PR No. 1
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 01, 2010
BB Shaheed Tournaments of Badminton and Table Tennis Organized successfully- Yasmeen Rehman“The Joint collaboration/effort of the Ministry of Women Development and Ministry of Sports to hold the first ever Benazir Shaheed Badmiton and Table Tennis Tournaments in the month of June 2010 is a giant leap towards paying tribute to the services rendered by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed towards the nation”, says Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development. Yasmeen Rehman while distributing the trophies and certificates among the winners here today at Hamadi Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex (PSC), Islamabad.
These tournaments were held to celebrate the BB’s birth anniversary and exclusively for the girls of the twin cities from June 28-30, 2010 at PSC, Islamabad. Approximately 120 girls from Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated and both the events were conducted under the supervision of qualified technical officials.
It is pertinent to mention over here that table tennis competitions were held on knock out basis in the category of amateurs and professional players whereas badminton competitions were held only for amateur players.
Speaking to the audience of this occasion, Mr. Yasmeen Rehman said that Pakistan Peoples Party’s manifesto attaches high priority to ensure equal rights through economic,social, legal and political measures and government is committed to gender mainstreaming in every field and to enable women to play their role in the national development , she further added (SNA).
PR No. 2
PRESS RELEASE
Meeting with Interior Minister
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani directed the Ministry of Interior to take all necessary steps for implementation of the Joint Declaration of the SAARC’s Interior Minister’s in letters and spirit. While expressing satisfaction over meeting of the Interior Minister of Pakistan and Home Minister of India he hoped that it would pave way for bridging the trust gap between the two neighbours.
The Prime Minister in a meeting with Interior Minister, Mr. Rehman Malik here at PM’ Sectt this morning reiterated the need for more coordination between the two countries in confronting the ulterior motives of the terrorists.
Talking about the scourge of militancy, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is the front line state in this war and its high time the world should extend complete support in rooting out this menace. He paid rich tribute to the martyrs and all those who suffered in this fight. He however emphasized that unity among the political and social fabric of the society is essential to achieve the desired results.
The overall security situation of the country also came under discussion during the meeting. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the present improved law and order situation and appreciated the Interior Minister for his concerted efforts as well as the role of the law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace in the county. He observed that with improvement of the security environment in the country, confidence of potential investors is growing and they are now expressing interest in various fields which would ultimately benefit the people.
Mr. Rehman Malik briefed the Prime Minister about his meetings with SAARC’s Interior Minister and the subsequent developments. He specially informed that the meeting with his Indian Counterpart was productive. The Interior Minister also presented a report on the recently held SAARC Interior Minister’s meeting to the Prime Minister.
PR No.3
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF HUMAN RIGHTS URGES SPEED TRIAL IN CASE OF GANG RAPE
AND MURDER OF A MINOR GIRL
Islamabad : July 01, 2010Federal Secretary Ministry of Human Rights directed the DPO Bahawalpur to take strict action against the culprits immediately after the news appeared in press in first week of June. According to newspaper Faryal Bibi, a seven year old Hafiz-e- Quran girl, was kidnapped by four male and their two female accomplices. The minor was gang raped and was strangulated to death and her dead body was thrown near the grave yard. Police officials have submitted the Challan in the Court of Law after registering case as per direction of ministry of Human Rights.
Now ministry of Human Rights wants speedy trial of the case, therefore, in his capacity as Federal Secretary Human Rights, Mr. Justice Rt. Riaz Kiani has humbly requested the Chief Justice Lahore High Court to direct the trial judge for expeditious trial of the case, to send a message to such animals that commission of abominable heart-rending offences the noose would definitely and surely be tightened round their neek very soon, if proved guilty.
PR No.4
PRESS RELEASE
Our aim is the socio-economic uplift of the work force
Khursheed Ahmed Shah
Islamabad 1st July, 2010Federal Minister, for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmed visited EOBI Building, WWF Tower and BE & OE Building. Minister said that the Ministry of Labour & Manpower is committed to endeavor for human resource development, the socio-economic uplift of the workforce and maintain harmonized labour management relations. It envisages skill up-graduation to enhance productivity, create development based work culture, work for dignity of labour and promote decent working conditions for workers within and outside Pakistan.
