DNA

LAHORE – The Ferozepur Road Industrial Association (FRIA) senior vice chairman Shahbaz Aslam has said that with a view to deal with fiscal challenges the government should work on the three-way strategy by implementing short-term goals that will help to keep generating resources for smooth fiscal operations, medium-term goals where the government should focus on financial inclusion, documenting the economy by designing a system where all businesses can be registered and properly document their income including collection of sales tax, initiating the process of privatization as well as improving governance by introducing reforms in each sector.

In a statement issued here today, the FRIA SVC said as a long-term goal, the country must focus on improving its human capital, and revamping IT sectors by extending facilitations and providing all the requisite supports.

He said that ever-increasing cost of production in the country is the real threat to the industry, as frequent upward revisions in policy rate and continuous fluctuations in rupee against dollar are posing further threat to the economy.

He observed that the aggressive economic measures, high borrowing rates, inflation, oppressive taxation and unstable currency have been negatively affecting running businesses, many of which have closed their operations, while the remaining are struggling for survival.

In the same way, we also need to work on designing a comprehensive and proactive strategy to tackle challenges related to strengthening border security and implementing effective and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing measures holding accountable and taking to task all those who are involved in illegitimate activities, undermining both our economy and national interests, he added.

Shahbaz Aslam said that the government does not have any pragmatic plan to address this liability, apart from asking for more loans to repay existing debt. Likewise, the target for current financial year’s exports is too low to meet the country’s revenue.

He said that the conventional approach of focusing solely on improving exports while pursuing a passive and imprudent foreign policy towards neighbouring countries, poses a significant challenge in meeting export targets. Despite strained relations, the United States remains the largest importer of Pakistani products. Still, there are no efforts to tap into the vast markets of neighbouring countries or negotiate trade agreements with them.

The PIAF leader said that even though Pakistan and China enjoy close relations, yet the volume of exports to China is significantly lower compared to USA. Furthermore, the existing Pakistan China Free Trade Agreement tends to benefit Chinese-origin corporations more than Pakistani businesses, giving them greater market access at the expense of Pakistani products.

He said that the government is neglecting two important factors, namely, Information Technology and export of human capital that together can contribute towards generating foreign exchange and mobilising revenue. It is essential to concentrate on nurturing a skilled workforce and assisting them in securing international employment opportunities. This approach would have a positive impact on our foreign policy and help in building foreign exchange reserves.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a congratulatory telephone call from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earlier today.

The Crown Prince congratulated the Prime Minister on his re-election. The Prime Minister thanked His Royal Highness for the telephone call as well as the warm message of greetings he had sent immediately after the Prime Minister had assumed office.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his sincerest wishes and prayers for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. He said the people of Pakistan had great love and respect for His Majesty as well as the Crown Prince.

He also wished a blessed month of Ramadan to the Saudi leadership as well as the Saudi people and prayed that this holy month would bring peace and prosperity to Muslims all over the world.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan was proud of its historic, deep-rooted and fraternal ties with Saudi Arabia and the two countries had always stood together through thick and thin. He lauded Saudi Arabia for its unwavering commitment and support to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to the Crown Prince to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience and said the people of Pakistan were waiting to accord a very warm welcome to His Royal Highness.

The Crown Prince thanked the Prime Minister for his kind sentiments. He said both countries enjoyed close brotherly relations and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 /DNA/ – The Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan Dr.Riina Kionka called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Dr.Riina Kionka called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, at the Finance Division, today.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed the Ambassador of the EU and appreciated the longstanding bilateral relations and development cooperation between EU and Pakistan. He thanked the Ambassador for EU’s ongoing support in flood- affected areas of Pakistan.

Dr.Riina Kionka congratulated the Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue on his recent appointment to office and looked forward to collaborating with the new Government.

The Finance Minister apprised the EU Ambassador about the important reformpriorities of the Government. The Finance Minister also shared possible areas of mutual collaboration including digitization, export competitiveness, livestock and dairy production. The Ambassador acknowledged the economic agenda of the Government and assured the Finance Minister of EU’scontinued support to Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 /DNA/ – Pakistan has joined the international community in observing the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This important day serves to raise global awareness about the unfounded phobia against Islam and its adherents as well as the need to present a united front to stamp out this contemporary menace.

The International Day comes at a time of alarming surge worldwide in Islamophobia, fuelled by discriminatory laws, populist politics, and xenophobic narratives. From ban on public wearing of hijabs to willful desecration of the Holy Quran, and from vilification of revered religious personalities to destruction of holy sites, this dangerous form of religious hatred is infringing upon the basic human rights, dignity and identity of over 1.5 billion Muslims.

Regrettably, Islamophobic ideologies and policies are being endorsed, promoted and normalized by public office holders, state representatives, academia, and sections of media in many parts of the world, including in our neighbourhood. Online unregulated platforms continue to amplify disinformation against Islam, resulting in real-time acts of discrimination, stigmatization, and violence.

