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PRESIDENT CALLS FOR MAKING A FRESH START TO END POLITICAL POLARISATION Friday, 19 April, 2024 I 10 Shawwal, 1445
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Addresses joint session for 7th time, stresses fostering atmosphere of mutual respect to overcome challenges ISLAMABAD
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Slogans from PTI-SIC MNAs reverberate in House as they chant ‘Go Zardari Go’ while carrying posters of Imran Khan
Staff RepoRt
RESIDENT Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for turning a new page and making a fresh start, emphasising meaningful dialogue, parliamentary consensus, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation to overcome polarisation and address the challenges facing the country. “In my considered view, it is time to turn a new page… The challenges we face are not impossible to overcome. They simply require the fundamentals of meaningful dialogue and parliamentary consensus… We can effectively tackle our challenges and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation,” the president said while addressing the joint session of the Parliament. Chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the joint sitting was attended by members of the National Assembly and Senate while in the galleries were provincial chief ministers and parliamentarians, diplomats, and representatives from political parties. The president’s address was in pursuance of Article 56 (3) of the Constitution which marked the beginning of the first parliamentary year, following the general elec-
tions. The address encompassed all of the major national and international matters and challenges from the economy, poverty, social welfare, women empowerment and foreign policy to Kashmir and Palestine as well as climate change. Zardari said that having given away his powers to the Parliament, his role was as a unifying symbol of a joint, robust federation, where all people and provinces should be treated as equal before the law. As a new beginning, he said that the
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country needed to build its strengths by investing in people, focusing on public needs, and harnessing its resources to create pathways to inclusive growth. “We have little time to waste. The country needs us to move on from the polarisation so common now to contemporary politics,” he remarked and sought the joint house’s role in rebuilding public confidence in the parliamentary process. Calling for resetting the political atmosphere and reflecting “more light than
heat”, he emphasised reforms, to promote good governance and turn challenges into opportunities. President Zardari said that by embracing the visions of the great leaders Quaid-eAzam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, “we can effectively tackle challenges and foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation”. The president emphasised that in order to align the country with the requirements of the 21st century, it was imperative to move forward on reforms with good governance for the provision of optimal social entitlements to the citizens. He said that besides working on economic reforms, spurring jobs, reducing inflation, and expanding the tax net, the federal government should also promote positive working relationships and effective coordination, within the constitutional framework, with the provinces. “This is absolutely essential for promoting an inclusive national development agenda and rolling out policies that execute tangible action on the ground.” Zardari stressed the government to intensify its efforts for attracting foreign direct investment, implementing comprehensive ease-of-doing-business reforms, and simplifying the existing regulations to provide an enabling environment to both foreign and
Dar, Blome discuss ‘recent events in region’ ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, held a meeting with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday to delve into recent developments in the region. Acting spokesperson for the US Mission, Thomas Montgomery, conveyed the essence of the dialogue in a statement issued shortly after the meeting without specifically mentioning the recent regional events. Ambassador Blome reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to collaborating closely with the government and people of Pakistan. He underscored that ensuring prosperity and security for Pakistan remains among the highest priorities for the United States. The meeting between Ambassador
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Ensuring prosperity and security for Pakistan remains among highest priorities for the US, says envoy
Blome and FM Dar comes at a pivotal juncture, marked by significant geopolitical shifts and evolving challenges in the
region including Middle East crisis following Iran’s attack on Israel amid ongoing Gaza war.
Last week, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller had denied any information that suggested that Iran was supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Pakistan, contributing to the recent surge in terrorist activities. Miller addressed several contentious issues surrounding the geopolitical situations in Iran and Pakistan. He firmly disagreed with this assessment that Iran supported ISIS activities in Pakistan. “So, I would obviously disagree with your characterisation. I’m not going to get into a long rebuttal about something we’ve spoken to a number of times, but no, I do not have information to suggest that, he told the questioner during his regular press briefing.
