By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Arab Monetary Fund Dr. Fahad M Alturki Thursday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and discussed matters relating to mutual concerns.
The prime minister highlighted that Pakistan and Arab countries enjoy long standing brotherly relations that were further strengthening with the passage of time.
He said the government of Pakistan was taking steps to legally bring the foreign remittances to the country.
“The digitization of E-Commerce sector and the economy is top priority of the government,” he said adding that a large number of Pakistanis were residing in the Gulf countries who send a big portion of foreign remittances to Pakistan.
The prime minister said that setting up a digital connection between Pakistan and the Middle East with the cooperation of Raast and Buna was a welcoming sign.
Buna-Raast connectivity project will make the digital transactions in the country more effective, PM Shehbaz said adding that “this important step would help regularizing the flow of foreign exchange reserves in the country and improve the digital governance system”.
Transfer of the foreign remittances from abroad to Pakistan would become easier with the help of Buna-Raast project, he said adding that “Buna-Raast project reflects our joint vision”.
Chairperson Arab Monetary Fund Dr Fahad informed that Pakistan was the first country outside Arab Word that had connected with the Arab Monetary Fund project Buna.
He said with the help of Buna-Raast, the economy of both sides would further develop.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), Ambassador Kairat Sarybay Thursday called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House.
In the meeting, the prime minister the prime minister underlined that as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2025-26, Pakistan looks forward to playing an active role in maintaining international peace and security.
He also expressed Pakistan’s strong desire for enhanced regional connectivity and commended CICA’s ongoing efforts in this regard.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for CICA’s core objective of strengthening regional cooperation as well as promoting peace, security and stability in Asia through confidence building measures.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts, pursuing conflict prevention strategies, and developing long-term solutions to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
Secretary-General Sarybay briefed the prime minister on CICA’s ongoing activities and initiatives as well as proposed vision for the future. He acknowledged Pakistan’s active and constructive role within CICA and expressed hope for continued close cooperation.
