FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, JUL 19: The Government of Japan has decided to implement 7 new Japanese technical cooperation programs in Pakistan to cater the social needs and assist capacity building for growing industries at the federal and provincial level.

Including these 7 programs, the Japanese Government will implement a total of 25 technical cooperation programs in Pakistan in fiscal year 2021.

The new Japanese technical cooperation programs, starting in fiscal year 2021, include the projects and dispatch of experts for improvement in health, education, agriculture, gender and information technology sectors and would be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) over the period of around three years. 

The programs cover areas such as (1) strengthening care for mothers, newborn and child health in KP, (2) dispatching Education Policy Advisor to Sindh, (3) strengthening of community engagement and educational practices for better retention in Sindh, (4) providing technical support for livestock genetic improvement in Sindh, (5) coaching trout farming technology in KP, (6) promoting survivor-centered approach in gender-based violence in Punjab and (7) dispatching Technical Advisor for ICT industry development in Pakistan.

For the effective implementation of these programs, JICA, besides dispatching of Japanese experts for capacity building of counterpart organizations, would conduct online trainings to share Japanese expertise and experience under the restrictions on overseas travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

H.E. Mr. MATSUDA Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, citing his optimism on the new Japanese technical cooperation programs, stated that these programs with their successful implementation would greatly benefit the Government and the people of Pakistan at the federal and provincial level.

“Capacity building in health, education, agriculture, gender and ICT sectors are some of the priority areas for Japanese assistance in Pakistan”, said the Ambassador.

The Ambassador hoped that these projects would contribute towards the bright future of Pakistan and further strengthening of Japan-Pakistan relations.

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Taliban wants durable peace in Afghanistan

Editor-In-Chief / Farukh Shehzad

Exclusive Report / Diplomaticnewspk.blog

ISLAMABAD, JUL 19: While giving an interview on a private news channel of Pakistan few days ago Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen has said that Afghan forces do not put trust on Afghanistan administration therefore they are joining us voluntarily and with their own will.

Taliban Spokesman said the speculations are being circulating about the occupation of Taliban on more than 210 districts in media are totally wrong.

Suhail Shaheen of Taliban further said that earlier when the foreign forces were in Afghanistan before the peace deal, Afghan forces were afraid of them but now when outside forces left the place so they started joining us voluntarily.

Suhail Shaheen said Taliban wants durable peace in Afghanistan with a focus on development of the country after forming their government.

Taliban Spokesman said we shall not allow any individual or any group to use our soil against any country.

Our mission is very clear that we shall establish Islamic values and pure Islamic government in Afghanistan and our people also standing with us, said Taliban Spokesman Suhail Shaheen.

Suhail Shaheen also said that, we want to build fraternal relations with Pakisan.

Responding to a question on use of technology in your government, Taliban Spoxman said that we are not against use of Technology in fact we shall utilize this modern tool to get further benefits.

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Laal Meat is offering simple and safe means of sacrifice for people across the country,

Renowned personalities from Pakistan’s media and showbiz industries are adopting means of performing their sacrifices online with respect to an imminent 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KARACHI, JUL 18: According to details, some of the most leading names from Pakistan’s media industry and showbiz are taking precautions as influential public figures to avoid severe damages due to the 4th wave of COVID-19.

With Eid-ul-Adha around the corner, the ritual of sacrifice is essential and these celebrities are opting for online mediums to fulfill their religious obligations. Renowned names like Behroz Subzwari, Faisal Qureshi, Javaid Sheikh, Shahood Alvi, Sarwat Gillani, Yasir Nawaz, Ali Khan, Naveed Raza, Natasha Ali, Saleem Afridi, Chef Rida Aftan as well as anchor person Nadia Mirza and Fahim Abbas have conveyed messages to the public that crowded places must be avoided.

They also asserted the need for adopting online sacrificial channels for their own safety as well as that of their loved ones. They further added that Laal Meat is offering the convenience of receiving your meat at your door step in the most convenient manner.

