Latest news with #GovernmentofPakistan
Business Recorder
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan welcomes UNSG decision
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan welcomes the decision announced by the United Nations Secretary General to remove its references from the Annual Report on Children and Armed Conflict, Foreign Office confirmed on Friday. This significant outcome is a testament to the Government of Pakistan's constructive, sustained, and intensive engagement with the United Nations, including close cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSG?CAAC). The decision reflects international recognition of the strong institutional, legislative, and policy measures implemented by Pakistan to protect and advance the rights and well?being of children. It is an affirmation of Pakistan's firm commitment to aligning its national legal and institutional frameworks with international norms and best practices for safeguarding children affected by conflict and violence. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement that Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to collaborate closely with the United Nations to enhance and strengthen efforts for protecting and promoting children's rights, ensuring a safer and brighter future for generations to come. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM directs authorities to ensure security during Muharram
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Parliament House Islamabad on June 26. Photo: PTV Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure strict law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis across the country. While chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and security throughout the month. The premier praised the government's economic team, especially Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, for their dedication in preparing Pakistan's federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. He also expressed gratitude to the federal cabinet and allied political parties for their collective support in finalising the budget. Speaking about the Middle East conflict, Sharif highlighted the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a crucial step towards preventing further escalation in the region. He thanked God for the peaceful resolution and recognised the role of several countries, including Saudi Arabia, in facilitating the ceasefire. "حالیہ ایران اسرائیل جنگ میں پاکستان کا جو کردار رہا اور جنگ بندی کے لئے عالمی سطح پر رابطے کیے اس پر ایران نے پاکستان کی سیاسی و عسکری قیادت اور عوام کا کھلے انداز میں شکریہ ادا کیا۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Shehbaz further noted that Iran had expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the ceasefire. 'The Iranian leadership specifically named the President of Pakistan—myself, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir—for their contribution to the ceasefire efforts,' he said. Regarding Iran's attack on Qatar, he reiterated Pakistan's condemnation and reaffirmed the country's strong ties with Qatar. "جنوبی وزیرستان میں میجر معیز اور لانس نائیک جبران نے فتنہ الخوارج کو کاری ضربیں لگائی اور جام شہادت نوش کیا، دہشتگردی کے خلاف جنگ میں عظیم قربانیاں دی جا رہی ہیں یہ جنگ بھی جیتیں گے۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Earlier, the Cabinet offered Fateha (prayers) for Major Moiz Abbas Shah Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to review the nationwide security plan for Muharram. The meeting assessed the security arrangements for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, in preparation for the upcoming religious observances, according to a statement from the Press Information Department (PID). The government has decided to launch a crackdown on elements spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram. "Strict legal action will be taken against those involved," said Naqvi, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy to curb hate content on electronic and social media platforms. Recommendations will be sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor and prevent the spread of hate speech, the statement added. The statement also mentioned that the meeting discussed the possibility of suspending internet or mobile phone services in certain areas if the security situation deteriorates. Naqvi assured that such decisions would be made in consultation with the relevant provincial authorities and based on ground realities and security concerns. 'The Federal Government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order,' Naqvi affirmed. He stressed that no one would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace during Muharram. The meeting agreed on the use of modern technology to monitor Muharram processions and gatherings. The Interior Minister instructed that strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct would be ensured, the statement concluded. Top officials, including the IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed Naqvi on their respective security plans. The meeting also included participation from law enforcement agencies, including Rangers, police, and the Ministry of Interior.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
China lauds Pakistan's diplomatic efforts amid Iran-Israel tensions
