PR. No. 1 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, September 1, 2010 His Excellency Rafet Akgunay, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey called on High Commissioner Mr. Akbar Zeb today and handed over a cheque of C$11,740.00 for the flood relief efforts in Pakistan on behalf of the Canadian Turkish Community, says a press release received here today from Ottawa. Mr. Rafet Akgunay said that Turkey was proud of its historic and special relations with Pakistan.  The Canadian-Turkish Community was deeply concerned over the scale of the catastrophe caused by the floods and that their fund raising efforts were a gesture of the solidarity they felt with people of Pakistan.  The Turkish community as well as the Turkish Embassy would be organizing more fundraising events, he said. High Commissioner Mr. Akbar Zeb thanked the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Mr. Rafet Akgunay and the Turkish-Canadian Community on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan for standing by their brothers & sisters at this difficult time.  **MA/Ahmad** PR. No. 2 PRESS RELEASE Federal Iformation Minister and MD PTV presents donation cheque to PM Islamabad, September 01, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the PTV performance in raising an amount of Rs. 450 million for relief of the flood affectees.  The Prime Minister was talking to the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira and MD PTV Arshad Khan who came to present a donation cheque at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning. The Federal Minister apprised the Prime Minister that the donations are both in cash and kind which were collected during 6 hours special flood relief fund raising campaign of PTV. He said the public response during 3-day PTV campaign was overwhelming and Pakistanis both from within the country and abroad made generous contributions in the Flood Relief Fund.   MD PTV explained that half of the donations are in cash. He also claimed that this amount is more than fund raising campaign of any other channel which is indicative of public trust in the Government and public sector.  PR. No. 3 PRESS RELEASE CHAIRMAN BOI CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER Islamabad: September 01, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani appreciated the support extended by international community for the rehabilitation of flood affectees in various flood-hit areas. He said the speedy response of the international community has greatly facilitated the relief activities of the government of Pakistan. The actual task of rehabilitation, he added, was yet to start and would require timely fulfillment of the pledges made by international community. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chairman Board of Investment who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning and briefed him about his recent concluded visit to Japan and Korea. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the governments and the people of Japan and Korea for their assistance to help the distressed people of flood ravaged areas. Chairman BOI apprised the Prime Minister of his meeting with the leadership of Japan and the executives of Japanese companies. Japanese companies donated US $ 01 million in the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. He told the Prime Minister that he delivered the letter of thanks from Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to the Foreign Minister of Japan Mr. Fugi Mura. Chairman BOI further informed the Prime Minister that his meetings with the leadership and business community of Korea remained fruitful. Korean Foundation (Pvt.) Company donated US $ 100,000/- for Prime Minister’s Flood relief Fund and dispatched medicines worth Rs. 10 million to Pakistan. The company also offered to establish a field hospital in flood hit areas of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa. Employees of another Korean company KP contributed US $ 1.5 million for the flood affectees. Chairman BOI informed the Prime Minister that he handed over the letter of thanks from the President of Pakistan to the Korean Foreign Minister. The leadership of both the countries assured to continue their support and assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood affectees, added the Chairman BOI.  PR. No. 4 PRESS RELEASE                    British Deputy Prime Minister Calls on President Zardari in                                   Sukkur  Donors Conference soon, British experts to come to Pakistan for studying improvements in Sukkur Barrage Islamabad 1st September, 2010 President Asif Ali Zardari today called upon Britain to send a team of its experts to see what improvements can be made in the Sukkur barrage to enable it withstand the onslaught and minimize the adverse impact of such floods in the future, a suggestion that was promptly accepted by the visiting British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who promised to send a team of British experts for this purpose.    The President said that the Sukkur barrage was built by British experts in 1932 and British experts were better placed to give advice on what improvements can be made in the eighty year old barrage.   The President said this while talking to the British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg who called on him in Sukkur today. The meeting with Clegg was also attended by the aids of British Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Secretary to the President Asif Hayat among others.   Briefing the newsmen Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that the President also said that a meeting of the Pakistan Development Forum would soon be convened in Islamabad to raise international financial assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood ravaged infrastructure and urged Britain and other countries to participate in the Conference at an appropriate level.   The President said that the damage caused by floods was colossal and it was beyond the capacity of Pakistan to handle its disastrous effects on its own. The President also urged the British Deputy Prime Minister to sensitize the European Union and the international community about Pakistan’s need for enhanced market access and also to mobilize the assistance for flood affectees. Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying that the government had devised a transparent scheme for the judicious utilization of the aid money.   He said that the President also highlighted the need to start the Strategic Dialogue to discuss all issues and use the forum to upgrade relations in all fields.   The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the region. President Zardari said that Pakistan supported President Karzai’s efforts for political reconciliation in Afghanistan and briefed the British dignitary on the outcome of the Quadrilateral summit held in the Russian town of Sochi.     Briefing the British Deputy Prime Minister on Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts the President reiterated Pakistan’s determination to root out this menace from its soil and help the international community in building a terror free world.    President Zardari also congratulated Nick Clegg on his assumption of the office of Deputy Prime Minister and thanked UK for the flood relief of 64 million pounds.   