ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Wednesday called Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on telephone to congratulate him on Pakatan Harapan’s (Political alliance) victory in 14th General Election and his assumption of office as prime minister of Malaysia and to exchange views on the issues facing the Muslim Ummah, including Jammu & Kashmir and Palestine.
The PM appreciated the smooth and peaceful conduct of elections and transfer of power, reflecting maturity of the Malaysian nation. He noted that the unprecedented success of Pakatan Harapan was a manifestation of people’s trust in Prime Minister Dr Mahathir’s dynamic and inspirational leadership. He also discussed Pakistan-Malaysia relations with Prime Minister Mahathir. He expressed keen desire to further strengthen bilateral relations by exploring and exploiting potential in diverse fields, including economic, investment, energy, defence and tourism.
He underscored the need for exchange of high level visits, including parliamentary exchanges, to provide necessary impetus and direction to the bilateral relations. He extended invitation to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir to visit Pakistan.
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir thanked Prime Minister Abbasi for his wishes and affirmed his commitment to further strengthen and deepen bilateral ties. Later, PM Abbasi witnessed the signing ceremony of an agreement between Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Federal Republic of Somalia for a grant of $10.500 million and provision of technical assistance for the development of Somalia’s National Identification System.
The signing ceremony held at PM’s Office was attended by Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Dr Musadiq Malik, secretaries of Finance and Interior Divisions, chairman Nadra and senior officials. The Somali side included Minister of State for Interior Abdullahi Farah Wehliye, Dr Nur Derie Hersi, Head of ID project, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Almakhzoumi and their senior officials. As part of the initiative, National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra) will develop and supply technology, software and equipment which will enable the government of Somalia to have a state-of-the-art national data and citizen registration system. The ‘knowledge and technology’ transfer would also help Somalia in Border Management and Elections Management system.
Speaking on the occasion, the Somalian State Minister for Interior Abdullahi Farah Wehliye thanked the Government of Pakistan for its assistance in development of National ID System of Somalia. Underscoring Pak-Somalia friendly relations, the state minister said that opening of Pakistan’s Embassy in Mogadishu would further strengthen the friendly relations of the two countries. Finance Minister Dr Miftah Ismail reciprocated the warm sentiments of the Somalian Minister and said that Pakistan values its ties with the government and people of Somalia.
Pakistan and Somalia enjoy friendly and cordial relations. The signing of the Nadra contract is of a great significance and would help in further enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries. The project complements the Government’s “Look Africa” policy for enhanced engagement with the African continent.
Earlier, Accompanied by Ms Leila Khan, Minister of State for Federal Education & Professional Training and Chairperson Prime Minister Youth Programme, interns of Prime Minister’s Youth Training Scheme called on Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Prime Minister’s Office for a feedback session on the scheme.
These interns are fresh graduates who have completed Master’s and BS degrees from different universities across Pakistan. The PML-N government launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Training Scheme as one of the six component schemes of Prime Minister’s Youth Programme in April-May 2016, in order to provide on-the-job professional training to fresh graduates for a productive and more rewarding jobs in the labour market. Graduates having completed 16 years of education, 03-year Diploma in Associate Engineering (DAEs) or Shahadatul Aalmiya from Wifaqul Madaras are offered 12-month paid internship @ Rs15,000 per month under the scheme. So far 95,000 fresh graduates have been offered internship in reputed public and private sector organisation/departments under Phase-I and Phase-II of the Scheme.
It was encouraging to note that majority of the successful interns have either got jobs or have started their own startups. They thanked the government for providing them an opportunity to gain valuable experience for their practical life. So far 95,000 fresh graduates have been offered internship in reputed public and private sector organisation/departments under Phase-I and Phase-II of the scheme.
Expressing satisfaction over the success of the scheme, PM praised the enthusiasm of the young graduates, and urged upon them to contribute maximum for the socio-economic development of their country through hard work and dedication.
