PR. No. 45
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER CONDOLES THE DEATH
OF FATHER OF MR. NOOR ALAM, MNA
Islamabad: September 3, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his sorrow and grief over the sad demise of the father of Mr. Noor Alam, MNA from Peshawar.
Prime Minister rang up Mr. Noor Alam this morning to condole the death of his father. In his condolence message the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the members of bereaved family. The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the members of the family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. Ameen!
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 46
PRESS RELEASE
House Business Advisory Committee Meets
Islamabad: September 3, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly in Parliament House to discuss the business of the House for 24th Session of the National Assembly starting today.
After thorough discussion, it was decided that session would continue till Saturday i.e. 4th September, 2010 and discussion will be held on the situation arisen due to massive destruction caused by floods in different parts of the country. It was also decided that the Rules will be suspended and no other business will be taken up in order to facilitate maximum number of MNAs to participate in the discussion floods situation in the country.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker, Faisal Karim Kundi, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Minister for Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mrs. Jamila Gilani, Maulana Muhammad Qasim, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Ch. Barjees Tahir, Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch., Sheikh Aftab Ahmed and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
**MT/Ahmad**
PR. No. 47
PRESS RELEASE
MoNC declared No Smoking Ministry
Islamabad: September 3, 2010Ministry of Narcotics has been declared as smoking free ministry. The decision has been taken by Secretary Narcotics Control Tariq Masood Khosa during weekly performance meeting. It has been decided that neither any official nor visitors would be allowed to smoke in the premises of ministry. He also said that it would be strictly ensured that everyone complies with it. The smoking free policy was developed with consultation with the staff of ministry. Narcotics Control Ministry sets precedent for other government institution to follow the same.
Recently Narcotics Control Ministry has taken various unique steps to curb drug menace like to arrange the special courses for madrassa students and religious teachers with collaboration of Ministry of Religious Affairs and develop Curriculum against Drug use. Moreover the implementation of new Anti-Narcotics policy has been taken place with true spirit.
**MI/Ahmad**
PR. No. 48
PRESS RELEASE
SECRETARY GENERAL UAE RED CRESCENT MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 03, 2010Mr Muhammad Khalifa Al-Qamzi, Secretary General, Red Crescent of UAE who alongwith UAE Ambassador and Deputy Secretary General of UAE Red Crescent called on the Prime Minister at PM’s House here this morning .
He conveyed the message of his President and Prime Minister that the UAE will standby the government and people of Pakistan till the end of rehabilitation of flood affectees and reconstruction of the devastated physical, social and medical infrastructure damaged in the floods.
Mr Al-Qamzi apprised the Prime Minister that UAE Government appreciates his launching of National Health Emergency Preparedness Response for the flood affectees and will help the Government of Pakistan in its successful implementation as much as possible. He apprised the Prime Minister that UAE Government has already contributed US$ 25 million for flood victims in Pakistan. Besides this, he added that President of UAE had made appeal to the people of UAE to help their Pakistan brethren in distress and substantial donations were being made to the President’s Relief Fund for Pakistan. Five planes of relief goods, he mentioned have already been sent to Pakistan and more were expected to reach Pakistan in the next few days. A mobile hospital and two UAE medical teams were already operating in Pakistan whereas another mobile hospital would be reaching Pakistan in next week. The medical mission had so far vaccinated 600,000 vulnerable children and women in flood affected areas and would be expanding its vaccination and immunization outreach in the coming days.
The Prime Minister apprised him of the details of his National Rehabilitation Programme, his government’s plans to provide medical care to the effectees and the enthusiastic response that was received from the doctors all over Pakistan to join in helping the ailing among the affected people. While appreciating UAE’s generous assistance and pledge to help Pakistan till the end of rehabilitation and reconstruction phases, the Prime Minister suggested that since at present UAE relief efforts were focused on provision of medical care and health facilities these efforts be coordinated with the National Emergency Health Preparedness Centres prepared by his government at the PIMS Hospital, Islamabad .The NEHPC have exact knowledge of the requirements of every kind of medicines and hospitals in each affected area of the 79 flood hit districts.
