Month: October 2022

At the United Nations, Pakistan has called upon the world community to reaffirm its commitment for poverty eradication, promotion of full employment, and fostering of social inclusion through transformative action, in a bid to empower people.

Speaking at a debate on social development at the United Nations, a Counsellor in the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations Saima Saleem called for stepped up aid to the crises-hit developing countries.

She said international community must redouble efforts with firm political will and mobilize resources required by developing countries for social protection programmes.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan’s Ambassador to United States Masood Khan has invited US companies to invest in climate resilient infrastructure in Pakistan.

Talking to President US Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Clark during his visit to the Chamber’s headquarters, he said a robust Pak-US trade partnership could transform recent crisis in Pakistan into an opportunity for the US business community to invest in building green and climate resilient infrastructure that would withstand future natural calamities.

He said recent floods in Pakistan and the Hurricane Ian in Florida and adjacent states have reinforced the need for the two countries to work hand in hand for mitigating impacts of erratic climate change.

The Ambassador also conveyed his heartfelt sympathies over the havoc caused by Hurricane Ian in Florida and adjacent states.

He said timely investment in building climate resilient infrastructure would not only help securing our future but also preclude climate induced global migration, food security crises and a cascade of similar challenges.

Masood Khan said that the US remained an important economic and trading partner of Pakistan over the years. He said it is important to give trade a boost with mutual efforts and collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries and policy support of the government.

Referring to the existing businesses of US multinational companies, the Ambassador said that Pakistan’s strategic location, tech savvy young population, large middle class, phenomenal growth of Pakistan’s tech sector and Special Economic Zones offers tremendous investment opportunities to the U.S. companies.

The Ambassador highlighted that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States in the preceding financial year has crossed 12 billion dollars which itself reflects the ample scope of enhanced trade between the two countries.

He said U.S. corporate sector could reap tremendous dividends by manufacturing its products in Pakistan and exporting them to greater Middle East, Central Asia and even North Africa, said the Ambassador.

Masood Khan apprised the President USCC that the current government has constituted a special task force on Information Technology to promote tech start-ups.

He also reiterated that the Government is focused on addressing the concerns of private sector both foreign and local to provide them an enabling environment for growth.

He urged USCC to encourage its member companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan that have grown manifold especially during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.

On the occasion, Suzanne Clark expressed her deep condolences over the loss of life  and damages to the property due to devastating floods in Pakistan that have swept one third of the country razing crops and levelling infrastructure.

She said due to its unique strategic location, improved security situation, growing middle class especially the tech savvy young population, Pakistan should become an attractive investment destination for the US companies.

Source: Radio Pakistan

German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas says his country has enhanced its financial assistance to fifty six million euros for flood affected families in Pakistan.

In a tweet, he said Germany will continue to stand by the people of Pakistan and extend help and support to them during this tragic time.

The ambassador said our thoughts are with the flood victims’ families, as expressed by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor, Olaf Scholz in their letters of condolences to their counterparts.

Source: Radio Pakistan

A Pakistani peacekeeper Havaldar Babar Siddique has embraced martyrdom in the line of duty on UN Peace Keeping Mission in Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to ISPR, six armed assailants from Bunyamalange Armed Group approached Permanent Operation Base Minibwe, Congo in disguise to surrender their weapons as part of UN initiative.

Havildar Babar Siddique was performing the duties of Guard Commander at entry point for registering proclaimed surrenders.

The leading assailant started discriminate firing on check post resultantly, Havaldar Babar received a gunshot on his head.  Pakistan Army troops responded immediately. Havaldar Babar was evacuated to nearest Pakistan Army medical Aid Post but he could not survive.

Pakistan has always played a pivotal role as responsible member of the international community to help realize ideals of global peace and security through active support in various UN Peacekeeping missions.

Our Peacekeepers have always distinguished themselves in executing challenging peacekeeping tasks in conflict torn areas through devotion and, if necessary, rendering supreme sacrifices.

So far 171 Pakistan peacekeepers have laid down their lives during various UN missions for international peace and security.

Source: Radio Pakistan