Islamabad: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas.

The resolve was expressed during a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday.

The Prime Minister’s call was centered on his admiration for the strong resolve and impeccable efficiency with which the UAE leadership had confronted the challenges that had emerged from the recent rains in the country.

He lauded the UAE President, who has once again demonstrated his outstanding leadership qualities and proven his strong commitment to ensuring the welfare of the Emirati people.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has also witnessed heavy rains in recent days, resulting in loss of many precious lives.

He called for collective actions to combat the challenge of climate change and suggested that both countries strengthen their collaboration in this field.

Speaking on the occasion, the UAE President expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s good wishes and reciprocated the warm sentiments for the people affected from rains and flooding in Pakistan.

Lahore: Special Assistant to Prime Minister Allama Tahir Ashrafi said that Saudi Arabia is a good friend of Pakistan and it never interfered into its internal or political matters.

“Stop spreading such rumors,” said Allama Tahir Ashrafi indirectly addressing the claim of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat that Saudi Arabia was also behind the ouster of Imran Khan from the power.

The PM’s aide said that such statements were given to anger Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has nothing to do with the motion to oust Imran Khan from the power. The arrival of Saudi delegation is a good thing,” said Allama Ashrafi.

He expressed these words while addressing a press conference in Lahore on Friday.

Allam Tahir Ashrafi who is also chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council and the Patron In-Chief Hajj Organizers Association of Pakistan (HOAP), also stated that Pakistan did not want aid, it wanted trade, pointing out that Saudi Arabia always supported Pakistan during the difficult times.

The PM’s aid also rejected the rumours about closure of the booking for Hajj.

“The process of booking for private Hajj is underway, and all facilities will be provided to the intending pilgrims,” he made it clear.

He said that there is no truth about the rumours regarding closure of booking for private Hajj. He stated that they are supporters of the establishment of an independent and autonomous Palestinian state.

“We will never accept Israel,” he said.

He said that they had asked the Saudi government for the appointment of employees for Hajj training, which they provided to Pakistan, and they are extremely grateful to the Saudi government. He said that due to the efforts of the Chief of Staff, the dollar came down, due to which there has been a reduction of Rs 100,000 in the Hajj package. This time, due to the efforts of the Army Chief, 904 companies would take their pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, while 24,000 pilgrims who are going under the private scheme would go through the road to Saudi Arabia, he added.

Islamabad: A condolence reference was held at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) headquarters on Friday in memory of the five Customs officials who were martyred in D.I.Khan.

The Customs officials were martyred on April 18 while conducting an intelligence-based operation, read a statement issued by the department.

Chairman FBR Malik Amjad Zubair Towana, Board members and officers participated in condolence reference.

Chairman FBR, members and officers appreciated the eminent sacrifice of the martyrs and recited Fatiha and prayed for their forgiveness.