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NDTV
29-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
MK Stalin To Inaugurate Permanent Housing For Displaced Irular Families
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will virtually inaugurate newly-built houses for 41 displaced Irular families at Melpakkam village near Arakkonam in Ranipet district on Thursday. The initiative provides permanent rehabilitation to the tribal families who lost their land to a road widening project. In 2023, the State Highways Department acquired patta lands earlier allotted to these families by the district administration for expanding the Kancheepuram-Arakkonam-Tiruttani Road (SH-58). As compensation, the department committed to providing new land and constructing houses at a total cost of Rs 6.32 crore. Each house, built at a cost of Rs 10.70 lakh, spans 355 square feet and includes a living room, bedroom, kitchen and attached toilet. The new residential enclave also features a community hall with a capacity of 100 people, an Anganwadi centre, a small temple, and a protective compound wall. To ensure essential amenities, a 30,000-litre overhead tank has been installed for drinking water supply. Internal roads have been paved with bitumen to facilitate smooth vehicular movement, especially during medical emergencies. Minister for Handlooms and Textiles R. Gandhi, who inspected the site along with District Collector J.U. Chandrakala, interacted with the families and urged them to prioritise education by enrolling their children in nearby schools. He also instructed officials to plant fruit-bearing saplings across the housing area to provide shade and supplementary income in the future. The relocation and housing effort is closely linked to a major infrastructure project - the widening of SH-58 - as part of the Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor, under the Centre's East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC). The ECEC aims to connect key coastal cities including Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Kanyakumari to promote industrial growth. Funded by the Asian Development Bank, the highway upgrade covers a 41.77 km stretch between Kancheepuram and Tiruttani. The road has been expanded into a 10-metre-wide two-lane corridor with stormwater drains, footpaths, 18 small bridges, and 124 culverts. The project cost is estimated at Rs 359.06 crore and has been under development since mid-2021. The initiative represents a balanced approach to infrastructure development and social responsibility, ensuring affected communities are not left behind in the path of progress.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Chinese envoy celebrates 74 years of China-Pakistan ties and future cooperation
Listen to article Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong delivered a speech at the Silk Road Culture Center in Islamabad on Wednesday to mark the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. He expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported the development of the longstanding China-Pakistan friendship. He recalled that diplomatic ties were formally established on May 21, 1951, marking a new era in the millennia-old exchanges between the two peoples. Over the past seven decades, he emphasised, the relationship has flourished under the leadership of successive generations and the enduring support of both nations' peoples. Highlighting the exceptional trust between China and Pakistan, the ambassador pointed to the close high-level interactions that have taken place in recent months, including reciprocal visits by the prime ministers and President Zardari's successful visit to China. He noted that the important consensus reached between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders has injected new momentum into the all-weather strategic cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese envoy reaffirmed China's unwavering support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development path, as well as its efforts to combat terrorism and maintain unity and stability. He praised Pakistan's consistent adherence to the one-China principle and its firm support on China's core interests. He also cited instances of solidarity and mutual assistance during challenges such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the China-Pakistan friendship as 'unbreakable' and 'iron-clad,' capable of withstanding global uncertainties. The ambassador highlighted the Silk Road Culture Center itself as a symbol of the 'Silk Road Spirit,' characterised by peace, cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit. He underlined the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as practical embodiments of this spirit. Ambassador Jiang noted China's role as Pakistan's largest trading partner for ten consecutive years, as well as the extensive development under CPEC, including milestones such as the opening of the Gwadar New International Airport and year-round access through the Khunjerab Pass. Looking ahead, the ambassador detailed plans to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation aligned with Pakistan's 5Es framework. These included expanding agricultural and industrial collaboration, developing mining and new energy sectors, fostering B2B and cross-border e-commerce growth, implementing livelihood projects, and ensuring that bilateral cooperation yields tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries. Ambassador Jiang also emphasised the importance of cultural exchange in the bilateral relationship, spotlighting the event's theme 'Tea for Harmony.' He elaborated on tea as a symbol of inclusiveness, humility, equality, and empathy, linking it to China's diplomatic goals of peace, stability, and harmony amid global geopolitical challenges. Addressing contemporary global issues, the ambassador noted the accelerated transformations and conflicts confronting the world, including the rise of unilateralism, protectionism, and hegemonism. He stressed the coordinated efforts of China and Pakistan within multilateral forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, alongside Pakistan's active support for China's proposals like the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He reaffirmed the commitment of China and Pakistan to deepen their high-level interactions, promote mutual learning between Chinese and Islamic civilizations, and advance a multipolar, equitable world order as well as inclusive economic globalisation. He called for the two countries to stand shoulder to shoulder and accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the new era. 'May the friendship between China and Pakistan last forever. May our two nations thrive in prosperity and flourishing,' he concluded, extending best wishes for health and happiness to all present. The event was attended by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, alongside distinguished guests, diplomats, and members of the public.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China agree to extend CPEC into Afghanistan
