Day: March 15, 2024

Civil and Military leadership of the country have reiterated the commitment to upholding national interests and working together for a prosperous and secure Pakistan. This was expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir during Prime Minister's visit to General Headquarters in Rawalpindi today. He was accompanied by key members of the Cabinet. The Prime Minister was received by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and was presented guard of honour. Floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada was laid by the Prime Minister, to pay tribute to the martyrs. During the visit, Prime Minister and Cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness. They were briefed on the current security environment, threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counter terrorism operations. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured that the Government sh all provide all the resources required for ensuring operational readiness of the Armed Forces. The Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet appreciated the professionalism, operational readiness, and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in war against terrorism. They also commended the dedication of the Pakistan Army in safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is destined to rise and the role of the Armed Forces in ensuring peaceful rise of Pakistan cannot be over-emphasized. The COAS thanked the Prime Minister for the visit and reposing confidence in the Army. The COAS affirmed that Pakistan Army will continue to measure up to the nation's expectations and will resolutely support the Government in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Army organized a cultural symposium for the protection of regional language, traditions and culture in Bajaur district. Renowned poets from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participated in the symposium. The local singers presented Pashto language and its historical significance in their own style through folk music. More than 75 paintings by various artists were also exhibited in the symposium, while stalls of books, handicrafts and local products were also set up. The symposium was aimed at creating awareness amongst the local youth about the significance of Pashto culture and its history. Source: Radio Pakistan

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has rejected the news circulating on Media regarding the visit of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation to Pakistan. In response to media queries regarding this visit, she said any stories regarding the visit of a high-level IAEA delegation to Pakistan are fake news. She said no official from IAEA is currently visiting Pakistan, nor are any policy talks planned in the near future with IAEA. She further said that Director General IAEA visited Pakistan in February 2023. Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has emphasized the necessity of presenting positive face of Islamic world. In her message on International Day to Combat Islamophobia, she said that Muslim countries should strive to end their internal discord and become a symbol of unity. Maryam Nawaz said the United Nations, OIC and other international organizations need to make further efforts to eradicate Islamophobia. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly today passed a resolution categorically condemning Israeli war on Palestinians. The resolution moved by Shazia Marri denounced the continued Israeli aggression which has led to the loss of over thirty thousand lives of Palestinians since October last year. The resolution called upon the federal government to play a more proactive role in pushing the international community to enforce a ceasefire in Gaza. The House also offered fateha for the Palestinians martyred in Gaza. Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar laid before the House two bills today. These included: The Civil Courts Amendment Bill, 2024 and the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill, 2024. The chair referred the bills to the standing committees concerned. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar also laid before the House seven ordinances. These included: Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Ordinance 2023, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Amendment Ordinance, 2023, Pak istan Postal Services Management Board Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the National Highway Authority Amendment Ordinance 2023, the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the Privatization Commission Amendment Ordinance, 2023 and the Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Ordinance, 2023. The House also passed a resolution moved by the Law Minister extending the period of the ordinances for a further period of one hundred and twenty days. Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Naveed Qamar and others, Minister for Commerce Jamal Kamal Khan said the temporary ban on export of bananas and onions is Ramazan specific. He said the decision was taken at the cabinet level after a summary was moved to it by the Ministry of National Food Security. He said the ban on export of these products is till the 15th of next month. He however said we are cognizant of the concerns of the agriculturists and this time can be reduced if the things go smoothly. At the outset, five newly elected members on w omen reserved seats took oath of office today. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq administered the oath. The session has now been prorogued. Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has allowed the use of her helicopter for the emergency shifting of patients. Chairing a meeting of Air Ambulance Project in Lahore today, she said an air ambulance service will also be launched soon in Punjab. She said many lives are lost for not reaching the hospital in time. She emphasized that in case of an accident in far-flung areas, transportation of affected people to the hospital is vital. She said that the Rescue 1122 service will also be started on the motorway. Source: Radio Pakistan