PR No. 1
PRESS RELEASE
Rs. 2.5 million (RMB 200,000)cheque given to Yushu orphans school hit by quake
Islamabad: June 1, 2010The Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Mr. Masood Khan presented a cheque of Rs. 2.5 million (RMB 200,000) to Mr. Ni Ma Ren Zeng, Principal of Yushu County Orphans’ School at a simple ceremony organized here at the Pakistan’s Embassy this afternoon, for the reconstruction of the school, says a press release received here today from Beijing.
The amount was collected through a Meena Bazaar fundraiser organized at the Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing on May 15th for collecting funds for the relief of the victims of the Qinghai earthquake.
Talking to the Principal of the biggest school in that area, Ambassador Masood Khan reiterated his heartfelt condolences on the devastation caused by the earthquake. He said the Chinese nation has always stood by their Pakistani brethren. That is why on this sad happening the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing felt it its moral obligation to extend help to their brothers and sisters in their hour of distress.
Mr. Ni Ma expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Pakistan for issuing condolence messages immediately after the earthquake and also to the Pakistan’s Embassy in Beijing for organizing a fundraiser for collecting funds for the relief of the hapless people.
He informed the Ambassador that his school was the first one to start classes after the destruction caused by the earthquake. He told him that the President and Prime Minister of China also paid a visit to this school.
Director of Asia Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hou Yangi was also present on this occasion.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR No. 2
PRESS RELEASE
Yasmeen Rehman stresses the need for implementation of Harassment law
Islamabad: June 1, 2010“There is a dire need for implementation of the ‘Protection Against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010’ in letter and spirit so as to create a safe working environment for women which is free from harassment, abuse and intimidation.”, says Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman while speaking at a seminar on this subject in a hotel, here today.
The Act provides mechanism for addressing complaints of harassment, she pointed out. “It is incumbent on all the public and private sector organizations to implement this law in letter and spirit by adopting the code of conduct”, she said.
She also expressed that the basic purpose of holding this Seminar was to make the legislation accessible for the womenfolk of the country and to create awareness about this law at National level with all the stake holders, Line Ministries/Provincial Departments.
Furthermore, she expressed that Ministry of Women Development is focal machinery for the advancement of womenfolk and by implementing the harassment law, we will be able to provide a safe and a better working environment for higher productivity in accordance with the principle of equal opportunity for men and women.
**SNA/Ahmad**
PR No. 3
PRESS RELEASE
Skill developing, a way forward for pakistan
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Secretary Tariq Iqbal Pury attended the prize distribution ceremony held in Technical Training Bureau, Islamabad on completion of three months training of skilled workers.
The Secretary praised the role of NTB (National Training Bureau) providing vocational and skilled training. He appreciated the cooperation and support of NGO’s and private sector and Federal Republic of Germany in promoting the vocational and skilled training and accelerating the growth Pakistan aspire for.
He thanked the Federal Republic of Germany for their financial help and their devotion and dedication. He directed the NTB management to convert 3 months training programme to 6 months for better skilled training.
The Secretary congratulated the NTB management on completion of 3 months training and for providing young confident people to contribute in the economic development of Pakistan.
**SSW/Ahmad**
PR No. 4
PRESS RELEASE
Latif Khan Khosa seeks industry’s role for IT sector promotion
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology/ Minister Incharge, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa has asked telecom industry to come forward and help the government to promote Information Communication Telecom (ICTs) sector in the country specially manufacturing of telecom equipments locally.
He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Alcatel-Lucent Pakistan Limited headed by Chief Executive Officer, Adil Rauf, who called on him here on Tuesday.
He said the ministry has introduced the third generation (3G) Mobile Services in place of existing second generation (2G) technology to attract FDI in the field to support broadband applications for high-speed internet access, interactive multimedia value and high resolution video services and added all the stake holders will be brought onboard for their input to build consensus for launching 3G services and finally will be get approved from the cabinet.
The Advisor urged the telecom industry to create maximum job opportunities for the 60 percent youth, whose potential can be used to bring economic development in the country instead they involve in negative activities as illiteracy, unemployment and poverty are the fuel to terrorism. The youth from smaller provinces should be concentrated for the purpose so that they can become an earning hand for their families.
