Ambassador Munir Akram says development will open up avenues for mutually-beneficial relationship in various realms

Foreign Desk

NEW YORK: Pakistan and Saint Lucia, a Caribbean Island country, have formalised their diplomatic relations during a simple ceremony held at the Pakistan Mission in New York on Tuesday.

Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations and his counterpart from Saint Lucia, Ambassador Menissa Rambally, signed the joint communiqué on behalf of their respective countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Akram said he was happy to be part of the ceremony that formalised the diplomatic relations between the two friendly countries.

In her remarks on the occasion, Ambassador Rambally expressed her delight at the start of a new but significant chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

She said that former West Indies cricketer, Darren Sammy, who belongs to St Lucia, was also an honorary Pakistani citizen, “who would always talk about Pakistan and the hospitality of its people.”

Ambassador Akram added that both Pakistan and St Lucia had been cooperating at multilateral forums including at the Commonwealth, stating that the establishment of formal relations would serve as the basis to expand the bilateral ties.

The Pakistani envoy also mentioned the shared love for cricket between the people of Pakistan and St Lucia.

He believed that the formalisation of diplomatic relations would open up avenues for mutually beneficial relationship in the realms of trade, commerce, political cooperation, and tourism.

“We look forward to the stronger people-to-people bond. There is immense tourism potential in both the countries that can be explored through visits by the tourists,” said Ambassador Akram.

Ambassador Rambally thanked her Pakistani counterpart for hosting the ceremony and stated that she personally “learnt a lot from him”.

The Caribbean envoy said that she was humbled by the remarks of the Pakistan UN envoy for her country and the people.

She added that Pakistan and Saint Lucia already enjoyed wonderful relationship and were actively cooperating at different forums but added that the establishment of formal diplomatic relations would provide an opportunity to further build on the existing relationship.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon, officers of the Pakistan Mission as well as a delegate from the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29: A delegation of esteemed Buddhist leaders called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend a symposium and an exhibition titled “From Gandhara to the World,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation included Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honorable Vidura Wikramanayaka, Most Venerable Thich Duc Tuan from Vietnam, Most Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand and Dr Keshabman Shakya from Nepal. 

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation. He expressed his gratitude for their participation in the Symposium, being held in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’ that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan was proud of its ancient Buddhist heritage, which flourished in the northwest Pakistan in the shape of Gandhara art and culture, over two thousand years ago. He underscored the importance that his government attached to interfaith harmony. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Buddhist scholars and monks to the promotion of interfaith harmony and understanding.

The Buddhist leaders appreciated the Prime Minister’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect for all religions. They also commended Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and promote its Buddhist heritage sites and cultural artifacts. The delegation members showed their keen desire to collaborate with Pakistan in preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the delegation discussed ways to strengthen interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Pakistan and the Buddhist majority countries.

The meeting concluded with a resolve to continue exploring avenues for mutual understanding and cooperation, and to work together towards a more harmonious and peaceful world. In that connection, the possibility of establishing a joint forum for dialogue and collaboration was especially discussed.

Minister for Religious Affairs Ch. Salik Hussain, Minister Information & Broadcasting and Cultural Heritage Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.

Gilgit, MAY 29: /DNA/ – The European Union (EU) has launched two flagship programmes to promote skills and clean energy in Gilgit Baltistan.

Through its youth skill development programme, the EU and the Government of Germany have joined forces to transform the vocational training landscape in Gilgit Baltistan. This program provides dedicated support to selected Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools across the region, resulting in i) better equipped TVET schools, ii) better trained staff, and iii) curricula more aligned with labor market demands. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, together with the British Council, is implementing this programme.

Under the EU-funded Energy Plus programme, rural communities in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral will gainimproved access to clean energy. The programme aims to promote a sustainable transition to renewable energy through investments in energy generation, transmission and distribution. It will also foster energy-efficiency to stimulateprivate sector-led growth, involving local government and civil society. A total of 350,000 beneficiaries are expected to benefit through this strategic partnership between the EU and its implementing partner,Aga Khan Foundation.

The launch event took place at Gilgit Serena in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister, Haji Gulbar Khan, the EU Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Riina Kionka, Head of Development Cooperation- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Sebastian Paust and the CEO of Aga khan Foundation, Pakistan, Mr. Akhtar Iqbal.

