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PR.No.14. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan and Japan have always enjoyed close bilateral relations and the two countries should work towards further strengthening the existing relations so as to open up new vistas of opportunities in all fields. The Prime Minister was talking to the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr. Masahiko Komura, who called on him at the PM’s House today. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is determined to promote peace and stability in the region. It is only through peace, he added, that this region would be able to achieve its true potential of growth. While commenting on the issue of extremism, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is an anchor of peace in the region. Pakistan he said realizes its responsibilities and is determined to counter terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations. He said that terrorism is a global phenomenon and the world community has to do more in substantiating government of Pakistan’s efforts to curb this menace. The Prime Minister said that after the cold war, Pakistan was left alone to look after the Afghan refugees which was not only an economic burden but also affected the social fabric of the society. Even today, he added, there are over three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, some of whom keep moving across the long and porous border. The Prime Minister called upon the world community to devise a comprehensive strategy to improve the socio-economic and security conditions in Afghanistan so that the Afghan refugees could return to their homeland at the earliest. He further mentioned that the refugees, who had gone back to Afghanistan, have now started coming back. In the same context he said that despite the challenge of food security Pakistan is catering for the needs of Afghanistan as well as refugees. The wheat he added is being smuggled to the Central Asian countries thus adding to demand which in turn causes wheat shortage and aggravates Pakistan’s economic problem. While referring the new strategy to combat terrorism, the Prime Minister said that his government is evolving a new multi-pronged strategy to effectively confront the issue which drives its strength from socio-economic disparity and un-resolved political disputes. He said that the new policy would include political dialogue, socio-economic development and security measures. He expressed confidence that this multi-pronged strategy would bear fruit and ensure socio-economic development, improvement of infrastructure, peace and security in the areas bordering Afghanistan. He categorically mentioned that the talks would only be held with those elements that believe in peace, lay down their arms and abhor terrorism. The Prime Minister said Pakistan and Japan share similar views on global peace and stability and called upon the need to work together to promote sustainable peace in the region and join hands in redressing the root causes which lead to extremism and terrorism. Pakistan, he said on account of its geo-strategic location is playing a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and a strong and stable Pakistan is in the best interest of the region therefore Japan by assisting Pakistan is contributing to the cause of peace. The Prime Minister said Japan is an important trade and development partner of Pakistan as it has always supported us in challenging times and provided the largest number of development loans. He commended Japanese assistance for projects in key sectors like roads, water and power generation/distribution. He asked Japan to extend its assistance for the upcoming infrastructure development projects in the same areas. Mr. Masahiko Komura said that Japan as the chairman of G-8 group would apprise the member countries of the challenges being faced by Pakistan and ask them to extend assistance for the economic stability of Pakistan. The economic development in Pakistan, he said would support the endeavors for peace in the region. Japan, he added, understands the difficulties being faced by Pakistan and would extend every possible support to strengthen democracy and economic development. While reciprocating the views expressed by Prime Minister about the causes of terrorism and extremism, the foreign Minister said that it is a challenge being confronted by all the countries. He said that the world community should join hands in the struggle to contain it through unified action. He appreciated the role played by Pakistan in the War against terrorism and assured of Japanese support to exterminate the root causes including efforts for the uplift of under developed areas of the region. He also mentioned that Japan would support the economic development in Afghanistan to improve conditions for safe return of Afghan refugees. Mr. Komura assured government of Japan’s full support to Pakistan for the development of its social sector particularly the need in the field of education, health and infrastructure development.. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming his office and secured unanimous vote of confidence for his election. **Ahmad**
PR.No.15. In terms of rule 3(3) of the Rules of Business, 1973, the Prime Minister has been pleased to approve transfer of the administrative control of “Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA)” from Cabinet Division to Information & broadcasting Division with immediate effect, says a notification issued by Cabinet Division on 30.04.2008. **Ahmad**
This is to bring to the knowledge of all concerned that the official correct spelling of Prime Minister’s name are as follows: Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani It is requested that these may be observed while mentioning his name in the media. **SA/Ahmad**
PR.No.17. A number of applications are being received in this Ministry for fresh enlistment as Hajj Group Organizers and for allocation of Hajj quota under the Private Hajj Scheme for Hajj-2008. The Ministry wishes to clarify that Hajj policy for next Hajj has not yet been finalized. The Ministry would invite applications for fresh enlistment only after finalization of Hajj Policy. An official delegation is visiting Saudi Arabia next week for negotiations with the Saudi Hajj Ministry on matters regarding Hajj- 2008. Hajj Policy would be finalized in the light of decisions taken during that visit. Thereafter, applications for fresh enlistment will be invited through a press advertisement. Applications filed in accordance with the policy guidelines issued in the press and fulfilling the prescribed conditions shall only be eligible for enlistment. Therefore, sending applications for enlistment or for quota allocation at this stage is pre-mature.
**KKN/Ahmad**
Pakistan and Bahrain have agreed to further intensify and develop a broad-based cooperation in the areas of trade economy and particularly Defence. This was agreed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Chaudary Ahmad Mukhtar, and the visiting Commander of Bahrain National Guards, Major General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, who called on the Minister here today. Both sides exchanged views on matters pertaining to Defence cooperation and underscored the need for enhanced cooperation in the areas of common interests. The Minister told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan and the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoyed excellent relationship based on common values, shared religion and interests which needed to be further strengthened for the mutual benefits of the two sides. The meeting noted that it was essential to promote Military to Military cooperation and also to enhance cooperation in the area of training. The Commander of Bahrain National Guards told the Minister that his country strongly supported the counter-terrorism efforts made by Pakistan. The Minister also appreciated the support provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain for the development of social and economic sectors of Pakistan. Major General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Al Khalifa congratulated the Minister on assuming the charge as Minister Defence and extended him invitation to visit Bahrain, which the Minister accepted. **AM/Ahmad**
PR.No.19. Government is committed to provide free health facilities to all at a better quality. In this regard all possible steps will be taken and requisite laws will be made to ensure sustainability of the facilities. These views were expressed by Ms Sherry Rehman, Minister for Health and Information and Broadcasting, while talking to a high level delegation of Pakistan Medical and Dental council (PMDC} in her office at the Ministry of Health. The minister said: “Delivery of health facilities free of cost and of better quality is the commitment of the present government with the people and no delay in this regard will be tolerated”. She directed that the curriculum of the medical colleges should be revised urgently and condition of the public hospitals should be improved. The PMDC delegation briefed her about the ambit of responsibilities of PMDC and the services rendered by it. The minister appreciated the role of PMDC in ensuring quality in medical institutions and hoped that it will continue its meritorious services.
**EW/Ahmad**
Next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on Wednesday, the 7th May 2008, at 1100 hours, in the Cabinet Room of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad.
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