PR No. 14
PRESS RELEASE
Recognition of degrees of Chinese Medical Universities top priority: Masood Khan
Beijing: August 3, 2010Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan has said that Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and Ministry of Health are processing requests for expediting recognition of the degrees awarded by the Chinese medical universities says a press release received from Beijing here today.
Dalian Medical University and Zhengzhou Medical University have in the past one year made requests for recognition of their degrees. Pakistan’s Ministry of Health and PMDC are fully in picture about these requests.
Dalian Medical University ranks first among 30 medical universities which were authorized to enroll foreign students for MBBS course in English by the Chinese Education Ministry. Currently, nearly 400 Pakistani students are doing MBBS in the university.
Zhengzhou University is also a renowned university of academic excellence. The university has established credentials. The university houses more than 100 Pakistani students with some 400 students already graduated.
“Ministry of Health and PMDC had recognized the degrees of seven Chinese medical universities in July last year. The decision met the long standing demands of medical students in China”, said the Pakistan Ambassador.
The universities recognized by the PMDC included Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Medical University, Shanghai Medical University, Shanghai Second Medical University, School of Stomatology in Shanghai Second Medical University, School of Medicine in Xian Jiatong University and Xinjiang Medical University.
An increasing number of Pakistani students are getting enlisted in the Chinese universities. This trend is more prominent in students seeking to pursue medical studies. An excellent academic environment and state-of-the-art facilities are luring the students to the Chinese universities.
The fast improving academic standards and English medium of instruction is attracting Pakistani students towards Chinese universities. However, the main reason for this trend is the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and China.
“The President of Pakistan has directed that we increase the number of Pakistani students in China to 10,000. We are trying to meet that target”, said Masood Khan.
“Pakistani students are more comfortable studying in China due to the friendly and caring attitude of the Chinese universities”, the Ambassador said.
Currently, there are more than 5000 Pakistani students studying in various Chinese universities. With the increased focus of the government and the desire to have more Pakistani students enrolled in the Chinese universities, the number is bound to increase manifold in the coming years, he concluded.
PR No. 15
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER TELEPHONES MR ALTAF HUSSAIN
Islamabad: August 03, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani telephoned the Quaid of MQM, Mr Altaf Hussain today and both the leaders emphasized the need for maintaining peace in Karachi. Moreover, they agreed that at this juncture, the whole Nation should remain united to confront the challenges facing the country. They also urged the people to foil miscreants’ nefarious designs of disrupting the peace and creating division in our society.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Qazi Hussain Ahmed, leader of Jamat-i-Islami and exchanged views on the situation in Karachi. He extended complete support to help restoration of peace in the city. Both leaders agreed that short and long term measures need to be adopted to resolve the issue of law and order for ever in the province of Sindh especially in the urban centres.
PR No.16
PRESS RELEASE
CANCELLATION OF TRAVEL AGENCY LICENCE NO.ID-1182 OF M/S.AL-AIN TRAVEN & TOURS
Islamabad August 03, 2010Government of Pakistan has cancelled on the licence of M/s Manazil Al-Ain Travel & Tours ,Office No.4, Basement-72-C,Ahmad Arcade Plaza, Opp: Bilal Hospital, Sadiabad Road, Rawalpindi vide letter (No DTS-29(1473)/2008 With immediate effect. In a letter issued by the department on dated 26-07-2010 directed the M/s. Manazil Al-Ain Travel & Tours to close the Office and remove board/sign board with immediate effects.
PR No.17
PRESS RELEASE
BIJARANI CONDEMNS KILLING OF RAZA HAIDER
Islamabad: August 03, 2010Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has severely condemned killing of MQM MPA Raza Haider in Karachi yesterday. He said that the killing of Raza Haider is an attempt of starting a new wave of killing of innocent people of Karachi which could affect badly the law and order situation there.
While expressing his sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, in his condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
PR No.18
PRESS RELEASE
DR. BABAR AWAN MEETS PM
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that all the political forces have to demonstrate sagacity and maturity to face the situation arising out of recent floods across the country. Similarly, he added, the law and order situation in Karachi requires focused attention in the spirit of nationalism and reconciliation to defeat the enemies of the country.
He was talking to Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan during a meeting at PM’s House here this morning.
The Prime Minister said that after relief activities are over, a major task before the government would be reconstruction of the infrastructure destroyed by the floods. He said that national efforts would be required during the process of rehabilitation of these areas.