He said “Human Resource Development Wing” control the administration of National Training Bureau (NTB), Pakistan Manpower Institute (PMI) and National Talent Pool, Directorate of Worker Education (DWE) etc and Employees Old Age Benefits Institutions (EOBI) benefits for the persons employed in industrial, commercial and other organization. The EOBI grants Old Age Pension, Invalidity Pension survivors’ pension.
Minister further added that the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) allocate funds for development schemes and other management funds of workers , sanction expenditure on the administration and management of the fund. Minister appreciated the performance and dedication of these departments of Ministry of Labour & Manpower.
PR No.5
PRESS RELEASE
AIR CHIEF CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad : July 01, 2010Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman called on President Asif Ali Zardari here in the Presidency on Thursday and discussed matters pertaining to professional capabilities of the Air force.
The Air Chief apprised the President about the role of the Air Force and the various steps and projects undertaken to equip PAF with latest technologies.
The Air Chief also informed the President that with the induction of latest version of US provided F-16 aircrafts into the PAF fleet, the PAF has achieved the capability to carry out all-weather night time operations and would also enable the PAF to meet its mission more effectively.
PR No.6
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 01, July, 2010Ambassador - designate of china Mr. Liu Jian called on President Asif Ali Zardari and presented his credentials at a special ceremony held here Thursday at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President felicitated the newly appointed Chinese envoy to Pakistan and expressed confidence that he will work for further enhancing the already existing cordial and time tested bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The President said the Sino- Pak friendship has entered into a new era of comprehensive strategic partnership and his upcoming visit to China and interaction with the top Chinese leadership would give further impetus to the growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all fields. “Strengthening and enhancing cooperation with China in all sectors is one of the key principles guiding Pakistan’s foreign policy”, the President said.
The President while referring to his previous visits to China said that Pakistan was keen to learn from the Chinese economic and development miracle and benefit from its expertise in diverse areas of defence, energy, industry, agriculture, communications and commerce and trade. He said that the current level of bilateral trade is much below the available potential and urged for taking it up to $ 15 billion by 2011.The role of the Chinese ambassador in Islamabad would be instrumental in this regard, the President added.
The President while speaking to the Chinese ambassador thanked the Chinese government and leadership for its proactive role in socio- economic development and strategic stability of Pakistan.
Earlier, upon arrival of H.E. Mr. Liu Jian, ambassador designate of China at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, the National anthems of Pakistan and China were played and the Envoy was presented Guard of Honour by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. The President also presented the Ambassador a book on Pakistan.
PR No7
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that with the enactment of 18th Constitutional Amendment, the democratic institutions in the country have been strengthened and a new direction has been set for political stability that would lead to progress and prosperity of the country. He said that the parliamentary culture of consensus on issues of national significance is an outcome of the policy of reconciliation being pursued by the government. The willingness of all the democratic forces of the country, he added, for greater public interest above party lines have also contributed towards this end.
He was talking to Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Zaheerudding Babar Awan in a meeting at PM’ Sectt this afternoon.
The Prime Minister appreciated the Law Minister for his efforts and directed him to take all necessary steps for developing an infrastructure which could ensure affordable and easily accessible justice.
Dr. Babar Awan briefed the Prime Minister that under the newly added Article 270BB, the election held in February, 2008 have been given constitutional validation and these have the sanctity as such under the law. He further apprised the Prime Minister that it is now mandatory under the Constitution of 1973, that the present National Assembly and the four Provincial Assemblies complete their tenure.
The Law Minister also briefed the Prime Minister about the provision of various facilities to the Bar Councils and Bar Associations across the country. He informed that the response of the advocate community is very positive, especially in the backward areas.
The Law Minister also conveyed the gratitude of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association and the Islamabad District Bar Association to the Prime Minister on the passage of Bill for the establishment of Islamabad High Court.
PR. No.8
PRESS RELEASE
AZAM SWATI APPRECIATES MULLEN’s STATEMENT
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Azam Khan Swati has welcomed the statement of US Joint Chief of Staff Chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen in which he has conceded Pakistan’s right to acquire civil nuclear technology.
The Federal Minister, while expressing his reaction on the said statement, said that for the first time Pakistan has been viewed at par with other countries in this region. “Pakistan genuinely believes in peaceful coexistence, and its nuclear arrangement with China is not directed to any other country. It is for the sole purpose of overcoming its energy needs”, he said. The Minister further said that Pakistan-China civil nuclear technology programmes would be under the umbrella of International Atomic Energy Agency.