Tabish Haider, the CEO of Laal Meat stated that the sole reason behind introducing online sacrifice was to protect against COVID-19. He added that all sacrifices are made in hygenic conditions while the hides of the animals are donated to Indus Hospital. This initiative is in operation since last year.

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KABUL/ISLAMABAD, JUL 18: Afghanistan recalled its ambassador from Pakistan days after the envoy's daughter was abducted and "severely tortured" in the capital Islamabad, Afghan officials said on Sunday.

Waheed Omar, an aide to Afghan President Mohammed Ashraf Ghani, said on Twitter that the Foreign Ministry has been directed to ensure that those responsible for the incident are punished and that the security of the Afghan ambassador and diplomats in Pakistan is guaranteed.

He said Ghani made the decision after the Friday kidnapping of Silsila Alikhel, the daughter of Afghan Ambassador to Islamabad Najibullah Alikhel.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry also said that a delegation is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the near future to investigate and follow the latest case and related issues, which will be discussed in light of the delegation's findings.

The ambassador's daughter was kidnapped and "severely tortured" in the capital Islamabad on Friday afternoon before being thrown out with her hands tied behind her back, according to the local Salam Afghanistan radio.

Afghanistan has demanded Pakistan swiftly identify and bring to justice those responsible for the assault.

Strongly condemning the "heinous act," the Afghan government expressed its deepest concerns over the safety and security of diplomats, their families, and staff members of Afghan political and consular missions in Pakistan.

Relations between Pakistan and its neighbor Afghanistan remain tense, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of arming and supporting the Taliban insurgents.

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PM’s reply to Ashraf Ghani in Tashkent lauded extensively

Farukh Shehzad

Editor-In-Chief / Diplomaticnewspk.blog

ISLAMABAD, JUL 18: Prime Minister Imran Khan was on official visit in Tashkent to participate in International Conference on “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities.” on the invitation of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the sideline of that conference, President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani made serious allegations on Pakistan.

Afghanistan is our brotherly country however if it puts allegations on Pakistan despite our sincere efforts for peace so that world be not acceptable. Pakistan always wants peace in Afghanistan and we always facilitated in this regard.

After the allegations, PM Imran Khan gave an excellent and detailed reply to Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan.

Ashraf Ghani has no credibility in almost all over the world in current time, Said Shahid Masood.

At least to express protest PM Imran Khan should have refused to meet with Ashraf Ghani particularly in that forum in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) to give a bullet-like more solid response, said Dr. Shahid Masood.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 17: The daughter of Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan was briefly kidnapped and "severely tortured" in the capital Islamabad, Afghan authorities said on Saturday.

According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, Silsila Alikhail, the daughter of Ambassador Najib Alikhail, was abducted and tortured by persons unknown on her way home on Friday.

"After being released from the kidnappers' clutches, Alikhail is now under medical care at the hospital," a ministry statement said.

Strongly condemning the "heinous act," the Afghan government expressed its deepest concerns over the safety and security of diplomats, their families, and staff members connected to Afghan political and consular missions in Pakistan.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the Government of Pakistan to take the necessary and immediate action to ensure the full security of the Afghan Embassy and Consulate and the immunity of the country's diplomats and their families in accordance with international treaties and commitments," the statement said.

Afghanistan also urged Pakistan to swiftly identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the kidnapping.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry also confirmed the incident, saying that police in Islamabad launched a thorough investigation immediately after it was reported.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security authorities are closely in contact with the ambassador and his family and extending full support in the matter," said Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Foreign Ministry spokesman.

The government has beefed up security for the ambassador and his family, and law enforcement agencies are trying to find and apprehend the culprits to be brought to justice, he added.

Chaudhri reiterated that the safety of diplomatic missions, including the diplomats and their families, is of utmost importance. Such incidents cannot and will not be tolerated, he said.

Relations between Pakistan and its neighbor Afghanistan remain tense, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of arming and supporting Taliban insurgents. Pakistan has denied the charges.