Listen to article Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghan territory, marking a significant step in trilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The agreement came during an informal trilateral meeting held in Beijing on Wednesday between Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Officials described the talks as constructive, with discussions focused on deepening diplomatic engagement, enhancing regional connectivity, and promoting trade, infrastructure and development. The three sides termed their cooperation vital for regional stability and agreed that economic integration was key to shared progress. They also stressed the importance of combating terrorism and working collectively toward peace and sustainable development. During his bilateral meeting with Wang Yi, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for China's core interests and thanked Beijing for its consistent support for Pakistan's sovereignty and security. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, concluded a successful three day visit to China from 19–21 May 2025. Together, the two sides reaffirmed their iron-clad friendship and advanced their shared vision for international and regional… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 21, 2025 Wang Yi described Pakistan as China's 'iron brother' and reaffirmed his country's commitment to Pakistan's development and regional stability. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of CPEC and welcomed third-party participation in its second phase. The ministers also discussed enhancing cooperation in agriculture, ICT, industry, and investment. They pledged to maintain coordination on regional and global forums and reiterated their commitment to multilateralism. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar called for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, describing it as essential for long-term peace in South Asia.
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First Post
16-05-2025
- Business
- First Post
'Pakistan a satrapy of China': Trump faces flak for not blocking IMF loan
Michael Rubin, a US military strategist, criticised the Trump administration for backing a $1 billion IMF bailout for Pakistan, saying it rewards a country accused of supporting terrorism and benefits China. read more Leaving the IMF and World Bank would mean losing a major source of global influence and economic power for the US. Reuters/File Photo Michael Rubin, a military strategist at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, criticised the Trump administration for supporting a $1 billion IMF bailout for Pakistan, especially when Pakistan is accused of sponsoring terrorism as state policy. 'By sending money to Pakistan, the IMF is also effectively bailing out China. Pakistan is today a satrapy of China, its Gwadar port was the original pearl on China's string, and its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has put Islamabad $40 billion in the red,' said Rubin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a developing story.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US military strategist slams Trump admin for not blocking IMF aid to Pak
Pony operators wait for tourists in Pahalgam on Thursday amid a sharp decline in tourism following the April 22 terror attack NEW DELHI: Michael Rubin, a military strategist with a conservative-leaning US think tank, American Enterprise Institute, has faulted the Trump administration for facilitating a $1 billion IMF bailout package to Pakistan, particularly at a time when the latter is seen as sponsoring terrorists' as a state policy. 'By sending money to Pakistan, the IMF is also effectively bailing out China. Pakistan is today a satrapy of China, its Gwadar port was the original pearl on China's string, and its China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has put Islamabad $40 billion in the red,' said Rubin, who taught at the Naval Postgraduate School till 2021. Rubin joined other international American security experts in asserting that India scored a victory in the four-day limited conflict with Pakistan, calling out the latter's bluff on inflicting a cost on New Delhi. Instead, he said, it was Islamabad that 'went running like a scared dog with its tail between its legs' to achieve a ceasefire. 'There is absolutely no spin Pak military can put on what occurred to shield themselves from the full reality of the fact that they not only lost, but they lost very, very badly,' Rubin says in a video comment, dismantling the propaganda peddled by Islamabad, still smarting from a complete defeat under Indian attack on its crucial air bases and critical military installations. In an Op-Ed on Wednesday, Rubin blasted US for not blocking IMF releasing a $1 billion bailout package to Pakistan, one of the 'world's most corrupt countries'. He further says that the IMF move came after Pak-based terrorists infiltrated India and executed non-Muslims in front of their families. The military strategist said that to release $1 billion to a terror-addled, pro-China regime at a time the White House has been seeking to de-escalate tensions between two nuclear states was not just about Pakistan; it was about the IMF thumbing its nose at President Donald Trump.