British Prime Minister who had earlier toured some flood affected areas condoled with the President over the human and material losses due to floods. Conveying the sympathies of the people and government of Britain, Clegg said that Britain will continue to lend support to Pakistan to meet the enormous challenge it was faced with.    Clegg said that Britain wanted to see Pakistan economically strong and stable and with this end in view would continue to push Pakistan’s case for market access with the EU countries. He said that Britain was keen to work on long term partnership basis with Pakistan. After the meeting the President left for visit to flood affected areas in Sukkur and other towns while the British Deputy Prime Minister returned to Islamabad.  PR. No. 5 PRESS RELEASE Chemicals Improved Living Standards of Human Lives Use of Environment Friendly Chemicals would be Encouraged……Afridi Islamabad, September 01,2010 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that a variety of chemicals play a pivotal role in bringing betterment to the lives of common folk. He said that it is also important to take utmost care in use of certain chemicals because of toxic effects they may generate for both living and non living components of the environment. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of business community associated with chemicals trading here today who met him here today. Environment Minister said while sharing his views that chemicals have changed the course of modern history and have acted as catalyst in improving the living standard of human race. He said that in our enthusiasm for creating comforts, we have created several complications. Production and use of chemicals is a glaring example, he added. He told that on other side, global peril of hazardous chemicals have hit humanity in various forms, be it climate change, acid rains, cancer or endocrine and nervous system disruptions etc however, these need to be brought under strict control through effective management. Federal Minister underlined that Ministry of Environment is playing its most active and effective role at National and International level to combat environmental degradation. He emphasize that active participation of all key stakeholders is the need of hour in Pakistan to protect human health and environment from harmful effects of developmental activities, particularly from harmful effects of hazardous chemicals. He hoped that whole business community that is associated with chemical sector, would develop better understanding of complex issues in chemicals management. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi briefed them about initiatives taken by Ministry of Environment for protection of environment in general and synergistic implementation of the chemical related national and international instruments. He also expressed all possible cooperation to support chemical industry in Pakistan. Delegation appreciated the views of the Minister for his cooperation and said that Chemical Industry is playing its very important role in every field of life. They said that no-doubt chemicals have changed the course of modern history and improved the living standards of people. They added that maximum measures would be taken to protect our environment and comprehensive measures would be taken with the support of Ministry of Environment so that usage of environment friendly chemicals may be encouraged.      Delegation also gave suggestions and proposals to improve the healthy role of chemicals in our socio-econ system. Secretary Environment Javed Malik and Joint Secretary Abid Ali were also present on this occasion.  PR. No. 6 PRESS RELEASE SUFFICIENT SUGAR STOCK IS AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTRY, PROFITEERS AND  HOARDERS ARE BEHIND THE SKY ROCKETING PRICES OF SUGAR, PROVINCIAL GOVTS MUST MOVE AGAINST THEM …….SPOKESMAN Islamabad: September 01, 2010  The Spokesman of the Ministry of Industries and Production has said that the sugar stock position as on 31st August is that the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has 151,805 tons stock whereas the sugar mills have 536,326 tons of stock, according to the data provided by the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS). While the imported 197,311 tons sugar of TCP will arrive during September and October whereas 320,000 tons of imported sugar of TCP will arrive till December. Thus, there will be a total stock of 1,205,000 tons sugar which would be sufficient till December with the monthly consumption of 350,000 tons. The Spokesman further said that the TCP had arranged One Lac tons of sugar for the Provinces which was to be lifted by them at least one week before the advent of Ramadan. Out of which the Provinces has so far lifted only 27,009 tons of sugar. Since the Provinces have been empowered after the 18th amendment, therefore they should move against the profiteers and hoarders of sugar according to the law. The Provinces must ensure that sufficient sugar is available in the open markets and check the sky rocketing prices of sugar, the spokesman added. According to the sugar stock data provided by the respective cane commissioners, out of the total 536,326 tons of sugar stocks, Punjab has 302,618 tons, Sindh has 206,513 tons, whereas Khyber Pukhtunkhawa has 27,195 tons of sugar stocks. At present, the sugar prices in neighboring countries in Pak rupees per kg are, Rs.55/-per kg in India, Rs.61/- per kg in Bangladesh, Rs.65/- per kg in Sri Lanka and Rs.120/- per kg in Afghanistan.                 PR. No. 7 PRESS RELEASE CONCERT AND FOOTBALL MATCH HELD IN BERLIN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS Berlin:  September 01, 2010. German Tuerkiyemspor Club in collaboration with German Red Cross  organized a concert and football match between All Star Team and Tuerkiyemspor at Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Sportpark, Berlin last evening.  A large number of people belonging to different communities turned up to participate in the concert and watched the football match. Green Party local leader and Parliamentarians also watched the match and showed their solidarity with the people of Pakistan at this time of need. The event was sponsored by the business Community of Berlin with media partner, Metropol FM Radio, Berlin.  Before the start of the match all the spectators and players stood up and observed one minute silence in respect of those people who lost their lives in the catastrophic floods in Pakistan.  Former National and Bundeslega players were among both the teams that played the high spirited game.  Tuerkiyemspor, laced with young players, won the match with 5 to 2 goals.  At the end, a cheque of Euro 2500 was presented to the representative of German Red Cross by EDEKA Food chain for flood victims in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistan Embassy Mr. Khayyam Akbar thanked the organizers and participants of the event for their concern and sympathy towards the people who have been badly affected by floods in Pakistan. Earlier, Pop Singer Muhabbet enthralled audience by his solo performance. The funds raised by sponsorship and through mobile cell messaging to dedicated number will go to “Help Pakistan Fund” of German Red Cross and Turkish Red Crescent.   