Islamabad: Pakistan said the visit of the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia was a positive and constructive one.

At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Friday (today), Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, during the visit, both sides engaged in a constructive discussions with the objectives of further developing Pakistan-Saudi Arabia economic and strategic partnership.

She said the Saudi side was very encouraged with the proposals which have been made by Pakistan. She hoped the negotiations on the investment projects will be completed very soon. 

Describing the recent statement of Indian Minister for External Affairs as unfortunate, the Spokesperson said the Indian leaders are engaged in a belligerent rhetoric in complete disregard of international law and diplomatic norms.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said these reckless statements should be avoided as these threaten regional peace and security.  She said the diplomat should not advocate unlawful actions.

The Spokesperson categorically said that Pakistan is fully prepared to respond to Indian provocations and irresponsible behavior.  We have always acted responsibly despite their repeated provocations.

Giving the historical background of Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said India should faithfully implement the United Nations Security Council's resolutions and work for a peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute.

Responding to another question, the spokesperson   expressed disappointment over the United Nations Security Council inability to recommend full UN membership for the State of Palestine.  She said Pakistan regrets the US decision to veto the draft resolution.

She said time has come for admission of Palestine to the United Nations. She said this will be a step towards correcting the historic injustice, faced by the Palestinian people for over seventy-five years and will affirm their right to self-determination.  

The Spokesperson said the people of Palestine have inherent right to live in a sovereign, independent and a contiguous Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

Islamabad: Health activists have raised concerns about tobacco companies’ move to introduce 10-stick cigarette packs, fearing a rise in consumption especially among vulnerable groups like youth and low-income individuals.

Malik Imran Ahmed, Country Head of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), emphasizing that such packs would inevitably find their way back into the local market, directly undermining efforts to discourage smoking among young people and other at-risk demographics.

He said that the TI had made similar attempts in the past but Ministry of Health did not issue the NOC. The application for 10-stick packs by the tobacco industry is deeply troubling.

He cited past attempts by tobacco companies of circumventing regulations and said that these companies would once again violate the rules.

Ahmed said that excise rules do not allow manufacturers or importer of cigarettes can introduce or sell a new variant of a cigarette brand at a price lower than the lowest actual price within the same brand family.

Despite this regulation, the Pakistan Tobacco Company (PTC) has launched a new brand, Capstan International, priced at Rs 164, substantially lower than its existing family brand, Capstan by Pall Mall, which is priced at Rs 212.

Similarly, the ban on sale of single sticks, a measure crucial in deterring vulnerable populations, is being flouted, he said.

Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), pointed out the potential damage to public health initiatives if these 10-stick packs are permitted.

Dogar warned that such a move would roll back progress in reducing tobacco use and awareness of its harmful effects.

The activists’ concerns align with broader recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has advised Pakistan to overhaul its tax system by increasing taxes on non-essential items like cigarettes.

In addition to advocating for increased taxes on traditional cigarettes, the IMF has also urged the government to impose uniform excise rates on both local and foreign cigarette manufacturers, ensuring a level playing field and discouraging practices that could lead to increased tobacco use.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday lauded the Banking Mohtasib for providing relief of 1.26 billion rupees to banking customers last year.

He was talking to Banking Mohtasib Pakistan Sirajuddin Aziz, who called on him in Islamabad today and presented the Annual Mohtasib Report.

The President appreciated Mohtasib's role and emphasized keeping pace with technological advancements to expeditiously dispose of complaints.

He underscored the need to raise awareness about the role and services of the Banking Mohtasib so that maximum number of people can benefit from its services.

Briefing the President, Sirajuddin Aziz highlighted the role of Banking Mohtasib for the expeditious redressal of grievances of customers deprived of their hard-earned money and life-savings by fraudsters.

He said the Ombudsman processed over 25,000 complaints last year.

He said the Ombudsman has introduced a user-friendly online portal, making it easier for complainants to register their grievances.