Tue, 21-Oct-2025

PM expresses condolence over loss of lives in Washington DC plane crash

PM

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives caused by a mid-air accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington DC.

On his X timeline, the prime minister conveyed his condolences to US President Donald Trump and the American people at this difficult time.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic news of a mid-air accident between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington D.C. Our thoughts and prayers are with US President Donald Trump and the American people at this difficult time,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his sympathies to the families of those who lost their loved ones and prayed for the safety of the survivors.

According to reports, an American Airlines flight collided in mid-air with a helicopter in Washington DC. The plane crashed into the Potomac River.

The jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and three US Army soldiers were on board the military helicopter.

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PM directs authorities to expedite work on Jinnah Medical Complex

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Ministry of National Health Services to modernize the healthcare institutions under the federal government’s purview and make Islamabad a model for healthcare facilities for the entire country.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the matters about the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, said that the government was prioritizing to ensure access to healthcare facilities across the country.

He asked the health ministry to expedite the work on Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center and start the pre-qualification process for timely procuring the facility’s medical and surgical machinery and equipment.

He said that the pre-qualification process should be completed under the supervision of an expert consultant, besides conducting a third-party audit of the construction work and the procurement of machinery and equipment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also directed to initiation the process of approving the charter for the university associated with Jinnah Medical Complex.

During the briefing on the healthcare facilities in Islamabad, it was told that Jinnah Medical Complex had been established as a company under Section 42 of the Companies Act. The relevant steering committee has approved the master plan for Jinnah Medical Complex.

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President, PM condole as LPG bowser explosion kills five in Multan

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condoled over the death of five people as an LPG bowser exploded in Multan which also left several others injured.

In their separately issued statements, the president and the prime minister conveyed their condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

They prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls, strength for the grieved families to bear the loss, and for the recovery of those injured in the incident.

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PM lauds Pakistani players for winning global championships  

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that the young Pakistani players were bringing laurels to the country and the nation with their talents and reiterated that the government was taking every possible step to provide facilities to the Pakistani athletes.

The prime minister met Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif and congratulated him on winning the SAARC Snooker Championship recently held in Sri Lanka.

He also presented a prize cheque worth Rs. 2.5 million to Muhammad Asif.

“You have brightened the name of Pakistan in the game of snooker and the entire nation is proud of you,” the press release quoted the prime minister as saying.

He further said that by winning the World Amateur Snooker Championship and the SAARC Snooker Championship thrice, he (Asif) had proven his skills in the world and brought honour to Pakistan.

During the meeting, Muhammad Asif expressed gratitude to the prime minister for recognizing him at the national level.

He opined that the government’s patronage in sports played a key role in promoting games, adding that it was an honour for him that the prime minister acknowledged his achievements.

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PM instructs merit-based selection of students for agri training in China

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection of the students to be sent to China for modern training in the agriculture sector.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting on the subject, also directed the formation of a committee to address the grievances of the students not meeting the standard during the scrutiny.

Calling China a time-tested friend of Pakistan and lauding its development in the agriculture sector, he told the participants that during his China visit, he had requested the Chinese leadership for the modern training of Pakistani students in the agriculture sector.

He said that the Government of Pakistan would bear the expenses of the students’ training and the first batch would soon leave for China. A 10% quota has been allocated for Balochistan among the students to be selected for the training, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked the Chinese leadership and the universities for allowing the Pakistani students.

In the meeting, the prime minister was told that 1287 male and female students had applied through a portal of which 711 – including those from Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan – met the criteria.

The students would be sent to China in two batches. Scheduled to leave for China in March this year, the first batch of 300 students will receive training in improving irrigation, diagnosing and monitoring veterinary diseases, veterinary breeding and genetics, and modern seed preparation and processing.

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PM forms special committee to probe Morocco boat tragedy

PM

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to conduct a high-level investigation into the tragic boat accident in Morocco.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has formed a special committee to probe the tragic boat accident.