The Prime Minister issued instructions that UAE Red Crescent teams may visit to the NEHPC Centre for a proper briefing regarding the needs of flood affected areas. The Prime Minister also highlighted the need for tents to provide immediate shelter to the people who were living out in the open and hoped that the UAE government would extend help to meet these requirements.
PR. No. 49
PRESS RELEASE
. Pakistan and Malaysia sign MOU to Forge Cooperation in Halal Sector
Islamabad 3rd September, 2010The Penang International Halal Hub (PIHH)of Malaysia and Sindh Board of Investment (SBI)of Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to widen Halal Industry in Pakistan, says a press release received here today.
The agreement was signed by Haji Abdul Malik Kassim, State Minister / Chairman International Halal Hub of Penang, Malaysia and Mohammad Younus Dagha, Secretary Investment / Director General, Board of Investment Sindh, Pakistan, in Karachi, recently.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid while commenting on the MOU in Kuala Lumpur today, termed the Signing of MOU a step in the right direction and hoped that the complementary competencies of Pakistan and Malaysia in Halal sector would certainly be a win win situation for both the countries and would help them to jointly capture the multi trillion dollar halal market.
He said that under the MOU, delegation of PIHH will visit Karachi this month (September 2010) to identify suitable area to develop Halal. Park near Karachi, to assist SBI to identify suitable developer for such Park and to look into the possibility of relocation / expansion of Malaysian Halal industry to the proposed Halal Park, besides chalking out a strategy to market the facility to Pakistani and Malaysian investors.
While elaborating different provisions of the MOU, the High Commissioner said that under the MOU, PIHH and SBI have agreed to jointly hold international Halal Conference at Karachi in December, 2010 and will mutually work out the modalities/sources of financing on the Conference, whereas, PIHH have agreed to play a pivotal role in attracting international participation in the proposed conference.
Mr. Masood said that PIHH have also agreed to assist the Government of Sindh to develop a framework of certification and regulation mechanism, particularly in the areas of nine Halal clusters such as Logistics, Agro based life sciences , R&D, Finance, Hospitality, Tourism, Human Capital and Marketing to make up a holistic and integrated halal supply chain.
Both the parties have agreed to develop institutions for development of Halal audit and certification procedures to ensure the integrity of Halal products.
They will also work jointly to create a mechanism for capacity Building for Halal producers and related services providers, and have agreed to create awareness and facilitation of Pakistani companies’ participation in the global halal market, he added
Penang International Halal Hub, a Penang State Government organization is responsible for development of Halal industry in Penang. Sindh Board of Investment is the primary investment Promotion Agency of the Government of Sindh, Pakistan
The MOU was signed during the visit of Minister of Islamic Religious Affairs of Penang State government Haji Abdul Malik Kassim to Pakistan from 8th to 12th August, 2010.
During his stay in Pakistan, the Minister also held bilateral talks with the Secretary, Live Stock, Dairy Development, Punjab, visited University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore and Zenith Associates, a private company of Pakistan dealing in process and exporting of Halal meat.
He was the chief guest at a Seminar on Zakat at Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan and attended an international Conference and Expo on Halal Industry held on 9th of August 2010 at Expo Centre Lahore.
PR. No. 50
Press Release
Environment Minister Seeks Youngsters
To Face Environmental Challenges
Islamabad, September 3, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that proper concentration on environmental issues in need of time to save Pakistan from the harmful effects of global warming and climate change. Every citizen has to bring change in the behavior. There is also need to launch awareness campaigns at national level to save water and energy resources. He also said that Youth of Pakistan is major Human Resource and Prosperous Future of the nation. Environment Ministry is focusing to aware new generation from environmental issues so that young generation may able to face challenges of environmental degradation.
Environment Minister expressed these views while talking to the students of environmental sciences from different educational institutions, who called on him here today. He said that Ministry of Environment is keeping eye on environmental changes and their impacts on Pakistan. Likewise a comprehensive policy draft is being made in light of environmental changes with consultation of related experts and stakeholders so that concrete measures may be taken to cope up the environmental degradation effects in future.
