Current Minister of National Food Security and Research in Pakistan
Currently, the Minister of National Food Security and Research is Mohammad Ishaq Dar. This person has been in the position for a long time and has helped the country to achieve its goal in food security. He has also been a great inspiration to many people. He is also a strong advocate for the youth of the country. Hopefully, he will be able to continue his work in the field of food security and research in the country.
Donald Blome
Considering that the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome is on hand, it's not surprising that he made the effort to check out some of the country's flood stricken areas. In fact, he was so impressed that he vowed to visit more flood affected areas in the near future. In addition to visiting the flood-affected areas, he has also taken the time to learn more about Pakistan's culture, economy and history. This is perhaps why he has a knack for eliciting the best of the best from his illustrious hosts.
Several members of his entourage also made it a point to drop by the Finance Ministry's office to discuss the latest and greatest in economic and monetary policy. These include Secretary of Finance Asim Zafar, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Ishaq Aziz, Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Ahmad Shah, and Chief Secretary of the State Bank Mian Sherry Rehman. In addition to the aforementioned members, representatives of the Ministry's research and development (R&D) branch were also on hand to discuss the latest and greatest in economic and financial policy. Despite the fact that it is the department's smallest division, the finance ministry is no stranger to large scale projects, having recently secured a multi-year contract to manage a portfolio of over a trillion dollars worth of assets. This is a particularly enviable contract in light of Pakistan's economic and financial state of affairs.
In fact, the best part is that all these initiatives will help accelerate Pakistan's economic growth and recovery efforts. To that end, President Asif Ali Zardoshi has commissioned the formation of the National Economic Commission (NEC) to provide a roadmap to recovery. The commission's stated aims include developing an economic recovery plan for flood affected areas and a roadmap for the implementation of the National Economic Development Plan (NEDP) for a number of sectors. In addition to the NEC, the finance ministry is also in the process of formalizing the country's foreign economic relations with the US. In short, the US has always been a friend to Pakistan.
Tariq Bashir Cheema
During his stay in the United States, the Finance Minister of Pakistan, Tariq Bashir Cheema, met with a number of leading businessmen and multi-national companies operating in the country. These businessmen and companies shared their vision for fostering bilateral cooperation in a variety of sectors. The meeting was also attended by senior officers from the Finance Division.
The Finance Minister highlighted the government's vision for stabilizing the economy. He expressed the government's commitment to complete the IMF programme. He emphasized on leveraging the proximity and collaboration of the two countries in enhancing economic development. He highlighted the government's economic priorities, such as expanding trade and economic relations with Afghanistan. He also shared the Government's vision to provide relief to flood victims.
The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of the export-oriented sector in the growth of the country. He also informed the committee that the government is keen to provide maximum relief to farmers. He advised relevant officials to draft a wholesome package for agriculture within a week. The committee also deliberated on the availability of agricultural inputs and power tariff for the agriculture sector.
He also expressed his sympathy for the flood victims and the loss of lives. He also extended his support to the Government of Pakistan. The meeting also discussed modalities to enhance business activities in the country.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of the privatization programme of state-owned entities. It was agreed that the government will proceed with the privatization of loss-making entities. He also emphasized on improving productivity and reducing the import bill of the country. The Finance Minister assured the business community of full support and cooperation from the Government. He also appreciated the financial support provided by the UK government.
The Finance Minister expressed his sympathy for the loss of lives and livelihoods during the floods. He also shared the Government's economic vision to stabilize the economy. He assured the ADB of the Government's commitment to complete the IMF programme. The ADB has pledged around US$ 2.5 billion to provide flood relief support to Pakistan.
Mohammad Ishaq Dar
During the visit of Pakistan Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, the relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached a new height. The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the cooperation between the two countries will be further enhanced. He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani leadership towards enhancing the ties. He said that the bilateral relations between the two countries are characterized by a sense of brotherhood on all fronts, including religious, social, cultural and economic. He also expressed his concern for the welfare of the people of Pakistan. He added that his government's policy of providing relief to the poor is an important part of its agenda.
The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet met at the Prime Minister's Secretariat. The Finance Minister highlighted some of the policies introduced by the present government to combat the challenges in the economy. He also highlighted the friendly bilateral ties between Pakistan and China. He also appreciated the support of the Chinese leadership.
The Finance Minister also discussed the latest flood losses. He said that the Government of Pakistan would continue to stand with the Government of Sindh. The Federal Government will provide full support to the Sindh Government to develop the province. The Finance Minister also emphasized that the Government of Pakistan is fully aware of the needs of the people and will continue to provide maximum relief to the poor. He said that the present government is also focusing on the development of livestock and the agriculture sector. He said that the government has proposed various measures to boost the agriculture sector. He added that the existing subsidy schemes on urea and DAP will continue during the fiscal year 2017-18. He also announced that the government will provide a subsidy for electricity for tubewells.
The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Ameer Khurram Rathore and senior officers from the Finance Division. The meeting discussed the coordination of fiscal and monetary policy.
Najy Benhassine
During his first meeting with the newly-appointed Finance Minister of Pakistan, Najy Benhassine, Country Director, World Bank Pakistan, briefed him on various programmes being implemented by the Bank and its future cooperation. He also congratulated the Finance Minister for taking charge of office. He also appreciated the World Bank's support for various development projects in Pakistan. He also assured the Bank's team that all programmes would be completed on time and in the right manner.
The Finance Minister informed the delegation that the present government was taking pragmatic steps to resolve bottlenecks of growth. He shared his government's vision to stabilize the economy and provide relief to flood victims. He also apprised the delegation about various policy measures to ensure inclusive growth in the country. He also emphasized on the importance of providing relief to the poor. The government has also received additional funding commitments from multilateral organizations. The World Bank and other multilaterals have pledged an additional US$ 1.3 billion and US$ 2.5 billion, respectively, to the flood relief program.
The government has also received support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Bank has pledged US$ 2.3-$2.5 billion for flood relief program. The Federal Government has also committed to provide the required funds. The ADB's flood relief fund will be allocated from existing World Bank-financed projects in flood-affected areas. The funds will be provided in the ratio of 50 percent from the Federal Government and 50 percent from provincial governments.
The Ministry of National Food Security & Research also submitted a summary of its proposals to the ECC to consider them. The Ministry also proposed a revision of the procedure of the pre-shipment inspection agency. Moreover, additional funds of Rs. 3.4 billion will also be provided to the Ministry to distribute wheat seed to flood affected districts. The ECC approved a Technical Supplementary Grant of Rs. 3.2 billion for MNFS&R.
The delegation discussed the current economic and social challenges of the country. The Minister informed the delegation that the government is committed to adopt a sustainable inclusive growth path. The delegation also appreciated the Government's efforts to provide relief to the flood victims. The government also provided relief in the form of rice, ghee, sugar, vegetables and other essential items.