Ambassador of China H.E. Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 24 June 2025. Listen to article China lauded on Tuesday Pakistan's proactive and positive role in pursuing regional peace, particularly through diplomatic channels including the United Nations Security Council, amid heightened tensions following the recent Iran-Israel conflict. On Sunday, the UN Security Council held an emergency session, where China, Russia, and Pakistan jointly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad and the two leaders discussed the evolving regional security situation and matters of mutual interest. Ambassador of China H.E. Jiang Zaidong called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 24, 2025 During the meeting, the Chinese envoy praised Pakistan's consistent efforts at international forums for a peaceful resolution to regional challenges, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Earlier today, the premier also met separately with the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Qatar to discuss the rapidly deteriorating Middle East situation, particularly in the wake of Iran's missile strike on the United States' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The missile attack, carried out late Monday night, came amid Iran's vows to retaliate for recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering solidarity with the people of Saudi Arabia and Qatar and stressed that diplomacy remained the only path to lasting peace in the region. Read: PM speaks with Qatar, Saudi envoys Ambassador Jiang also briefed Shehbaz on various dimensions of Pakistan-China bilateral cooperation and informed him that preparations were already underway to ensure the success of Shehbaz's upcoming visit to China, scheduled for late August 2025. PM Shehbaz extended his warm regards and good wishes to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He expressed his sincere best wishes for the successful holding of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and acknowledged the ongoing consultations between the two countries regarding his participation in the event. Recalling the historic, deep-rooted, and iron-clad 'All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership' between Pakistan and China, Shehbaz reaffirmed Islamabad's firm commitment to work closely with Beijing on the timely and effective implementation of key projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He highlighted several priority initiatives, including the Main Line-1 (ML-I) railway upgrade, the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), the operationalisation of Gwadar Port, and extended cooperation in agriculture, industrial development, and the IT sector. Read more: Global turmoil If Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz — but Pakistan may get a pass The prime minister expressed Pakistan's deep appreciation for China's long-standing financial and economic support, stating that Beijing's assistance had helped stabilise Pakistan's economy and contributed to the improvement of the country's macroeconomic outlook. This support, he noted, was vital for achieving the government's broader socio-economic development agenda. In response, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China's commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan and reiterated Beijing's support for regional peace, stability, and deeper economic integration. In a separate development, the Foreign Office on Tuesday released a statement expressing Pakistan's deep concern over the growing regional tensions. It strongly condemned violations of the principle of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and urged all sides to adhere to international law and exercise restraint. The statement also reiterated Pakistan's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts, and called for immediate steps to de-escalate tensions to avoid further destabilisation in the region.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan govt to recover Rs1.938trn from power consumers in 6 years
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is to recover $ 6.7 billion (Rs 1.938 trillion) in six years from power consumers across the country through Debt Service Surcharge (DSS) of Rs 3.23 per unit, which is being uncapped to meet any variation in recovery to meet the target, well informed sources in Power Division told Business Recorder. Central Power Purchasing Agency-Guaranteed (CPPA-G) and the scheduled banks alongwith allocated amounts will sign the pacts once clarity on worth of assets of few Discos is received by the Power Division. 'There is ambiguity on the total amount to be raised. It will be either 1.21 trillion, Rs 1.25 trillion or Rs 1.275 trillion,' the sources added. Nepra's decisions on KE tariffs: Power Div. flags potential consumers harm, urges revision The names of banks, which have entered into the agreement with the CPPA-G as Agent of power Distribution Companies are as follows: (i)Meezan Bank Limited ;(ii) Habib Bank Limited ;(iii) National Bank of Pakistan;(iv) Allied Bank Limited;(v) United Bank Limited ;(vi) Faysal Bank Limited ;(vii) Bank Al Habib Limited;(viii) MCB Bank Limited ;(ix) Bank Alfalah Limited;(x) Dubai Islamic Bank Limited;(xi) The Bank of Punjab ;(xii) Bank Islami Pakistan Limited;(xiii) Askari Bank Limited ;(xiv) Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited ;(xv) Al Baraka Bank Limited ;(xvi) Bank of Khyber ;(xvii) MCB Islamic and ;(xviii) Soneri Bank Limited. Last week, the federal cabinet approved the following proposals of Power Division with minor amendments in a couple of proposed clauses: (i) CPPA-G has been directed (as agent on behalf of DISCOs) to perform public service obligations and undertake related activities in relation to circular debt stock financing and settlement in terms of Section 7(4) read with Schedule II of the SOE Act as per the proposed terms reflected in the indicative term sheet (Annex-VII) to be executed by CPPA-G for and on behalf of DISCOs and execute 'CD Restructuring, Settlement and Subscription Agreement (CDRSSA)' between the Government of Pakistan, DISCOs and CPPA-G;(ii) Authorized the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to execute relevant documents as may be required on