Category: 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.

Islamabad:: Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Thursday released 27,100 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 39,400 cusecs.

According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1473.05 feet and was 75.05 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 17,500 cusecs and 6,000 cusecs respectively.

The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1132.90 feet, which was 82.90 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 4,800 cusecs and 4,000 cusecs respectively.

The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 15,100, 20,000, 10,700 and 1,100 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 11,100 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 6,000 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

Islamabad:: The Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony convened its 3rd meeting here on Thursday, under the chairmanship of Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, MNA, to discuss the Service Provider Agreement (SPA) for Hajj 2025 and address concerns raised by stakeholders involved in the event.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony briefed the committee on the comprehensive Hajj Policy 2025, highlighting measures taken by the ministry for smooth coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia (KSA)," according to a press release.

The Secretary also provided an update on the progress of the SPA 2025. The committee discussed the roles of various stakeholders in the Hajj arrangements and noted improvements in the draft of the SPA.

Aamir Dogar emphasized the need for the Ministry to address stakeholders' concerns and ensure their cooperation in line with the cabinet-approved Hajj Policy 2025 and the directives of the KSA to ensure the timely and smooth conduct of the event.

In this regard, the Committee appointed a Sub-Committee to hear the point of view of both the Parties and submit its report to the main Committee within 5 days. Tyed Imran Ahmed Shah, MNA, with Shagufta Jumani, MNA, and Asiya Naz Tanoli, MNA, as members.

The Committee was also directed to invite Mr. Sher Ali Arbab, MNA, as a special invitee in the Sub Committee meetings.

The committee also raised concerns regarding the hiring process of Moavineen and Nazim for Hajj 2025 through the National Testing Services (NTS), urging the Ministry to ensure the training of selected personnel in 'Hajj Ahkamaat' to maintain high standards.

The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Syed Imran Ahmad Shah, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Asiya Naz Tanoli, Muneeba Iqbal, Dr Nelson Azeem, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Shagufta Jumani, Ahmed Saleem Siddiqui, Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Muhammad Bashir Khan, Mujahid Ali, and Syed Sami Ullah, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony. The Honorable Federal Minister, Secretary, and senior officers of the Ministry were also present at the meeting.

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday chaired the 3rd meeting of Revenue Mobilization, Investment and Trade Programme (REMIT) Steering Committee.

The meeting was aimed at reviewing the status and progress on the implementation of decisions taken by the Committee in its earlier meetings with regard to revenue mobilization, investment climate, trade and macro-economy, according to press release issued by finance ministry.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Jane Marriott and senior leadership from key government ministries, including Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production, Board of Investment, FBR and REMIT's implementing partners - World Bank, GCSI and ASI were also present.

The committee discussed the progress made by stakeholders across various sectors, focusing on strengthening macroeconomic stability and creating conditions conducive to high and sustained inclusive growth.

Areas reviewed included revenue mobilization, trade, investment climate, and macroeconomic governance, with a particular emphasis on addressing climate change challenges.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb commended the overall progress of the Programme and called for a more proactive and coordinated approach among implementing partners.

He urged the effective use of management and monitoring tools to ensure the successful completion of the Programme's objectives.

The Minister also emphasized his personal commitment to overseeing the progress of activities and deliverables, ensuring that the Programme stays on track.