PM directs giving maximum relief to down-trodden
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday directed to take all possible measures to give maximum relief to the down-trodden segments of society.
The prime minister expressed these views as he met Punjab Minister for Baitul Maal Syed Yawar Abbas Bukhari during his day-long visit to Lahore. The prime minister was briefed on various welfare projects of Baitul Maal. Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar was also present in the meeting.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib said on Friday that the national economy was on the path of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a tweet, the minister said that in the first quarter of the current financial year, foreign remittances increased by 12.5% and stood at US $8 billion whereas exports increased by 38% with US $7 billion.
He said that the FBR has collected Rs1395 billion in taxes in the first quarter, up by 38 per cent. He said that textile exports rose by 28% to US $4.437 billion whereas exports have risen by 42.7% to US $635 million. Large scale manufacturing increased by 7.5% in first 2 months of JulyAugust, Farrukh Habib said.
After 30 years, a prime minister had turned his attention towards agriculture sector and surplus produce would ensure Pakistan's food security. According to preliminary reports, sugarcane production was expected to increase by 25%, maize by 18%, cotton by 60% and rice by 18%, Farrukh Habib said. He hoped next year wheat production would also increase.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan will travel to Saudi Arabia on Saturday (today) to attend the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit being held in Riyadh.
As per a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation to the kingdom, including the foreign minister and other members of the cabinet.
"At the MGI Summit, the prime minister will share his perspective on the challenges faced by the developing countries due to climate change. The prime minister will also highlight Pakistan's experience of launching nature-based solutions to address environmental challenges," read the statement. "The MGI Summit is being held at the initiative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz.
The event is the first of its kind in the Middle East region," the statement said further.
The "Green Saudi Arabia" and "Green Middle East" initiatives were launched by the crown prince in March 2021 aimed at protecting the nature and planet.