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FM Fidan BISHKEK EPISODE NOT TARGETED AT PAKISTANIS, Turkiye’s arrives in Islamabad on official visit RESULT OF MISUNDERSTANDING: DAR Monday, 20 May, 2024 I |11 Zil-Qadah, 1445
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SAYS SITUATION NOW NORMAL WITH KYRGYZ STUDENTS VISITING INJURED PERSONS AS GESTURE OF GOODWILL
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LAHORE/ISLAMABAD
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PM SHEHBAZ INSTRUCTS PAKISTAN’S AMBASSADOR TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO BRING STUDENTS BACK FROM KYRGYZSTAN
TWO SPECIAL FLIGHTS WITH 360 PAKISTANI STUDENTS FROM BISHKEK, LAND AT ISLAMABAD AND LAHORE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
STAFF REPORT
EPUTY Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his regret over the unfortunate incident in Bishkek, emphasizing that the government stands firmly with the victims during this challenging time, saying the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding, with false information being circulated on social media for political purposes. Addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Atta Tarar and Federal Minister Amir Muqam on Sunday, Dar reassured that medical treatment for injured Pakistani students is a top priority. He confirmed that all students are safe and stated that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding, with false information being circulated on social media for political purposes. Meanwhile, two special flights KA4575 and KA-6571 carrying approximately 360 Pakistani students from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, landed at Islamabad and Lahore International Airport, respectively. “The Bishkek incident was due to a misunderstanding, and various nationalities including Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Arab students were affected. False reports are being spread on social media, which is disgusting,” said Dar. He clarified that misleading information, such as mislabeling a Bangladeshi student’s picture as Pakistani, is being propagated. He dismissed claims of assault against a female student as un-
founded, citing confirmation from the Kyrgyz government. He highlighted the immediate response by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating, “An emergency unit was activated right after the incident. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the entire government machinery are closely monitoring the situation.” He mentioned that despite the Kyrgyz ambassador being on leave, his deputy provided detailed information on Saturday, ensuring full communication between the governments. The Deputy Prime Minister revealed that six Pakistani students were among the sixteen injured foreign students, currently receiving treatment in three different hospitals. He underscored the strong fraternal relations with Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing that the incident was not targeted against Pakistan. “The situation is now normal, with Kyrgyz students visiting the injured
as a gesture of goodwill. Security has been heightened in Kyrgyzstan as a precaution,” he added. Kyrgyzstan visit ‘cancelled’ Due to the incident, a planned visit was canceled at the request of the Kyrgyz government, the minister said. Instead, he added that two officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were dispatched to Bishkek. He assured that continuous contact is maintained with the students and their parents through the embassy. “We have facilitated the return of 130 Pakistani students so far, with over 50 more registered to return today. Additionally, 540 students will return on commercial flights, and a Pakistan Air Force flight is also arranged to bring students back from Bishkek. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi will personally welcome these students,” he stated. He also touched upon Pakistan’s international standing, noting, “Pakistan
Govt to shift from net to gross metering for solar panels amid IMF talks
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PLAN AIMS TO BOLSTER GRID ELECTRICITY USAGE AND POWER COMPANY REVENUES, PUSHING CONSUMERS TOWARDS MORE COSTLY GRID POWER PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
During recent discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistani authorities revealed plans to phase out the net metering policy for rooftop solar panels. This policy, which currently allows solar energy users to offset their grid electricity consumption with rooftop-generated power, will be replaced by a gross metering system that aims to encourage the use of grid electricity, which is more costly. The shift is part of broader negotiations as Pakistan seeks further engagement with the IMF, including a proposed $15.4 billion energy debt restructuring with China. The Ministry of Energy has taken steps to ensure the IMF is fully aware of the upcoming changes in solar panel policies, which have
traditionally helped consumers reduce dependence on expensive grid electricity. Under the new gross metering policy, solar energy generated on rooftops will be fed directly into the national grid. Homeowners will then draw their electricity solely from the grid, potentially paying more as the financial benefits of generating their own power are diminished. This system will require two separate meters at homes: one to measure electricity fed into the grid and another to measure consumption, replacing the current bidirectional meter system. The government’s rationale for this policy shift is to bolster the revenues of power distribution companies, which have been hit by the increasing popularity of inhouse solar power generation among Pakistan’s middle-to-upper
Pakistan, Australia agree to further expand military-to-military cooperation RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Chief of Defence Forces Australia General Angus J. Campbell on Sunday paid a visit to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, the military’s media wing said. During their meeting, according to InterServices Public Relations (ISPR), they engaged in discussions on matters of bilateral professional interest, with a particular focus on the global and regional security environment and cooperation between the two armed forces. ISPR said that both parties expressed a mutual desire to further expand military-tomilitary cooperation. The Australian Chief of Defence Forces expressed his admiration for the high professional standards maintained by the Pakistan armed forces, their notable achievements in the fight against terrorism, and their continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability.
