The Cuban Revolution reiterates its resolute determination to confront the aggressive U.S. escalation, and prevail Today, April 17, is the anniversary of the United States’ 1961 military invasion at Playa Girón. The Cuban people’s resolute response in defense of the Revolution and socialism, within only 72 hours, produced the first military defeat of imperialism in America.Revolutionary Government Declaration.
Hafeez Shaikh appointed as adviser on Finance
ISLAMABAD, APR 18 (DNA) – Government has appointed noted economist Hafeez Shaikh as Pakistan’s new finance adviser after Asad Umar stepped down from his post earlier in the day.Well-placed sources within the Prime Minister House informed that after deliberations spanning over several hours, it was decided that Mr Shaikh would be appointed as the country’s new finance adviser.Mr Shaikh has served as finance minister from 2010 to 2013 and as Minister of Privatization and Investment during from 2003 to 2006.
Chinese envoy attends Rawal Expo B2B Conference
RAWALPINDI, APR 18 (DNA) – Chinese ambassador, Yao Jing has urged business community of Pakistan to expend cooperation and connectivity with their counterparts as Pakistan and China were entering the new leg of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).The Chinese companies and factories are ready to transfer technical expertise and relocate their businesses in Pakistan, he added.Addressing business to business (B2B) conference as a part of Int’l Rawal Expo 2019 being organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at a local hotel in Rawalpindi, Yao Jing lauded RCCI’s efforts for successfully organizing the Exhibition.
Pakistan, S Korea agree on enhancing educational links
ISLAMABAD, APR 18 (DNA) – Kwak Sung-Kyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan called on Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) at the Commission Secretariat on Thursday.The two sides discussed issues pertaining to collaboration in higher education and research fields.The Ambassador said that 1,650 Pakistani students are currently studying in different Korean higher education institutions.The Chairman said that Pakistan and South Korea have a great potential to strengthen educational cooperation and research collaboration as the two countries enjoy good academic relations.
Iranian envoy calls on PM Imran ahead of Tehran visit
ISLAMABAD, APR 18 (DNA) – Prime Minister Imran Khan will pay a two-day official visit to Iran from Sunday. He is visiting Iran on the invitation of President Hassan Rouhani and it will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to Iran.The visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership.The Prime Minister will also call on Iranian Supreme Leader Seyed Ali Khamenei besides holding detailed consultations with President Hassan Rouhani.
After Asad Umar, who will be the next Finance Minister?
ISLAMABAD, (DNA) – Following Asad Umar’s removal as Finance Minister, speculations regarding who will occupy the pivotal cabinet position are rife with various names coming to the forefront.The names that have emerged regarding who might possibly be appointed as the next Finance Minister include Omar Ayub, Ishrat Hussain, Hafeez Pasha and Salman Shah.Moroever, former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin was also on the list. However, he has turned the offer down.As per sources, former Governor of State Bank of Pakistan Ishrat Hussain, who presently serves as advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan for institutional reforms & austerity, is a strong contender for the position.
Next finance minister has a Herculean task ahead: Asad Umar
ISLAMABAD, APR 18 (DNA) – Outgoing Finance Minister Asad Umar held a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, less than an hour after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led (PTI) government announced his removal as finance minister.He announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan offered him the portfolio of energy ministry but he turned down the offer and decided to quit the federal cabinet.“I would like to reiterate that my decision to step down from the federal cabinet does not mean I do not support Imran Khan’s vision for Pakistan,” he said.
Finance Minister Asad Umar on his way out
ISLAMABAD (DNA). Finance Minister Asad Umar is on his way out. He was offered to take Energy ministry but he has refused.He said he will not take any ministry however he vowed to work with Imran Khan.In his tweet on Wednesday Asad Umar said Imran Khan asked him to take energy ministry however he refused.It may be mentioned here that some more ministers are to be show the door because of their bad performance.
Pharma industry announces to slash prices of 395 essential medicines
KARACHI (DNA) – In order to provide due economic relief to masses, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) on Wednesday announced to curtail prices of 395 essential medicines whose prices had been reduced by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) but not implemented by the pharmaceutical industry and also announced to slash prices of 464 medicines voluntarily by 10 to 15 percent.Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, PMMA Chairman Zahid Saeed announced to reduce prices of 395 essential medicines from one percent to 471 percent as per government’s SRO no. 1610 and within 15 days, these medicines would be available on reduced prices throughout Pakistan.
British High Commissioner celebrates queen’s 93rd birthday
ISLAMABAD, APR 17 (DNA) – British High Commissioner, Thomas Drew CMG, organized a reception to celebrate the Queen’s 93rd birthday, at his residence, on Wednesday.This was the third of three Queen’s Birthday parties, following celebrations in Lahore and Karachi.The celebration of the Queen’s birthday was attended by senior government officials, politicians, military personnel, diplomats from other missions and civil society representatives.Speaking at the Queen’s Birthday Party reception the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Thomas Drew CMG, said:“Thank you all for joining us at our celebrations of the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.
