Latest news with #MuhammadShehbazSharif
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Iran president arrives Saturday for key talks
President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian receives Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif upon his arrival at Sa'dabad Palace in Tehran. Photo: APP/ File Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian is set to visit Pakistan on Saturday at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a trip being seen as crucial after the recent Iran-Israel war and other regional developments. According to officials, the Iranian President would land at Lahore on Saturday and first visit the Mausoleum of Poet Dr Muhammad Allama Iqbal. He would then travel to Islamabad where he would be having a series of meetings with Pakistan's civil and military leaders including the President, Prime Minister and the Army Chief. The Iranian media reported that Pezeshkian's agenda includes high-level meetings and dialogues with cultural and business leaders. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, which span political, economic, religious, and cultural dimensions. A key objective of the visit is to expand cross-border and provincial cooperation, with hopes of increasing current trade volumes beyond the existing $3 billion. But the focus would be on the current regional developments including Iran-Israel conflict, tensions in South Asia and deteriorating situation in Gaza. Prime Minister Shehbaz along with the Army Chief travelled to Tehran after the Pakistan-India conflict in May to thank Iran for extending support to Pakistan. Iran was among the countries trying to broker a ceasefire between the two nuclear armed neighbors. The Iranian Foreign Minister travelled to both New Delhi and Islamabad to prevent the situation from further escalation. The Iranian President subsequently spoke to both the Pakistani and Indian leaders as part of mediation efforts. But a few weeks later, when Iran was facing a barrage of missiles, drones and other attacks from Israel, Pakistan expressed complete solidarity with Tehran. Pakistan not only condemned the Israel strikes on Iran but as a non-permanent member of the UNSC played an important role in favour of Iran.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cabinet approves Hajj 2026, National AI policies
Listen to article The federal cabinet has approved the Hajj Policy for 2026 and the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy for 2025, marking significant steps towards digitising services and harnessing technology to drive economic growth. Chairing the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the complete digitalisation of next year's Hajj operation, aimed at providing the best facilities for pilgrims. 'All efforts will be made to ensure the smooth provision of services to Hajj pilgrims,' he said. The Hajj Policy 2026 includes a 70% government quota and a 30% private sector quota. It was highlighted that, following issues with the private sector in the previous year, private companies will ensure the participation of pilgrims who missed the Hajj in 2025. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs federal cabinet meeting. — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 30, 2025 A new third-party validation system for Hajj operations will be implemented for both government and private companies, ensuring transparency. The policy also includes the allocation of 1,000 seats for hardship cases and real-time monitoring of payments and processes for pilgrims opting for private companies. Additionally, a transparent selection process for Hajj assistants will be held via a test. The government also plans to provide mobile SIM cards, digital wristbands, quality accommodations, and compensation for emergency situations. The Pakistan Hajj mobile app will be enhanced for payment, training, and complaints management. National Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025 On the AI front, the prime minister highlighted the government's focus on empowering youth and enhancing the economy through AI. The National AI Policy 2025 aims to improve public services, productivity, and economic inclusion. The policy will encourage the development of AI skills, training, and access for women and people with disabilities. The cabinet was briefed about the AI revolution expected globally by 2030, with significant financial impacts on the global economy. The policy will include an AI Innovation Fund and AI Venture Fund to encourage private sector involvement. Steps to increase AI use in public services, cyber security, and environmental management are also covered in the policy. براہِ راست: وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) July 30, 2025 Moreover, 1 million trained AI professionals, 3,000 annual scholarships, 1,000 local AI products, and 50,000 AI-related projects are targeted by 2030. To oversee the policy's implementation, the establishment of an AI Council and an Action Plan was approved. The cabinet also ratified decisions made in the Cabinet Committees on privatisation and legislation. Sharif further acknowledged the damage caused by recent rains across various regions of the country, with mountainous areas suffering the most. He directed that measures be taken to address the damage caused by these natural disasters. PM also lauded the efforts of the energy minister and his team, highlighting the successful negotiations with Independent Power Producers, which have resulted in billions of rupees in savings for the country. PM Shehbaz praises Armed Forces While addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz also praised Pakistan's Armed Forces for their contributions to the country's security, highlighting their triumph in the war against India, which left the world in awe of Pakistan's military prowess. He reflected on the sacrifices made by Pakistan's security forces, noting that their victories have earned them global recognition. 