Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:The Ambassador of Myanmar to Pakistan, Wunna Han, shared his vision for a stronger, mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries during an interactive session at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

He emphasized the vast potential for foreign investments, trade, and economic cooperation between Myanmar and Pakistan.

In particular, he highlighted key sectors such as tourism, Information Technology (IT), and pharmaceuticals where both nations could foster joint ventures and business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, said a press release issued here on Saturday.

The Ambassador expressed his belief that greater ease of doing business, along with enhanced people-to-people exchanges, could drive significant economic growth.

He also pointed out that both Pakistan and Myanmar offer unique cultural and historical assets-Pakistan with its Gandhara Civilization sites and Myanmar with its religious landmarks-which could serve as a foundation for expanding tourism, especially religious tourism.

The Ambassador expressed optimism that these efforts would pave the way for increased trade and economic collaboration between the two countries.

He committed to facilitating deeper ties between the two nations' Chambers of Commerce and trade bodies, which could significantly benefit both sides.

The President of ICCI highlighted Pakistan's diverse export potential, including sectors such as furniture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, marble, and agriculture.

He emphasized the need for Pakistan and Myanmar to address the trade imbalance, encouraging joint ventures that would foster a "win-win" position for both countries.

He also stressed the importance of improving connectivity through direct flights, enhancing cultural exchanges, and promoting medical tourism to strengthen bilateral ties.

The Senior Vice President of ICCI emphasized the importance of holding a business forum between the two countries to facilitate better communication and collaboration.

He noted that ICCI, as the premier chamber of the capital, is actively working to support business growth and the economic well-being of both Pakistan and Myanmar.

Executive Member Fatima Azeem discussed the historic relations between Pakistan and Myanmar and emphasized the need for more exchanges of women entrepreneurs between the two countries.

She stressed the importance of these exchanges in empowering women financially and supporting their entrepreneurial growth on both sides.

Executive Member Chaudhry Nadeem Ahmed highlighted the potential for joint ventures in the marble industry, underscoring its significant promise for collaboration between the two nations.

Senior Advisor to ICCI President Naeem Siddiqui emphasized the need for medical exhibitions, symposiums, and seminars, along with virtual meetings, to further enhance trade and cooperation between Pakistan and Myanmar.

The session concluded with a commitment from all parties to continue strengthening ties between Pakistan and Myanmar through ongoing dialogue and strategic collaboration.

The discussions have set a positive tone for future cooperation, and there is widespread optimism about the potential for increased trade, cultural exchanges, and joint ventures that will contribute to the long-term economic success of both countries.

Those prominent among the attendees included Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Naveed Satti and Waseem Chaudhry.

Islamabad:In a heart-wrenching incident, a passenger coach carrying pilgrims from Punjab met with a fatal accident on the National Highway near Khairpur's Ranipur area, claiming the lives of at least two people and injuring several others on Saturday.

According to police sources, the accident was caused by over-speeding, resulting in the instant deaths of two people, a private news channel reported.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident, providing aid to the injured and transporting them to nearby medical facilities.

The police have launched an investigation into the accident, with officials collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Islamabad:Renowned poet and writer Dr. Akash Ansari lost his life in a fire that engulfed his residence in Bhitai Nagar, Hyderabad Citizen Colony, on Saturday morning, while his son was left critically injured with the incident reported at the local Bhitai Nagar police station.

According to details, the fire was caused by a short circuit and quickly spread throughout the house, trapping the victims inside, despite rescue efforts, Dr. Ansari could not be saved, private news channels reported.

Dr Ansari' s son is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital, where his condition is reported to is critical.

The literary community is in shock over the sudden and tragic loss of Dr. Ansari, who was known for his profound contributions to literature.

His works were widely acclaimed and earned him a reputation as one of the most influential poets of his generation.

Provincial Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah expressed deep condolences and grief over the tragic incident.

