Islamabad: Federal Minister for Health Dr. Nadeem Jan on Sunday met with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Co-Chairman Bill Gates and apprised him about measures to eradicate polio from Pakistan.

 The minister met him on the occasion of COP-28 conference in Dubai and discussed the progress made in efforts for polio eradication.

 Dr. Nadeem Jan informed about the ongoing polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan. He said that the government is working under an integrated strategy to eradicate polio in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is ensuring all the necessary measures to eradicate the polio virus.

 Dr. Nadeem Jan said that steps are being taken to ensure 100% vaccine access to children in Pakistan. He said that after the elimination of polio, the services of polio workers will be utilized in other programs.

He added the government has made a comprehensive plan for taking the services of workers in mother and child health, nutrition and family planning programs. Bill Gates praised the health minister’s comprehensive plan. Dr. Nadeem Jan appreciated the contribution of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the eradication of polio.

Dubai: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Sunday lauded the UAE's groundbreaking announcement of thirty billion dollars fund, aimed at addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly in the Global South.

In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of this bold and historic initiative and emphasized that Pakistan perceives climate change not only as a national security challenge, but also as a collective global concern.

The Prime Minister stressed the universality of the issue, stating that climate change poses a common challenge to all states irrespective of their size.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar remarked on the evolving nature of climate change, noting its dynamic transformations affecting regions across the globe.

Terming climate fund initiative as promising, the Caretaker Prime Minister said it would be translated into tangible projects and Pakistan is poised to be one of the beneficiaries of the UAE-led climate fund.

In a call for action, the Prime Minister urged vulnerable nations and major emitters to collaboratively determine terms of reference for dialogue, emphasizing the need to collectively address the pressing issue of climate change.

Highlighting the enduring and sustainable partnership between the UAE and Pakistan, particularly in climate mitigation, adaptation, and finance, the Prime Minister expressed optimism for continued collaboration. He noted that new investments are strategically focused on addressing climate change's social and economic dimensions, fostering a sustainable partnership with shared interests.

Talking about recently-signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the two countries, the Prime Minister emphasized  that these MoUs mark the beginning of a new chapter of bilateral collaboration.  He expressed hope for an increase in joint projects with a focus on achieving tangible and result-oriented outcomes in the coming decades.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar identified numerous opportunities within the region where Pakistan, leveraging its youthful population and their diverse skills, can contribute significantly across various sectors.

Acknowledging the robust role played by the 1.7 million Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, the Prime Minister appreciated their impactful contribution in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Highlighting potential areas for joint projects, he termed agriculture, food security, mining, IT, and industry and manufacturing sectors as potential areas for joint projects. He emphasized the youth-driven demographic advantage, with 65% of Pakistan's 14 million population under the age of 25, proficient in major global languages, as a key asset for collaborative initiatives.

The Prime Minister extended congratulations to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the Government of the UAE for hosting the exemplary COP28 event. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said such events demonstrate UAE's sense of moral, political, and social responsibility towards addressing the critical issue of climate change.  

Lahore: Italy’s Ambassador Andreas Ferraris met caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, here on Sunday.

In the meeting, they discussed increasing cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism and mutual trade.

CM Naqvi said that the time had come to turn the mutual relations between Pakistan and Italy into a useful economic partnership, mutual exchange of trade and cultural delegations will give a new dimension to the relations.

Mohsin Naqvi said that through an one window operation, all NOCs will be available under one roof, there are immense investment opportunities for Italian investors in Punjab.

The Punjab CM also thanked Italian Ambassador for Italy’s support to Pakistan over GSP Plus status.

Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferraris said that he would promote ongoing cooperation with the Punjab government in various fields.