Day: March 8, 2025

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has decided to include women entrepreneurs associated with cottage industries and small businesses in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. The decision was made during a meeting in Islamabad to review ongoing reforms under the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister has formed a committee to create a comprehensive action plan aimed at empowering women involved in small-scale businesses. He has instructed the committee to submit its recommendations to him. Additionally, he has directed the relevant authorities to prioritize the empowerment of educated and skilled women in rural and remote areas, facilitating women entrepreneurs in cottage industries.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the need to establish facilitation centres to provide specialized training to women in cottage industries, thereby enhancing their business capabilities. Furthermore, he instructed the concerned authorities to offer low-cost loans to women through the Youth Loan Scheme.

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women, who make up nearly half of the country’s population. He assured that the government will provide all necessary resources and training to enable women to gain employment and manage their businesses effectively.

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the steps taken for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises under SMEDA.

Islamabad: Strict action will be taken against illegal foreigners and Afghan citizen card holders after the 31st of this month.

According to Radio Pakistan, there will be no extension to the deadline for the repatriation of illegal foreigners. The Ministry of Interior’s instructions mandate that illegal foreign nationals and Afghan Citizen Card holders must voluntarily leave Pakistan by March 31. The process of deporting all illegal foreign nationals will commence on the 1st of the following month.

Security sources stated that legal action will be taken against illegal foreigners and Afghan nationals remaining in Pakistan after the specified date. Such individuals will face arrest and deportation. Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan have been instructed to leave the country in a dignified manner.

The decision follows increasing incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, with Afghan nationals reportedly being directly involved. Sixteen terrorists from the group Fitnah Al Khwarij were killed in the Bannu Cantt suicide bombings, among whom were Afghan terrorists. Security sources indicated that the planning of this attack occurred on Afghan soil.

Gujranwala: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, stated that the Government has successfully navigated the country out of crises by executing wise economic policies.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister, while addressing a ceremony after inaugurating developmental projects in Gujranwala, emphasized that the country’s economic trajectory is now on the right path due to the government’s strategic measures.

The Minister highlighted that key economic indicators have shown improvement, inflation rates have seen a decline, and Pakistan’s stock market has reached a record high. Furthermore, Attaullah Tarar commended the security forces for their sacrifices in the ongoing war on terror.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed their commitment to empower every woman to help her achieve her full potential. They have called for additional measures to improve policies supporting women’s safety, education, and economic independence.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari, in his message on the occasion of International Women’s Day, emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to advancing women’s rights in line with constitutional provisions and international commitments. He highlighted the steps taken by the country towards women’s empowerment, including the enactment of laws against domestic violence, workplace harassment, and gender-based discrimination.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated the government’s resolve to intensify efforts to further advance respect for women’s rights. He pledged to build a Pakistan where every woman’s potential is realized, and every daughter’s dream is within her reach. The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights through concerted efforts, which include policy interventions, legal reforms, and institutional support. He also mentioned that Islam places great emphasis on the dignity and rights of women.