Brussels, In a significant move to bolster Pakistan’s financial stability, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has committed to assisting Pakistan during a recent meeting with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Brussels. The discussions, held on the margins of the First Nuclear Energy Summit, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Vice Premier Zhang expressed China’s willingness to enhance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and deepen collaboration in fields such as industry, mining, and information technology. The meeting underscored the enduring ‘Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and the unique, ironclad friendship between the two nations, which both sides hailed as exemplary.
Furthermore, the officials recognized the critical role of ongoing cooperation in civil nuclear technology and agreed on its future importance. Foreign Minister Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy and emphasized the national consensus in Pakistan regarding its relationship with China, along with a strong commitment to advancing the second phase of CPEC.
This assurance from China comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, offering prospects for economic stabilization and signaling robust bilateral support amidst Pakistan’s financial challenges.
Karachi, In a significant move to bolster infrastructure and improve tax collection mechanisms, the Sindh government, led by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has decided to strengthen its coordination with the federal government and enhance relations with tax collection agencies. This decision was reached during a meeting at the Chief Minister House, attended by Provincial Ministers and key government officials.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the meeting covered a range of pivotal projects, including the initiation of competitive bidding for 26 wind projects and 19 solar projects, collectively aiming to generate over 3000 MW of power. Energy Minister Nasir Shah proposed shifting the bidding process from the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) to the provincial energy department, a suggestion that received backing from the Chief Minister and stakeholders for its potential to streamline the process.
Further discussions led to the confirmation of a Financing Agreement for the Thar Rail Connectivity Project, a crucial initiative previously supported by the PPP-led Sindh government through equity contribution. The current administration has approved financing 50% of the project’s cost through a loan to Pakistan Railways, with a Finance Facility Agreement already executed on January 31, 2024.
A key focus of the meeting was on enhancing data sharing between provincial and federal tax collection bodies. Chief Minister Shah emphasized the importance of integrating provincial and federal data for improved governance and directed Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah to ensure effective coordination with federal entities like FBR and NADRA. An existing MOU between Sindh’s Board of Revenue, Sindh Revenue Board, and Excise and Taxation with the Federal Board of Revenue was highlighted as a foundation for this initiative.
The gathering also addressed the need for a regulatory framework for groundwater management, with the Chief Minister instructing the development of a new water law for comprehensive water resources management. Additionally, the meeting touched upon the revised rates of irrigation approved by the caretaker government and the advancement of corporate farming to leverage technology for boosting crop production.
In terms of environmental maintenance, the Irrigation Minister reported on the ongoing cleaning of hundreds of channels across various canal commands, signifying the government’s commitment to improving water distribution and agricultural productivity.
This series of decisions by the Sindh government reflects a concerted effort to address infrastructure needs, enhance tax collection efficiency, and manage natural resources effectively, aiming for broad-based socio-economic development across the province.