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Tuesday, 20 September, 2022 I 23 Safar, 1444 I Rs 15.00 I Vol XIII No 82 I 12 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Pakistan, China to advanCe Common objeCtives on Climate Change, other issues: Pm shehbaz ISLAMABAD
P
Xinhua
RIME Minister Shahbaz Sharif Monday said that Pakistan and China have shared perspectives on the climate change agenda and the two sides would cooperate closely at the bilateral and multilateral levels to advance common objectives. In an interview with Chinese media, the prime minister said the socio-economic development agenda of the SCO has become more and more comprehensive since its founding. As a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), China has played an important role in multiple areas of cooperation in the SCO, Shehbaz Sharif added.
The SCO members have taken the initiative in areas such as commerce, transport connectivity and industrial cooperation in response to new opportunities and emerging challenges, he said. Within the SCO, China has played an important part in multiple areas of cooperation, including the work for the establishment of a development bank and the establishment of the ChinaSCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, he noted, adding Pakistan wishes to benefit from the Chinese experience in the use of the latest technologies in agriculture. Under the SCO’s framework, member states, including Pakistan, undertake joint efforts to address security challenges and combat terrorism, sepa-
ratism and extremism to ensure regional peace as well as economic development of the SCO region, the prime minister said. Talking about the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Sharif noted that as a flagship project of the BRI, the CPEC has added momentum to the already strong bilateral relationship. The CPEC’s early-harvest phase has helped Pakistan modernise its infrastructure, address energy shortages, connect markets with production centres and ports, and create high-quality employment opportunities, he said. “Entering a new stage of higherquality development, the CPEC would continue to unlock the potential of Pakistan-China cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, socio-
Military cooperation ‘important pillar’ of Sino, Pakistan ties: Chinese defence minister tells Gen Bajwa
RAWALPINDI Staff RepoRt
Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe on Monday told the visiting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa that Pakistan-China military cooperation an important pillar of bilateral relations.
General Wei Fenghe made these remarks during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is on a twoday official visit to China, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said. Gen Wei Fenghe expressed his country’s willingness to provide technical assistance for supporting flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The Chinese defence minister said China greatly valued its time-tested relations with Pakistan and its army, and looked forward to further expanding the cooperation. He also said the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was aimed at bringing more benefits and prosperity to the people of both countries. General Wei Fenghe thanked the COAS for special measures taken for provision of safe and secure environment to CPEC projects in Pakistan and efforts towards regional stability. He expressed satisfaction over progress on CPEC and hoped for timely completion of the project. He conveyed his grief over the devastation caused by ongoing floods in Pakistan due to climate changes and offered sincere condolence to the families of the victims. He also appreciated Pakistan Army’s rescue and relief efforts in flood affected areas. The COAS thanked the Chinese defence minister for his sentiments and continued Chinese support to Pakistan.
Nation won’t forget ‘traitors’ who imposed ‘imported govt’ on us: Imran CHAKWAL Staff RepoRt
Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan Monday said that the nation will not forget those “traitors” who imposed this ‘imported government’ upon them, accusing the incumbent rulers of destroying the country’s economy. “I will not accept these thieves and will continue to compete with them and their backers till I am alive,” he said while addressing a rally in Punjab’s Chakwal district on Monday. Imran said all sectors of the economy were flourishing during his tenure when the then opposition along with the “conspirators” toppled his government which he said triggered economic crisis in the country. “They run a propaganda campaign against my government with the help of their paid media houses that the country’s economy was sinking during my tenure,” he said. The former PM said the price of electricity has increased three-fold since the PML-N-led government came to power earlier this year. Likewise, the prices of other commodities including flour and rice have also witnessed exorbi-
tant increase during the last five months, he added. “People have been crushed under the inflation… country’s economy grew at the highest rate in 17 years during my tenure,” he insisted. “They [government] have committed an economic murder of the farmers… exports are falling, industry is shutting down and unemployment is rising,” he claimed. Imran while addressing the ‘traitors’ said, “The nation and Allah will not forgive you for subjecting the country to oppression by imposing thieves upon the masses”. The PTI chief said his government left the current account deficit of 16 billion dollars but also increased the country’s income to 63 billion dollars. ‘COAS appointment on merit’ Imran while comparing himself with the PPP and PML-N leaders said unlike former premier Nawaz Sharif he was not “nurtured” in establishment’s nursery and came to power after 22 years of political struggle. “No country can prosper without meritocracy. You have no future when our 60% cabinet members are out on bail and our leaders are Nawaz Sharif and Asif Zardari,” he added.
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economic development, science and technology and information technology,” he said. Speaking highly of the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the prime minister said Pakistan welcomes the GSI, which reflects the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and advocates cooperative and synergy-driven approaches to replace the zero-sum Cold War mindset of maximisation of security through power contestation and arms racing. The people of Pakistan consider President Xi an old and trusted friend and hold him in very high esteem, Sharif said, stressing that China’s steady development and many stellar achievements under his leadership are a source
of inspiration for Pakistan. “As one of China’s closest friends, we share the joy of our Chinese ‘Iron Brothers’ and wish them well on the journey towards national rejuvenation,” he added.