PR. No. 28
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE MINISTERS CONDOLE THE DEATH OF ABDUL RAZZAQ THAHIM
Rawalpindi: September 2, 2010Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar and Federal Minister for Defence Production, Mr.Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Federal Minister for Local Government Senator Justice ® Abdul Razzaq Thahim. In their condolence messages, they prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of grieves family to bear this irreparable loss with patience and equanimity.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR. No. 29
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON AMIR AND PRIME MINISTER OF KUWAIT
Islamabad: September 2, 2010Foreign 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 here today from Kuwait.
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.
**KZ/Ahmad**
PR. No. 30
PRESS RELEASE
Remittance needed for revival of economy: khursheed shah
Islamabad: September 2, 2010Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah visited Tower of Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. He said that overseas employment is playing a vital & significant role in reducing the pressure of unemployment at home and increasing foreign exchange earning by helping enhance the overseas worker’s remittance which are needed for the revival of the economy, improvement in debt services, balance of payment, alleviation of poverty and hunger.
The foundation stone ceremony of Emigration Tower was held in March 2009 in Islamabad. The purpose of the bureau is to control, regulate and facilitate & monitor the emigration process.
Minister completed the inspection and showed satisfaction over the construction of the Tower.
**SSW/Ahmad**
PR. No. 31
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: September 2, 2010Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has withdrawn relaxation given in May 2009 in its Environmental Protection Order (EPO) earlier issued to Capital Development Authority (CDA) on 06-02-2009 whereby for limited operation of motorized boats / water scooters was allowed.
Taking cognizance of the deteriorating water quality in the Rawal Lake, Pak-EPA imposed ban on operation of motorized boats and water scooters plying in the lake in February 2009 and asked CDA to implement the EPO to protect water resource supply drinking water to the residents of Rawalpindi and Cantonment. However, in June 2009 this EPO was relaxed to allow only small boats with engine capacity of 30 horsepower and below while the CDA was asked to create “No Boating Zone” of 1000 meters from the inlet of drinking water treatment plant. The relaxation order allowed only those boats / scooters which would under-go thorough inspection for oil leakage or visible smoke after every six months. However, Pak-EPA observed that none of the conditions laid down in relaxation order was met and the operation of all kind of boats / scooters were allowed unabated. Pak-EPA considers that motorized boats / scooters cause churning effects in water, resultantly the turbidity increases and settled biological material comes out, causing extra load on the treatment plant.
After withdrawal of relaxation, no motorized boat or water scooter is allowed to operate in the Rawal Lake and violators will be proceeded under the provisions of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.
**AS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 32
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING OF RUET-E-HILAL COMMITTEE FOR SIGHTING OF MOON FOR EID-UL-FITR ON 09-09-2010
Islamabad, 2nd September, 2010The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the meeting of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for sighting of crescent (Moon) of Shawal/Eid-ul-Fitr-1431-Hijri, will be held on 09th September 2010 (Thursday)- 29th Ramazan-ul-Mubarak-1431 Hijri, in the building of Pakistan Meteorological Department, Gulshan-e-Jauhar, Karachi, whereas the Zonal/District Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will held their meetings at their respective places on the same date and time.
All Information about the position of Crescent (Moon) will be conveyed to the Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Cell # 0300-9285203 and land line # 021-5688307-021-9204761, 021-5684550 for final announcement. The Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman, will announce the decision of sighting or otherwise subsequently on the basis of information received to this end.
**AJM/Ahmad**
PR. No. 33
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING OF RUET-E-HILAL COMMITTEE FOR SIGHTING OF MOON FOR EID-UL-FITR ON 09-09-2010
Islamabad, 2nd September, 2010The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced that the meeting of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for sighting of crescent (Moon) of Shawal/Eid-ul-Fitr-1431-Hijri, will be held on 09th September 2010 (Thursday)- 29th Ramazan-ul-Mubarak-1431 Hijri, in the building of Pakistan Meteorological Department, Gulshan-e-Jauhar, Karachi, whereas the Zonal/District Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will held their meetings at their respective places on the same date and time.
All Information about the position of Crescent (Moon) will be conveyed to the Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Cell # 0300-9285203 and land line # 021-5688307-021-9204761, 021-5684550 for final announcement. The Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Mufti Munib-ur-Rehman, will announce the decision of sighting or otherwise subsequently on the basis of information received to this end.
PR. No. 34
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad September 02, 2010Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has withdrawn relaxation given in May 2009 in its Environmental Protection Order (EPO) earlier issued to Capital Development Authority (CDA) on 06-02-2009 whereby for limited operation of motorized boats / water scooters was allowed.
