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PAKISTAN, SAUDI ARABIA RESOLVE TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC TIES
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Wednesday, 17 April, 2024 I 8 Shawwal, 1445
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Rs 50.00 | Vol XIV No 288 I 36 Pages I Islamabad Edition
PM STRESSES TO EXPEDITE FIRST PHASE g SAUDI FM CONVEYS COMMITMENT TO OF SAUDI INVESTMENTS IN PAKISTAN ENHANCE STRATEGIC, ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP PROFIT APP
AKISTAN and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on Tuesday reiterated their resolve to build a strong partnership and further promote economic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries. This was discussed during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who called on him, at Prime Minister House, according to a PMO press release. Recalling his warm and productive meeting with the Saudi crown prince, the prime minister said that the Saudi delegation’s visit after his trip was a manifestation of the strong commitment of both countries to the strengthening of bilateral relations focused on mutually beneficial economic cooperation. In this regard, he said that both sides needed to work closely to expedite the first phase of Saudi investments in Pakistan under the new arrangement. The premier informed the delegation about the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and its initiatives to promote investment in Pakistan. The Saudi foreign minister also conveyed the Kingdom’s commitment to an enhanced strategic and economic partnership with Pakistan. The escalating situation in the occupied Palestinian Territories was also discussed. Earlier, the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal also called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Welcoming the delegation, President Zardari said that both countries enjoyed a long-standing and decades-old relationship and Pakistan wanted to transform the existing ties into a long-term
strategic and economic partnership. The president lauded the visionary leadership of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and the remarkable progress being made under Vision 2030. He also
thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia for its support to Pakistan in difficult times. The Saudi Foreign Minister said that KSA considered its relations with Pakistan very critical and was committed
ISLAMABAD
fostering bilateral relations. Commending the Special Investment Facilitation Council’s (SIFC) initiatives to attract investment, Prince Faisal remarked, “I have never witnessed such a large and high-profile delegation from Saudi Arabia in Pakistan throughout my 35-year political career.” Responding to queries regarding the situation in Gaza, the Saudi foreign minister condemned the ongoing crisis, denouncing it as a blatant violation of international laws. “The situation in Gaza represents a grave failure of international norms and is utterly unacceptable,” he stated. “With over 33 thousand lives lost and restrictions on aid delivery, the plight of Gaza is intolerable.” He lamented what he perceived as double
to building a strong partnership with Pakistan. He highlighted that both countries enjoyed strong bonds and had helped each other for decades. He appreciated the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in the development of KSA. Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed the potential for extensive commercial, trade, and investment cooperation in multiple domains for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Commending the upward trajectory of relations with the Kingdom, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to further strengthen bilateral economic and security cooperation. He underlined the tremendous investment opportunities offered by Pakistan and the central role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in this regard.
Saudi Arabia vows to enhance investment in Pakistan STAFF REPORT
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud affirmed his commitment to bolstering economic ties with Pakistan, saying that his country will do whatever in its domain to enhance investment in Pakistan. During a joint press conference alongside Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, he highlighted the fruitful outcome of discussions following a recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. “We are fully committed to enhancing our investment in Pakistan,” stated the Saudi foreign minister, underlining Saudi Arabia’s dedication to
standards and hypocrisy on the global stage, particularly in the wake of the deaths of six Western workers in Gaza. On the occasion, FM Dar warmly welcomed the high-powered delegation from the KSA, describing their visit as a significant milestone in his extensive political career. During their discussions, both leaders explored avenues to elevate the existing cordial cooperation between the two nations to a strategic partnership, with a focus on bolstering investment in Pakistan. Dar highlighted the effectiveness of SIFC in expediting foreign investment processes, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to fortifying its investment landscape.
