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BalochIStan vIolence IS antI-natIonal, agaInSt IntereSt of people of pakIStan: pM Wednesday, 22 January, 2025 I 21 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
g ALL ECONOMIC INDICATORS SHOWING A PM SHEHBAZ SAYS GWADAR AIRPORT WOULD NOT ONLY BENEFIT BALOCHISTAN POSITIVE TRAJECTORY, TESTIFYING GOVT’S BUT PAKISTAN’S OVERALL ECONOMY EFFORTS TO STABILISE ECONOMY: PM
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 197 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly criticised those involved in violence and destruction in Balochistan, labelling such acts as anti-national and against the interests of the people of Pakistan. Speaking at the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stability and development in the region. The prime minister said the elements involved in killings in Balochistan were not only against Balochistan, but were the “enemies of Pakistan”. “Creating hurdles in completion of Gwadar Port is also animosity with Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that “the enemies of Pakistan do not want the operationalisation of Gwadar Port.” The prime minister also paid tributes
to the armed forces and people of Pakistan for “rendering matchless sacrifices to eliminate Fitna- al-Khwarij from the country”, a term that the state uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Highlighting economic development, the Prime Minister commended China for completing the Gwadar International Airport with a $230 million grant. He stated that the new airport would significantly boost the country’s economy and aid in the recovery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport would not only benefit the economy of Balochistan but Pakistan’s overall economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday during a federal cabinet meeting, according to Radio Pakistan. Pakistan’s largest Gwadar International Airport became operational on Monday with the landing of the first PIA flight
from Karachi carrying 46 passengers. He said the start of flight operations from Gwadar International Airport was “welcoming”. The premier also talked about other issues, including exports, electronic vehicles, and other economic indicators. He said it was welcoming to witness a record increase of IT exports to the tune of $346m in December last year. “We should also focus to push for more IT exports,” he said. He added the government was also taking a number of steps to promote electric vehicles in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz also welcomed the World Bank’s pledge of providing $20 billion under the country partnership framework for the next 10 years to support inclusive and sustainable development. “Under this, country partnership framework, investment will be made in different social sectors of the country,” he said.
The prime minister said all economic indicators were showing a positive trajectory, which was testament to the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy. He said the government is also making hectic efforts to provide the best facilities to Pakistani pilgrims during Haj this year. PM Shehbaz welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between freedom fighter group Hamas and Israel, declaring Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction process in Gaza. The Prime Minister condemned the loss of over 50,000 Palestinian lives due to Israeli aggression. The Federal Cabinet took up a plethora of items on its agenda, with particular focus on the prevailing political situation in the country. According to the report, the meeting deliberated upon the economic issues, which is among the 16-point agenda.
PTI sixth biggest political party of world, largest in country: Barrister Gohar ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan lamented over the delay in issuance of a certificate of intra-party elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) despite responding to all constitutional and legal questions. Talking to media outside ECP, he said the PTI held the intra-party elections in accordance with the constitution and law, adding that a certificate of the intra-party elections was their constitutional and legal right, ex-
pressing hoping that the party would receive it in the next hearing. He recalled that during the raid on the party office, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had seized various important documents. Barrister Gohar emphasized that PTI is one of the largest political parties in the world and the largest political party in Pakistan. The PTI chairman added that the procedure outlined in the constitution will be followed for appointment of chief election commissioner, adding that it will be completed once a parliamentary committee is formed.
He stated that everyone stood with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is the symbol of the party. Earlier, the ECP conducted a hearing on the intraparty elections of the PTI. The hearing, chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja was attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. The CEC informed the court that the case was pending since April 30, 2024, and PTI had not yet filed a written reply. To this, Barrister Gohar said that PTI had replied to the notice and would present the response to the petitions on the next hearing.
Interior Minister discusses bilateral ties with key US officials WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi participated in the prestigious Lincoln Liberty Ball dinner in Washington, receiving a warm welcome from American officials and dignitaries. During the event, Naqvi met with prominent figures, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congressman Ken Calvert, former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and Mississippi Governor Philip Bryant. Discussions focused on mutual interests and avenues to strengthen bilateral relations. The minister also extended congratulations to US senators and congress members on Donald Trump’s assumption of the presidency. “This is a historic day for America,” Naqvi remarked, expressing confidence in the Trump administration’s potential to open a new chapter in US-Pakistan relations. Naqvi noted the enthusiasm of the American public during the celebrations, calling it a testament to their support for President Trump. He expressed his best wishes for the American people and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration. President Zardari, PM Shehbaz congratulate Donald Trump on assuming office President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations to Donald Trump on becoming the 47th President of the United States. President Zardari conveyed his best wishes to the new US president, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sentiments in a post on X. “I look forward to working with him to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-US partnership,” PM Shehbaz wrote.