PR. No. 8 PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT ZARDARI CALLS FOR INQUIRY INTO REPORTS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MINORITIES IN RELIEF OPERATION  Islamabad September 1, 2010              President Asif Ali Zardari has taken exception to the media reports that some members of the minority communities were denied flood relief assistance and driven out of the relief camps in Sindh and called for an inquiry and action against officials if found involved.               Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the President taking note of media reports of a protest rally in Hyderabad on Monday against the maltreatment of Dalits in flood relief called for a probe into the matter and steps to ensure that no discrimination was shown in the relief and rehabilitation operations.               The President said that floods were a national disaster and should serve to unite the people, not divide them. It will be most unfortunate and reflect poorly on the country’s image and adversely impact on national unity if relief work was influenced by considerations of caste, creed or ethnicity.               All citizens of the country have equal rights and more so people who have been hit by the worst natural disaster in the history of the country, he said, adding also that discrimination on ethnic or religious grounds cannot be tolerated.               The President called for an inquiry into the reports of discrimination and taking of appropriate measures to ensure that the relief work was not influenced by such considerations. The President also called for action against officials if found involved in discrimination in the relief and rehabilitation works, the Spokesperson said. PR. No. 9 PRESS RELEASE Indonesian Relief Team, two million dollars cash aid being sent to Pakistan Islamabad 1st September, 2010 Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare Agung Laksono along with Ambassador of Pakistan to Jakarta, Mr. Sanaullah and the head of National Disaster Management Agency(BNPB) Syamsul Maarif saw off the first batch of the 45 member relief team to Pakistan at the Soekarno Hatta airport, says a press release received here today.             The departure of the relief contingent heralded the second phase of Indonesia’s aid to Pakistan consisting of 1.7 million dollars in cash backed by a relief assistance team comprising doctors, Indonesian Military personnel as well as representatives of the Indonesian Disaster Management Agency. A correspondent from Antara, the state news agency has been specially included in the team to cover the relief activities for flood affectees.             Minister Agung Laksono told the media that aid to Pakistan in the second phase was two million U.S. dollars, 1.7 million dollars was in cash and another three hundred thousand dollars was being incurred as the cost for dispatch of the relief team in two different batches. Total aid to Pakistan thus amounted to 3.3 million dollars, he said.             Agung added that the departure of aid team and cash assitance was a follow-up of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s instructions for help to Pakistan as a humanitarian gesture and expression of solidarity. The Minister said that being part of the Muslim Ummah Indonesia had an obligation to help its brethren in Pakistan. It was even more graceful that Indonesia was extending this help in the holy month of Ramadan, he observed.             It may be recalled that in early August, the Indonesian government sent the first tranche of assistance worth 1.3 million dollars in the form of logistics, food and medicines.              Ambassador Sanaullah on the occasion said that the government and people of Pakistan were grateful for the kind gesture of the Government of Indonesia. He said the flood situation was really disastrous and Pakistan alone could never address this gigantic issue. Pakistan was in dire need of support and relief assistance from the international community. He hoped that the assistance from the Indonesian government would contribute in easing out the burden of flood victims who needed immediate help. PR. No. 10 PRESS RELEASE FEDERAL CABINET MEETS Islamabad: September 1, 2010. The Federal Cabinet which met here today under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilan reviewed every aspect of the flood situation and relief efforts. In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister said, the misery and untold sufferings brought about in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan by floods have been unprecedented in the history of the country. It affected, over 20 million people outnumbering the figure affected in the recent major disasters like the Indian Ocean Tsunami (2004), the South Asian Quake (2005) and the Haiti Earthquake (2010). The floods affected 79 districts of Pakistan, 24 in KPK, 12 in Punjab, 19 in Sindh, 10 in Balochistan, 7 in AJK and 7 in Gilgit-Baltistan.             The Prime Minister admired the courage and fortitude of the people visited by him in flood affected areas and reiterated the government’s enduring commitment to the relief and rehabilitation efforts till the last person is properly rehabilitated. He urged the nation and the relief operation authorities to expedite efforts to help the fellow countrymen.             The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet that in order to finalize a national strategy on the rehabilitation of the flood affected people, a meeting of the Council of Common Interest has been convened so as to take collective decisions with the consultation of the provinces on ways and means to rehabilitate the flood affected people.             Some main points of the Prime Minister’s remarks at the Cabinet meeting are:- Ø                  As per the initial damage assessments of UN Agencies and NDMA an estimated crop area of 1.38 million acres has been completely washed away. Over 1.2 million homes have been destroyed, rendering over 7.5 million people displaced. The floods have resulted in the largest number of people migrating since partition. Ø                  The country has suffered Rs. 350 to Rs. 500 billion or $ 4-6 billion worth of damages of infrastructure, livestock and crops. Approximately $ 200 million would be required for recovery/relief efforts whereas repair cost of key damaged infrastructure could exceed $ 1 billion. Over 1645 people have lost their lives while 2479 are injured todate. Ø                  About 1000 bridges and over 400 KMs of long roads have been damaged,  re-construction of which would cost Rs.8 to 9 billion. Ø                  1/5th of our irrigation infrastructure, livestock and crops have been destroyed. PEPCO has initially estimated an accumulated loss of Rs. 4 billion to its installations. In most of the areas grid stations, transformers and transmission lines have been damaged. WAPDA and PEPCO cumulative losses exceeds Rs.13 billion. The actual figures may be higher once the physical survey is carried out. Ø                  Out of 968 health facilities assessed, over 517 have been damaged. 