PR No. 14 Press release Islamabad: November 02, 2011 A meeting of the Inquiry Commission on Abbottabad Operation was held in the Cabinet Division on 2nd 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 interview(s) of the sitting and former secretaries of Ministry of Interior. They presented their perception about the incident. The Commission will again meet on 14th November, 2011 PR No. 15 Press release Professional Education Imperative to Meet Global Challenges ---- Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Chairman Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that our present and up-coming youth has huge potential and abilities to explore ways and means of progress and prosperity in all sectors of the country.  However it is need of time to provide them modern education and skill development opportunities.  He expressed these views while talking with a delegation of Institute of Forensic Accountants of Pakistan (IFAP), headed by Mr. Tahir Iqbal Vice President of IFAP here today. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi was of the view that IPO-Pakistan is taking all possible initiatives to bring all sectors of the economy under one umbrella to protect their property rights by registration and businessmen are being encouraged to increase their investments to generate economic activities in Pakistan. He pointed out that although menace of burgeoning piracy and counterfeiting are major challenges of present time however, strategic framework is under consideration to overcome such crisis. Collective efforts are needed to bring our country on the path of progress and development, he added. The Chairman lauded the role of IFAP, Professional Accounting Institute/Body providing education and training in the fields of Forensic Accounting, Forensic Auditing, Forensic Investigation, Fraud Examination, Money Laundering, Corporate Governance, Financial Reporting and its allied areas/subjects. The Vice President of IFAP Mr. Tahir Iqbal appreciated the role of IPO-Pakistan and shared different ideas and proposals to enhance mutual collaboration among both organizations. While briefing about IFAP, he said that The Institute of Forensic Accountants of Pakistan (IFAP) is a unique Pakistani venture to meet the global challenges of growing menace of frauds and white-collar crimes in business establishments. Earlier, V.P of IFAP offered the Chairman for fellowship and executive council membership of IFAP which he accepted and ensured all possible cooperation. PR No. 16 Press release MNC BRIEFED FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES ON REVISED ANTI NARCOTICS POLICY Islamabad: November 02, 2011 During a meeting held at Ministry of Narcotics Control, Islamabad on Wednesday, Secretary Narcotics Control, gave briefing on revised Anti Narcotics policy after 18th Amendment to representatives of various countries .Meting was attended by Drug Liaisons Officers of various countries, representative of various international organization related in counter drug trafficking activities and DG, Anti Narcotics Force, Maj Gen Syed Shakeel Hussain . The aim and objective of this briefing was to address queries of other countries after the passing of 18th Amendments regarding subject of narcotics. It was said   that the subject of narcotics remained with Federal Government. Ministry of Narcotics Control has actively engaged provinces to execute new Anti Narcotics Policy.  According to new Anti Narcotics policy passed by federal cabinet in 201, .Ministry of Narcotics Control chalked out three pronged strategies - supply reduction, demanded reduction and international cooperation. It was informed by Secretary Narcotics Control,  Sohail Ahmed that Pakistan is facing the challenge due to its proximity to worlds largest source of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. The audience was also informed that the price of drugs increases surprisingly as it moves from Afghanistan to others countries. The cost of 1 kg Heroine is estimated 3000$ in Afghanistan, 18000$ in Turkey,72000 $ in European Union,150000 $ in USA. This high price attracts drug trafficking and Pakistan has become transit victim of drug trafficking.                         Sohail Ahmed, Secretary Narcotics Control Division said at the end that although Pakistan is among the top three countries of the world in global narcotics seizure and our continuing commitment to combat drug trafficking has been acknowledged globally, we need global support in capacity building on Anti Narcotics Force, and operational instruments. Since it is shared responsibility of all nations and countries, therefore, Pakistan  should be supported in this regard to counter threatening drug trafficking affectively.  PR No. 17 Press release CABINET PAID RICH TRIBUTE TO MADAR-I-JAMHOORIAT Islamabad: November 02, 2011 The Federal Cabinet which met under the chair of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, paid rich tribute to Madar-i-Jamhooriat, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, for her contributions for democracy and rights of the down trodden. The Prime Minister said that Begum Nusrat Bhutto remained steadfast against the ruthless dictatorship but her resolve for the restoration of people’s right remained unwavering. The Cabinet offered fateha for the eternal peace of Begum Nusrat Bhutto, who has been conferred the title of Madar-i-Jamhooriat. PR No. 18 Press release US REITERATE ITS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT PAKISTAN IN WATER SECTOR Islamabad: November 02, 2011 The United States of America (USA) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to support Pakistan in handling water-related problems. The US would extend full support to capacity building of Pakistani professionals, improvement of irrigation system, water conservation as well as helping the country to overcome water scarcity. “Pakistan is our valued partner and we would help it come out of troubles,” said USA Under Secretary for Global Affair Maria Otero. Speaking at fourth Pak-US Dialogue on Water here, she said that US Secretary of States Hillary Clinton had also made commitment to help Pakistan in coping with such challenges. She said that US government was also addressing issues including climate, health, water and food security at global level. She said that the dialogue would be focused on support Pakistan’s response to the water issue. Maria Otero said that about 2/3rd world’s population would have to face water stress by 2025 so it was a very complex issue and pragmatic strategy has to devise to tackle it. She said that she would also visit other provinces to discuss water challenges with them. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Agriculture and Water Resources Kamal Majidullah said that Pakistan is very proactive toward water shed management. He said water management depends on availability of water and with growing population it would be very critical to make water available to every one in future. He said that Pakistan and US could work together and find a solution of water issues. He said fast mechanism and latest technologies are being used for conservation of water. Kamal said that Pakistan needs expertise and modern technology in cementing water channels as the current methodology being used in Pakistan is a very lengthy and expensive program. During the regular session and workshop session, presentations were made by the federal government and the provinces on their water sector issues, water sector reforms, irrigation network, and current challenges. The meeting also discussed and reviewed in detail progress and recommendation on establishment of National Water Commission and formation of National Water Policy. A detailed presentation was also made by the US side on their method of water distribution and procedure for water data collection. The US delegation said that it is actively considering cooperation for construction of Diamer Basha dam and Kurram Tangi dam. It also offered cooperation in the water data collection procedure. Secretary Water and Power Imtiaz Kazi while addressing in the dialogue session said that Pakistan wants US support in training, capacity building of officials in introduction and implementation of modern technologies for water conservation. He said that there was no concept of water management and conservation. It is the need of hour to sensitize public in this regard, he said. It was announced that 5th session of water dialogue will be held in Washington in April 2012.   ENDS PR No. 19 Press release USF ALL SET TO THRIVE IN TELEMEDICINE ALSO Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Universal Service Fund (USF) awarded a contract worth Rs. 59 Million to setup telemedicine networks around Rawalpindi, Karachi and Multan, using the already deployed Broadband Networks.  The contract between Oratier Technologies and USF was signed by CEO-USF, Parvez Iftikhar and Director (Projects) Oratier, Zia ul Islam on Wednesday in the presence of Federal Secretary IT, Mr. Saeed Ahmad Khan at the Ministry of IT.             The project was approved by the Board of Universal Service Fund, in it’s 25th Board Meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in his capacity of being the Minister of IT. The Prime Minister directed that steps should be taken to also include flood stricken districts like Nawabshah, Mirpur khas, Umerkot and Sanghar in the telemedicine network. Inclusion of cities of Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, DG Khan, Qadirpur, Shuja’abad Mianwali and Kharian is also being planned.             Through the project signed today, USF aims to demonstrate that the optic fiber and the broadband networks being funded can easily be used for providing e-healthcare facilities. Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center- Karachi, Nishtar Medical College-Multan and Holy Family Hospital-Rawalpindi will be connected with 12 remote sites to set up three pilot telemedicine networks. Remote sites in the pilot project include Thatta, Dadu, Badin, Nowshehro Feroz, Chakwal, Talagang, Murree, Domail, Vehari, Khanewal, Lodhran and Muzaffargarh. Each of these remote sites will provide facilities of digital stethoscope, digital derma-scope, portable ultrasound, digital ECG and customized telemedicine software to the patients at their hometowns including video consultations with the specialists sitting in the three main hospitals.             At this occasion, Secretary IT said that with such constant efforts, Ministry of IT will undertake more programmes in the future for the promotion of telecom related services. He said that he is also positive that this Fund will keep serving as a source of inspiration for everyone. He further said that Ministry will keep intensifying its efforts to promote ICTs for the sustainable technological development and prosperity of the country in the future as well.               Apart from Secretary IT, Additional Secretary IT, Mr. Nadeem Ashraf, Member Telecom, Dr. Ismail Shah and other high officials of the Ministry of IT and Universal Service Fund were also present. PR No. 20 Press release Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani presided over the meeting of the Federal Cabinet here today. The Cabinet offered Fateha for the departed soul of Madr-e-Jamhuriat, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the wife of the PPP Founder and the Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. The Cabinet condoled with the bereaved family and paid rich tributes for her outstanding contributions towards democracy in the country. The Cabinet reviewed the implementation status of cabinet decisions pertaining to Commerce Division. The cabinet considered and gave its confirmation of the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in its meeting held on 13th October 2011. Secretary Establishment briefed the Cabinet on the status of implementation on Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan and the proposals approved by the Parliament on 25th November, 2009. The Cabinet expressed its satisfaction on the progress being made in this regard. Secretary Finance presented a detailed presentation on Consumer Price Index in the country in order to oversee/discuss the trend of prices of essential commodities. The Cabinet considered and accorded its approval to amendments in the Articles of agreement of the IMF.  