We need manufacturing the telecom related equipment locally as we have no proper infrastructure for it and have to import it. We need state of the art educational intuitions to produce IT related experts, he maintained.
He said ministry is committed to support Telecom industry in all respects with strong public partnership where government is acting as facilitator and private sector should invest for providing modern telecom services to all areas of Pakistan besides creating employment opportunities.
**MA/Ahmad**
PR No. 5
PRESS RELEASE
Prime Minister to attend EU-Pakistan Summit
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Prime Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani accompanied by a high level delegation will reach Brussels on June 02, 2010 on a three-day visit of the EU capital. The Prime Minister will lead Pakistan side at the Second EU-Pakistan Summit scheduled to be held on June 04, 2010. The EU side will be represented by Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President European Council, Mr. Jose Manuel Barrosso, President European Commission and Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, says a press release received here today from Brussels.
Continuation of the Summit level engagement was a testament to the importance the EU attaches to its relationship with Pakistan. Dialogue at the highest level will give further impetus to a sustainable EU-Pakistan political and economic partnership.
Recognizing Pakistan’s importance for regional and global security and its role in the field of counter-terrorism, the European Union has in the recent years shown a growing urgency to boost ties with Pakistan. Pledging new attention on Pakistan due to the sacrifices made by its people, government and the Armed Forces as well as the massive losses sustained by its economy, the EU wants to target war ravaged areas with its support focussing on rural development, natural resource management, education and development of human resources.
The EU agrees to cooperate for improving Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capabilities including support to the police forces. The EU also underlines the importance of strong trading relationship to enhance bilateral trade through a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and through exploring preferential tariff regime in the form of GSP Plus.
Over the past few years, the provision of institutional framework has forged a new era of EU-Pakistan cooperation as the EU remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner with 20 percent of its total exports heading to the European markets. The EU being the biggest common market and the largest trading arena possesses enormous potential both in terms of size and volume.
It is expected that the second summit will herald a qualitative up-gradation in political and economic relations. Possibilities will be explored to provide greater market access for Pakistani products to help Pakistan achieve sustainable social and economic development as well as overcome the huge economic and social fallout of war on terror.
From its perspective, Pakistan wishes to forge a comprehensive, lasting and strategic partnership with the EU to bring about political and economic stability in South Asia and the world.
Since assuming office, this is Prime Minister’s first ever visit to Brussels, the capital of EU and NATO headquarters.
Besides leading Pakistan in EU-Pakistan Summit, Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will hold important meetings with the Belgian Prime Minister, Mr. Yves Leterme, EU and the NATO leadership on issues of mutual interest, especially those related to geo-political, economic and security environment prevailing in the region. The Prime Minister will also address the North Atlantic Council of NATO.
At the Summit, the Prime Minister will convey Pakistan’s deep appreciation for the EU’s assistance and support in respect of Internally Dislocated Persons and their rehabilitation. He will also draw attention to the successful military operations against extremist launched with the full support of all political parties and the people of Pakistan. Regional situation including Afghanistan and Pakistan India relations will also come under discussion.
Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will apprise the EU and Belgian leadership about the administrative and legislative measures adopted by the Government of Pakistan to strengthen parliament and democracy ensure provision of social justice, freedom of the Press, empowerment of women and minorities and poverty alleviation.
During his discussion with the Belgian Prime Minister, further enlargement in bilateral cooperation in the fields of education, trade and investment would be examined.
In his interactions, the Prime Minister will raise awareness in the European Union and the member states about the legal framework and institutional arrangements put in place to ensure and maintain an investment friendly environment in the country. He will also invite Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan in energy sector and infrastructure development, oil and gas exploration, agro-industry and chemical and pharmaceutical industry, etc.
The Prime Minister’s entourage includes, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce, Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Parliamentarians from all political politics having representation in the National Assembly and senior officials.
**SMR/Ahmad**
PR No. 6
PRESS RELEASE
MIR HAZAR KHAN BIJARANI, CHAIRS BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING OF HMC, TAXILA
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani chaired the meeting of Board of Directors of heavy Mechanical Complex which was held at HMC Taxila. Secretary Industries & Production, Mr. Abdul Ghafar Somoro was also present besides other Directors of the Company.
