ISLAMABAD, SEPT 29 /DNA/ – Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, called on Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, at the Finance Division today.

The Finance Minister appreciated the technical support and knowledge transfer provided by UNICEF in Pakistan. He highlighted the two existential challenges facing the country—climate change and population growth—particularly their impact on child stunting and learning poverty. He discussed the Country Partnership Framework signed with the World Bank, noting that nearly two-thirds of the USD 2 billion expected every year under the program over the next year would be directed toward addressing population-related challenges. The Minister emphasized the importance of making the best use of available resources to address these pressing issues.

Senator Aurangzeb also underlined the important role of UNICEF and other development partners in supporting Pakistan’s efforts, particularly through close collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, Ministry of Population Welfare, and Ministry Of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. He stressed the need for greater coordination in identifying priority areas and projects requiring interventions, and in providing technical support and capacity building to the relevant ministries. He further emphasized the importance of effective coordination between federal and provincial governments for the operationalization of such projects.

Ms. Ironside reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to Pakistan, noting that UNICEF is actively working with relevant ministries and stakeholders across a broad range of sectors, with a particular focus on child care and girls’ education. She highlighted UNICEF’s provision of technical expertise through strategic partnerships and its leadership role in driving initiatives aligned with national priorities. She explained that UNICEF follows a multi-sectoral approach to community welfare, prioritizing projects in education, health, and climate resilience. She also discussed avenues for further strengthening UNICEF’s role and contribution in Pakistan.

Both sides reiterated their resolve to continue working together to address challenges faced by children and communities in Pakistan and to further strengthen cooperation for sustainable development.

LONDON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that there is a consensus on all key issues, including foreign policy, between the country’s political and military leadership, and the two are “on the same page”.

“We consult on every issue. We are on one page and making sincere efforts [….] Mutual consultations are also held regarding the economic situation,” PM Shehbaz said while speaking in London.

“I pray for this coordination and harmony among political leadership and institutions to make Pakistan not only overcome the past losses, but also reach new heights,” he added.

Underscoring the close working relationship between the civil and military leadership, the prime minister lauded the army chief, saying: “COAS Munir is a true nationalist. He only cares for Pakistan. Under his leadership, both the army and air force have achieved remarkable successes. He is a man of vision and bravery. We discuss all important matters and make decisions in unity. It’s all for Pakistan”.

Speaking at the Pakistan High Commission following his return from a high-level diplomatic tour of the United States and Saudi Arabia, the premier said that South Asia would have witnessed a major war if not for the intervention of US President Donald Trump.

He said Pakistan had nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his peace efforts in DRC, Ethiopia-Egypt conflict, and ongoing efforts for peace in Ukraine, recognising him as a “man of peace”.

Referring to the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) with Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz said that the pact is not against any other country, as Pakistan is not in any power struggle but is pursuing a focused approach to achieve economic prosperity by exploiting its immense resources.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are brotherly countries, bound by decades and centuries-old ties. This pact is against no one but a formalisation of these ties… Every Muslim has a belief and is ready to sacrifice his life to safeguard Roza-e-Rasool and Makkah,” he added.

He said that without indulging in any power struggle, Pakistan is striving to achieve its economic goals by addressing poverty, unemployment and exploiting immense potential in agriculture, artificial intelligence, mines and minerals as well as youth bulge by providing them education and skill training.

Premier Shehbaz apprised the media of his “fruitful and successful” visits to New York and Washington, particularly, the meeting on the Gaza situation co-chaired by President Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and attended by leaders from Pakistan, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Jordan and Egypt.

“There was an encouraging discussion, and I’m confident that it will come up with a positive outcome for the Gaza ceasefire. After the meeting, my expectations have greatly risen [….] In our meeting in Washington, President Trump’s words were reassuring. Insha Allah, I hope you will hear good news very soon,” he remarked.

Condemning the unprecedented Israeli oppression and killings in Gaza, the prime minister said that at the UN General Assembly, Pakistan had effectively raised its voice in support of the people of Palestine and Kashmir, Pakistan’s water rights and also the Marka-e-Haq in which India had faced a humiliating defeat.

“We have won the war by grace of God through our brave armed forces, who fought with great courage and outstanding professional acumen, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, who led from the front with an iron-clad resolve,” he said, highlighting the nation’s full support to its armed forces.

He said that after Marka-e-Haq, the world has recognised that Pakistan, while a nuclear power solely for defence purposes, was also highly skilled in conventional warfare.

Referring to his “highly fruitful, productive” meeting with President Trump, also attended by Field Marshal Munir, he said Pakistan-US relations were being revitalised, with discussions focusing on trade, investment, oil and gas exploration, mines and minerals, IT, AI, and other areas, as Trump also assured to accelerate the bilateral economic cooperation.

Responding to a question, the premier noted that terrorism had sprung back consequent to the imprudent decisions made in the past; however, the law enforcement agencies were targeting the havens of terrorists, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Majeed Brigade, and other foreign elements opposing Pakistan’s prosperity.

Expanding on the economy, the prime minister said that it had stabilised at the macro level while the efforts were underway to achieve growth, highlighting that the floods have once again hit the country, killing over 1,000 people, injuring many others and destroying thousands of villages.

“We should take advantage of this time as friendly countries are willing to support, like the Gulf states, Saudi Arabia, the US and China. There can be no better conditions. Now all up to us. The only thing we lack is the will to do. If we have this will, no one can impede our progress,” he concluded.

OSLO, SEPT 29 /DNA/ – The Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Mrs Farzhana Naek, held a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to Norway, Mrs Sadia Altaf Qazi, in Oslo.

During the meeting, Chairperson PRCS apprised the Ambassador on the PRCS auxiliary role to the Government of Pakistan and reiterated its strong commitment to supporting vulnerable communities, particularly in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods that have affected millions across Pakistan. She emphasized that, as global humanitarian funding continues to shrink, the Pakistani diaspora could play a vital role in extending support to flood-affected populations. Mrs Naek stressed that engaging the Pakistani community in Norway would not only be helpful for the provision of immediate relief for flood-affected people but also reinforce PRCS’s long-term recovery efforts. She further underlined PRCS’s extensive nationwide presence, with seven provincial branches, 62 district branches, and a dedicated network of 1.7 million volunteers serving communities across the country.

Ambassador Mrs Sadia Altaf Qazi commended PRCS for its dedicated efforts in humanitarian response and resilience building across Pakistan, recognizing the PRCS role in supporting vulnerable populations during emergencies. She also discussed potential funding opportunities through the engagement of the Pakistani diaspora and collaborations with organizations operating in Norway.