The minister co-chaired a meeting with Jiang Zaidong, China’s ambassador to Pakistan. Secretary Planning, Awais Manzoor Sumra, and other ministry officials also attended the meeting.

The discussions centered on expanding collaboration on projects relating to energy, infrastructure, industry, food security, agriculture, and transportation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of deepening the longstanding friendship between Chinese and Pakistani leaders, expressed the government’s firm commitment to expediting CPEC implementation, and stated that the prime minister’s upcoming visit to CPEC projects would usher in a new era of cooperation in all sectors.

The minister focused on CPEC’s main goal of increasing collaboration in all sectors, including industry, energy, infrastructure, social development, agriculture, and regional connectivity within Pakistan.

He stated a desire to strengthen collaboration with China through the transfer of new technologies in a variety of industries, including transportation and agriculture.

He emphasized Pakistan’s intention to construct industrial zones for the production of electric vehicles in conjunction with China, using Pakistan’s comparative advantage to lower overall production costs and generate job opportunities for Pakistani people.

Ahsan Iqbal also talked about the upcoming South Asian Games 2025, emphasizing the significance of thorough training regimens for Pakistani players. He highlighted his willingness to engage with China, encouraging Chinese coaches and trainers to assist Pakistani athletes in their preparations.

Both parties underlined their commitment to completing CPEC Phase II quickly and successfully.

The Chinese Ambassador also praised the government’s efforts, particularly those of the Federal Minister for Planning and Development, to maintain cross-sector cooperation.

He also congratulated Pakistan on hosting the 2025 South Asian Games.

Armed men attacked farmers working on agricultural property in Faiz Muhammad hamlet, which is located in the Katcha area near Pir Jo Goth.

Abdul Shakoor and Sanaullah were shot dead by the attackers. They also abducted someone else and fled the scene.

The katcha area of Khairpur district has grown unstable, following the districts of Ghotki, Shikarpur, and Kandhkot in Sindh, as a result of armed gang activity.

“A police contingent has been dispatched to the incident site,” SSP Khairpur Zubair Nazeer Shaikh said. “We are trying to recover the hostage from the kidnappers,” he explained.

The law-and-order situation in Katcha, the riverine forests along the banks of the Indus River, is worse by the day, as dacoit gangs continue to kidnap individuals for ransom, while the police department has failed to preserve law and order.

The Uzbek foreign minister received a warm welcome upon his arrival. Aizaz Khan, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Central Asia & ECO), received him.

During his visit, Foreign Minister Saidov will meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

According to the Foreign Office, a wide variety of bilateral topics of mutual importance will be discussed, with a focus on commerce and connectivity.

“The visit of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan is expected to provide fresh impetus to the friendly relations between the two countries,” she said.

Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is expected to visit Pakistan in May, according to reports.

This is the Saudi Crown Prince’s first visit to Pakistan in five years. He had last visited Pakistan in February 2019. The Saudi crown prince will arrive in Pakistan with a delegation.

According to the sources, MoUs for a $5 billion investment would most likely be inked during the visit, and the crown prince’s visit dates are being finalized.

The visit would be Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s third in-person meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in five weeks.

A high-level trade delegation from Saudi Arabia, led by Deputy Minister for Investment Ibrahim al-Mubarak, recently visited Pakistan to explore investment prospects in various sectors and to strengthen ties with Pakistani entrepreneurs.