Taking cognizance of the deteriorating water quality in the Rawal Lake, Pak-EPA imposed ban on operation of motorized boats and water scooters plying in the lake in February 2009 and asked CDA to implement the EPO to protect water resource supply drinking water to the residents of Rawalpindi and Cantonment. However, in June 2009 this EPO was relaxed to allow only small boats with engine capacity of 30 horsepower and below while the CDA was asked to create “No Boating Zone” of 1000 meters from the inlet of drinking water treatment plant. The relaxation order allowed only those boats / scooters which would under-go thorough inspection for oil leakage or visible smoke after every six months. However, Pak-EPA observed that none of the conditions laid down in relaxation order was met and the operation of all kind of boats / scooters were allowed unabated. Pak-EPA considers that motorized boats / scooters cause churning effects in water, resultantly the turbidity increases and settled biological material comes out, causing extra load on the treatment plant.
After withdrawal of relaxation, no motorized boat or water scooter is allowed to operate in the Rawal Lake and violators will be proceeded under the provisions of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.
PR. No. 35
Press Release
MS. SHAHNAZ WAZIR ALI TO ACCOMPANY TURKISH FIRST LADY’S VISIT:
September 2, 2010Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Sector will accompany Turkish first lady during her stay in Pakistan.
On Friday 3rd September 2010, she will accompany Turkish first lady Mrs. Emine Erdogan’s visit to flood affected areas of Sindh Province. Turkish fist lady is due to arrive at Sukkur airport at 10:45a.m. by a special plane. PPP Women Wing Chairperson Ms. Faryal Talpur will receive the visiting guests. During her visit Turkish first lady will have an aerial view of the devastations caused by recent floods. She will also visit field hospitals established by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
PR. No. 36
PRESS RELEASE
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER CONDOLES OVER DEATH OF ABDUL RAZZAQ THAHEEM
Islamabad, September 2, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi expressed grief and shock over the death of Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Abdul Razzaq Thaheem who passed away last night.
Environment Minister in his condolence message, paid glowing tribute to Mr. Abdul Razzaq Thaheem and said that he was a senior political figure who was having deep political and social vision. His political and social contributions are most precious and will always remain in our hearts and minds. He added that after the death of Mr. Thaheem, a gap has been developed in political sector however; his services would remain guidance for us.
Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi expressed profound deep sorrow over the death of Federal Minister for Local Government with his family and officer and officials of his Ministry. He sympathized with bereave family and prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessings on the departed soul and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family.
Federal Minister also expressed sympathies with Senior Journalist Mr. Amir Abbasi on sad demise of his father Subedar ® Mehmood Abbasi and prayed that Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace.
PR. No. 37
PRESS RELEASE
UPPORT NGOS TO CURB DRUG MENACE
Islamabad 02, September, 2010Ministry of Narcotics control enhances the NGOs participation to control drug addiction and create awareness in masses against drug use. Director General, Planning and Monitoring Unit while heading the meeting of registered NGOs dealing in drug addiction treatment at Narcotics Control Division Islamabad, categorically said that only those NGOs would be supported whose performance is remarkable. He also demanded annual report from these NGOs to evaluate their performance .He also told NGOs to present their work plans and strategies which they undertake for their functioning. For proper utilization of resources NGOs would be short listed.
DG, PMU also said that without participation of community government machinery alone can not uproot drug use from society. Society has to play responsible role to control to control this evil and make this land drug free. He also showed his intention to launch FM and Help Line service to deliver effective messages to public and set medium to have direct interaction with people. Ministry of Narcotics Control is also going to arrange various recreational and physical activities to engage youth.
PR. No. 38
PRESS RELEASE
COMMUNITY, BELGIAN GOVERNMENT, EU, NGOs, BELGIAN PUBLIC AND MEDIA
DONATE AROUND 150 MILLION EURO FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES
Islamabad, September 02, 2010A sum of 150 million Euros have so far been donated by the Pakistani Community, Belgian Government, EU, Belgian Public and various NGOs from Belgium for flood affected people of Pakistan. EU has committed 140 million Euro as flood relief assistance as well as humanitarian assistance. The Belgian Government has donated 2 million Euro in addition to 4 million Euros it had already pledged in humanitarian assistance to Pakistan. The Executive Council of Antwerp has announced 75,000 Euro for flood relief efforts. The Grand Dutch of Luxembourg has contributed 500,000 Euro and the Mark Samuel Foundation Luxembourg has donated Rs. 125000. Belgian Public has donated 800,00 Euro while Pakistani Community in Belgium is channeling its contribution mainly through private charity organizations or individually, however the Ismaili Community in Brussels has donated 5500 Euro as flood relief assistance in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, says a press release received here today.
