ISLAMABAD – Federal Cabinet has approved Pak-Turkey Strategic EconomicFramework to forge stronger cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey.
Briefing newsmen regarding cabinet decisions in Islamabad on Tuesday,Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr.Firdous Ashiq Awan said Prime Minister Imran Khan will head the high-levelcooperation committee from Pakistan side while Turkish side will be headedby President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The framework has nine joint working groups that will be headed by Ministerof Economic Affairs from Pakistan side. All sectors of the economy will becovered by joint working groups and 71 actionable items have been includedin these.
The items including Free Trade Agreement, Technology Transfer, capacitybuilding, and defense cooperation. This framework will help connectPakistan with Central Asia, Russia and the West.
Prime Minister told the cabinet about the challenges faced by thegovernment when it came to power. He said the economy that was on verge ofdefault was revived and now it is in sustainable mode. The Current AccountDeficit has been brought down by 30 percent and in one year it reduced from19.8 billion dollars to 13.5 billion dollars.
The meeting also took into consideration the investment friendly policiesto encourage foreign investors, especially overseas Pakistanis.
The Cabinet discussed measures to give confidence to businessmen and toensure business friendly environment. It discussed the proceduralchallenges in the working of NAB that could deter businessmen on takingdecisions.
The Cabinet endorsed the decisions of committee on privatization in itslast meeting.
The Cabinet accorded approval of five billion rupees to give interest freeloans to poor and homeless people.
The Prime Minister also directed to ensure merit and transparency in thedisbursing of loans. He said a mechanism and detailed strategy be made tolaunch the scheme across the country.
The cabinet accorded approval in principle to Christian Marriage andDivorce Bill as per religious norms and following of the Christiancommunity.
Besides, an approval was given for bill against domestic violence andprotection of women.
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The cabinet also discussed salient challenges and achievements of thegovernment during its first year.
Various ministers presented proposals and suggestions of public welfarebeing launched by their ministries.
The Prime Minister directed that government’s grievances cells and PakistanCitizens Portal should work together and share information to avoidduplication.
The cabinet also discussed measures to increase plantation in the country.It suggested to involve youth in plantation of fruit trees.
The cabinet directed the concerned ministry for provision of solar stovesin hilly areas where gas facility is not available.
The Prime Minister apprised the cabinet in detail about his telephonicconversation with President Trump. The Prime Minister had informed thePresident Trump that India plans to perpetrate genocide of Kashmiris tochange the demographic composition of the occupied region.
The Prime Minister urged the President Trump that international communitymust play its role, constitute a fact finding mission and stop India fromits brutalities in Kashmir.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Kashmir is first line of defense forPakistan. He emphasized that all elements including the media shouldintensify their campaign on raising voice against the designs of NarendraModi to annex Kashmir.
Replying to a question, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said General Qamar JavedBajwa has a pivotal role in Afghan peace process.
