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PM SHEHBAZ HIGHLIGHTS PAKISTAN’S GROWING POTENTIAL AS GLOBAL INVESTMENT HUB ASSURES GOVT PRIORITIZING MEASURES TO FACILITATE FOREIGN INVESTORS, EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
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PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met with prominent American entrepreneur and investor Gentry Beach in Dubai to bolster foreign investment. The meeting, aimed at strengthening economic ties and exploring investment opportunities, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a prime destination for global investors, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan offered vast opportunities for investment across various sectors. He assured that the government was prioritizing measures to facilitate foreign investors and ease of doing business. “This is the most opportune time for foreign investors to benefit from the investment opportunities available in Pakistan,” the prime minister stated. The prime minister also highlighted the positive impact of government policies, including reduced interest rates,
PM, UAE President seek to further strengthen Pak-UAE brotherly ties DUBAI
STAFF REPORT
which have spurred business growth and created new employment opportunities. He reiterated the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and the United States, expressing mutual commitment to enhancing trade and investment ties. Gentry Beach, a well-known figure in the global business community, praised Pakistan’s economic stability under the prime minister’s leadership. Reflecting on his recent visit to Pakistan, Beach commended the government’s investor-friendly policies and expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities across multiple sectors. “I am eager to move forward with
IHC summons AGP for assistance on pleas against PECA 2025 ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday summoned the attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) for assistance on the pleas challenging the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act 2025. Justice Inam Amin Minhas heard the petition filed by the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and the Anchors Association. Advocate Imran Shafiq appeared on behalf of the PFUJ and Advocate Riasat Ali Azad represented the Anchors Association. PFUJ President Afzal Butt, senior anchorperson Hamid Mir, Adnan Haider and Islamabad Union of Journalists President Tariq Virq were among those present. Advocate Shafiq, while advancing the arguments, raised a point that the PECA Bill had been passed in haste and even the sections of the law had been wrongly numbered.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions on Tuesday to explore ways of enhancing bilateral ties and fostering mutual interests, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. The meeting, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. The leaders focused on deepening cooperation across economic, trade, and development sectors, areas that align with both nations’ vision for sustainable growth and prosperity. According to the statement issued by the FO today, both leaders stressed the need for further strengthening the brotherly ties between the two countries. The discussions also provided an op-
my investment plans in Pakistan at the earliest,” Beach said during the meeting. The high-profile meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and
portunity to highlight the importance of the World Governments Summit in shaping global governance trends. The summit offers actionable strategies to help governments better prepare for global transformations and accelerate development. The premier is in UAE alongside Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on a twoday visit to the UAE at the invitation of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai. A press release issued by the FO said that this would be the premier’s second visit to the UAE since assuming office in March 2024. “The talks between PM Shehbaz and UAE ruler emphasized cooperation in economic, trade, and development fields, alongside other areas that align with both nations’ visions for sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” it said, agreeing to make 2025 “a year of action”.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
Pakistan calls for global action against Majeed Brigade, TTP in Afghanistan NEW YORK
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Tuesday called for global action against militant outfits such as Daesh, the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and the separatist Majeed Brigade, alleging that over two dozen “terrorist groups” are operating from Afghanistan which are a threat to the entire region and beyond. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram made the comments during the UN Security Council briefings on “Threats to international peace & security caused by terrorist acts”. Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN shared the remarks on social media plat-
form X on Tuesday. Pakistan has suffered a surge in militant attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan. The TTP has carried out attacks against civilians and law-enforcers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while the Majeed Brigade, a specialized unit of the Baloch Liberation Army, has scaled attacks in Balochistan. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to take action against militants that it says are using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan, a charge the Taliban-led government denies. Pakistan last year conducted cross-border strikes into Afghanistan against alleged militant targets, escalating tensions with its western neighbour.
The social media post said: “While strongly rejecting any imputation that an ISIL-K/Daesh recruitment is taking place inside the country, Pakistan has urged the international community to take greater cognizance of the renewed terrorist threat posed by the TTP, Majeed Brigade and Daesh.” “He stated in unequivocal terms that over two dozen terrorist groups are operating inside Afghanistan, which is also the ‘main hub for ISIL-K’s recruitment and facilitation,’ as is confirmed by the UN Monitoring Team’s recent report.” Mr Akram pointed out that Pakistan had defeated Al-Qaeda and other militant networks within its borders.
