Karachi: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday emphasized the government's commitment to implement prudent economic policies to ensure sustainable development and prosperity for all stakeholders.

He was talking to Board of Directors of Albaraka Bank Pakistan Ltd and all foreign shareholders to discuss the future economic and financial outlook of Pakistan, in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The Minister highlighted the progress made in various sectors and outlined the government's vision for fostering a conducive business environment and attracting foreign investment.

The Board of Directors and foreign shareholders expressed their confidence in Pakistan's economic potential and reaffirmed their commitment to support initiatives aimed at promoting growth and financial stability.

They commended the government's efforts in implementing structural reforms and fostering a business-friendly environment conducive to investment.

Discussions during the meeting focused on Pakistan's future economic prospects, including opportunities and challenges in key sectors such as banking, finance, and infrastructure development.

The participants exchanged views on strategies to enhance Pakistan's competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.

Karachi: The President of Iran Dr. Ebrahim Raisi reached Karachi along with his delegations on the last leg of his tour of Pakistan.

The visiting President was accorded warm welcome at the airport by Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other dignitaries.

Later, the Iranian President visited Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in Karachi.

The visiting dignitary laid floral wreath at the Mazar, offered fateha and paid tribute to the great leader of Pakistan for his leadership skills.

While addressing students and faculty at Government College University in Lahore, Iranian President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi said Pakistan and Iran are keen to develop centers of arts and learning besides promotion of arts and sciences.

The Iran president said it is need of the hour to pay special attention to arts, sciences and technology to shine among the comity of nations.

President Raisi said that universities should be centers of learning and research and a comprehensive strategy in the education sector may pay dividends.

On Allama Iqbal, the Iranian President said the poetry of Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal enjoys special acceptance in Iran.

He said Pakistan and Iran maintain the same stance on Palestine issue.

Dr Raisi said Iran would further enhance its cooperation with Pakistan in the energy and other sectors.

The Iranian President thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for the cordial hospitality during his visit.

Lahore:  Abbottabad and Rawalpindi will host 24 matches of the 50-over-a-side President’s Cup, in which seven leading departments of the country will participate from 24 April to 12 May. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the winner of the four-day first-class President’s Trophy, will aim to conclude the 2023-24 season with another trophy.

Apart from SNGPL, the other six teams participating in the tournament are Pakistan Television (PTV), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Higher Education Commission (HEC), and Ghani Glass.

The seven teams will compete in a single round-robin format, with the top four sides after 21 league matches qualifying for the semi-finals. While Shoaib Akhtar Stadium, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Abbottabad Cricket Stadium will be used for the league matches, venues of the three knock-out matches will be confirmed closer to the matches.

Ahmed Shehzad will captain WAPDA, Usman Salahuddin will lead SBP, Rohail Nazir will lead KRL, Moeez Ghani will captain Ghani Glass, Mohammad Huraira will lead HEC, while Shamyl Hussain and Saud Shakeel will captain PTV and SNGPL, respectively.

The tournament carries a total prize money of PKR 2.5 million, with the winning side receiving a cheque of PKR 1.5 million along with the trophy.

Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director of Domestic Cricket Operations: “Following the successful staging of the first-class tournament, the upcoming limited overs tournament marks a positive step in the smooth return and rehabilitation of departmental cricket, which should be welcomed by everyone.

“The return of department cricket aligns with the PCB Chairman’s policy of reinvigorating domestic cricket across the country, which will lead to more opportunities for younger players and a greater likelihood of new talent emerging.”

Fixtures for Wednesday: SNGPL vs Ghani Glass, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium; PTV vs SBP, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium; KRL vs WAPDA, Shoaib Akhtar Stadium

Fixtures for Friday: WAPDA vs Ghani Glass, Shoaib Akhtar Stadium; KRL vs PTV, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium; SBP vs HEC, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium