PM urges tiMely coMPletion of centre-funded Projects In partnership with
Profit
Saturday, 10 August, 2024 I | 4 Safar, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 41 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
g ASSURES CM SHAH THAT CENTRE MEETS SINDH CM, GOVERNOR, DISCUSSES DIFFERENT PROJECTS OF FEDERAL GOVT WORKING CLOSELY WITH INITIATED IN PROVINCE DURING DAY-LONG VISIT CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO GET TO KARACHI KCR IN CPEC-PRIORITY PROJECT
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday agreed to speed up the timely completion of the federal government-funded development projects in the province. The development comes after PM Shehbaz, who is on day-long visit to Karachi, met Sindh CM and held discussion on different projects the federal government has initiated in the province during his day-long visit to Karachi, according to a statement issued by the CM House on Friday. CM Murad told the PM that the provincial government with the assistance of donor agencies have started work on BRT Redline and Yellow Line projects. “The work on the Red Line project was in full swing while work on the Yellow Line would be started shortly,” the CM said and added the solution of traffic issues in Karachi would be resolved when the Karachi Circular Railway project started.
The prime minister assured the chief minister that his government was working closely with Chinese authorities to get KCR in the CPEC-priority project. He added that the KCR was important and it would be initiated with Chinese assistance very soon. They also discussed the issue of the growing cost of electricity which has created unrest among the people of the country, as per the communique. Both the leaders after a thorough discussion agreed to convert all the coalfired power projects on Thar coal so that the cost of production could be minimised. The prime minister said that his
us envoy hails Pakistan’s decision to extend Afghan refugees’ stay ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome has appreciated Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees by a year, a statement from the US embassy in Pakistan said on Friday. A large number of Afghan immigrants, with an estimated 1.7m undocumented as of October 2023, reside in Pakistan. Last October, the caretaker government had announced the repatriation of all illegal foreigners citing security concerns. The decision was alleged to be meant for Afghan refugees, a charge that was denied by officials. Pakistan launched the first round of deportation in November last year, and 675,190 Afghans have returned to their country as of August 4 under the drive. While the government had decided to begin the second round of repatriation of holders of Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC), it last month granted 1.45 million Afghan refugees another year, extending their permitted stay in Pakistan till June 30, 2025. According to the US Mission Spokesperson Jonathan Lalley, Blome expressed the sentiments in a meeting today with Minister of States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam in Islamabad. While thanking Muqam for Pakistan’s “long history of hosting Afghan refugees”, Blome also reaffirmed the US’s commitment to working with Pakistan to “assist Afghan refugees and Pakistani community members in areas hosting refugees”. Blome “expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s recent decision to extend the validity of refugee Proof of Registration cards”, Lalley’s statement said. PoR is a critical identity document held by registered Afghan refugees. Lalley added that Blome also thanked Pakistan for the “positive steps taken to address protection concerns, and for our countries’ continued cooperation to facilitate the safe, efficient resettlement of eligible Afghans” to the US. The decision to extend the refugees’ stay had come a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, who was visiting Pakistan.
government was working to provide relief to the people of the country. He added that indigenous sources of energy production such as coal and renewable energy would be cheaper to provide relief to the people of the country. CM Murad told the prime minister that his government would distribute 200,000 Solar Home Systems (SHS) among the poor people living off-grid or using a maximum of 100 units per month so that they could be relieved of power bills. The K-IV project also came under discussion in the meeting between the two top officials.
The CM said that work on the K-IV canal and conduit was being carried out by Water and power Development Authority (Wapda) while the augmentation works were the responsibility of his government. The PM said that he would direct the Wapda to expedite work on the canal and related structures. The CM said that his government was going to start augmentation works so that both the works could be completed all together. CM Murad told the prime minister that his government had started the Hub Canal project under which the existing canal was being overhauled along with the construction of a new canal so that 200MGD of water could be brought to the city of Karachi for the people of Districts – West, Kiamari and Central. The prime minister appreciated the project. The PM and the CM also discussed the project of laying a 105kms railway line from Thar Coal field to Chhor so that coal could be transported up-country for coal-based power plants and other industrial units. They agreed to expedite the paperwork of the project.
