ISLAMABAD, MAY 28 /DNA/ – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing a symposium and an exhibition, titled “From Gandhara to the World”, on 28-29 May 2024. A large number of Islamabad-based diplomats, government functionaries, scholars, artists and art-lovers are attending the event, alongside around 25 foreign delegates, including some at the Ministerial level, from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.

The event is being organized in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’, which commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. It is aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, and underscoring the importance that the government attaches to inter-faith harmony.

Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honorable Vidura Wikramanayaka was the guest of honor at the inaugural session, which took place earlier today. While the welcome remarks were delivered by Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Maryam Madiha Aftab, prominent Buddhist monks and scholars also addressed the inaugural session. Their list included Most Venerable Thich Ductuan from Vietnam, Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand, Mr. Om Charan Amatya, scholar-cum-politician from Nepal, Mr. Stefano Davide Bettera, President, European Buddhist Union and Mr. Li Xiguang, Director, Pakistan Culture and Communication Centre, Tsinghua University, Beijing.

A message from Venerable Dhimbulkumbure Sri Sarankara Vimaladhamma Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Ancient Rajamaha Viharaya of Kandy, Sri Lanka was also read out by Venerable Tempitiye Indawimala.

In his keynote address at the inaugural session, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, emphasized the importance of building bridges between different communities, celebrating the shared values, and working together for a more peaceful world. He underscored that Gandhara, which brought together diverse cultural influences, is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through understanding and collaboration.

The subsequent sessions of the symposium will explore various dimensions of Gandharan heritage that emerged, over three thousand years ago, in the northwest of Pakistan out of the interaction between Hellenistic and local philosophical and cultural traditions.

ISLAMABAD, May 28 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday welcomed the announcement by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to formally recognise Palestine as a state.

The prime minister, in a statement, said that the recognition of Palestine as a state by Spain was a positive development in the international scenario which also manifested the rejection of Israeli barbarism against the unarmed Palestinians by the Spanish people and their Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

He strongly condemned the recent unprovoked Israeli bombing of Rafah which martyred another 45 Palestinian people, and reiterated his call for an immediate end to the genocide of Palestinian population being carried out by Israel.

He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to continue extending moral, political and diplomatic support to the Palestinian people till the establishment of an independent Palestine state with Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

LAHORE, MAY 28: Nawaz Sharif has been elected “unopposed” as president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), once again after more than six years today.

No other PML-N leader submitted their nomination papers against the party supremo for the top post. Nawaz’s papers were approved for the party election.

The development came after his party nominated him as the party’s head.

Speaking to Geo News senior political analyst Mazhar Abbas said that Nawaz retaking the PML-N’s helm was expected.

However, he noted that the party decided to give back the presidency to Nawaz after the February 8 elections as previously he was aiming to be a candidate for the prime ministership if the party had secured a simple majority in the National Assembly.

Stressing that the PML-N faces a wide array of challenges in Punjab, Abbas underscored that it is to be seen what direction Nawaz will set as the party’s president.

According to The News, sources from the party had earlier said that Nawaz would be elected through an election for the party president which has been rescheduled from the second week of May to May 28, the day celebrated as Youm-e-Takbir. On this day in 1998, Pakistan had responded to India’s nuclear tests while Nawaz was prime minister.

Through a notification on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared May 28, 2024, a public holiday.

On July 28, 2017, Nawaz lost both the prime minister’s office and the presidency of his party as a result of the Panama Papers ruling. Ever since, the PML-N has constructed a narrative centred around the catchphrase “Mujhy Kyun Nikala” (Why was I removed?).

At a news conference on Monday, PML-N Chief Election Commissioner Rana Sanaullah stated that the party leaders had the consensus that Nawaz should lead the party. He said that Shehbaz had resigned from his position as party president, but he was still permitted by the Central Working Committee to carry out his responsibilities until the election of a new leader.

As per the party constitution, the election commission was appointed by the Central Working Committee and the commission issued the election timetable, said Sanaullah.

Today’s timing for accepting nomination papers were from 10am to 12pm; they had to be examined at 1pm, and the final list had to be readied by 3pm. Any party member was allowed to submit nomination papers.

Sanaullah said each party had its own election procedures such as nomination papers were not submitted in Jamaat-e-Islami, where the Shura elected the ameer. He underlined that he was not against Jamaat-e-Islami’s approach.

He highlighted Pakistan’s success in becoming a nuclear power under Nawaz’s leadership, as well as his role in turning the PML-N into a party for the average man. Nawaz had always been involved in major party decisions and would remain so, he underlined.

