PR No. 01
Press release
Palestinian membership of UNESCO, a victory for democracy, says Attiya Inayat Ullah at UNESCO
Islamabad: November 01, 2011
On behalf of Pakistans delegation Dr Attiya Inayatullah in her statement while warmly welcoming Palestines entry into UNESCO stated that for over six decades Palestinians have proven to be superb human beings but have regrettably remained without their rights. She was speaking at the 36th General Conference of UNESCO, during which Palestine was given membership status with an overwhelming majority. Today, this inexcusable wrong has been righted, she exclaimed.
She further said that today the Palestinians stand proud in the comity of nations and UNESCO stands proud that in exercise of its mandate it has made it possible to happen. She said that Palestines admission as a Member State places a profound responsibility on all organs of UNESCO. While referring to the constitution, she said that Pakistan stands for creating peace in the minds of men and women. She drew the attention of UNESCO leadership to immediately put in place an initiative with and through youth to take them up on the Youth Forum Deceleration which calls for the promotion of peace in conflict areas. Continuing she said This is high time to put this idea in place. The momentum of todays momentous decision must be sustained for the sake of peace in the world, she said. She said that the familiar sight of Palestinians defaced mosques and schools, burnt helmets, death and destruction must be a thing of the past now.
She said that democracy which is the rule of the majority has prevailed. The statehood bid of President Mahmoud Abbas has been realized, the honour of Palestinians stands vindicated and Pakistan dedicate this success, of which Pakistan is proud to be a part, to the inimitable hero, the one and only Yasser Arafat. We do so in the name of our late leader Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who used his intellect, political skills and recognized international standing as an untiring advocate of the just cause of the Palestinians for their homeland, she concluded.
PR No. 02
Press release
China's CRBC donates RMB 1 million for flood affectees of Pakistan
Islamabad: November 01, 2011
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Tuesday donated 1 million Chinese Yuan for the flood affected people of Pakistan, says a press release received here today from Beijing.
The Vice President of CRBC Liu Hong while handing over the Cheque to Ambassador Masood Khan here at the Pakistan Embassy said that the Chinese people and government received the tragedy with sorrow that caused great loss to Pakistani people and also broke our hearts.
The disaster would not stop the resilient and brave Pakistani peoples march for pursuing economic prosperity.
He said that last year his organization donated US$ 150,000 to Pakistan Prime Ministers Flood Relief Fund.
Through years of co-operation in different projects, CRBC has already cultivated deep friendship with Pakistan, Liu observed.
He said that we are very proud and honoured that CRBC could participate in the Karakorum Highway (KKH) improvement project that connects China and Pakistan with economic, political and strategic importance.
He further said it is a happy augury to note that the supplemental commercial contract for the KKH Realignment Project has also been signed after mutual efforts by the two countries.
Earlier, Ambassador Masood Khan while expressing thanks to Mr. Liu Hong for CRBCs financial assistance on behalf of the people of Pakistan and the government for the flood affectees in southern Pakistan said that this gesture will bring smiles on the faces of the people facing this natural calamity.
He said CRBC was working on the expansion of KKH, the main artery of road communication between Pakistan and China which on completion will bring prosperity to the region.
Terming Mr. Liu a great friend of Pakistan, Ambassador Khan appreciated the gesture of relief assistance from CRBC.
He said unfortunately this years floods have also affected the southern part of Pakistan and caused widespread devastation there.
He praised CRBC for helping Pakistan to solve one of the most serious disasters in Pakistan which was the Ataabad Lake and the companys efforts towards reconstruction of KKH, the friendship highway between the two countries.
Ambassador Masood Khan said that when the project is completed, the KKH will become an all-weather road with no interruption of transportation between Pakistan and China.
PR No. 03
Press release
Cotton crop estimate based on unbiased data: Mintex
Islamabad: November 01, 2011The spokesperson of Ministry of Textile Industry has said that the initial estimate of cotton crop issued by CCAC for the current year is based on unbiased data and research. He said that Cotton Crop Assessment Committee is the authentic and official forum for the cotton crop assessment in the country. It brings all stakeholders and experts of the country on one table to discuss and announce a close to real estimate. The misleading figures being provided by the different organizations are based on their vested interests and these are attempts to malfunction the market.
