreciated the measures being taken by the government to bring reforms in various sectors of the economy.

Concluding the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE.

Source: Radio Pakistan