Lahore, APR 23 /DNA/ – Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman held a meeting with Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi today.

Welcoming President Raisi to Lahore, he underlined the deep historical, cultural and civilizational links between Pakistan and Iran.

President Raisi praised the city of Lahore for its beauty and cultural contribution and expressed a desire for enhanced people-to-people contacts with the people of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi Monday said both Iran and Pakistan are determined to fight against terrorism and other manifestations of insecurity which endanger our two countries and the wider region.

The Iranian president’s remarks came during his joint press conference with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad following his three-day visit to Pakistan.

“There are a number of common positions and stances between our two countries, for instance, when it comes to fighting against terrorism both countries are determined to fight against terrorism, organised crime, narcotics and different forms and manifestations of insecurity which endanger our two countries and the region,” President Raisi said.

In his address during the presser, the Iranian president revealed that both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to increase trade volume to $10 billion.

“Today we decided to increase economic, commercial and cultural relations between Pakistan and Iran,” he said, adding that economic and trade volume between the two countries is “not acceptable”.

President Raisi, highlighting the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, said that the two nations have historical ties which are based on religious beliefs and cultural similarities.

No one can sever Pakistan’s relations with Iran, he said.

The Iranian president, talking about several sanctions imposed on his country by the Western powers, said that the people of Iran have turned those sanctions into opportunities.

He hoped that his visit would prove to be important for mutual relations between Pakistan and Iran.

President Raisi also thanked the Pakistani government for its support towards the people of Gaza and condemning the genocide by Israel’s occupation forces. He lauded Pakistan for taking a bold stance on the matter.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz welcomed Ebrahim Raisi, highlighting Iran’s significance for Pakistan.

“Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan. The relationship of this region’s nations with Iran spans centuries,” the premier said.

PM Shehbaz resolved to transform the border region of the two countries into an area where development and prosperity can be seen.

“This opportunity has to be used for the betterment of the people of both countries,” he stressed.

The premier also thanked Iran for taking a strong stand against the oppression of Muslims in Gaza.

“The resolution of the Security Council regarding Palestine is still being flouted today. All Muslim countries should raise their voices unitedly until a complete ceasefire in Gaza,” he stated, also thanking the Iranian republic for raising their voice for the oppressed people of Kashmir.

PM Raisi arrives in Islamabad

Earlier today, in a major diplomatic development, the Iranian President arrived in Islamabad on a three-day official visit to Pakistan, the first by any foreign leader to Pakistan after the February 8 polls.

His visit will also be watched closely by the United States amid the Iran-Israel tension. However, sources told Geo News that the visit has no relation with the ongoing hostility.

Following his arrival at the Prime Minister’s House to meet with PM Shehbaz Sharif, the Iranian president received a guard of honour from the smartly turned-out contingents of the armed forces.

The premier welcomed the high-profile guest as he arrived at the venue of the formal welcome ceremony after which the national anthems of both countries were played, as the Iranian president stood at the salute dais along with PM Shehbaz.

Later, both President Raisi and the premier introduced their respective delegations to each other before proceeding for the tete-a-tete and delegation-level talks.

During the visit, President Raisi will also meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.

He will also visit Lahore and Karachi and meet with the provincial leadership.

Meanwhile, speaking during a press conference in Tehran before his departure, President Raisi termed Pakistan a “brotherly Islamic country” and underscored historic relations with its government and people.

The president also highlighted that both Islamabad and Tehran have a common position on various global issues including anti-terrorism efforts as well as the violation of human rights in Palestine.

Commenting on his Islamabad trip, Raisi said his visit would see the two sides mulling over various issues including those relating to security, economy and trade.

The Iranian president, expressing the intention to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion, said that Islamabad could benefit from the Iranian market.

The Iranian president, according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, will be accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation, comprising the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet, senior officials and a large business delegation.

The two sides, during President Raisi’s visit, will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture and people-to-people contacts.

Leaders from both sides will also discuss regional and global developments and bilateral cooperation to combat the common threat of terrorism.

The dignitary, upon his arrival at the Islamabad airport, was received by Federal Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu.

PM Shehbaz will hold delegation-level talks with Iran’s Raisi at the PM Office after which, the FO shared, a number of memorandum of understanding (MoUs) will be signed between the two sides.

The premier will also host a luncheon in honour of the visiting dignitary.

The FO added that President Zardari will meet his Iranian counterpart at Aiwan-e-Sadr and host a dinner in his honour.

In the second leg of his high-profile visit to Pakistan, Raisi will travel to Lahore where he will meet Governor Balighur Rehman and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He is also scheduled to visit the mausoleum of Allama Iqbal.

Later, the Iranian leader will travel to Karachi where his meetings are scheduled with Governor Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Raisi will also visit Quaid’s mausoleum in Karachi and pay his respects to the founder of Pakistan.

