ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to undertake a two-day official visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan from today (Tuesday).
During his two day visit, Shehbaz will meet Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, Chairman of Majlisi Namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli Mahmadtoir Zoir Zokirzoda and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, according to a Foreign Office press release.
The visit is a part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Tajikistan. The two sides would engage in wide-ranging discussions on areas of mutual interest to further deepen bilateral cooperation especially in the areas of regional connectivity, trade, people-to-people contacts and energy as well as cooperation on multilateral issues. The two sides would also sign agreements and MoUs in diverse areas of cooperation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Kazakhstan for the twin summits of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State (CHS) and SCO Plus from 03-04 July 2024 in Astana.
According to statement of the Foreign Office on Monday, the prime minister would be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other senior members of the cabinet and senior government officials.
At the SCO Council of Heads of summit, Shehbaz would share Pakistan’s perspective on important regional and global issues and underline the importance Pakistan accords to regional connectivity and cooperation with SCO member countries.
The prime minister would also address the SCO Plus summit that brings together SCO member states as well as invited dialogue partners, observer states, guests of the chair and international organisations.
He would share Pakistan’s perspective on important regional and global issues and underline the importance of strengthening the organisation for the benefit of the peoples of the SCO region.
Shehbaz would also hold meetings with participating leaders on the sidelines of the summit, including the Russian and Chinese presidents. It would be prime minister’s second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in less than a month. Shehbaz will have maiden meeting with Vladimir Putin in his present stint during with bilateral cooperation would be discussed.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opted to skip the summit at the eleventh hour although he earlier assured his participation. Meanwhile, the prime minister received Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin, here on Monday.
The premier conveyed his greetings to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and expressed his desire to strengthen the excellent bilateral relations between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Shehbaz said he was looking forward to his meeting with President Tokayev during the SCO summits. In another development, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliev is visiting Pakistan next week for an official trip. He has been invited for it by the prime minister.
Meanwhile, speaking to a delegation of prominent businessmen who met him, the prime minister said that increasing the country’s exports is the government’s top priority, and measures from the current federal budget are being implemented for this purpose.
He said the development of industry, agriculture, and information technology would further stabilise the economy and create new employment opportunities. He said the country is moving in the right economic direction and that all possible measures were taken in the budget to provide relief to the people. He further said that the confidence of foreign investors has been restored due to the government’s business-friendly policies.
On the occasion, the delegation commended Shehbaz for ensuring a conducive environment for business and investment in the country and for putting the economy on a positive trajectory. They informed the prime minister that the business community appreciates the budget and expressed hope that it would positively impact business activities in the country.
Separately, renowned businessman and Economic Advisory Council member Jahangir Khan Tareen called on the prime minister. Tareen, who was accompanied by Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party leader Aon Chaudhry, appreciated the prime minister for presenting a pro-business and people-friendly budget, despite tough financial conditions. He also congratulated Shehbaz for putting the national economy on a positive trajectory.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz praised the police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel for foiling a terror attempt in Takhta Baig, Khyber district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He paid tribute to police officer Ijaz and FC officer Shehzad, who sacrificed their lives fighting terrorists for the sake of the country. He prayed for the martyrs’ elevation in Jannah and for patience and strength for their families to bear this irreparable loss.
The premier stated that the armed forces, police, and law enforcement agencies have made countless sacrifices to achieve peace in Pakistan. He said the Pakistani nation is proud of its brave heroes and their families, and stands united to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.