ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday congratulated the Saudi leadership and people on the Kingdom’s 88th National Day.
Khan expressed best wishes to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other members of the royal family.
“The progress, development and stability of Saudi Arabia is a heartfelt sentiment of every Pakistani,” Khan said. “The strength of Saudi Arabia is the strength of the Muslim Ummah (nation).”
The Kingdom has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times, and the government and people of Pakistan acknowledge and appreciate that, he added.
On Sept. 18, Khan traveled to Saudi Arabia on his first official visit abroad since becoming prime minister, meeting with the king and crown prince and reviewing bilateral relations.
The visit “helped open a new chapter of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which would benefit the entire region,” Khan said in his congratulatory message.
Pakistani Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also congratulated the Saudi king and crown prince on their country’s National Day.
Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day
Pakistan PM congratulates Saudi Arabia on National Day
- Khan acknowledged that Saudi Arabia stood by Pakistan’s side through thick and think for which the government and the people of Pakistan are highly indebted
- In his message of felicitation to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other members of the Saudi royal family, Khan said the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are linked through religious and brotherly ties
Pakistan calls for advance food imports before Ramadan to ease pressure on ports
- Ensuring food security during Ramadan a national responsibility, says maritime affairs minister
- The Islamic month of Ramadan is expected to start in Pakistan after mid-February
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhary on Sunday urged importers to import food items in advance and avoid last-minute delays to ease pressure on ports as Ramadan approaches.
Muslims around the world fast during the holy month of Ramadan from dawn till sunset. They break the iftar meal with various food items such as fruits, dates and fried items. Thousands of people shop daily during Ramadan for iftar meals in markets across the country.
In a message released to food importers, Chaudhry noted that the demand for edible oil and essential food items rises during the month of Ramadan.
“Import strategies should be planned in a timely manner to reduce pressure on ports,” Chaudhry said. “Pakistani ports operate on a first-come, first-served basis.”
Chaudhry said delays in berthing of vessels and cargo lead to congestion at ports. He called on importers to share their import schedules in advance so that the port system could operate more efficiently.
He said the timely supply of food items was possible through coordination between the public and private sectors.
“Ensuring food security during Ramadan is a national responsibility,” the minister said. “Advance import of food commodities ahead of Ramadan is essential.”
A central moon sighting committee in Pakistan, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, determines when Ramadan begins.
The Islamic month is expected to start this year after mid-February, around Feb. 17 or Feb. 18.