While referring to his speech at the inauguration ceremony of 35th International Nathiagali Summer College on “Physics and contemporary needs” at Natiagali, he again stressed that the nuclear capability is for defensive purposes and we do not have any kind of offensive desires.
PR. No.9
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 1, 2010The Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Umar Khan Ali Sherzai has urged the Pakistan community in the Kingdom to rise above their personal interest, work hard for the betterment of their country and welfare of the community and strictly abide by the laws of this land. He said this while addressing a gathering of Pakistani community at Pakistan international School Taif, yesterday night, says a press release received here from Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah here today.
The Ambassador said that Overseas Pakistanis are precious asset of their country and urged them to strive hard for the better image of their mother land.
The Ambassador said that the community’s welfare was his top priority and he is constantly in touch with the Saudi Government to resolve problems of the Pakistani community here. Stressing the need for quality education in the school, the Ambassador said that raising educational standard was the joint responsibility of teachers, parents and students and added that merit will be strictly observed in future recruitment of the teachers. He said that the School Management Committee for Taif School has been constituted and will be functional within next 15 days.
He said that a permanent system for financial support of the poor but intelligent students will be evolved. He urged the affluent members of the community to come forward and play their role to support deserving students.
The meeting was also addressed by the Consul General Abdul Salik Khan. In his address the Consul general said that he was constantly in touch with the community to resolve their problem and urged them to come forward and point out problems and give proposals to facilitate solutions. He assured the community of all out support from the Embassy and Consulate for the Pakistani community.
PR. No.10
PRESS RELEASE
FLATS IN I-16 SECTOR FOR LOW INCOME GROUP TO BE LAUNCHED SOON…KAKAR
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rehmat Ullah Kakar has said that construction of flats for low income group would be started in I-16 Sector soon under Prime Minister’s Housing Programme. He said that arrangements for launching of this housing project were in final stage which would provide relief to the shelterless people of Islamabad.
The Minister expressed these views while presiding over a meeting to review the progress on housing projects being undertaken by the Pakistan Housing Authority and National Housing Authority in various places of the country.
Rehmatullah Kakar said that the government was giving priority to the development of the housing sector speedily which would not only open investment opportunities to the local and international companies but also improve the living standard of the people across the country.
The Minister said that there was a paucity of seven to eighty million houses in the country and construction of one million housing units annually under Prime Minister’s Housing for All programme would overcome the housing shortage problem to great extent.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was given about the ongoing housing projects under prime Minister’s Housing programme. The meeting was informed that feasibility report on Kurri Road housing scheme has been finalized and CDA would issue an NOC for launching the project.
Secretary, Housing and works, Raja Muhammad Abbas, MD PHA Muhammad Ali Afridi, DG NHA Muhammad Irfan and senior officials of the organizations also attended the meeting.
During the visit of NHA, the Minister inaugurated National Housing Advisory Board Secretariat. He directed the NHA to hold a seminar in the end of this month in Lahore for preparations strategy for the enforcement of Building Code after consultations with all stakeholders.
PR. No.11
PRESS RELEASE
FINANCE MINISTER AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN PLANNING MEETS PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusf Raza Gilani has said that the macroeconomic stabilization brought about through sustained economic policies could be further consolidated through focused attention on optimum utilization of resources. This, he added, would require continuous review of the development planning and appropriate allocations.
He was talking to the Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Naeemul Haq at a meeting at PM’s Sectt here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said access to education and better health facilities would remain the priority areas of the government. These sectors, he mentioned, could help develop productive human capital much needed for the economic growth of the country. As regards employment generation, he said the private sector has to be pursued and encouraged to invest in various sectors.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shiekh and the Deputy Chairman Planning briefed the Prime Minister about the economic and development prospects during the financial year 2010-11.
PR. No.12
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING WITH MINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ADVISOR ON POLITICAL AFFAIRS
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the government would continue to pursue public welfare policies in order to overcome the difficulties being faced by the people. The implementation of policies at gross root level though various projects and schemes, he added, could bring the desired change in the life of common people.
