ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has extended warm greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the celebration of their National Day.

In an exclusive interview with APP, the Governor said the day symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s unity, sovereignty, and national pride.

He added that the recently signed Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) has further elevated bilateral relations. The landmark accord, he stressed, will strengthen security, economic, and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, opening new avenues of collaboration.

Governor Kundi noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently shown visionary leadership on the global stage, contributing to regional peace, economic stability, and international cooperation.

He emphasized that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy time-tested fraternal ties, built on faith, mutual respect, and enduring collaboration.

The Governor highlighted that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, like all Pakistanis, hold deep reverence for the Kingdom, as it is home to the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah, the spiritual heart of the Muslim Ummah.

He further pointed out that the bilateral relationship extends well beyond governments.

Generations of Pakistanis have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, playing a vital role in its development while deepening the people-to-people bonds between the two nations.

Offering his best wishes on behalf of the province, Faisal Karim Kundi prayed for the continued prosperity, unity, and stability of Saudi Arabia.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan – and particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – will always stand alongside the Kingdom as a trusted partner and brotherly nation.

By Nazir Siyal

KARACHI: A World Bank mission praised the Government of Sindh for the successful implementation of the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project (SFERP), jointly executed by the Sindh Irrigation Department and the Planning & Development Department. Launched after the devastating 2022 floods, the project has rehabilitated key infrastructure, restored livelihoods, and strengthened Sindh’s disaster response capacity.

The delegation, led by Ms. Catherine Signe Tovey, Practice Manager for Urban, Resilience, and Land, noted that Sindh completed the project ahead of schedule and with high quality standards, adopting a “build back better” approach informed by lessons from the 2010 floods.

Ms. Tovey said: “In light of Pakistan’s climate vulnerabilities, building resilience is not just important, it is urgent.
SFERP reflects collective effort, sustainability, and global best practices in post-disaster recovery.”

Achievements under SFERP include,

97% infrastructure rehabilitation and 100% livelihood restoration across 19 districts including Jamshoro, Dadu, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Larkana, Sukkur, and others.

Completion of 825 km of 141 flood-affected roads.

98% institutional strengthening and 96% project management milestones achieved.

Project Director Ghulam Asghar Kanasro emphasized that the initiative focused on equitable recovery, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the poor. Senior officials from Rescue 1122 and the Irrigation Department highlighted that all infrastructure was rebuilt to enhance engineering and climate resilience standards.

The World Bank mission commended Sindh’s resilience efforts, underscoring that the province now stands better prepared to withstand future climate-related disasters.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 23 /DNA/ – General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, Commander Bahrain National Guard, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. During the meeting both sides reaffirmed their resolve for sustained defence cooperation, placing special emphasis on joint training initiatives and deeper collaboration within the aviation industry.

Chief of the Air Staff extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guest, as he briefed the visiting dignitary on the recent advancements of Pakistan Air Force, highlighting its comprehensive plans of modernization through infrastructure development, revamping of training and induction of niche capabilities. He further highlighted that these strategic initiatives are aimed at enhancing PAF’s operational preparedness and technological edge in multi-domain warfare. The Air Chief emphasized that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy deep-rooted religious and historical ties which are reflected in their exemplary military-to-military cooperation and reiterated his resolve to expand the bilateral defence collaboration particularly in the spheres of training, joint exercises and knowledge-sharing.

During the meeting, General Shaikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa congratulated the Air Chief on the outstanding performance of Pakistan Air Force in the recent conflict against India, lauding the professional excellence, operational readiness and remarkable courage displayed by PAF personnel. Commander Bahrain National Guard expressed his earnest desire for enhanced collaboration in the field of training and emphasized the significance of joint learning through exercises. He also conveyed the keen interest of Bahrain Air Force in undertaking bilateral exercises and joint training ventures with PAF, highlighting that such initiatives would serve as a platform for mutual growth and shared operational experience. The follow-up visit reinforced the enduring bonds of brotherhood and defence partnership, with the visiting dignitary lauding PAF’s indigenization drive and praising its leadership for safeguarding regional balance of power. It was also mutually agreed that as part of the forthcoming series of negotiations, Commander of the Bahrain Air Force will undertake an official visit to Pakistan in the near future.