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LAHORE, JUL 17: Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels is pleased to announce Nayer Zaman as the hotel’s new General Manager Operations. In this position, Zaman is responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s day-to-day operations, its long term success and ensuring a superior and highly personalised guest experience.

A senior hospitality professional with over 26 years of experience gained in the UK, Pakistan and the Middle East, Zaman holds an MBA in business and finance from Leicester University UK, and has managed large scale hospitality projects. His last assignments in Pakistan included serving as Director Sales and Marketing, Serena Hotels as well as Director Business Development, Avari Hotels. For the past 10 years, he was general manager of a large hotel in the UK.

‘I am excited to be joining Ambiance Hotels at this juncture and to get to know this impressive and artistic property. I look forward to spearheading this unique boutique art hotel in Pakistan and enabling it to surpass international best practices,’ said Nayer Zaman. ‘I am determined in taking hospitality to new heights for our discerning clientele.’

Located in Lahore, Pakistan’s art and cultural hub, the hotel features 24 luxurious guest rooms, which are meticulously designed to offer guests a unique, personalized experience. Bedecked with cutting-edge contemporary art, the rooms areequipped with state-of-the-art entertainment devices such as Google Home pods, 4K smart TVs, Chromecast and Netflix on demand.

Envisioned by Kasim Kasuri of Beaconhouse, Ambiance Boutique Art Hotels promotes young and emerging artists who make up Pakistan’s vibrant contemporary art scene. Commenting on Nayer Zaman’s appointment, Kasim Kasuri said, ‘I’m delighted to have Mr Zaman lead our first boutique art hotel in Lahore. Nayer’s international experience will help us set new standards for hospitality and guest experience.’

The hotel complies strictly with all government health directives and protocols. Its partnership with Ecolab, the global leader in hospitality sanitation, and ISO 2200 certification for food safety ensures that its internationally-recognized standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety protect guests at all times. Additionally, all its staff is vaccinated against Covid-19.

A second property is expected to open in Karachi at the end of 2021. There is currently an open call for art, inviting young practitioners across the country to submit original artworks for consideration to become part of the hotel’s growing and well-curated permanent art collection.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 17: The Senate on Friday passed another FATF-related bill amid an outcry from the opposition which suffered back-to-back defeats in the house where it otherwise enjoys dominating numerical strength.

When Railways Minister Azam Swati tabled a motion seeking permission to introduce the Mutual Legal Assistance (Criminal Matters) Amendment Bill, the opposition members opposed the move. The motion was put for voting through division and was carried by 43 against 33 votes, marking first blow to the opposition in the day.

The amendments proposed by Mushtaq Ahmad of Jamaat-i-Islami, who said the bill was against fundamental rights, constitution, principles of natural justice and national interest, were also rejected by a voice vote.

The bill was passed by majority vote as the opposition kept on expressing its reservations.

Saadia Abbasi of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz was also among those opposing the bill, but sensing the situation she dropped her amendments.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill reads: “Increase in transnational organized crime has made it necessary for international community and Pakistan to improve effectiveness of legal instruments. Lack of uniformity in law and weak coordination mechanism between countries affects combating of crimes across borders, in order to overcome these challenges, essential legal cover is required. International cooperation in criminal matters through mutual legal assistance and extradition is intended to bridge existing gaps in respective countries toward effective law enforcement. The requested state will provide mutual legal support to the requesting state by executing necessary actions on its territory in any specific criminal case warranting shared assistance.”

Senator Ahmad called it a black day in the parliamentary history of the country, and said the government could take action against a person by confiscating his property made through money laundering etc. under the law without issuing him a notice and this was against the principles of justice. He said the government would hand over Pakistani nationals to other countries without any notice. He alleged that the government was paving way for the release of Dr Shakeel Afridi and Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav through the proposed bill but the allegation was rejected by the government later.

Responding to the opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Senator Mohsin Aziz said the bill blocked the way for money launderers and thieves. He argued that if demand for prior notice was met, the accused would get time to transfer his ill-gotten assets to his family members.