According to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) sources, a 4-member investigation team will leave for Morocco tonight.

FIA sources said that Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry will head the investigation team while FIA ​​Punjab Additional Director North, Munir Masood Marath will also join the team.

One officer each from Foreign Office and Intelligence Bureau (IB) will also go to Morocco with the investigation team. The research team will stay in Morocco for 3 to 4 days.

The investigation team will meet the Pakistani survivors of the boat accident and also investigate the torture and killing of Pakistanis.

Earlier, tragic incident occurred on a boat of illegal immigrants from the African country of Mauritania to Spain, as a result of which 50 migrants, including 44 Pakistanis, died.

The boat with 86 migrants left Mauritania on January 2. Moroccan authorities say that there were 66 Pakistanis in the boat, 36 people have been rescued in the boat accident.

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PM, President laud Security Forces for successful operation against Fitna Al-Khawarij

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday praised Pakistan’s security forces for their successful operation against terrorists of Fitna Al-Khawarij in the Tirah region of Khyber District. The operation resulted in the killing of five Khawariji terrorists, including their ringleader, Abidullah, during an intelligence-based operation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded … Read more

PM congratulates Nation, Scientists on successful launch of EO-1 Satellite

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday congratulated the nation, scientists, and engineers on the successful launch of Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China. In a message shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account, the prime minister expressed his pride, stating, “Soaring higher and higher! Proud … Read more

PM approves new power supply system for industrial estates

PM

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif approved the new system of power supply to special industrial zones and industrial estates.

The Power Division and National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) will start work on it in the next 3 months.

The prime minister directed the implementation of this new system in all SEZs, adding the industrial development was crucial for the national progress.

“We are quickly moving towards materialising the commitment of ease of doing business. The availability of uninterrupted power supply will accelerate the pace of industrial growth in the country. With industries functioning, more job opportunities will be created, and exports will be enhanced,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the improved electricity transmission system at SEZs would enable industries to play a pivotal role in the country’s economic development.

On the other hand, in the youth program meeting, the Prime Minister said that the Uran Pakistan project will create new employment opportunities across the country.

Under the new system, zone developers would not require any additional license to supply electricity to industries within the zones.

The system would facilitate competitiveness among industries, thereby boosting industrial development and exports.

In this regard, Federal Minister for Power Division Awais Leghari said that under the new system, the administration will be allowed to provide connections, collect bills and handle other issues.

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PM Lauds FBR’s Faceless Customs System for Importer Relief

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the launch of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) Faceless Customs Assessment System will significantly benefit importers, reducing customs clearance time to just 19 hours. Speaking after inaugurating the FBR system in Karachi, the prime minister noted that the initiative was the result of months of dedicated … Read more

President, PM pay tribute to security forces for eliminating terrorists in D.I. Khan operation

President

ISLAMABAD: On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for their successful operation in Dera Ismail Khan, which resulted in the elimination of five terrorists. In separate statements, both the President and Prime Minister commended the bravery of the security forces during the intelligence-based operation (IBO). President … Read more

PM appreciates MWL’s support in promoting true identity of Islam at global level

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday praised the Muslim World League’s (MWL) efforts in promoting the true identity of Islam worldwide, emphasizing the importance of advancing the common goals of the Muslim world and encouraging mutual respect among various religions, beliefs, and cultures. The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting at … Read more

PM felicitates nation on record increase in foreign remittance

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the nation on record increase in foreign remittances in December 2024, saying that the claims of those who had been chanting to halt the country’s economy had proven to be baseless.

The foreign remittances during December 2024 increased to US$3.1 billion against November 2024, posting month-on-month growth of 5.6%.

The prime minister said the remittances witnessed a record growth of 29.3% in December 2024 against same month (December 2023) of last year.

“Record increase in the foreign remittances reflects the strong commitment of the overseas Pakistanis for playing their role in development of the country,” the prime minister said.