The foreign leader would stay in Karachi and return to Tehran on Wednesday.

The provincial authorities are on high alert due to the high-profile visit and public holiday has been declared in Karachi on April 23.

KARACHI, APR 22 (DNA): Dean of Indus University, Dr Aftab Madni has said that it is encouraging that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has given out hope to the masses that the country could get $3 billion package from International Monitory Fund (IMF) considered to be vital for sustenance of falling economy.

However, he underlined the need to implement the recommendations of the IMF regarding tax reforms in a true spirit. “Pick and chose wouldn’t help the reform process” he said.

In a statement on Monday, Dr Aftab Madni stressed that the IMF has explicitly recommended that there has to be uniformed tax on cigarettes regardless of their national or multinational brand. He said that this alone will generate revenue in billions.

He said cigarette was a non-essential item and the government wouldn’t face any public backlash if it moves ahead as per IMF recommendations.

About 9 percent of Pakistanis were smokers and the volume of second-hand smoking still has to be explored, he said adding that the cigarettes need to be made expensive in any case.

The Dean of Indus University said that cigarette causes disease and deaths that have to be accounted for.

He appreciated Dr Hassan Shehzad from International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), for being the only researcher whose report has been referred to by the IMF in its recommendations for tax reforms.

Dr Madni said that the report has clearly established a link between consumption and affordability.

Dr Shehzad quoted the minister as saying, “The country’s current $3 billion arrangement with the fund runs out in late April and the government is seeking a long-term and bigger loan to help bring permanence to macroeconomic stability as well as an umbrella under which the country can execute much-needed structural reforms.”

He added that reports have mentioned that cigarette industry was responsible for a loss of Rs567 billion to the national exchequer in less than a decade.

He said that the finance minister has a profound background in banking and it was normal for a banker to understand the volume of losses a product injurious to human health can cause.

Imposing uniformed tax on tobacco products was too little and too late, he said, but it has to be done.

ISLAMABAD, APR 22: /DNA/ – Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gillani Holds Fruitful Meeting with Iranian President, Reinforcing Strong Bilateral Ties and Collaboration on Regional Issues

Islamabad, 22 April 2024: The Honourable Chairman Senate Yousuf Raza Gillani welcomed the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, and his esteemed delegation to Pakistan, underscoring the paramount importance of high-level engagements in advancing regional cooperation and bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Chairman Senate Gillani highlighted the deep historical ties between his family and Iran, tracing back to his ancestor, Hazrat Ghaus ul Azam, and reiterated the personal significance of his past visits to Iran in which he emphasized the importance of bilateral dialogue in strengthening relations between the two nations. He said that Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan in 1947 and this further adds strength to our ties.

Reaffirming the enduring cordial relations between Pakistan and Iran, Chairman Senate Gillani celebrated the strong bilateral ties grounded in shared values and cultural heritage, which serve as the bedrock of foreign policy and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.

Expressing commitment to enhancing parliamentary cooperation, Chairman Senate Gillani underscored the need for greater inter-parliamentary engagements and exchange programs aimed at bolstering the capacity and expertise of parliamentary staff.

Chairman Senate shared concerns over the recent developments in Indian-occupied Kashmir, highlighting the volatile situation and extending gratitude for Iran’s continued support towards the just cause of the Kashmiri people.

Emphasizing the potential for enhanced cooperation and connectivity, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani highlighted opportunities in diverse sectors which could mutually benefit both the countries.

Both leaders stressed the importance of joint efforts in addressing regional security challenges, including counterterrorism and border security, reaffirming their commitment to dialogue and cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Chairman Senate also stressed the significance of promoting cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations, fostering greater understanding and goodwill among the people, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in education, science, and technology.

Both leaders expressed optimism for the future of Pakistan-Iran relations and reiterating their commitment to further strengthening cooperation on regional and global issues of mutual interest. President of Iran appreciated Gillani’s historical link with Iran and acknowledged his spiritual bond.

Pakistan, UK to Explore Opportunities for Sustainable Higher Education Partnerships

DNA

Islamabad, Apr 22: A delegation of leading UK universities, education champions and experts led by the UK Government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith,has embarked on a five-day visit to Pakistan. This significant visit aims to strengthen educational ties between the two nations and explore opportunities for long-term, collaborative partnerships in higher education.

The visit co-organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, the British High Commission, British Council in Pakistan, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Education (DfE), comprises of senior representatives from the UK Government, British Council and 16 leaders of UK higher education providers and sector organisations who look forward to deepening, expanding and setting up new links with their Pakistani counterparts. The visit supports the objectives of the flagship initiative Pakistan UK Education Gateway launched in 2018.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui was chief guest in the inaugural conference held at HEC Secretariat on Monday. Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, UK International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, British High Commissioner, Jane Marriot, Executive Director HEC, Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Director Education, British Council, Maddalaine Ansell, vice chancellors from various public and private universities, education experts and other stakeholders were present on the occasion. The conference was marked by the launch of Transnational Education Policy (TNE).

