Lahore, OCT 4 /DNA/ — On her inaugural visit to Lahore, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Natalie Baker, joined by U.S. Consul General Kristin Hawkins, explored how U.S.-Pakistan partnerships have been strengthening bilateral trade and investment, cultural preservation efforts, and educational opportunities for youth in Punjab.

DCM Baker met with representatives of U.S. businesses to discuss how American companies are generating high-quality jobs for Pakistani youth and giving back to Pakistani communities through a wide range of corporate initiatives.  In a strong show of support for gender equity, DCM Baker and Consul General Hawkins played cricket with female athletes at the National High-Performance Center (NHPC), where DCM Baker highlighted U.S.-funded initiatives empowering young Pakistani women through sports, exchange programs, and more.  Over the past year, the United States has supported efforts at 14 schools and universities across Punjab to expand opportunities for women and girls to participate in sports and develop leadership skills.

“The United States is deeply committed to advancing gender equity, and ensuring that everyone – regardless of gender or gender identity – has the opportunity to succeed,” DCM Baker said.  “Through programs like the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, the TechGirls exchange initiative, and the Women in Energy Scholars program, we are equipping women and girls with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to thrive.”

DCM Baker also met with members of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network, recognizing the crucial role that Pakistani alumni of U.S.-funded exchange programs play in building bridges between the United States and Pakistan and in using the knowledge they gained through their exchange programs to benefit their local communities. 

On a visit to the Walled City of Lahore, including the iconic Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque, DCM Baker spotlighted the United States’ investment in 35 cultural preservation projects across Pakistan, including an ongoing, approximately $1 million investment to preserve seven sites at the Lahore Fort. “These projects are a testament to the shared commitment between the United States and Pakistan to preserve cultural heritage.  They not only strengthen community bonds but also support economic development and inspire future generations to celebrate Pakistan’s rich history and diversity,” said DCM Baker.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4: Minister of External Affairs of India S Jaishankar will travel to Pakistan to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting, scheduled for October 15 and 16.

“The external affairs minister will lead our delegation to Pakistan to participate in the SCO summit which will be held in Islamabad on 15 and 16 October,” said Randhir Jaiswal, a spokesperson for Indian foreign ministry, but did not say if Jaishankar would meet any Pakistani leaders on the sidelines.

This will be the first visit by an Indian foreign minister to Pakistan in nearly a decade.

Pakistan had extended invitations to all the government heads of the SCO member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the upcoming CHG meeting in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had confirmed.

“Islamabad has also received some confirmations for the moot to be hosted by Pakistan on October 15-16,” Baloch said addressing a news briefing.

Last year in May, the then-foreign minister, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari visited India to attend the two-day meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers.

It was the first visit to India by a top Pakistani official since then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif attended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in in 2014.

Pakistan downgraded its ties with India after the Modi-led government unilaterally changed the special status of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in August 2019 — the decision that Islamabad believed undermined the environment for holding talks between the neighbours.

Islamabad has linked its decision to normalising ties with New Delhi with the restoration of the special status of the IIOJK.

Despite the frosty ties, the two countries agreed to renew the 2003 ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021.

SCO summit
In July this year, Mumtaz Baloch, while giving details on the upcoming SCO event in Islamabad, said the summit would feature a ministerial huddle along with multiple meetings of senior officials to foster cooperation in finance, economics, socio-cultural affairs and humanitarian efforts among member states.

Meanwhile, the federal government approved a comprehensive plan to ensure foolproof security during the forthcoming huddle of regional leaders.

During the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that additional personnel from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Corps (FC), and Punjab police will be deployed for security duties at the SCO moot.

The SCO, comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, is a crucial multilateral platform, primarily for regional security and collaboration with Central Asian nations.

India views the SCO as an essential forum for engaging with these countries, despite its cautious approach to China’s influence within the organisation. Unlike other member states, India has consistently refused to endorse China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been a point of contention in SCO joint statements.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4 /DNA/ – The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a Special Talk on “Pakistan’s Investment Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities and Way Forward.” The Guest Speaker on the occasion was Mr. Azfar Ahsan, former Minister of State & Chairman Board of Investment (BOI).