Heavy Mechanical Complex is a state owned engineering enterprise engaged in manufacture of Heavy engineering goods such as plants & machinery for Cement, Sugar, Oil & Gas, chemical & Fertilizer Industries, boilers, electric overhead traveling cranes, road construction machinery and equipment for Pakistan Railways etc.
HMC in the current financial year under review has earned revenue of about 2 Billion rupees and has attained a break even by earning a nominal profit.
HMC has also entered the field of manufacturing equipment for Hydro Electric Power Plants. It has so far manufactured equipment for Ghazi Brotha Hydro Power Plant, Malakand-III Hydro Power Plant, Warsak Hydro Power Plant and a number of mini hydro power plants for Northern Areas. Presently, it has in hand orders for manufacture of equipments for small hydro power plants in Azad Kashmir.
The Minister & visitors also took a round of various workshop of the complex. While talking to journalists the Minister appreciated the workmanship and quality of HMC products. He also highlighted role of HMC in development of heavy engineering industry in Pakistan.
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Butt, Managing Director, HMC Taxila welcomed the distinguished guests on arrival at HMC and briefed them about the background, present activities and future plans of Heavy Mechanical Complex, Taxila.
MAB/wh
PR No. 7
PRESS RELEASE
WORLD BANK MISSION MEETS ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
Islamabad: June 1, 2010A World Bank Mission on Technical Assistance Loan (TAL) for implementation of National Environment Policy called on Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi here today.
The delegation was headed by Mr. Ernesto Sanchez-Triana (Mission Leader) and Javaid Afzal (Co-Leader), Cecilia Belita (ACS) and Muhammad Omar Khalid (STC) were members of the mission. Federal Secretary Environment Javed Malik was also present in the meeting.
The World Bank Mission informed the Minister that a sizable progress is being considered by the Bank for improving environmental degradation in Pakistan. To materialize this progress, the Bank has given TAL under Policy & Human Resource Development (PHRD) for carbon financing and implementation of National Environment Policy. During the meeting delegation gave briefing on progress on preparation of Technical Assistance Loan for National Environment Policy. They also told about the arrangements for the proposed project. The delegates shared their views regarding other developments in environment sector of Pakistan. On this occasion, the mission also exchanges their views about the project of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and highlighted its importance. They thanked for continuous and productive dialogue process with Ministry of Environment.
Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Pakistan is facing many problems due to environmental changes. He told that Government of Pakistan is committed to make arrangements on concrete basis in environment sector. He informed that due to unawareness about environment, a number of problems have been developed. Non-availability of clean drinking water, poor sanitation, energy crises etc are some of those crises which are the main causes of unawareness about this core issue. Federal Minister said that Pakistan has potential and hardworking manpower but there is core need of technical assistance. He told that government is focusing on creating awareness among masses. Mr. Afridi mentioned that Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project has its importance in environment sector. Due to lack of information people do not adopt CDM. However, government is taking steps to aware the masses about its importance because it is a facilitation process and there is a need of time to adopt CDM for healthy environment. He said that assistance from the World Bank would be the best opportunity to develop our skills and working capacity.
AS/wh
PR No. 8
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Federal Minister Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan visited on Tuesday the Hunza lake affected area and examined the water discharge through spill way. He accessed the relief measures taken by the government agencies/ departments. The minister displayed his satisfaction over the adequate arrangements of surveillance and alarm system, camping for the IDPs, relief measures and provision of ration and eatables to the IDPs.
Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo informed that Prime Minister of Pakistan has formally approved the compensation package announced during his visit to the affected area.
Minister assured the affectees that he himself along with Chief Minister GB, Syed Mehdi Shah will distribute financial assistance cheques in the next two, three days of his stay in the calamity hit area. The minister is on his official visit to examine/monitor the lake water discharge and arrangements made to cater this operation.
AZ/wh
PR No. 9
PRESS RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST SEVER DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH ISRAEL : HAMID SAEED KAZMI
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi has demanded from the International community to take strong action against Israel’s aggression. He said that Israel has been violating international laws many a times in the past but due to the backing of some big powerful countries no International organization could take any punitive measure against the naked aggression of the Israeli Army.