Pakistan rejects claims of supplying Shaheen missiles to Iran ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has categorically denied reports claiming that Islamabad is planning to supply Shaheen ballistic missiles to Iran. During a weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that there is no truth to these allegations. At the briefing, Baloch highlighted Pakistan’s active participation in regional and international matters. She mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister represented Pakistan at the extraordinary OIC meeting addressing the situation in Palestine.
At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of continuing uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Palestine. On the occasion of ASEAN Day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister conveyed congratulations on behalf of Pakistan, further strengthening diplomatic ties. Pakistan had observed Kashmir Exploitation Day earlier on August 5, marking five years since India’s revocation of Article 370 in the Muslim-majority region. Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people and condemned
the Indian media’s ongoing propaganda against Pakistan. She reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to United Nations Security Council resolutions. Addressing an alleged attack on Donald Trump by a Pakistani in the United States, Baloch assured that Pakistani authorities are in constant contact with US officials and are awaiting further details on the matter. The Pakistani Embassy remains engaged with US authorities regarding Pakistani citizens. Baloch also touched upon Pakistan’s longstanding positive relations with Bangladesh.
At meeting with COAS, Masjid-i-Nabvi imam lauds Pakistan’s ‘significant’ role in Muslim Ummah RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Dr Salah bin Mohammad Al-Budair, the Imam of Masjid-i-Nabvi, on Friday highlighted Pakistan’s “significant place” in the Muslim Ummah during a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, reported the military’s media affairs wing. According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Imam Al-Budair called on COAS Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and discussed matters of mutual interest. “Pakistan has a significant place in the Muslim world and it is playing its vital role for peace and
stability in the region,” the ISPR quoted the imam as saying. Welcoming the dignitary, the army chief said his visit was a “matter of honour” for the nation. The ISPR said both sides expressed satisfaction over bilateral relations and Imam Al-Budair also prayed for peace, stability and unity in the Muslim world. It is to be noted that the Masjid-i-Nabvi Imam had arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on a seven-day goodwill visit. Earlier in the day, Imam AlBudair visited the National Assembly where Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warmly welcomed him. The NA speaker described the visit as a moment of “joy and blessing”, said
a press release issued by the NA Secretariat. On the occasion, Imam Al-Budair expressed his happiness for the warm welcome and said that the sincerity and love he received in Pakistan were “unforgettable”. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting unity among Muslim countries and establishing lasting peace in the region. Speaking to the distinguish guest, the NA Speaker said the Prophet’s Mosque held a special status for millions of Muslims worldwide and underscored the visit of its imam as a manifestation of the “stable and historic ties” between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
PsdP may have additional rs400b cut amid economic strains g
CURRENT UPLIFT BUDGET FALLS SHORT OF ADDRESSING NATION'S REQUIREMENTS, SAYS AHSAN IQBAL PROFIT STAFF REPORT
Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, has revealed that the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) may undergo further budget reductions, with an additional cut of Rs200 to Rs400 billion looming. Ahsan Iqbal attributed this potential reduction to Pakistan’s persistent economic difficulties, stating that the current development budget falls short of addressing the nation’s requirements. He noted that any increase in budget allocation would necessitate imposing further taxes, which the public is currently unable to bear. As a result, the development budget has already been reduced from Rs1,400 billion to Rs1,100 billion, with further cuts now being considered. The minister is awaiting a final decision from the Ministry of Finance on the matter. He emphasized that the government’s focus will remain on continuing externally funded projects, completing ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiatives, and prioritizing other key national projects. Iqbal also mentioned that discussions with China on the ML-1 railway project have concluded, with significant advancements expected this year. The decision regarding whether ML-1 will be completed in two or four phases remains under discussion. Earlier, during a Senate Standing Committee on Planning meeting chaired by Quratulain Marri, Ahsan Iqbal briefed the committee on the current situation. He pointed out that the IMF’s conditions have placed a heavy burden on the public, with no concessions offered. The most significant impact of the current economic conditions has been the reduction of the development budget from Rs1,400 billion to Rs1,100 billion. Iqbal cautioned that an additional cut of Rs200 to Rs400 billion is possible, which has already delayed the release of development funds for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. However, he expressed optimism that if the government successfully implements reforms over the next two to three years, Pakistan could witness substantial progress.