President Erdogan arrives today for high-level talks ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will land in Islamabad on Wednesday for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The highly anticipated visit is expected to bolster bilateral ties between the two long-standing allies and strengthen economic, political, and defence cooperation. According to the Foreign Office, Erdogan will be accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, including key government ministers, senior officials, and a significant group of business leaders representing major Turkish corporations. A key highlight of the visit will be the 7th Session of the Pakistan-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), co-chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Erdogan. The council is the apex decision-making body tasked with providing strategic direction to further enhance ties between the two nations. In previous meetings, the HLSCC has addressed various critical sectors, including defence, trade, finance, agriculture, education, and science and technology. The upcoming session is expected to yield significant agreements and partnerships. Sources indicate that a formal Joint Declaration will be issued at the conclusion of the talks, with several important agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to be signed. These agreements are likely to cover areas such as trade, defence, cultural exchanges, and investment initiatives. During the visit, the two leaders will address a joint press conference to outline the outcomes of their discussions and agreements. Additionally, Erdogan is scheduled to hold private bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari. Diplomatic analysts suggest that the discussions could cover the geopolitical landscape of the region, the ongoing economic crisis in Pakistan, and the enhancement of defence collaboration between the two nations. A key component of Erdogan’s agenda will also be the Pakistan-Turkiye Business and Investment Forum.
IMF discusses programme implementation and property rights with CJP in key meeting g
IMF TECHNICAL TEAM REVIEWS JUDICIAL REFORMS AND GOVERNANCE UNDER $7B BAILOUT DEAL PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical team, currently in Pakistan for a week-long review of the country’s judicial and regulatory frameworks under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), met with Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of the bailout programme and key issues related to property rights. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that such meetings fall within the typical scope of work of the IMF and World Bank, underscoring that international bodies routinely engage on matters of gover-
nance and the rule of law. The IMF’s mission is focused on addressing governance vulnerabilities and combating corruption as part of Pakistan’s ongoing EFF arrangement. The review covers six critical governance sectors and institutions, as outlined by the Ministry of Finance. During the meeting, the Chief Justice briefed the IMF delegation on Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to enhance judicial performance, emphasizing the judiciary’s independence and his role in safeguarding it. He made it clear that the judiciary is not accustomed to direct engagements with missions but would still address concerns related to judicial reforms. The CJP also noted significant constitutional developments, such as
the restructuring of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) and reforms concerning judicial appointments and accountability. CJP Afridi emphasized the importance of integrating the judiciary and parliamentary committee for a more transparent judicial selection process. He also mentioned that the Supreme Court is preparing an agenda for the National Judicial PolicyMaking Committee (NJPMC) meeting, scheduled for the last week of February. The meeting also focused on judicial accountability, particularly mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges, with the CJP stressing the need for a robust and fair accountability system to uphold judicial integrity. The IMF team acknowledged the judi-
ciary’s role in maintaining legal stability and commended ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. The two sides expressed a shared commitment to enhancing judicial efficiency and supporting the rule of law as a foundation for economic and social progress. After the meeting, CJP Yahya Afridi told the media that the IMF delegation sought details on programme implementation and property rights protection. He mentioned that Pakistan’s judiciary had presented its judicial reforms and the National Judicial Policy to the IMF team and emphasized the importance of safeguarding foreign investment. CJP Afridi also reiterated that judges’ independence must be maintained and that de-
tailed disclosures were not their responsibility, as per their constitutional oath. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, commenting on the meeting, stated that interactions with international bodies like the IMF and World Bank were standard practice when discussing the rule of law. He affirmed that the autonomy of the judiciary remains a constitutional matter, with the Law and Justice Commission working within its scope and domain. Pakistan committed to strengthening institutional capacities as part of its agreement with the IMF in October, aiming to combat corruption, foster inclusive growth, and ensure a fair business environment for both local and foreign investments.
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