The Prime Minister was talking to Federal Minister for Local Government, Mr. Justice ® Abdul Razzaq Thahim and PM’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Nawabzada Ghanzfar Gul at PM’s Sectt here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister stressed upon the elected representatives to ensure that the public welfare programmes are completed within the shortest possible time. The people at local level also need to be taken into confidence, he added, so as to develop the ownership of the development projects.
The Minister informed the Prime Minister about the working of his Ministry while the Advisor on Political Affairs apprised him of the present political situation in the country.
PR. No.13
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNOR PUNJAB CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad: July 1, 2010Mr. Salman Taseer called on President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday afternoon at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Matters regarding law and order situation, development in the province and overall political situation came under discussion during the meeting.
PR. No.14
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN IS MAKING ALL OUT EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE ITS TARGET FOR PHASING
OUT THE USE OF OZONE DEPLETING
SUBSTANCES…..AFRIDI
Islamabad, July 1, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Pakistan is fully committed to its international obligations towards protecting the earth and it fragile atmosphere. He also said that after adopting appropriate policy measures, Pakistan is making all out efforts to achieve its target for phasing out the use of Ozone Depleting Substances and conversion of concerned industries into Ozone-friendly technology. He expressed these views while addressing in an “International Seminar on Phase out and Impact of Ozone Depleting Substances and Energy Efficiency in Defence Applications” as Chief Guest today in PC Hotel, Bhurban, organized by Ozone cell at Ministry of Environment with the active support of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
Environment Minister warmly welcomed the Armed Forces officers and Local and International guests to this important Seminar which deals with the Phase out and Impacts of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODSs) on Defence Applications. He said that Ozone Layer Depletion in the atmosphere has been a worldwide concern for the last more than two decades. He said that It is encouraging to see that world community has decided to face this menace, collectively. Moreover, This Layer, which is so essential for life on earth, is unfortunately being depleted due to a few man-made chemicals. He informed that it would not have been possible without the untiring and enthusiastic efforts of people like who are present here today to address this issue from yet another important angle.
Mr. Afridi also told that the presence of senior Pakistan Armed Forces officers here today is an indicative of the fact that our Defence Organisations stand with us to honour our international obligations and also to meet the challenge to phase out the ODS from Defence Applications. He added that Pakistan Armed forces use state of the art technology, which most likely use the non-ODSs equipment. Nevertheless like any other large military organisation, we believe, that some of the old equipment /services which do use ODS at this stage, require our attention. There would still be certain areas where the alternate solutions either or not available or technically and financially not feasible at this time. All these and other related areas, merit our attention.
He assured that in today’s seminar national and International expertise would join heads together to discuss the issue from all possible dimensions and move towards a practical and possible solution. He also assured that today’s Seminar would go a long way to achieve our objectives to pave the way to phase out ODS from Pakistan Defence applications. He further reiterated that Pakistan Armed forces are well on their way to achieve Green Military status. He also expected from international agencies to stand with us to achieve this common goal.
Earlier, Joint Secretary (I.C) Abid Ali delivered introductory address. Different experts presented several presentations in Seminar and Representatives also address on the occasion.
Rear Admiral ( Pak. Navy), Saleem Akhter, Air Vice Marshall (PAF), Azhar Hassan, Major General (Pak. Army), Ubaid Bin Zakria, Atul Bagai (Regional Coordinator UNEP) and Joint Secretary (International Coordination) Abid Ali and other senior officials of Armed Forces and Ministry of Environment present on this occasion.
PR. No.15
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN FPSC PRESENTS ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION TO THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad, July 1, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Government was working on an incentive package for the civil bureaucracy to not only attract educated youth from throughout the country to the civil services but also to retain them in the services.
He said this during meeting with Chairman Federal Public Services Commission Justice ® Rana Bhagwandas who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday afternoon to present the FPSC Annual Report.
The President said that he had already advised the Government to build high rise apartment buildings in major towns for allotment to members of civil service and new recruits on mortgage basis in addition to incentive based pay packages to attract talent to the civil bureaucracy.
He said that lack of housing facilities and inadequate pay packages were the major disincentives that discourage qualified youth from opting for civil services. In fact the educated youth already in civil bureaucracy were seeking other avenues in the private sector because of these disincentives, he said.