'Allah has honoured the Pakistan Armed Forces,' he said, adding, 'They won the war against India, and the world is still astonished by our victory, praising Pakistan for it.' Sharif further commended the security forces for their ongoing efforts in fighting terrorism. "Our forces are making sacrifices in the fight against terrorists," he added. PM affirms full support for state of Palestine Shifting to international affairs, PM Shehbaz condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, describing the situation as unprecedented in its severity. "The suffering witnessed in Gaza is unlike anything we have ever seen," he said, noting the widespread hunger and suffering of children. The prime minister confirmed that aid in the form of food supplies had been sent to Gaza, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Authority, and would be dispatched via Jordan. 'The state of Palestine will have our full support in securing its rights,' he affirmed. He reiterated Pakistan's commitment to working with other countries to ensure the Palestinian people receive justice.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Govt making efforts to contain hepatitis epidemic: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said the government of Pakistan was making concerted efforts to contain the hepatitis epidemic and has launched the Prime Minister's National Programme for the Elimination of Hepatitis C, which aimed to screen over 165 million people by 2030 and provide free treatment to all positive cases. In a message on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, he said, 'This is a national movement that is a testament to our collective commitment to saving lives and securing the future. To make this vision a reality, we call on different segments of society to contribute to the efforts to end this scourge.' He said, 'On this World Hepatitis Day, we join the international community in reaffirming our commitment to eliminate hepatitis and protect the health of our people.' 'Pakistan is among the countries that are widely affected by the global hepatitis C epidemic. Viral hepatitis is one of the global public health challenges,' he remarked. He said, 'A large number of people infected with hepatitis B or C remain undiagnosed and untreated. While hepatitis poses a threat to all segments of society, certain segments of population remain at higher risk, including those receiving unsafe blood transfusions, patients undergoing unregulated medical procedures, newborns of infected mothers, healthcare workers, while the user of contaminated equipment or reused syringes, inadequate infection control, especially in rural and under-resourced areas, increase the risk.' The prime minister said, 'Raising awareness about hepatitis is essential not only to break the stigma surrounding the disease, but also to prevent new infections and ensure timely treatment for those affected.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's economy grows by 2.7% in FY2024-25
Pakistan's economy recorded a growth rate of 2.7% during the fiscal year 2024-25, exceeding earlier projections, according to the latest report issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), titled Asian Development Outlook - July 2025. The report described the country's economic performance as encouraging, attributing the improvement in macroeconomic stability to a steady decline in inflation and lower prices of essential commodities. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), the report highlighted a consistent decline in inflation over the first eleven months of the fiscal year, leading ADB to maintain its inflation forecast at 5.8%. Better-than-expected performance in the industrial and services sectors, alongside ongoing reforms in agriculture, contributed significantly to the overall economic expansion. Despite global headwinds such as trade uncertainty, elevated tariffs in the United States, geopolitical tensions, and a slowdown in property markets in key economies, Pakistan sustained a positive economic trajectory. ADB credited this resilience to Pakistan's domestic policy reforms, enhanced fiscal discipline, and improved macroeconomic management. Last week, Pakistan's Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif hailed the increase of current account surplus to $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2024-2025. In a statement, he said current account surplus had reached the highest level in last 22 years which was a very positive development. WAM
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
All's Not Well Between China & Pakistan? Repeated Attacks On Chinese Citizens May Strain Ties
