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Arab News
17 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan ruling party chief discusses strengthening bilateral defense, economic ties with Saudi envoy
ISLAMABAD: The president of Pakistan's ruling Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party Nawaz Sharif and his daughter, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, met Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral defense, political and economic ties between the two countries, an official of the Punjab government said. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy close defense, economic and diplomatic ties. In recent months, the two countries have sought closer economic cooperation, with Islamabad and Riyadh signing 34 business-to-business agreements last year worth $2.8 billion. During their meeting, Sharif and the Punjab chief minister conveyed their sincere wishes and respect for Saudi Arabia's King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the public relations officer to the Punjab chief minister said in a message circulated to media. 'The meeting included discussions on matters of mutual interest, economic cooperation, defense partnership, and unity of the Muslim Ummah,' the statement said. It added that both sides reaffirmed to further strengthen the historic, political, economic and defense ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 'Both sides agreed to expand defense partnership, joint training, intelligence sharing and mutual cooperation,' it said. The Punjab chief minister said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia's relationship is based on mutual trust, shared values and long-standing brotherhood. 'Relations with Saudi Arabia are a central pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy, which continues to grow stronger in political, economic, and other sectors,' she was quoted as saying. Nawaz said Islamabad is grateful to Saudi Arabia for hosting 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates in the Kingdom. 'Maintaining close and continuous contact with Saudi Arabia at the consular level is a top priority of the Punjab government,' she added. Apart from being a key regional ally and close business partner, Saudi Arabia also happens to be the largest source of foreign remittances for Pakistan. These remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan's cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and its supporting balance of payments.
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
The secret behind Maryam Nawaz's rising popularity
Over the past year and a half, Punjab has witnessed a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Many of the initiatives launched during this period are unprecedented in the province's history, with few parallels in the past. It is evident from her governance style that Maryam Nawaz came into office with thorough preparation and a clear five-year plan. Launching dozens of public welfare projects within the first year of her government reflects not spontaneity, but strategic groundwork and vision. Maryam Nawaz has proven that she is not only the daughter of a three-time elected Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, but also an astute leader in her own right. Her governance embodies her father's experience, political insight, and strategic thinking. Every initiative she undertakes is rooted in the welfare of the common citizen. One of her most commendable efforts is the formal launch of the Punjab Counter-Narcotics Force (CNF) — the first of its kind in Pakistan. Drug abuse remains a pressing issue worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. A significant portion of the affected population is the youth, who are often targeted by organized drug mafias. Alarmingly, these mafias have also infiltrated educational institutions. Recognizing the gravity of the problem, Maryam Nawaz established the CNF as a specialized force to counter the drug menace in Punjab. The force has officially commenced operations across the province, with divisional offices and stations already functional. In the second phase, CNF's reach will extend to the district level. Officers and personnel of the CNF have received 12 weeks of professional training at the ANF Academy in Rawalpindi. Take Lahore, for example — areas like Dharampura, Mughalpura, Lal Pul, Ichhra, Chauburji, and Data Darbar were once hotspots for drug addicts, particularly young individuals. Today, such scenes have largely disappeared, demonstrating the tangible impact of CNF's efforts. Under the 18th Amendment, Punjab has emerged as the only province to establish multiple specialized enforcement forces under Maryam Nawaz's leadership. These include: Wildlife Protection Force, Environment Force and Forest Force. PERRA (Punjab Enforcement & Regulatory Authority) – Also known as the Para Force Among these, PERRA holds special significance. It is the first of its kind in Pakistan, dedicated to tackling inflation, hoarding, illegal profiteering, and encroachments across Punjab. This force is active at both district and tehsil levels and is equipped with modern weaponry, advanced 3D-modeled stations, and a dedicated uniformed workforce. Each force has its own Director General and command structure, with new recruitments offering dignified employment to hundreds of young people. In addition, through the 'Sutrah Punjab Project', over 120,000 young individuals have already been provided jobs, further contributing to social and economic stability. Unlike traditional political strategies that revolve around rhetoric and media headlines, Maryam Nawaz's governance is firmly grounded in visible, impactful work. She only inaugurates projects once they are fully operational and ready to serve the public — a departure from the paper-only announcements often seen in past administrations. The people of Punjab are fortunate to have a visionary leader who values discipline, accountability, and progress. Unlike previous Chief Ministers who took a year merely to familiarize themselves with the basics of governance, Maryam Nawaz has