The estimate of CCAC is mainly based on data provided by Crop Reporting Services of Provincial Agriculture Departments. The Crop Reporting Services conduct structured surveys at fortnightly intervals on 500 representative villages in the cotton growing areas. The crop estimates are based on different factors like germination, plant population, average number of bolls per plant, average boll weight data, correlated with pest outbreak data, pest and disease prevalence, weather data, fertilizer and pesticide availability and usage, water availability and flood damages.
It was also informed that the cotton crop assessment of 12.22 million bales amounting to 2.078 million tons which is a preliminary estimate is based on international standard weight of bales i.e. 170 kg each. While the bales being produced in our country are approximately of 150 kg. If, this weight is taken in to consideration the estimate rises to13.852 million bales. Ministry also urged the organizations to provide their estimates in tons to avoid this ambiguity.
Moreover, Ministry also highlighted that the decision regarding the estimate was made on a rational basis as per established methodology by mutual consultation and representative of all associations like APTMA, KCA, PCGA were present in the meeting.
It was also reiterated that it is an initial estimate and the estimate would be reviewed in the 2nd meeting of CCAC on 23rd November in consultation with the relevant stake holders.
PR No. 04
Press release
Dr. Paul inaugurates housing scheme for flood hit people
Islamabad: November 01, 2011Adviser to Prime Minister for National Harmony has invited everyone to look at issues of poverty alleviation from the perspective of the poor, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the poor to lift themselves out of poverty.
The Adviser extended the invitation while inaugurating One Room Shelters and latrines scheme for flood affected people in Rahim Yar Khan at the cost of 1.5 million euro aimed at ensuring security, safety and physical protection of flood affected families.
The project will encompass 13 union councils targeting a total 1000 households to receive one room permanent shelter. It will focus simultaneously focus on training the households on better hygiene practices to reduce the incidences of water borne diseases and skin infections which will create a health family environment and reduce their spending on medical treatments.
The Adviser called for detailed research and analysis of current social welfare practices to better define future programmes factoring on issues of inventive, proper targeting and structural issues of labour mobility in the context of need and demands locally and globally.
He said about two-thirds of impoverished people in the world live in middle-income countries. And they are mainly rural residents, those living in slums, indigenous peoples, minority ethnic people, the disabled.
He said that the impoverished female is in a far worse situation than the impoverished male. Globally, people are also worried about the lack of development opportunities for impoverished youths.
He stressed on the need to ensure that marginalized people can enjoy fair employment opportunities, public services and social welfare in order to eliminate poverty.
When developing related policies, there is a need to pay equal attention to fairness and peoples desire to express their opinions, to pursue their dreams and to participate in the decision-making process. He added.
PR No. 05
Press release
Islamabad: November 01, 2011A meeting of the Inquiry Commission on Abbottabad Operation was held in the Cabinet Division on 1st November, 2011 under the Chairmanship of Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Former Senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the President of the Commission. The meeting was attended by Mr. Abbas Khan, I.G , Mr. Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, and Lt. Gen. Nadeem Ahmed, Members of the Commission.
The Commission conducted detailed interviews of Mr. David Wright, Country Director, Save the Children, Mr. Farrukh Masood Khan, Director, Military Lands and Cantonment Department, Rawalpindi Region and Mr. Sohaib Athar, local resident of Abbottabad. They presented their perception about the incident.
The Commission will again meet on 2nd November, 2011.
PR No. 06
Press release
PM CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL MEETING TO REVIEW PROGRESS ON MEGA POWER PROJECTS
Islamabad: November 01, 2011Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while expressing deep concern over the long delay in the Neelum-Jehlum Hyropower Project asked the Ministry of Water and power and WAPDA to work out the financial plan in consultation with the Ministry of Finance so that it can be expedited. He directed that an immediate finalization of the financial plan of the project after consultation with all stakeholders so tat the project is completed on schedule.
The Prime Minister directed that to remove the bottlenecks in the Countrys Mega Hydel Power projects, the Energy Committee headed by the Finance Minister must meet every fortnightly.
The Prime Minister also asked the Energy Committee to prepare a two years work plan for the power projects in the country.
