Farewell dinner in honour of outgoing DG ANF Major General Arif Malik 

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):Secretary Narcotics Control, Akbar Durrani (TI)/PAS and officers of the Ministry collectively hosted the farewell dinner in the honour of outgoing DG ANF Major General Arif Malik at Islamabad club on 2nd August 2021. Federal Minister for Narcotics Control, Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. DG ANF Major General Arif Malik shared his experience of serving as Commandant of the force that’s on a mission to eradicate biggest menace from the society. He said it has been an absolute honour and he has tried to serve the country to best of his abilities.

The Federal Minister, Ijaz Ahmad Shah appreciated the efforts of DG ANF in fighting against drug abuse and commended his services in the said role. He wished him all the best for his future endeavour and also said that his services will always be remembered by the Ministry of Narcotics Control and ANF. Chief Guest and the Secretary, Akbar Durrani (TI)/PAS presented souvenirs to the outgoing DG Major General Arif Malik. DDG ANF Aamir Zulfiqar, SJS Sabino Sikandar Jalal and other senior officials from MNC and ANF were also present at the occasion.

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Fakhar Imam welcomes Korea’s 700,000 US Dollars investment in the development of agriculture in Pakistan

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):Korean delegation headed by Mr, Hur Taewoong, Administrator Rural Development Administration (RDA), Korea made a courtesy visit to the Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam. The meeting was attended by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr, Sur Sangpyo along with Director Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Pakistan Centre Dr. Cho Gyoungrae. Federal Minister welcomed Korea’s investment of 700,000 US Dollars in the development of agriculture in Pakistan.

He said that through Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA) Pakistan Centre, bilateral cooperation will expand in the field of agri-machinery, agricultural inputs, and protected agriculture developed in Korea. Federal Minister said that through KOPIA, Pakistan Centre, Korean technologies will be imported and customized to the local environments. Fakhar appreciated the support of the Republic of Korea in transferring the technology for small scale farming machinery and vegetable seed production system to Pakistan.

Minister said that the introduction of aeroponic technology for potato seed production, post-harvest management technology in chilli crop in addition with introduction of ryegrass as a high yielding fodder will enhance overall production yield. Fakhar apprised the delegation about the livestock sector in Pakistan and the need for development of value-added animal products. He expressed hope for further enhancing the volume and quality of trade-able agricultural products between the two countries and assured full support for further cooperation by the Government of Pakistan. Both delegations agreed to expand the cooperation in the field of machinery and vegetable seed production.

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Shaukat Tarin and Hammad Azhar hold a meeting to review the supply and stocks of urea fertilizers for the farmers

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Shaukat Tarin, held a meeting with the Federal Minister for Energy Mr. Hammad Azhar at the Finance Division to review the supply and stocks of Urea fertilizers for the farmers. SAPM on Finance and Revenue Dr. Waqar Masood, SAPM on Food Security Mr. Jamshed Cheema, Secretary Finance Division, Secretary M/o Industries and Production, Secretary Power Division and other senior officers participated in the meeting. Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production made a detailed presentation about production of Urea fertilizer and also updated about the sufficient stock of fertilizer to cater requirements in the upcoming sowing season.

In his remarks, the Finance Minister reiterated the firm commitment of the government to facilitate poor farmers by providing them timely inputs in order to boost agricultural productivity. The key focus is to revitalize agriculture sector of Pakistan by stimulating rural productivity and farm income, he added. The Federal Minister for Energy Mr. Hammad Azhar affirmed full support and cooperation in provision of required inputs to the fertilizer plants on the occasion, keeping in view, the overall position of stocks.

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In response to media queries on the Indian External Affairs Minister’s tweet regarding India’s priorities during the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, the following is attributable to Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):“The Indian External Affairs Minister has spelled out three key priorities for India during its presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the month of August: voice of moderation; advocate of dialogue; proponent of international law. It is highly hypocritical of a country that has systematically done away with any semblance of moderation, efforts for dialogue and abiding by international law, to project itself as the voice of these three.

The extremist ‘Hindutva’ ideology has permeated all the state institutions of India, and RSS-BJP regime’s record is replete with instances of gross and systematic violations of the rights of minorities, in particular Muslims. Before preaching moderation to the world, India must set its own house in order. As for dialogue, India has consistently scuttled any efforts for a constructive and meaningful dialogue in its own neighbourhood.