The house also passed a bill about the regulation of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The bill was moved by Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar.

Senator Raza Rabbani raised an objection against a clause under which Nepra itself would be empowered to notify power tariff if the government failed to do so in a stipulated time, insisting that the government should retain its authority. He however did not press his amendment to this effect.

The already enraged members of the opposition rose in their seats to voice their protest when Adviser to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan brought two bills in the house through supplementary agenda for their consideration at once.

It was pointed out that one of the bills had been found by the standing committee concerned to be ‘not fit for passage’ and in such a case the bills under the rules were referred to a select committee.

The motion for leave to introduce the Reorganisation of Federal Medical Institutes and Teaching Hospitals Bill was put to vote and carried by 39 against 35 votes.

The opposition lawmakers gathered in front of the chairman’s podium to stage a protest, with Senator Rabbani scolding the secretariat staff over their failure to provide the supplementary agenda to the opposition. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani asked Mr Rabbani not to rebuke the secretariat staff. “You can reprimand me, but don’t do it with the staff,” he said.

PPP Senator Rubina Khalid said the purpose of the bill was to introduce a new health system in the country on the pattern of the US where only those got free health facility who had an insurance policy.

Leader of the House Dr Shahzad Waseem rejected her claim and said the bill was part of the health reform programme of the government. “It seeks to provide such health facilities to the poor which only affluent class can afford,” he added.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the atmosphere of the house had been polluted and the sanctity of the house breached by circulating supplementary agenda after voting. “The house cannot be run like this,” she said.

The opposition after protest in front of chair’s dais also staged a token walkout.

In the opposition’s absence the house passed another bill – the Reorganisation of National Institute of Health Amendment Bill.

The Senate also passed the Parliament (Salaries and Allowances) (Amendment) Bill.

The mover Senator Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti explained that the proposed amendment was procedural in nature and did not increase the perks, privileges and salaries of lawmakers.

Responding a call attention notice, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan told the house that the reports about issuance of four to five million fake computerised national identity cards (CNICs) in Sindh were false.

He said less than three million CNICs had been issued in the province over the last four years, including 592,000 in Karachi — most of which had been issued to genuine applicants.

“How can the authority issue fake CNICs in such a huge number when the number of total issued cards is less than the number of fake cards being alleged?” He said 39 officials of the National Database and Registration Authority in Karachi had been suspended on allegations of issuing fake cards and cases had been registered against 10 people also.

The chair referred the matter to the standing committee concerned on the insistence of Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, the mover of the call attention notice.

The CNIC issue also echoed in the National Assembly where the proceedings remained suspended for some time due to lack of quorum.

The assembly passed two bills, including the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens Bill, 2021 for well-being and dignity of senior citizens and the Special Technology Zones Authority Bill, 2021. The house will now meet again on Monday.

The National Assembly also extended the period of three ordinances for another 120 days by adopting separate resolutions amid the opposition protest against the “rule through ordinances”.

These included the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power (Amendment) Ordinance, Higher Education Commission Amendment Ordinance (IX of 2021) and Higher Education Commission Second Amendment Ordinance (X of 2021).

Ahsan Iqbal of the PML-N said in the last three years, the government had promulgated 50 ordinances.

Former prime minister Raja Parvaiz Ashraf also opposed extension in the period of the ordinances relating to the HEC saying first an ordinance was promulgated to reduce tenure of the HEC chairman and then another was promulgated to place the commission under the ministry of education.

PML-M member Khurram Dastgir Khan said those ordinances meant to reduce tenure of the HEC chairman from four to two years because the government wanted to remove the sitting chairman.

He said the HEC chairman did not accept illegitimate demands of the government.

Other opposition members, including Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr Nafeesa Shah and Shahida Akhtar Ali, also opposed extension in the period of the ordinances.

“The government is breaching privilege of the National Assembly by using it to extend ordinances,” Dr Shah said, adding an ordinance was an emergency law.