lHc petitioned against ‘controversial’ election Amendment Act 2024 LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
A citizen on Friday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging the Pakistan Election Amendment Act 2024 recently enacted to bar independent lawmakers from joining a political party after a stipulated period. Mushkoor Hussain has filed the petition through Advocate Nadeem Sarwar and has made the federal government, the Election Commission, the President, and the Prime Minister as respondents in the case. A day earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari signed into law the amendments designed to prevent lawmakers from changing their party affiliation within three days of winning election. Additionally, the amendments restrict reserved seats from being allocated to parties that did not win a single seat in the election. The petition argues that the amendments were introduced to overturn the Supreme Court’s verdict on reserved seats, labeling these amendments as unconstitutional. The petitioner contended that four amendments were made to the Election Act to render the Supreme Court reserved seats verdict ineffective. “The amendment act was passed without approval of the relevant committee and consultation”, he claimed. The petitioner is seeking a declaration from the LHC to nullify the amendments and has also requested a stay order to halt the implementation of the amended Act until the court makes its final decision.
‘PRIDE OF NATION’ Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking performance garners nationwide praise, recognition
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PRESIDENT, PM, ARMED FORCES AND SERVICES CHIEFS FELICITATE NATION ON THIS MOMENTOUS OCCASION
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI/LAHORE/KARACHI SALEEM JADOON
Following javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking performance at Paris Olympics, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and the Services Chiefs extended their warmest felicitations to the nation on this momentous occasion and lauded Arshad Nadeem for his historic victory, declaring him the pride of the entire nation. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem over securing a gold medal for Pakistan at the 2024 Paris Olympics, ending the country’s 32-year drought with the Olympic medal. Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the men's javelin beating defending champion Neeraj Chopra of India to clinch Pakistan's first Olympic Athletic medal in Paris
Olympics 2024, besides breaking the previous Olympic record with a 92.97-metre massive throw. "You are pride of the whole nation," both the president and prime minister said in their separately issued statements.
"Arshad Nadeem's victory is the victory of whole nation. Setting a fabulous Olympic world record is a great achievement. You have made us proud by winning the gold medal in a great contest of Olympics and bringing fame
to Pakistan," President Zardari stated. Both the president and prime minister also prayed to Allah Almighty for more successes of Arshad Nadeem in his future endeavors. "Bravo Arshad! History made! Pak-
istan’s first Olympic men’s javelin champion Arshad Nadeem brings home a historic gold medal at Paris 2024! You've made the whole nation proud young man," the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.
Olympic record-breaking athlete dedicates gold medal as gift to nation for I-Day
ISLAMABAD: After securing record-breaking victory in Paris Olympics, Arshad Nadeem dedicated the gold medal to the nation, describing it as a special gift for Independence Day. Arshad Nadeem, claimed gold at the Paris Olympics with a record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters. Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude in a post on social media platform Instagram following his recent gold medal win. In his post, Nadeem thanked Allah Almighty, his parents, and the entire nation for their prayers. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of his coach, Mr. Salman Iqbal Butt, and Dr Ali Sher Bajwa, whose support he credited with helping him achieve this milestone. His message highlighted the collective effort and support he received throughout his journey to success. His main challenger and defending champion, India's Neeraj Chopra, managed to secure a silver medal at second place with a throw of 89.34metres. STAFF REPORT