ISLAMABAD, NOV 1 /DNA/ – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended warm wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali. He expressed his pleasure in sharing the joy of the Hindu community on this festive occasion, emphasizing that festivals like Diwali symbolize happiness and promote brotherhood and love by participating in each other’s delight.

Mohsin Naqvi acknowledged the significant contributions of the Hindu community to Pakistan’s development and prosperity, highlighting their complete freedom to practice religious rituals and celebrate festivals. He stressed that by sharing in each other’s happiness, the message of brotherhood, unity, and peace will spread far and wide. He described Diwali as a celebration of light, joy, and hope.

RAWALPINDI, 30 Oct /DNA/ – On 30 October 2024, Security Forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Bakka Khel, Bannu District on reported presence of khwarij.

During conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged khwarij’s location, as a result of which eight khwarij were sent to hell, while seven khwarij got injured.

However, during intense exchange of fire, Major Atif Khalil (age: 31 years, resident of District Sudhanuti, AJ&K), a brave officer, who was leading his troops from front, fought gallantly and embraced Shahadat along with his two men. The two soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice include Naik Azad Ullah (age: 36 years, resident of District Karak) and Lance Naik Ghazanfar Abbas (age: 35 years, resident of District Layyah).

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30:  The State Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Ali Pervaiz Malik, visited the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), underscoring the role of the Commission in checking market failure and protecting consumers from anti-competitive practices.

During his visit, Mr. Malik conveyed the Ministry’s commitment to bolstering CCP’s capacity to increase its effectiveness, whether through legislative reforms, follow-up on court cases or capacity-building initiatives. Addressing CCP’s officials on Wednesday, he emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the Competition Act to ensure it remains modern, effective, and relevant as well as to address the challenges being faced by the Commission.

“Competitiveness in markets is vital for protecting consumer interests. It also encourages new startups and attracts investments,” said Mr. Malik.

CCP Chairman, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, briefed the Minister on Commission’s role, including its functions, performance, and ongoing inquiries in important sectors of the economy. Dr. Sidhu highlighted the challenges faced by CCP, including legal obstacles.

Minister Malik pledged his full support to CCP in overcoming its challenges. He requested a detailed list of pending court cases and stay orders, to take up with the Attorney General and Law Ministry for expeditious resolution. The Minister urged Dr. Sidhu to maintain close coordination with the Finance Ministry to ensure effective vigilance of consumer interests.

The meeting was attended by CCP Members Mr. Saeed Ahmed, Mr. Salman Amin, Mr. Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Ms. Bushra Naz, and Directors Generals.

RIYADH, OCT 30: Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Investment Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Al Faleh on Wednesday confirmed that the 27 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed during his visit to Pakistan in October had increased to 34, with five of them already operational.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) event in Riyadh, the Saudi investment minister, alongside a Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, said, “When we came to Pakistan we concluded, in three days, 27 MOUs at 2.2 billion dollars and I mentioned at that time during various events that this was only the beginning.

“And to prove that, here we are — two or three weeks later — and I’d like to announce that the number has increased from 27 MOUs and agreements to 34.”

On October 10, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had signed 27 MOUs worth $2.2 billion in various sectors during a high-level Saudi delegation’s visit to Islamabad.

Regarding the increase in value, the minister said that funding now increased to $2.8bn, adding that many of them had not been assigned value due to them as the government was “still trying to determine exactly how much the valuation is”.

“I think better news yet, that I’m happy to share with you, your government and the people, is that of the 27 we concluded, five are already working operational, finance-funded and creating value for the companies that have concluded them for Pakistan [and] for Saudi Arabia,” he added.

The investment minister said that some of the agreements had already resulted in “exports from Pakistan especially in agriculture”, adding that he would leave the five agreements to be announced in terms of their operation by the companies themselves.

These agreements, he said, covered important sectors such as healthcare facilities where Saudi investors had “already acquired land and assets and would be building an integrated medical complex in Pakistan”.

During the press conference, PM Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to the investment minister, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister Muhammed bin Salman, adding that they had a “very productive meeting.”

“The meetings last night have been really reassuring and on the MOUs signed a few weeks ago in Islamabad — the ink hasn’t dried and implementation has started,” he said.

He added that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia were “marching towards progress”.

Moreover, PM Shehbaz also said Pakistan had secured an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme due to the Saudi leadership’s support, adding that he hoped it would be the last one.

“When I come back, we will have more good news for the people of Pakistan,” he said.

Islamabad and Riyadh Saudi share historic brotherly relations and cooperation in different sectors such as culture, economy, trade, and defence, among others.

In April, PM Shehbaz made his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since assuming office this year. During the visit, he and Crown Prince Salman had agreed to expedite the first wave of a planned $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan. The move, according to the Saudi Press Agency, confirmed Saudi Arabia’s position on supporting the economy of Pakistan and its “sisterly people”.

In May when a Saudi delegation visited Pakistan, PM Shehbaz assured Saudi investors that they would get the best facilities possible and also ease of doing business under the umbrella of the Special Investment and Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The two countries not only share strong bilateral ties but the Kingdom has often come to Pakistan’s rescue during times of economic turmoil.

In June last year, Riyadh deposited $2 billion in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to help the country unlock a $3 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The loan was crucial to preventing the country from a sovereign default.

RAWALPINDI, OCT 30 /DNA/ – A ceremony expressing solidarity with the Kashmiri and Palestinian people was held at the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), featuring Ms. Mushaal Hussein Mullick, Chairperson of the Peace and Culture Organization and wife of imprisoned Kashmiri leader Muhammad Yasin Malik, as the chief guest.

RCCI President Usman Shaukat, in his welcome speech, emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to standing with the Kashmiri people in their struggle, reaffirming the support of Pakistan’s business community. He urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations to take immediate notice of the ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir.

In her remarks to media representatives, Ms. Mushaal Mullick expressed gratitude to RCCI for its steadfast support of the Kashmir cause and highlighted the urgent need to address the plight of Kashmiri and Palestinian people. She detailed the severe restrictions and economic suppression imposed on Kashmiris, noting that over 5,000 mosques have been demolished and resources redirected to alter the region’s demographic and economic landscape. Mullick warned that the systematic allotment of land to large Indian businesses and voting rights for 5 million Hindus in Kashmir undermines the rights of the Kashmiri people.

Ms. Mullick underscored that such suppression could lead to further instability in the region, cautioning that unresolved tensions could escalate. She stressed that a solution is urgently needed to ensure lasting peace and highlighted the detrimental effects of occupation on local economies.

The event concluded with a symbolic walk to reinforce solidarity with Kashmir and Palestine. Among the attendees were RCCI Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, Executive Committee Members, former Presidents Raja Aamir Iqbal and Saqib Rafiq, and a large gathering of Chamber members and civil society representatives.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 30 /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to Qatar from 30-31 October 2024, at the invitation of the Amir of the State of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

In Doha, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister / Minister for Foreign Affairs. In these meetings, the two sides will review the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explore new of cooperation especially in trade and investment.

The leadership level delegations of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Businessmen Association (QBA) will call on the Prime Minister to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Sharif will also inaugurate the cultural exhibition “Manzar: Art and Architecture in Pakistan from 1940 to present” on 31 October 2024. The exhibition will showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural and architectural heritage and underline deep people-to-people linkages between Pakistan and Qatar.=DNA

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