PM reaffirms govt’s desire to work with C’wealth

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s desire to work with the Commonwealth on the issues of common interest particularly on youth empowerment, good governance and climate change.

He was talking to a five-member delegation led by Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland here in Islamabad on Thursday. Welcoming the Secretary General Patricia Scotland on her first official visit to Islamabad the prime minister said that two thirds of Pakistan’s population is below the age of 30 years. He said providing modern education and technical training to the youth is one of his government’s highest priorities.

He highlighted various initiatives taken by the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. He reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the Commonwealth to help Pakistan’s youth by enhancing access and opportunities for them in today’s high-tech global economy. Shehbaz Sharif also appreciated the Commonwealth’s consistent support for Pakistan’s socio-economic and democratic institutions.

The Secretary-General appreciated the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and said that Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership and direct supervision of this programme is reflective of his personal interest and commitment to the youth empowerment initiatives. In order to further improve the performance of government departments and know progress in real time, Patricia Scotland offered the Commonwealth’s Performance Management System. She also invited Pakistan to join the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium.

The prime minister expressed keen desire to evaluate the Commonwealth Performance Management System for further improving governance and transparency in Pakistan’s public sector. The PM described combating climate change as a common priority for both Pakistan and the Commonwealth, He appreciated the Secretary-General’s climate advocacy for Pakistan following the devastating 2022 floods.

The prime minister said Pakistan wants to work with the Commonwealth in helping mobilize more international support for climate-vulnerable countries like Pakistan at the forthcoming COP29 in Baku.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday pledged to revamp Pakistan’s economy by emulating China’s model, with the objective of achieving similar economic success on a smaller scale.

Speaking to a 12-member Chinese delegation led by Wang Fukang, the prime minister said that during his recent visit to China, he requested President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan.

“The goal is to model Pakistan’s economy after China’s. Today, these experts are here, and we’re confident that progress will follow soon.”

Welcoming the delegation, he emphasized that industrial cooperation was crucial at this time and expressed hope that it could be shifted to Pakistan. He stated that the federal cabinet has decided to offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment.

The delegation, comprising representatives from 10 different Chinese ministries, was visiting Pakistan to enhance cooperation across various sectors. They will provide input on Chinese investment, the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and boosting Pakistani exports.