The financial assistance is in addition to the goods and services provided by NGOs, EU, NATO, Belgian Government and Pakistani Community. The Flemish Government dispatched an emergency relief team, headed by Dr. Luc Beaucourt, a Belgian emergency expert, to Pakistan to undertake need assessment. Five major Belgian NGOs specialized in emergency assistance, Oxfam, Caritas, UNICEF Belgium, Doctors in the World and Handicap International have started coordinated national solidarity campaign for the Pakistan flood victims to raise five million euro. The Consortium has done useful relief work during Tsunami and the Haiti earthquake disasters.
Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) has started relief operations in Pakistan. It has sent two flights load of medicines, water and sanitation material from Brussels to Pakistan and is also maintaining the stocks in Pakistan through local procurements and employing local staff along with the essential International staff to carry out relief operations.
NATO has already providing airlift and sealift for the delivery of aid to Pakistan. The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre at NATO Headquarters in Brussels has been acting as a clearing house for humanitarian assistance offered by Allies and Partner nations. The first NATO aircraft carrying 500 tons of relief goods reached Pakistan on August 22, 2010, while more NATO flights to deliver humanitarian aid from the alliance’s member nations, its partners and International aid organizations are expected to follow in the next coming days.
The Belgian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Steven Vanackere participated in UNGA Special Session on floods in Pakistan on 19-20 August 2010 while on 23 August, Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response visited affected areas in Pakistan with assistance in kind.
At the request of the Embassy of Pakistan in Brussels, M/s Cargolux, Luxembourg Air Flight Company has agreed to facilitate the relief assistance by transporting relief items from Luxembourg to Karachi free of charge.
The Belgian media has started a media campaign to create awareness about the devastation caused by floods to mobilize assistance for the flood victims. VRT television and a number of Radio stations are broadcasting the campaign spotlights. Special programmes in the coming weeks will pay special attention to the disaster. Vitaya and other websites have been focusing on the events in Pakistan in order to raise awareness among people for raising funds.
Furthermore, French and Dutch newspapers are highlighting the relief efforts to the flood affected areas through Editorials, columns and special features on floods in Pakistan.
PR. No. 39
PRESS RELEASE
MS. FARZAA RAJA SAYS RS. 10 BILLION HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES
CHAIRPERSON OF THE BISP VISITED WORST HIT AREAS OF THE SOUTH PUNJAB, EMPHASIS TO SERVE THE FLOOD VICTIMS WITH NATIONAL SPIRIT
Islamabad 2nd September 2010Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), MS Farzana Raja has said that the post flood situation in Pakistan demands collective efforts for relief and rehabilitation of the flood affected people and it ought to be done with a national spirit of working together instead of engaging in petty political point scoring.
She expressed these views while talking to flood affectees as well as political and social workers of the area during her visit to Rohailenwali, Chak Mir Azaar at Muzaffargarh and other worst hit areas of the South Punjab. Mr. Salman Tasee, Governor Punjab, was also present on the occasion. MS. Farzana Raja informed the people that under the flood policy of the President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Youaf Raza Gilani, Rs. 10 Billion have already been allocated to provide immediate relief to the affectees.
“So far, Rs. 4.25 Billion have been released under the emergency relief package as a first installment”, she said and added that million of rupees have already been disbursed among the fold victim families registered with the BISP as beneficiaries. She said that at present more than 20 Million people I the country are living under poverty line and 6 million of them are registered with BISP.
She added further that BISP is entirely an apolitical programme which is evident from the fact that 40 % out the one million beneficiary families from Punjab have been enrolled on the recommendations of the parliamentarians belong to PML (N). She said that we don’t believe in shallow slogans and photo opportunities but genuine and sincere service for the people of Pakistan.
MS. Farzana Raja said that empowering women folks of the society were a dream of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and BISP is working to translate the same dream into a reality. She expressed her hope that the leadership of PML (N) would realize the gravity of the situation at ground and thus would support us in serving the poor masses and to redress their problems.
She said that BISP is striving hard to eradicate poverty from Pakistan with the spirit of serving people of the country. Under the Emergency Relief Package of the programme, the terror hit people of Swal/malakund and Bajor as well as the earthquake victims of the Balochistan have been provided with relief on same non-partisan basis earlier, she concluded. Ends
PR. No. 40
PRESS RELEASE
TURKEY TO SUPPORT PAKISTAN FOR RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OF
FLOOD AFFECTEES: SAYS EMINE ERDOGAN
Islamabad 2nd September 2010Madam Emine Erdogan, Spouse of Turkish Prime Minister has assured Turkey’s unflinching support for the relief and rehabilitation work in the flood effected areas in Pakistan. She termed the devastation caused by recent floods, unprecedented in the history. The Spouse of Turkish Prime Minister said this while talking to Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in a meeting held in Parliament House, today.
