Day: June 23, 2022

ISLAMABAD:Vice President Cargill Inc. Mr Colin D’Silva and Director Ms Betsy Bryant Struse, have assured Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, that Cargill, a US-led conglomerate, will enhance and diversify its investments in Pakistan in the fields of agriculture and bio industry.

According to a press release received here on Thursday from Washington DC D’Silva said: “Pakistan is an emerging market with a huge potential for growth in agriculture and green technologies”. The company has already invested $200 million in agriculture sector of the country. More should be forthcoming. Ambassador Masood Khan said that Pakistan was fast moving toward mechanization of its agriculture sector in order to enhance its output and productivity.

Modernization of the agriculture sector, the backbone of economy, is our foremost priority, he said. “We aim to benefit from the US expertise and would welcome US Foreign Direct Investment, especially in the agricultural sector because agronomy is our backbone”, he said.

Masood Khan said that use of advanced technology in agriculture sector would not only ensure food security in the country but also serve to further strengthen Pak-US partnership in this critical sector.

The Ukrainian crisis has created a huge challenge of food security that can only be addressed with enhanced cooperation and mutual support, the Ambassador said. He especially highlighted various steps taken by the government to improve regulatory regime and ease of doing business in the country.

Ambassador Masood Khan also invited Cargill to invest in Special Economic Zones in Pakistan which offer huge economic incentives to international investors and business community. The Ambassador assured Cargill of all possible support in expanding its business activities in manufacturing, food processing and transportation sectors which constitute core areas of expertise of the corporation.

Ambassador Khan invited Cargill to produce agricultural products for exports to the Gulf region, West Asia, Europe and Africa. The Ambassador expressed the confidence that “Pakistan would soon become self-sufficient in grains and fertilizers and become a bread basket for multiple regions”.

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday chaired the third follow up meeting of National Coordination Committee on Foreign Funded Projects (NCC-FFP) here at the Ministry to review the foreign funded Federal Energy Sector projects.

The Minister for Economic Affairs stressed on the importance of Energy Sector of Pakistan. He said Energy is arguably one of the most important inputs for economic growth to sustain industrial and commercial activities. Joint Secretary of the Economic Affairs Ministry briefed the committee on the background and purpose of the meeting, and particularly highlighted the problematic and moderately satisfactory projects and issues thereof.

He apprised the Committee that Economic Affairs Division (EAD) is managing an ongoing portfolio of $34.8 billion foreign funded projects of various sectors of the economy. Out of total portfolio, $15 billion (43%) is considered as problematic.

The share of Federal Energy projects is $3.3 billion, of which $2.3 billion is rated as problematic. Minister for Economic affairs emphasized the need to address the issues of problematic projects on urgent basis, especially those facing chronic delays so as to pace up disbursements and progress.

He stressed the need for setting milestones/deliverables with timelines by the focal ministries and implementing agencies for better monitoring, and preventing time and cost over-runs. The Secretary EAD stressed on the need for regular follow-up monthly meetings by the focal ministries with executing agencies and stakeholders for due monitoring and prompt resolution of issues.

ISLAMABAD:Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated that coalition government will complete constitutional term and steer the country out of current economic crisis.

Addressing the Senators of PML-N here in Islamabad on Thursday, he said the nation is facing economic challenges due to wrong decisions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

The Prime Minister said PTI government accepted the conditions of International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose 30 rupees Petroleum Development Levy and 17 percent General Sales Tax and later violated this agreement. He said it is first time in history that government has introduced a direct tax on the net income of rich people in the next fiscal year budget.

The Prime Minister said the government is committed to save the poor segment of society from the impact of increased petroleum prices and it is providing targeted subsidy of 2000 rupees per month. He said the government will take further steps to provide maximum relief to the common man.

Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed government’s stance of restoring the cordial relationship with China, brother Islamic countries and global institutions. He said government is taking practical steps to end load-shedding in the country.

ISLAMABAD:The NCOC (CDC-NIH) on Thursday deliberated upon the management of Cattle Markets under COVID-19 protocols to prevent disease spread amid Eid-ul-Azha during the second week of July 2022.

According to a press release, detail guidelines/health protocols for subject purpose are appended below: a. Cattle Markets be established outside the municipal limits of cities, where unavoidable, these may be established within the city’s municipal limits, in open spaces and away from the residential area.

However, where established, must have out perimeter/fence and strict control to have entry and exit from the authorized points only. Animal and human density must be regulated to suit COVID-19/health protocols/SOPs.

b. Number of cattle markets be increased, while size in kept small. c. No sale/purchase of sacrificial animals be allowed inside cities. d. Respective district/tehsil administration will ensure that only vaccinated vendors and staff are allowed/employed at Cattle Market.

e. Onus of ensuring SOP’s compliance especially wearing of masks by all entering in Cattle Markets should rest with operator/contractor of Cattle Market. f. Availability of masks and hand sanitizers at the entrance of Cattle Markets be ensured by respective management.

g. Elders (persons over 50 years of age) and children (under 10 years of age) should be discouraged to visit Cattle Markets. h. Availability of veterinary doctors be ensured at each Cattle Market to check animal health at the entrance. i. Elaborate sign posting/guidance arrangement to be ensured to prevent overcrowding/smooth management of activities.

j. Strict compliance will be ensured by district/tehsil administration and Cattle Market management for adherence to social distancing and wearing of masks. k. On-site continuous awareness campaign will be ensured by displaying banners/panaflexes and announcements etc.

l. Endeavour should be made to minimize physical touching/checking of animals. m. Availability of water and arrangements of shade etc. will be ensured at each Cattle Market by the management. n. There is a likelihood of disease spread due to interaction with asymptotic IPs in Cattle Markets; hence, district/tehsil administration along with management should ensure strict SOP compliance.

All the federating units have been requested to ensure the establishment of Cattle Markets latest by 25 June 2022 and share details with NCOC (CDC-NIH). Focal person may also be detailed for sharing of information regarding the establishment of Cattle Markets with NCOC.

All federating units have been requested to institute an effective and robust monitoring mechanism to ensure SOP’s compliance in Cattle Markets and initiate punitive actions against violators.

ISLAMABAD:President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Islamophobia is on the rise around the world, especially in India where all religious minorities, especially Muslims, are being coerced and intimidated.

He made these remarks while talking to the outgoing Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, who called on him here in Islamabad on Thursday. The President said the homes and places of worship of Muslims are being destroyed, their religious symbols and personalities are ridiculed and insulted with impunity in India.

He expressed Pakistan’s gratitude for Turkiye’s steadfast support to Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute and appreciated Turkiye’s active role in the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. He said both the countries held similar views on the issue of Cyprus, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and the reconstitution of the United Nations.