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PM directs effective measures to boost agriculture production, explore new international markets

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Friday stressed that effective coordination and partnership between the federal and provincial governments was essential for increasing per-acre agricultural productivity, introducing innovation in agriculture, developing the livestock sector and promoting agricultural exports.

Chairing a high level meeting on promotion of agriculture sector and enhancement of agriculture exports, the prime minister directed that coordinated measures be taken to expand access for Pakistani agricultural products to international markets and explore new markets.

He directed commercial officers posted at Pakistan’s missions abroad to play an effective role in promoting agricultural exports.

He also directed that an effective media campaign be launched to raise awareness among farmers about the mobile application available for monitoring crops.

The prime minister said value addition in agricultural products was essential for increasing exports from the agriculture sector.

He said that the agriculture sector played a key role in the growth and stability of Pakistan’s economy.

Proposals were presented at the meeting for the development of the agriculture sector and promotion of agricultural exports.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan’s agricultural exports stood at US$5.18 billion during the last financial year. Rice, fisheries, halal meat, potatoes, sesame, tobacco, mangoes and maize were among Pakistan’s major agricultural exports.

The meeting proposed the development of value chains to increase agricultural exports.

China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Gulf countries were identified as important markets for Pakistan’s agricultural exports, the briefing said adding that the National Agriculture and Food Security Council would be made functional.

The chief ministers would represent their respective provinces in the National Agriculture and Food Security Council, the briefing said.

The meeting was briefed on a proposal to establish a Digital Farmers’ Diary-Agri Stack, under which farmers across the country and agricultural land records would be digitized. Under the Digital Farmers’ Diary-Agri Stack, records related to soil and water testing would also be digitized.

A Pakistan-Good Agriculture Practices (Pak-GAP) system would be developed to promote agricultural practices that produce better results, it was further proposed. Facilities related to agricultural financing would be provided to promote exporters in the agriculture sector.

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Climate Change Musadik Masood Malik, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azam Khan Kiani, Minister of State for National Food Security Malik Rasheed Ahmad, and senior relevant government officials attended the meeting.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.