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Pakistan, Canada discuss advance bilateral investment cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Investment, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Thursday met Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan to discuss the advance bilateral investment and economic cooperation.

Federal Minister for Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, held a high-level meeting here with the Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Tarik Ali Khan, to discuss avenues for strengthening bilateral investment ties and enhancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and Canada, said a release issued here.

The meeting was attended by Secretary BOI and SIFC, Mr. Jamil Qureshi, Additional Secretary BOI Mr. Zulfiqar Ali, along with senior officials from the Board of Investment and representatives of the Canadian High Commission.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in a detailed and constructive discussion on the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Pakistan and Canada. It was agreed that the second round of negotiations would be expected to take place in June this year. Both parties expressed optimism that the treaty would be finalized in the minimum possible rounds through continued engagement and mutual understanding.

Mr. Tarik Ali Khan highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in key sectors including energy, agriculture, financial services, and critical minerals. He noted that Canada possesses advanced expertise and technology in these areas and expressed keen interest in expanding Canadian investment footprint in Pakistan.

The discussion also covered cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly focusing on Canadian canola, with both sides exploring avenues for enhanced trade and investment in this domain.

Mr. Tarik Ali Khan appreciated the proactive role of the Board of Investment and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in creating a conducive environment for foreign investors. He acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating business and improving investor confidence.

Federal Minister Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic relations with Canada and emphasized that the Government of Pakistan, through BOI, remains fully dedicated to facilitating investors, promoting ease of doing business, and unlocking new avenues for foreign direct investment.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reiterating their resolve to deepen economic engagement and expedite progress on the Bilateral Investment Treaty.

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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.