In his remarks at the outset, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood outlined Pakistan’s unique advantages, emphasising the country’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of key regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. He pointed out that Pakistan’s youthful population provides an unmatched demographic advantage, while its vast natural resources make it an attractive destination for investors. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also acknowledged the challenges preventing Pakistan from fully realising its investment potential. He noted that while Pakistan has made progress in improving its ease of doing business ranking, significant hurdles remain, including regulatory complexities and concerns about policy continuity. These factors, along with lingering perceptions of security issues, contribute to investor hesitation.

Despite these challenges, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood remained optimistic, highlighting sectors such as IT, agriculture, and textiles as ripe for enhanced investment. He underscored the importance of fostering trust and stability to attract long-term investments and called for collaboration among all stakeholders – including government institutions, private sector, business leaders, and the media and civil society – to create an environment conducive to sustainable growth and turn Pakistan into a truly attractive investment destination.

During his address, Mr. Azfar Ahsan stressed the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to attract both local and foreign investors. He emphasized that investment success in Pakistan hinges on supporting and facilitating existing investors, a crucial step toward creating a sustainable investment climate. He strongly advocated for a long-term national approach including framing of a “country strategy” to improve investor confidence and ensure economic stability. Furthermore, Mr. Ahsan highlighted the importance of foundational reforms across all sectors of the economy. He argued that Pakistan must move away from reactive policies and focus on creating a business- and investment-friendly environment. This requires consistent policy frameworks, regardless of political changes, as well as a commitment to improving infrastructure, governance, institutional capacity, and law and order. These efforts, he noted, would not only attract new foreign direct investment (FDI) but also strengthen relationships with existing investors, which was critically important.

Mr. Azfar Ahsan’s address also highlighted the potential for joint ventures between Pakistani and foreign investors, particularly in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing. Mr. Ahsan emphasized Pakistan’s strategic location and youthful population as key assets that could be leveraged for future growth. He encouraged policymakers to learn from neighboring countries such as China and Uzbekistan, where strategic planning and collaboration with global businesses have led to rapid economic development. He also emphasised the importance of imbibing from the Saudi experience and working closely with Saudi authorities to significantly expand the Kingdom’s investment profile in Pakistan.

Earlier, Director of the China Pakistan Study Centre Dr. Talat Shabbir, in his introductory remarks, highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential despite current economic challenges. He emphasized the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) established under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in attracting foreign investment by offering tax incentives and improved infrastructure.

In his concluding remarks, former Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (R) stressed the integral connection between security, stability, and economic prosperity, noting that Pakistan’s progress depends on creating an environment conducive to foreign investment. He emphasized the importance of a united approach, with leadership playing a pivotal role in fostering long-term economic stability.

The talk was attended by corporate leaders, senior civil servants, academics, practitioners, think tank experts, media personnel, and members of civil society.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4 /DNA/ – Metropolitan Warehouse & Delivery Corp. (MWD), a leader in the furniture logistics and delivery industry, hosted its annual President’s Award Ceremony on October 3, 2024, at the Serena Hotel. The event led by CEO & President Shahid Latif Khan celebrated the outstanding achievements of the company’s employees and recognized their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Established in 1989, MWD has grown into a premier provider of White Glove furniture delivery services across the USA, with a global presence that includes offices in the United States, El Salvador, Pakistan, and the Philippines. MWD’s Pakistan subsidiary, MSPL, established in 2006, plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s U.S. operations with over 200 employees.

Key leadership figures, including MWD’s CFO Peet Van Der Schyff and Vice President Mark Altop along with the President Shahid Khan, distributed Long Service Awards and Top Performer Awards to honor employees who have shown exceptional dedication and performance throughout the year.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 4: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) scheduled protest rally in Islamabad’s D-Chowk today has prompted authorities to enforce widespread closures and increased security across Punjab and the federal capital.