While talking to the Speaker, Madam Emine Erdogan said that Government and people of Turkey were aware of the plight of the people of Pakistan and were committed to stand by them in time of crisis. She said that the disaster in Pakistan is one of the most destructive calamities in the history of the humanity. The destruction it caused has already reached unimaginable dimensions; therefore, it is our common responsibility to put an end to the misery of Pakistani people, she said.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza thanked the Turkish assistance to mitigate the sufferings of their Pakistani brethren in this hour of trial. She said that Pakistan has always attached great importance to its unique relations with Turkey throughout the history. She said that visit of Madam Erdogan was an exceptional gesture to express solidarity with the people of Pakistan devastated by floods.
The Speaker said that problems of diverse nature will emerge when the flood water recedes and people move back to their homes, therefore, the assistance to Pakistan for flood relief should be a long-term and well-coordinated. She urged that the international community should assist Pakistan till everything returns to normal since the region; the continent and the world cannot bear another instability. The Speaker thanked Madam Emine Erdogan for sending tons of humanitarian aid for the flood effectees which included foodstuff, tents, blankets and the other relief equipment by the Turkish Government.
PR. No. 41
PRESS RELEASE
PM HAS APPROVED EID-UL-FITR HOLIDAYS FROM 10-13 SEPTEMBER, 2010.
Islamabad , 2nd September 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has approved Eid-ul-Fitr holidays from 10-13 September, 2010. He urged upon the Nation not to forget their brothers and sisters affected by the devastating floods on this sacred occasion.
PR. No. 42
PRESS RELEASE
8th KUWAITI PLANE CARRYING RELIEF GOODS LEAVES FOR PAKISTAN
Islamabad, 2nd September 2010The 8th Kuwaiti plane carrying relief goods for the flood affected people left for Pakistan, says a statement issued by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society(KRCS) here today, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan Kuwait, here today.
According to Director of Disaster Management, KRCS, Yousef Al-Maraj, the plane took off from Abdullah Al-Mubarak air base and carried relief items, including food for children. According to him the dispatch of humanitarian aid comes in implementing the directives of the Amir of Kuwait HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. He said the assistance reflected the sentiments of the people in Kuwait for their distressed brothers and sisters.
The Kuwait government and the people have already donated more than $ 25 million for the flood victims
PR. No. 43
PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL MINISTERS MEET PRIME MINISTER TO APPRISE HIM ON DAMAGES AND RELIEF EFFORTS
Islamabad: September 2, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need to continue the relief efforts with the same zeal and zest as exhibited during last weeks till the flood affectees return to their homes.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Federal Ministers who met him at the Prime Minister’s House this evening to brief him about the rescue and relief operations in different areas as well as damage caused to various kind of infrastructure.
The Prime Minister stressed upon the Ministers to devise means for early restoration of civic amenities and services so that the recovery and reconstruction operations could be launched without any waste of time. He said that restoration of public utilities will help in mitigating the sufferings of the flood affectees to a great extent.
The Prime Minister urged the Ministers to update the assessment of damages in collaboration with the provincial governments so that assistance could reach to the genuine affectees in time. He further said that the government had succeeded to create awareness among the Pakistani public and the world community to contribute generously towards the Flood Relief Fund.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, the Federal Minister for Water & Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashsraf, The Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khurshid Shah, and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Senator Raza Rabbani.
PR. No. 44
PRESS RELEASE
TURKISH PRIME MINISTER’S WIFE MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 2, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Turkey-Pakistan’s strategic ties are based on cultural and religious linkages, and our relations have stood the test of times.
The Prime Minister was talking to the First Lady of Turkey, Madam Emina Erdogan, spouse of the Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Tayyep Ardogan who came to Pakistan to express Turkish people’s solidarity with their Pakistani brethren at this time of trial and tribulations. First Lady, Mrs. Fauzia Gilani and Prime Minister’s daughter Syeda Fiza Batool Gilani were also present during the call on at the Prime Minister’s House today.
The Prime Minister thanked the First Lady of Turkey for overwhelming support and generous contribution of the Turkish Government and people to assist their Pakistani brethren at these trying times. He apprised the Turkish delegation of flood damages and difficulties of flood affectees.
The Turkish First Lady said that Pakistan and Turkey are two brotherly countries which have supported each other through thick and thin testifying strong bonds of close relations both at official and public levels. She apprised the Prime Minister that all the Turkish Institutions including media are engaged in raising funds for the flood affectees of Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Finance, Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Mr. Egemen Bagis, the Minister for European Affairs and Chief Negotiator, Mr. Takin Kuoukali, President, Turkish Red Crescent, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Mustafa Babur Hizlan and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Nargis Sethi