The Prime Minister gave the above directions while chairing a high level meeting to review progress on Mega Power Projects at PMs House here today.
The Prime Minister observed that mismanagement must be checked to improve the efficiency of these projects as they are the lifeline of Pakistans economy. He added that it is the strong resolve of the Government to complete the projects already in the pipeline so that their benefits could start reaching the people as soon as possible. He said that keeping in view the escalating cost of thermal power projects, the only viable way is to start hydel power projects that would provide relief to the public at large. It is in line with these objectives that he had inaugurated the Diamer-Basha Dam recently, he said.
The Prime Minister directed that Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs be included in the energy Committee in order to increase the level of coordination for the hydel projects in AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Prime Minister expressed dissatisfaction on the delay in executing the Kohala Hydropower Project of 1100 MW generation Capacity and directed that it should be expedited and pre-project procedure could be completed by the end of this year.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the recent talks between the Experts of Pakistan and India on establishing back to back electricity grid between the two countries. He said that provided the modalities are appropriately worked out between the two counties, the proposed grid could contribute towards reducing the power shortage in both the countries in their long term usage.
The Prime Minister said that he is expected to meet the Indian Prime Minister on the sideline of the SAARC Conference in Maldives scheduled this month where he would also take up this mutually beneficial project with his counterpart.
Regarding the Nandipur Thermal Power Project, the Prime Minister directed that it must be expedited so that it can be completed within the stipulated time. He directed the Cabinet Committee on Energy to look into ways to further expedite the project so that it can start running as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister also directed that work on 1450MW Tarbella 4, expansion project should be started without any further delay to produce affordable electricity in the country.
The Energy Committee was asked by the Prime Minister to implement the Cabinet decisions regarding the energy conservation plan in the Federal Territory in letter and spirit. He observed that Islamabad must be made a model city in respect of energy conservation plan so that the other Federating Units may also follow the example.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) apprised the meeting that the Neelum-Jehlum Hydropower Project of 969 MW, with installed capacity was approved in 1989 by the ECNEC at the cost of Rs.15billion which was delayed and its cost has gone upto Rs. 333.191 billion. The meeting was briefed that on Tunnel Boaring Machine would be deployed which will accelerate the work and the project would be completed some 18 to 22 months ahead of its revised scheduled time.About the Kohala Hydropower Project the meeting was apprised that its installed capacity is 1100 MW and the feasibility study, detailed engineering, design and tender documents were complete. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 17.10.2008 in Beijing, between the Ministry of Water and Power and M/s China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE) in this regard. It was apprised that the project is totally funded and there will be no investment from the government of Pakistan. All formalities would be completed by the end of this year.
The meeting was apprised by the Secretary Water and Power about the progress on the Nandipur Thermal Power Project. He said that the project is of 425MW installed capacity combined Cycle Power Plant on Engineering, Procurement and Construction basis and the contract has been awarded to DEC China. Total cost of the project is US$329 million.
About the electricity back-to-back channel between Pakistan and India, the meeting was informed that the experts are in the process of finalization of the cost, end user agreement and other modalities of the project. A meeting of the expert from both the countries would be soon held in Pakistan in this regard.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Fianance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Asim Hussain, Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs, Secretaries Ministries of Water & Power, Finance, Law, Deputy Governor State Bank, WAPDA Chairman and other Senior Government Officials.
PR No. 07
Press release
Islamabad: November 01, 2011The proposed Gul Train project took a leap forward today when the Presidents of Pakistan and Turkey agreed to further upgrade it so as to cover the distance between Ankara and Islamabad in just 11 days instead of 16 days as envisaged earlier when the project idea was first floated by President Zardari last year and also to enter into a joint venture for locomotive manufacture in Pakistan for the special cargo train service, says a press release received here today from Istanbul.
Spokesperson to President Farhatulalh Babar said that the decision was taken during a special briefing on the proposed train project held soon after the delegation level talks between the two Presidents in Istanbul on the sidelines of the trilateral summit of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey.
It was also decided that after the successful up gradation of the existing track and whetting the appetite of private entrepreneurs, the second phase of the project be also launched.
The second phase would include laying of a entirely new railway track in Pakistan specially for super fast goods train running at over 150 kilometers per hours speed, he said.