In anticipation of the protest, all entry and exit points as well as major routes from Lahore to Islamabad have been blocked, with heavy police presence and containers set up to prevent movement. The police has also arrested three PTI workers from Islamabad’s D-Chowk.

Lahore roads sealed, Section 144 imposed
Lahore’s key entry and exit points, including the Thokar Niaz Baig Motorway M2 and Babu Sabu Interchange, have been completely sealed off. Containers, police vehicles, and water cannons have been stationed at these major locations to prevent the movement of protestors and ensure public order.

Lahore’s Babu Sabu Interchange has been closed to normal traffic with water cannons, containers, prison vans station, causing significant disruptions for citizens travelling to Islamabad. Heavy police force is also present at Babu Sabu Interchange.

Section 144 has been imposed across Punjab, with a ban on public gatherings, sit-ins, and protests from Oct 3 to 8.

After Rawalpindi and Attock, the Punjab government has also called in Rangers in Lahore also to aid in maintaining law and order, with three companies deployed to the city on October 5. Similar restrictions are in place in Sargodha, where Section 144 will remain in effect until October 6.

All kinds of political gatherings, sit-ins, meetings, demonstrations and protests have been banned, as the government notification says public gatherings can be soft targets for terrorists. It further says that the order has been issued for the establishment of law and order, protection of human lives and property.

Furthermore, the GT Road has been closed at Bhai Khan in Gujar Khan by placing a container on it. The highways leading from KP to Punjab have been closed, as the GT Road near the Lorry Adda has been closed for traffic by parking large vehicles.

The motorways from Burhan Interchange and Pathargarh are also blocked with containers. Large queues of vehicles could be seen on GT Road due to the road closures. The Jhelum River bridge is also closed by putting up barriers. A heavy police contingent has been deployed on both sides of the bridge.

Three bridges connecting Sarai Alamgir and Jhelum have been closed for traffic by placing containers. All major and minor roads from Lahore to Islamabad are completely sealed.

Rawalpindi locked down, twin cities on high alert
In Rawalpindi, authorities have taken similar measures, closing all entry points to Islamabad with containers, other hindrances and a have police presence. The double road leading from Murree Road Cricket Stadium to IJP has been completely closed, as well as Charing Cross from both sides. Peshawar Road has been closed from both sides of MH Chowk, Haider Road, Fleishman Chowk.

Similarly, Marir Chowk and adjoining double road have been closed from both sides. However, the roads from Kutchehry Chowk, Sawal Bridge, and airport to Koral Chowk are open for traffic, the authorities said.

Security has been intensified in Islamabad, where containers have been placed around D-Chowk and other sensitive areas. Police teams have been deployed at all major points, the Red Zone completely sealed off and all the entrances to the federal capital blocked with containers.

Metro bus services between Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, and all educational institutions remain closed. The government’s work-from-home advisory for private offices continues, with commercial centres expected to remain shut during the protest.

The government has decided to deal with the protesters harshly, with special police teams constituted to carry out the arrests. There is also a ban on pillion riding of motorcycles in the twin cities.

Mobile service suspended
In a bid to ensure law and order, mobile phone services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been suspended, with disruptions reported in nearby areas, including Gojar Khan, Hasanabdal, Taxila and Kallar Syedan. Alongside mobile networks, internet services have also been affected in some regions.

Sources say that mobile service has been suspended to ensure law and order in the twin cities. However, they say broadband internet and landline services continue to function.

Key highways leading to Islamabad, including the GT Road, have been blocked with large vehicles and containers, halting traffic from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into Punjab. Traffic congestion is widespread, with long queues reported at various points, particularly near the Jhelum River Bridge and Sarai Alamgir.

PTI convoy from KP
In the meantime, PTI workers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are expected to travel towards Islamabad to participate in the D-Chowk protest. A convoy led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is set to depart from the Peshawar Motorway, with workers from Peshawar, Charsadda, and Mardan joining the procession at Swabi Interchange.

The federal government has vowed to handle the protest strictly, with special police teams formed to make arrests if the situation escalates. As tensions rise, public gatherings have been labeled as potential targets for terrorist activities, prompting heightened vigilance from security forces.