Repeated assurances notwithstanding, security arrangements in Pakistan have been criticised for proving to be inadequate in protecting Chinese nationals and investments Over the past few years, Chinese nationals in Pakistan have been targeted repeatedly in high-profile and frequently fatal attacks. These acts have led to anxiety in China over protection of its citizens employed throughout Pakistan, overwhelmingly on infrastructure and energy projects of strategic importance to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Repeated assurances notwithstanding, security arrangements in Pakistan have been criticised for proving to be inadequate in protecting Chinese nationals and investments. In the midst of this cycle of violence, China has repeatedly complained about Pakistan's security measures. In the most recent diplomatic interactions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi explicitly informed Pakistan's Army Chief, General Asim Munir, of China's 'grave concerns" regarding repeated attacks. This was during General Munir's ongoing visit to China, further adding diplomatic pressure to Pakistan to showcase its commitment to keeping Chinese nationals safe. In response, a red-faced Munir assured that the Pakistani military remains committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. He further emphasised Pakistan's willingness to strengthen bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation with China. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting regarding security arrangements for Chinese citizens in Pakistan, in Islamabad on 22 July 2025. — Shehbaz Digital Media (@ShehbazDigital) July 22, 2025 China has always demanded 'strict action" by Pakistani authorities following every attack and applied diplomatic pressure—right up to the level of government—to express its annoyance and call for greater protection. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad has made repeated public statements against the violence and called for greater security. In response to the latest developments, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif called a top-level security meeting on July 22, stressing, in consultation with security agencies, that Pakistan's intention was to enhance security measures for Chinese workers and their related projects. Major attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan A number of attacks in recent years has brought the sensitive position of Chinese citizens in Pakistan into focus: November 5, 2024: Two Chinese employees of a textile factory in Karachi were severely injured when a Pakistani security guard fired on them. While authorities denied it was militancy-related, it raised concerns and brought new scrutiny to security measures. October 6, 2024: A suicide blast near Karachi airport killed two Chinese citizens and wounded at least 10 others. The suicide bomber targeted a Chinese engineers' convoy. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which is anti-large development projects in Balochistan, claimed responsibility. March 26, 2024: Five Chinese engineers and their Pakistani driver were killed by a suicide bombing while travelling to the Dasu Dam in Bisham Tehsil, Shangla District (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). The Afghan involvement was alleged by the Pakistani government, and counter-terror operations following the incident resulted in the arrests of at least 12 suspects. August 13, 2023: A Chinese engineers' convoy en route to the Gwadar Port was attacked repeatedly by BLA's Majeed Brigade. Four Chinese nationals and 11 Pakistani military personnel were killed. April 26, 2022: Three Chinese teachers at Karachi University's Confucius Institute were killed in a suicide bombing of their vehicle. 2022: An attack on a luxury hotel in Quetta, where the Chinese Ambassador was believed to be staying, resulted in five fatalities. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility. July 9, 2021: A terrorist bombing on a bus heading to the Dasu Dam site claimed 12 lives, including nine Chinese workers. November 23, 2018: Militants stormed the Chinese Consulate in Clifton, Karachi, killing four people during a prolonged shootout. These attacks create an ominous trend of attacking Chinese interests and personnel, primarily by rebel organizations like the BLA and the TTP. Broader implications and public sentiment The systematic targeting of Chinese citizens is not merely a test of diplomatic ties, but also of the faith behind the CPEC project and broader economic cooperation between China and Pakistan. top videos View all China is still a key investor in Pakistan, and the loss of Chinese lives has caused an outcry on Chinese social media, with some questioning Pakistan's stability and ability to keep foreign nationals safe. Additionally, rebels like the BLA have openly threatened China to retract its development ventures, showing the intensity of domestic opposition to international investment in restive areas. These incessant threats and high-profile attacks smudge the 'unbreakable friendship" rhetoric that both governments often tout. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : news18 specials Pakistan China view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 25, 2025, 15:40 IST News world All's Not Well Between China & Pakistan? Repeated Attacks On Chinese Citizens May Strain Ties Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
