Hostile forces can’t undermine Sino-Pak ties: PM
Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday no hostile force would be allowed to undermine the “iron-clad friendship” between Pakistan and China and reiterated his government’s resolve to complete the projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In a meeting with Chinese ambassador Nong Rong, the prime minister termed CPEC a transformational project, for which he stressed that both sides needed close collaboration to make it a high-quality demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During the meeting, views were exchanged on the bilateral relations, CPEC, vaccines and mutual cooperation in other sectors. Imran appreciated China’s consistent support to Pakistan in the fight against Covid-19 besides provision of vaccines, including under the COVAX facility.
The Chinese ambassador conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. He also conveyed felicitations on Pakistan’s Independence Day. The prime minister warmly reciprocated the greetings of the Chinese leadership.
Read China reaffirms support to Pakistan as ‘strategic partner’
Bilateral cooperation in trade, commerce, people-to-people contacts, and mining and natural resources was also discussed during the meeting. In the context of the regional situation, Imran expressed resolve to steadfastly efforts for a negotiated political settlement in Afghanistan.
NADRA projects
Earlier, the prime minister launched various initiatives at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) headquarters, including Alien Registration Card, Pak Covid-19 Mobile Vaccination Pass and the national certification and renewal campaign.
Speaking on the occasion, he said the government would synchronise technology and data to eliminate any chances of fraud in the general elections. “We will hold the 21st century election with necessary technological arrangements in-place to ensure transparent and fair election,” he added.
“To end fake registration of voters, technology will be synced with data. The results based on the free and transparent exercise will be acceptable to all,” he added. He also said that it was the government’s responsibility to facilitate the masses in every possible way.
On the launch of Alien Registration Card and work permit for foreigners, he said the step would bring the segment into social and financial mainstream. “Over 3 million Afghan refugees will also benefit from the facility, which will help them run their businesses in a legalised manner.”
On the occasion, the prime minister also inaugurated the latest system based on Artificial Intelligence to curb fake identity cards, besides the project to set up 66 Nadra Registration Centres across the country and the launch 90 mobile registration vans.
Read more NADRA begins issuing digital succession certificates and deeds
Also on Friday, the prime minister presided over a review meeting on facilities for the overseas Pakistan regarding sending remittances. Imran said that rising remittances depicted confidence of the Pakistani expatriates in the government’s policies.
The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Special Assistant Dr Shehbaz Gill, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Raza Baqir, NADRA Chairman Tariq Malik and senior officers of the relevant departments.
The meeting was informed that the finance ministry and the SBP were working on a comprehensive package for the overseas Pakistanis, including financial incentives, as well as rewards in proportion of the remittances.
The meeting was also informed that opening of beneficiary account and instant transfer of amounts were also being ensured. For that system, the officials said, a digital application was in the preparation stages.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)