Board of Governors of IMF had approved certain amendments upon review of quotas and reform of Executive Board. The reforms ensure proper presence of emerging economies both in term of quota representation and size of the Executive Board of IMF. State Bank of Pakistan in consultation with the Finance Davison had cast a positive vote for the amendment. The Cabinet considered and accorded its approval to the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Pakistan and Indonesia. The agreement would ultimately create a Free Trade  Area between the two countries. Under the PTA, Indonesia agreed to offer market access to Pakistan on about 220 tariff lines on preferential rate. The Indonesian offer list includes products of export interest to Pakistan. The Cabinet considered and gave its approval for reduction in Pakistan’s Sensitive List under SAFTA, to 20% from 1169 to 936 tariff-line and hosting of sixth meeting of SAFTA Ministerial Council (SMC) and Seventh Meeting of SAFTA Committee of Expert (COE) at Islamabad in 2012. The Cabinet approved the proposal of the Commerce Division for normalization of trade relations between Pakistan and India. The Secretary Commerce gave detailed presentation on the trade relations between India and Pakistan and its historical perspective. The Cabinet considered and accorded its approval to signing of SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to Natural Disasters. The draft agreement was expected to be signed during the 16th SAARC Summit at Thimphu in April 2010. The finalized version of the Agreement incorporates Pakistan’s amendments and suggestions. The Cabinet considered and accorded its approval to the Draft Biological & Toxin Weapons Convention Implementation Bill. The Convention of the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC), was adopted in 1972. Pakistan is a signatory to the convention. The Cabinet considered and gave its approval to start negotiations and sign Pak-Turkish Media Cooperation Agreement. Anadolu and Agency (AA) of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) have agreed to sign an agreement for long term cooperation and exchange of News. This enhanced cooperation will not only provide access to Pakistani media-persons in the West Asian region but will also strengthen mutual understanding between the two brotherly countries. The Cabinet considered and gave its approval for Pakistan’s Membership of the Forum of Federation. Forum of Federation is a non-governmental organization registered as a charitable organization under the laws of Canada. The Cabinet considered and accorded its approval for Members Election Commission (Oath of office, term, salary, allowance, perks and privileges) bill, 2011. As no provision has been made in the Constitution or any law regarding oath of office, resignation, tenure of office, terms and conditions of the services of Members of Election Commission, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has drafted a Bill in consultation with Election Commission of Pakistan. The Cabinet considered and formed the Committee to look into the Constitution (twentieth amendment) Bill, 2011. The Cabinet formed a committee comprising Finance Minister and Minister for Petroleum to look into the Addendum to Lease Contract Agreement for Extension in the Lease period of Saindak Copper Gold Project. PR No. 21 Press release MINISTRY OF NARCOTICS CONTROL HELD ON WORKSHOP ON TREATMENT OF WOMEN ADDICTS Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Ministry of Narcotics Control held three days training workshop to educate and train the out reach worker regarding treatment of women drug addicts. In this training workshop the participant were advised to adopt uniform protocol of drug treatment and treat female addicts respectfully. Out reach workers from various parts of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhaw participated in the workshop. Secretary Ministry of Narcotics Control held three days training workshop to educate and train the outreach Narcotics Control Division ,Sohail Ahamed said at the closing session of workshop that women drug addicts are completely  ignored in our country. Therefore, there is dire need of imparting training to female outreach workers so that they can continue campaign against drug addiction in better way. He also told participant to treat women drug addicts as patient instead of culprit. Women should be treated with care and motivated to get treatment of addiction. He also informed that Ministry of Narcotics Control would launch such training workshops to other capital cities to ultimately achieve the goal of drug free Pakistan PR No. 22 Press release CABINET BRIEFED ON NORMALIZATION OF TRADE WITH INDIA Islamabad: November 02, 2011 The Federal Cabinet, which met here today at the P.M. Secretariat under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, was briefed on the steps being taken for normalization of trade with India. The Cabinet was also apprised about the further steps to be taken in this direction so as to bring trade in line with our international obligations. The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Commerce to ensure that Pakistan’s vital national economic interests are fully protected.      