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After petroleum prices COAS, Saudi FM discuss policies to bolster bilateral cooperation further hike, power tariff likely to increase PRINCE FAISAL MEETS GEN MUNIR, UNDERSCORES STRATEGIC NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN by Rs2.94/unit g
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REQUEST TO REDUCE FCA FROM RS 4.92 TO RS 2.94/UNIT FOR MAY HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO NEPRA, SAYS POWER DIVISION PROFIT
AHMAD AHMADANI
After giving a severe blow to the already inflation-hit masses by hiking petroleum prices, the government is likely to induce more shocks to the power consumer by increasing the electricity tariff by Rs 2.94 per unit. Power Division, in a press statement, said that the request to reduce the fuel charges adjustment (FCA) from Rs 4.92 to Rs 2.94/unit for May as compared to April has been submitted for hearing in the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). According to the Power Division, as a result of the government’s efforts, the request for the reduction in electricity bills has been submitted to NEPRA for the third consecutive month. The electricity bills for March were brought down from Rs 7.6/unit to Rs 4.92 per unit, said Power Division. According to the sources, the request to increase electricity prices was filed in the context of monthly fuel charges adjustment (FCA) by the Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) and NEPRA will hear the application of CPPA during the last week of this month. It should be noted that in the February adjustment, NEPRA had increased the price of electricity by Rs 4.92 per unit, while in the January fuel price adjustment, the price of electricity was increased by Rs. 7.6 per unit.
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PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, accompanied by a delegation, met with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday, the military said. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), discussions centred on mutual interests and policies to further bolster bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The statement said that the esteemed visitor underscored the enduring and strategic nature of the relationship between the two nations, emphasising on exploring multiple avenues for continued reinforcement of bilateral ties. In response, COAS conveyed appreciation for the delegation’s visit, affirming the traditional bond of fraternity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He underscored the reverence and affection that the people of Pakistan hold for their Saudi brethren. The army chief reiterated full support for the delegation and conveyed his best wishes for mutually beneficial outcomes from the interaction for both states. A high-level Saudi delegation, led by FM Faisal arrived in Pakistan
on Monday as part of efforts by Pakistan to attract investment from Riyadh. The delegation comprises key ministers and senior officials arrived in Pakistan on the heels of a visit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Riyadh earlier this month where he held wide-ranging talks with the Saudi leadership. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed his senior cabinet ministers to urgently travel to Islamabad to explore the potential areas for investment. Pakistan is giving high importance to the visit as Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received the Saudi delegation at the Noor Khan Air Base. Islamabad is offering Saudi investors stakes in the multi-billiondollar Reko Diq mine projects.
Similarly, the SIFC is keen for Saudis to invest in the agricultural sector. The sources indicated that the Saudi delegation would receive detailed presentations on the potential areas of investment. Pakistan requires injection of billions of dollars if it wants to meet its external liabilities and avoid repeatedly turning to international financial institutions for bailouts. Islamabad is eager for investments to commence sooner rather than later, to boost foreign reserves and stimulate economic growth. The SIFC was established to tackle the country’s economic challenges through foreign investment. Pakistan aims to attract $70 billion in investment from the Gulf countries over the next three to five years.
SC’s commission on Faizabad sit-in gives clean chit to Faiz Hameed, agencies ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Faizabad sit-in commission has given a clean chit to the country’s spy agencies as well as former spymaster Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, it emerged on Tuesday. The commission observed that former high-ups of provincial and federal governments did not accuse the agencies or any other officials of extending facilitation to Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protestors. The commission further noted that no evidence was brought before the inquiry body. However, the three-member inquiry commission has held the political leadership, including the then Punjab chief minister – incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif – among others, responsible for letting the TLP protestors enter the federal capital without any resistance due to fear of threats to their lives and “apprehension of losing their vote bank”. “Since no one including the former Prime Minister, former Interior Minister, former law Minister, and former Chief Minister of Punjab, accused intelligence agencies or any other official of the agency for extending facilitation to the protestors nor other evidence was brought forward, therefore, the Commission could not connect any organization or state official in supporting TLP to organise the dharna.” During the inquiry, the commission’s report read, Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, Ahsan Iqbal, Zahid Hamid, Shehbaz Sharif, and then Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Aftab Sultan were asked specifically about the alleged role of agencies in facilitating the march. “They all denied the role of any organ or person of the state to have indulged in such an activity,” the report stated. “Commission observed that Lt Gen (R) Faiz Hameed, the then Maj Gen DG (C) ISI, on the behalf of security establishment had to