The meeting between Chief of the Air Staff and Commander Bahrain National Guard underscored the unwavering commitment of both nations to broaden military cooperation, foster institutional collaboration and strengthen bilateral defence ties in the face of evolving regional challenges.

GUANGZHOU, China , Sep 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday visited the headquarters of Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) in Guangzhou, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan-China scientific collaboration.

During the visit, BGI announced the provision of 500 training scholarships for Pakistani experts, aiming to enhance skills and expertise in the field of genomics.

This initiative is set to deepen bilateral ties and open new avenues for cooperation in cutting-edge biotechnology,” the minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, he described the genomics partnership as “a new chapter in Pakistan-China friendship,” highlighting that the collaboration extended beyond infrastructure development to exploring the fundamental blueprint of life itself.

“Both countries have moved beyond building roads and power plants. Now, we are decoding the very essence of life,” he said.

Highlighting the transformative potential of the partnership, he remarked, “CPEC 2.0 guarantees a bright future centered on health, food security and innovation through genomics and biotechnology.”

Ahsan Iqbal said the cooperation was not just limited to treating diseases but also paved the way for shared prosperity between the two nations. “The friendship between Pakistan and China is higher than mountains and deeper than oceans,” he said.

He further noted that with genomics cooperation, the bond between the two countries has become as meaningful and intricate as the human genome itself.

“Under the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, genomics will not remain a limited facility but will be transformed into a public good accessible to all,” the minister added.

KOHAT, SEP 23 (APP/DNA): On the instructions of District Police Officer (DPO) Dr. Zahidullah Khan, a special awareness seminar here on Tuesday was organized  to create awareness about traffic rules.

The seminar was held at Government High School No 3, the official sources said.

This important event was presided over by ASP Headquarters Bakht Bedar, while Traffic Incharge, Arab Jan was also present with on the occasion.

The seminar was attended by the school Principal, Hafizullah Wazir, teachers and a large number of students. The speakers informed the students about the rules of traffic, caution on the roads, and the

principles of safe driving.

ASP, Bakht Bedar said that compliance with the traffic rules was a sign of a civilized society, adding educating the younger generation in this regard was the need of the hour.

He said that if every citizen shows responsibility, traffic accidents could be

prevented. Traffic Incharge, Arab Jan highlighted the importance of traffic signals, pedestrian rights, and wearing helmets through practical examples. He said that even a slight negligence could cause fatal accidents.

Hafizullah Wazir appreciated this positive step of the the police and said that such activities were very effective in raising awareness among the students. At the end of the seminar, a question and answer session was also held, in which the students asked various questions related to traffic rules and showed great interest.

ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow and grief over the demise of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Sheikh, calling it a great loss for the entire Muslim Ummah.

In separate statement issued here, the president said that Sheikh Abdulaziz’s religious services and scholarly guidance would always be remembered.

The president expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family of the deceased, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia. He also prayed that Allah Almighty grant the deceased a high place in the hereafter.

The prime minister while paying tribute to the late Grand Mufti said the deceased was a great religious scholar who spent his entire life promoting the Quran and Sunnah, explaining the Holy Sharia and guiding the Ummah.

“His efforts and scholarly insight for the unity of the Muslim Ummah will always be remembered. The Pakistani people and government share equally in the grief of the people of the brotherly country of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi leadership,” PM Sharif said.

He added that the services of the deceased were a bright chapter in the religious and scholarly tradition, and future generations would continue to receive guidance from the scholarly legacy he left behind.

The prime minister also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and the entire Saudi leadership and people.