Justice ® Rana Bhagwandas briefed the President on the salient points of the Report with respect to the CSS competitive examinations for the three years 2008, 2009 and 2010. The report said that during CSS competitive examination 2008, total 685 candidates finally qualified the examination and 359 were allocated to various Groups/Services. The figure for unfilled vacancies due to non-availability of suitable candidates particularly from Sindh (Rural/Urban) remained at 90. During CSS competitive examination 2009, 5707 candidates appeared in the examination, out of which 905 passed the written portion of the exam. Viva Voce of 905 candidates took more than five months and the process was completed on 11 June 2010. The final result was announced on 15 June 2010 and 895 candidates were declared finally qualified. Allocation of the candidates to various Occupational Groups/Services will be made as soon as total vacancies are communicated by the Establishment Division, the Report said. For CSS 2010, total 7759 candidates have appeared in the exam. By October 2010 the marking process of the written exam papers would be completed and it is hoped that by December 2010 Viva Voce would start, the Report indicated.
Besides CSS competitive examinations, the Report said that the Commission continues general recruitment throughout the year. During 2010, total 3357 candidates were short-listed and 920 of them were nominated by the Commission against various jobs.
Justice ® Rana Bhagwandas informed the President that after his appointment the process of recruitment picked up speed. The Report said that Appellate system was in place to determine grounds of eligibility and due process of reason/opportunity to candidates. The Process involves around 60 days mandatory waiting period to process/decide representations/review petitions.
The Report said that for CSS 2011 exam, revised syllabus with proposed new papers e.g., Public Policy, Development Economics, International Trade has been circulated to 10 selected Vice Chancellors of Universities for their input. New Job-specific MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) in use are being further refined, the report indicated.
The Chairman FPSC also brought to the attention of the President the recommendations of the Commission. One recommendation said that the education standards at all levels, particularly in the province of Sindh and Balochistan need due attention of the concerned Provincial Governments and the HEC. Another recommendation pertaining to the training academies of civil servants which he said needed to be more efficient for effective training to the officers as failing rate in final passing out examination (FPOE) for CSS probationers is much higher.
Justice ® Rana Bhagwandas thanked the President for appointment of the two members of the FPSC namely Mr. Mohammad Ahmed Mian and Dr. Sughra Junejo and called for filling of the remaining three members to ensure that the recruitments are finalized in the shortest possible time. The President assured the Chairman FPSC that the Government will look into the Commission’s recommendations on priority basis and take steps to implement them.
PR. No.16
PRESS RELEASE
LABOUR MINISTRY IN COLLABORATION WITH BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT
Islamabad, July 1, 2010Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower Khursheed Ahmed Shah said that the under privileged people need to show courage and determination to bring there selves out of vicious cycle of poverty by equipping themselves with the technical training provided by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower to different vocational and training programmes.
The Ministry and its department, National Training Bureau (NTB) is working in collaboration with Benazir Income Support Programme to provide training to the youth. According to the proposal NTB will start training in districts through affiliation with the training institute and this programme will expand more with the selection of international companies to strengthening of skill up gradation.
PR. No.17
PRESS RELEASE
PC WORKERS JOBS ASSURED…KHURSHEED AHMED SHAH
Islamabad, July 1, 2010The workers of Pearl Continental (PC) to went on hunger strike in demand for regulation of their jobs, called off the strike today when Khursheed Ahmed Shah sat with them on the ground alongwith the Secretary Labour and promised the workers that their job will be regulated and gave them assurance.
The workers were happy and praised the Minister and the Labour Ministry and chanted slogans for success of the government.
The Minister assured them that their grievances are now over and they can go home and rest and belief that the government is working for the benefit of the people and will accommodate every one to the best of government ability.
PR. No.18
PRESS RELEASE
BRIEFING ON SATELLITE IMAGING OF DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS
Islamabad, July 1, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today asked the Planning Commission to expedite, in collaboration with other related Governmental agencies, the project aimed at incorporating satellite monitoring in the development projects and also provide the design monitoring system to the provinces for use as the data resource. The President also directed monthly presentations to him on the progress of the strategic projects and new initiatives using satellite imagery.
The President said this during a briefing at Aiwan-e-Sadr today on use of satellite imaging as modern tool of transparency and eliminating corruption. The briefing was given by Lt. Gen. ® Mohammad Zubair, Member Planning Commission. The briefing was attended by Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Mr. Kamal Majidullah, SAPM, Secretary General to the President Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar and Mr. Ashraf M. Hayat, Secretary Planning Division, besides other senior Government officials.
