Lahore, In a significant move to enhance bilateral trade relations, the Government of Kyrgyzstan has inaugurated an Honorary Consul office in Lahore. The new diplomatic establishment aims to facilitate traders and promote stronger ties between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ulanbek Totuiaev, led the opening ceremony, marking a pivotal moment for both countries in their efforts to expand trade and cooperation.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ambassador Totuiaev highlighted the importance of the new consul office as a critical step forward in strengthening the bilateral relationship. The office is set to offer a range of consular services, including visa facilitation, legal assistance, and support for the exchange of trade and educational delegations between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan. This development is expected to serve as a cornerstone for increased diplomatic liaison and cooperation, providing a dedicated avenue for addressing the specific needs of traders and fostering an environment conducive to mutual growth and prosperity.
Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has initiated a measure to form a committee dedicated to overseeing and controlling the prices of essential food items across Pakistan. This decision emerged from the inaugural session of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad, where he emphasized the need for immediate action to curb price hikes and profiteering.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the committee is mandated to work in conjunction with provincial governments to closely monitor the cost of staple food products. Prime Minister Sharif underscored that stringent measures would be enforced against any unwarranted price inflation and those taking undue profit from essential commodities.
In an effort to alleviate financial pressure during the month of Ramadan, the Prime Minister has increased the Ramazan relief package from seven and a half billion to twelve and a half billion rupees. He announced the activation of mobile utility stores to make shopping more accessible to the public.
Additionally, the Prime Minister revealed plans to distribute extra funds to the impoverished under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), with a strict oversight mechanism to ensure transparent distribution of the assistance.
As part of the government’s measures to maintain market stability, the Federal Cabinet has endorsed a ban on the export of onions and bananas until the 15th of the following month, based on a recommendation from the Ministry of Commerce.
The Cabinet also approved the restoration of Pakistani citizenship for Mr. Muhammad Orangzaib, a Dutch national, following the Ministry of Interior’s counsel.
Concurrent with these decisions, Major General Abdul Moeed Hilal Imtiaz Military was appointed as the Director General of the Anti-Narcotics Force, as proposed by the Ministry of Narcotics Control.
Earlier in the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the new Cabinet members, setting forth the government’s vision and asserting his administration’s priorities for the future.