IMF emphasizes reforms over financial aid size in talks with Pakistan g
DEVALUATION OF PAKISTANI RUPEE NOT ANTICIPATED IN ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS, SAYS AURANGZEB PROFIT
MonitoRing DeSk
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is prepared to assist Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of reform measures over the size of any new financial program, according to Jihad Azour, the fund’s Middle East and Central Asia director. Azour, who spoke during a press conference at the IMF 2024 Spring Meetings, highlighted the need to expedite and intensify reforms to unlock Pakistan’s growth potential. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is in Washington to participate
in the spring meetings organized by the IMF and the World Bank. He mentioned that Pakistan has begun discussions with the IMF concerning a new multi-billion dollar loan to bolster its economic reforms, targeting a three-year program. Aurangzeb assured that devaluation of the Pakistani rupee is not anticipated in the ongoing IMF negotiations. He stated in a Bloomberg interview that there is no justification for the rupee to depreciate beyond the usual annual fluctuation of 6% to 8%. Despite previous devaluations linked to IMF loans, he believes substantial devaluation is unnecessary this
time due to strong foreign reserves, stable currency, and solid performance in remittances and exports. However, he noted that fluctuating oil prices could pose a risk. The finance minister also expressed the government’s intent to support key sectors like agriculture and information technology to push economic growth above 4% in the next few years. He revealed that Pakistan needs about $24 billion for external financing in the upcoming fiscal year but is in a stable position to manage these obligations. He anticipates an IMF mission visit in May, with hopes to finalize a staff-level agreement by late June or
early July. In discussions with US State Department officials Donald Lu and Elizabeth Horst, Aurangzeb conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the US. The meeting focused on enhancing economic partnerships in alternative energy, agriculture, climate resilience, and technology. They discussed American investment prospects in IT, renewable energy, agriculture, and mineral extraction, and Pakistan’s collaboration with US development institutions for mutual growth. Furthermore, Aurangzeb met with the WB-IMF Pakistan Staff Association, outlining Pakistan’s reforms in taxation, energy, digitalization, privatization, and public-private partnerships, aiming to revitalize the economy and sustain growth.
domestic investors. At the same time, he also emphasised diversifying exports, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products in global markets, introducing value addition, and venturing into new international markets. Similarly, the huge untapped potential in the agriculture, marine life, information technology, and textile sectors should also be exploited to earn foreign exchange, he added. Commending the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), he said it was a step forward in the right direction as it was aimed at attracting and facilitating investments in key sectors. About the impacts of climate change, the president said that Pakistan had been serially devastated by different impacts of climate change, especially in the shape of catastrophic floods in 2022. “We urgently need to invest in climatefriendly and climate-resilient infrastructure to mitigate the rapidly compounding risks of climate change,” he added. Speaking about the importance of the provision of primary and secondary education, the president pointed out that as a massive number of children were out of school and all the provincial governments should focus their energy on transformative reforms in the education sector.
Block all SIMs issued on invalid, expired ID cards, Naqvi orders Nadra g
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DIRECTS ESTABLISHMENT OF MODEL NADRA OFFICES ACROSS COUNTRY ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday ordered the National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) to block all mobile phone SIMs issued on invalid and expired identity cards. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued the directive during visit to the Nadra headquarters in Islamabad where he also inspected all sections including printing. On the occasion, Naqvi instructed for the establishment of model Nadra offices across the country, pattern on the model police stations, established in Punjab. He asserted the model Nadra offices will improve service delivery and provide convenience to the public. Nadra Chairman Lt-Gen Muhammad Munir Afsar welcomed Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on arrival at the National Database and Registration Authority Headquarters. The Federal Interior Minister also presided over an important meeting at the Nadra headquarters. During meeting Mohsin Naqvi directed that SIM cards issued on ineffective and expired identity cards should be closed as soon as possible. “The fee for death certificate is being abolished for the convenience of the public,” Naqvi said. He said that the establishment of model police stations in Punjab improved the image of the public along with service delivery. Mohsin Naqvi directed to effectively deal with the issues of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates and system should be introduced in collaboration with the Union Council offices. He further directed to ensure complete security of citizens’ data. “More facilities should be provided on mobile platforms for the convenience of people,” the Interior Minister directed. He said that social media should be used effectively to promote the institution’s initiatives, so that more people can benefit from these facilities. He also praised the excellent performance of Nadra Chairman LtGen Muhammad Munir Afsar, saying he has made NADRA a public-friendly institution through various initiatives. Naqvi also praised the services of the institution for providing excellent services in civil registration. During the meeting, the Federal Interior Minister was briefed about all the sectors at Nadra headquarters. He also planted saplings in the lawn of Nadra headquarters as part of the plantation campaign.
COAS, Chief of Turkish General Staff explore ways to expand defense collaboration further g
GENERAL METIN GÜRAK ALSO MEETS CHIEF OF AIR STAFF AND CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE RAWALPINDI
Staff RepoRt
General Metin Gürak, Chief of the Turkish General Staff on Thursday met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the Inter-Services public Relations (ISPR) said. According the statement from the ISPR, at GHQ Chief of the Turkish General Staff called on General Syed Asim Munir as the
discussion encompassed various topics of mutual interest, spanning defense, training, and initiatives aimed at bolstering regional peace and stability. Both sides acknowledged the robust relationship between their nations and committed to expanding defense collaboration further. The COAS underscored the imperative of advancing existing military cooperation between their armed forces. The visiting dignitary commended Pakistan’s efforts in fostering regional peace and stability, as well as the Pakistan Army’s role in combating terrorism.
Earlier, upon arrival at GHQ, the Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Army paid respects at Yadgar-e-Shuhada by laying a floral wreath. A well-presented contingent of the Pakistan Army rendered a guard of honor to the esteemed visitor. Separately, General Metin Gürak called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff during his visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Both the dignitaries discussed various areas of shared interest, aimed at bolstering professional cooperation in the realm of modern warfare technologies and training.
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