Islamabad, In a significant show of solidarity, leaders from Pakistan’s major political parties have vowed to set aside their differences and work together for the nation’s greater good, particularly focusing on the pressing economic challenges facing the country. This unified stance was presented at a news conference in Islamabad, with President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Shehbaz Sharif, leading the call for concerted efforts to navigate the country out of its economic predicament.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the conference saw participation from key political figures, including PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, PML (Q) Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and Convener MQM Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to address the deteriorating economic conditions, highlighting foreign debt reduction and inflation control as critical areas of focus.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude towards the coalition parties for their support in forming the government and extended an invitation to PTI-backed winning candidates to join their efforts if they believed they had the requisite numbers. Furthermore, he confirmed Maryam Nawaz as the candidate for the office of Punjab Chief Minister.
Asif Ali Zardari advocated for reconciliation and the pursuit of common ground among political factions to ensure smooth governance. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui echoed the sentiment, prioritizing national interests and pledging MQM’s support for the PML-N in government formation. Similarly, Former Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Chairman Abdul Aleem Khan voiced their backing for the PML-N, citing confidence in its leadership to make decisions beneficial for Pakistan.
Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain underscored the importance of prioritizing the economic agenda by the forthcoming government, signaling a collective resolve among Pakistan’s political leadership to overcome the economic challenges through unity and cooperation.
Karachi, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has emphasized the paramount importance of bolstering the national ship and submarine industry, marking it as a key priority for the Naval Headquarters. This statement was made during the keel-laying ceremony of the second Hangoor class submarine at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works, highlighting a significant stride in Pakistan’s maritime defense capabilities.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Admiral Ashraf underscored the enhancement of Pakistan Navy’s self-reliance through the manufacturing of Hangoor class submarines, which are set to be outfitted with cutting-edge technology and weaponry. This development is seen as a crucial step in augmenting Pakistan’s defensive and operational capacities at sea.
The Naval Chief lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Defense Production, the Pakistan Navy, and Karachi Shipyard in realizing the goal of producing indigenous, modern submarines. Such endeavors are pivotal in advancing Pakistan’s naval engineering and manufacturing capabilities, contributing to a more self-sufficient defense posture.
Furthermore, Admiral Ashraf extended his gratitude to the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company for their critical support in the manufacturing process of these submarines. The partnership between Pakistan and China in defense and maritime projects underscores the strategic cooperation that exists between the two nations, particularly in the realm of naval defense.
The ceremony and the ongoing projects represent a significant investment in Pakistan’s maritime defense infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing naval strength and technological advancement in line with global standards.