After achieving economic stability, Pakistan is now on the path of economic growth, the prime minister said adding that the government was determined to ensure national development and public welfare.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Joseph Aoun on his election as the President of Lebanon.

The prime minister, in a social media post on X, wished him success in his endeavors to lead Lebanon towards peace, stability and prosperity.

“Pakistan values its ties with Lebanon and looks forward to strengthen our bilateral cooperation,” he wrote.

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PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives Karachi

PM calls for sustainable growth, claims economy back on its feet

KARACHI: Prime Minister  Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived here in Karachi on a day long visit on Wednesday.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and top government officials welcomed the prime minister upon his arrival here at Faisal Air base.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Minister of State Ali Pervez Malik are also accompanying the prime minister.

The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the Federal Board of Revenue’s Faceless Customs Assessment System installed at the Karachi Port Trust.

The facility aims to improve transparency in customs clearance and reduce clearance time.

The prime minister, who will also visit the South Asia Pakistan Terminal at the Port, had instructed the installation of this automation system during his last visit to Karachi.

He will also visit the Pakistan Stock Exchange and attend the ceremony to award it the title of the second-best-performing stock exchange in the world in 2024.

Prime Minister Shehbaz will also attend as a special guest the launching ceremony of the Agha Khan University’s Manual of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

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President, PM vow to give access to education to blind people

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government was determined to provide better access of education and other facilities to the visually impaired people.

In a message on the World Braille Day on January 4, 2025, he said, “We are observing the Braille Day to highlight the importance of access of education for people deprived of eyesight.”

He said the objective of observing the World Braille Day was to create awareness about the rights of people deprived of eyesight. He said it was imperative to provide access to education to the special people for social and economic independence.

He noted that Braille was an important medium for visually impaired people to get education and knowledge.

He underlined the need for ensuring provision of important information to the blind people and said more urgent steps were needed to give visually impaired people access to books in Braille.

Pakistan had ratified the Marrakesh agreement for ensuring access of visually impaired people to education, he said adding high quality educational and informative material should be made available to the visually impaired people.

President Zardari urged that there was a need to pay attention to all sections of people for creating a society based on justice and equality.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said the government was committed in its resolve for creating enablers in society that empowered all individuals through accessible education, equipping schools with Braille books, enhancing teacher training, and establishing specialized centres for visually impaired students.

In a message on World Braille Day on January 4, 2024, he said, “Today, on World Braille Day, we join the global community in celebrating the transformative power of Braille, a remarkable system that has opened doors to knowledge, communication, and independence for millions of visually impaired individuals worldwide.”

He said, “Braille is not just a tool for reading and writing; it is a window to inclusivity and equal opportunities, empowering individuals to lead independent and dignified lives.

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PM expresses hope of achieving economic targets in next six months

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed the hope that due to untiring efforts of the economic team, the government would achieve the economic targets in next six months.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, the prime minister noted that during first five months of current fiscal year, the remittances posted record $15 billion that he hoped would expand to $35 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

He said that the government managed to achieve the macro economic stability despite the fact that the opponents made no stone unturned to sabotage the efforts of the government.

Wishing the participants of the meeting happy new year, the prime minister said that the sun of 2025 will rise with the promise of progress and prosperity for Pakistan.

He prayed that the economic, political and law and order crises that the world faced in 2024 would be overcome by positive progress in the new year.

He said the ambitious homegrown five-year plan titled “Uraan Pakistan” that was launched yesterday would prove to be a milestone for the country’s future provided “we remain on track and work hard to achieve the goals set in the plan”.

He specifically appreciated the efforts of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and other cabinet members along with the relevant government officials.

He said having achieved economic stability, the country had now entered the growth stage. “If we want to achieve the economic development, then we will have to focus on export-led growth and we have no other option.

The prime minister also appreciate the efforts of Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Finance Minister and Chairman FBR for collecting additional Rs 72 billion under ADR (advance-to-tax ratio) due to which the government’s target of tax revenue for December 2024 had almost been achieved.