She said it was condemnable that the government decided to reduce tenure of heads of certain institutions through promulgation of ordinances.

Adviser to the Prime Minister Ali Nawaz Awan rejected objections of the opposition on promulgation and extension of ordinances.

He said the previous government had promulgated 23 ordinances every year while the incumbent government had promulgated 17 ordinances every year.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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• Says Afghan turmoil to affect Pakistan the most

• Seeks EU support for peace process
• Tells Indian media RSS is hurdle in way of talks
• Terms ties with Uzbekistan ‘beginning of prosperity’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday gave a robust response to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s allegation about Pakistan’s “negative role” in the Afghan peace process and said it was “extremely unfair” to blame Islamabad for the situation in Afghanistan.

Fearing influx of Afghan refugees in Pakistan due to growing violence in the neighbouring country, the prime minister called upon the European Union (EU) and international community to support Pakistan in the rehabilitation of Afghan refugees.

He also said Pakistan’s connectivity with Uzbekistan in trade and bilateral spheres would connect Central Asian states with the rest of the world.

The prime minister expressed these views at the international conference on “Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities” during his two-day visit to Uzbekistan. President Ghani was also present at the conference.

The prime minister met the Afghan president on the sidelines of the conference but the body language of the former showed that he was quite ‘reserved’ while meeting Mr Ghani.

President Ghani, who spoke before Prime Minister Khan at the conference, had alleged that 10,000 militants sneaked into Afghanistan from Pakistan to create unrest there.

While terming the statement ‘extremely unfair’, PM Khan said: “Due to the Afghan conflict, Pakistan is the worst affected country and it was unfair to blame Pakistan for turmoil in Afghanistan.”

“President Ghani let me just say that the country that will be most affected by turmoil in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in the last 15 years. The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict,” the premier said as he stopped reading from his written speech.

He said after withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban were hopeful for their win in the current war in the neighbouring country, adding that why Taliban would come for dialogue when they were sensing victory in their country.

“Taliban are no longer willing to compromise after the United States gave a date for the withdrawal of troops. When there were 150,000 Nato troops [...] that was the time to ask the Taliban to come to the table. Why were the Taliban going to compromise once the exit date was given [...] why would they listen to us (Pakistan) when they are sensing victory,” he added.

After the meeting, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt-Gen Faiz Hamid, who accompanied the prime minister, told the media that not from Pakistan but violation of border was being committed from Afghanistan and Pakistan security forces were being targeted.

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TASHKENT, JUL 16: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday hit back at Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's claims about Pakistan's "negative role" in the Afghan peace process, adding that it was "unfair" to blame the country for the situation in Afghanistan.

The prime minister made the comments at the international conference on "Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities" during his two-day visit to Uzbekistan. The Afghan president was also present at the conference.

PM Imran's remarks came shortly before the two leaders were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the conference.

"President Ghani let me just say that the country that will be most affected by turmoil in Afghanistan is Pakistan. Pakistan suffered 70,000 casualties in the last 15 years. The last thing Pakistan wants is more conflict," the premier said as he stopped reading from his written speech.

He also said that Taliban was no longer willing to compromise after the United States gave a date for the withdrawal of troops.

"When there were 150,000 Nato troops [...] that was the time to ask the Taliban to come to the table. Why were the Taliban going to compromise once the exit date was given [...] why would they listen to us when they are sensing victory" the prime minister questioned.

The premier said that Pakistan's economy was finally recovering after going through a difficult phase. "I repeat, the last thing we want is turbulence in Afghanistan."

PM Imran stated that no country has tried harder than Pakistan to bring the Taliban to the table for dialogue. "We have made every effort, short of taking military action against the Taliban in Pakistan, to get them on the dialogue table and to have a peaceful settlement [in Afghanistan].

"To blame Pakistan for what is going on in Afghanistan is extremely unfair."

He said that he would not have visited Kabul in November last year if Pakistan was not interested in peace. "The whole idea was to look upon Pakistan as a partner in peace. I feel disappointed that we have been blamed for what is going on in Afghanistan".

