Day: May 20, 2024

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's firm commitment to further expand bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Trkiye in all areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, technology and defence. He was talking to Turkiye Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, who called on him, in Islamabad today. The Prime Minister said the current level of bilateral trade is not commensurate with the existing bilateral ties. He emphasized to undertake concerted efforts for achieving the bilateral trade target of five billion dollars in the next three years as already agreed by the leadership of the two brotherly countries. Shehbaz Sharif invited Turkish companies to further expand their investment portfolio in Pakistan. He said the Turkish companies may consider relocating their industrial units to Pakistan. While underscoring the special bonds of brotherhood between Pakistan and Trkiye, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive momentum in bilateral relationship. Reg ional and global developments, particularly the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, also came under discussion. The Prime Minister appreciated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's staunch advocacy for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and lasting peace in Middle East. He stressed the urgency and importance of realization of the two-state solution as the key to attainment of durable peace in the Middle East. Shehbaz Sharif also reiterated his cordial invitation to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to undertake an early official visit to Pakistan for co-chairing with Prime Minister the 7th meeting of High Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Both sides reaffirmed their strong and abiding support to each other on the core issues of national interest. Source: Radio Pakistan

The Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises today approved the proposal by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and recognized the strategic nature of Pakistan Television Corporation and Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation. The approval was given at the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises, which met in Islamabad today with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair. The committee directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to present a viable business plan to the committee for efficient management of these enterprises. The Committee also approved the proposal of the Power Division for nomination of independent directors for certain electricity distribution companies for onward submission to the cabinet. However, the committee didn't approve the proposal presented by the Ministry of Railways to categorize four Railway companies as strategic and essential, and directed to submit a transformation plan for these four companies be fore the cabinet committee. Similarly, the proposal of the Ministry of Science and Technology was deferred with the direction to submit a business plan to the committee regarding the reforms planned by the Ministry of Science and Technology. The meeting was attended by Minister for Housing and Works Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Minister for Maritime Affairs Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Minister for Economic Affairs Mr. Ahad Khan Cheema, Chairman SECP, Federal Secretaries and other senior officers of the relevant ministries. Source: Radio Pakistan

Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani says Pakistan and Turkiye share same vision for regional development, peace and prosperity. He expressed these views in a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Islamabad today. The Chairman Senate called for increasing bilateral trade between the two countries, inviting Turkish businessmen to take advantage of the business-friendly opportunities available in Pakistan. He also extended his gratitude to Turkiye for its steadfast support to Pakistan at international forums, particularly on the issue of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Condemning Israeli bombing on innocent people in Gaza, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani underscored the urgent need for joint efforts to establish lasting peace in the Middle East and Palestine. The Turkish Foreign Minister reiterated his country's commitment to elevating bilateral relations to new heights. He expressed readiness to enhance parliamentary exchanges and strengthen people-to-people contact between the two nations. S ource: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his sincere concern over the health of His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. In a social media post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role King Salman plays not only as a close friend of Pakistan, but also as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a revered leader within the Muslim Ummah. The Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Pakistan stand united in prayer for complete recovery and swift return to his full health. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik says the government will extend all possible assistance to the students returning from Kyrgyzstan. Receiving the students from Kyrgyzstan at Islamabad airport, he said Ambassador of Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan is in touch with Kyrgyz government. He said the Prime Minister and federal cabinet are also in constant contact on the matter. Musadik Malik said we are fully aware of the difficulties faced by the students and their parents due to the incident. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan and Trkiye have agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security domains. The understanding reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Trkiye Minister for Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan in Islamabad today. They also assessed preparations for the upcoming 7th session of Pakistan-Trkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council to be held in Islamabad in the near future. Ishaq Dar appreciated Trkiye's firm and consistent support for the oppressed people of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He also reiterated Pakistan's support for the legitimate rights of the people of Northern Cyprus. The two Ministers also discussed regional and global developments, especially the ongoing genocide and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the need for urgent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the provision of urgent humanitarian relief for the besieged Palestinian people. They re iterated the imperative for the creation of an independent Palestinian state for lasting peace in the Middle East. The two leaders also discussed the need to combat Islamophobia and stressed the urgency of addressing it in a holistic manner. Pakistan and Trkiye enjoy special bonds of friendship and brotherhood rooted in history, culture and religion. Regular dialogue and exchange of high-level visits are the hallmark of Pakistan-Trkiye robust bilateral relations. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of his Pakistani counterpart. Source: Radio Pakistan