In a significant development, the Caretaker Federal Cabinet has approved Pakistan’s inaugural National Space Policy. The new policy paves the way for international companies to offer communication and coordination services to consumers. Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, shared this groundbreaking decision during a media briefing held in Islamabad on Wednesday. The Federal Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, convened in the capital to discuss and finalize key decisions.
International Collaboration and Regulatory Advancements in Focus
Minister of Information Technology Dr Umar Saif and Minister for National Health Services Dr Nadeem Jan joined the event alongside Murtaza Solangi in a noteworthy gathering. Solangi emphasized that international companies would extend their services through Low-Orbit Communication satellites as part of the newly approved National Space Policy.
Highlighting the benefits:
Solange explained that the policy aims to attract foreign investment and save foreign exchange spent on service costs. He underscored its role in establishing a Space Regulatory regime in Pakistan that is aligned with international standards. Additionally, funds have been earmarked for research and development in SUPARCO.
Murtaza Solangi touched upon pharmaceutical concerns by shifting gears, revealing that the Federal Cabinet had deferred the Economic Coordination Committee’s decision to raise drug prices.
Comprehensive Reform Initiative
The cabinet has issued a directive to thoroughly review the entire mechanism for price fixation and regulations, aiming to devise a comprehensive and enduring solution to the prevalent issue.
Prime Minister’s Commitment to Dual Goals
During the event, the Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the pharmaceutical industry while asserting that there would be no compromise on safeguarding public interests and ensuring the quality of drugs.
Educational Institutions Seek Approval
Murtaza Solangi revealed that the cabinet has granted consent to refer Dow Dental College Karachi, Narowal Medical College, Liaquat Institute of Medical Health Sciences Thatta, and Khairpur Mirs Medical College to the Pakistan Medical and Dental College for preliminary approval.
Humanitarian Measures for Afghan Nationals
The Minister highlighted that the cabinet has taken humanitarian steps by reducing the processing fee for Afghan nationals from $800 to $400 for their evacuation to a third country.
Extension and Damages for Afghan Nationals’ Stay
In addition, the cabinet has extended the stay period for Afghan nationals in Pakistan from the end of this month to February 29 next year. Post this due date, damages will be enforced at $100 per month, capped at a maximum limit of $800.
Urgent Measures for Afghan Nationals
The stated measures aim to incentivize illegal Afghan residents in Pakistan to either acquire legal documentation or finalize evacuation agreements to any other country promptly.
Engage Africa Policy: MOU Approval
The Information Minister revealed that the cabinet has given the green light to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Foreign Office and Gambia, aligning with Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy.
Cabinet’s Rejection of Indian Supreme Court Verdict on Kashmir
Expressing dissent, Murtaza Solangi announced that the cabinet had rejected the Indian Supreme Court’s decision on Kashmir, deeming it unlawful. He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir remained an international dispute on the UN Security Council’s agenda for the past seven decades.
Call for UN Resolution Adherence
The Minister stressed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the people of Kashmir. He asserted that the Indian Supreme Court’s decision holds no sway over the Kashmir dispute and urged the international community to condemn India’s illegal actions suppressing the freedom of the Kashmiri people.
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Fiber Optic Expansion and Telecom Tribunal Courts
Addressing queries, Dr Umar Saif reported the completion of laying Fiber Optic from Kashghar to Karachi, a development poised to enhance internet bandwidth and digital connectivity. Additionally, he disclosed plans to establish specialized Telecom tribunal courts for handling cases related to the telecom industry.
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