ISLAMABAD: With an aim to express solidarity with the Kashmiri people, Pakistan’s embassy in Riyadh observed the ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ in the Saudi capital, a statement released by the embassy on Friday read.
The event, which was held on February 7, was attended by the Ambassador of Pakistan, Raja Ali Ejaz and several other community members who highlighted the various aspects of the Kashmir dispute.
“The ambassador highlighted the efforts of Pakistan for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute. The ambassador stated that the report of United Nations Human Rights Council exposes the grave human rights violations in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the statement read.
Other speakers denounced the indiscriminate use of pellet guns on civilians. During the course of the event, Kashmiri representatives presented a resolution which was endorsed by all the participants. The resolution commended Pakistan for its “political, moral and diplomatic support of the Kashmir dispute”.
“It also called upon the international community to fulfil its obligations by implementing the UN Security Council’s resolutions on Kashmir which states that the final resolution of the dispute shall be in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir conducted through an independent plebiscite under the UN auspices,” the statement added.
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed across Pakistan on February 5 every year, with Pakistan’s embassies and diplomatic missions across the world organizing special events to mark the occasion. This year, the government of Pakistan re-affirmed its “unflinching support” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination.
Pakistan embassy in Riyadh observes ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’
Pakistan embassy in Riyadh observes ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’
- Ambassador highlighted the efforts undertaken by Islamabad in resolving decades-old dispute with New Delhi
- Riyadh gathering was attended by members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities
Pakistan, ADB sign $730 loan agreements to boost SOE reforms, energy infrastructure
- Both sign $330 million Power Transmission Strengthening Project and $400 million SOE Transformation Program loan agreements
- Economic Affairs Division official says Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening national grid’s backbone
KARACHI: Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday signed two loan agreements totaling $730 million to boost reforms in state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and energy infrastructure in the country, the bank said.
The first of the two agreements pertains to the SOE Transformation Program worth $400 million while the second loan, worth $330 million, is for a Power Transmission Strengthening Project, the lender said.
The agreements were signed by ADB Country Director for Pakistan Emma Fan and Pakistan’s Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Humair Karim.
“The agreements demonstrate ADB’s enduring commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan,” the ADB said.
Pakistan’s SOEs have incurred losses worth billions of dollars over the years due to financial mismanagement and corruption. These entities, including the country’s national airline Pakistan International Airlines, which was sold to a private group this week, have relied on subsequent government bailouts over the years to operate.
The ADB approved the $400 million loan for SOE reforms on Dec. 12. It said the program seeks to improve governance and optimize the performance of Pakistan’s commercial SOEs.
Karim highlighted that the Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enable reliable evacuation of 2,300 MW from Pakistan’s upcoming hydropower projects, relieve overloading of existing transmission lines and enhance resilience under contingency conditions, the Press Information Department (PID) said.
“The Secretary emphasized that both initiatives are transformative in nature as the Transmission Project will secure Pakistan’s energy future by strengthening the backbone of the national grid whereas the SOE Program will enhance transparency, efficiency and sustainability of state-owned enterprises nationwide,” the PID said.
The ADB has supported reforms by Pakistan to strengthen its public finance and social protection systems. It has also undertaken programs in the country to help with post-flood reconstruction, improve food security and social and human capital.
To date, ADB says it has committed 764 public sector loans, grants and technical assistance totaling $43.4 billion to Pakistan.
