Day: March 23, 2024

A simple but graceful Change of Guards ceremony was held at Mazar-e-Iqbal in Lahore today. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force took charge of the guard duties from Punjab Rangers for today. Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mahmood Ghazi was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Source: Radio Pakistan

Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud called on President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad today. Talking to the visiting dignitary, the President said Pakistan accords utmost importance to its relations with Saudi Arabia which are marked by shared faith. He underscored the need for further increasing bilateral cooperation in various fields. The President thanked Saudi Arabia for the support it extended to Pakistan during challenging times. He lauded the leadership of King Salman and the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to take Saudi Arabia towards remarkable progress. The Saudi Defence Minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong historical, strategic and defence cooperation and both countries should work together to further deepen it. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia believes in regional prosperity and has succeeded in increasing economic integration. Source: Radio Pakistan

Qatar has expressed keen interest in increasing its footprint in power generation and housing sectors of Pakistan. The interest was shown by a delegation of Qatar Fund for Development led by its chief executive Khalifa bin Jassem Al-Kuwari during meeting with Minster for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema in Islamabad today. The Qatari delegation is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. The two sides decided to further enhance bilateral cooperation by initiating technical level discussions. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister highlighted the longstanding relations between the two countries and appreciated Qatar's role in Pakistan's development. He underscored Pakistan's priority in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Qatar especially for development of mega projects in the water sector. The Minister appreciated the services of Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) to Pakistan at a challenging time. He congratulated the visiting dignitary on receiving the Civil Award by the President. On his part, Khalifa bin Jassem Al-Kuwari said the Qatar Fund remains committed to supporting Pakistan in its journey towards recovery and prosperity through climate-resilient infrastructure. He extended felicitations on Pakistan Day and thanked the Government of Pakistan for conferment of the Civil Award. Source: Radio Pakistan

Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud met Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir in Rawalpindi on Saturday. They discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral ties and ways to enhance cooperation in different fields especially defence. Speaking on the occasion, the Saudi Defence Minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong and historical brotherly relations and have always remained well-wishers of each other. Concluding his day long visit to Pakistan, Prince Khalid bin Salman left for home. He was bid farewell by the Army Chief at Noor Khan Air Base. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly condemned the heinous attack in Moscow last night that resulted in the loss of many precious lives. In a post on his X handle, he extended his heartfelt condolences to families of the victims. He said Pakistan stands with Russia at this difficult time. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has emphatically stated that Pakistan will not compromise on its sovereignty. Addressing Pakistan Day Military Parade at Shakarparian Parade avenue in Islamabad today, he said Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbors. We are a peace loving country and a responsible nuclear state. He however said Pakistani nation and its armed forces are always ready for defense of the country and respond to any aggression. The President said we will not tolerate any efforts by the terrorists or any group to destabilize our country. He said today's parade is a reminder of our unity, strength and pride. He said the world community recognizes Pakistan's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terrorism. The President pointed out that the Indian illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is one of the main reason of instability in the region. He said the Kashmiri people have been demanding their right to self-determination for the last seventy six years. Condemning the Indian brutalities and h uman rights violations in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, he urged the international community to ensure the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to always stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against tyranny. Alluding to the challenges faced by the country, the President said that a democratic government is in place following the electoral exercise. He said responsibility now rests with all of us to collectively address the challenges. Our people are hardworking and intelligent. He said the youth equipped with immense capabilities are the trustees of the country's development. He said Special Investment Facilitation Council has been established to improve the economy. He was confident that under this platform, foreign investments will develop the agriculture, livestock, minerals and mining, Information Technology and energy sectors. The President also called upon all the political parties to rise above their political interests and work collectively for the country's security and prosperity. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, Asif Ali Zardari appealed to the international community to take measures to ensure that the killings of innocent Palestinian people including children and women are immediately halted. He emphasized that ceasefire be announced and a humanitarian corridor is opened on priority basis. He said Pakistan will continue to support the Palestinian people till the resolution of Palestine issue as per their aspirations. Source: Radio Pakistan