WASHINGTON, OCT 13 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with his team, commenced a busy schedule in Washington D.C., where he has arrived to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

The Finance Minister began his official engagements today with a meeting Mr. Riccardo Puliti, Regional Vice President, IFC for the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan & Pakistan. During the meeting, the Minister highlighted strong macroeconomic indicators of the country.

Senator Aurangzeb appreciated IFC’s partnership with Pakistan, its role in scaling up private sector investment including through multi-billion-dollar investments in support of the 10-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF). He agreed to achieve early financial closure of the IFC’s flagship Reko Diq project. He also welcomed the new regional set-up of IFC with a regional office in Islamabad.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also held a productive meeting with Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Jasser, President, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB. The Minister thanked the Bank for its longstanding assistance and support to Pakistan. He reviewed the current portfolio of the Bank projects in Pakistan and underscored the importance of faster project implementation.

Senator Aurangzeb thanked the President ISDB for IsDB board approval of financing of two sections of M-6. He said he looked forward to a continued cooperation in polio eradication efforts of Pakistan and Oil financing facility. Both sides agreed on the need to have a new Country Engagement Framework for Pakistan (CEF).

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, OCT 13 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with His Highness Sheikh Thamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, on the sidelines of the Peace Summit on Gaza in Sharm El-Sheikh, today.

During their warm and friendly meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, while expressing their shared commitment and common resolve to further deepen Pakistan-Qatar cooperation across diverse fields.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to the Amir of Qatar for his steadfast leadership, diplomacy and cooperation with other brotherlyu countries in this regard that had resulted in the historic peace agreement being signed at Sharm-el-Sheikh today, as well as Qatar’s consistent efforts aimed at finding a just and lasting solution to the crisis in Gaza. While applauding the agreement, that had rekindled the hopes of millions of Palestinians to resume and rebuild their lives, he emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding position in favor of the creation of an independent, viable Palestinian state, withu pre-1967 borders and with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for provision of humanitarian relief assistance for the Palestinian people.

The Amir of Qatar thanked the Prime Minister for Pakistan’s solidarity as well as its principled stance on Palestine, while expressing the hope that the sustained focus of the international community would help bring lasting peace and stability to the region.

Both leaders agreed to remain closely engaged on regional and international issues of mutual concern. This was the fourth meeting between the two leaders in the last one month, i.e. including two visits by the Prime Minister to Doha in September, followed by their meeting in New York on the margins of the 80th UNGA session.

PESHAWAR: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja on Monday warned that the oath-taking of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister-elect Sohail Afridi should not be delayed beyond October 14 (tomorrow).

The PTI secretary general made the remarks when he, along with other PTI leaders, arrived at the Peshawar High Court to submit a petition seeking the oath-taking of the newly elected KP CM.

PTI’s Afridi, earlier in the day, was elected as the new chief executive of the province despite the opposition’s boycott of the process. He will replace Ali Amin Gandapur as the KP chief minister.

The election of the new KP CM remains shrouded in controversy after Governor Faisal Karim Kundi rejected outgoing CM Gandapur’s resignation, citing objections over the signature’s authenticity.

Gandapur stepped down from the key office last week on the directives of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan on October 8.

Talking to journalists outside the Peshawar High Court, Raja said, “It is necessary to administer the oath to the KP CM-elect. Taking the oath cannot be delayed.”

He said that KP Governor Kundi should have been in the province to administer the oath to the new chief executive.

“Under the constitution, the chief justice can nominate anyone to administer the oath,” he added.

The PTI leader further said that they would request the PHC chief justice to administer the oath today, saying that the province cannot function without a government.

At the outset of today’s hearing, the PTI leader said they had apprised the governor that the oath-taking ceremony of the KP CM would be held on October 13, but the governor, on October 12, had raised strange objections over the resignation of the outgoing chief minister.

He alleged that the KP governor deliberately tried to delay the oath of the new KP CM.

Meanwhile, the court sought a report from the attorney general in this regard and adjourned the hearing till tomorrow.

During the voting in the KP assembly earlier today, Afridi secured 90 votes, whereas Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) Maulana Lutfur Rehman, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf and Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Arbab Zarak Khan got no votes at all as their members staged a walkout from the session.

The nomination of Afridi, a young PTI leader who began his political career in 2015 and was elected as an MPA in the 2024 general elections, has prompted a strong reaction from the federal government, which has accused the PTI of having a soft corner for terrorists.

CAIRO: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held high-level meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain in Sharm el-Sheikh, reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause and regional peace.

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the people of Gaza for their “courage and bravery” in enduring immense hardships amid conflict. He welcomed the recent ceasefire and peace agreement, describing it as a precursor to lasting peace and development for Palestinians and the wider region.

Exchange with Palestinian and Bahraini leaders

The meeting, held in a cordial and pleasant atmosphere, brought together King Hamad and President Abbas. President Mahmoud Abbas thanked Pakistan for its consistent support to Palestine on both political and diplomatic fronts. 

According to officials, detailed discussions took place during the informal session preceding the ceasefire signing, where both leaders expressed satisfaction over the Gaza ceasefire and emphasized the need to consolidate peace efforts.

Meeting with world leaders

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Sharm el-Sheikh. During the meeting, both leaders expressed satisfaction over the ceasefire in Gaza.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also joined the meeting and took part in the discussions.

The PM also held separate meetings with King Abdullah II of Jordan and King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

In addition, the premier met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Indonesian President Prabodh Sobhi, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He also held meetings with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his engagements in Sharm el-Sheikh. 

