Day: February 11, 2025

Islamabad: Pakistan has urged the international community to take greater cognizance of the renewed terrorist threat posed by the TTP, the Majeed Brigade, and Daesh.

According to Radio Pakistan, in a statement at the UN Security Council briefing on “Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, stated that this threat extends beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan, affecting the entire region and beyond. He emphasized Pakistan’s strong rejection of any implication that ISIL-K/Daesh recruitment is occurring within the country.

Munir Akram highlighted that over two dozen terrorist groups are operating inside Afghanistan, which is also the “main hub for ISIL-K’s recruitment and facilitation,” as confirmed by a recent report from the UN Monitoring Team. He demanded that those responsible for the situation take these assessments into account and address the threats posed by these terrorist groups, as documented in reports by the Secretary-General and the Monitoring Team.

He further stated that Pakistan, having successfully dismantled Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups within its borders, continues to face threats from groups like the TTP, Daesh, and the Majeed Brigade, which operate from safe havens across its borders. Munir Akram expressed Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing that Pakistan remains at the forefront of global counter-terrorism efforts while being a principal target of terrorist attacks, with a heavy toll of eighty thousand innocent lives lost and substantial economic damage incurred.

Dubai: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to increase high-level exchanges and explore new opportunities for enhanced cooperation. This understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the margins of the World Governments Summit in Dubai today. This was the first in-person interaction between the two leaders.

According to Radio Pakistan, the two leaders recalled the historical linkages between their countries and agreed to build on the existing goodwill. They discussed key aspects of bilateral relations, focusing on areas such as trade, defense and security, education, religious tourism, and sports.

The Sri Lankan President expressed appreciation for the cordial and time-tested relations between the two countries. He also shared his fond memories of the 1996 cricket world cup final that took place in Lahore, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the nations.

Karachi: The government has established a Maritime and Sea Port Authority as part of a comprehensive reform plan designed to address the infrastructure challenges in the maritime sector. The initiative aims to overhaul the existing systems to enhance efficiency and capacity, particularly at the Karachi Port Trust.

According to Radio Pakistan, the reform plan also involves the rehabilitation of railways infrastructure and the construction of elevated expressways. These developments are expected to significantly increase the capacity of the Karachi Port Trust, facilitating more efficient handling of goods and improving trade operations.

As part of the plan, there will be a complete inspection of containers using modern scanners, which is expected to reduce port clearance times. Additionally, a Single Window Operation will be established to promote transparency in port clearance procedures, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently.

The plan will also tackle the issue of large ships being unable to anchor due to existing infrastructure problems. This is a critical component of the reform intended to accommodate larger vessels, thereby increasing the port’s handling capabilities and attracting more international shipping lines.

Meanwhile, the global company Maersk has expressed interest in investing two billion dollars in the Pakistani maritime sector. This potential investment signals a positive outlook for the sector and is anticipated to further bolster economic growth and global investment in the region.

The reforms in the maritime sector are expected not only to improve the economy but also to position Pakistan as a more attractive destination for global investors, paving the way for increased economic activity and development.

Islamabad: Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has vowed to provide sugar at a discounted rate during Ramadan.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a meeting with the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association held in Islamabad, Minister Rana Tanveer outlined plans to establish sugar stalls across the country. These stalls, set up three days before Ramadan commences, will operate with the cooperation of provincial governments and remain open until the 27th of Ramadan.

Rana Tanveer further mentioned that the announcement of subsidized sugar prices is expected to be made within the week, aiming to ensure affordability and accessibility for citizens during the holy month.

Lahore: The Green Corporate Initiative (GCI) of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is significantly enhancing the development of Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Recent efforts by the Green Corporate Initiative have resulted in notable improvements in the agricultural landscape.

According to Radio Pakistan, this initiative is facilitating a shift from traditional farming methods to a more corporate-style approach, contributing to the sector’s growth. To enhance agricultural production, one-hundred and fifty thousand acres of land in Punjab have been upgraded with modern irrigation systems.

The Green Corporate Initiative’s successful strategy includes providing farmers with high-quality fertilizers and seeds, which has increased crop yields. The project exemplifies the green revolution, initiated through collaboration between the Punjab government and the Green Corporate Initiative, incorporating effective measures for forest restoration.

Agriculture is the main pillar of the country’s economy, contributing approximately seventy percent to the GDP.

Islamabad: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the successful establishment of a strong linkage between academia and industry was a hallmark of the PML-N government, stressing the urgent need to keep pace with the 4th Industrial Revolution. Addressing the concluding session of a seminar on “Implementation of Industry 4.0,” at NUST Islamabad, he highlighted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had established several national centers during its 2013-2018 tenure.

According to Radio Pakistan, the minister emphasized that these are not merely research centers; rather, they are an industry-driven program designed to support the launch of start-ups in collaboration with labs established in various universities. The minister said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the PML-N government had introduced prudent policies that were now yielding positive economic results.

The minister underscored the need for peace, political stability, ten-year continuity in policies, and a consistent reform agenda to achieve national development and prosperity.