Shebaz urged to renew commitment in fighting against plastic pollution.  

Meets heads of various countries during swearing-in ceremony of Turkish president Erdogan in Ankara,Hails barter trade between Pakistan, Iran:  Says people of both countries will benefit from it,

Islamabad_Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his hope that the volume of bilateral trade between Pakistan & Turkiye can reach to $5 billion annually over the next 3 years,

On his Twitter handle, the prime minister referred to his recent visit to Turkiye where he attended the swearing-in ceremony of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who had been re-elected for the third term in office.

In his tweet, Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote: “In my meetings with heads of leading Turkish business groups yesterday, I highlighted the need for investment & trade in the fields of agriculture, energy, information technology and construction. Exciting opportunities have emerged for collaboration especially after the historic Trade-in-Goods Agreement between Pakistan & Turkiye became operational on May 31 this year. The target of increasing bilateral trade volume to $5 billion annually over the next 3 years is very much achievable. Was glad to find discernible interest of the Turkish business community in building on the existing partnerships & establishing new ventures.”PM Shehbaz also met with former deputy prime minister of Turkiye and Chairman of MHP Party Devlet Bahceli. He congratulated the chairman on winning the elections.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif shaking hands with President of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Mr Devlet Bahçeli at the inauguration ceremony of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on 3 June 2023. pic.twitter.com/5MMAZslUkZ

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 3, 2023

Shehbaz also met with Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani. Both the leaders expressed their desire to promote bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields.

The prime minister also met with Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber. He said that barter trade between Iran and Pakistan is a good development and it would benefit the people of both countries.

PM Shehbaz also referred to the establishment of a market on the border of Balochistan and Sistan and his recent meeting with the President of Iran.

In his meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the two leaders discussed regional cooperation, connectivity of the region and acceleration of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the target of increasing bilateral trade volume between Pakistan and Turkiye to $5 billion annually over the next three years was very much achievable.

Meanwhile,

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government has taken several steps to take Pakistan on the path to sustainable use of resources.

He emphasized the urgent need to combat plastic pollution under the global theme “Beating Plastic Pollution.”

In a message on the occasion of World Environment Day, the prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to combat plastic pollution and embark on a journey of plastics reduction, the state news agency reported.

As one of the top 10 countries in the world for plastic pollution, with an estimated 70 percent of plastic waste being improperly disposed of, Pakistan has recognized the urgent need for action. The government has prioritized the adoption of environment-friendly alternatives and is actively working on the Plastics Prohibition Regulation 2023 for Islamabad Capital Territory. This regulation will establish a comprehensive framework and timeline for phasing out single-use plastics, while also leading by example on a plan to reduce and then ban the use of single use plastics by the entire federal government.

In a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to reduce plastic waste in Pakistan, PM Shehbaz Sharif directed PM House to stop using single-use plastics, which like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, will lead the way in phasing out and restricting the use of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles in Federal Ministries, Divisions across the board. By doing so, the government aims to establish a sustainable and responsible approach to plastic usage and waste management, ensuring the protection of the environment and the well-being of future generations.

The prime minister acknowledged that Pakistan has actively participated in crucial international and national level discussions to develop a comprehensive, legally binding instrument aimed at ending plastic pollution, with a target date set for 2024. The government of Pakistan recognizes the significance of ensuring inclusivity and equity within the agreement, emphasizing the need for the treaty to prioritize so that no one is left behind.

PM Sharif called upon all stakeholders, including citizens, businesses, civil society organizations, and the media, to renew their commitment to the fight against plastic pollution and preserving the planet’s biodiversity for future generations. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of empowering local communities, supporting recycling initiatives, and promoting a circular economy that minimizes plastic waste.