While talking to the students, Minister said that coming generation of Pakistan is our prosperous future and they are being involved in national level programs and other awareness activities.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi further said that every person in Pakistan is being suffered from severe affects of global warming and climate change however, there is need to made individual efforts to tackle climate change effects. While expressing deep concern over global warming, environment Minister told that misuse of water and other natural resources, rapid cutting of forests and usage of hazardous chemicals are matters of worry and broad based measures are needed to be taken to save this earth from such climate degradation effects. He urged the students to come forward and play their role with Ministry of Environment to combat environmental crisis so that our dream to make Pakistan green make come true. He also urged to bring change in their behaviors so that environment friendly activities may be generated.
Students of Environment Sciences lauded the efforts of Ministry of Environment at national and international level to highlight environmental issues. Students expressed their full support for Environment Ministry to achieve proposed aims and targets.
PR. No. 51
PRESS RELEASE
PM MET PARLIAMENTARIANS
Islamabad: September 3, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said flood affectees return to their homes is the top priority of the Government and accordingly a national policy is being worked out in collaboration with all stakeholders. He said that reconstruction operations would be started without wasting any time.
The Prime Minister was talking to Ministers and MNAs who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister urged the Ministers and the public representatives to personally visit the affected areas and participate actively in updation damages assessment. He said that their role is very important keeping in view the fact that the assistance could reach to the genuine affectees thus maximizing the transparency and efficiency.
Apprising about the damages done by the ravaging floods and the measures taken by the Government, the Prime Minister said that world has acknowledged this a major catastrophe and they are extending a helping hand to Pakistan. He added that the government has successfully. Sensitized Pakistani public and the world community to come forth with generous assistance for flood affectees..
The Prime Minister cautioned that the calamity is not yet over and we are still in the middle of the disaster, therefore the entire nation need to stand united to overcome the serious situation as it is a question of survival of millions.
The Ministers and MNAs briefed the Prime Minister about the relief activities and the latest situation in their respective areas. They also apprised him about the requirements of the flood affectees.
The Ministers included, Mr. Ijaz Jakrani, Mos Information Mr. Samsam Bukhar, Parliamentary Secretary Information, Mr. Azeem Dautana, MNAs, Ms. Rubina Qaim Khani, Ejaz Malik, Mohsin Gilani, Mr. Munir Orakzai, Mr. Mozzam Jatoi, Mr. Jamshed Dasti, Mr. Raza Hayat Haraj and khurram Jahangir Watto.
PR. No. 52
PRESS RELEASE
LARGE-SCALE RESPONSE TO INCREASED WATER-BORNE DISEASE CASES,
INCLUDING CHOLERA, OCCURRING IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad: September 3, 2010Pakistan’s flood crisis has displaced millions of people and severely damaged health, water and sanitation infrastructure, in turn increasing the risk of water-borne diseases circulating in the community, including cholera, and generating a large-scale campaign to respond to the health crisis.
From 29 July-30 August, 592,315 cases of acute diarrhoea have been recorded as being treated in health facilities, representing 13% of the 4.4 million people treated for a variety of health conditions during this crisis. On 30 August alone, 32,354 cases of acute diarrhoea were recorded by hospitals in flood-affected districts, representing 18% of the 179,697 consultations recorded that day.
Among this number is 51 people who have contracted Vibrio Cholera 01 Ogawa as confirmed by Pakistan ‘s National Institute of Health. These cases have been scattered over a wide geographical area in the flood-affected provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It is imperative that all efforts are taken to protect the health of flood-affected people who have begun returning to their homes, where damaged health infrastructure, presence of polluted water sources and compromised hygiene and sanitation standards will place them at much greater risk of contracting disease, according to the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization.
These diarrhoeal disease and cholera cases have emerged in an environment where cholera is in a persistent and low-level of transmission and during an emergency that is unprecedented in scale, which has exposed millions of people to unsafe health, hygiene and sanitation conditions. Safe water supplies are limited and flood-affected people are at greater risk of exposure and more vulnerable to water-borne diseases, including cholera. Sustained human-to-human transmission has not yet so far been detected.
A massive effort has already been launched across the vast flood-affected areas of Pakistan to respond the health threats posed by diarrhoeal diseases and other communicable diseases associated with unsafe water, poor sanitary and hygienic conditions.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization and local and international partners are collaborating closely to prevent outbreaks of any disease, including cholera, and treat people affected by such illnesses. More than 60 diarrhoeal treatment centres are either operating or are soon to start functioning in the 46 most affected districts of the country. Further diarrhoea treatment centres are to be established.
Key response actions taken by the Ministry of Health and international and local health partners include:
Increasing access to care with diarrhoea treatment cetnres.
Strengthening case management of diarrhoea,including deployment of international experts.
Working with partners within the Water and Sanitation Cluster (WASH) to improve access to safe clean drinking water, appropriate hygiene and sanitation conditions.
Strengthening surveillance to understand the changing epidemiology and to use this information to guide the response.
WHO has delivered materials, including oral rehydration solution, IV fluids and antibiotics that can treat 135,000 cases of severe and moderate.
Federal health authorities have circulated guidelines on diarrhoeal disease case management to all provincial departments of health.
Pakistan has annual increases in diarrheal disease transmission during the rainy season. As a result of flooding there currently is heightened transmission of diarrheal diseases, including cholera, occurring in many flood affected areas.
Cholera is a highly contagious, yet self limiting disease, and most people who contract it will recover without treatment. People suffering from cholera can demonstrate a variety of symptoms. This ranges from severe symptoms, which include sudden onset diarrhoea and vomiting, followed by dehydration, after which they may go into shock and subsequent rapid death. Mild forms of cholera can include loose stool motions, infrequent vomiting and abdominal discomfort, and may not require treatment.
Treatment of diarrhoeal diseases, such as cholera, varies from use of oral rehydration solution for people suffering a mild form of the illness, to administering I.V. fluids and antibiotics to the more severe cases. ENDS.
PR. No. 53
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT MEETS KARACHI BUSINESS COMMUNITY
CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS BY ALL TO MEET THE RAVAGES OF FLOODS
Islamabad: September 3, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Friday called upon the business community of Karachi to generously contribute to the flood relief measures particularly in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure.
This he said during his meeting with the representatives of industries and Chambers of Commerce and Industries in Bilawal House Karachi. The meeting was also attended by Information Advisor Sindh Jameel Soomro, secretar information ppp Fouzia Wahab,secretary general to President Salman Farooqi, Spokesperson Farhatullah Babarand high ranking government officials.
The businessmen who attended the meeting included S.M. Munir, Bashir Muhammad Ali, Mian Zahid Hassan, Mirza Ikhtiar Beg, Ahmad Chinoy, Razzaq Paracha, Farooq Dadiand Masood Naqi among others.
The President said such floods had never occurred in the country in the past and were unprecedented in terms of loss of life property livestock and damage to the infrastructure. He said that the devastation caused by floods was unprecedented as nearly 17 million have been adversely affected, about one million houses washed out, 1800 kilometers of highways destroyed besides hugeher damage to other infrastructure
Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying that no government and no institution of the state can undertake the rehabilitation and reconstruction task on its own and every segment of the society- be it the business community, the NGOs, the civil society, philanthropists and the private sector need to do their bit to salvage the situation.
The President said that the government realized that aid alone will not go far in addressing the huge problem and added, “We are asking the world community to help Pakistan with trade facilitation rather than with aid and dole outs”.He said that the destruction of nearly one million houses in floods means that nearly six million people will be without shelter for quite some time. “This is a most disturbing situation and we have to address the issue of reconstruction of the houses on top priority”.
It is a long haul the President said and called upon the entire nation and the international community to assist the country in this time of acute distress.
Urging the business community to extend a helping hand he said that the challenge was too big and the disaster too widespread for the government alone to handle it. With nearly one fifth of the country under water the scale and extent of the devastation will send shudders down the spine of any one, he said.
The President said that the calamity also offered the nation an opportunity to rebuild its infrastructure, reclaim the rivers and make concerted efforts whereby the flood waters could be diverted to deserts for long term storage for use in the future.
No matter what it takes we will rebuild the devastated infrastructure and rebuild the damaged houses and endeavor that the people started their normal lives at the earliest, the President said. He said that the government plans to build new settlements, towns and villages in different parts of the country where existing houses had been washed by floods.
The President appreciated the contribution of the business community in the relief activities in the flood affected areas and hoped they will continue their efforts in the rehabilitation phase as well.
The participants apprised the president about the relief works undertaken so far by their respective organizations and chambers and assured that they will not abandon their fellow country men in distress. They also offered suggestions to help the business and industry cope up with the losses and to rejuvenate this sector to play its role in reconstruction phase and for economic development of the country. The President said their suggestions will be forwarded to the government for consideration.
The President also mentioned how the international community had come forward to assist Pakistan and said that the government deeply appreciated the assistance rendered by the UN, the World Bank, ADB, International financial institutions and individual countries including US, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, France, UK Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, UAE, Canada and others for their moral and material support. But the world needs to do more, he said, adding the best way to help Pakistan in this hour of distress is to lift ban on its goods from entering markets of the US and EU. He assured the business community that govt will pursue the issue of access to markets and trade facilitation as single point agenda. He said the Foreign Minister had been directed to brief the forthcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Sept 11 and press Pakistans case for market access. Farhatullah Babar quoted President as saying that a donors conference has been planned to be soon held in Islamabad on the platform of Pakistan development forum at which this issue will also be raised.
PR. No. 54
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: September 3, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his satisfaction over the generous contribution from the Pakistanis here and abroad towards Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. He appreciated the spirit of the people to extend full cooperation in mitigating the sufferings of their brethren in flood hit areas.
The Prime Minister observed these views while talking to Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour & Manpower who called on him in his Chamber at Parliament House and presented two cheques amounting to Rs one billion each to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund contributed by Employees Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) and Workers Welfare Fund (WWF).
Advisor Planning Commission, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed and Director SZABIST, Syed Asad Hussain also presented cheques of Rs 5 lacs and Rs 11 lacs respectively for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund contributed by the Pakistan Academy of Science and SZABIST.
The Prime Minister remarked that generous contributions were need of the hour which helped the government to intensify its efforts for the rescue and relief activities in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to use all available resources in the phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction for the flood affected people.
On the occasion, the Labour Minister Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah also apprised the Prime Minister on the details of various relief activities by his Ministry.
PR. No. 55
PRESS RELEASE
US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 3, 2010The US administration as well as Congress strongly desire for continuation and strengthening of democracy in Pakistan and believe that its relationship with Pakistan is absolutely grounded on civilian and constitution based set up.
This was stated by US Congressman Mr Jim Marshall and four of his colleagues who were part of US Congressional delegation which met the Prime Minister in his Parliament House’s chamber here this afternoon.
They informed the Prime Minister that during their meeting with the Chief of the Army Staff earlier in the day, they had highlighted these US sentiments. The Congress delegation appreciated the role of Pakistan armed forces in the relief and rescue operation in the floods and in the war against terror. They assured the Prime Minister of USA’s support for establishing civilian institutions and building their capacity for disaster management and relief activities so that they can play a proactive role in any such eventuality.
The Prime Minister appreciated President Obama, his administration and US Congress’ support for standing by the government and people of Pakistan in coping with the massive challenges posed by the floods, war against terror and efforts to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country. He apprised the US delegation that the brave and resilient Nation of Pakistan stood united to meet these challenges and the Parliament is expected to pass a Resolution to exhibit unity against any move to derail the democracy.
