Staff Report
The federal cabinet on Wednesday ratified the defence cooperation agreement between Pakistan and Kuwait, aimed at promoting collaboration in the defence sectors of the two brotherly countries.
The decision was taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Pakistan and Kuwait signed the Defence Cooperation Agreement on June 11, 2023.
The agreement provides for cooperation in military manufacturing, electronic communications systems, scientific research, military media, and cultural and sports activities.
Under the agreement, a joint military committee will oversee implementation, including the organisation of joint military exercises, official visits and other cooperative programs.
The pact will remain in force for five years and will be automatically renewed unless either side decides to terminate it. It also commits both countries to protecting confidential military information and resolving any disputes arising from the agreement through diplomatic channels.
The agreement was finalised in June 2023, while the Kuwaiti government had already ratified it on July 19.
KP governor to oversee administrative affairs
The federal cabinet also approved the transfer of powers delegated to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to the provincial governor for conducting day-to-day affairs during the period of emergency in the province.
The move aims to facilitate the smooth handling of administrative matters and further improve governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a press statement.
Under the arrangement, the governor will submit a monthly review report to the federal government regarding the exercise of the transferred powers.
Welcoming the decision, the cabinet expressed hope that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advisory Council, under the governor’s leadership, would make every effort to ensure the welfare and prosperity of the people and establish peace and security in the province.
New currency designs, Rs10 coin approved
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Finance, the cabinet approved the designs of new currency notes after receiving a detailed briefing on the proposals.
The meeting was informed that artists and designers from across the country had been invited to submit designs, while a cabinet committee established by the prime minister held detailed consultations with relevant stakeholders.
The new notes will feature enhanced security measures to prevent counterfeiting and incorporate modern materials to extend their lifespan.
The cabinet also approved the introduction of a Rs10 coin in place of the existing banknote.
The federal cabinet also ratified decisions taken at the October 26 meeting of the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCOSOEs).
It also endorsed decisions taken during meetings of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) held on January 22, February 26, August 5, 18 and 27, and September 11 and 22.