10685 schools are damaged; federalized roads worth Rs.6 billion and Railways worth Rs.2.9 billion are damaged as well. The floods have inflicted damage to the economy, which may, by some estimates reach $ 43 billion. While affecting 30 percent of all agriculture land and more than 10% population of the country, crop destruction, livestock deaths, damaged homes and losses in terms of infrastructure i.e. roads, bridges, energy, irrigation and social structures are massive. Ø                  Pakistan’s economy grew by 4.1% during the last year and was expected to grow 4.5% during the CFY. The damage caused by the floods will bring down the real GDP growth to 2.5% for the FY 2011. This economic loss will translate into massive job losses and incomes of thousands of families. Consequently it may have serious social implications. Ø                  Overall performance of agriculture, consequently, will be much lower this year and the year ahead. This loss will have a snowball effect on manufacturing, services and export sectors. Most families face a real risk of income and employment losses. Food security of the country is also under threat. Ø                  The devastation is likely to affect revenue collection and increase expenditures, which will widen the budget deficit. Ø                  It will also hit textile and sugar sector, which will in turn affect the balance of payments and external resource stability. Ø                  Manufacturing may also fall far below the target level of 5.6%. Services sector (including wholesale and retail trade) constituting more than 50% of GDP, is dependent on agriculture, manufacturing, imports, exports and Government’s current expenditure. Ø                  The inflation target of 9.5% for FY 2011 will be missed and it is apprehended that it may hit the range of 15-20%. Inflation in the short term (1-3 months) is likely to spike significantly in the face of shorter supply (due to crop destruction). The inflation will occur in daily use items such as vegetables, spices lentils, fruits, meat and milk products. Medium term inflation (4-8 months) will rise due to spike in prices of wheat, rice and sugar until the next harvest. Ø                  Shortages and increased demand of construction materials, fertilizers and pesticides will contribute to spikes in non food inflation. Ø                  The budget deficit before the food crisis was estimated to reach 4.5% of GDP, now it is estimated to be as much as 6-7% of GDP. Ø                  It is indeed a time for reflection, as it is a pensive moment in our history. It is also a time for action, above all a time for sharing! We have to realize the pain of our brothers and sisters and sacrifice to relieve their pain. Mere words will not heal as it is a time for collective sacrifice, both at the national and individual level. Ø                  Faced with the monumental crisis our Government has been able to collect Rs.2 billion in the PM’s Relief Funds. A total of US $ 953.7 million has been pledged by donors out of which US$ 142.47 million has been received so far. Our Government through NDMA has provided essential drugs and medicines to cover the health needs of 2.5 million people affected by the floods. This includes 200 Emergency Health Kits, 152 Cholera Kits, 1.8 million Water Purification Tablets, 400,000 Blankets, 7167 tons of food items and 200,000 tents.  Over 1,349,000 people have been rescued by helicopters and boats by our valiant Army personnel. American helicopters have also played a key role in the relief efforts. Different mobile clinics have been set up to provide support of tens of thousands affected by the disaster. Ø                  60 flood affected Districts in all the 4 provinces shared disaster surveillance data. WHO through its health partners is providing essential medicines and medical supplies in many of the recent flood affected provinces, which includes Emergency Health Kits, Diarrhea Kits, Trauma Kits worth US $ 1.5 million. A total of 515,696 Acute Diarrhea cases, 531,660 ARI, 704,677 skin diseases and 100,970 malaria cases have been reported from all over, for which 3,806,804 medical consultations have been given. v                 Health Cluster coordination was activated at 5 hubs – Islamabad, Peshawar, Multan, Sukkur, Quetta. v                 Federal Task Force on diarrhea disease was activated. v                 72 Diarrheal Treatment Center (DTCs) planned for 44 districts of which 20 DTCs centers have been established while 52 are in process. v                 Disease Early Warning System (DEWS): Presently a total of 479 fixed health centers and 544 mobile outreach camps are reporting from the affected areas. v                 33,222 Lady Health Workers are engaged in flood relief activities in 57 districts of the country. v                 Ministry of Health has mobilized its EPI programme to vaccinate all children under 5 years and pregnant women. Ø                  The disaster devastation impact has been felt at the international level and Secretaries-General of the United Nations and OIC have visited Pakistan. The UN has declared Pakistan’s flood as the biggest emergency on the earth. The UN agencies (including UNHCR, UNICEF, OCHA, WHO, WFP) and OIC, IRC are providing historical support to Pakistan in its hour of need. The US, UK, European Union, Saudi Arabia, Germany, China and many others are extending their resources for rescue and relief to the Affectees and we shall not forget their contributions. The EU increased its contribution from 30 million to 70 million Euros significantly. Ø                  A total number of 137 flights containing food and relief items have landed from foreign countries. Ø                  GoP has also utilized all available resources for its flood victims. So far, GoP provided Emergency Relief Assistance worth Rs.2102 million. Payment of Rs.20,000/- to each beneficiary shall come to Rs.40 billion. The BISP shall be paying, additionally, Rs.12,000/- per beneficiary over a period of 3 months. Ø                  It calls for a gigantic effort on the part of the Government to confront the situation and bail the economy out of this crisis. Priorities have to be re-determined; expenditures have to be cut down, funds have to be diverted and belts have to be tightened. Many new development initiatives will have to be put off and resources re-directed towards re-construction efforts. The Government will also mobilize external and internal resources to meet expenditure on re-construction at least for the next 3 years. Ø                  In order to handle the disaster in a holistic and systematic way (from rescue and relief operations to reconstruction and rehabilitation), a comprehensive way forward has been chalked out by NDMA which will be based on the Damage and Need Assessment (D&NA) carried out by the World Bank and ADB. Some features of this plan are as under: v                 The relief process which was initially planned uptill 30th October, is now likely to prolong upto 6 months. v                 Early recovery process will be completed by 30th December by the GoP and concerned stakeholders. v                 Damage and need assessment will be done by World Bank and ADB, which will be completed by 30th September. v                 Government of Pakistan will undertake a resource mobilization plan, likely to continue till the culmination of R&R process (to be initiated by GoP by 1st