sign the agreement as a mediator between two parties which was with the permission of DG ISI and COAS,” the report read, adding this was also concurred by then-interior minister Ahsan Iqbal and PM Abbasi. The report further stated that the then interior minister told the commission that having no other alternative; the federal government had used the services of ISI in order to reach out to the leadership of TLP and finally signed an agreement upon which the protestors dispersed. Based on the available record, the commission said, it appeared that the Faizabad sit-in was more due to lack of courage of conviction of the leader handling the issue and in particular the Punjab government, saying it is the reason both the provincial and federal governments dithered in tackling the issue at the initial stage. The report also said that the record suggested different stances of the federal government and Punjab government to deal with the issue. While ex-PM Abbasi initially persuaded the Punjab government to contain the protest within the limits of Punjab, ex-Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif “advised to let them proceed to Islamabad”. The commission was led by Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, a former civil servant, who also served as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s police chief. It included Tahir Alam Khan, a former IG of ICT, and Khushal Khan, an additional secretary at the Ministry of Interior. The commission was tasked to identify those who planned, financed, and supported a sit-in at Islamabad’s Faizabad area six years ago—a dharna that had brought the little-known religious party TLP into the national spotlight. The commission was also asked to recommend legal action against the planners and executors of the protest which disrupted lives in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad between November 6 and November 27, 2017. It was further asked to determine the role of the government high-ups. In its report spread over 149 pages, 57 annexures & sub-annexures and one appendix, the commission has not only examined all relevant evidence related to the incident but described it to be an elaborate case study on the style of governance in Pakistan, mentioning the major fault lines and lack of courage of conviction of the leaders to deal with a major crisis in accordance with the rule of law. The commission observed that the more one examined the crisis generated due to TLP’s sit-in, the clearer one can see how policy gaps propel such protests and how efficiency, effectiveness and rule of law, which are essential attributes of good governance, are missing from the scheme of things. It noted that a lack of coordination between Rawalpindi Police and Islamabad Capital City Police was observed and, as a result, 277 people including police and Frontier Constabulary officials were injured, while seven others were killed in Rawalpindi. The report added that the commission of inquiry found unanimity among the statements of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Shehbaz Sharif, Zahid Hamid; the then law minister, Aftab Sultan; the then DG IB, Fuad Asadullah; Director General IB, Azam Suleiman; the then Additional Chief Secretary Home, emphasizing to resolve the matter through negotiations and avoidance of use of force.
Military top brass sees Afghanistan-based terrorists acting as proxies against CPEC RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
The 264th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir to address the looming threat posed by terrorist factions based in Afghanistan, which not only jeopardise regional and global security but also serve as proxies targeting Pakistan and its economic interests, especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The military top brass at the forum voiced condemnation regarding the callous attack against Chinese nationals in Besham and the ruthless killings of civilians in Balochistan, as stated by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The conference honoured the supreme
sacrifices made by martyrs, including armed forces personnel, law enforcement agencies, and civilians, in the pursuit of peace and stability within the nation. Gen Asim Munir commended the tireless endeavours of the Pakistan Army and LEAs in thwarting numerous terrorist plots and neutralising significant terrorist figures during ongoing counterterrorism operations. He instructed commanders to actively eliminate any space for terrorist activities. The army chief affirmed, “The armed forces and LEAs of Pakistan, bolstered by the unwavering support of our resilient nation, are resolute in eradicating this menace from Pakistan, by the grace of Allah.” The conference also voiced grave concern over India’s persistent aggression in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) region, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to extend political, diplomatic, and
moral support to Kashmiri brethren. Expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine, the conference condemned the egregious human rights violations, war crimes, and genocide occurring in Gaza. Moreover, the conference expressed apprehension regarding escalating tensions in the Middle East, emphasising the urgent need for both sides to de-escalate to avert a wider regional conflict. The conference denounced the ongoing malicious propaganda campaign aimed at undermining the morale of the armed forces, stressing that baseless allegations against law enforcement agencies and security forces are part of a larger scheme to create division between the populace and Pakistan’s armed forces. It was reiterated that such efforts would not succeed, and stringent action would be taken in accordance with the law
and Constitution. Committing to supporting the government’s efforts in achieving sustainable socioeconomic progress, including combating illegal activities such as smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, and ensuring the safe repatriation of all illegal
immigrants, the conference resolved to provide full cooperation. General Munir directed field commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness and morale within their units and to pursue professional excellence through objective training.