ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) on Wednesday reviewed projects under accords signed with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait last month, with the aim to fast-track the commitments into “economic dividends.”
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar signed multimillion dollar deals with the UAE and Kuwait during a week-long visit to the Middle East in December, ahead of attending the United Nations climate conference, or COP28, in Dubai. In the UAE, he signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in various fields, including energy, port operation projects, wastewater treatment, food security, logistics, mining, aviation and banking and financial services.
With Kuwait, Kakar signed deals in the sectors of manpower, IT, mineral exploration, food security, energy and defense.
“It [SIFC review committee] also reviewed progress regarding finalization of bankable projects under the auspices of MoUs and Framework Agreements concluded with the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait respectively,” state-run APP reported after the conclusion of the SIFC meeting.
“The Committee directed ministries to fast-track the related work to convert these commitments into economic dividends.”
The new Special Investment Facilitation Council was set up in July last year to serve as a “one window operation” to address any concerns of foreign investors, with a special focus on attracting funds from Gulf nations.
Pakistan’s special investment council aims to fast-track projects under accords concluded with UAE, Kuwait
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Pakistan’s special investment council aims to fast-track projects under accords concluded with UAE, Kuwait
- PM Kakar signed multimillion dollar deals with UAE and Kuwait during week-long visit to Middle East in December
- Special Investment Facilitation Council was set up in July to serve as “one window operation” for foreign investors
Pakistan condemns Israel’s contentious move to approve land registration in West Bank
- Israel’s cabinet on Sunday voted in favor of beginning land registration process that makes it easier for settlers to buy lands in West Bank
- Pakistan’s foreign office says such measures in violation of international law, UN General Assembly and Security Council resolution
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Monday condemned the Israeli cabinet’s contentious decision to approve registration of large areas of land in the West Bank as “state property,” saying the move was in violation of international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Members of the Israeli cabinet on Sunday voted in favor of beginning a process of land registration in the West Bank for the first time since 1967. The move is being seen by many, including the Palestinian Authority (PA), as measures to tighten Israel’s control over the West Bank area by making it easier for Jewish settlers to buy land.
The ruling Israeli coalition includes many pro-settler members who want Israel to annex the West Bank, land captured in the 1967 Middle East war to which Israel cites biblical and historical ties. The West Bank is among the territories that Palestinians seek for a future independent state. Much of it is under Israeli military control, with limited Palestinian self-rule in some areas run by the PA.
“Pakistan strongly condemns the latest attempt by the Israeli occupying power to convert areas of the Occupied West Bank into so-called state property, and to expand illegal settlement activities,” Pakistan’s foreign office spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said such actions are “in clear violation” of international law, UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. It stressed that such measures must be rejected by the international community.
“Pakistan calls on the international community to take concrete measures to end Israeli impunity, and ensure respect for international law,” the statement said.
The foreign office reiterated its support for the people of Palestine in securing their right to self-determination, and for an independent, Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The PA presidency has rejected the cabinet’s decision, saying it constitutes “a de-facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory and a declaration of the commencement of annexation plans aimed at entrenching the occupation through illegal settlement activity.”
The United Nations’ highest court said in a non-binding advisory opinion in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements there is illegal and should be ended as soon as possible. Israel disputes this view.
