Day: February 22, 2025

Islamabad: The government is taking significant steps to enhance the national economy. Consistency and continuity of economic policies are essential for sustainable economic growth. Investors regard the stability of economic policies as a fundamental criterion before making any investments. The government is urged to address the issue of certain sectors being outside the tax net and to work towards incorporating these sectors to increase tax collection. It is a positive development that the government has announced plans to ensure tax collection from the agricultural sector, though it needs to provide concrete statistics and figures regarding this initiative. Commenting on the potential volume of tax collection from the agriculture sector remains premature.

According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Usman Chohan, an economist, noted that the government is making effective efforts to streamline the economy. The government is focusing on structural reforms in state-owned entities, which are expected to be completed by t
he middle of the current year. These reforms are anticipated to bring about economic development in the country. The federal government is advised to maintain close coordination with provinces on matters of revenue or tax collection, as it is not advisable to allow provinces unchecked autonomy in revenue generation and tax collection.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has stressed the need for global cooperation and partnerships to address challenges like climate change, poverty, and disinformation. He was speaking to the participants of the 5th International Workshop for Leadership and Stability organized by the National Defence University in Islamabad on Saturday.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President called for promoting collaboration among countries to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan is the gateway to landlocked Central Asian Countries, who are welcome to benefit from Gwadar port to promote shared development and prosperity.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional connectivity and economic collaboration, he invited international partners to work together toward a secure and sustainable future. Highlighting the role of leadership, the President said it is the responsibility of leaders to create opportunities for collaboration and work for the betterment of people and shared peace and prosperity.

Islamabad: Special Investment Facilitation Council is working to provide a supportive and conducive environment for the registration of new companies. Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) sets a record in January this year by registering over three thousand and four hundred new companies, which is thirty-nine percent higher than the previous year’s monthly average. This is a positive development, signaling growth in Pakistan’s business environment.

According to Radio Pakistan, among the new registrations, six hundred and fifty-two companies were in the Information Technology and e-commerce sectors, four hundred and sixty-three in trading, four hundred and eleven in services, and three hundred and eleven in real estate and construction. There was also a gradual increase in new companies in sectors like tourism, transport, food and beverages, and healthcare.

Dera Ghazi Khan: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring uniform progress and prosperity across all regions by implementing an extensive network of development projects. Addressing a public gathering in Dera Ghazi Khan, he highlighted the stabilization of the economy over the past year and emphasized the need to focus on strengthening the agriculture and industry sectors to boost exports and create job opportunities for millions.

According to Radio Pakistan, the prime minister expressed his dedication to the region by speaking in the local Saraiki dialect, underscoring the strong connection that he and Nawaz Sharif have with the area. He conveyed that a new era of progress and prosperity is unfolding, promising job opportunities for the youth.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of peace for achieving developmental goals and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against terrorism. As part of the development initiatives, he announced the construction of a cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan and a university in Rajan Pur.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, in his welcome address, acknowledged the large turnout at the gathering as a testament to the public’s support for the prime minister’s development agenda.

Islamabad: World Scout Day is being observed today, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the Scout Movement’s founder, Lord Baden-Powell.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Scout Movement is a voluntary, non-political, and educational initiative aimed at schoolchildren, focusing on the betterment of the community. Scouting activities are recognized for their role in character building among youth, promoting their physical, mental, and spiritual development.

World Scout Day serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of the Scout Movement, encouraging young people worldwide to engage in constructive activities that contribute to personal and communal growth.

Abu Dhabi: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen its multifaceted partnership with the UAE. During a meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, he also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic development and progress.

According to Radio Pakistan, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to strengthen its strategic relationship with Pakistan. He acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE’s development.

The two sides explored avenues to further enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, and defense. The two leaders agreed to maintain regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern.