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ISLAMABAD: On its way to missing targets in the current financial year, Pakistan’s biggest challenge now is fiscal consolidation and reforms amid a weak coalition government and political instability stemming from accusations of electoral fraud, the Washington-based Institute of International Finance (IIF) has said. On the other hand, exchange rate, monetary policy, energy subsidies and state-owned enterprises (SOE) reforms are unlikely to be a barrier to the new IMF programme on the back of good progress on all these fronts over the past year, said the IIF, a global association of financial institutions comprising the world’s largest commercial and investment banks, insurance companies and investment management firms. “The biggest challenge will come from fiscal consolidation,” the IIF said, noting that this was an area of particular importance, as large fiscal deficits have led to public debt increasing from 55pc of GDP in the fiscal year 2009-10 to 79pc in 2022-23. “New estimates

ISLAMABAD: The government on Sunday increased price of petrol by Rs9.66 per litre but slashed the price of high speed diesel (HSD) by Rs3.32 per litre, ARY News reported on Sunday. With the latest announcement, the price of petrol has been increased from Rs279.75 to Rs289.41 per litre; while the high speed diesel (HSD) rate reduced to Rs282.24 from Rs278.92. The Finance Ministry said in a statement that the changes were due to a corresponding rise in petrol prices and a decrease in HSD prices in the international market. It added the change was in line with the government’s policy of passing on price variations in the international market to the domestic market. The new prices of petroleum products will be effective from April 1, 2024 (today). Meanwhile, the prices of kerosene oil and light-diesel oil were reduced by Rs2.27 and Rs.38 per litre, respectively, to Rs186.39 and Rs167.80. Kerosene is mostly used by unscrupulous elements, who mix it with petrol, and to some extent for

ISLAMABAD: Internal divisions within the PTI amid the incarceration of its founding chairman, Imran Khan, have become a matter of embarrassment for the party, particularly evident in the discord over the distribution of parliamentary and general body tickets. Party leaders, while acknowledging such rifts as common in political entities during ticket allocations, express that the absence of Mr Khan has exacerbated these issues. They lament that party leaders don’t have access to Mr Khan, imprisoned in Adiala Jail, whereas the lawyers who are allowed to meet him allegedly give either partial messages or twist messages according to their own interests. Considering the situation, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has issued a notification, appointing Raoof Hasan as the “exclusive spokesperson” to streamline communication on policy matters. Party names Raoof as ‘exclusive spokesperson’ to streamline communication on policy matters The friction within the PTI became starkly appare

The French, Egyptian and Jordanian foreign ministers called Saturday for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Palestinian group Hamas. Speaking at a joint press conference in Cairo, France’s top diplomat Stephane Sejourne said his government would put forward a draft resolution at the UN Security Council setting out a “political” settlement of the war. He said the text would include “all the criteria for a two-state solution” of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the peace blueprint long championed by the international community but opposed by the Israeli government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Monday, the Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an “immediate ceasefire” in Hamas-run Gaza, where the health ministry says the death toll has reached 32,705, most of them women and children. The war started when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israe

President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday underlined the need for promoting barter trade and economic relations with Iran for the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries. The president, talking to Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri Moghadam, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, said that both countries had great scope for expanding bilateral economic cooperation in diverse fields. Talking to the ambassador, the president expressed his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. He called for working together to overcome the common challenges faced by both sides. The Iranian ambassador congratulated the president on assuming the office. He emphasised the need for increasing the bilateral trade volume, banking cooperation, and air and business linkages between the two countries. The ambassador said that Pakistan could benefit from the Chahbahar-Zahedan railroad for trade with Central Asia, Europe and Turkiye. He expressed the

KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar ordered an inquiry after Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) East Azfar Mahesar’s son Asher’s aerial firing videos went viral on social media, ARY News reported. Earlier, video footage showed DIG Azfar Mahesar’s son brandishing different kinds of weapons and resorting to aerial firing in several videos posted on social media. Asher was seen in different locations, sometimes in a moving car, relentlessly conducting aerial firing. Speaking to ARY News, Lanjar said that he has ordered Karachi police to do a forensic examination of the videos and initiate action against DIG Mahesar if he is found guilty in the case. Read more: Caught on camera: Heavy aerial firing by ‘students’ near Seaview Soon after the videos circulated, Karachi police said that it had filed a complaint with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the matter. According to police, some of the videos were old and were edited, however, an inquiry has

PESHAWAR: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday held a meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss the security situation of the province. During the meeting, it was decided to beef up intelligence-based activities to end terrorism in the province. Both the leaders expressed regret over the deaths of the Chinese citizens in the suicide attack in Shangla. The federal interior minister directed effective measures to combat terrorism. He said Pakistani nations’ resolve cannot be defeated by the cowardly actions of the miscreants and the enemies. Gandapur said the provincial government was determined to take all possible steps to control terrorism, ensuring protection and safety of lives and properties of people of the province. It is pertinent to mention here that at least five Chinese nationals and their local driver had been killed when a suicide bomber rammed his explosives-laden car into their convoy in KP’s Bisham. The convoy consis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that the revival of economy is the biggest challenge and topmost priority of the incumbent government. Talking to a delegation of All Pakistan Newspapers Society in Islamabad today, the premier said that a plan was underway to modernize the revenue collection system. The prime minister further said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR is being fully digitized and efforts are afoot to increase the tax base. He highlighted that the government recently organized Tax Excellence Awards aimed at encouraging active taxpayers, exporters and women entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister said that privatization of government-owned enterprises, institutional reforms, internal and external investment and austerity are the government’s priorities. Lauding the role of Media in ensuring good governance and providing awareness to the public, he urged the industry to effectively highlight the fruits of economic stability under SIFC. Terming f

United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott called on Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations and regional developments. Both leaders agreed to further advance bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom in all areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment, peace, security, and development cooperation. Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized further strengthening trade and economic ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom for mutual benefit. He was talking to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott, who called on him in Islamabad today. Pakistan and the United Kingdom enjoy cordial relations reinforced by high-level interactions and people-to-people contacts over the years, Zardari added. He said stabilization of economy with a key focus on employment generation and poverty alleviation is one of the top priorities of the government. Highlight

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s intelligence agency has begun acquiring details of the government officials’ assets along with information regarding their relatives to meet an International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition, ARY News reported, citing sources. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has given the task to the intelligence agency to investigate the assets of grade 20, 21, and grade 22 government officials to meet the IMF conditions as Pakistan aims to secure a fresh deal with the global lending institution, as per sources. In this regard, the agency has started acquiring information from the government officials’ offices and relatives. According to sources, the authorities aim to gauge the honesty and integrity of the government officers. The investigation agency will compile a report which will divide the officials into three categories i.e., A, B, and C according to the report findings. The officers, falling under categories A and B will be posted on position according to the report’

The talks between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over women’s seats in the upcoming Senate election has reached a deadlock, ARY News reported. PPP candidate for the women’s seat Faiza Malik has refused to withdraw from the election as the former ruling coalition parties were at a standstill over the seat adjustment in the Punjab Senate election. In this regard, Malik said that she filed her nomination papers on the orders of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. According to her, the PPP chief has not asked her to withdraw from the race for the women’s seat in the upper house. It is pertinent to mention that the two women’s seats of the Senate are vacant from Punjab. The PML-N has fielded Anusha Rehman and Bushra Anjum Butt while Malik is contesting from the PPP’s platform. Read more: ECP issues revised list for upcoming Senate elections Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has nominated Sanam Javed for the Senate seat in Punjab.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday unveiled plan to distribute 50,000 solar systems across the province through “Chief Minister Roshan Gharana” programme. Chairing a review meeting on Solar home solution, here on Tuesday, the CM directed to initiate immediate steps for the installation of one kilowatt solar systems. She also directed to bring in solar systems of the latest technology. With the budget outlay of Rs 12.6 billion, 50,000 protected consumers using 100 units monthly will be given solar systems through balloting In Phase-I. Gradually home based solar systems will be provided to other consumers of Punjab. A solar system will include advanced solar plate, inverter, battery and other allied accessories. Provincial Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Former Senator Pervaiz  Rashid, MPA Sania Ashiq, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretaries Energy, Finance, Chief Executive Officer Punjab Power Development Company (PPDCL), Managing

ISLAMABAD: British High Commission Development Director Jo Moir on Tuesday emphasised significance of journalism on climate impact, saying that journalists play a pivotal role in helping Pakistani people understand how climate change affects them. Over 100 journalists from 35 media outlets and research organisations participated in a practical training from the British High Commission on climate journalism. Journalists gained in-depth knowledge on complex climate change and nature protection issues, discussed how journalism is at the frontlines of climate change, explored how to find real climate stories on the ground and practised telling climate stories. They discussed challenges that can exist around climate journalism, how to centre women and girls in climate stories, and made commitments to tell climate stories in future. The journalists reflected on the importance of finding and telling stories of community action related to climate change going out to the field in search of

Guests in Saudi Arabia were faced with a dilemma after their host locked them up to show his “generosity” at a dinner. Video footage, shot by one of the guests, showed several people approaching the exit door of the house in an attempt to leave the place. However, the host had them locked up from the outside as he did not want to leave any food leftovers from the feast. “He is giving us a tough time! He has closed the door and told us to leave nothing in plates!” read a caption attached to the video. While some of the guests were seen negotiating with the host to let them leave the house, others chose to finish the food they were served by their Saudi host. pic.twitter.com/3NmooWGt15 — فيديوهات منوعة (@EsmailBaher) March 21, 2024 The place and time of the incident have been determined, however, it brought smiles to the faces of the social media users. Reports have said that food worth an estimated SR40 billion is wasted in Saudi Arabia. Several campaigns have been launched

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure foolproof security for workers of the Reko Diq gold and copper mining project and for the logistics and transport from the project’s site to Gwadar port. Mr Sharif issued the directive while chairing a meeting on the Reko Diq project in Lahore, the PM Office said in a statement on Sunday. A delegation from the Canadian mining company working on the project, Barrick Gold, led by its CEO Mark Bristow, participated in the meeting via a video link. The prime minister said consultations with all stakeholders regarding the project at the official level should be held and all the obstacles should be removed. Seeks feasibility report on road, rail link between mine and Gwadar port He said planning should be initiated to improve the communication infrastructure, especially railway lines, to utilise the minerals of Balochistan. He said work to upgrade roads to connect the Reko Diq project with Gwadar port should

ROME: Pope Francis, at the last minute, skipped reading his homily during a Palm Sunday Mass for tens of thousands of people in St Peter’s Square. It is very unusual for a pope to totally skip a homily at a major event such as Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week, a busy period leading to Easter. In recent weeks, the 87-year-old pope has been suffering on and off from bronchitis and influenza and has delegated an aide to read his addresses for him, but on Sunday his prepared text was not read at all. The Vatican gave no immediate explanation for why the pope skipped the homily. An announcer on Vatican Radio then said the pope had decided to not read the homily. However, the pope, dressed in red vestments, continued presiding, reading parts of the Mass and was driven around the crowd in a popemobile. The clerics, along with participants held palm fronds and olive branches at the service. Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2024 from The Dawn News - Home https://ift.tt/9GA

• Provincial authorities, law enforcement agencies tasked with collecting information on Afghan Citizen Card holders • Authorities estimate around half a million returned during first phase PESHAWAR: Pakistan has begun preparations to launch the second phase of its repatriation drive to send nearly one million ‘documented’ Afghans back to their homeland, with directives to district authorities and police to map and collect data of their whereabouts across the country, documents reveal. An official privy to the development said instructions had been issued to district administrations and police to expedite the mapping of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders. No date has yet been announced, but an official said the campaign to repatriate hundreds of thousands of ACC holders could begin in early to mid-summer, following approval from the federal government. “We have already started the mapping process,” Abid Majeed, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s additional chief secretary, told Dawn . “It will

ISLAMABAD: Only a day after announcing formation of seven committees of the cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to hand over the chairmanship of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, sources in the government told Dawn . The prime minister, however, will continue to head the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), they said, adding the prime minister took the decision at a meeting on Saturday. Confirming the development, a senior member of the cabinet told Dawn that the prime minster had regretted he would be unable to chair the ECC meetings due to his hectic schedule and engagements. On Friday, the prime minister had constituted seven committees and, according to the official notification, he himself was to head the ECC and CCoE. In the past, the finance minister used to preside over the meetings of the ECC. The cabinet member said the PM would oversee the functions of the two committees and guide the members whenever his c

ISLAMABAD: Paki­stan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founding chairman Imran Khan on the occasion of Pakistan Day has vowed his party is committed to make Pakistan a truly sovereign Islamic welfare state, as the nation will not accept slavery. In his message issued by the PTI’s media wing on Saturday, Mr Khan vowed to continue struggle for the rule of law and ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ of the nation, pointing out that March 23 was a day of pledge to achieve and establish an Islamic welfare state. Also, PTI stalwart and former speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser at a convention held in the Khyber Pakht­unkhwa House, Islam­abad, said the goal of Pakistan’s foundation could not be achieved, as basic human rights were being violated and PTI leaders were in jail. He said the PTI had high expectations but Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa disappointed it. History would not remember the CJP if he did not ensure the rule of law, he added. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan urged the SC to a

QUETTA: Armed men kidnapped three coal miners in the Duki coal field area of Balochistan on Friday night, officials said. The officials said miners were identified as Johar Khan Ishaqzai, Shah Khan and Bacha Khan Yousafzai and two of them belonged to Shangla area of Swat while the third one hailed from Quetta. A heavy contingent of Levies Force and personnel of other law enforcement agencies rushed to the site and challenged the armed men. However, in an ensuing exchange of fire, the kidnappers managed to flee along with the coal miners. While no one claimed responsibility, officials believed the armed men belonged to a banned outfit and kidnapped the miners for ransom. Protest in Quetta Protesters demand compensation for Harnai blast victims On Saturday, hundreds of coal mine workers staged a sit-in to press the authorities to ensure safety and protection of miners in Balochistan, after the kidnapping of miners in Duki area and the methane gas explosion that claimed 12 lives

HONG KONG: A new national security law came into force in Hong Kong on Saturday despite growing international criticism that it could erode freedoms in the China-ruled city and damage its international financial hub credentials. The law, also known as Article 23, took effect at midnight, days after Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing lawmakers passed it unanimously, fast-tracking legislation to plug what authorities called national security loopholes. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the law “accomplished a historic mission, living up to the trust placed in us by the Central (Chinese) Authorities”. The United States expressed concerns that the law would further erode the city’s autonomy and damage its reputation as an international business hub. “It includes vaguely defined provisions regarding ‘sedition’, ‘state secrets’, and interactions with foreign entities that could be used to curb dissent,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. Australia and Britain on Friday

TV actor Agha Shiraz, who is also famous for his magic tricks, recently shared a supernatural experience that happened to him and which positively impacted his life. During a guest appearance on the Ramadan transmission, the TV actor shared details of an incident that happened in 2019, while he was offering prayer at a mosque near Karachi’s Sea View. Sharing the incident, Agha said: “I was praying Namz-e-Asar near Sea View and someone tapped my shoulder and asked me to offer the prayer again. They also told me that my prayers won’t be accepted until I seek Allah’s love and guidance. Even though I didn’t pay attention to their advice and completed my Darood and Dua . Agha Shiraz said that he turned back to look at the person after the Namaz, but he didn’t find anyone. He then went to the Imam Masjid and told him the entire incident. The Imam, according to Agha, told him that: “I observed you talking to someone invisible. Let me tell you something important, the spiritual beings (J

Pakistan Navy, in a joint intelligence-based operation with the law enforcement agencies, seized liquor worth Rs145.6 million in the North Arabian Sea. “A joint intelligence-based operation, coordinated through Joint Maritime Information and Coordination Centre, was conducted by Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and Pakistan Customs Intelligence in North Arabian Sea, in which 4104 bottles of Liquor were recovered. “The seized liquor has been handed over to the Customs for further legal proceedings, read the statement issued by navy spokesperson. “PN, PMSA, and Customs are vigilant and remain committed to preventing the use of Pakistani waters and land for any unlawful act.” The successful joint operation by PN, PMSA and Customs intelligence resulting in the seizure of liquor is a testament to the fact that despite the prevailing maritime situation in which the criminals are active for their nefarious designs and leaving no opportunity to defame Pakistan, the spokesp

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ata Tarar on Wednesday said today’s US Congressional hearing had completely exposed the “cipher drama” orchestrated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan against the country, just for the sake of his personal interests. “The PTI chairman’s deceit and hypocrisy has been exposed before the whole world today as [US Assistant Secretary of State] Donld Lu testified before the Congress and called the cipher a complete falsehood,” the minister said while addressing a news conference. Ata Tarar condemned the PTI’s conspiracy in the strongest terms lashing out the party for their all the anti-state moves including May 9 riots and protests outside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Headquarters for derailing Pakistan talks with the lender on final review of the standby agreement. “The PTI hired lobbyists in the United States for a congress hearing on the so-called regime change conspiracy, but their leader could not e

KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday announced preparations for a comprehensive crackdown against the scourge of drugs across the province, ARY News reported. Sindh Minister for Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Sharjeel Inam Memon chaired a high-level meeting in Karachi on Tuesday to spearhead move aimed at curbing the scourge of drugs. During the meeting, the provincial minister stressed the need to tackle the drug epidemic head-on. He outlined plans to form teams comprising efficient officers dedicated to executing the crackdown effectively. “A massive crackdown targeting drugs and its traffickers would be launched imminently,” Memon said, emphasizing that the young generation must be liberated from the clutches of drug dealers. He also announced that officers demonstrating exceptional performance would be duly recognised and rewarded with awards and honours as a testament to their dedication and commitment to the cause. Sharjeel Memon noted that actions would be tak