class. This demographic has turned to solar power as grid electricity prices have soared due to inefficient power systems and unfavorable power purchase agreements. The average base tariff in Pakistan is currently Rs29.79 per unit, but with additional charges, consumers can pay up to Rs62 per unit. The IMF has been informed that a major increase in electricity prices is expected in July, further compounding the financial burden on consumers. Additionally, the rapid adoption of solar power has led to a decrease in demand for grid electricity, exacerbating the issue of idle capacity payments. These payments, which are made to power plant owners regardless of electricity production, have contributed significantly to the high cost of electricity.
Search under way as helicopter carrying Iran’s President Raisi, FM crash TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD AGENCIES
Rescuers continue struggling to reach the site after a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister crashed on Sunday as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog, the Iranian officials said. The official said the lives of Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were “at risk following the helicopter crash”, which happened on the way back from a visit to the border with Azerbaijan in Iran’s northwest. “We are still hopeful but information coming from the crash site is very concerning,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. State TV quoted an official as saying that at least one
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passenger and one crew member had been in contact with rescuers. It also said the helicopter had been found, though Iran’s Red Crescent denied this report. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate power with a final say on foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme, sought to reassure Iranians, saying there would be no disruption to state affairs. Iranian state media said bad weather was the cause of the crash and was complicating rescue efforts. The chief of staff of Iran’s army ordered all the resources of the army and the elite Revolutionary Guard to be put to use in search and rescue operations. Incident Reported for Helicopter Carrying Iranian President
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 320 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
was isolated on the international stage during the previous era, but under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s strategy, the country’s global image has been restored, and diplomatic relations have improved.” He emphasized the importance of increasing the number of medical institutions in the country. Federal Minister Ameer Muqam affirmed the government’s ongoing contact with Kyrgyz authorities since the incident occurred. “It is crucial to set aside emotions and focus on the facts. The education of students in Kyrgyzstan benefits both countries, and the government is providing comprehensive support to the victims,” he concluded. Earlier, the first special flight carrying Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan successfully landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. A special flight KA-571 carrying more than 180 passengers along with Pakistani students from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, has landed at Lahore Airport. PM directs to make arrangements to bring back Pakistani students Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the Ambassador of Pakistan in Kyrgyzstan Hasan Ali Zaigham to make all necessary arrangements regarding the special plane to bring back Pakistani students from Kyrgyzstan. In his telephonic conversation with Hasan Ali Zaigham, the Prime Minister directed him to stay in touch with all Pakistani students and their families in Kyrgyzstan.
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Foreign Minister of Turkiye Hakan Fidan on Sunday arrived in Islamabad on a two-day official visit to Pakistan. FM Fidan was received by Additional Foreign Secretary (Afghanistan & West Asia) Ambassador Ahmed Naseem Warraich. During the visit, FM Fidan will meet Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and hold extensive discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, a Foreign Office statement said. The two sides will review the state of bilateral relations and assess preparations for upcoming highlevel engagements between the two countries. “Bilateral cooperation as well as international and regional situation will be discussed in the meetings. While, preparations for the 7th Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council will also be reviewed,” the diplomatic sources informed. PM Shehbaz, on April 19 last, had reiterated his government’s resolve to further strengthen economic relations and trade partnership with Turkiye. The PM had stated this while speaking to a delegation of Turkish investors who called on him at the Prime Minister Office. The Turkish investors, expressing confidence in the leadership of the prime minister, had taken keen interest in investing in Pakistan’s diverse areas. The prime minister had said the people of Pakistan and Turkiye had a long-standing brotherly relationship spanning centuries. He had said reforms had been made in the system to take full advantage of the potential of foreign investment in Pakistan. Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan Mehmet Pacaci, CEO Terminal YAPI Cenk Coskun and other Turkish and Pakistani officials had participated in the meeting. Federal ministers – Ishaq Dar, Kh Muhammad Asif and Ahad Khan Cheema, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal and relevant senior officials had also attended the meeting. Earlier in April, Turkish Chief of General Staff, Gen. Metin Gurak, was awarded with one of Pakistan’s highest military medals, an official statement said. President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-eImtiaz to Gurak at a special ceremony held at the President House in Islamabad, said the statement. The award was conferred in recognition of Gurak’s illustrious services and contribution to strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye defence ties, it said.