The Prime Minister said that Special Cabinet meeting has been convened tomorrow, the August 4, 2010 on a single point agenda to discuss the latest situation arising due to heavy rains and the flood in the country, and to devise a comprehensive strategy for the future course in this regard.
The Prime Minister, while deliberating upon the composition of Parliamentary Committee on appointment of Election Commission’s Members, directed the Law Minister to take all stakeholders into confidence in this regard.
Dr. Zaheerudding Babar Awan briefed the Prime Minister on the Accountability Law, the appointment of the Election Commission members and the composition of Parliamentary Committee on appointment of Election Commission members. He also briefed the Prime Minister on the latest situation of the flood affected areas which he visited recently.
PR No.19
PRESS RELEASE
“Nation Branding Conference in a Globalised World” Concludes Pakistan Needs Cooperation
and Help of West not Criticism – President Pak-German Council
Berlin: August 3, 2010.President of Pak-German Council for Culture and Democracy, Shahid Riaz Gondal has stated that Pakistan needs cooperation and help of the Western World at this critical moment of its fight against terrorism whereas some Western political leaders are criticizing against diplomatic norms just for petty interests. Mr. Gondal was addressing the participants of 4-day International Conference on Nation Branding in a Globalized world’s session dedicated to “National Branding and the case of Pakistan here today. He said that perceptions about Pakistan were usually characterized by lack of information and at best, by wrongly established stereotypes far away from reality. He lamented that the Western World always protected and promoted dictatorship in Pakistan while drum-beating for principles of democracy. Referring to the double standards of Western media, Mr. Gondal stated that there were 17 separatists movements in India, churches were burnt and a historical Mosque was demolished, Muslims were humiliated and killed in Indian Gujrat. Kashmir is bleeding and as per counts of some International Human Rights Organizations over seventy thousands Kashmiris have been killed during the last 20 years and the caste system in India totally negates human rights and respect for humanity but the Western Media always ignored these facts and talked about Youga, Bollywood and the like. He urged the youth of Western World to interact with the Pakistani youth as frequently as possible through various technological means like the Face Book as the Pakistani society is passing through a transitional period and it needs support and encouragement against faithless terrorists. While replying to a question about the Kashmir issue, Mr. Gondal said, being a German of Pakistani origin, my point of view will not be looked at objectively, it is, therefore, better to ask the people of Kashmir whether they are happy or they feel subjugated under the 2nd largest army of the world occupying their land. The world community should make arrangements to obtain the opinion of the Kashmiri people as per long outstanding United Nations Resolutions on this subject and respect their opinion what ever it will be, he added says a press release received from Berlin here today.
During the 4-day conference renowned Media Experts, Diplomats, Politicians and Intellectuals addressed the participants and threw light on the various aspects of the Nation Branding in the globalized world.
PR No.20
PRESS RELEASE
Indonesia to send relief goods for flood affectees
August 3, 2010The Indonesian government has made emergency arrangements in coordination with the Pakistan Mission in Jakarta to send a plane load of relief supplies for flood affectees in Pakistan says a press release received from Jakrata here today.
A team of 20 paramedics will precede the arrival of the relief goods including medicines, edibles, blankets and other necessary items. The team would stay in Pakistan for two weeks. Ambassador Sanaullah was informed about the relief measures by Mr. Soetrisno, Deputy Head of Emergency Mitigation, National Disaster Mitigation Agency(BNPB), Indonesia here Tuesday. The Indonesian government has set up a committee to oversee arrangements for dispatch of relief goods to Pakistan.
It may be added that earlier on Monday, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono issued special instructions to the concerned officials to assist the Pakistani brethren badly affected by massive floods in various parts of Pakistan.
PR No.21
PRESS RELEASE
PHA TO LAUNCH 3 JOINT VENTURE HOUSING SCHEMES SOON: KAKAR
Islamabad 03 August, 2010Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rahmatullah Kakar has said that Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) will launch three Joint Venture Housing schemes soon at Islamabad Karachi and Quetta at affordable costs. He said that launching of these housing projects would bring further impetus in the ongoing construction activities under Prime Minister Housing for all” programme.
The Minister was chairing a meeting of Pakistan Housing Authority (PHJA) to review the ongoing projects being undertaken by the organization in various cities here today.