PR No. 23 Press release WORLD BANK APPRECIATES DIFFERENT INITIATIVES OF BISP; CONSIDERS IT A MODEL TO BE REPLICATED IN OTHER COUNTRIES MADAME FARZANA RAJA SEEKS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT FOR SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT OF BISP’S OBJECTIVES Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has proved to be highly effective programme for poverty alleviation and women empowerment considering its efficiency, technology based operations and transparency; the programme ought to be replicated in the other countries of the world as well. Mr. Michal Rutkowski, Director Human Development South Asian Region, World Bank, said this during a meeting with Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP, Madame Farzana Raja while heading a delegation here at BISP Secretariat Wednesday. Mr. Rutkowski said that the World Bank is proud of working with organization like BISP and appreciates its performance and reliability. While taking special interest in vocational training scheme of BISP, he said that the corporate sector and foreign employers may also invest in this particular initiative. He termed Waseela-e-Taleem initiative of BISP, instrumental in the promotion of education, as similar initiatives have been proved successful in the other countries as well. Earlier, Madame Farzana Raja presented details of various initiatives of BISP for uplifting the living standards of millions of poor families across Pakistan. She said that one million out of school children of these poor families will be enrolled in the schools under Waseela-e-Taleem. She said that BISP has employed state of the art technology in all of its mechanisms to facilitate its beneficiary in a more efficient and transparent manner. Madame Farzana Raja said that BISP is seeking cooperation from various public and private organizations of the world working in the social sector to continue its various initiatives aiming at poverty alleviation in an effective manner. She added further that BISP needs support of the World Bank for marketing BISP in the world especially for replication of such experiences in the other countries.     PR No. 24 Press release PRIME MINISTER MEETS CH. SHUJAAT  HUSSAIN Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Ch. Shujaat Hussain, President PML(Q) met Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at Prime Minister’s House this evening and congratulated the Prime Minister for his successful visit to Australia where he  led Pakistani delegation in CHOGM. The Prime Minister said that his meeting with Australian Prime minister was of immense importance because she offered her country’s cooperation in the field of agriculture, energy, Infrastructure, education and health. The Prime Minister said that his meetings with Prime Minister of Malaysia and Prime Minister of Singapore were focused to seek their support to enhance trade and cooperation in fields of construction and information technology. PR No. 25 Press release IMPLEMENTATION OF AGHAZ-E-HAQOOQ-E-BALOCHISTAN Islamabad: November 02, 2011 The Federal Cabinet which met here today under the chair of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was briefed by the Secretary Establishment about policy actions of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-Balochistan as approved by the Joint Session of Parliament on November 25, 2009. He said that out of sixty one policy actions forty five, 85 per cent, have been implemented while sixteen were under the various stages of implementation. While addressing the cabinet, the Prime Minister said that he had asked the Governor and Chief Minister Balochistan and the Home Minister to talk to the political dissidents of the province in an attempt to mainstream them and at the same time address their grievances afflicted on them by the successive dictators. The Prime Minister also asked the Ministers to get in touch with the heirs of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti to ascertain their views regarding composition of the Judicial Commission for investigating the murder of Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. The Prime Minister said that the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-Balochistan had implemented 20 resolutions out of 27 passed by the provincial assembly aimed at the redressal of injustice done to them in the past. Establishment Secretary apprised the cabinet that 15 meetings of the Committee, headed by Senator Raza Rabbani and Interior Minister, Minister for Water and Power and Minister for Information as members, were held. The Prime Minister also headed three meetings including one in Quetta to monitor the progress of the implementation of Aghaz-e-Haqooq-Bluchistan, he said . The cabinet was informed that that key achievements included more than double enhancement of financial resources, from Rs.43 billion in 2007 to Rs.108 billion in 2011-2012 for the province of Balochistan. It has also been given greater provincial autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution after the 18th Amendment, increased job opportunities for the youth of the province, greater share of Balochistan in Royalty and Gas Development Surcharge and Mega Development Projects funded by the Federal Government. The Prime Minister said that the unanimous enactment of the 18th Amendment was a source of immense enchantment for the provinces as it guaranteed provincial autonomy, deleted the Concurrent List, scrapped Police Order 2002, Balochistan Local Government Ordinance 2001. He informed that seven meetings of Council of Common Interests were held by the present democratic government in one year whereas only 11 meetings were held previously from 1975 to 