Islamabad, The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed the stability of the country’s GSP Plus status, countering an online campaign led by the political party PTI that seeks its revocation. The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, during a press briefing today, addressed the issue, labeling the campaign as detrimental to national economic interests.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Tarar criticized the PTI’s campaign as an unjust attack on Pakistan’s economy, driven by the alleged mistreatment of the party’s founding leader in prison. The minister detailed the privileges provided to the leader, which include extensive facilities not commonly available to other inmates, reflecting the state’s efforts to ensure humane treatment. Additionally, Tarar addressed the temporary suspension of visitations in several prisons, emphasizing it as a security measure, not a targeted action against any individual.
The minister also highlighted the government’s proactive strategies to enhance economic stability and growth, amid political maneuvers he described as being aimed at undermining national progress for political gain. Tarar emphasized the government’s role in safeguarding the country’s interests and assured continued dialogue and cooperation with the media sector to foster transparency and support journalistic rights.
The conference underscored the government’s stance on maintaining Pakistan’s GSP Plus status, integral for its trade relationships, and its dedication to countering actions it views as jeopardizing economic and national well-being.
Karachi, In a decisive first cabinet meeting led by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, a series of significant resolutions were adopted, focusing on wheat procurement, water authority appointments, and various administrative strategies to enhance provincial governance.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting, attended by provincial ministers and high-ranking officials, outlined a strategic plan to purchase 9 lakh tonnes of wheat at a rate of Rs 4000 per 40 kg. This target surpasses the current stock, demonstrating the government’s commitment to bolstering food security amidst fluctuating market dynamics.
The cabinet also deliberated on the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) leadership, advocating for a chairperson’s selection from within provincial or federal government members to uphold the integrity of the water-sharing agreement. This stance reflects the cabinet’s dedication to safeguarding Sindh’s water rights and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
On the law enforcement front, the cabinet reviewed regional crime statistics, revealing a slight decrease in street crimes but recognizing the persistent sense of insecurity among citizens. In response, the Chief Minister directed intensified efforts against crime and corruption, emphasizing accountability for police officials and continued actions against hoarders, especially during Ramadan.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the halted progress on the Red Line project, a critical transportation initiative. The Chief Minister instructed expediting this work to alleviate public inconvenience and prevent cost escalations.
Moreover, the Chief Minister called for a reevaluation of halted development projects post-election, signaling a proactive approach to resume and expedite infrastructure enhancements across Sindh.
This cabinet session marks a proactive stance on pressing issues facing the province, from ensuring food security and equitable water distribution to enhancing public safety and accelerating development projects, outlining a comprehensive agenda for Sindh’s administration.
Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has articulated a vision for Pakistan and China to bolster their longstanding partnership through joint investments aimed at shared development and prosperity. In a comprehensive interview with Xinhua news agency, the Prime Minister outlined the mutual ambitions of the two nations to achieve common developmental goals.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, which spans over seven decades. This relationship, he noted, has been meticulously cultivated by the leadership of both countries to foster friendly relations, evolving into an all-weather partnership famously described as between “Iron Brothers.” Highlighting the importance of elevating this friendship to new heights, he underscored the necessity for Pakistan to emulate China’s model of modernization.
The Prime Minister praised China’s approach to modernization, which has successfully established growth centers and competitive sectors through the adoption of advanced science and technology. He advocated for Pakistan to replicate this model, aiming to alleviate poverty, create employment opportunities for the youth, and stimulate small and medium enterprise development across various sectors including agriculture, industry, and information technology.
Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s involvement in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative, expressing strong support for China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Security Initiative. He believes these initiatives will foster deeper global community connections. He also lauded the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative for its visionary approach to reducing poverty and hunger, promoting investments, and enhancing education and health sectors across continents.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister revealed plans for advancing to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on attracting high-tech, quality production in IT, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The integration of CPEC with the newly proposed Special Investment Facilitation Council aims to streamline investment processes, thereby attracting Chinese entrepreneurs to engage in joint ventures in Pakistan, leveraging Chinese technology and Pakistan’s labor market.
Furthermore, Pakistan is setting sights on transforming its transport system towards electrification, aiming to reduce foreign exchange expenditures on imported fuels and to bolster economic stability by adopting cutting-edge technologies.
Prime Minister Sharif, calling China Pakistan’s “second home,” expressed his eagerness to visit, reinforcing the tradition of Pakistani leaders making early visits to China to honor and strengthen the bilateral ties.