Federal Minister said that freedom flotilla was just taking the relief goods for the Palestinians and no terrorist or weapons were being delivered to Palestine . He said that this aggression of Israel has sent signals to the International community that any country willing to help the Palestinians would meet the same response from Israel . He demanded from the United Nations and OIC to respond effectively against this Israeli terrorism. The International community must sever diplomatic ties with Israel and restrictions should be imposed as a punitive measure against Israel .
Hamid Kazmi said that United States of America should act responsibly and must not send signals to the International community particularly to the Muslim world that Israel has its full support. He appealed to the United Nations to help Pakistan in bringing back Aaj TV anchorperson Talat Hussain and his team.
Religious Affairs Minister has expressed grief on the killing of innocent people in Jinnah Hospital Lahore. He said that terrorists want to destabilize Pakistan and they want to spread panic and fear in the society. Pakistani people and government will not let terrorists achieve their heinous objectives, he added. He prayed for the departed souls and expressed his consolation for the relatives of the victims.
AB/wh
PR No. 10
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED FOR REVIVAL AND SURVIVAL OF FILM INDUSTRY: PIR AFTAB JILANI
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani has said that all stakeholders should workhard together for revival and survival of film industry. He said that government will stand with film industry to resolve its problems. This was stated by the Federal Minister at the meeting with the stakeholders of Film Industry here today.
Federal Minister stressed on the increasing harmony and coordination between the Ministry of Culture and Film Industry He said that legislation will be done to promote film Industry. The process of importing movies will be made transparent and systematic.
Stakeholders of Film Industry have expressed their confidence in Federal Minister. They expected the minister to raise the matter with higher authorities. They said demanded the abolition of duty on the import of equipments of movie making industry. They further demanded that cinemas should be exempted from any tax. They said that Indian films should be completely banned in the country for promotion of Pakistanis films.
Federal Minister assured the stakeholders that all steps would be taken to resolve their problems. He said that they should promote new talent and there is a lot of talent in the country.
Secretary Culture, Moinul Islam assured the delegation that their problems will be addressed in good faith. Director General PNCA Touqir Nasir expressed full support to do away with the problems of the film industry.
Madam Sangeeta, Syed Noor, Mian Farzand Ali, Suhail Khan, Achi Khan alongwith other representatives of film industry were present during the meeting.
Secretary Culture, Moinul Islam, Director General PNCA, Touqir Nasir and Chairman Federal Board of Films Censers, Barrister Shah Nawez Noon were also present during the meeting
NA/wh
PR No. 11
PRESS RELEASE
SPORTS ARE A FEATURE AND DISTINCTION OF HEALTHY SOCIETIES. NATIONAL BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE
HELD IN THIS MONTH. NAZAR M. GONDAL
Islamabad: June 1, 2010President Pakistan Badminton Federation, Nazar M. Gondal announced that the National Badminton Championship will be held at Islamabad by the end of this month here at Islamabad.
The federal minister was chairing a meeting to discuss the arrangements for the championship at Rodham Hall, Sports Complex, Islamabad.
The championship will begin from June 27 to 3rd July. The slogan for the event will be “Sports for Peace” and it would be dedicated to Mohtarama Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. Teams from across the countries will participate in the national event.
Mr. Gondal congratulated Rizwan Azam and Kashif Sulehri for winning International Challenge Cup, held at Maldives in which 15 countries participated. He directed the officials of the Federation to warmly receive the players on their arrival to Pakistan.
“We want to promote healthy and positive activities in the country. Youths are our precious asset and we want them to be indulged in positive activities like sports. The present government would do all the that is possible to promote peace through sports,”, added the minister.
June 7th was fixed to hold a review meeting and preparations regarding the championship.
MS/wh
PR No. 12
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: June 1, 2010Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations has been informed by the office of the UN Secretary General that the three Pakistanis, named Mr. Talat Hussan, Mr. Raza Mehmood Agha and Mr. Nadeem Ahmed Khan, who were accompanying the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid flotilla, are alive, not injured and currently detained at Beer Sheva Prison. The Mission has been further informed that they are being sent to Jordon from where further arrangement shall be made for their onward travel to Pakistan, says a press release received from New York here today.
MJ/wh