ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with an eight-member delegation from the International Free Zones Authority (IFZA) of the United Arab Emirates and the Aleria Group on Wednesday. During the meeting, he witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IFZA and Pakistan’s Board of Investment to facilitate investments in the country’s existing Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier welcomed the UAE delegation and highlighted the potential for investment in various projects within Pakistan’s SEZs. He emphasized the deep-rooted, brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE, which have spanned decades, and noted the vast investment opportunities available in multiple sectors across Pakistan.
“The government is prioritizing measures to create a business-friendly environment and attract investment,” Prime Minister Sharif stated.
The meeting was attended by IFZA Chairman Martin Gregers Pederson, Aleria Managing Partner Mana Ali Muhammad Hammad Al Shamsi, and other officials from both organizations. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials.
**Polio Eradication Efforts**
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan. He noted that the declining number of polio cases in February 2024 reflects the success of ongoing vaccination campaigns.
Chairing a session on the anti-polio drive, the prime minister commended the provincial administrations for their efforts in promptly identifying and addressing polio cases, which has contributed to the downward trend in infections.
**Meetings with Cabinet Members**
Prime Minister Sharif also held individual meetings with Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Minister for Petroleum, and newly appointed Ministers of State Abdul Rehman Kanju and Talal Chaudhry, as well as Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar. These discussions focused on various governance and policy matters.
**PML-N Leader’s Visit**
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ikhtiar Wali Khan met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss mutual interests and the overall political situation. The prime minister directed Khan to enhance public engagement and strengthen party activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
These meetings underscore the government’s efforts to bolster international partnerships, address public health challenges, and strengthen political outreach.
