H.E. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Bahrain calls on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 19 February 2025, Picture Credit: APP
CT Newsroom
Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif invited the businessmen of Bahrain to explore huge potential of business activities in Pakistan and invest in various sectors on Wednesday.
Reportedly, Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a delegation of Parliamentary delegation of Bahrain led by Speaker of Council of Representatives of Bahrain Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam. He was invited by the Prime Minister at the PM House.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi and senior government officers were present in the meeting.
Shehbaz Sharif invited the businessmen of Bahrain to explore huge potential of business activities in Pakistan and invest in various sectors.
Shehbaz Sharif also stressed to further increase the trade size between two countries.
He also conveyed his best wishes to the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
“The brotherly relations of Pakistan and Bahrain are very strong and based on the shared beliefs, history and culture,” the prime minister said.
He highlighted that the Pakistanis living in Bahrain were performing key services in the country.
It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also stressed that Pakistan, Bahrain, and the entire Muslim Ummah should intensify the relief efforts for their Palestinian brothers and sisters.
President Asif Ali Zardari accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium, Picture Credit: APP
CT Newsroom
President Asif Ali Zardari accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday, marking the official opening of the tournament.
As per details, marking the official opening of the tournament, President Asif Ali Zardari accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari inaugurated the Champions Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday.
President was warmly received by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
In a symbolic moment, President Zardari, along with the First Lady and former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, carried the Champions Trophy onto the field, officially commencing the event.
During the ceremony, President Zardari met with the captains of the Pakistan and New Zealand cricket teams, showing his support for both sides.
The President and the First Lady later watched the match between Pakistan and New Zealand, adding a touch of excitement to the tournament’s opening day.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurates the province’s first electric bus service. Picture Credit: APP
CT Newsroom
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the eco-friendly and sustainable public transportation system in Lahore today.
Reportedly, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated the electric bus transport system in Lahore today. While addressing the inauguration ceremony, Maryam Nawaz informed the participant that the dream of Green Punjab is being fulfilled through the launch of this project.
“Twenty-seven electric buses have arrived and the fare has been fixed at a low rate to provide a cheaper and safe mode of transport to public”, Maryam Nawaz said.
“These electric buses are a major step towards achieving a cleaner, greener Punjab,” she stated.
She highlighted the purpose of lunching electric bus service, stating, “with zero emissions and minimal environmental impact, they will significantly reduce air pollution, which remains a serious concern for Lahore and other major cities in the province. Tracking industrial emissions and issuing fitness certificates to factories are crucial in reducing pollution”.
The new transport service features modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, mobile charging ports, and security cameras to boost passenger safety, with a special focus on women’s security. To promote inclusivity, special ramps have been added for wheelchair users.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that this initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and support environmental sustainability.
Maryam Nawaz said that senior citizens, students and special persons will be allowed to travel free on electric buses, by using electric bus card while free internet and charging facilities will also be available on these buses.
It is worth mentioning here that CM Maryam Nawaz announced to import of 500 additional electric buses by August and expand the service across Punjab. She also appreciate the efforts of Environment Minister in this regard.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Picture Credit: AN
CT Newsroom
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb participated in a group discussion with the Finance, Economic, and Development Ministers of the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and other countries of Gulf Cooperation Council in AlUla city of Saudi Arabia.
Reprotedly, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb participated in a group discussion with the Finance, Economic, and Development Ministers of the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and other countries of Gulf Cooperation Council in Alula City Saudi Arabia.
The group discussion was held on the sidelines of the Emerging Markets Conference.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb joins a table luncheon by Saudi Arabian counterpart Mohammed Al-Jadaan, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, and others at the Emerging Markets Conference-2025 on February 16. — PID
Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged the Kingdom’s progress under Vision 2030 as a valuable model,in an interview with Arab News during the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies,he emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s leadership in economic reforms offers important lessons for Pakistan as it embarks on its own structural changes.
“Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been long-standing partners, one of the strongest partnerships that we have,” Aurangzeb said.
“As we go through our own structural reforms at this point in time, on the back of the macroeconomic stability that we have achieved, there’s a lot to learn from Vision 2030,” the minister said.
He also stated that the Kingdom is well ahead of its targets of Vision 2030, “so there’s so much to learn in Pakistan from our partners in Saudi Arabia.”
The finance minister also emphasized the increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, particularly in the business-to-business sector. He highlighted recent advancements, including Saudi Aramco’s entry into the downstream petroleum industry and ongoing discussions on government-to-government agreements.
“We’ve already had a few investments coming through from Saudi Arabia in the B2B space, and then of course, we have just seen Aramco coming into downstream, so these are all very, very good investments,” Aurangzeb said.
