ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb this week reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals, the Finance Division said, amid a surge in attacks on Chinese citizens in the South Asian country.
Pakistani separatist and religiously motivated militants have mounted attacks on Chinese projects in the country in recent years. A suicide blast claimed by the separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) killed two Chinese nationals in Karachi this month, while five Chinese workers were killed in a suicide bombing in March in northwest Pakistan.
The attacks have forced Beijing, a major ally and investor in Pakistan, to call on Islamabad to ensure security for its citizens. Pakistan has sought to ease Chinese fears, vowing to provide fool-proof security to Chinese nationals working in the country.
On Saturday, Aurangzeb met China’s Vice Minister of Finance, Liao Min, during the 2024 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Washington where both sides spoke on a range of issues, including economic cooperation and security for Chinese nationals.
“Committed to providing foolproof security to Chinese workers,” the Finance Division said about Aurangzeb’s commitments to the Chinese official. “Shared that the majority of Chinese companies are interested in expanding their investments and increasing employment opportunities in Pakistan.”
The two officials also touched upon economic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing, with the statement saying Pakistan aims to launch an inaugural Panda bond in the Chinese market to “diversify” its financing base.
A Panda bond issuance would be Pakistan’s first foray into China’s capital markets.
Aurangzeb thanked the Chinese official for Beijing’s help in enabling Pakistan to secure a $7 billion bailout program this year, the Finance Division said.
“Both sides emphasized the need for online payment settlements and integration of the two countries’ payment systems,” the statement added.
Chinese economic assistance has been crucial for Pakistan in recent years, with Beijing pledging over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
CPEC is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a massive China-led infrastructure project that aims to stretch around the globe.
Pakistan reiterates commitment to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals
https://arab.news/jp9ga
Pakistan reiterates commitment to provide foolproof security to Chinese nationals
- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb meets China’s Vice Minister for Finance Liao Min in Washington
- Separatist and religiously motivated militants in Pakistan have increasingly targeted Chinese interests in country
From Karachi to Lahore, free iftar spreads relief during Ramadan
- Pakistan has increasingly experimented with targeted subsidies and digital systems to manage food affordability during Ramadan
- Last week, PM Shehbaz Sharif launched $136 million relief package, pledging digital cash transfers to 12.1 million low-income families
ISLAMABAD: Mosques in Pakistan’s megacities Karachi and Lahore provide free iftar meal for the poor to break the fast during Ramadan, residents said.
Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, where Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
This is followed by the sighting of the new moon and is marked by Eid-ul-Fitr, a religious holiday and celebration that is observed by Muslims across the world.
In Karachi, hundreds of people rush to sellers of traditional snacks to break the fast.
“You have to be patient, worship Allah, and keep Allah pleased by fulfilling your duties as described by Prophet Muhammad,” said Munir Qadri, a Karachi resident.
“Yes, Allah has also allowed you to have a good iftar, but we must also think of the poor. All the people should eat equally, and may everyone receives the blessings of this Ramadan.”
Saad Sharif, another Karachi dweller, complained of higher food and commodity prices this Ramadan.
“The prices of everything are increasing,” he said.
“Petrol has become expensive, we can’t do anything about it. Flour has become expensive. Electricity, water, and gas, everything has become costly.”
Pakistan has increasingly experimented with targeted subsidies and digital systems to manage food affordability during Ramadan, when consumption rises sharply and lower-income households face pressure after years of high inflation.
Last week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a Rs38 billion ($136 million) Ramadan relief package, pledging direct digital cash transfers of Rs13,000 ($47) each to 12.1 million low-income families across Pakistan.
Yet hundreds of Muslims flock to the Data Darbar, a historical shrine in the eastern city of Lahore, and sit on floor as volunteers distribute free food and drinks during iftar and sehri, post-sunset and pre-dawn meals.
Qari Muhammad Younus, an elderly man in Lahore, said that collective iftar holds great importance and there is huge divine reward for the ones who offer iftar to those with no means.
“There are countless [people] here, 24 hours, day and night, and there is more than enough food from iftar till sehri,” he said.
“There is so much food here that iftar at Data Darbar is second only to iftar at Prophet’s Mosque.”
Mushtaq Ahmad, a Lahore resident, said Allah Almighty asks Muslims to “spend out of what I have provided for you as sustenance.”
“And that includes these iftar meals. May Allah Almighty incline us toward such good deeds,” he added.
