web analytics

ARY NEWS

Abdul Qadir

  • Crown Prince’s cars, essentials arrive in Pakistan ahead of his visit

    Crown Prince’s cars, essentials arrive in Pakistan ahead of his visit

    ISLAMABAD: All the arrangements have been finalised for the first-ever visit of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, who is scheduled to touch down in Islamabad on Feb 16, ARY News reported.

    Sources said seven BMWs 7 Series, one land cruiser, and eight containers carrying essential articles for the crown prince’s personal use have been brought to Pakistan and shifted to the Prime Minister House where the visiting dignitary will stay during the visit.

    The luxury vehicles were transported to Islamabad from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via a C-130 aircraft which landed at Nur Khan airbase in the capital.

    Furthermore, more than 700 rooms have been reserved at eight private hotels of the capital for the delegates who would be accompanying the Saudi crown prince.

    Read Also: Saudi crown prince to arrive in Pakistan on Feb 16, says FO

    The administration of these hotels have been asked not to make reservations in advance and they will be sealed a day before the arrival of the guests for security clearance and security institutions will take control of them.

    The crown prince will arrive in Pakistan on the invitation of Prime Minister Imran Khan on February 16 (Saturday).

    The Saudi crown prince’s two-day visit of Pakistan will further promote mutual cooperation between the two countries, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said.

    The foreign office in Islamabad formally announced Saudi Prince Muhammad bin Salman’s visit of Pakistan.

    Prince Muhammad bin Salman holds important ministries in the Saudi government, including that of the Vice President of the Council of Ministers.

    The crown prince accompanied by a high-powered delegation including members of the Royal family, key ministers and leading businessmen, the spokesman said.

  • Here is how government is planning to welcome Prince Mohammad bin Salman

    Here is how government is planning to welcome Prince Mohammad bin Salman

    ISLAMABAD: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is visiting Pakistan on February 16, and the government has finalised the details of how the next-in-line of Saudi throne will be welcomed, ARY News reported on Tuesday.


    According to details, Pakistan Airforce (PAF)’s Sherdil Squadron, comprising of the cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder aircraft will give an airborne salute to the dignitaries.

    Vehicles for crown prince’s use will be brought from Saudi Arabia whereas the government has already booked 300 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado vehicles for the visiting delegation.

    Sources informed ARY News that the crown prince will stay in the Prime Minister House during his visit.

    Read More: ‘Accords worth $20 Bn to be inked during Saudi crown prince’s visit to Pakistan’

    130 royal guards will accompany the crown prince for his security, whereas, as a precursor to his visit, a 235-strong delegation of Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), led by former army chief General (retd.) Raheel Sharif is already in the country to review security arrangements for the royal visit.

    Sources informed ARY News that upon his arrival at the Prime Minister House, the Saudi crown prince will be given a guard-of-honour, after which a one-on-one meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman will be held.

    Watch: A look at the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relationships over the decades

    According to the details received so far, investment agreements of $15-20 billion will be signed during Saudi delegation’s visit, which include an oil refinery, construction of hotels for promoting tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, and several energy projects.

    It is expected that Saudi Arabia will announce investing in Haveli Bahadur Shah and Bhakki Power Plants.

    Later, President Arif Alvi will give a dinner in the honour of the visiting prince. A cultural performance is also scheduled to be held in the presidency on this occasion.

  • Murad Saeed achieves fastest revenue record in both the ministries

    Murad Saeed achieves fastest revenue record in both the ministries

    ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Postal Services and Communications Murad Saeed has achieved fastest revenue record in Pakistan’s history as both of his ministries have earned record breaking revenue of rupees 9.54 billion, in last four months, ARY News reported.

    The efforts of Federal Minister Murad Saeed to turn his ministries that were running in the loss, into the profitable one, are paying-off now.

    As many as 4.32 bn rupees were generated from ministry of Communication through accountability steps taken by Murad, while revenue of Pakistan Post has also increased by 184 per cent, in the said period.