The briefing was informed that a special logistics management company called TOBB had already been formed and experts from the two countries will meet next month in Pakistan to take the project further forward.
The two test runs of the train carried out during the last two months had shown that the trains covered the distance in 16 days and the project was very feasible. The test runs and the studies carried out thus far had also shown that the initial project feasibility was better than expected, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was informed that the project had been endorsed by the ECO High Level Expert Group meeting in Ankara last month and an informal working group had already been formed in Ankara for the purpose.
Farhatullah Babar said that it was also decided to convene an international conference in January 2012 on connectivity in Pakistan to raise awareness of the international private sector in the viability of the project and to attract entrepreneurs.
In an intervention the Turkish President Abdullah Gul proposed that the 11 day Ankara-Islamabad train proposal be finalized within six months. President Gul further said that he would be ready to give some more time for finalizing the 11-day proposal if the travel time could be further reduced to less than ten days between Ankara and Islamabad, Farhatullah Babar said.
President Zardari remarked that he envisaged the Gul Train opening up new vistas of communication, opening up hitherto inaccessible markets and boosting trade of the three countries of Pakistan, Iran and Turkey within the region and beyond.
PR No. 08
Press release
Islamabad: November 01, 2011Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Dr. Asim Hussain presented a cheque of Rs. 5 million to Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PMs House here this afternoon for the PMs Relief Fund for Flood Affectees on behalf of the Pakistan Oilfields Limited.
The Prime Minister appreciated the goodwill gesture of the employees of POL.
PR No. 09
Press release
ECC HELD 65 MEETINGS, TOOK 621 DECISIONS
Islamabad: November 01, 2011While highlighting the excellent performance of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, the spokesman of the government of Pakistan has said that the ECC has held 65 meetings and has taken 621 decisions since 25th March 2008. He said that five hundred and ninety three decisions had been implemented so far while the remaining twenty eight decisions were under implementation. He stated that the implementation of the decisions showed the governments sincerity and firm commitment towards good governance.
He said that the following data spoke volume of the outstanding performance by the ECC.
Chairman ECC
Period Months
Total Meetings
Details of Decisions
Meetings per months (average)
Decision per meeting (average)
Total
Imptd
Under imp
Prime Minister
(25-03-08 to
01-12-08) and
(09 18 Mar 10)
09
13
126
125
01
1.44
9.69
Mr. Shoukat Tarin
(02-12-08 to
08-03-10)
15
27
242
237
05
1.80
8.96
Dr. Hafeez Sheikh (19-03-10 to
30-09-11)
18
25
253
231
22
1.39
10.12
Total
42
65
621
593
28
1.55
9.55
PR No. 10
Press release
Islamabad: November 01, 2011The Rice International Conference & Exhibition (RICE) Dubai 2011 will be started from November 3 to 5 - 2011 in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai that brings together the major players in the rice industry to promote rice and related products.
H.H. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, will officially open Rice Dubai 2011 on the opening day of the event.
This is one of the first and largest industry event in which more than 60 countries are participating with 160 exhibitors attracting 10,000 trade visitors under one roof. The RICE will be a unique strategic platform for prospective buyers and sellers to conduct direct business and to promote Rice and related products.
For Rice International Conference & Exhibition (RICE) this year 11 Pakistani companies are participating in the event at Pakistans pavilion. These companies are participating under the banner of TDAP with the aim of Promoting Made in Pakistan label by providing opportunity to Pakistani Companies to showcase their quality products all over the world. The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry will also setup booth in the exhibition.