behalf of the Government of Pakistan per the terms and conditions reflected in the indicative term sheet and to execute the Agreement;(iii) authorized the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) to direct DISCOs to execute relevant instruments and create such security as may be required for the purposes of the financing reflected in the indicative term sheet;(iv) approve the draft amendment in Section 31(8) of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 and the draft legislation be made part of the Finance Bill 2025-26;(v) approved immediate release to CPPA-G and utilization of Rs. 267 billion, already budgeted and available in power division demand no 33 under the head of GoP investment in DISCOs equity. Rs. 267 billion would be reduced to the extent of the K-Electric TDS utilization; (vi) approve technical supplementary grant of Rs. 393 billion from finance division demand no. 45 to power division demand no. 33 to be immediately released to CPPA-G under the head of GoP investment in DISCOs equity; (vii) authorized CPPA-G to utilize amounts to pay off the negotiated payables of Government-owned Power Plants (GPPs). Excess amount, if any, after payment of GPPs shall be utilized for payment to Uch-I & Uch-II for onward payment to OGDCL; (viii) authorized CPPA-G to utilize part of the proceeds raised under the aforementioned term sheet to settle and retire the outstanding debt obligations of Rs. 683.253 billion of PHL; (ix) authorized CPPA-G to disburse payments to the respective IPPs from the bank financing subject to waive Late Payment Interest (LPI) by the IPPs; (x) approve the draft amendments in Section 3(3) of the Sales Tax Act, 1990 and Section 113(3)(a) of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and the draft legislation be made part of the Finance Bill 2025-26; (xi) the Term Sheet being negotiated is substantially lower than the banking sector benchmark/interbank profit rates, and to approve the exemption from the bidding under PPRA Rules; and (xii) approve the amendment in Rule-5 of the 'Pakistan Energy Sukuk Rules, 2019' as follows '5-Redemption. - The Sukuk shall be redeemable before maturity'. On June 18, 2025, the cabinet further directed that the amendments proposed in the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 in the summary shall be further amended as presented during the Cabinet meeting, and will be made part of the Finance Bill, 2025 after legal vetting by the Law and Justice Division. The amendments proposed in the statutes will be made part of the Finance Bill, 2025 after legal vetting by the Law and Justice Division and amendments proposed in the rules about term sheets will be vetted from the legal point of view by the Law and Justice Division. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Minister reaffirms commitment to IHR framework
ISLAMABAD: State Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Monday, stressing the need for provision of clean water for a healthier future generation has reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan's commitment to the International Health Regulations (IHR) framework. While inaugurating the first national health preparedness and resilience conference on diarrhoeal diseases organised by the National Institute of Health (NIH), he cited that recently the government along with other stakeholders concluded Joint External Evaluation (JEE 2023), which called for urgent strengthening of core health capacities under the National Action Plan for Health Security (2024–2028). The two-day conference brought together senior representatives from federal and provincial health departments, leading development partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), World Health Organization (WHO), DAI, and JHEPIGO, alongside national and international public health experts. The event aims to tackle the persistent burden of diarrhoeal diseases and to strengthen Pakistan's health security and resilience against infectious disease threats. Dr Bharath said that the diarrhoeal diseases continue to be a leading cause of illness and death among children under five in Pakistan, adding that these are largely preventable conditions, yet their prevalence reflects the enduring gaps in access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and equitable healthcare services. He outlined key government priorities in addressing this health burden, including strengthening nationwide disease surveillance systems in coordination with provinces and development partners, Expanding Rotavirus and oral cholera vaccine coverage under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Promoting WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices at the household level and enhancing collaboration across health, education, and water sectors to tackle underlying drivers of diarrhoeal disease. As Pakistan's IHR focal point, the NIH was commended for its pivotal role in expanding laboratory networks, integrating surveillance systems, and building frontline public health capacity. The minister also emphasised the need for increased domestic health financing and urged development partners to align their support with national strategic priorities. Touching on global health concerns including COVID-19, Mpox, and the emerging Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Dr Bharath stressed the importance of real-time surveillance, effective border health controls, and proactive community engagement to pre-empt future health crises. 'This conference is more than just dialogue, it is a renewed call to action,' he concluded. 'Together, we must ensure that every child in Pakistan not only survives but thrives, with access to clean water, quality healthcare, and a healthier, more secure future.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