The Honourable Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan thanked the European Union and German government for their support and shared, “The skills development and clean green energy initiative will play a pivotal role in socio economic development of the region. Gilgit-Baltistan has a unique geographical location with certain opportunities and challenges. We are sure, that these projects will contribute towards development of the region. He assured the government’s support and resolve to make both these projects a success which emanates from the highest level of authority within GB in the interest of people of the region.”

ExpressingTeam Europe’s strong support for the people of Gilgit Baltistan, Dr Riina Kionka, the Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan stated, “These initiatives are not just about development; they are about empowering people and communities in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Energy Plus programme will transform rural communities through innovative, clean and renewable solutions, while the TVET initiative will unlock opportunities and empower individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan to build a brighter future especially for women.”

Speaking at the occasion Dr. Sebastian Paust, Head of Development Cooperation at German Embassy Islamabad said, “We are committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. These initiatives will create pathways for everyone in Gilgit-Baltistan to contribute to and benefit from the region’s economic growth”.

The two new programmes are part of a broader Team Europe Initiative, bringing together the combined strengths of the EU, France, Germany, and Italy to “build back better through green jobs creation.” They also contribute to the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative, the EU’s largest investment programme designed to tackle the most pressing global challenges, from fighting climate change to improving health systems and boosting the competitiveness and security of global supply chains.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29 (DNA) — In a significant crackdown on smuggling, hoarding, and power pilferage, the government has made substantial progress in its zero-tolerance policy, yielding impressive results.

Since September last year, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been instrumental in facilitating the recovery of billions of rupees and scores of arrests, PTV reported. In a major anti-smuggling operation, authorities foiled the smuggling and illegal movement of 3,036 metric tons of fertilizer.

Additionally, 281 metric tons of wheat and flour were seized from smugglers, preventing the smuggling of essential items. The government’s efforts have also led to the seizure of 34,640 metric tons of sugar, putting an end to illegal profiteering.

Furthermore, authorities recovered 2,503 metric tons of wheat, 56,948 metric tons of ghee, and 10,379 metric tons of sugar from market price manipulators.  The government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting Pakistan’s economy is evident in the registration of 145,365 FIR’s against individuals involved in power theft, resulting in the arrest of over 70,000 power thieves and the recovery of PKR 93 billion.

These achievements demonstrate the government’s resolve to combat smuggling, hoarding, and power pilferage, ensuring the availability of essential items to citizens and safeguarding the national economy. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29 (DNA) — The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has conducted an Independent Quality of Service (QoS) Survey in sixteen cities across Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to measure the performance of Cellular Mobile Operators (CMOs). Survey routes covered main roads, service roads, and various sectors, with 2,270 kilometers traveled per CMO over 60 days. Mobile handsets in auto-detect mode were used for voice calls, SMS, and mobile broadband/data sessions.

The survey included 0.25 million mobile broadband tests, 45,000 calls and SMS tests, and 0.13 million Ookla speed tests using advanced QoS monitoring tools, ensuring compliance with NGMS licenses and the Cellular Mobile Network QoS Regulations 2021. CMOs were ranked based on compliance with key performance indicators (KPIs) in mobile network coverage and voice services, from 1st to 4th positions.

In the mobile broadband speed segment, rankings were determined by data download/upload speeds, network latency, and webpage loading times. Jazz, Ufone, and Zong jointly secured 1st place in mobile network coverage, while Zong led in mobile broadband speed (Ookla). Jazz was ranked 1st in mobile broadband speed (automode testing) and voice services. These rankings are for specific surveyed areas and not across the country.

The results showed that largely CMOs comply with upload/download speed standards, with improvements in network latency and webpage loading times compared to previous surveys. However, some voice KPIs were below the licensed thresholds in certain areas. Operators using advanced technologies like LTE Carrier Aggregation and Voice over LTE offered better service quality.

PTA has instructed operators to take corrective measures to enhance service quality. The survey results are available on PTA’s website for subscribers’ information (https://pta.gov.pk/en/consumer-support/qos-survey/qos-survey). This monitoring activity is a regular feature for assessment of QoS and aims to encourage better mobile services and promote healthy competition among operators. — DNA

DNA

Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has emphasized on making the environment favorable for investment in the country, securing investors’ confidence and promoting industrialization. Talking to the members of Private Housing Society (Bahria Town) at chamber house, President RCCI Saqib Rafiq and Group Leader Sohail Altaf expressed hope that the government will consider the Chamber proposals in the upcoming budget 2024-25.

