LONDON, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has held separate meetings with the UK Minister of State for South Asia and Commonwealth, Lord Tariq Ahmad, and with the Minister of State for Development, Andrew Mitchell at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in London today.

Pakistan-UK relations, regional and global security, Pakistan’s role at the UN and other multilateral forums as well as Pakistan’s economic and development vision came under discussion.

Lord Ahmad felicitated Foreign Minister Dar on assuming the position of Foreign Minister, and expressed the desire to work closely with the new government going forward.

The two sides underscored the deep bonds of friendship and amity that exist between Pakistan and the UK. Next steps for further deepening of relations including leveraging the untapped potential of the British Pakistani diaspora to further expand trade and investment opportunities, were also discussed.

In response to Foreign Minister Dar’s call for early resumption of PIA flights to the UK, the UK side assured that it was working closely with Pakistan at the technical level to support resumption of flights at the earliest possible. The Foreign Minister assured the UK side that all technical issues on Pakistan’s side would be resolved at the earliest, enabling PIA to resume flights to the UK.

Discussing Afghanistan, the Minister of State for South Asia thanked the Foreign Minister for Pakistan’s continued support on resettlement of Afghan nationals. The Foreign Minister apprised him about the current situation.

Foreign Minister Dar expressed wishes for complete health and recovery for His Majesty, King Charles III as well as the Princess of Wales.

The Foreign Minister extended cordial invitations to Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, Minister Lord Ahmad and Minister Mitchell to visit Pakistan, which were received with appreciation.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – A delegation of Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), led by Mr. Sultan Bin Abdul Rehman Al Marshad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SFD, during its visit to Pakistan (22-24 March, 2024), called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, today.

The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated the long-standing friendship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and the efforts of SFD for providing financing to Pakistan in the fields of Health, Energy, infrastructure and Education as well the recent floods. The CEO, SFD thanked the Prime Minister and Government of Pakistan for the warm welcome and hospitality as well as the conferment of the National Civil Award, Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the signing of Financial Agreements, early today, between SFD and the Government of Pakistan worth US$ 107 Mn for construction of Hydropower stations in AJK, which would not only provide clean energy but would also help eradicate the menace of deforestation, besides providing job opportunities to the local population.

The CEO, SFD shared updates with the Prime Minister about the ongoing projects including Mohmand Multi-purpose Hydropower Project, Golan Gol Hydropower Project, Malakand Regional Development Project, and other projects funded through Saudi grants.

The Prime Minister, while appreciating the support of the SFD, highlighted the need to expedite the processing of the new projects, shared with SFD, in the field of green energy and infrastructure, which once implemented, would go a long way in the economic revival of the country, besides serving the needs of the local communities.

The CEO, SFD assured early processing of the shared projects and also reiterated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Royal Family, would extend all possible assistance and continued support to Pakistan. The Prime Minster thanked the CEO and members of the delegation and conveyed his best wishes to all the members of the Royal Family, especially the Khadim-e-Harmain Sharifain.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Kandahar on 21 March 2024 and resulted in the loss of valuable lives and injuries to many others.

The Government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.

Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism is a shared concern that both countries need to address through collective efforts.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Health activists have thrown their support behind the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations for Pakistan, with a specific focus on restructuring tobacco taxation. During the event “Fueling Economic Growth through Increased Tobacco Taxation” organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), activists urged the Government of Pakistan to transition to a Single Tier Tobacco Taxation System, thereby eliminating the second tier. This strategic move is deemed essential not only for boosting revenue but also for relieving the healthcare cost burdens imposed by tobacco-related illnesses.

Malik Imran Ahmed, Country head Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), highlighted the alignment between the IMF’s recommendations and the ongoing discussions with Pakistan. These discussions aim to tackle the nation’s fiscal and external sustainability weaknesses while fostering economic recovery and inclusive growth. A key component involves strengthening public finances through gradual fiscal consolidation, broadening the tax base in undertaxed sectors, and improving tax administration to enhance debt sustainability. Imran emphasized the urgent need to tie these objectives with tobacco taxation, stressing the imperative of reforming Pakistan’s cigarette taxation system.

Malik Imran further emphasized that revitalizing Pakistan’s cigarette taxation system transcends mere fiscal considerations; it is a matter of urgent public health concern. He lamented that despite the substantial taxes imposed on cigarettes, the revenue generated falls short of covering the healthcare costs incurred due to smoking-related illnesses. In the fiscal year 2022-23, taxes covered a meager 16% of these expenses, indicating a significant decline from 19.5% in 2019.

Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, underscored the alarming prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan. With approximately 31.9 million adults aged 15 years and above reported as current tobacco users, constituting nearly 19.7% of the adult population, the dire consequences of tobacco consumption extend far beyond individual health.