    Services such as export parcel, electronic money order, E commerce, urgent mail and same day delivery service gained attraction of the masses and rs 1.17 bn were generated in the early days of the aforesaid services commencement.

    Read more: Murad Saeed inaugurates E-Commerce initiative at Pakistan Post

    Last week, the minister had inaugurated ‘E-Commerce initiative’ at Pakistan Post in Islamabad.

    Speaking at an inaugural event, Saeed had expressed his confidence in the initiative and said that it would lead the department towards financial prosperity.

    The new service of Pakistan Post will enable customers to enjoy options like online shopping and cash on delivery.

    “Our objective is the provision of all facilities to Pakistanis at their doorstep in minimum rates.” Murad Saeed said.

  • PM orders countrywide crackdown on gas theft

    PM orders countrywide crackdown on gas theft

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday ordered countrywide crackdown against gas theft, ARY News reported.

    Presiding over a high-level meeting on prevailing gas crises in the country, PM Imran Khan said that no leniency should be given to the people involved in gas theft. He directed the authorities not to shift the additional burden on gas consumers.

    The prime minister was briefed that that gas worth fifty billion rupees was stolen and consumers have to bear this additional burden as well. He was told that 91 percent gas consumers were being given 100 per cent subsidy.

    Briefing the meeting about ‘ inflated gas bills’,  the officials said that the gas companies increased gas prices by 12 to 35 per cent due to costly imported gas. The meeting decided to import two 200 mmcfd gas immediately to meet the gas demand in the country.

    Finance Minister Asad Umar, Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, heads of gas companies and other officials were present in the meeting.

    Gas Shortage

    The gas crises in Punjab and Sindh has deepened once again as the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) yesterday, suspended the gas supply to compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, fertilizer companies and industrial sector.

    SSGC spokesperson had said that gas supply to CNG stations and industries was suspended due to shortage of gas in the system. He had said that the gas supply would be resumed as soon as the situation turned better. However, the supply is on halt until today.

    In another statement, SSG spokesperson said that Sindh produced 2800-3000 mmcfd and its consumption was 1500 mmcfd.

    Read More: SSGC demands two-day weekly shutdown from factories

    SSGC was provided 1100-1200 mmcfd gas, he said, adding that the company supplied 300-400 MMCFD gas to industries, 150-200 mmcfd to CNG sector and 300-350 mmcfd gas to domestic and commercial consumers in the province. The spokesperson said that IPPs were supplied 300-400 mmcfd gas.

    It is pertinent to mention here that due to shortage of gas, the SNGL had suspended gas supply to CNG stations in Punjab, fertilizer industry and independent power producers (IPPs) two days earlier.

  • Pakistan Citizens’ Portal rated among best apps at World Government Summit

    Pakistan Citizens’ Portal rated among best apps at World Government Summit

    DUBAI: A recently-launched Pakistan Citizens’ Portal App was recognized as one of the top applications among more than 4,600 entries for an award at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Monday.

    According to reports, the application from Pakistan, which was launched in October 2018 by Prime Minister Imran Khan, secured second position, from 87 participating countries with over 4,646 entries at the World Government Summit in Dubai in the category of Best Mobile Government Apps.

    The final 21 applications were divided among seven different categories. The Pakistan’s app was named among the apps for people’s welfare and monitoring governance.

    Read: PM launches ‘Pakistan Citizens Portal’ to improve governance

    Deputy Director of E-Governance, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stated that the winning title was handed to Indonesia’s Qlue Smart City App at the event which along with other app from the United States of America exceeded the lifespan of a year, while the Pakistan Citizens Portal was shortlisted after a mere thirty days of its inauguration.

    Pakistan Citizens' Portal
    A screen grab of the Pakistan Citizens’ Portal app.

    Heads of state, ministers and government officials have converged on the platform to discuss the world’s future at the three-day event.

    From February 10-12, the World Government Summit saw 600 speakers in more than 200 interactive round table discussions mulling issues in vital sectors. The summit hosted 120 executives from leading international corporations.

    Also read: PM’s Office receives over 100,000 complaints through mobile app

    Pakistan Citizens’ Portal is an app through which citizens can send their complaints to the departments concerned. The portal was set up at the Prime Minister’s office with an aim to timely address complaints sent by people. The PM Office will oversee the process of resolution of public complaints and implementation of recommendations thereof.

  • PM Khan summons meeting over gas crisis, overbilling

    PM Khan summons meeting over gas crisis, overbilling

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned an important meeting on Tuesday to discuss pressing issues pertaining to gas shortage and overbilling across the country. 

    As per details, the committee, constituted to address the matter of overbilling, will present its report today to the prime minister.

    The report will apprise the premier of the reasons behind overbilling, sources said.

    Further, the escalating gas crisis will also come under discussion.

    Gas Shortage

    The gas crises in Punjab and Sindh has deepened once again as the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) yesterday, suspended the gas supply to compressed natural gas (CNG) stations, fertilizer companies and industrial sector.

    SSGC spokesperson said that gas supply to CNG stations and industries was suspended due to shortage of gas in the system. He said that the gas supply would be resumed as soon as the situation turned better. However, the supply is on halt until today.

    In another statement, SSG spokesperson said that Sindh produced 2800-3000 mmcfd and its consumption was 1500 mmcfd.

    Read More: SSGC demands two-day weekly shutdown from factories

    SSGC was provided 1100-1200 mmcfd gas, he said, adding that the company supplied 300-400 MMCFD gas to industries, 150-200 mmcfd to CNG sector and 300-350 mmcfd gas to domestic and commercial consumers in the province. The spokesperson said that IPPs were supplied 300-400 mmcfd gas.

    It is pertinent to mention here that due to shortage of gas, the SNGL had suspended gas supply to CNG stations in Punjab, fertilizer industry and independent power producers (IPPs) two days earlier.

     

  • PM says no to NRO, rejects reports of ‘deal’

    PM says no to NRO, rejects reports of ‘deal’

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday chaired a high-level meeting of party leaders and discussed the situation after arrest of senior party leader Aleem Khan, ARY News reported.

    According to sources, PM Khan rejected reports of striking a National Reconciliation Ordinance-like deal with anyone. “We are not having a deal with any [party or person],” sources quoted Khan as saying during the meeting, attended by senior party leaders Shireen Mazari, Shafqat Mahmood, Usman Dar, Shibli Faraz, Ali Zaidi, Amir Kiani, Firdous Ashiq Awan and others.

    The meeting also reviewed the criticism being leveled by the opposition on the government.

    PM Khan directed party leaders to convey government’s point of view to the public in a positive manner. He also rejected an impression that any deal was taking place with anyone.

    On Jan 14, Prime Minister Imran Khan had termed frequent opposition walkouts in the National Assembly as “mere tactics to seek a National Reconciliation Ordinance.”

    Read more: Opposition’s NA walkouts a tactic to seek NRO: PM Khan

    PM Khan stated, “In a Parliament that costs taxpayers billions yearly, yet another walkout in NA by the Opposition shows that this is the only function they intend to perform. These are pressure tactics to seek an NRO & evade accountability for corruption in NAB cases not initiated by PTI.”

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led government has been accusing the opposition for making several attempts to seek a NRO and a way out to evade accountability over corruption. However, the opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan People’s Party and the PML-N have rejected the government’s claim.

    A few days ago, PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz said the government was portraying a wrong impression regarding opposition members seeking a NRO. “Let me clarify that we have no desire for NRO.”

    Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed also claimed that deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif sought a NRO for Maryam Nawaz but former president Asif Ali Zardari was not interested in the same deal for PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

  • ‘Pakistan has great potential for investment’, PM tells US delegation

    ‘Pakistan has great potential for investment’, PM tells US delegation

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday met a delegation of American Business Council in Islamabad and apprised them of ‘pro-investment’ policies of the government, ARY News reported.

    During the meeting, PM Khan said the government was taking measures to ease investment atmosphere in the country. The delegation included representatives of eminent American and international companies.

    He said foreign companies were investing in different sectors of Pakistan as a result of pro investment policies of the PTI government.

    “The recent policies of the government would create more employment opportunities”, asserted PM Khan.

    Read also: Over $1bn foreign investment in govt’s first five months, PM Khan told

    PM Khan said there was great potential of foreign investment in the country. He assured the delegation to fully facilitate their investments in different sectors.

    He said sound policies of the government were now attracting foreign investors to Pakistan.

    The delegation expressed confidence and trust in the policies of the government describing its steps towards Ease of Travel to Pakistan and Ease of Doing Business as exemplary.

    Imran Khan said government’s economic policies are directed towards wealth creation, facilitating investors and ensuring ease of doing business. He said these policies will result in generation of job opportunties, reduction in poverty and equipping the youth with different skills.

    Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Khan was briefed that the country attracted over $1bn in foreign direct investments (FDI) within first five months of PTI government.

    The report, prepared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was presented in a high-level meeting chaired by PM Khan.

  • Over $1bn foreign investment in govt’s first five months, PM Khan told

    Over $1bn foreign investment in govt’s first five months, PM Khan told

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday was briefed that the country attracted over $1bn in foreign direct investments (FDI) within first five months of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, ARY News reported. 

    The report, prepared by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) was presented in a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    According to SBP report, investment ratio during the same corresponding period of the previous government’s tenure was $426 million.

    Read: Pakistan is safe for investment: Fawad Chaudhry

    With PM Khan in chair, the meeting was attended by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, special assistant to PM Naeemul Haque and other senior officials.

    The top government brass reviewed foreign investment during the first five months of the government.

    PM Khan said an increased volume of investment indicated confidence of foreign countries on Pakistan. The meeting was briefed on investments made by China, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

    Investments by Qatar and Malaysia also came under discussion. The meeting also talked on investment from other countries.

    The prime minister was briefed on measures taken by the Board of Investment (BoI). He was told that Industrial Cooperation Unit had been formed within the board whereas a special unit had also been constituted for facilitating overseas Pakistanis willing to invest in the country.

    The participants proposed assigning a responsibility regarding investment in different ministries to an officer equivalent to the rank of additional secretary.

    Prime Minister Khan said foreign investment and technology transfer was vital for stabilization of economy.

    The officials informed the meeting that foreign investors would be provided all possible facilities.

  • PM seeks comprehensive plan to turn PIA into profitable entity

    PM seeks comprehensive plan to turn PIA into profitable entity

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed officials to devise a business plan to transform the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) into a profit-making body and furnish the plan in this regard by March end, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

    He issued these directives during a meeting with Federal Minister for Privatisation and Aviation Muhammad Mian Soomro. Finance Minister Asad Umar and chief executive officer of PIA, Air Marshal (retd) Arshad Mahmood Malik were also present.

    PM Khan said the privatization of PIA wasn’t in the manifesto of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), hence reforms were required to prevent national carrier from plunging into financial crisis.

    Read also: CEO PIA says some loss-making routes of airlines closed

    He said reforms would allow government to turn PIA into a profit-earning entity. The PM was also briefed about new policy of secretary aviation division.

    He was further informed during the meeting that a comprehensive plan for revival of the PIA would also be submitted to the government by the end of March.

    Soomro told the meeting: “We will keep updating the public about measures taken by the government for betterment of the PIA.”

    On Jan 15, Chairman PIA, Air Marshal (retd) Arshad Mahmood Malik had said that some loss-making PIA routes have been closed.

    During a press conference Minister for Aviation, Mohammad Mian Soomro in Islamabad, Air Marshal Arshad Malik said that a corruption mafia was active in the PIA and the airline was bearing huge losses in its operations on a number of loss-making routes.

    The PIA was making 300 to 500 million rupees losses at various routes so as, a number of loss-making routes have been curtailed to minimize the losses, CEO PIA said.