He said that the current situation in Afghanistan was a result of over two decades of conflict and the US seeking a military solution.

He said that he had a conversation with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev about how all the neighbours in the region can help the Afghan peace process. "It is in all of our interests."

He said that there were already three million refugees in Afghanistan.

"We are petrified that there will be another influx of refugees and we do not have the capacity or the economic strength to bear it. So I can assure you again, if any country is trying its best, it is Pakistan."

The prime minister later met Ghani on the sidelines of the conference. According to Radio Pakistan, PM Imran and the Afghan president are leading their respective sides in delegation-level talks.

Pakistan hosts Afghan peace conference from tomorrow

The prime minister's comments come a day before Pakistan is due to host a three-day conference on Afghanistan to give a fresh impetus to the efforts for peace.

“Pakistan is hosting the Afghan Peace Conference on July 17-19 […] to provide momentum to the ongoing efforts for peace in Afghanistan,” Foreign Office Spokesman Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said at the weekly media briefing.

Afghanistan’s political leadership has been invited to the conference.

According to Tolo News, 21 prominent Afghan leaders including Abdullah Abdullah, Karim Khalili, Mohammad Younus Qanooni, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, Hanif Atmar, Salahuddin Rabbani, Ismail Khan, Ata Mohammad Noor, Hamed Gailani, Sayed Eshaq Gailani, Batur Dostum and Mirwais Yasini have been invited to the conference in Islamabad.

Chaudhri said a number of them have already confirmed their participation. Taliban, the spokesman had clarified, were not among the invitees as they had already visited Pakistan many times and held detailed discussions on the peace process.

“The aim of the forthcoming peace conference is to engage with and consult all sides on the Afghan peace process. We hope that this conference will provide impetus to the ongoing efforts for peace in Afghanistan,” the spokesman said while explaining the objective of the conference," the FO spokesman said.

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Addressing the first Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum, the prime minister highlighted the relations between the two countries, stating that they go back "centuries".

"It is personally a great pleasure for me to visit Uzbekistan, a country which we are connected to culturally, historically and spiritually," he said.

He assured the business community that this relationship was just beginning to grow, voicing his appreciation for the gracious welcomed that had been extended to him upon his arrival.

"I have complaints from different business houses on my mobile phone, asking why they weren't invited on this trip," he said, adding that there was a lot of "enthusiasm" in Pakistan regarding this.

"Our business and trade relationship is going to depend on how quickly we are able to connect with each other. The Trans Afghan Railway project is the most important project for Uzbekistan and Pakistan," he said.

"For Pakistan, it connects us to Central Asia, to Uzbekistan which is the biggest of the Central Asian republics and beyond."

Commenting on the situation in Afghanistan, the premier said that Pakistan wanted a political settlement in the neighbouring country for "mutually beneficial" connectivity between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. "For the business community, it will raise the standard of living in both the countries," he said.

He said that he was a student in England when the European Union was formed and he had noted that the standard of living went up in all the countries which became a part of the bloc.

"Their trade increased with their neighbours and the standard of living went up. This is why this trip is important for us, because of the connections that our business community will make with your business community."

He said that he was informed that many Pakistani business houses had already signed major contracts a day earlier, specifically in the textile sector. "We are all hoping that the connections between the two countries will get deeper by the time we go back," he said.

He said that the government was working on ensuring frequent flights between the countries.

PM Imran arrives in Tashkent

Earlier today, the premier arrived in Tashkent accompanied by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi and National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf.

According to Radio Pakistan, talks between the leadership of the two countries will cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations, with a particular focus on trade, economic cooperation and connectivity.

The leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

During the visit, a number of agreements and MoUs will be signed in areas of mutual interest, including transportation of goods, cooperation between chambers of commerce of the two countries, trade, education, culture and tourism, the report said.

On the invitation of the Uzbek president, the prime minister will participate in the International Conference on Central and South Asia Regional Connectivity: Challenges and Opportunities.

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