The world can ill afford to allow such dangerous growth of hatred, prejudice and bigotry based on religious beliefs, dividing and diminishing us as humanity. I, therefore, urge the international community to renew its resolve to foster peaceful coexistence, inter-faith harmony, and mutual respect in the face of this contemporary challenge. I also call upon the international community to unreservedly speak out and act against the rising tide of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.

On its part, Pakistan reaffirms its resolve to work closely with the international community in promoting dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding across religions, faiths, cultures and civilizations.

DNA

RAWALPINDI, MAR 15: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif, accompanied by key members of the Cabinet, visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi today. The PM was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, and was presented guard of honour. Floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada was laid by the Prime Minister, to pay tribute to the martyrs.

During the visit, Prime Minister and Cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness. They were briefed on the current security environment, threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counter terrorism operations.

PM and Cabinet members appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in war against terrorism and commended the dedication of the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability. The PM assured that the Government shall provide all the resources required for ensuring operational readiness of the Armed Forces. He said that Pakistan is destined to rise and the role of the Armed Forces in ensuring peaceful rise of Pakistan cannot be over-emphasized.

COAS thanked the PM for the visit and reposing confidence in the Army. COAS affirmed that Pakistan Army will continue to measure up to the nation’s expectations and will resolutely support the Government in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan.

The visit concluded with civilian and military leadership reiterating their commitment to upholding national interests and working together for a prosperous and secure Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 /DNA/ – “Categorically condemns Israel’s war on Palestine where the latest attack cost 21 lives of Palestinians standing in line for aid during the holy month of Ramzan;

Denounces the continued Israeli aggression which has led to the loss of over 30,000 lives since October 7th 2023;

Calls upon the federal govt to play a more proactive role in pushing the international community to enforce a ceasefire”.

Bureau Report

PESHAWAR, MAR 15 /DNA/ – A delegation of Asian Development Bank (ADB) called on Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad on Friday and discussed with him matters related to mutual cooperation with special focus on development projects of public welfare being carried out in the province with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank. Provincial Minister Arshad Ayub was also present on the occasion.

Talking on this occasion, the Chief Minister termed the Asian Development Bank as an important development partner of the provincial government and said that his government wanted to continue this partnership in a more integrated and an effective manner, adding that work on a number of development projects in the various sectors with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank was in progress.

However, the chief minister said that incumbent provincial government also wanted to further enhance and extend this mutual cooperation and partnership to different sectors including water supply, solar energy, flood protection, solid waste management, urban transport, agriculture, livestock, food security and other sectors of social services. “We expect special cooperation from our development partner for the development of newly merged districts and other backward areas of the province”, he said and added that providing employment opportunities to the people and promoting self-employment among our talented youth are the priority areas of his government.

Apart from this, the government also plans to initiate a program for renovation of all major cities in the province. He further stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project assisted by ADB was an important project of the provincial government; we need special cooperation for implementing Phase-II of this project as well. “The provincial government has a lot to do in different sectors specially in tourism, health, education, PHE and others”,  he remarked and said that the government would like to work in a partnership with ADB for providing basic facilities in the sectors of social services.

Talking on the occasion, the delegates termed the coordination between the provincial government and ADB as exemplary one and said that performance of provincial government team regarding implementation of developmental projects had been remarkable adding that the ADB intended to further promote mutual cooperation and development partnership with the provincial government in different sectors.

DNA

ISLAMABAD: The European Union’s mission in Islamabad has denied any communication with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) about the revocation of Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status of the country.

The EU mission stated this after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI of approaching the EU for the withdrawal of Pakistan’s GSP plus status over claims of lack of facilities for the former premier in Adiala jail.

The GSP plus status is a special trade arrangement offered to developing economies in return for their commitment to implement 27 international conventions on human rights, environmental protection and governance.

EU Press and Information Officer in Islamabad, Samar Saeed Akhtar said the EU had not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+ ststus”.

Meanwhile, the former ruling party also denied writing any letter to the EU, rejecting the allegations levelled by the information minister on Pakistan’s GSP+ status.

The allegation by the government of the PTI approaching the EU comes days after the PTI approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The PTI founder had sent a letter to the IMF to audit the general elections held on February 8, alleging that the polls were rigged by the now-ruling government.

The government criticised the letter, saying that it was an attack on Pakistan’s efforts to achieve economic stability.

The global lender has been holding talks with Pakistan over the second and last review of $3 billion stand-by arrangement (SBA) this week during which the inflation-hit country will ask for a new longer-term bailout.

The review began on Thursday and if successful, the IMF will release a final tranche of around $1.1 billion under a last-gasp rescue package last summer.