“May Allah Almighty grant the deceased a high place in Jannah and accept his religious services,” the prime minister prayed.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 23 (DNA): Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, members of the royal family, and the people of Saudi Arabia on the occasion of the Kingdom’s National Day.

In a statement issued on Monday, Naqvi conveyed his warm greetings and goodwill to the Saudi leadership, the Saudi ambassador in Pakistan, and the people of the Kingdom, acknowledging the deep-rooted historical and spiritual ties shared between the two brotherly nations.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones of progress,” Naqvi said, emphasizing that the Kingdom’s achievements are a source of pride and encouragement for Pakistan.

Highlighting the significance of bilateral cooperation, the interior minister pointed to the Pakistan–Saudi defense cooperation agreement as a major step that has given “a new dimension to our historic relations.”

He further noted that joint efforts in defense, economic, and cultural fields have elevated the partnership between the two nations to new heights.

Naqvi lauded the Saudi royal family for its services to Islam and Muslims worldwide, describing Pakistan–Saudi relations as “a sacred heritage of two brothers, deeply rooted in our hearts.” He said the bonds of sacrifice, loyalty, and sincerity between the two countries have enabled their friendship to withstand every challenge.

“The spiritual and cultural connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia transcends geography,” he remarked, adding that Saudi Arabia has consistently demonstrated selfless friendship toward Pakistan, whether during natural disasters or global challenges.

The minister expressed hope that the deep and long-standing ties between the two nations would remain strong for generations to come. “The Pakistani nation sincerely prays for Saudi Arabia’s security, stability, and prosperity,” Naqvi concluded.

The congratulatory message reflects the enduring solidarity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as they continue to strengthen cooperation in multiple fields and uphold their shared commitment to the Islamic world.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEP 23 (DNA): Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan hosted Ambassadors of 07 ASEAN member states at the Ministry of Commerce here Tuesday, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to expand trade, investment, and people-to-people links with Southeast Asia.

The meeting was attended by the Ambassadors and senior diplomats of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam and Myanmar, underscoring the breadth of ASEAN representation in Islamabad.

Welcoming the Ambassadors, Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan aimed not only to increase bilateral trade but also to build comprehensive, long-term partnerships in technology, skills, and infrastructure.

“All ASEAN countries already enjoy cordial relations with Pakistan, but there is immense potential to go further. Through technology transfer, value addition in agriculture, and a skilled human resource base, we can take our trade from the current level to its true potential,” the Minister observed.

He briefed the Ambassadors on Pakistan’s new trade policy, the vehicle import policy, tariff rationalization measures spearheaded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and progress toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the GCC.

He stressed that Pakistan was a gateway to Central Asia, with its ports gaining importance under new transit trade agreements that cut costs for regional partners.

He also urged ASEAN companies to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones under CPEC, citing improved macroeconomic stability — inflation now in single digits — and a business climate geared toward foreign investment.

“Pakistan welcomes you to export to Pakistan, add value here, and then re-export your products,” he said, calling for stronger multilateral trade links.

He also shared the formation of a Trade Dispute Resolution Commission, a first in Pakistan’s history, to help international companies resolve disputes swiftly.

The ASEAN envoys welcomed Pakistan’s outreach, noting the region’s ‘great potential’ for expanding commercial cooperation. The Malaysian Ambassador invited Pakistani firms to participate in Malaysia’s growing chip-making industry, while other envoys underscored ongoing ASEAN investments in Pakistan’s construction and power generation sectors.

All Ambassadors expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s hospitality and agreed on the need to accelerate bilateral trade and investment flows, including through religious tourism, skills exchanges, and supply-chain partnerships.

ASEAN, founded in 1967, now represents one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Pakistan became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1993 and is seeking to upgrade to Full Dialogue Partner status, despite the current moratorium on new dialogue partners  .

Meeting marked a renewed push by Pakistan to anchor itself more firmly in the ASEAN economic landscape, with both sides agreeing to chart a roadmap for increasing trade, investment, and institutional cooperation in the months ahead.=DNA