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that such collaborations will serve as a bridge between the two countries. The Government, he said, would leave no stone unturned to support such initiatives in Pakistan for the development of higher education sector. He asserted that collaborations in higher education sector will also improve people to people contact which will further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that the landscape of higher education has transformed in Pakistan over last two decades. “Internationalization and collaborative work with the world leading universities is an important strategic priority of HEC which aims to pitch Pakistan on the higher education and research arena and also provide as means of knowledge transfer, improve quality of learning and productivity of research, build governance and leadership potential, and enhance access to world’s best education at affordable cost.”

He said that the visit of higher education leaders from UK is a significant endeavour to co-work with UK universities for improvement of higher education, research and development in Pakistan. “The TNE policy aims at prompting access to high quality international education to a wider society and advance social and economic development. I am confident that the visit will unfold huge opportunities for enhancing person to person and institution to institution cooperation on sustainable basis for mutual dividends.”

The UK Government’s International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith said, “Building on the positive momentum of our work in Pakistan, I am thrilled to lead this delegation. Pakistan’s dynamic higher education sector boasts impressive growth, and we see immense potential for collaboration. We are committed to fostering partnerships that create a lasting impact through knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.”

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said, “The UK and Pakistan share a long history of educational exchange, and this visit signifies our unwavering commitment to strengthening these ties further. By working together, our universities can address global challenges, cultivate future-ready graduates, and contribute to the continued growth of Pakistan’s higher education sector. “

In his closing remarks, Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum underlined that the collaboration between the Pakistani and the UK higher education institutions is aimed at benefiting from one another’s strengths. He said HEC is committed to enabling and facilitating faculty-to-faculty, programme-to-programme, and institution-to-institution partnerships. Reiterating HEC’s commitment to safeguarding the learners’ interest, the Executive Director referred to the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and assured that HEC is working on the NQF having a perspective in the TNE. He maintained that HEC is mindful of the significance of dual or joint degree programmes.

The opening ceremony was followed by a panel discussion on Advancing Sustainable Collaboration by Pakistani and UK academicians. Vice Chancellor NED UET Karachi Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Rector NUST Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Vice Chancellor UAF Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, and Vice Chancellor PIFD Prof. Ms. Hina Tayyaba Khalil were the Pakistani academicians who took part in the discussion. On the UK side, the discussion was joined by Vice Chancellor Oxford Brookes University Prof. Alistair Fitt, Pro Vice Chancellor Staffordshire University Prof. Raheel Nawaz, and Dean Global Engagement, University of Glasgow, Prof. Moyra Boland. Panel discussion was followed by question-and-answer session.

DNA

Islamabad – Apr 22: Living up to its standing as a responsible corporate entity, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, carried out a nationwide plantation drive to help enhance the country’s forest cover as well as mitigate the looming impacts of climate change. Mobilink Bank’s teams from all 109 branches nationwide participated in the drive with remarkable enthusiasm and planted approximately 5000 saplings to protect the environment and hand down a serene and greener Pakistan to future generations.

The campaign was part of Mobilink Bank’s Climate Action Program, Change to Sustain, which envisions a sustainable and prosperous Pakistan that is resilient and effectively shielded against the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Sustainability is at the heart of the Bank’s corporate philosophy, which it seeks to replicate through impactful social responsibility initiatives for the broader societal benefit.

Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of world’s population.

Apart from the teams from Mobilink Bank branches, senior officials from district administration, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), faculty members of various educational institutions, and members of civil society also attended the plantation drives in multiple cities and towns. They expressed hope that the endeavor will boost environmental protection, besides improving air quality and the natural beauty of the urban and rural centers, thereby positively impacting the lives of citizens.

Sharing his thoughts regarding the plantation drive, Chief Operating Officer of Mobilink Bank, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, said, “Mobilink Bank is proud to achieve the remarkable milestone of planting approximately 5000 trees nationwide under its Climate Action Program, Change to Sustain. The program stems from our organizational values of sustainability and social responsibility, where we seek to create shared value for the communities we serve. The need for aggressive plantation cannot be overstated, as Pakistan is amongst the top eight countries most affected by climate change. Our program strengthens the safeguards against climate change to protect the livelihoods, natural resources, and lives of vulnerable communities, mainly women. We firmly believe we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for our country.”

Mobilink Bank recognizes that environmental responsibility is not just about external impact but also about fostering a culture of sustainability within its workforce. Through engaging in environmental initiatives, the Bank empowers employees to become active agents of change. This focus on environmental stewardship fosters collaboration and teamwork as employees work together towards a common goal. It strengthens civic responsibility, encouraging employees to translate their eco-conscious practices into their daily lives beyond the workplace.