Furthermore, Shehbaz also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meetings discussed measures for peace and security in the region. 

Shehbaz Sharif in historic photo with Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

A memorable image emerged following the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agreement, showing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif standing between the president of Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Armenia. 

The photograph, widely circulated on international media, symbolized Pakistan’s growing diplomatic influence and its role in promoting peace beyond its immediate neighbourhood.

During an informal meeting with both leaders, Shehbaz Sharif congratulated them on achieving the historic peace accord and discussed regional and global issues, including the Gaza peace agreement.

Earlier, the prime minister reached Egypt to participate in the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Agreement on the special invitation of US President Donald Trump and Egyptian president. The event marks a major diplomatic step toward ending the months-long conflict in Gaza.

According to official sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.

The delegation will represent Pakistan at the Gaza Peace Summit, which aims to solidify a permanent ceasefire and initiate reconstruction efforts in the war-torn region.

The Gaza Summit, being held in Egypt today, is co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and the Egyptian President. Heads of over twenty nations, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, German Chancellor, French President, and British Prime Minister Caruso, have arrived in Cairo for the signing ceremony.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13 /DNA/ – Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, and Director General of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Nazia Zeb Ali, jointly chaired a meeting at the CDA Headquarters on Monday regarding smog prevention and environmental protection in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, DG Resources, Pak-EPA and other concerned officers from CDA. The meeting decided on several measures for smog prevention, the elimination of air pollution and environmental protection in Islamabad.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that in this regard, relevant institutions, in collaboration with the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), will ensure the implementation of a comprehensive and joint strategy for prevention of smog and clean environment in Islamabad. He said that, in line with the direction of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, protection of environment, including the reduction of smog and air pollution in Islamabad is our top priority.

While being briefed by the DC Islamabad, the meeting was informed that various measures are being taken concerning the transport sector, brick kilns and industries in the city to reduce smog. Vehicle carbon emission tests are being conducted to control air pollution in the transport sector. The briefing informed the meeting that data from vehicle carbon tests related to the transport sector is being shared directly on a dashboard. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) informed that five certified laboratories are operational in the capital for testing vehicle carbon emissions. Chairman CDA further directed that more checkpoints be established in Islamabad for testing carbon emissions for emission.

The meeting also discussed controlling air pollution from brick kilns and industries. It was mandated that all brick kilns and industries in the capital city, Islamabad, must transfer into modern and environmentally friendly technology. The meeting specifically set a deadline of 20th October, 2025 for brick kilns to adopt modern zig-zag technology. In this context, it was decided that strict legal action would be taken against brick kilns that fail to transition to zig-zag technology after the deadline of October 20, 2025.

Regarding these measures, Chairman CDA directed that brick kilns which do not adopt modern zig zag technology, continuously violate EPA’s regulations and cause air pollution should be dismantled in accordance with the law. He also directed that the ICT administration should adopt a joint strategy with the Rawalpindi administration against brick kilns located in boundary areas.

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) informed the meeting that one station is already operational in Sector H-8 regarding the issuance of authentic Air Quality Index, while a project to install more Air Quality Monitoring Stations across the city is underway.

The meeting also decided on measures concerning other key factors contributing to smog and air pollution, such as the burning of waste in the open air and dust from development projects. Chairman CDA directed that a complete ban on burning waste in the open air be ensured, and cases be registered immediately against those individuals involved under the law. He directed that to control dust from development projects, water sprinkling arrangements must be ensured at all development project sites and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for mitigation measures listed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be guaranteed for all these projects.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhwa said that for smog prevention and environmental protection, Pak-EPA, ICT, and CDA must ensure effective coordination harmony and joint action to guarantee the provision of a healthy and clean environment for citizens.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 13: /DNA/ – Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş, and Chairperson of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Sahiba Gafarova, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, was also present during the meeting.

Welcoming the visiting dignitaries, President Zardari said Pakistan deeply values its close and brotherly ties with both Türkiye and Azerbaijan. He said these enduring partnerships are rooted in shared faith, mutual trust, and a collective aspiration for regional peace and prosperity.

The President congratulated the Speakers on the successful conclusion of the Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference, noting that such engagements reflect the growing strength of parliamentary cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan.

Mrs. Sahiba Gafarova conveyed greetings and best wishes from the leadership of Azerbaijan to President Zardari. She informed the President that the first meeting of the Trilateral Speakers’ Conference was held in Azerbaijan, the second in Türkiye, and the third is now taking place in Pakistan.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis also invited Pakistani parliamentarians to visit Baku to explore avenues of cooperation, particularly in addressing challenges related to climate change.

President Zardari said Pakistan’s relations with Türkiye continue to grow across political, economic, defence, and security spheres. He appreciated Türkiye’s support for Pakistan, including its backing for Pakistan’s candidature to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028.

On economic collaboration, the President called for greater efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment, observing that current trade volumes have potential for growth. He welcomed Türkiye’s interest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and shared that one of the upcoming zones would be named as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Special Industrial Zone as a tribute to the friendship between the two nations.

Talking to Mrs. Sahiba Gafarova about relations with Azerbaijan, President Zardari said Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy exemplary relations based on mutual respect and strategic understanding.

The President also underlined the importance of joint efforts to promote connectivity through initiatives such as the Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad (ITI) Railway Corridor and the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which he said could play a key role in boosting regional trade and linkages.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with Türkiye and Azerbaijan to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Mr. Irfan Neziroğlu, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan, and Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, also attended the meeting.