December). v                 Based upon the DNA, the EAD will organize an international donors’ conference to be held in late October/ November. Ø                  Government is also planning to build medium and small dams on a priority to harness the excesses of water. Some of the planned Mega Dams like Diamir-Bhasha will also be prioritized for construction. Ø                  Our destiny as a nation will be shaped how we shape our environment. We have to reduce the rate of de-forestation which increases the incidents of floods. Public will have to be sensitized and timber mafias dealt with sternly. Legislation will have to be reviewed. Re-forestation has to be resorted to. With a multitude of trees, disaster can be averted in future. Ø                  In the end I must again emphasize our Government’s enduring commitment to the relief and rehabilitation efforts. Some work has been done and a lot more needs to be done. Although hope is a pillar that holds up the world, hope alone will not deliver the victims from their suffering. We must not slacken the pace of our relief work. I know that in times of crisis our nation and its people have always risen to the occasion. Together we will rebuild Pakistan, stronger and better than before. The Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira informed the Cabinet about the procedure adopted by the government for disbursement of relief funds to the people through NADRA/Banks on virtual banking cards. The Cabinet reviewed the status of implementation of Cabinet decisions pertaining to Sports and States & Frontier Regions.             The Cabinet also reviewed the decisions taken by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meetings held on 20th & 29th July 2010.             The Federal Cabinet decided to renegotiate the Pakistan-Australia Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments. It also reviewed the signing of Grant Agreement with the Government of Japan for the Project of “Extension of Water Supply System in Faisalabad”.             The Federal Cabinet approved in principle, to start negotiations on MOU for grant of US$ 1.4 million from Government of Brunei Darrussalam for earthquake affected areas”.             The Cabinet also approved the signing of agreement on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation with Romania.             The Federal Cabinet also approved the ratification of SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment.             The Cabinet reviewed the agreement between Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Tajikistan and Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Government of Pakistan about cooperation in the field of Agriculture.             The Cabinet reviewed the MOU between Government of Tunisia and the Government of Pakistan on Agriculture Sector.             The Cabinet ratified approved Additional Protocol to the Agreement Concerning the Organization of Pakistani Manpower Employment in the State of Qatar.             The Cabinet also ratified the MoU signed during the visit of Chinese Vice Premier, Mr. Zhang Dejiang.             The Cabinet ratified the Convention between Government of Pakistan and the Government of Serbia for the avoidance of double taxation with respect to taxes on income.             The Federal Cabinet approved a Bill to provide for establishment of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University at Islamabad, replacement of banknotes of Rs.5 denomination with Rs. 5 coin and demonetization of Rs. 500 old design of banknote. PR. No. 11 PRESS RELEASE Wheat supplied by air to Gilgit Baltistan on PM’s special instructions to avert any possibility of food shortage in the province. Nazar M. Gondal Islamabad September 1, 2010. Federal Minister for food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal said that 3500 tons of wheat has been airlifted to the province of Gilgit Baltistan (GB) on the Prime Minister’ special instructions to avoid any food shortage in the province. The minister said while chairing a meeting to overview the supply and stocks availability in the newly formed province of GB. “We have so far dispatched 3500 tons of wheat to GB through C-130 and the process would continue until the roads damaged by the devastating floods are reconstructed. The Prime Minister instructed me to supply wheat to the province on war footing as the delay could cause food scarcity in the area. National Highways Authority (NHA) has already been directed to quickly restore the damaged roads so that we can speed up the supply chain”, added the minister. The federal minister said that the Prime Minister issued special instructions regarding the availability of wheat in all parts of the country especially in the flood affected areas. He further said that at present the government has enough stocks to meet the domestic requirements. Mr. Gondal added that all the provinces have been directed to make sure the availability of certified wheat seed for the upcoming season. He said that the government would certainly facilitate the farmers within its means and resources available. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Minfa Mr. Junaid Iqbal and other senior officials of the ministry. PR. No. 12 PRESS RELEASE SENATOR WAQAR FOR AMICABLE RESOLUTION OF OUTSTANDING ISSUES WITH ETISALAT ON OVERDUE PROCEEDS OF PTCL Islamabad, September 1, 2010 Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation seeks for an amicable resolution of outstanding issues with Etisalat pertaining to the sale of 26 % shares with management control of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL). The Minister said this in a letter addressed to Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Chairman Dubai group UAE stated this, which was handed over to UAE Envoy to Pakistan Ali Saif Sultan Al-Awani in a meeting here today. The Minister while acknowledging the efforts of Sheikh Nahyan for resolving the outstanding amount hoped that all matters including issues pertaining to mutation of land in the name of PTCL and outstanding installments due from Etisalat amounting to US$ 800 million would now soon be materialized. In the letter the Minister also expressed his gratitude for the continued support by the people and the government of UAE to overcome the natural disaster being faced by the people of Pakistan, which would take long time to rebuild and restore life in the devastated areas. Senator Waqar in formed the envoy that the floods have displaced more than 20 million people. Tents were the basic item for immediate relief after the rescue operation, which was still required across the country by the flood victims, he added. The UAE Envoy to Pakistan Ali Saif Sultan Al-Awani informed the Minister that UAE has engaged three (3) Chinook helicopters in the effected areas for rescue and relief operation while tents, food items and medicines were being distributed by UAE’s Red Crescent, Khaleej Foundation and other organizations. We were doing it for our brothers in need and this process would be further increased in the days to come.  