The Minister said that overseas Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia have showed their keenness in the I-16 housing Scheme and informed him during his recent visit to that country on performing Umrah. They told that Pakistani Community would take full advantage of the housing scheme and would remit foreign exchange for acquiring housing units in I-16 sector under their allocated quota.
During the presentation to the Minister, Managing Director PHA Mohammad Ali Afridi informed that construction work of flats in G-10 and G-11 Sectors was in final stage and PHA was making endeavors to launch Kurri Road Housing Scheme as soon as possible. He told that work on the construction of flats in Karachi was also in full swing which would mitigate the shelter problem of the people of these areas to great extent
The meeting also discussed PHA financial and administrative matters. The Minister expressed satisfaction over the performance of the organization and said that PHA, Pak PWD, FGEHF and employees of the Ministry of Housing and Works would be accommodated in the housing Schemes according to their allocated quota.
Secretary Housing and Works Raja Muhammad Abbas and senior officials of PHA and the Ministry also attend the Meeting.
PR No.22
PRESS RELEASE
BIJARANI HOLDS MEETING WITH FERTILIZER INDUSTRY
Islamabad: August 03, 2010A meeting was held under the Chairmanship of the Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani on the request of the Fertilizer Industry here today to restore the gas curtailment now that the date of 31st July 2010 till which the gas cut had been announced had passed and the water situation had also improved.
The meeting decided that the gas curtailment needed to be revised and curtailment should end as per the announced schedule. It was agreed that action needed to be taken on temporarily diverting idle gas not likely to be used in the near future from Kandhkot and Mari deep to Guddu Power Plant immediately instead of curtailing the gas to the fertilizer industry. The Industry representatives also pointed out that by revamping Guddu the same amount of power could be generated with much less gas.
It was stressed that the Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) imports must be allowed to augment the countries gas reserves that were insufficient to meet the rising demand particularly now that the LNG prices were globally really low. The Industry was assured that the 2001 Fertilizer Policy that dedicated the Mari shallow field to fertilizer sector and the 2005 Gas Allocation Policy were being followed and it was reiterated that the government was committed to ensuring consistency in policy to facilitate the Industry. Another meeting will be convened next week when the Ministers of other stake holding Ministries would be available to meet the fertilizer sector representatives.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Industries and Production, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Gas, D.G. Gas, Additional Secretary MINFA, Adviser on Water and Power, Chief Fertilizer Cell, Planning Commission, and other concerned officers along with Fertilizer Industry representatives.
PR No.23
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, August 03, 2010A review meeting was held in Ministry of Environment Islamabad under the chairmanship of Addl. Secretary Environment Mr. Kamran Ali Qureshi. The meeting was attended by Director Industries (ITC), representatives of DCO Rawalpindi, Mines & Mineral Department Punjab and Enforcement Wing (CDA).
Matters pertaining to removal of stone crushers earlier came under discussion during the meeting of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi reviewed and representatives of concerned department briefed about up to date progress in this behalf.
It was decided in the meeting that being the focal person Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad with the coordination of all lined departments should initiate appropriate action for removal of all illegal stone crushers installed at Margalla Hills.
PR No.24
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, August 03, 2010Pakistan Environment and climate change outlook Inception Workshop would be held from August 04 to 05, 2010 in Islamabad. The event would be organized under the auspices of Ministry of Environment with the assistance of United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and University of Peshawar. Environmental experts would deliver speech on important topics during workshop.
PR No.25
PRESS RELEASE
President Zardari meets French Foreign Minister France and Pakistan to set up Joint Commission
Cooperation in food and agriculture, energy, intelligence sharing and flood relief assured
Islamabad 03, August 2010France and Pakistan today agreed to set up Joint Commission to undertake cooperative projects in areas of food and agriculture, economic development, security and training of nurses on a large scale for export to European and Middle Eastern countries. The meeting of the Joint Commission comprising of four representatives from each country from different areas will be held alternately in Islamabad and Paris with the first meeting to be held in Islamabad by October this year. France also agreed to expedite release of assistance committed under the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) initiative to help Pakistan in the relief and rehabilitation works in the wake of massive devastating floods in Pakistan says a press release received from Paris here today.
The decisions were taken when the French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner called on President Asif Ali Zardari in his hotel suite in Paris today. Those who attended the meeting included France ambassador in Islamabad and other senior French officials. From the Pakistan side those who attended the meting included Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Ambassador Shafkat Saeed, Secretary to the President and other senior officials.
Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that the President opened the conversation by reminding the French Foreign Minister of the promise France had made at the FoDP meeting and said that now that Pakistan had been hit hard by floods there was an urgent need to release the promised
assistance. We need to rebuild the damaged infrastructure that has been destroyed first by the war against militancy and now further by the torrential rains, the President said.
More than 1400 people have been killed in the Khyber Puktoonkhwah province alone and hundreds of villages swept aside in rains and the subsequent floods. The President informed the French Foreign Minister that billions had been lost and infrastructure massively destroyed that needed to be rebuilt on an urgent basis..
The President said that there was need for regular bilateral coordination between the foreign ministries of the two countries on important multilateral issues and called for assistance in flood relief and rehabilitation, setting up income generating projects, improving health and education in the tribal areas of Pakistan as well as opening of branches of French banks in Pakistan.
The President said that tribal areas of Pakistan were under-developed and parts of it were known to have sheltered the militants. There was an urgent need to embark upon a massive economic development program in these areas to create job opportunities for the jobless and frustrated youth and thereby wean them away from falling prey to the lures offered by militants, Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying.
The President said that one of the most practical ways of doing it was to create economic opportunity zones in the tribal areas and allow its manufactures exported freely to the markets of EU countries. This will create self-generating employment opportunities for the youth, he said.
The President said that being a signatory to important international human rights covenants and having lately also ratified the Convention Against Torture (CAT) on the one hand and having suffered huge material and human losses during the war against terror Pakistan on the other Pakistan more than qualified to be allowed market access by the EU countries. He urged France to take the lead in pleading with the EU greater market access to it.
President Zardari also reiterated Pakistan’s interest in a serious and substantive engagement in civil nuclear cooperation under the IAEA safeguards with France. Pakistan was faced with a serious energy crisis and it needed to explore and exploit all sources of energy including hydro, thermal, solar, wind and nuclear, the President said.
The President also called for setting up a research fund to facilitate scientific cooperation between the science institutions of the two countries and proposed enhancement of cultural exchanges between the two countries. In this context the President appreciated the holding of Gandhara Exhibition at the Guimet museum in Paris and a month of “Pakistan in Paris” covering a
vast number of cultural activities and thanked the French government for its support.
Proposing deeper engagement in economic and trade fields the President asked the French Foreign Minister to explore possibility of a debt swap arrangement. Bilateral debt to France totaling 2.3 billion dollars includes 845 million dollars ODA and 1.49 billion dollars of non-ODA assistance, the spokesperson said.
The President also raised the issue of travel advisories to French business representatives and said that the advisories and visa restriction impacted on Pakistani businesses and called for their review and relaxation.
Issues relating to the regional situation and Afghanistan also came under discussion during the meeting. The President underlined the need for greater cooperation in intelligence sharing between the two countries in the fight against militancy.
The President called for setting up of French bank branches in Pakistan to further boost trade and commerce.
The French Foreign Minister said that France deeply appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against militancy and that France will continue to support it in security and economic development areas. He said that France was keen to hold the first meeting of the Joint Commission before October this year and work out a practicable plan for assistance in various areas of economic development issues and security
PR No.26
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan welcomes Chinese assistance for flood victims in Pakistan: Masood Khan
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan has said the assistance of RMB 10 million provided by the Chinese government for the flood affected people of Pakistan is a timely gesture from a close friend and dear brother, for which we are extremely grateful to the people and Government of China says a press release received from China here today.
In the coming days, modalities for the relief assistance by China will be worked out.
Ambassador Masood Khan said that China has always stood by Pakistan in challenging situations. “The people of Pakistan are touched by Chinese people’s caring attitude and strong solidarity during these difficult times”, he said.
China’s Ministry of Commerce had earlier suggested that Chinese people and companies in Pakistan closely monitor the flood situation and take precautionary measures to protect their property.
Ambassador Masood Khan said that all national resources had been mobilized for rescue and relief operations. The armed forces of Pakistan, as well as civilian administration, were working hard for mitigating the sufferings of the people. Today, he said, Pakistan is also launching an appeal for international assistance.
