Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesday that the second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC-II) presents a chance for the private sectors of both nations to establish collaborative business partnerships.

He emphasised that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a significant role in promoting Pakistan’s socio-economic growth and benefiting the people of both nations.

The individual expressed optimism that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will lead to increased industrial, scientific, and environmentally sustainable progress inside the nation.

During a meeting with a prominent team from the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), headed by Chairman Luo Zhaohui, the prime minister expressed that China is Pakistan’s most reliable ally and acknowledged China’s unwavering assistance to Pakistan.

The prime minister expressed appreciation for CIDCA’s crucial contribution to Pakistan’s economic progress, particularly highlighting its significant assistance during the 2022 floods and its efforts in providing relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction in the country.

Prior to this, he observed the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that centred around flood rehabilitation, information and communication technologies, Juncao Technology, and China-Pakistan Development Cooperation Planning (2024-2028). Additionally, a Letter of Exchange was signed to establish a First Aid Centre in Balochistan, and a Protocol on Cooperation in Human Resources Development was agreed upon under the Global Development Initiative.

The statement issued by the PM Office indicates that these agreements represent the strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and China in multiple industries.

The conference was attended by Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, as well as Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs, Finance, Interior, Planning & Development, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and senior officials of Pakistan.

On Wednesday, the president of the Awami Muslim League (AML) and former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed faced various complaints alleging him of using filthy language. The Islamabad High Court has deferred its ruling in these matters.

Trial by Islamabad High Court Judge Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri. Along with his attorneys Sardar Abdul Razzaq and Sardar Shehbaz, Sheikh Rashid arrived in court.

In court this time were police attorney Kazim Adalat and state attorney Malik Abdul Rehman.

The police were requested to provide a report in court, and the judge wanted to know if they had submitted it. The court was informed by the state attorney that the report had been turned in.

Has Billo Rani’s remarks been cited in the FIR, the judge inquired? The state attorney read the FIR filed with the Mochko police station as directed by the court.

“There are no Billo Rani-like words in the FIR,” the court said after inquiring about the identity of the complainant.

The FIR claimed that Sheikh Rashid had spoken derogatorily and incorrectly about Bilawal Bhutto, according to the court. According to the court, “the words mentioned in the report are not in the FIR.”

Regarding a statement made in Islamabad, the judge asked how the complaint was filed in Karachi.

In Islamabad, this occurrence took place. What was the source of these statements for IG Sindh and Prosecutor General Sindh? Where are references to Billo Rani mentioned in the text? the court inquired of the investigating officer.

Everything was on a USB drive, the investigating officer claimed, and they could make more as needed. Says the court: Will a trial take place in Karachi for Benazir Bhutto, who was slain in Rawalpindi?

Could an incident from Peshawar be reported in Karachi? Should a case be filed elsewhere even though the event occurred in Islamabad,” the IHC enquired.

Sheikh Rashid filed a petition for acquittal, however the court later reserved judgement on it.

On Tuesday, Australian businesses and specialists were invited by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to impart their knowledge and best practices to their Pakistani counterparts.

While having a courtesy call to PM House, he was speaking with Australia’s High Commissioner, Neil Hawkins.

The prime minister declared that warm and cordial relations existed between Australia and Pakistan. He was pleased with the existing status of bilateral relations and stated that Pakistan was eager to expand collaboration in mining, agriculture, and livestock, among other areas.

The prime minister also praised the contributions made by the Pakistani diaspora in Australia, which includes a sizable contingent of students.

Reiterating Australia’s goal to deepen its relationship with Pakistan, the high commissioner gave the prime minister his word that cooperation will be forthcoming.

The prime minister was also updated by him on some of the impending bilateral meetings, such as key Australian defence officials’ travels to Pakistan.

The high commissioner noted the prime minister’s priority areas and showed interest in enhancing sports and cultural collaboration, with a focus on hockey and cricket in particular.