PR. No. 13 PRESS RELEASE HAMID SAEED KAZMI CONDEMNS LAHORE BLASTS Islamabad, 1st September, 2010 Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has strongly condemned the bomb blasts in Lahore which caused causalities and created panic in the city. He expressed his grief and sorrow over the tragic demise of innocent people in this terrorist attack. The Minister was of the view that Islam teaches peace and tolerance and discourages any kind of extremism, adding that terrorists have no faith in religion rather enemy of human being as they did not spare the innocent people in the sacred month of Ramadan.  He said that the people have seen the real faces of the extremists and hoped that by joint efforts, the war on terror can successfully be won.   He once again requested the people of Lahore to remain peaceful and avoid any kind of confrontation and violence in the city. PR. No. 14 PRESS RELEASE PM STRONGLY CONDEMNS BLASTS IN LAHORE Islamabad, 1st September, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in bomb blasts in procession of Yom-e- Hazrat Ali in Lahore While strongly condemning the cowardly act of terrorism, the Prime Minister said that those elements playing with the lives of innocent people would not escape the law of the land. The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to investigate into the sad incident. He also directed the hospital administration for provision of best medical facilities to the injured. The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the bereaved families. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessings upon the departed souls and grant courage to victims’ families to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. PR. No. 15 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the nature of calamity faced by the country demands concerted, coordinated and continuous efforts on part of all political forces and every individual of the country in order to assist the flood affectees within minimum time in their rehabilitation. He appreciated the efforts of the government departments, armed forces, provinces, political parties and other organizations in the rescue and relief operation of flood affected areas. The Prime Minister was talking to Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar and Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mr. Babar Khan Ghauri who called on him at PM’s Sectt here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the government is utilizing all resources to mitigate the sufferings of the flood affected people. He said that after the completion of damage need assessment, compensation will be given to all affected families without any delay. The Ministers briefed the Prime Minister on the relief activities being undertaken by their party for the flood affected people. They apprised that the focus of the relief activities is to maximize the scope of their operation and flood victims are provided their basic needs. PR. No. 16 PRESS RELEASE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WFP MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER Islamabad: 1st September 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan suffered colossal damages to life and property at the hands of unprecedented floods which ravaged the whole country from north to south. He further said that over 20 million people have been affected which outnumbers the combined affectees of the recent four major international disasters i.e. 2004 Tsunami, the South Asian quake of 2005, Katrina and 2010 Haiti quake.   During meeting with the delegation of the World Food Prorgamme lead by Ms. Josettee Sheeran, Executive Director, Executive Director, the Prime Minister appreciated prompt response of WFP which has been providing emergency support to 2.6 million flood-affected populations in Pakistan. He appraised the delegation that the entire Pakistani Nation has come forth to supplement the Government’s relief efforts to mitigate the sufferings of their brethren yet colossal scale of devastation renders international assistance unavoidable.  The Executive Director of the World Food Programme praised the Government’s successful rescue and relief work. She said, “We have never seen anywhere in the world such a well-managed and coordinated effort”.  “It is also a rare situation where the Government and the people are so involved in facilitating the relief work”, she added. The Executive Director said that WFP would extend provision of emergency support to 3 million people by tomorrow and would keep on adding up one million people every week till it reaches 6 million figures. Ms. Josettee Sheeran, Executive Director informed the Prime Minister that a lot of food assistance consignments are lying at various destinations and WFP is arranging logistics to bring it in Pakistan. She said that WFP is making most of the food purchase from the local markets with an objective to support the economy. The Prime Minister discussed various proposals in connection with quick transportation of international food assistance to Pakistan. He also discussed ‘food for work’ programme in the flood affected areas. The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Special Assistant to PM on Social Sector, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, WFP Representative to Pakistan, Mr. Wolfgang Webinger, Ms. Territoyota and Special Assistant to the Executive Director, Ms. Rebecca Richards, PSPM Nargis Sethi, Secretary Food and Agriculture, chairman NDMA. PR. No. 17 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the gesture of good will shown by the students of COMSATS and NUST universities for their hard work in identifying resourceful persons to support ten thousand flood affected families for ten months by providing ten thousand rupees to each family.  He also appreciated the Ministry of Science and Technology for its coordination and inspiration which enabled the students to work for this noble cause. The Prime Minister in a meeting with Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Azam Khan Swati and Minister for Housing and Works, Mr. Rehmatuallh Kakar at PM’s Sectt here this afternoon, said that the government’s agencies are working in tandem to provide maximum relief to the flood affected people. He said that although the damage caused by these floods is colossal, yet the spirit of the people is high and they are standing by the government to help their brethren in this time of trial. He added that with the determination of the government, support of the political leadership, and high morale of the people, the flood affected population would not only be provided timely relief but they would be settled in their own abodes with honour. The Prime Minister also inspected indegneous scientific items prepared by the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) which included the water purification tablets, powder and liquid, the water purification unit and balancedly nutritious baby food. He appreciated the efforts of the PCSIR and said that necessary directive shall be issued to the concerned quarters to get these items utilized in the flood relief camps in the country. The Minister for Science and Technology apprised the Prime Minister that the PCSIR has the potential to generate reasonable amount of pure water for the flood affectees with very minimal cost. He said that the other items prepared are also bearing very low cost as the PCSIR has its own units already established by the government and no additional investment is required. He