PR No.27
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTRY ISSUES ENROLMENT CERTIFICATES TO REGISTERED HAJJ ORGANIZERS
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has
advised that the intending pilgrims, who are going to perform this religious obligation under the private scheme, to beware of fake agents and informed them that they should only contact the registered Hajj Group Organizerss having the certificates issued by the ministry. The Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday started issuing certificates to Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) aimed at protecting the intending pilgrims from fraudulent, operating under the guise of travel agents.He said this while addressing the participants of certificate distribution
ceremony here today. He said “The pilgrims must verify registration of HGOs and ask them to show certificates prior to signing any agreement with them.”He distributed 105 certificates among the Rawalpindi and Islamabad©based HGOs, while the same would soon be issued to the organizers operating in other parts of the country. This year, around 80,000 pilgrims would be sent to Saudi Arabia through 624 HGOs from across the country under the private Hajj scheme. The minister claimed that Hajj quota to HGOs has been distributed on merit basis and said he has announced to resign from the slot of minister, if any irregularity is proved in allocation of the quota, adding “I have made this announcement on floor of the House, in Senate today.” He said the ministry would request the Pakistan International Airlines to charge the air fare from HGOs as per the package given to the intending pilgrims under the government scheme. He said the Saudi authorities had advised the ministry to take operations of Umrah and Ziarat under its control so that faithful could be provided maximum facilities. The Minister said the ministry of law and justice has sent back the draft of Umrah and Ziarat act to the ministry of religious affairs after necessary vetting, which would be presented in the federal cabinet prior to table it in the parliament for approval.
He said aim behind this legislation is to keep check on activities of travel agents and make ensure transparency in the entire process.AJM/wh
PR No.28
PRESS RELEASE
ROUGH WEATHER PREVENTS PRIME MINISTER’S VISIT TO SWAT AND OBSTRUCT
HELICOPTER LANDING IN MIANWALI TO MEET FLOOD AFFECTED PEOPLE
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani could not land in Mianwali this afternoon and had to return back to Islamabad because of approaching rough weather system of thick clouds and gusty winds. The Prime Minister was supposed to visit and meet the flood affectees in Mianwali. However, the helicopter had to turn back a few miles away from the destination. He was accompanied by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Minister for Water & Power and Mr. Samsam Ali Bokhari Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Lt Gen (Retd) Nadeem Chairman NDMA. While coming back, the Prime Minister was able to take an aerial view of different Areas affected by heavy rains.
Earlier in the morning, the Prime Minister had to cancel his visit to the flood affected areas of Swat and Malakand because of bad weather. The Metrological Office informed that the entire route was covered with clouds and rough weather was expected later in the afternoon.
On return to Islamabad, the Prime Minister was briefed about the ongoing relief operations by the Chairman NDMA. He apprised that NDMA in collaboration with all the relevant Federal Ministries and Organizations including the armed forces is reaching out to the affected population despite broken roads and rough weather.
He informed that 35 helicopters in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, 10 in AJK andGilgit Baltistan and 15 in Punjab are constantly flying to rescue people stranded in flood water, as well as in distribution of provisions including food (ready to eat) and medicines to the displaced persons. The entire helicopter fleet of Pakistan Navy is on stand by position for any eventuality in the province of Sindh where flood water has started reaching, he mentioned. He also mentioned that 150 boats are engaged in relief operations in different areas of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Punjab. The next stage after relief, he said, would be early recovery of all the civic facilities and infrastructure. Other than mobilizing local resources, he added, special folding bridges are being procured fromUK to restore the communication network in different areas of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, AJ&K, and Punjab.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minister for Water and Power briefed the Prime Minister on the operation of major Dams and Barrages in the country. He also apprised him of the damage incurred to the power infrastructure due to heavy rains and floods.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to coordinate with the NDMA and MET Office and hold daily briefing for the media till the time the crisis is over. He also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold a special briefing in collaboration with NDMA for the Ambassadors of different countries and the heads of international Agencies based in Islamabad. He also directed the Chairman NDMA to keep him posted of the developments on a daily basis.
The Prime Minister observed that heavy rains and floods have caused great damage to the properties of the people as well as the entire infrastructure. The relief and assistance exercise, he said, would require contribution of all people who could extend any help. It is an enormous challenge, he said, but not greater than the courage and the will of the people. He expressed confidence that the Nation shall Insha Allah be able to face this challenge as it had demonstrated in the past.
The Prime Minister said while the Federal Government and all its organizations as well as the Provincial Governments would do everything possible, the civil society and social welfare organizations also need to extend a helping hand. On this occasion, he thanked the assistance assured by various countries like China, Australia, USA, Sri Lanka New Zealand, Germany, Japan,
UK and the United Nations.