In his statement, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, "The loss of Dr Akash Ansari is a heartbreaking event, as he held a significant position in the world of literature and poetry."

The provincial minister also called on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident from all angles to determine the cause of the fire.

United nations:Pakistan has underscored the need for capacity-building support to developing countries that helps communities and organizations develop the skills and resources they need to adapt and thrive.

Speaking at the Annual Parliamentary Hearing, a joint initiative between the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Senator Farooq Naek also said private sector financing can play a key role in bridging the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) financing gap,

He said that governments can leverage blended finance mechanisms combining public funds with private capital to support development projects that have a strong social or environmental impact but are perceived as too risky for private investors.

Senator Naek, who is heading a six-member parliamentary delegation to the two-day IPU Hearing, was delivering his remarks at a session devoted

to "Private investment for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The role of private long-term investment and of international finance", at the UN headquarters on Friday.

The Pakistani delegate said that incentivizing the private sector to invest in developing countries while mitigating its potential negative consequences, is a delicate balancing act.

"On the one hand, private sector investment drives economic growth, innovation, and job creation. On the other hand, unchecked or poorly managed private investment can lead to environmental degradation, social inequalities, and economic volatility," he said.

In order to incentivize private sector investment, Senator Farooq outlined several policy actions such as crafting clear, consistent, predictable and enforceable laws that outline the rules of investment; offering targeted tax breaks or subsidies to promote private investment in sectors that align with national development goals; investing in public-private partnerships (PPPs) and incentivising adherence to environmental, social and governance standards.

He urged the governments to leverage blended finance mechanisms that combine public funds with private capital to support development projects that have a strong social or environmental impact but are perceived as too risky for private investors.

"In order to foster innovation and job creation, they can support SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) through low-interest loans and guarantees," he added.

Islamabad:Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Islamabad, Muhammad Jawad Tariq, held a Khulli Katcheri (open court) on Saturday at his office to address citizens' grievances and issued immediate directives for their resolution.

A public relations officer told reporter that during the Khulli Katcheri, DIG Islamabad emphasized that citizens can also register their complaints through the "IGP Complaint Cell 1715." DIG said that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi has instructed all senior police officers to organize open courts across the district.

In line with these directives, all zonal SPs are conducting open courts in their respective zones to ensure citizens' concerns are heard and resolved.

DIG added that the Islamabad Police are dedicated to reaching out to the public and resolving their issues effectively. "Every citizen of Islamabad is encouraged to openly share their grievances at these forums," he added. Resolution of public grievances is the utmost priority of Islamabad Police.

Islamabad:Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari revealed Saturday that the Chief Minister of Punjab was spearheading efforts to revolutionize the agriculture sector and uplift the common people, with the Kissan Cards project at the forefront and work is progressing rapidly on the 'Food Basket scheme'.

Punjab under the leadership of Chief Minister, is driving innovation in the agriculture sector and promoting the well-being of common people, with the Kissan Cards project providing vital support to farmers, she said while talking to a private news channel.

Azma Bukhari added that the Punjab government's Food Basket scheme is on the fast track, with rapid progress being made to ensure timely delivery of essential food items to deserving families, furthering the government's commitment to welfare and social support.

She added that this initiative aims to provide relief and stability to vulnerable populations and the government is working tirelessly to ensure its successful implementation.

Azma Bukhari praised Maryam Nawaz, saying, "I am deeply inspired by Maryam Nawaz's unwavering commitment to the people of Pakistan. Her vision for a more equitable society is truly admirable and I am honored to work under her leadership. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping our government's welfare initiatives, including the Food Basket scheme, she mentioned.

She further added the historic "Nigehban Ramadan Package" will continue registration until February 15th, bringing relief to deserving families during Ramadan. 'Nigehban Ramadan Package' is a shining example of Maryam Nawaz' s compassion and dedication to the welfare of the people, she said and added, this initiative has brought immense relief to countless families during the holy month of Ramadan, and its impact will be felt for a long time to come.