The President said that the use of GPS technology and adoption of monitoring and evaluation system would help keep a check on quality and progress of developmental projects and counter corrupt practices and delays in implementations.
Senator Sughra Imam gave a briefing on the pilot project undertaken for the socio-economic and demographic mapping of 169 mouzas in tehsil Jehlum.
The President directed that similar mapping be also done in at least two other districts which should also include sewerage mapping. He said that sewerage was a potential source of fertilizer, energy and water and its mapping would help in tapping this source in the future.
The President also asked for digitalizing the storage of land revenue maps in the pilot projects that have been undertaken.
PR. No.19
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADOR OF NORWAY IN PAKISTAN CALLS ON PIR AFTAB HUSSAIN SHAH JILANI
Islamabad, July 1, 2010H.E. Robert Kvile, Ambassador of Norway in Pakistan called on Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Federal Minister for Culture today in his office. Mr. Moin-ul-Islam Bokhari, Secretary, Ministry of Culture was also present during the meeting.
Both sides discussed various issues of mutual cooperation in the culture sector between the two countries, and also the cultural activities undertaken by Lok Virsa with the cooperation of the Government of Norway.
The Minister for Culture Pakistan and H.E. the Norwegian Ambassador expressed their satisfaction on variety of cultural programmes arranged by both the countries with joint collaboration and vowed to further expand the cultural relations in future. It was mutually agreed that programmes like shows to support folk artists, master artisans and dying traditional skills, exhibitions of Pakistani and Norwegian wedding costumes in Oslo and Islamabad, School Concerts Programme carried out in Oslo and Islamabad/Rawalpindi wherein Norwegian and Pakistani folk artists and musicians performed together in a select number of schools in both the countries, had deep impact on promotion of cultural aspects of both the countries. They emphasized on the opportunities for training in conservation techniques for the museum personnel of Lok Virsa at Norske Folk museum, Oslo. Besides, many other issues for mutual cooperation in the field of folklore, musicology and festivals were discussed. Holding of Wakhi Cultural Festival at Islamabad to document and preserve the culture and traditions of Wakhi Pamiri people living in Gilgit-Baltistan were also discussed during the meeting.
Norwegian Ambassador mentioned the plans to focus on historic forts in Gilgit- Baltistan region in cooperation with Cultural Wing of Agha Khan Foundation. He also mentioned the interest of Norwegian Government in cultural mapping of South Punjab. H.E. the Ambassador also mentioned the popularity of Oslo Mela organized for Pakistani community in Norway. Lok Virsa cultural troupe participated in the Oslo Mela last year. Lok Virsa has plans in hand to participate in the forthcoming World Music Festival in Norway. The activities under Norwegian School Concert Programme in Pakistan came under discussion in the meeting. The Programme is already underway in various South Asian countries.
Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Minister for Culture expressed his appreciation for cooperation extended by the Government of Norway and admired the efforts made by H.E. Robert Kvile, Ambassador of Norway in promoting cultural cooperation between the two countries. He expressed the hope that bilateral cultural ties between the two countries will strengthen in future.
PR. No.20
PRESS RELEASE
DR. HAFEEZ SHAIKH CHAIRS ECC MEETING
Islamabad, July 1, 2010The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet met under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and took the following important decisions:
The ECC approved the generic criteria for declaring an industry as a pioneer industry in the country. Amongst others, the following salient criteria were approved:
i. The concept of “pioneer industry” shall not be associated with reference to the product, rather it would be linked to the technology to be used.
ii. Besides earning revenue for the exchequer and ensuring maximum employment opportunities, 20% minimum value addition benchmark was set for qualifying the status of pioneer industry.
iii. The pioneer industry would be least dependent on imports.
iv. The industry would have “Vertical Integration” with other local industry, i.e. either the product manufactured would be consumable for local industry or the pioneer industry would itself use the locally manufactured inputs.
v. The pioneer industry would be foreign exchange neutral.
vi. The status would be granted to corporate entities only.
vii. The status of pioneer industry would be granted to units applying for the same prior to the actually setting up of the units/projects. It would not apply to units already operational.
The ECC also accorded ex-post facto approval regarding the bearing of the exchange risk by the federal government for NWFP (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa) Structural Adjustment Credit (SAC) No.3687-Pak.
