Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb was called on by Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh to discuss ways to bolster the Pakistan-US bilateral relationship, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the Pakistan-US partnership, with the US being Pakistan's largest trading partner and export destination. They agreed to enhance economic diplomacy, explore joint business ventures, and promote investment opportunities in Pakistan.

With Pakistan's positive macroeconomic developments, including improved economic indicators and stability, the minister and ambassador decided to capitalize on these opportunities by engaging the Pakistani diaspora and providing regular updates on macroeconomic data to encourage investment in Pakistan's growing economy.

This development is expected to further strengthen Pakistan's economic ties with the US, building on their seven-decade-long relationship.

Islamabad:: COMSTECH, the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has decided to launch its Expert Service Program to foster technological collaboration among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as follow up of preliminary discussion with Secretary General OIC.

It was decided during an important meeting of the Advisory Committee for the COMSTECH Expert Service Program held on Thursday.

The meeting was presided over by Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary while convener of the Committee Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, former Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation and Head of Life Sciences Department, Health Services Academy, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman Director Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, and officials from COMSTECH attended the meeting.

Coordinator General COMSTECH remarked that recognizing the abundant yet underutilized technical expertise within OIC member states, this initiative aims to build a robust network of experts, engineers, technologists, and professionals to provide hands-on training and knowledge sharing. The program addresses critical developmental sectors, enabling recipient institutions, such as universities, research centers, industry, companies, and laboratories, to access specialized technical services and enhance their capacities.

The key objectives of this initiative would include facilitating the transfer of technical expertise and best practices, strengthen technical capabilities through training and capacity-building programs,

establishing a collaborative network of experts and promoting solidarity, volunteering, and shared responsibility within the OIC community.

The program will support diverse fields, including biomedical engineering and health, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and engineering sciences, agriculture, urbanization, and smart cities, etc.

The participants appreciated the initiative and assured their utmost cooperation in making it a successful, vibrant, and productive one.

This program is a strategic step toward enhancing technological self-reliance, fostering sustainable development, and mitigating brain drain in OIC member states. It also underscores the values of collaboration and mutual benefit, reinforcing the collective progress of the OIC community.

Islamabad:: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday visited the Azerbaijan Embassy in Islamabad, where he was received by Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Khazar Farhadov.

During the visit, Ayaz Sadiq expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the recent tragic plane crash.

Offering prayers for the departed souls, he conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and assured them of Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan in this time of grief.

Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the enduring bonds of fraternity and brotherhood between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, underscoring that Pakistan considers Azerbaijan's pain as its own. He also prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the tragic incident.

He prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and grant of fortitude to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the people of Pakistan stood with their Azerbaijani brethren at this tragic moment. He also recorded his sentiment of sympathies and solidarity in the condolence book placed at the Azerbaijan Embassy in Islamabad.

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan on Thursday lauded Pakistan's remarkable growth in exports to Kenya during 2024, from $310 million in 2023 to $421 million in 2024, calling it a testament to the country's efforts to diversify its markets and strengthen trade relations.

The increase in exports from January to December, 2024 is the highest recorded in the past five years,said a press release issued here.

It reflects the dedication and teamwork of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC), TDAP, and the Commercial Section of the High Commission in Nairobi,' said the minister.

According to the latest data, Pakistan's exports to Kenya witnessed a substantial surge from January to December 2024, marking a milestone in trade relations between the two nations.

This achievement is attributed to the relentless efforts of the Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan High Commission in Nairobi, Adeela Younis which under the guidance of Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal, Secretary Commerce, CE, TDAP, Secretary TDAP and High Commissioner of Kenya Ibrar Hussain Khan actively promoted Pakistani products across various regions in Kenya and facilitated connections with genuine buyers.

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) also played a pivotal role by organizing exhibitions that provided a platform for Kenyan importers to engage with Pakistani exporters, leading to significant trade deals.

The collaborative efforts of MOC, TDAP, and the Commercial Section of Nairobi High Commission were instrumental in achieving this success.

Commenting on the development, the minister expressed optimism about the future of bilateral trade with Kenya. 'InshaAllah, this growth will not only enhance our trade footprint in East Africa but also help us offset our tea import bill.' he remarked.

This remarkable export growth underscores Pakistan's commitment to enhancing its global trade outreach and fostering economic stability through strategic partnerships and innovative marketing strategies.

Islamabad:: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board on Thursday decided to revive the Cultural Complex at Shakarparian and transform it into a state-of-the-art hub for cultural activities.

The decision was taken in a meeting held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

It was told that the complex will feature a modern cultural hall, showcasing both national and international cultures.

The CDA Board also decided to fully operationalize the Arts and Crafts Village site.

The CDA Board approved a policy to make payments under rate running contracts conditional upon third-party validation, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, the CDA Board decided to seek feedback from all stakeholders before increasing subdivision and amalgamation charges for commercial and residential properties.

The revised rates will only be implemented after public hearings and stakeholder input.

Acknowledging the need to align regulations with modern requirements, the Board decided to consult all stakeholders for revising regulations of Space for setting up Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) towers in Islamabad.

The aim is to draft regulations that address current and future needs effectively.

The Board also approved hiring of consultants on G2G basis for conducting topographic surveys of CDA-acquired land. This initiative aims to support the planning of various development schemes on the acquired land.

Islamabad:: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday gifted 100 tons of dates to Pakistan, symbolizing goodwill and solidarity between the two brotherly nations.

A formal handover ceremony was held at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in the federal capital, where Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki and the Director of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), Abdullah Al-Baqami, officially presented the consignment to Director General Military Wing, Brigadier Alamgeer Ayub.

Continuing its annual tradition of generosity, the Saudi government, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the people of Pakistan through this heartfelt gesture.

The gift exemplifies the enduring bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, rooted in shared values of generosity and mutual support.

On the occasion, Brigadier Alamgeer Ayub expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their unwavering generosity and consistent support for Pakistan.

'This noble act of solidarity not only strengthens our ties but also reflects the profound relationship our nations cherish,' Brigadier Ayub remarked.

The annual donation of dates is part of Saudi Arabia's efforts to enhance its humanitarian outreach and foster bilateral relations with Pakistan.