ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday congratulated the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) members, Ehsaas team and the State Bank of Pakistan for effective response to COVID-19 pandemic and above all thanks to the mercy of Almighty Allah.
The premier tweeted, “Congratulations to NCOC members, Ehsaas team and State Bank of Pakistan for effective response to COVID 19 pandemic; above all thanks to the mercy of Almighty Allah.” A study was also shared on his Twitter account, which says that Pakistan is third after Hong Kong and New Zealand for effectively handling the pandemic and related issues.
In its Global Normalcy Index, The Economist magazine had ranked Pakistan at number three out of 50 countries that performed well in controlling the COVID-19 spread. The report showed that Pakistan’s neighbours, India and China, were ranked 48 and 19 with scores of 46.5 and 72.9 respectively. The United States stood at 20th in the ranking.
Earlier. Prime Minister Imran Khan said that for the first time in 74 years, Pakistan is going to turn gems, minerals and jewellery into an export industry.In this connection, Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting of the James, Jewellery and Minerals Task Force, which was attended by Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar, Special Assistant Dr Shahbaz Gill, Chairman Gems and Jewellery Task Force Engineer Gul Asghar Khan, Atif Khan, members of the task force and relevant senior officers.
In addition, a Gems and Jewellery City will be set up to pool resources, provide one-stop operations to address the problems facing the sector and provide incentives to investors. Initially, a public-private partnership model will be adopted using existing resources. Pakistan will also receive sector-related certifications for access to international markets. It will not only clarify the standards of not only precious stones but also precious metals, but will bring the current standards up to international standards.
The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the establishment of Mineral City. An area has been identified for the chemical and mineral industry in Pakistan where industrial value addition from crude minerals will not only help reduce imports but also increase foreign exchange from exports. Meanwhile, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Member National Assembly Moonis Elahi and Federal Minister for Housing Tariq Bashir Cheema called on Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Planning Asad Umar and Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood also attended the meeting. Political situation in Punjab was discussed in the meeting. Besides, the provincial budget, peaceful budgeting and completion of the new Punjab Assembly building were also discussed.