Hollywood star Tom Cruise was seen scaling the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles of the US in a casual outfit as shooting for a movie of the Mission: Impossible series is underway. The 61-year-old Top Gun: Maverick star was seen at the landmark Hollywood Sign with a film crew in a black t-shirt along with pants and shoes as he flashed his abs from underneath his shirt. Known for his dedication towards his work and death-defying stunts, Cruise is currently shooting for Mission Impossible 8. Recently, The movie’s shooting was at risk of a delay after a traffic chokehold around the studio. However, Tom Cruise arranged helicopters for the cast and crew to arrive at the location in Surrey after motorways were blocked due to on-site work last weekend. Sources said that M25 closure might be a problem for other people but Cruise had a solution to almost everything that might disturb the filming schedule. Read more; Bad news for Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission: Impossible’ fans According to sources,

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has constituted five appellate tribunals to address appeals regarding the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers submitted by candidates for the vacant Senate seats. According to a notification issued by Election Commission, Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz has been appointed as the tribunal judge for the Islamabad, while Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan has been appointed as the appellate tribunal for resolving disputes in Punjab. Likewise, Justice Adnan Iqbal Chaudhry was appointed as the Appellate Tribunal Judge to handle petitions concerning disputes in the Sindh province. Justice Shakeel Ahmed for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Justices Ejaz Swati and Nazeer Ahmed Langove for Balochistan were appointed as Appellate Tribunal judges. According to the election schedule appeals can be filed upto March 21 against approval or rejection of nomination papers. The election tribunals will decide appeals by March 25. A revised list of candidates

LAHORE: The ruling PML-N on Sunday accused the PTI of running a smear campaign against the country’s martyrs, an allegation swiftly rejected by the opposition party. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar warned the party of action over its alleged campaign against martyrs of the Mir Ali checkpost attack, while Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif regretted that the PTI’s ‘love of power’ had become so intense that “you make fun of those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan”. In a rejoinder, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser censured both Mr Asif and Mr Tarar for criticising his party over its alleged involvement in an “insulting campaign” against the martyrs of Pakistan Army and security forces personnel, saying they were running “misleading propaganda” against PTI. Seven troops, including two officers, embraced martyrdom when militants targeted a paramilitary camp in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan on Saturday. The security forces later killed six militants in a clearance oper

Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan delighted their fans by performing together at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. At the pre-wedding festivities, the trio delivered an energetic on-stage performance. The videos were widely shared on social media, and now, the uncut version of their banter and their dance has been shared online. However, before the same, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan had a lighthearted, heated discussion where Aamir Khan had to play the peacemaker. The performance begins with Shah Rukh telling Salman and Aamir that they’ll perform together because Mukesh Ambani desires to see them dance together. When Salman asks them to put on a song from Dabangg, Shah Rukh takes offence because he wants one of his songs to be played. Shah Rukh wants “Besharam Rang” to be played but Salman wants them to perform on “Hud Hud Dabangg”.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dharma 2.0 (@dharma2

Pakistan Saturday welcomed the adoption of the resolution titled “Measures to Combat Islamophobia,” by the UN General Assembly with an overwhelming majority. The UN General Assembly adopted Pakistan’s resolution, by a big majority, that calls for, among other elements, concerted action to fight ongoing violence against Muslims and requests the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy to combat Islamophobia. Prior to adopting the new resolution, entitled: ‘Measures to Combat Islamophobia’, by a vote of 113 in favour to none against, with 44 abstentions, the 193-member Assembly rejected two amendments proposed by a group of European nations. India, along with most of European states, abstained on the resolution. The proposals would have replaced key language in the resolution, including calling for a focal point instead of a UN special envoy and removing references to the desecration of the Holy Quran. The UN created the International Day through a resolution adopted followin

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve and commitment to closely work together with the leadership of Turkey to further solidify the bilateral relations. In a post on X, he said, “I am pleased to receive a congratulatory call from my brother Hakan Fidan, FM of Turkey. Recalling close & fraternal ties between our two great nations, we reaffirmed our resolve & commitment to closely work together to further solidify our bilateral relations.” Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar and his Afghanistan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday agreed to continue working together in building on fraternal bilateral relations. “Expanding cooperation in connectivity, trade, security, counter terrorism and people to people contacts is a top priority for Pakistan,” the foreign minister posted on X, after he received a congratulatory call from Afghan minister. Meanwhile, a statement by the deputy spokesperson at the Afghan foreign ministry, Hafiz Zia Ahmad, said