further briefed the Prime Minister that all these food items are of WHO standard. PR. No. 18 PRESS RELEASE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF UK MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER Islamabad: September 1, 2010 The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that immediate rehabilitation of the displaced flood affectees is the most important aspect of his government’s overall three pronged strategy i.e. (a) rescue and relief to the flood victims; (b) provide them shelter and help them rebuild their houses and enable the affected farmers to resume agricultural activities and (c) reconstruct the damaged physical, social and communication infrastructure in the medium term. His government has to move fast to provide shelter as well as cash compensation to the flood affectees for rebuilding their destroyed houses, as the delay in this regard may lead to socio economic unrest in the country which can divert Pakistan’s attention from the war against terror, he added. The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister of UK who along with his delegation called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon. Prime Minister briefed the British Deputy Prime Minister in detail on the devastation caused by the floods. While appreciating UK’s substantial assistance for Government of Pakistan’s flood relief efforts and those of international community, he pointed out that given the scale of catastrophe caused by the natural calamity, a much larger international contribution was needed to help Pakistan cope with the requirements of rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. The Prime Minister urged the British Government to increase the portion of budgetary support grant in 2010-11, in its planned economic assistance package for Pakistan, over the period of next three years. This he said would enable his government to expeditiously implement the plans for disbursement of cash grants to the flood affectees for rebuilding of their homes and also restore infrastructure. Prime Minister said that the Damage Need Assessment being undertaken by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank is expected to be completed in the near future which would immediately be shared with important friendly countries like UK to enlist their support for the long term reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure in the country. He hoped that international community will wholeheartedly come forward to help Pakistan recover from the colossal devastation of floods. Prime Minister conveyed his Government’s gratitude to British Deputy Prime Minister for UK’s role in upgradation of Pakistan-EU Dialogue to the Summit level and for supporting Pakistan ’s request for enhanced access to its products in the European markets. He expressed the hope that UK will continue to lobby for Pakistan’s case in this regard and use its influence within the EU and with the dissenting countries to bring them on board for EU’s grant of GSP plus facility to Pakistan.  Prime Minister stated that Pakistan wants good neighbourly and friendly relations with all its neighbours, particularly with India and Afghanistan and he had personally invested in improving the ties with both these countries. He said that while he firmly believes that stability in Pakistan is contingent upon the peace and stability in Afghanistan. He earnestly hoped for early resolution of all the outstanding issues including the core issues like Kashmir, Siachen and water etc through resumption of meaningful and constructive dialogue with India. Deputy Prime Minister of UK Nick Clegg while referring to his visit of the flood affected areas in Sindh earlier in the day, termed the magnitude of the devastation caused by the floods as incredibly huge. He said that after observing the situation first hand, he on his return would try to create an even better understanding and awareness of the scale of catastrophe to mobilize British Government’s as well as of international community’s assistance for Pakistan, in this time of need. He informed the Prime Minister that he is scheduled to meet the German Foreign Minister in next few days time. He would consult him as to how and how much assistance can be arranged for Pakistan to help it meet its immediate short term and subsequently medium term requirements. He said he would also be attending the next UN General Assembly Session and a special meeting on flood situation in Pakistan is being scheduled on its sidelines in New York. He assured the Prime Minister that UK will stand by Pakistan in these trying times and help it in every possible way in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. PR. No. 19 PRESS RELEASE FEDERAL HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHES THE NATIONAL HEALTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM 2,162 VOLUNTEER DOCTORS AND PARAMEDICS REGISTER Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Federal Health Minister, Makhdoom Shahbuddin launched the National Health Volunteers Program on Wednesday in a ceremony held at the National Health Emergency, Preparedness and Response Cell of the Ministry of Health located at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences. Federal Secretary Health Khushnood Akhtar Lashari and Chief of Health Emergency, Dr. Jehanzeb Aurakzai alongwith representatives of World health organization and other agencies were present on the occasion. The Minister was briefed that the National Health volunteer’s Program was initiated on directions of the Prime Minister to address the gap in trained medical human resource to cater to the health needs of the flood affectees. Ministry of Health floated an advertisement in the National newspapers calling on doctors, nurses, technicians and para-medics to come forward and become a health volunteer and help their flood stricken fellow Pakistanis in need. A total of 2,162 medical doctors, nurses, technicians and para-medics responded to the call and registered themselves with the Ministry of Health, the Minister was informed. These volunteers were provided necessary training by a joint team of World Health Organisation and Ministry of Health. Deployment of the teams is to begin from Friday with teams proceeding initially to Nowshera and Charsadda. The teams are to be stationed at the 18 worst affected districts the launch ceremony was informed. A medical team will comprise two doctors (male and female), one dispenser or dresser and one nurse, midwife or Lady Health Worker. The teams will be tasked to carry out essential curative care, provide reproductive health-care, vaccination services, collection of disease surveillance data and health education of the affectees. Addressing the ceremony, the Minister for Health lauded the spirit of the volunteer doctors who have committed themselves to service of humanity in this hour when their brethren most needed them as the Minister put it. We are confident that these volunteers would fill the gap in medical services in these where the aftermath of the floods has brought about major health challenges. The Minister praised the NDMA and the media in particular in helping the nation come to terms with a crisis that was of great magnitude. To prevent the affected population from water-borne diseases the Minister