He said that other party positions should be filled by different members and that Shehbaz remained a significant leader, especially noted for his efforts in restoring the economy. He mentioned that Shahid Khaqan Abbasi could also submit his candidature documents, which would be scrutinised for eligibility.

Sanaullah asserted that the PML-N was a party of dialogue and emphasised the importance of cooperation between the government and the opposition. He also expressed his hope that PTI’s founder avoided a fate similar to that of Mujeebur Rahman and stressed the need for dialogue.

He reassured that Nawaz Sharif was not angry with anyone and remained fully active. Fundamental decisions in the federal and Punjab governments involved Nawaz’s consultation and approval. Nawaz’s statements were expected to become more frequent over the time.

If no other candidate submits nomination papers, Nawaz will be elected unopposed; otherwise, the election will be decided by a show of hands. Party sources mentioned that besides the election of the party president, the PML-N meeting will also discuss various resolutions to be presented to the general council.

Lahore, MAY 28: After the price of roti, the rate of bread has also seen a notable decrease across Punjab. This price reduction follows a recent cut in the price of naan and roti, bringing much-needed relief to households.

The price of bread has been reduced by Rs50 to Rs70, with the new prices taking immediate effect as per the recently issued notification.

In Lahore, the price of 750 grammes of bread has been reduced from Rs230 to Rs180. The Lahore deputy commissioner has announced that the maximum price for bread weighing up to 400 grammes will now be Rs95.

Also Read: Maryam Nawaz reduces price of roti in Lahore to Rs14

Authorities have assured that these new prices will be enforced without delay, ensuring that the benefits of the reduction reach consumers promptly.

On May 23, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz tweeted the new price of roti, which was further reduced and fixed at Rs14. Maryam said the Punjab government had further reduced the price of roti in the province.

The price of roti was fixed at Rs14 in several areas, including Lahore, while in Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, the price was fixed at Rs12.

Also Read: Multan’s nanbais refuse to comply with fixed price of roti

However, the naanbais in Multan rejected the government’s decision. Despite the government’s efforts to provide relief to citizens through cheap roti, naanbais in Multan were selling roti at the old price. The citizens demanded the government take action to implement its decision and provide relief to the people.

In Multan, naanbais were selling roti at Rs20 and naan at Rs25, despite the government’s fixed price.

The Federal Minister reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment to privatizing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), which has sparked interest from local and foreign investors in the case of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Faisal Sheikh

ISLAMABAD, MAY 27 /DNA/ – Ambassador of the United States of America to Pakistan H.E. Donald Blome called on Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division today.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed Ambassador Blome and underscored the long-term mutual relations between Pakistan and the USA. He informed the Ambassador about  successful completion of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and that the Government of Pakistan is engaged with the fund to build upon the reforms under the SBA.

Senator Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the priority reform areas of the Government including increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio through end-to-end digitization, bringing the under-taxed sectors into the tax net, and tax administrative reforms.

The Federal Minister reiterated the Prime Minister’s commitment to privatizing State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), which has sparked interest from local and foreign investors in the case of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). On the energy sector reforms, he mentioned steps being taken to bring private sector experts to enhance efficiency. He also apprised the Ambassador of the potential investments from investors in the Agriculture, Mining, and IT sectors.

Ambassador Mr. Blome appreciated the Pakistani government’s efforts and initiatives to improve macroeconomic indicators. He assured the support of the United States in helping Pakistan achieve economic stability and sustainable growth.

System of tyranny won’t last for long, as it will soon meet a drastic end: PTI Spokesperson

ISLAMABAD, MAY 27 /DNA/ – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that Pakistan was in the grip of the worst dictatorship of an individual in the aftermath of the regime change operation, as the country was deprived of its constitution and law.

Reacting to the statement of Malik Riaz Hussain, a well-known businessman, PTI Spokesperson said that not only politicians but also judges, journalists, lawyers, traders and businessmen and people from all walks of life were being targeted and harassed and forced to the will and the whims of an individual.

He said that in this system of giving oxygen to the power of individual, it has become a tradition to be forced into submission through bullying, coercion and oppression.

PTI Spokesperson stated that under the same chain of oppression, nearly 203 false, bogus and politically motivated cases were registered against PTI Founding Chairman Imran Khan, including the Al-Qadir Trust case.

He recalled that six judges of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council against this infamous series of bullying and oppression, exposing the practice of agencies’ meddling into state institutions.

PTI Spokesperson stated that no system of oppression and tyranny in the world could sustain for long, and if it was set up, it would eventually collapse.

