Day: June 10, 2023

The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm "BIPARJOY" in the east-central Arabian Sea has maintained its intensity and is currently located at approximately 910km south of Karachi, 890km south of Thatta, and 990km southeast of Ormara.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority the cyclone is moving north-northeastward with maximum sustained surface winds of 120-130 Km/hour and gusts of 150 Km/hour near its center.

Favorable conditions, such as high sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence, are expected to further strengthen the storm.

However, there is uncertainty regarding its final track forecast, with some models suggesting it could approach the Makran-North Oman coast, while others indicate the Indian Gujarat-Sindh coast.

Over the next 18-24 hours, the system is predicted to continue moving north/northeastward before slightly recurving to the north-northwest.

Source: Radio Pakistan

People from all walks of life including industrialists, traders, economists, employees, farmers and analysts have hailed the government for presenting historical budget to provide relief to the masses.

President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Irfan Iqbal Sheikh appreciated the initiatives regarding poverty alleviation, increasing the amount of loans for the businesses and the youth, and abolition of duty on solar energy for tube wells and agri seeds.

Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Kashif Anwar termed the federal budget as IT focused and business friendly.

President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that due to government's incentives to various sectors, the country would witness boom in Foreign Direct Investment and remittances in the coming years.

President Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mian Arshad Iqbal says that the budget is better than expectations.

President of the Gilgit Baltistan Chamber of Commerce and Trade Imran Ali termed the federal Budget balanced and people friendly.

He said despite the difficult financial situation 35 percent Ad hock relief to Governemnt employees from grade 1 to 16, thirty percent from 17 to 22 and 17. 50 percent for pensioners was highly appreciable steps.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar concluded a two-day visit to Denmark and Finland on Saturday.

During the visit to Denmark, she met the Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy and a Member of the Danish Parliament.

In Finland, she met her counterpart, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

In her meeting with the Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jørgensen, the two Ministers agreed on mutual benefits of cooperation in renewable energy sector, under the Green Framework Engagement Agreement. In this regard, the Minister of State looked forward to the upcoming visit of Minister Jørgensen to Pakistan next week and assured him of full cooperation.

Hina Rabbani Khar also held a meeting with Member of the Danish Parliament Prehn Rasmus. She underscored the importance of parliamentary engagement in further cementing ties between Pakistan and Denmark. Focused discussions were held on several aspects of bilateral relationship, where progress could be made quickly.

The Minister of State also addressed an event organized by the Danish chapter of the Schiller Institute where she shared her thoughts on contemporary global issues.

Besides, the Minister of State held a meeting with State Secretary to Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Johanna Sumuvuori in Helsinki yesterday. Appreciating the positive strides in Pakistan-Finland cooperation, in particular, in university education and vocational training, the two sides identified Green Energy as a key sector, with great potential for significant bilateral collaboration. Regional and global issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

The visit of the Minister of State provided an important opportunity for high-level political engagement and dialogue with Denmark and Finland. These engagements are expected to build on mutual confidence and trust, and diversified and mutually beneficial partnerships across various sectors.

Source: Radio Pakistan