The major Pakistani Rice Companies includes M/s Irfan Noman Bernas (Pvt.) Ltd. which is a joint venture company between BERNAS a Malaysian food conglomerate, listed in Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange & Irfan Noman Group which is the 2nd generation in rice business since 1964.M/s Irfan Noman Bernas (Pvt) Ltd are specialized in the field of rice procuring, processing, packaging & marketing. M/s AMIR RICE EXPORT & IMPORT CO. is also a leading companies engaged in producing quality rice products since long. M/s Meskay & Femtee Trading Company (Pvt) Ltd (MFT) is a Grain trading, milling and processing company specialized in Rice and Wheat among other grains. M/s AFN Enterprises are one of the leading Rice Exporters of Basmati Rice from Pakistan and supplying world famous Dana and Kaghan Gold Brands to more than 40 destinations. It received four times Export Trophy from Govt. of Pakistan being among top 10 exporters of Pakistani Basmati. The AFN Enterprises assure quality, hygiene standards right from procurement of rice from field in processing and until packing in state-of-the-art rice plant with latest technology. M/s Hassan Ali Rice Export Company is an affiliate of Hashwani Group Of Companies, which is one the leading business houses in Pakistan. The Company has been in the Rice business since late 1960s and has remained the largest Rice exporter from the country shipping around Four hundred thousand (400,000) M. Tons annually. M/S Al Mahd International (AMI) initially dealing as a commodity importer and trader. Initially, AMI had a swift start with imports of commodities such as spices, cardamom, beetle nuts, cashew nuts, and rice to cater local market of Dubai and Iran with the name of Al Mahd General Trading Company. Since 1996s, AMI now turned into one of the leading commodity trading houses of Dubai and Iran. The AMI won a best importer award in Dubai for importing 90,000 Metric Tons of rice in a year. M/s Guard Rice Mills is a part of Guard Group of Industries having 50 years history of manufacturing, trading and distributing multiple products in Pakistan and many countries around the world. M/s Zohra Rice is one of leading Exporters of rice from Pakistan. It has marked edge over the other Exporters, as they are grower, miller and processor of rice that export rice exactly according to the specification and requirements of its valued customers. M/s A-Z INTERNATIONAL is also very experienced in producing and exporting quality rice all over the world. M/s P.N Enterprises, Grower, Miller and Exporter is considered to be a reliable supplier of high quality of Long Grain White Rice Irri-6, Silky, 5, 15 & 25% Broken, Long Super Kernel Rice, Super Kernel Parboiled Rice, D-98, 386, and other agricultural Seeds including Mustard Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Coriander seeds, Barseem & other Food Grain in the international market.
This exhibition is under the patronage of UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, supported byDubai Multi Commodity Center (DMCC) Govt. of Dubai. The total value of the rice trade in UAE alone is around2 Billion US in (2010) and the total volume of the rice trade in MENA region is much higher than this value. The UAE is the largest re-exporter of Rice in the world and currently 32 countries are exporting rice to UAE and UAE is re-exporting rice to 82 countries worldwide. The platform will help to initiate entry and penetration into the market throughB2B and B2C meetings.
The Exhibition is attracting more than 10000 trade visitors from GCC, other Middle East, Africa, Asian & European countries. It will provide opportunities to meet leading businessmen from the target countries to have pre-arranged Business Meetings/ Networking, Sessions / Direct Face to Face meetings which will provide increased export opportunities. It will be a best platform for expanding business to the new markets like Live Cultural Activities & Festivals.
RICE Dubai 2011 is targeted to attract various regional and global leading companies who seek to expand their client base and venture into emerging markets. It will also provide an opportunity to re-establish relationship with major market players and is an ideal platform for consumers to make the best deal for their requirements through a variety of suppliers from different parts of the world. Major rice producers have the opportunity to use UAEs competitive advantage of strategic locations, shipping infrastructure, storage, facilities, trade promoting environment and financing options as well. It facilitates expansion opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The TDAP is expecting that Pakistans rice exporters can book more than $200 million rice export order for the global market during the event. The event would provide opportunity to Pakistani rice exporters to explore new markets and buyers to increase exports of this commodity.
PR No. 11
Press release
PRESS COUNCIL OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad: November 01, 2011The first meeting of Press Council of Pakistan was held here today under the Chairmanship of Raja Mohammad Shafqat Khan Abbasi. The meeting was attended by the following of the Council Syed Faseih Iqbal,Chief Executive, Daily Aiwan-e-Sahafat /Zamana Group of Newspapers, Mr. Siddiq Baloch, Chief Editor, Daily Balochistan Express, Quetta, Mr. Siddiq Baloch, Chief Editor, Daily Balochistan Express, Quetta, Mr. Bachal Leghari, Editor, Nawa-e-Waqt, Karachi , Mr. Majid Nizami, Chief Editor, Nawa-e-Waqt Group of Publications, Mr. Zia Shahid, Chief Editor, Khabrain Group of Publications, Mr. Iqbal Jafri, Editor, Nawa-e-Waqt, Islamabad, Mr. Nasir Zaidi, Editor, The News, Islamabad, Ms. Yasmeen Rehman, MNA, Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar, MNA, Mrs. Nasreen Aslam Azhar, Member National Commission on the Status of Women, Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Director, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Mr. Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Chief Editor, Daily Pakistan, Lahore and Mr. Wamiq A. Zuberi, Editor, Daily Business Recorder .