He stressed the urgent need for immediate action to bridge the gap between tobacco tax revenue and healthcare costs. He advocated for the adoption of a Single Tier Tobacco Taxation System, as recommended by the IMF, as a means to not only bolster revenue but also to alleviate the health and economic burdens associated with tobacco consumption.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 (DNA) — The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) have kicked off a comprehensive awareness campaign across various motorways and highways nationwide, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and enhance road safety.

An NHMP public relations officer on Friday said while talking to media that, the initiative was spurred by directives from the Inspector General of NHMP, Salman Chohdary in order to ensure road safety and minimize traffic mishaps.

The NHMP’s campaign will focus on educating travelers about the dangers of lane jumping, the risks associated with using mobile phones while driving, and the importance of wearing seat belts.

Additionally, the campaign incorporates specially-abled individuals who actively participate in spreading awareness by holding placards with messages tailored to road safety. Former test cricketer Shoaib Muhammad has also lent his support to the NHMP’s awareness efforts, encouraging travelers to adopt safe driving practices and adhere to traffic regulations.

The NHMP has received widespread acknowledgment from commuters for its initiative, while the testimonials from travelers have been recorded and shared on social media platforms to broaden the campaign’s reach.

NHMP officials are actively engaged in educating drivers and passengers about traffic rules, emphasizing the significance of wearing seat belts, and highlighting the hazards of using mobile phones while driving. They also stressed the importance of avoiding over-speeding and lane jumping, which are common causes of accidents resulting in loss of life and permanent disabilities.

The road users have praised the NHMP’s dedication to road safety and expressed hope that such campaigns will persist to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP/DNA): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved remission for the prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan Day annually observed on March 23 and Eid ul Fitr.

The president granted a remission of 90 days each, for both occasions in sentences exercising his powers under Article 45 of the Constitution and Rule 15-A of the Rules of Business.

However, the remission would not be applicable on the prisoners involved in murder, espionage and anti-state activities.

Besides, the prisoners involved in rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and financial crimes, would also be ineligible for the remission.

The reduction in sentences would be applicable on the male prisoners of over 65 years age and female prisoners of over 60 years age, who had completed one-third of the sentence.

The juvenile prisoners, who had completed one third of their sentence would also be entitled for the remission.

LAHORE, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has decided to constitute a Sports Advisory Council in which foreigner players and students would be its members. CM has also decided to reconstitute Punjab Sports Board and directed to avail the services of national and international coaches for the promotion of sports and training.

CM presided over a meeting at Sports Department in which it was agreed to make multi-purpose sports grounds in 91 constituencies. A Special Planning Unit will be constituted in the Sports department to undertake planning and other development affairs. It was decided during the meeting that biometric attendance condition will be ensured in the Sports department so as to identify the ghost employees. CM lauded strives of Minister for Sports and Sports Department.

Maryam Nawaz stated “She greatly likes sports and was the Capitan of Baseball team during her period of studies. I want restoration of sports and there is a dire need to undertake measures at a mega scale.

The youths face dearth of opportunities and are driven towards addiction. The sports infrastructure should be restored immediately for the youth and hockey competitions should be organized as it is our national sport.” The proposal to constitute the Institute of Sports Sciences Punjab was reviewed during the meeting. CM directed to include basketball sport in the talent hunt programme.

Approval for granting additional Rs. 2 billion for the Sports Endowment Fund being established at the cost of Rs. 2 billion. CM directed to constitute a Maintenance Department for the protection of sports facilities adding that whatever amount is required for the promotion of sports will be granted. Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed stated that the private schools had less space and due to non-availability of grounds, sports activities have ended in the schools.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the children should be provided sports facilities at the UC level. Secretary Sports gave a briefing about the working of the department and apprised that revamping of the National Hockey Stadium has been completed and would be inaugurated soon. Sports camps would be established for the children in the summer vacations.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, MPA Sania Ashiq, Secretary Sports and relevant officials attended the meeting.

MOSCOW, MAR 22 /DNA/ – A reception on the occasion of Pakistan National Day was held at Pakistan House on 21 March 2024.

Senator Vladimir Chizhov and Mr Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow were the chief guests of the event.

In his address to the gathering, Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali noted that Pakistan and Russia enjoy warm, friendly relations built on mutual trust & cooperation. He expressed  intention to work towards increasing the cross-cultural, educational and people to people contacts to cement a strong bond of friendship between the two countries.

“I am confident that the future holds even brighter prospects for our bilateral relations,” the Ambassador added.

The event was attended by foreign Ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of Russian ministries, scholars, journalists and friends of Pakistan.