In order to increase the credit limits of farmers on an across the board basis, the ECC approved the enhancement of present value of the Produce Index Unit (PIU) from Rs.1,200/- to Rs.2,000/- for the middle level of pills. This base would be used for upward adjustment of all categories of pills.
In order to make the 32 buses of M/s. Swede Bus Company (SBCL) roadworthy, the ECC granted one time exemption of the SRO No.812 (I)/99 dated 1.7.1999 which prohibited their further sale.
The ECC also satisfied itself on observance of PEPRA Rules by NFML and accorded ex-post facto approval for transportation of 721,737.75 M.Tons/14,434,755 bags of urea at the rate of Rs.96.90 per bag amounting to Rs.1,398,727,760 subject to actual claim after reconciliation with TCP.
While reviewing the petroleum products pricing formula and to bring it in line with the recommendations of the Baghwandas Commission Report, the ECC gave its approval to the revised formula for the deregulation of inland freight equalization margin (IFEM) for petroleum products. The ECC also approved the revised investment criteria for establishment of new Oil Marketing Companies by bringing it back to the March 2006 level prescribing an investment of Rs.500 million with equity at Rs.100 million. This would ensure the opening up of the sector to greater competition and end restrictive trade practices. It was felt that improved environment of competition would protect the interests of the common man. The ECC also desired hat the law equating OGRA may be amended to allow OGRA to oversee the deregulated framework.
PR. No.21
PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA COORDINATION COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE PLANNING MEETS
Islamabad, July 1, 2010A meeting of the Media Coordination Committee on Defence Planning was held here today under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Mansoor Suhail. The Committee reviewed its mandate to devise its course of action in view of the fact that its last meeting was held in May 2008.
The committee considered it imperative for the competent authority to revisit its terms of reference. It therefore, decided to recommend the same to the concerned authorities so that it could play its due role with a clear mandate.
Representatives of the Cabinet Division, Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Defence, States and Frontier Regions, ISPR and Heads of Departments and Corporations of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting attended.
PR. No.22
PRESS RELEASE
CM, BALOCHISTAN VISITS BISP SECRETARIAT IN FEDERAL CAPITAL
Islamabad, July 1, 2010
A delegation led by Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani visited the BISP (Benazir Income Support Program) secretariat, Islamabad, and also met Federal Minister/ Chairperson BISP, Farzana Raja.
The delegation, which also included Provincial health and Finance minister, besides high-ranking officials, was given a detailed and comprehensive briefing regarding provision of facilities and house-to-house survey in accordance with the Balochistan Package.During the meeting, the chairperson, BISP also discussed the issue of providing health insurance to deserving persons in reference to with “Waseela-e-Sehat”, besides forming of a joint working group for facilities in health. This group would consist of members of Balochistan government and BISP representatives.
A future meeting, scheduled for Balochistan, would make further decision about this newly programmed group and “Waseela-e-Sehat”, project.Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Farzana Raja assured that survey of remaining districts of Balochistan would soon be completed, and would be part of Balochistan Package, meant to assist in identifying deserving families of the Balochistan Province, qualifying for being facilitated by BISP’s first tranche of financial assistance.
The Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP also announced programs to increase institutions imparting technical and vocational facilities and education in Balochistan, on priority basis.
The visiting CM, Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani expressed his complete satisfaction over the claimed 70% success in house-to-house survey by Benazir Income Support Programme.
PR. No.23
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER CONDEMNS BOMB BLASTS AT SHRINE OF DATA GANJ BAKHSH, LAHORE
Islamabad, July 1, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the bomb blasts at the sacred shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore this evening by terrorists, resulting in deaths of innocent devotees and injuring many others.
Targeting the sacred shrine which has sentimental value for Muslims all over the country, he said, clearly reflect that the terrorists have no consideration for any religion, faith or belief. These terrorists neither respect human values nor care for human lives, and their brutal act is manifestation of their evil designs.
The Prime Minister said that government is committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism at all costs. Such cowardly acts, he said, indicate that the terrorists after their defeat in bordering areas have resorted to target innocent and armless citizens in the cities.
The Prime Minister expressed heartfelt condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the terrorist act.
He directed the provincial government and the law enforcement agencies to investigate into the act of violence and apprehend the perpetrators at the earliest. He also asked the concerned authorities to look after the injured in the best possible manner.