2006. The Federal Government has agreed to accept the accumulated gas surcharge claim of Balochistan of Rs.120 billion and it will be reimbursed to the provincial government at the rate of Rs.10 billion per annum. An amount of Rs.10 billion was paid last year and another Rs.10 billion has been paid during the current financial year. The cabinet was informed that under the Package appointments from BPS-1 to BPS 16 in Gwader Port Authority have been done among the local people. Judicial enquiry is underway to investigate the allotment of land in Gwader. The cabinet was informed, Gowader Port Authority has apportioned 10 per cent of its revenue for the development of the province. Out of 40 contracts 25 have been awarded to the local contractors. Release of political prisoners was an important aspect of the Package as it was a source of constant bitterness among the people and the human rights organizations. The cabinet was informed that out of 681 political prisoners 665 have been released in Balochistan. The Cabinet was informed that the construction of cantonments in Kohlu and Sui has been stopped and the army has been replaced with the FC. Development package for Sui and Dera Bugti at the cost Rs. 4 billion has been launched to improve the quality of life of the people of the areas. The Federal Government has funded the creation of 5000 jobs for the youth of Baluchistan along with relaxation of qualifications for such recruitments. About 5080 trainees have been enrolled by NAVTEC to impart quality technical education. The Establishment Secretary said that over and above the 6% quota of Balochistan, the Prime Minister had sanctioned 3000 posts for Federal Levy in Balochistan. 1500 posts have been filled during this year and remaining 1500 will be filled next year. In order to promote small fishermen, fishing trawlers have been restricted to the authorized limits of 33 nautical miles from the coast, the cabinet was informed. The cabinet was informed that under the Prime Minister Information Technology  Scheme 263 students from the province have availed the opportunity. Education of Information Technology will open up new vistas of opportunities for the youth of Balochistan. HEC has also provided 1200 scholarships in higher education and is also working on additional 600 scholarships. The cabinet was apprised by the Secretary Establishment that powers under the Custom Act have been withdrawn from the Coast Guards and their limits beyond the territorial posts have also been dismantled. The cabinet was apprised that Balochistan representation on the Boards of PPL, OGDC and SSGL has been ensured. Now no Board is without Balochistan’s representation. The cabinet was apprised that the conversion of B areas into A areas has been de-notified. The federal government also paid Rs. one billion for the rehabilitation of the IDPs of Dera Bugti and alsoRs. 128 million as compensation for the dislocation of the fishermen. The Prime Minister decided that in the next cabinet meeting, Ministers from the province would be informed as to how much and unprecedented development works have been undertaken in the province.  PR No. 26 Press release EQUITABLE SUPPLY OF NATURAL GAS DURING WINTER Islamabad: November 02, 2011 Federal Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Dr. Asim Hussain has said that natural gas would be provided to all stakeholders on equitable basis and relief on priority will be provided to domestic consumers during winter. He said this while presiding a meeting today that was convened in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to discuss Natural Gas Load Management Programme and to evolve a consensus on gas distribution during winter season (2011-12). Muhmmad Ejaz Chaudhry Secretary Petroleum, Senior Officers of the Ministry, MD SNGPL, MD SSGC, representatives of textile industry, fertilizer, CNG and power companies also attended the meeting. Dr. Asim Hussain, assured the stakeholders that no sector would be neglected while distributing natural gas as the government follows the policy of equitable distribution without any favoritism. Chairman APTMA agreed to the three days a week gas load management schedule in view of the current gas shortage scenario. It was also decided that gas load management schedule for CNG sector would be relaxed and supply of gas would be available for CNG stations on Friday & Saturday to facilitate the general public in view of Eid-ul-Uzha. Representatives of CNG association agreed to conduct meetings with SNGPL in order to examine the situation of supply of natural gas thereafter.  Secretary Petroleum & Natural Resources emphasized that all the stakeholders must evolve a consensus on gas load management as shortage adversely impacts all sectors and stated that all efforts are underway to add natural gas to the system. Secretary Petroleum issued directions to OGDCL, SNGPL and SSGC in this regard.  After a marathon session ending at 2200 hrs, a consensus was evolved by all stakeholders during the meeting. It was decided to restart supply of natural gas to the important fertilizer sector given the shortage in the market and rising prices of fertilizer. 100 mmcf Gas would be made available for fertilizer sector and two out of four fertilizer plants at a time would be operational during winters. It was also agreed in principle that supply of gas to Engro Fertilizers Company Limited would be shifted from SNGPL network to SSGC network.  It was agreed upon that 75 mmcf Gas supply would continue to be provided to the power sector. Before concluding, the decision was taken that during the winter season stakeholder meetings shall be held on  monthly basis to apportion gas to the various sectors according to availability. Secretary Petroleum directed that decisions taken in today’s meeting be implemented as of Friday 4thNovember, 2011.