Day: March 23, 2024

The delegation of the Saudi Fund for Development called on Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema in Islamabad.

On this occasion, both sides signed loan agreements for Shounter Hydropower Project of 48 megawatts and Jagran IV Hydropower Project of 22 megawatts.

The loan amount for Shounter Hydropower Project is sixty six million dollars and Jagran IV Hydropower Project is forty one million dollars.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan says nearly 84 years ago, on March 23, 1940, the founding fathers of Pakistan passed a resolution in the historic city of Lahore. It was at that time that our ancestors saw the dream of our independence that became true in August 1947.

He made these remarks during a reception that was held at the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington to celebrate National Day of Pakistan.

Masood Khan paid rich tribute to Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his strong conviction and visionary leadership that led to the creation of Pakistan.

He also thanked the State Department for working day in and day out to give a new vigor and strength to Pak-US ties.

He said Pakistan-United States relations have a magnificent past; and they have a bright future. He said both sides are working hard to recalibrate bilateral ties structured around trade, investment, green energy, healthcare, education and science and technology.

He reaffirmed women empowerment as an abiding obligation
being a key driver of national success.

He said we are committed to a peaceful neighborhood where all countries live like a family.

The Ambassador said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed exercise their right to self-determination through a ballot box in accordance with the UN resolutions.

On this occasion, the Ambassador also decorated two Pakistani Americans Nasruddin Rupani and Hafeez Khan with Pakistan’s national awards.

Addressing the gathering, USAID Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia Michael Schiffer thanked the Ambassador for the invitation and for providing the opportunity to celebrate rich heritage and vibrant culture of Pakistan.

Michael Schiffer, on his part, said that US government supports Pakistan’s long term development aspirations.

He identified investments in hydropower, expanding Pakistanis access to technology, access to safe, high quality education for young and reducing barriers to trade and commerce between the two countries as major areas of cooperation.

Michael Schiffer said that Green Alliance Framework is helping Pakistan to meet the climate, energy and economic challenges of today and the challenges of the future.

He also highlighted approval of global climate fund to enhance climate resilience in Pakistan and to improve water security.

Michael Schiffer said that between October of 2022 and September of 2023, USAID successfully partnered with the Pakistani American diaspora to mobilize 197 million dollars for flood relief but also for investments in artificial intelligence and equity finance and electric vehicles in health in tourism, and other shared priorities that will help to unleash prosperity for Pakistan.

He said after 75 years our shared enthusiasm and our shared ambitions for the US Pakistan relationship remains as high as it has ever been.

Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed upon nation to participate in the nation-building process actively, embracing the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

In his message on Pakistan Day, he honored the commitment and sacrifices made by the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his companions.

The President said our armed forces, civil administration, police, and law enforcement agencies have, with unwavering commitment, ensured the safety, security, and sovereignty of our nation.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the President said that the key to durable peace in South Asia is the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked nation to renew the firm resolve to follow the footsteps of founding fathers to make Pakistan a trivet of peace, progress and stability.

In his message on Pakistan Day, he said our forefathers made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices for Pakistan as millions of Muslim
s left their homes in India and decided to migrate to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said we are completely cognizant of the serious challenges confronting Pakistan currently including inflation, unemployment, circular debt, fiscal and trade deficit, and above all the growing scourge of terrorism.

He assured to stand committed to put Pakistan on the path to economic recovery and prosperity with a cogent policy reform framework.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Defence of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on Saturday.

The meeting discussed ways and means to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence and security sectors. Views were also exchanged over regional peace and security situation.

The Prime Minister underscored the need to increase defense and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Mentioning the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the Prime Minister said a one-window operation has been established for investors to facilitate business and investment.

Extending good wishes to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Saudi Crown Prince, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan awaits the visit of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman.

On the occasion, the Saudi Defense Minister thanked Pakistan for inviting him on Pakistan Day parade.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir , Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif were also pr
esent during the meeting.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The magnificent and colourful Pakistan Day Military parade was held at Shakarparian parade avenue in Islamabad today with the three wings of the armed forces demonstrating their exemplary professionalism and military prowess.

The Saudi Defense Minister was the guest of honour on the occasion. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the services chiefs and other prominent figures attended the parade.

The impressive ceremony kicked off with the fly past of fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy. Newly inducted J-10 C, indigenously built JF-17 thunder, F-16 and Mirage fighter jets as well as AWACs, P-3C Orion and ATR participated in the fly past.

Contingents of Pakistan Army, Navy, Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group, Frontier Corps, Rangers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and Gilgit Baltistan Scouts marched past the dais presenting salute to the chief guest and the guest of honor.

Mechanized columns including tanks, armored personnel carriers, rocket launchers, air defense system, guns, UAVs, short a
nd long range missiles Ra’ad, Nasr, Babur, Shaheen , Ghauri and Ababeel were showcased on the occasion. Engineering corps also presented its state of the art equipment.

The parade featured the march past of the helicopters of Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force. The troops from Azerbaijan and China participated in the parade.

Amidst applause by the audience, formations of Sherdils and JF-17 Thunder and F-16 fighter jets presented breathtaking aerobatic maneuvers spreading a range of colours in the skies.

Floats depicting culture of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and the four provinces were part of the parade.

This was followed by the fly past of helicopters of Pakistan Army, PAF and Navy.

The sky divers of Special Services Group exhibited free fall from a height of ten thousand feet, carrying national flags and those of services. Afterwards, the national flag was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The parade culminated with presentation of a special song themed ‘Pochay Jo Naam Koi Tum Pakistan Ba
tana’.

Source: Radio Pakistan