Official Blog Of Press Information Department

Courtesy:-  Dr Ahmad Rashid Malik The CPEC projects are not promoting corruption in Pakistan. They are clean, spotless, full transparency, honesty, and sincerity. They are transparent as there exists zero tolerance for corruption in these projects. Both the government of Pakistan and China upheld their unwavering commitment to CPEC projects.

Courtesy:-    Marvi Memon BISP has made commendable progress under the PML-N government during the last four years highlighting the commitment of the government to the poor and vulnerable of the country. The budget allocation for BISP that was Rs 70 billion in 2013 jumped to Rs 121 billion in 2017. The quarterly stipend increased from Rs 3000/quarter in 2013 to Rs 4834 in 2016. BISP has made itself the pride of Pakistan and a role model for international social safety nets winning Pakistan recognition internationally thereby contributing to institution building and poverty alleviation in Pakistan.

Courtesy:-   Malik Muhammad Ashraf Preparing a  budget  and selling it to the public, more so to political opponents, is an arduous undertaking even in the most affluent and developed countries, particularly when it comes to new tax proposals and measures aimed at keeping the corporate sector in good stead to spur economic growth. Besides generating much-needed revenue for the government, taxes also affect the people – changing their economic situation. This makes taxes an unpopular proposition. So every segment of the society tries to look at the  budget  from its own perspective and so there is always a mixed reaction on the  budget s presented by the governments. The exercise is even more excruciating in third world countries like Pakistan that are facing financial constraints. Therefore, not surprisingly the  budget  for 2017-18 presented by the PML-N government has also spurred a debate about who benefits and who loses as a result of ...

Courtesy:-  Malik M Ashraf The Transparency International in its fourth consecutive annual report has indicated fall in corruption index in Pakistan. Since 2013 corruption has declined by 19 points with biggest nosedive of nine points during 2016. According to the report Pakistan has achieved the distinction of being number two state in South Asia in regards to tackling corruption. That indeed is matter of great pride for the country as well as the incumbent government, which has made credible efforts to eliminate avenues of corruption in the higher echelons of the government and different tiers of the government machinery.

Courtesy:- MALIK MUHAMMAD ASHRAF Pakistan and India have been involved in intractable discussions to resolve the dispute regarding construction of two hydro electric power plants namely Kishenganga and Ralte being built by the latter in violation of the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty. So in view of the stalemate on the issue Pakistan requested the World Bank which had brokered the accord and also assumed the role of guarantor of the Treaty, to  establish a court of Arbitration to resolve the differences between the two countries. India simultaneously requested the World Bank for the appointment of a neutral expert. The World Bank initially agreed to set up both the Arbitration Court and the appointment of the neutral expert. However in response to the Indian objection on two parallel processes which it maintained was not legally tenable, the World Bank decided to announce   a ‘pause’ and asking both the parties to resolve the issue through bilateral ave...

Courtesy:-    Malik Muhammad Ashraf   Regional connectivity and development of the required infrastructure through cooperative efforts of the participating countries for shared economic prosperity is a visionary concept and recipe for addressing issues related to poverty alleviation and development, as well as ensuring peace through economic interdependence. The leadership of new China deserves credit for pioneering this movement through its ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative, which is likely to benefit 26 countries. The CPEC being the pivot of the initiative has generated a lot of interest and acceptability among the countries of South Asia and Central Asia, and even some of the European countries have shown their willingness to join it. Pakistan due to its geo-strategic location is a key participant in making the venture successful. Pakistan surely will also be its greatest beneficiary by becoming a hub of economic activity for both regions. CPEC, ...

Courtesy:-  Malik M Ashraf WITH the formal inauguration of Gwadar port by the Prime Minister on Saturday that also coincided with shipment of the Chinese trade cargo for Middle East and African countries, CPEC became operational; a reality which undoubtedly holds key to the prosperity of the entire region. Reportedly a trade cargo convoy comprising 60 containers reached Gwadar on Friday through the western route of the Corridor and a Chinese ship also docked at port to carry goods to its desired destinations.