Islamabad: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad this afternoon to convey his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Iran on the tragic demise of President Dr. Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Hossain Abdollahian, and other senior Iranian officials in a helicopter crash.

While speaking to Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam, the Prime Minister paid rich tributes to the late Iranian President. He fondly recalled his interactions with President Raisi, who he said was a great leader, a visionary and a scholar.

He recalled his productive interactions with the late Iranian President in 2022 and 2023. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan would remain committed to further strengthening of brotherly ties between the two countries as he and the late President had jointly agreed upon during the latter's recent successful visit to Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy on this solemn occasion.

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday expressed his sincere concern over the health of His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia.

In a social media post on X, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role King Salman plays not only as a close friend of Pakistan, but also as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a revered leader within the Muslim Ummah.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the people of Pakistan stand united in prayer for complete recovery and swift return to his full health. 

Islamabad:  Italian Ambassador Ms. Marilina Armellin called on Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad today, to discuss the cooperation and longstanding relations between Pakistan and Italy.

The Finance Minister welcomed the Italian Ambassador and highlighted the significant improvements in Pakistan's economic landscape.

He discussed the government's achievements, in decreasing current account deficit, globalization of currency, the stock market reaching an all-time high and the successful completion of the nine-month Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund. He further mentioned that the ministry is currently in engagement with the IMF mission for a new program on longer term basis.

The Minister also outlined the government's strategic initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base by targeting previously untaxed and under-taxed segments. Additionally, he reiterated the government's commitment to privatize various State-Owned Enterprises, starting with Pakistan International Airlines also followed by major airports. He noted that the Government's policy reflects a shift from aid to investment in Pakistan's economic strategy.

The Minister also shed light on Pakistan's potential in IT and agriculture sectors, inviting Italian investors to explore these investment areas.

Ambassador Armellin acknowledged the promising economic indicators and appreciated the upward trend in Pakistan's economy. She emphasized the potential for enhanced cooperation between Italy and Pakistan, particularly in the textile, machinery, agriculture, and dairy sectors.

The Finance Minister thanked the Italian government for their continued support and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to longstanding cooperation with Italy.