The Prime Minister further said that the flood affectees should not consider themselves alone in this hour of distress, since the government is with them and trying to do everything possible to lessen their difficulties. He lauded their will power, patience and courage in facing such a big natural calamity.
The Prime Minister appreciated the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts being carried out by the armed forces, civil administration, NDMA, army helicopter pilots and sailors of Pakistan Navy. He also appreciated the endeavours of the officials of various federal government Ministries and organizations including WAPDA, NHA, and Health in restoration of various relevant facilities for the flood affected people.
PMMO/wh
PR No.29
PRESS RELEASE
SOPHISM IS A SUCCESSFUL TOOL TO COMBAT TERRORISM ---- Kazmi
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that Sophism is a strong and successful tool to combat terrorism. He said that Sufism always teaches respect of humanity, adding that peace is a basic and prime teaching of Sufism. He was of the opinion that proliferation of terrorism is happening because fundamentalism is getting roots strong in community, and to counter fundamentalism the tool, which world can use is Sufism. The Minister said that In fact the extremism and militancy are a ‘mindset’, which can be defeated by advocating the teachings and wisdom of the great Sufi saints and focusing on the teachings of peace, love and tolerance of Sufi saints in order to counter the militant mindset.
He made these observations as a chief guest in a Sophi Conference, jointly organised by International Islamic University Islamabad, Ministry of Human Rights and National Sophi Conference in honour of great sophi saint, Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) here today. Minister for Human Rights, Mr. Mumtaz Gillani, Minister for Railways, Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Vice Chancellor, International Islamic University, Dr. Anwaar Saddiqui, and large numbers of scholars were present on this occasion.
The Minister while paying great tribute to Lal Shahbaz Qalandar said that Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was a great preacher of Islam. He added that his thinking were beacon light for the followers as he taught to the masses peace and tranquillity and advocated for tolerance and inter-faith harmony. The Minister condemned in strong words the current wave of terrorism, adding that these terrorist acts earned bad name to Islam and ruined the soft image of Islam globally.
The Minister said that the current situation of peace especially in scenario of Pakistan is not so good and many fundamentalist are fully involved in all these activities which are deteriorating the peace in the region. He stressed that the peoples must promote Sufism and should learn lesson of peace and harmony from the teaching of Sufism as the entire philosophy of Sufism revolves around the “purification of the soul” and creating an environment where individuals do not try to impose close-minded versions of religion upon the masses. So Sufism believes that their teachings can help states to resist terrorism and extremism in their respective areas, he maintained. Minister for Railways, Minister for Human Rights and VC IIUI, also spoke and paid great tributes to sophi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. They stressed the need that people must follow his teachings for revival of humanity.
AJM/wh
PR No.30
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 3, 2010Acting President Mr. Farooq H. Naik would visit Kalabagh area and other flood affected areas to witness relief and rescue operations that are being undertaken for the affectees who have been hit by devastation caused by floods and torrential rains.
President Asif Ali Zardari who is currently on his visit to France and Britain has called upon the international community for massive assistance and support for Pakistani people to meet the challenges caused by the recent situation. On the other hand, he has directed all concerned departments in Pakistan to undertake concerted efforts in providing relief to the affected people. The President in his message to the Party workers and leaders has called for undertaking organized rescue and relief missions and setting up emergency medical and relief centers to help alleviate the sufferings of the flood affected people.
The President in his meeting with the French Foreign minister urged for early release of the promised assistance under the Friends of Democratic Pakistan. The President in his meeting emphasized that Pakistan needs to rebuild the damaged infrastructure that has been destroyed first by the war against militancy and now further by the torrential rains. The French government agreed to expedite release of assistance committed under the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) initiative to help Pakistan in the relief and rehabilitation works in the wake of massive devastating floods in Pakistan.
The recent rains and resultant floods have caused a great havoc in Pakistan. More than 1400 people have been killed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone and hundreds of villages swept aside in rains and the subsequent floods. The situation has further been compounded by floodwaters washing out roads, highways and bridges thus making relief efforts even more difficult.
During his visit, the Acting President would visit areas adjacent to Kalabagh areas and witness the rescue and relief operations. He would also visit Guddo and Sukkhar barrage areas.SAK/wh