Islamabad, In a significant development in diplomatic relations, Pakistan and Iran have agreed to reinstate their respective ambassadors by January 26, 2024.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this decision was made following a telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The agreement marks a step forward in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Additionally, at the invitation of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 29, 2024. This upcoming visit is anticipated to further enhance the cooperation and friendship between Pakistan and Iran.
Karachi, The caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar led a cabinet meeting that approved a budget of Rs 24.3 billion. This budget is allocated for clearing pension and gratuity liabilities, paying salaries to COVID-19 doctors and staff, and ensuring law and order during the February 8 general elections.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the cabinet meeting, attended by provincial ministers and key officials, addressed the backlog in pension payments due to financial constraints. The Chief Minister directed the Finance Department to hold open Katcheries in each district to address grievances of retired employees who have been facing delays of 12 to 18 months in receiving payments.
The approved funds include Rs 21.558 billion for post-retirement benefits, encompassing full payments for pending gratuity and LPR liabilities and half of the commutation liabilities. In total, 19,537 retired civil servants are awaiting dues amounting to Rs 36.942 billion.
For COVID-19 related expenses, the cabinet extended the hiring period of doctors, nurses, and supporting staff for another year and approved Rs 4.06 billion to pay their salaries for 2023-24.
Regarding election expenditures, the Home Department was granted Rs 625.467 million to maintain law and order during the upcoming general elections, with 70% of the funds to be released immediately.
The cabinet also endorsed several developmental initiatives, including the establishment of dedicated water supply pipelines for the Defence Housing Authority and SITE industrial area in Karachi. Additionally, the Greater Karachi Sewerage Project (S-III) was allocated Rs 2.200 billion for the current fiscal year, supplementing the previously allocated Rs 725 million.
The formation of the Sukkur Water and Sewerage Corporation Board was approved, and a grant of Rs 18.821 million was sanctioned for a fully equipped Toyota Ambulance for the Governor House.
In an innovative move, the cabinet discussed a Chinese government grant for constructing prefabricated houses for Lady Health Workers, with potential expansion to 4,019 units if the provincial government covers inland transportation and installation.
The cabinet also addressed the need to increase Abiana/water charges to meet the maintenance requirements of irrigation infrastructure. A cabinet committee was formed under Minister Revenue Younus Dhaga to assess the situation and make recommendations.
Finally, the cabinet approved a legal framework for e-Registration in the Board of Revenue and e-Services in various departments, setting deadlines for its implementation.
Islamabad, Murtaza Solangi, the Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, confirmed that the general elections in Pakistan are set to be conducted on February 8. Addressing an event in Islamabad on Monday, he asserted the public’s constitutional right to vote and stressed the importance of democratic processes in the country.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Minister Solangi emphasized that there should be no doubt about the upcoming general elections. His remarks addressed concerns and speculations surrounding the election process, reassuring that the country’s governance would continue to be determined by its elected representatives, as stipulated in the constitution’s preamble.
Minister Solangi also highlighted the need for a focused discourse on the fundamental issues facing Pakistan, including the economy, foreign policy, population growth, health, and education. He expressed confidence in the country’s ability to progress towards addressing these challenges.
Additionally, the Information Minister underscored the significance of fostering democracy within political parties, a crucial aspect for the overall democratic health of the nation.
The announcement comes amid a crucial time for Pakistan as it prepares for the elections, with the government emphasizing the importance of constitutional rights and democratic processes.