The Chairman in his opening remarks welcome the members of the Press Council for their keen interest and assured them that the Press Council will work for the freedom of the press and the rights of the common man. He said that the Prime Minister himself publicly declared that the Press Council has been made a functional and a vibrant institution. The Chairman assured that all the decisions in PCP would be made with consensus of the Council and there will be no compromise on the freedom of the press. He said that Press Council of Pakistan will be an independent, autonomous and self-regulatory institution which will be develop good media practice.
The members of the Press Council also appreciated the government for rejuvenation of Press Council of Pakistan after a lapse of 8 years. They assured their full support to make it a viable and internationally compatible organization of its kind.
The meeting considered various agenda items including formulation of regulations, as required under section 24 of the PCP Ordinance 2002, proposals for setting up of Regional Offices, design of web-page & monogram and provision of financial resources for the smooth functioning of the Press Council.
The meeting unanimously formed a four members rules and regulations committee, with a mandate to finalize the draft regulations for the approval of the Council. The said committee would give its suggestions/recommendations and put up the draft rules and regulations within 15 days which would be circulated to the rest of Council members for their approval.
The Council agreed that an Endowment Fund should be established for the smooth working of the Press Council of Pakistan. The Council approved the design of the web page. It was unanimously decided that the web page should be both in Urdu & English in order to make it accessible to the masses
It was also agreed that the copies of Ordinance of Press Council of Pakistan and Ethical Code of Practice both in Urdu & English will be circulated and displayed to all newspapers and press clubs, to sensitize the journalist and the general public The Council unanimously approved the organogram of Press Council of Pakistan and setting up of offices of PCP in provincial capitals.
PR No. 12
Press release
Islamabad: November 01, 2011President Asif Ali Zardari and President Abdullah Gul today witnessed the signing of the currency swap agreement between the two countries that President Zardari described as quantum jump in promoting trade and business relations between the two countries and the opening of the door for similar agreements with several other countries in the region, says a press release received from Istanbul here today.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the agreement was inked by the governors of the state banks of the two countries as the two Presidents and a number of federal ministers from both countries witnessed.
He said that with the signing of the agreement the traders and businessmen of the two countries would be able to trade in their respective currencies obviating the need to look for dollars or other foreign currencies to do business.
The agreement was signed within a day of the two Presidents agreeing on Monday on the sidelines of the sixth trilateral meeting of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey that it should be finalized within a week, he said.
Earlier in the day the two Presidents also decided to work closely for further reducing the train travel time from Ankara to Islamabad to eleven days from the previously envisaged 16 days and to hold an international conference in January 2012 on connectivity in Pakistan to attract international entrepreneurs for the project.
They also agreed to enter into a joint venture for locomotive manufacture in Pakistan for the special cargo train service, Farhatullah Babar said.
PR No. 13
Press release
MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: November 01, 2011Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the government believes in the freedom of press and taken various steps for the welfare of the journalists community.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan who called on him at Prime Ministers House this evening.
The Prime Minister said that today the world has turned into a global village and media has an important role to put across the viewpoint of Pakistan and highlight its soft image in the comity of the nations.
The Prime Minister said that the media should abreast the masses about the socio economic development activities taking place in the society and raise awareness about the need to bring people together for positive social change.
The Prime Minister said that the government was exploring all avenues to upgrade the living standard of the people. He said that media is the forth pillar of the state and acts as a bridge between the government and the people and can play a meaning full role in this regard.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan informed the Prime Minister about the steps being taken by her Ministry for the wellbeing of the journalists community including the financial assistance in case a journalist loses his life while performing his duty.
The Minister said that government is keen to support journalists for education of their children and will provide financial assistance in this regard.