“There are a number of G2G transactions which are underway at this point in time to be announced later in the year”, he added.
Aurangzeb highlighted the potential for boosting exports from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, especially in the skilled labor sector.
He noted that this aligns with the Kingdom’s expanding workforce needs as it progresses toward its Vision 2030 objectives.
The minister added: “Meanwhile, we remain grateful for the support that we have received from Saudi Arabia, especially concerning our IMF program.”
It is worth mentioning here that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb applauded the conference as it serves as an important multilateral platform to discuss economic resilience and cooperation among emerging economies.
Pakistan Tarek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders approached Islamabad High Court against restrictions on PTI’s parliamentarian to meet party founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail.
Reportedly, Today, Pakistan Tarek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders approached Islamabad High Court against restriction on PTI’s parliamentarian to meet party founder Imran Khan in Adiala jail.
The PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, who has access to Mr Khan, told private media that, “the leaders of the parliamentary party have not been allowed to meet Imran Khan for almost five months”.
“According to the standard operating procedures (SOP), Mr Khan meets his family members and lawyers on Tuesday and the party leaders on Thursday”, he said
Faisal Chaudhry also shared the name of six leaders, who have not allowed to meet Imran Khan for the last five months.
He said, “We have been left with no option but to file a petition in the IHC. A case will be filed on Monday (today).”
It is worth mentioning here that Faisal Chaudhry emphasized that Imran Khan should be permitted to meet with the six parliamentary leaders he nominated on a weekly basis.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar , Picture : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasized the need to convert religious education on modern lines.
Reportedly, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, while speaking at the annual convocation of Al-Hikmah International education center, he highlighted the importance of integrating research, digital media, and contemporary communication tools into religious education to make it more relevant to today’s world.
He applauded Al-Hikmah International for creating an extraordinary documentary about the institute, praising it as being of international standard.
He said, “You are serving religion and government will extend all possible support to you.”
He also congratulated students for completing their degrees and getting shields.
He argued that the current government had always advocated for the Kashmir issue in most effective way and highlighted sacrifices of all unarmed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Attaullah Tarar claimed that the current government is working for the integrity and prosperity of the country is among top priorities of the government.
He said that recently Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Pakistan and “whenever we visit Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or China, leadership of these countries appreciate efforts made by Pakistani government to stabilise its economy”.
He said, “My grandfather Muhammad Rafiq Tarar served this country a lot and made great services for ‘Khatm-i-Nabuwat’.”
“Our elders have taught us to give more respect to a person who has a knowledge of religion”, he added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
CT Newsroom
The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar will participate in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism: Reforming and Improving Global Governance” in New York.
As per details, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar will participate in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism: Reforming and Improving Global Governance” in New York, scheduled on 18th February 2025.
Under its rotating presidency of the Security Council for February 2025, China will be the convener of the meeting.
Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi will be chaired the meeting.
Pakistan welcomes and acknowledges China’s initiative on multilateralism in addressing today’s complex global challenges.
Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s firm dedication to the principles of multilateralism and the United Nations’ pivotal role in advancing global peace, security, and sustainable development. He will also outline Pakistan’s key priorities as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, underscoring the significance of dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive global governance.
It is expected that Ishaq Dar will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts on the sidelines of the UNSC.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi (left) in a meeting with acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker. — Facebook@MinistryofInteriorGoP/File
CT Newsroom
Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi during met with acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, expressed the hope that Pakistan-US relations would be further strengthened.
Reportedly, Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi during met with acting US Ambassador Natalie Baker, expressed the hope that Pakistan-US relations would be further strengthened during the tenure of President Donald Trump.
The interior minister emphasized the significance of U.S. cooperation in strengthening Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. The meeting also included detailed discussions on Pakistan-US relations, mutual interests, and expanding bilateral cooperation.
Mr. Naqvi emphasized that terrorism is a global concern and underscored the importance of collective efforts by the international community to combat this threat.
He highlighted the longstanding and strong ties between Pakistan and the United States, which have endured for several decades.
During the meeting, the minister extended an invitation to the acting US envoy to participate in Islamabad’s Spring Festival.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met in Saudia Arabia , Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met in Saudia Arabia to discuss the mutual economic activities for a shared future.
As per details, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and his Saudi counterpart Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan met on the sidelines of the Emerging Markets Conference in Alula city Saudi Arabia.
During the high-level meeting, both leaders committed to strengthening economic ties for a shared future
Both ministers discuss the possible opportunities for enhancing bilateral trade, investments, and financial collaboration by unlocking the full potential of their countries’ strategic partnership.
The ministers mutually agreed to collaborate in key sectors like infrastructure, energy, technology, and finance.
It is worth mentioning here that the meeting further strengthened the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