He asserted that the clear cracks in the personal dictatorship were a sign of its impending end.

PTI Spokesperson expressed optimism that the time was nearing when PTI’s struggle would bear fruits and the system of oppression and individual dictatorship would soon meet a drastic end and would usher in a new era of rule of law and democracy in the country.

ADDIS ABABA, MAY 27 /DNA/ – A productive and fruitful Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday in presence of more than 500 businesspersons from diverse economic sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, mining, tourism and ICT.

Key Ministers from the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia including H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gebremeskel Chala, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration and Aklilu Tadesse CEO of Industrial parks graced the forum as the guest of honors.

The senior officials from the Ethiopian Investment Commission, Ethiopian Investment Holding and Industrial Parks Development Corporation also attended the forum.

From Pakistani side, Zubari Motiwala, Chairman of the Trade and Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), H.E. Dr. Khurram Tariq, President of the Faislabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Malik President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Malik Azhar Ali President of Sundar Industry and Trade Association, H.E. Fazal Jillani, Chief Executive Officer of AirSial and other big businesspersons including investors and industrialists attended the Business Forum.

Addressing the Business Forum, H.E. Ambassador Birtukan Ayano, State Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed her gratitude for the delegates who became part of the 2nd Business and Trade Delegation from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Lauding the Ethiopian Embassy Islamabad’s performance, she said the Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum would be instrumental in giving the first-hand information to the business community of Pakistan on the business, trade and investment opportunities in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Minister said prime focus of the foreign policy of Ethiopia was to attract the foreign direct investment, boost its exports through trade and technology transfer from the brotherly countries.

She said Ethiopia and Pakistan enjoyed longstanding relations that have been flourishing with the increased cooperation in economy, health and education.

H.E. Gebremeskel Chala, Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, said the Government of the FDR Ethiopia was committed to economic development, making extensive efforts to attract foreign investment in Ethiopia.

He highlighted the homegrown economic agenda 2.0 under which multiple initiatives were taken to facilitate and incentivize the business, trade and investment.

Chief Executive Officer IPDC H.E. Aklilu Tadesse briefed the forum about 13 state-of-the-art industrial parks with investors friendly policies.

Ambassador of Ethiopia to Pakistan, Jemal Beker Abdula said the bilateral relations between the two countries were on upward trajectory as the Ethiopian Embassy Islamabad had organized two big business and trade delegation of Pakistani businesspersons to Ethiopia within one and half year of its establishment.

Ambassador of Pakistan in Ethiopia Atif Sharif Mian said there was a need to send similar size of business and trade delegation to Pakistan from Ethiopia to further boost the bilateral trade between the two countries.

Zubair Motiwala, TDAP Chairman, underlined the need for establishing cooperation between the banking sectors of both the countries for enhancing the bilateral trade between the two countries.

Following the Business Forum, a panel discussion was held on Investment opportunities in diverse economic sectors of Ethiopia and Public Private Partnership opportunities with the Ethiopian Investment Holding for 2nd Business and Trade Delegation from Pakistan.

Business-to-Business meetings also held in the second half of the Ethio-Pakistan Business Forum where businesspersons from economic sectors of both countries discussed potential areas of cooperation and collaboration.

ISLAMABAD, MAY 27 (DNA) —Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engr. Amir Muqam has said that Pakistan continues to bear the world’s largest refugee burden, having done so for the past 40 years, and urged the international community to acknowledge this.

Talking to a delegation led by Ms. Mio Sato, Chief of Mission for the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan, the federal minister commended the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for its services to Afghan citizen card holders and the host community, said a press release here on Monday.

Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Mohammad Abbas Khan, Joint Secretary of SAFRON, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion. Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said that more support is needed in health, education, and infrastructure building. The federal minister expressed the desire for Afghan refugees to return to their country with dignity, noting that there have been no incidents of forced expulsion or harassment.

 He emphasized the need for screening to determine their locations and activities. Engr Amir Muqam stated that Pakistan is aware of the business activities, education, and relationships of Afghan refugees within the country. He highlighted that many Afghans are involved in businesses that are beneficial to both Pakistan and its citizens.

The federal minister said that he will travel to Geneva in June at the invitation of the High Commissioner of UNHCR, and he plans to meet with the DG of IOM. The ministry of SAFRON and IOM have agreed to maintain ongoing communication. Chief of Mission MIO Sato expressed gratitude to the federal minister for meeting despite the holiday and stated her intention to maintain close contact with the ministry. — DNA