Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has departed for a short official visit to Saudi Arabia, following an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with the Crown Prince, focusing on resolving ongoing tensions in the region and addressing security concerns.
The high-profile visit is also expected to explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries. Notably, the closure of the Pakistani consulate in Peshawar is expected to save around $750,000 annually, without negatively impacting Pakistan’s relationship with the United States.
In a recent statement, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will approach the Iranian authorities to secure a safe passage for Pakistani ships. This comes as tensions continue to rise between Pakistan and Iran.
In other news, the Sindh government has announced a public holiday, with all government offices in Karachi to remain closed on Friday, 13 March. The move was announced in a notification, which also included instructions for the Chief Commissioner to form a medical board, comprising Dr. Arif and Dr. Nadeem Qureshi.
Separately, Federal Minister Awais Leghari has issued a new directive to address consumer complaints related to power outages. In a recent operation, Sindh police arrested a gang of scammers who allegedly blackmailed an elderly citizen, demanding a ransom of Rs. 700,000.
Pakistan has made significant strides in digital development, with the process of e-voting becoming increasingly transparent. However, a recent controversy surrounding PTI chairman Imran Khan’s health has sparked widespread concern across the country.
The foreign office, in a recent briefing, expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and urged restraint and calm from all parties involved. Meanwhile, PTI’s Ruhail Haq has called for the party to leave the federal government immediately.
In another development, the Sindh government has announced a public holiday, with all government offices in Karachi to remain closed on Friday, 13 March. Governor Kamran Tessori has denied allegations of being a puppet governor, stating that he is not interested in holding the office.