On assuming office, Prime Minister Imran Khan clearly underlined that if India would take one step for peace, Pakistan would take two. However, rather than engaging in dialogue, India vitiated the environment through its illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019. It is India, which has to create the enabling environment for a meaningful dialogue that promotes peace and precludes the occurrences leading to conflict in the region.

As for international law, India remains in clear violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions for more than seven decades. The series of Indian illegal and unilateral actions since 5 August 2019 are also in blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, UNSC resolutions and the fourth Geneva Convention. India would be well-advised to abide by these principles before projecting itself as their champion”.

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Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan calls on Secretary Board of Investment 

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):During the meeting, Secretary Board of Investment (BOI), Ms. Fareena Mazhar assured the Ambassador of full support in regards to facilitation of Japanese investment in Pakistan The ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Kuninori Matsuda called on the Secretary, Board of Investment (BOI) Ms. Fareena Mazhar along with Japanese investors here on Tuesday, August 03, 2021. The Secretary, while speaking to the Ambassador and other participants highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available to foreign investors in Pakistan.

The ambassador appreciated the secretary and her team for working towards creating a conducive environment for existing and potential investors and expressed interest of Japanese companies for further investment in Pakistan. He indicated that some Japanese companies are expected to tap Pakistan’s market soon.

While discussing potential investment opportunities with the secretary, Mr. Matsuda specifically showed interest in Food Processing and Automobile Sectors, which are already the priority sectors of Pakistan in term of incentives. While addressing concerns of the Ambassador about advance tax, the Secretary assured him that she will personally take up the matter with concerned quarters and asserted that she was confident this issue will soon be resolved.

During the meeting, both sides underscored the need of bilateral investment, creating mutually beneficial scenarios. The ambassador of Japan apprised the Secretary about a joint dialogue between government and private sector of Pakistan and Japan scheduled for second half of the year. He also shared that next year will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan which will act as an opportunity to further strengthen the already cordial relations between the two countries.

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South Korean Vice Minister calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):A delegation of the Republic of Korea of the Department of Rural Development and Administration (DRDA) led by Mr. Hur Taewoong, Vice Minister of the Department called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today. Welcoming the visiting delegates, the Prime Minister appreciated the multidimensional and friendly ties existing between the two countries.

He commended the role of DRDA in the development of crop-specific agricultural technologies, provision of training and capacity-building of the researchers and farmers, and supporting sustainable development of agriculture sector in Pakistan. The Prime Minister added that agriculture being the mainstay of Pakistan’s economy and especially considering its role in rural development, the sharing of experiences and technology by the Korean side in the field of agriculture would help in achieving food security and also improving the overall income of the small-scale farmers in the country.

The Prime Minister hoped that both countries will work together to fully realize the immense potential existing in diverse fields for further deepening the overall bilateral cooperation. The Vice Minister, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, thanked the Prime Minister for receiving him. He lauded the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and South Korea in diverse fields and reiterated his country’s continuous and firm support to Pakistan in agriculture sector and rural development.

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Arab Parliament delegation calls on Prime Minister Imran Khan 

Islamabad, August 03, 2021 (PPI-OT):A delegation of the Arab Parliament, headed by its President Mr. Adel Bin Abdul Rahman Al Asoomi, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today. The Prime Minister extended a warm welcome to the President of the Arab Parliament and the accompanying delegation. While mentioning the historic bonds between the peoples of the Arab world and Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance attached by Pakistan to peace, stability and prosperity in the Middle East region. The Prime Minster said that disputes like Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir are among the principal root causes of disaffection in the Muslim and Arab world.

He called for solidarity among Muslim Ummah to support the Palestinian and Kashmir causes and stressed the imperative to resolve these long-standing disputes in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and OIC. The Prime Minister also called on Muslim countries to act collectively to counter growing Islamophobia, evident in different parts of the world. The Prime Minister also shared with the delegation his vision of a transformed Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan’s economic security paradigm centres on the three pillars of peace, development partnerships, and connectivity. The President of the Arab Parliament thanked the Prime Minister for receiving the delegation. He appreciated the role Pakistan has played in support of the Muslim causes, including Palestine. He also called for a unanimous approach to deal with the regional and global challenges confronting the Muslim Ummah.

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