Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has inaugurated a new passport office at the NADRA Mega Center in Nazimabad, Karachi for convenience of the citizens.

This office will operate 24/7, with three shifts, allowing citizens to apply for passports at any time.

During the inauguration ceremony, Interior Minister inspected the passport counters and met with the staff.

He also interacted with citizens visiting the NADRA Mega Center for passport and ID card services and inquired about their experiences.

The citizens expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided and thanked the minister.

The citizens praised the initiative, saying it's a great initiative that will make things much easier for the public.

On the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi also addressed the issues faced by women visiting the center for biometric verification under the Benazir Income Support Program.

He issued on-the-spot instructions to the relevant authorities to resolve their problems immediately. The women appreciated the Minister's prompt action. Interior Minister emphasized that it's government's responsibility to resolve the issues being faced by the masses.

A detailed briefing was also given to Interior Minister regarding the working of the passport office at the NADRA center.

DG Passport Mustafa Jamal Qazi and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Islamabad: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday departed for Turkiye after completing his two-day visit to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar saw off the Turkish President at the Nur Khan airbase.

The Turkish President and his wife Emine Erdogan were presented commemorative photographic albums of their visit.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Food Systems Transformation Secretariat (PFSTS) at the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), hosted a National Workshop on 'Gender-Responsive Food System Policies' here on Thursday.

The workshop convened key government officials, policymakers, development partners, and experts to shape nutrition-sensitive, equitable, and sustainable food systems in the country, said a press release.

Chief Nutrition, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Dr Nazeer Ahmad delivered a keynote address, stressing the critical role of evidence-based policymaking and community engagement in addressing malnutrition and gender disparities.

He stated, "To truly transform our food systems, we must adopt gender-responsive policies that ensure equal opportunities for women and marginalized groups. These policies must be inclusive, sustainable, and designed with the active participation of the communities they aim to serve."

Led by PARC, the PFSTS serves as a national platform for multi-sectoral coordination, evidence-based policymaking, and stakeholder engagement to advance Pakistan's food systems transformation.

Dr Ghulam Sadiq Afridi, Member of the Social Sciences Division at PARC and Secretary of PFSTS, emphasized the importance of gender-responsive food policies for Pakistan's food security. 'Strengthening food systems requires us to address gender inequities at all levels. PARC, through the Food Systems Transformation Secretariat, is committed to ensuring that our policies are inclusive, actionable, and based on scientific evidence.'

He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment in supporting data-driven, gender-inclusive food systems related policies, ensuring that future initiatives are aligned with national development priorities and Pakistan's commitments under the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) framework and Pakistan Food System Transformation Pathway prepared with the technical assistance from key development partners like Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), FAO and others.

Faiz Rasool, Head of Policy and Advocacy at GAIN Pakistan, reinforced the need for strong public-private partnerships to implement these policies effectively. 'By collaborating with organizations like PARC and key stakeholders, we are not just discussing policies-we are working toward real, measurable change that improves lives, particularly for women and marginalized groups.'

The workshop also featured a presentation of key qualitative research findings by Dr Nilofer Fatimi Safdar, Technical Advisor at Communication Partners International (CPI) and Associate Professor at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS).

Her research highlighted critical gaps and opportunities in integrating gender equity into food and nutrition policies, providing a foundation for the policy discussions at the workshop.

The workshop's discussions are aimed to inform a Policy Brief with concrete recommendations for integrating gender-sensitive strategies into Pakistan's food and nutrition policies.

Islamabad: HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB) has signed a US$ 80 million Risk Sharing Agreement (RSA or the facility) with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

This facility, which is supported by the Private Sector Window of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), will allow HBL MfB to share 50% of the risk on its microfinance loan portfolio of up to US$ 80 million (in PKR equivalent) with IFC, on an unfunded basis.

The collaboration between HBL MfB and IFC will significantly enhance access to finance for smallholder farmers and microenterprises across the country, with a strong focus on women entrepreneurs. The signing of the agreement took place in Karachi in the presence of HBL MfB's and IFC's senior leadership including Maya Inayat Ismail, Chairperson of HBL MfB; Amir Khan, President and CEO of HBL MfB; and Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC.

As the pioneer and leader of microfinance in Pakistan, HBL Microfinance Bank has continuously led the industry in transforming financial inclusion. This RSA is another milestone, reinforcing the Bank's legacy of innovation and leadership in addressing the evolving financial needs of underserved communities. By being the first microfinance bank to establish an agreement on such a scale, HBL MfB is not only pushing boundaries but also redefining industry standards, ensuring that microfinance remains a catalyst for empowerment and economic growth.

This agreement also underscores the Bank's resilience in navigating the challenges of the microfinance sector. Amidst an evolving economic landscape, HBL MfB remains committed to developing forward-thinking solutions that enhance financial accessibility while mitigating risks. The RSA exemplifies this approach - leveraging strategic partnerships to strengthen financial resilience, expand lending capabilities, and maintain sustainable growth.

Amir Khan, President and CEO, HBL Microfinance Bank, while sharing his views on the RSA, said, "This partnership with IFC is a testament to our commitment to financial inclusion. The facility serves as a replicable model for strategic partnerships that mitigate market challenges while driving sustainable development. By pioneering this Risk Sharing Facility in the microfinance sector, we are ensuring that underserved segments of society - especially small business owners and farmers, particularly women, have access to the capital they need to thrive. We are thankful to IFC for their trust in us and look forward to the growth and progress it will bring for underserved Pakistanis".

