PR. No. 40 PRESS RELEASE Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Islamabad: July 03, 2010             The Secretary-General strongly condemns the suicide attack at the Data Ganj Baksh shrine in Lahore, Pakistan, which has reportedly claimed the lives of several dozen people and left many more injured.  The deliberate targeting of a crowded place of worship makes this particularly vicious.  The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Pakistan, says a press release received  here today.   PR. No. 41 Press Release Government has resolve to facilitate all pharmaceutical companies All possible measures are being taken to reduce the duties in this sector…..Afridi Islamabad , July 3, 2010 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi  said that Ozone layer depletion has been an international problem and the response of the world community to tackle this issue has been commendable. He added that the emission of CFC in the air damages the ozone layer which ultimately allows harmful Ultraviolet-B radiations of the Sun on the Earth. Pakistan; is facing various challenges to get rid of this problem, however we have a strategy in place to phase out CFC from MDIs industries, he said. He expressed these views while addressing at the “International Workshop for Awareness/Information Exchange and to Review the Progress of Chlorofluorocarbon-Metered Dose Inhalers (CFC-MDI) Transition Strategy in Pakistan” organized by Ozone Cell of Ministry of Environment with collaboration of UNEP here today. Federal Minister was the Chief Guest at the Workshop. Environment Minister said that this workshop has brought together all the stakeholders to sensitize them on environmental hazards of CFC MDIs and share information and knowledge for evolving a pragmatic and viable strategy for the conversion of CFC MDI industry to CFC free technology. He said that today’s workshop indicates the close cooperation and coordination, which the Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment has with national and international stakeholders. Mr. Afridi stated that the emission of CFC in the air damages the ozone layer which causes  cancer, cataract (Blindness), skin aging and suppression of body immune system. However; developed world is well ahead to transit from technologies which damage Ozone layer to Ozone friendly technologies. Montreal Protocol and Multilateral fund under this protocol is an excellent example of cooperation amongst the nations, he added. He informed that although the import and use of first generation of Ozone Depleting Substances has been banned, but one of these ODS namely Chlorofluorocarbon is allowed to be used in MDI for restrictive use under Essential use Nominations.  Federal Minister informed that in Pakistan, some multinational pharmaceutical industries that are catering the needs for about 25 million people of Pakistan suffering from asthma and other such diseases. He urged that the local manufacturers of CFC MDIs to realize the importance of the issue and their presence in this workshop indicate that they are well on board to this matter. He pointed out that industry in Pakistan needs further international assistance to meet the task in time. Mr. Afridi also said that Government has resolved to facilitate all pharmaceutical companies and all possible measures are being taken to reduce the duties in importing equipments, related matter and technology for CFC-MDIs. Earlier, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment Mr. Abid Ali presented introductory remarks. Program Officer, UNDP Mr. Abdul Qadir Rafiq and Regional Coordinator for Asia and Pacific, UNEP Mr. Atul Bagai also addressed on this occasion. National Expert of Ozone Cell, Ministry of Environment Mr. Parvez Anwar and Representatives of Pharmaceutical companies gave detailed presentations on this issue.  PR. No. 42 Press Release Third Pak-China Joint Exercise Opened Islamabad: July 3, 2010 YOUYI-III (Friendship) Third Joint Exercise between Special Forces of Pak-China was opened by Chief of General Staff Pakistan Army, General Khalid Shameem Wynne in an impressive ceremony held here today. The 11 days Pak-China Counter Terrorism Training Exercise will be conducted in three phases between the mix combat teams of Special Forces from both sides, says a press release received here today. Lanzhou Land Military Commander PLA, Lieutenant General Wang Guosheng said that the Joint Exercise will be an other feather in security cooperation field. He appreciated the professionalism and success of Special Forces of Pakistan in the recent operations in fight against terrorism. He landed the commitment and determination of Pakistan Armed Forces to eliminate the terrorism in all forms. He further added that both sides will learn from each other’s rich experiences, which will be helpful in any future counter terrorism operation. Lieutenant General Khalid Shameem Wynne said, the present exercise is a testimony from both sides to defeat extremism and terrorism from our region. He added that we (Pakistanis) greatly value our time tested ties with PLA and people of China, which is vital ingredient for regional security. He appreciated the high professional standards of PLA as best Army in the world.      Earlier the national anthems of both countries were played and flags were hoisted. Display of weapons from both sides was appreciated by all the participants. Senior Military Commander Brigadier Li Fu Hua briefed the visitors about the Joint Exercise at Field Command Post. The ceremony was concluded on a slogan “Long Live Pakistan China Friendship”. PR. No. 43 PRESS RELEASE PM CONVERSATION WITH MIAN NAWAZ SHARIF   Islamabad: July 3, 2010 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, PML(N) Chief agreed to develop a joint national strategy to curb menace of terrorism and extremism . Both leaders felt that collective wisdom is essential to tackle this national issue which is the biggest hurdle in the way of national development. Both the leaders during a telephonic conversation late this evening agreed that it was not time for blame game, since the people of Pakistan are being deprived of peace, progress and prosperity. They felt that the country cannot afford to bear the brunt of terrorist activities any more. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif suggested that all the political leadership of the country should be taken on board to prepare national consensus on the strategy. The Prime Minister while accepting the proposal assured to call a Conference of all the national political leadership soon to help prepare a joint strategy. It was agreed that the leadership would be asked not to leave the conference before finalizing the strategy to eradicate terrorism. The Prime Minister further apprised Mian Muhammd Nawaz Sharif that he would take up proposal during the law and order meeting which he has called on Monday to discuss and review the security situation, following the terrorist attack on sacred Shrine of Data Gang Bakhsh.. The Prime Minister further assured that the federal government would extend full support and cooperation to all the provincial governments to fight the menace of terrorism. He further said that Pakistan Peoples’ Party is a coalition partner in all the provincial governments including Punjab and share the responsibility to eradicate terrorism from the soil of the country. Both the leaders also agreed that instead of criticizing each other all the political leaders of the country as well as the provincial governments need to think and closely share the information in order to prepare a comprehensive strategy to tackle such insane elements causing disruption in our society.  The collective thinking and joint actions would help strengthen the system to deliver and move forward towards development.