already launched over 80 public welfare and relief projects within her first year in office. The priorities of a leader are reflected in their governance — whether they serve the people or chase the preservation of their own power. In Maryam Nawaz's case, her focus is unmistakably on the well-being of Punjab's 140 million citizens. One of her most admirable traits is her balanced approach to leadership. She encourages and rewards high performance, but does not hesitate to reprimand negligence. Her firm belief in merit, accountability, and reward motivates her entire team to deliver with dedication and responsibility. As a result, Maryam Nawaz's popularity continues to grow across all segments of society. She has become the people's first choice for leadership in Punjab. Even her political opponents, in private conversations, are beginning to acknowledge her success — a fact echoed by recent public surveys. Maryam Nawaz's effective governance has inspired citizens in other provinces to wish for leadership of similar vision and capability. Her rise is not just a political success; it's a beacon of hope for progressive, people-centered governance in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
News18
23-07-2025
- Business
- News18
After 20 Chinese Killed In Pakistan In 4 Years, PM Sharif Now Promises Protection
Chairing a meeting on Tuesday, Sharif underlined that the confidence of Chinese companies in Pakistan's economy is 'extremely" important for his country's future. He said that the CPEC, which has now entered its second phase, is a crucial project for both countries, Dawn reported. Calling China a 'friendly country," the Pakistani premier said that the protection of Chinese citizens was a top priority of his government. Pakistan claimed that special security arrangements have been made for Chinese nationals, including security escort facilities for their travel. The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was formally launched on April 20, 2015, when Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and China's President Xi Jinping signed 51 agreements valued at around $46 billion. The CPEC is one of the largest investment schemes launched under the multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative. Thousands of Chinese citizens are working on project sites of the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and major infrastructure projects across regions such as Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and have been frequently targeted in attacks launched reportedly by militants, the BLA and Pakistani Taliban. According to official data from Pakistan's anti-terrorism body, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), at least 20 Chinese nationals have been killed and 34 injured in 14 terrorist attacks across Pakistan since 2021. What China Said On These Attacks?
Express Tribune
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PML-N disbands overseas youth wings
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif disbanded all the independent international youth wings and withdrew the authority for notifying office-bearers of the party wings in international chapters, said a notification issued here on Tuesday. The notification, signed by PML-N president on July 12, 2025 stated that the new notification superseded all the previous notifications and directives the matter. It added that all future international notifications would be issued only with the approval of the party president. "All notifications issued to-date regarding the establishment and appointment of independent youth wings and its office bearers in the International Chapters are hereby cancelled, disbanded and withdrawn with immediate effect," the notification stated. "From the date of this circular, notifications for all wings (including youth) internationally shall only be issued, with prior approval of the undersigned by President, PML-N, International Affairs and Overseas Pakistanis," it added.
Business Recorder
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme: Over 51,000 families get loans
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over an important meeting regarding 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme in which progress being made with regard to ongoing programme was reviewed. So far, the dream of more than 51,000 families has become a reality through this programme. The Chief Minister directed to further accelerate the pace of ongoing development work regarding 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. A detailed briefing was given on the current status of the project. It was informed in the briefing that loans have been provided to 51,911 poor families from the platform of 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. A substantial amount worth Rs65 billion has been distributed under the 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' programme. So far, 45,178 houses are under construction while 6,160 houses have been completed. The CM outlined, 'Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of every decision is focused on the development, protection and convenience of the people.' She highlighted, 'It is the vision of Quaid PML-N Nawaz Sharif and my pledge as well to provide shelter to the poor and homeless people of Punjab.' She vowed, 'The day a poor gets a house, the state becomes successful in its noble mission. The era of doing traditional politics has been done away with and the time of rendering public service has started during the tenure of PML-N government.' She emphasized, 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar is not just a project of constructing bricks and walls, but the beginning of a new life for the impecunious strata of society. It has happened for the first time in the history of Pakistan to provide shelter to the poverty-stricken people across Punjab.' She added, 'Practical steps are being taken to provide shelter to the poor and homeless families on such a massive scale. I am striving day and night to ensure that no citizen of Punjab remains shelterless.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