He said that RCCI has recently organized All Pakistan Chambers Presidents’ Conference, where it formulated the comprehensive budget proposals seeking government attention towards investor friendly policies including lowering interest rate to single digit, steps towards lowering cost of doing business, cut in prices for energy and raw material etc.

The budget proposals have appreciated the role of SIFC in increasing foreign investment in the country, he said.

The members expressed concern over the raid on the offices of Bahria Town and said that the raid on the housing society is disturbing and created a panic environment among the investors. Talking to the members, Chamber President Saqib Rafiq said that the raid has sent a negative message to the business community, especially the investors. It is hoped that SIFC will take notice of the NAB raid on Bahria Town and will take immediate steps to ease the anxiety among local and foreign investors.

He said that at a time when every dollar is being chased to bring investment into the country, he said that most of the investments of overseas Pakistanis have been made in the housing and construction sector. A negative message has also been sent to Overseas Pakistanis. More than forty allied industries are connected to the construction sector, and the government receives billions of rupees in property tax, he added. 

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29 /DNA/ – Further strengthening its international collaboration, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Yunus Emre Enstitusu, Turkiye. The MoU signing ceremony included the participation of the Turkish Ambassador in Islamabad, His Excellency Mehmet Pacaci; Dr. Halil Toker, Coordinator of Yunus Emre Enstitusu; Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Ambassador of Pakistan in Ankara; Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI; Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA; and Team CAMEA.

While giving her introductory remarks, Ms. Amina Khan said that this MoU is a testament of the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and Turkiye which is built on mutual respect and shared history. Collaboration between ISSI and the Yunus Emre Enstitusu is a step towards further enhancing as well as opening new avenues for cultural and academic cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, welcomed the conclusion of the MoU stating that it will lead to further fortifying the relationship which goes back centuries and is underpinned by cultural and religious affinities as well as shared history. He added that Pakistan and Turkiye are two indispensable partners and that initiatives such as these further reinforce the efforts of the two governments to further deepen their multifaceted partnership. He concluded by saying that effective implementation of this MoU will provide a range of opportunities for collaboration in the research and academic fields and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Mehmet Pacaci, while expressing his views, said that the relationship between Turkiye and Pakistan is very special. He added that more academic collaborations are needed to strengthen and further expand the relationship in various dimensions. He also said that there is a need for further studies on the present opportunities and future horizons of Pakistan-Turkish relations.

Dr. Yousaf Junaid, while speaking on the occasion, said that the signing of the MoU between ISSI and Yunus Emre Enstitusu will pave the way for a closer understanding in the already very sound relationship. Sharing a historical perspective on the ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, he stressed the need for taking the message of this special relationship to the youth in both countries. He assured of the Embassy’s full support in implementation of the MoU.

Dr. Halil Toker, in his remarks, said that the Yunus Emre Enstitusu has a significant presence in Pakistan and that the signing of this MoU is of unique significance as it will pave way for further collaboration in various spheres. He concluded by saying that such initiatives will take Pakistan-Turkiye relations to further heights.

The ceremony ended with the signing of the MoU by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood and Dr. Halil Toker.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 29: The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) is considering a significant reduction in the prices of petroleum products, with a proposal to decrease prices by Rs5 per litre.

This reduction is anticipated to apply to both petrol and diesel, potentially making them more affordable for consumers across the country.

The slash in prices could potentially bring relief to consumers grappling with escalating fuel costs. If the proposal is approved, petrol is expected to become cheaper by Rs5 per litre, while diesel prices could see a reduction of Rs4 per litre.

OGRA is set to send the summary of proposed price adjustments to the Petroleum Division on May 31. Subsequently, the Ministry of Finance and the prime minister will take a final decision and issue an official notification.

The new prices would take effect on June 1, for the first two weeks of the month.

On May 1, the government announced a massive reduction in the prices of petroleum products. According to a notification, the prime minister approved a decrease of Rs5.45 per litre in the price of petrol, while the price of diesel was reduced by Rs8.42 per litre.

According to the Finance Ministry, the new price of petrol is Rs288.49 per litre and Rs281.96 per litre for HSD.