committed that every effort is being made in collaboration with the partner agencies to provide access to safe drinking water. ENDS. PR. No. 20 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naik, Deputy Chairman Senate Mr. Jan Muhammad Jamali and Leader of the House Nayyer Hussain Bukhari have strongly condemned the recent bomb blast in Lahore, in which several people lost their lives and many other injured. In their separate messages, they have shown their sympathy with the people who lost their love ones in this incident and prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and early recovery of those who were injured. PR. No. 21 PRESS RELEASE FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON AMIR AND PRIME MINISTER OF KUWAIT Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrived in Kuwait today carrying a letter from the President of Pakistan to the Amir of Kuwait. The Foreign Minister called on His Highness the Amir and the Prime Minister of Kuwait. The Foreign Minister was given a warm welcome at the air port by the Foreign Minister of Kuwait,says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan, Kuwait, here today. During calls on Kuwait’s leadership, the Foreign Minister gave a detailed briefing on the flood situation in Pakistan and the efforts being made, with international assistance, to overcome the disaster. The Foreign Minister conveyed profound gratitude of the government and people of Pakistan for Kuwait’s generous assistance of $ 25 Million for the flood affected people in Pakistan. The Foreign Minister said that the assistance reflected the brotherly sentiments and support of Kuwait for their distressed brothers and sisters in Pakistan. The Amir expressed profound sorrow over the massive destruction caused by the floods and assured the Minister of his unstinted support for the relief efforts. The Prime Minister, on his part, conveyed the abiding interest and friendship of Kuwait to Pakistan as a brotherly country. They conveyed good wishes to the leadership and the people of Pakistan and expressed confidence that Insha Allah the resilient people of Pakistan would overcome this difficult phase soon. The Foreign Minister, on behalf of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, extended a most cordial invitation to the Amir and Prime Minister for a visit to Pakistan. The invitations were graciously accepted. The Foreign Minister is on a visit to the Gulf countries to brief their leaders about the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and seek their continued support for massive relief efforts currently underway. PR. No. 22 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Chairman Senate Farooq H. Naik, Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali, Leader of the House Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, Federal Minister for Industry and production Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani and Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim have expressed their heartfelt condolence over the said demise of Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Abdul Razzaq A. Thahim who breath his last in Islamabad after prolong illness. In their separate messages to the bereaved family, they prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. PR. No. 23 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Justice ® Abdul Razzak Thaheem, Federal Minister for  Local Government & Rural Development who breathed his last in Islamabad today. In his condolence message, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the members of the bereaved family. He directed the concerned authorities to make arrangement for transportation of the dead body to the home town of the deceased. The Prime Minister said that Justice Retd Abdul Razzak Thaheem was widely respected among the political and social circles of the country. He served as a Federal Minister for Local Government & Rural Development with distinction through his professional acumen. He rendered invaluable contribution for strengthening of the democratic institutions and well being of the people which would long be remembered. The Prime Minister prayed Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon the departed soul and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. PR. No. 24 PRESS RELEASE PROVINCES ALLOCATED FUNDS FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES OUT OF CENTRAL ZAKAT FUND Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the early rehabilitation of the flood affectees is the priority of his government. To accelerate the pace of relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees, The Prime minister has directed the Federal Zakat Ministry has released Rs 4050 million from Central Zakat Fund to all the provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA.  Out of the Rs 4050 million, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been allocated Rs 1150 million each,while Rs 400 million have been released to Balochistan and Rs 100 million each to FATA and Gilgit Baltistan. The Prime Minister has urged the Provincial Governments to enhance the relief activities in their respective flood affected areas in a transparent manner. PR. No. 25 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound grief and shock over the death of federal minister retired Justice Abdul Razzaq Thahim, paid glowing tributes to the late judge and minister and prayed for eternal rest to his soul and courage to bereaved family members to bear the loss with fortitude.             In a condolence message the President said that late Justice Thahim will be remembered for his qualities of head and heart that he possessed in abundance and employed in the service of the nation in different capacities ranging from a judge to a politician and from a senator to an author. He was a gifted, wise and insightful person who shared his insights and experiences most willingly to the benefit of all. As a judge he sought to dispense justice in accordance with the law and dictates of conscience. As a politician he remained aloof from petty squabbles and demonstrated a measure of decency and tolerance that is fast becoming extinct. May his soul rest in eternal peace. PR. No. 26 PRESS RELEASE PM RANG UP CM PUNJAB Islamabad: September 1, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up the Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the bomb blast incidents in Lahore resulting in loss of precious lives and injuries to many. The Prime Minister reiterated the determination that the whole nation is united to fight the menace of terrorism till its elimination. The Chief Minister of Punjab requested the Prime Minister that in wake of Lahore incident, the meeting of Council of Common Interest (CCI) scheduled on Friday may be postponed for some days. The Prime Minister assured that after consultation with Chief Ministers of other provinces, the new date for the meeting of CCI would be conveyed to all the concerned. PR. No. 27 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: September 1, 2010 The Turkish first lady Madam Emine Erdegon arrived in Islamabad tonight. She was received by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Begum Shanaz Wazir Ali besides senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Embassy.