Momina Aijazuddin, Regional Head of Financial Institutions Group (FIG) at IFC, said: 'Boosting access to finance, especially for smallholder farmers, small businesses, and women, can be a game-changer in Pakistan. With this in mind, IFC is excited to support this pioneering risk-sharing facility which aims to de-risk HBL MfB's on-lending activity to its microfinance clients and support critical growth opportunities in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment.'

This agreement will accelerate financial inclusion, and further HBL Microfinance Bank's mission of creating a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem in Pakistan.

Islamabad: Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan met with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Thursday to discuss the province's overall situation, including ongoing development projects, law and order, and public welfare initiatives.

The meeting, held in Quetta, focused on formulating a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges faced by the people of Balochistan.

Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan reaffirmed that the development and prosperity of Balochistan remain a top priority for the government.

He underscored the need to provide education, skills training, and employment opportunities to the province's youth.

He assured that the federal government would extend full support in resolving Balochistan's issues and ensuring the timely completion of development projects.

During the meeting, CM Sarfraz Bugti briefed Syedaal Khan on the province's ongoing development initiatives, including educational reforms, healthcare improvements, and efforts to provide clean drinking water. He also highlighted measures being taken to enhance law and order and ensure the provision of basic facilities to the people.

A detailed discussion was held on the strategic significance of Gwadar Port and its role in regional development. Deputy Chairman Senate Syedaal Khan emphasized that Gwadar Port is a key pillar of economic stability not only for Balochistan but for all of Pakistan.

He stated that the port's full operationalization would create vast economic opportunities for the local population and accelerate the province's economic growth.

He further stressed the importance of developing Gwadar Port to international standards to position it as a global trade hub. Praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership, Syedaal Khan acknowledged that his visionary development strategy is opening new avenues for progress in Balochistan.

He highlighted the Prime Minister's keen interest in addressing the province's challenges and reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to its growth.

The Deputy Chairman Senate reiterated his resolve to continue joint efforts for Balochistan's development and prosperity, ensuring close coordination between the federal and provincial governments to tackle the province's key issues.

Islamabad: Pakistan and Turkiye on Thursday exchanged the signed documents of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), protocols and cooperation agreements in various fields to step-up bilateral ties in various fields during the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan witnessed exchanges of the accords between the two sides.

On the occasion, PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan also signed the joint declaration of 7th meeting of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) to further deepen strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkiye.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat exchanged the signed documents of the declaration on the MoU between Export Credit Bank of Turkiye and Export Import Bank of Pakistan.

Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, and Turkish Minister for Trade Omer Bolat exchanged documents of the joint ministerial statement on cooperation of the verification of origin certificates used in trade and an MoU on digitalization of the verification of origin certificates used in trade.

Similarly, an MoU on cooperation in the field of industrial property was also exchanged by Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir.

In defence sector, an MoU on exchange of military and civilian personnel for social and cultural purposes was exchanged by Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Turkish Minister of Defence Yasar Guler.

Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Turkish Minister of Defence Yasar Guler also exchanged the signed documents of MoU on cooperation in Air Force Electronic Warfare and an MoU between the Secretariat of Defence Industries and the Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan.

Likewise, a protocol on training and cooperation in the field of military health was exchanged between Minister of Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Turkish Minister of Defence Yasar Guler.

Another MoU between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Naval Research and Development Institute (NRDI) of Pakistan was exchanged by DG NRDI Pakistan Navy, R/Admiral Javed Iqbal HI (M) and Director Turkish Aerospace Industries Dr Mehmet Demiroglu.

In the field of Science and Technology, an MoU for cooperation in halal trade was signed by Minister of Science and Technology Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat. Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Turkish Minister of Industries and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir also exchanged the signed copies of an MoU on the Establishment of Legal Metrology Infrastructure.

Additionally, in National Food Security and Research sector, the two sides signed cooperation agreement on Seed Protocol to amend the agreement. The documents were exchanged between Minister of National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli.

Similarly, in energy sector, the two sides signed protocol to amend the agreement on cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons. The documents were exchanged between Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari and Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

The two ministers also exchanged documents of two MoUs on cooperation in the field of energy transition, and cooperation in the field of mining.

The two sides also signed cooperation agreement in the field of water. The documents were exchanged between Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, and Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Director of Communications Fahrettin Altun exchanged the signed documents of MoUs on cooperation in the field of public relations and communications, and cooperation in the field of media and communications.

Meanwhile, the two sides signed MoU on cooperation in the fields of religious services and religious education. The signed documents were exchanged by Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Professor Dr Ali Ebras.

Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir also exchanged documents of MoU between Scientific and Technological Research Council Trkiye and National Textile University (NTU), Faisalabad, for Technical Assistance and development of Pakistan-Trkiye textile technology center.

Rana Tanveer Hussain and Hakan Fidan exchanged documents of MoU on technical cooperation in the field of health and pharmaceuticals.

Likewise, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan exchanged the signed documents of MoU in the field of technical cooperation between Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Attaullah Tarar and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan exchanged two documents of agreement on cultural cooperation, and agreement on co-production in audio visual services.

In addition to exchange of the documents, two MoUs have also been signed at Pakistan-Turkiye Business Forum.