Similarly, he said due to funding by the Bill Gates Foundation of $6 million, the digitization work of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would become completely digitized.

The early results of this project were that the 39% time duration of container inspection had been reduced while the businessmen got relief of 89%.

Additionally, he said smuggling of sugar through Afghanistan had been reduced to zero which was a positive sign for the country’s economy. He gave the credit of reducing the smuggling to Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanvir Hussain, the institutions and the Army Chief.

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President, PM pay tribute to Lance Naik Mahfuz on martyrdom anniversary

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on the 53rd anniversary of his martyrdom, recognizing his valor and sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, lauded the exemplary gallantry of Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed in the 1971 war when he repelled the enemy at the Wagah Border.

They prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of the rank of Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed in paradise.

“Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed fought the enemy with bravery. The entire nation salutes him for his exemplary valor and patriotism. The people of Pakistan recognise the sacrifices of the martyrs which they will never forget,” the president remarked.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed defeated the enemy despite its overwhelming strength.

“Lance Naik Mahfuz Shaheed proved to be an indomitable symbol of duty and patriotism to protect the country from the evil intentions of the enemies. His commitment to the motherland and the spirit of sacrificing his life for its defense is a model for the new generation to follow,” he said.

The prime minister said that the entire nation was proud of the Pakistan Army’s martyrs and their families and will never forget the armed forces’ sacrifices for the country’s defence.

Similarly, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), the Service Chiefs, and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate the 53rd martyrdom anniversary of Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, a paragon of extraordinary courage and unwavering patriotism.

“The valor and self-sacrifice displayed by Lance Naik Muhammad Mehfooz Shaheed during the 1971 war at the Wagah border epitomize the indomitable spirit of the Pakistan Armed Forces,” an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

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President, PM Praise Security Forces for Successful Operations Against Khawarij

President

ISLAMABAD: On Friday, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif extended their admiration to the security forces for their successful operations against Khawarij terrorists in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In separate statements, both leaders acknowledged the significant achievement of the security forces in neutralizing 43 Khawarij terrorists across various operations in Panjgur, … Read more

President, PM pay tribute to Major Shabbir Sharif on his martyrdom anniversary

President

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on the 53rd anniversary of his martyrdom, recognising his gallantry and sacrifice to safeguard the country.

The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, lauded the valor of Major Shabbir Shaheed while fighting the enemy in the 1971 war without caring about his own life.

They said that the whole nation was proud of martyred Major Shabbir for his gallantry and sacrifice and reiterated that the people of Pakistan would never forget the sacrifices of their soldiers.

They also prayed to Allah Almighty for the elevation of Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed and other martyrs in paradise.Pakistan’s cuisine

“The entire nation is proud of brave officers like Major Shabbir Sharif who sacrificed his life for the defense of the motherland. The nation recognizes the sacrifices of all the martyrs and will not forget them,” the president remarked.

Calling Major Shabbir Sharif a model of courage and bravery, Prime Minister Shehbaz said that in the 1971 war, he held back the enemy’s advance at Sulemanki.

“Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed not only defended his position but also disabled enemy tanks with an anti-tank rifle and eliminated the enemy, including their company commander.

Despite its numerical superiority, the enemy could not withstand the effective defense of Major Shabbir Sharif,” he remarked.

He said that Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed laid down his life to protect the motherland. His patriotism and the spirit of self-sacrifice for the country’s defense, by offering his own life, is an inspiring example for the younger generation, he added.

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PM calls for strict implementation on revenue collection strategy

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure effective and swift taxation and take strict measures to implement the strategy for revenue collection. The prime minister, who chaired a review meeting on the country’s economic situation and digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), said that the FBR’s digitization was a … Read more

President, PM, CJCSC pay tribute to Major Akarm Shaheed

President

RAWALPINDI: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,  Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), Services Chiefs, and Armed Forces of Pakistan pay heartfelt tribute to Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider on his 53rd Shahadat anniversary.

Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed was commanding a company of 4 Frontier Force Regiment at Hilli (East Pakistan) on 19 May 1971, where he defended the area of responsibility daringly and did not allow enemy to make an advance, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) here.

Later on, 03 December 1971, he was ordered to attack the enemy positions and where he destroyed enemy’s three tanks while making an advance.

During fight with enemy, Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed got seriously injured and embraced Shahadat on 05 December 1971.

“Major Muhammad Akram’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland,” it further said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Major Muhammad Akram Shaheed (Nishan-i-Haider) on his 53rd martyrdom anniversary recognizing his patriotism and supreme sacrifice in defending the country.

In their separately issued statements, president and prime minister lauded the gallantry of Major Akram Shaheed in the 1971 war and said that the whole nation would remain indebted to the martyrs and their family members.

They said that the entire nation paid tribute to its martyrs and would never forget their sacrifices. They also prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate Major Akram Shaheed’s rank in paradise.

The president saluted Major Akram Shaheed for his great services to the nation and sacrifice for the homeland.

“Major Akram Shaheed set an everlasting example of gallantry while fighting in East Pakistan. He fought against the enemy regardless of its overwhelming strength.

He also set an example of dutifulness and loyalty to the homeland that is a role model for the young generation,” the prime minister said.

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PM offers sympathies to Malaysian PM over loss of lives in floods

PM

LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deepest sympathies on behalf of the Pakistani people for the brotherly people of Malaysia over the loss of lives and property caused by recent floods due to torrential rains in several states of the country.

The prime minister in his telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, assured that the people of Pakistan stood in solidarity with their Malaysian brothers and sisters during this challenging time.

He also appreciated the swift and effective measures taken by the Malaysian government to address this natural calamity.

The prime minister offered all possible assistance to Malaysia and announced the immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid as a gesture of Pakistan’s support for its Malaysian brothers and sisters.

Referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Pakistan in October this year, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in bilateral relations and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

He noted with satisfaction that most of the trade issues highlighted during the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan had been successfully resolved.

The Malaysian prime minister thanked Shehbaz Sharif for Pakistan’s support and agreed that both nations needed to work together to enhance relations in all key sectors.

The two leaders also agreed to continue high-level visits. The prime minister, as well as the deputy prime minister and foreign minister, are expected to visit Kuala Lumpur early next year, a press release issued by the PM Office said.

In his post on X, the prime minister said during his conversation with the Malaysian PM he also expressed deep admiration for the swift response of the Malaysian government to this natural calamity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also expressed heartfelt grief over loss of lives and destruction resulting from floods in Malaysia.

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PM directs implementation on action plan to boost IT exports

PM

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication on Friday presented a detailed action plan to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to boost the country’s IT exports to $25 billion in five years.

The prime minister, who had tasked the IT ministry with the said target, chaired a review meeting here and appreciated the action plan, and instructed to ensure its implementation.

The action plan featured measures to bring reforms in different IT-related sectors and address the issues.

In his remarks, the prime minister said that there was no dearth of capable manpower and resources. The effective use of resources and skill training of the manpower could take the IT exports even beyond the targeted $25 billion.

He asked all the relevant departments for collaborative efforts to address the challenges in the IT sector reforms and informed the participants that he would personally oversee the implementation process.

The prime minister instructed the Higher Education Commission to devise an action plan for youth’s education and skill training of international standards.

Calling for implementing the proposals to meet the Gulf countries’ demand for IT experts, he asked the IT ministry to define the targets and their timelines to enhance exports. In this regard, he also directed to constitute a committee to ensure the implementation of the reforms and carry out necessary collaboration with different departments.

In the briefing, the prime minister was told that his decision to prioritise the IT sector led to a 34% increase in IT exports during the last four months. It was informed that Pakistan’s IT ranking improved from 79 to 40, e-governance ranking by 14 points, and 2500 new IT companies were registered.

The participants were informed that for the next five years, a $15 billion target has been set for IT sector exports, $10 billion for digitization, and $1 billion for telecom exports.

The meeting was briefed on the Labor Management System aimed at capacity building of the workforce in collaboration with the educational institutions, using the demand data of the industries.

As the IT ministry briefed about the proposed project for the facilitation of youth particularly the freelancers in remittances, the prime minister appreciated the measures regarding the international patent gateways and instructed for an immediate implementation.

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PM expresses satisfaction over implementation on $2.8b Saudi investment

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizing the significance of cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in different sectors, expressed satisfaction over the implementation of recently signed bilateral MoUs for Saudi investment worth $2.8 billion in Pakistan.

The bilateral ties were discussed as Deputy Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here.

Recalling the historic and fraternal relations between the two countries, the prime minister thanked the Saudi leadership and government for always supporting Pakistan and said both sides were working together to further strengthen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia ties into mutually beneficial economic and investment cooperation.

The prime minister welcomed the Saudi Deputy Interior Minister to Pakistan and wished him a successful visit.

He also conveyed his greetings and best wishes to The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Discussing the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East, the prime minister recalled the recent Arab-Islamic Summit held in Riyadh, and appreciated the leadership of Saudi Arabia for holding the event and also the stance of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the issue of Palestine.

Prime Minister Shehbaz applauded the leadership role of Saudi Arabia and the efforts of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in unifying the Ummah to collectively seek an end to violence in Gaza due to Israel’s genocidal actions.

Emphasizing the significance of bilateral cooperation in defence and security sectors, he said that the visit of the Saudi deputy interior minister and his delegation would help bring both sides closer in terms of cooperation in the said sensitive areas.

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PM arrives in Riyadh to attend Arab-Islamic Summit

PM

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to represent Pakistan at the Arab-Islamic Summit.

Upon his arrival at Riyadh’s Royal Airport Terminal, Prime Minister Shehbaz was warmly received by Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Governor of Riyadh, along with Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and other senior diplomatic staff.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi are also accompanying the prime minister.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his post on X wrote “…I will join the leaders of the Muslim Ummah at the Joint Arab Islamic Summit being convened to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza and speak with one voice for the rights of the Palestinian people and reaffirm our collective call for regional peace”.

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Acting President, PM strongly condemn Quetta railway station blast

Acting President

ISLAMABAD: Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned a blast near Quetta Railway Station. The acting president and prime minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude. The acting president expressed his deep grief over … Read more

Govt resolved to achieve $25b IT exports target: PM

PM

ISLAMABAD:  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday highlighting the government’s efforts to promote the telecommunications sector, reiterated its resolve to meet the target of $25 billion in IT exports in the next three years.

The prime minister, in a meeting with a five-member delegation of VEON Group led by Chairman Augie K Fabela here, said that the government was taking measures to introduce 5G internet service to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity even in remote areas. The 5G services would also help the government realise its vision of Digital Pakistan, he added.

 

The telecommunication sector had a significant role in promoting a cashless and digital economy, he said and lauded the services of VEON Group’s subsidiary Jazz in Pakistan’s telecommunications and financial technology sectors.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the government was willing to collaborate with VEON Group in IT, digitisation and artificial intelligence.

The members of the delegation appreciated the government’s efforts for economic stability and said that Pakistan had become an important investment destination for the IT and telecom sector.

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PM felicitates Pakistani cueist on winning World Snooker Championship

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday congratulated Pakistani cueist Mohammad Asif for winning the IBSF World Snooker Championship title for the third time.

In a thrilling final of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship, Asif defeated Iran’s Asian champion Ali Ghareghozlou 5-3 to claim the title.

“Mohammad Asif has made the nation proud by clinching the World Snooker Championship title for the third time. Asif’s family members and coach also deserve felicitation,”.

Lauding the efforts by Mohammad Asif to win the title, he said Pakistan’s capable youth were bringing fame to the country in the sports field.

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