The Prime Minister while acknowledging US government and armed forces’ valuable support to his government’s efforts for rescuing the precious lives of people stranded in floods, hoped that US will continue to assist Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. He apprised the US Congress delegation of the colossal devastation caused by this natural calamity and stated that his government is in the process of establishing an Oversight Council to ensure complete transparency in utilization of assistance generated locally as well as from abroad. He said that the meeting of the Council of Common Interest is scheduled in the beginning of the next week to bring all the stakeholders on board to devise a national plan for rehabilitation and reconstruction which would further establish confidence of the people in the whole exercise.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and US already have close strategic relations and desire to further enhance the bilateral ties in multi-faceted fields. He reiterated his government’s resolve to keep pursuing the war against terror for the safety of Pakistan as well as the world at large.
The Prime Minister also said that his government despite the difficult economic situation would continue its economic reform programme, would broaden the tax base, accelerate the process of privatization and take required difficult decisions to provide indigenous strength to the national economy. However, Pakistan alone nonetheless cannot cope with the magnitude and scale of efforts required for reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood affected areas and hope that important countries like US would play their due role in generating the sources in this regard.
The leader of the US Congressional delegation Mr. Jim Marshall termed the devastation caused by the flood as overwhelming and mind boggling which he said required huge mobilization of resources for reconstruction efforts. The delegation lauded the Prime Minister and his government’s commitment to the IMF programme and the required economic reform and assured him that they will try their utmost for enhancing US Congress full support to Pakistan in this time of need. While appreciating Pakistan’ s role in war against terror said that the Pak-US relations will go beyond the war against terror.
The delegation members included Representatives Jane Harman, Peter Welech, Charies Dent and Cythia Lummis.
Minister for Interior Senator A Rehman Malik, Minister for Water & Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretaries Defence and Foreign Affairs and senior officers were present in the meeting.
PR. No. 56
CLARIFICATION
Karachi, September 03,2010A section of the media reporting President Zardaris meeting with some Karachi based journalists in Bilawal House today have attributed some remarks to the President about MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
Clarifying Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that a number of pointed questions were asked from the President about Altaf Hussains recent utterances. The President however refused to be drawn into the controversy and time and again reiterated that he would not like to comment on it. Any remarks about Altaf Hussain attributed to the President other than that he declined to comment are therefore not correct and quoted out of context, Farhatullah Babar said.
PR. No. 57
PRESS RELEASE
IRANIAN INTERIOR MINISTER AND SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 3rd, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the brave and resilient nation of Pakistan stands fully united in the face of colossal natural calamity which has hit Pakistan in the shape of massive floods and he is confident that with their unity, this enormous challenge can be converted in to an opportunity for rebuilding and reconstructing the damaged national assets as well as the national economy.
He was talking to Minister of Interior Mostafa Najar who along with Special Representative of the Supreme Leader of Iran and other members of his delegation, called on the Prime Minister at his Chamber in the National Assembly Secretariat, this afternoon.
Prime Minister expressed his profound gratitude, for the personal appeals of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and President Ahmadinejad to mobilize Iranian people for donations for Pakistan’s flood affectees and for the assistance rendered by Iranian Government and its people, so far.
Prime Minister apprised the Iranian delegation of the details of damages and destruction caused by the floods and said that while his government is mobilizing every possible resource at its disposal for the rescue, relief and immediate recovery efforts, no country how so ever developed it might be, can cope with such a huge challenge by itself. His government, he said, hence is seeking assistance of international community particularly for the rehabilitation and long term reconstruction phases. Prime Minister hoped that important countries and friends of Pakistan will wholeheartedly coming forward in a big way and stand by Pakistan, in these difficult times.
Prime Minister said that Pakistan attached great importance to the traditionally cordial and fraternal ties with Iran and is keen to extend the existing bilateral relations and cooperation in diverse fields, to the higher levels.
The Minister of Interior of Iran conveyed the profound condolences and sympathies of the Supreme Leader and President of Iran and informed the Prime Minister of the efforts undertaken by Iran’s leadership for helping Pakistan. He said that so far seven plane and four truck loads of relief goods including tents, blankets, medicines and food items have been dispatched to Pakistan through Iran’s Red Crescent Society. He said that several more special flights carrying the assistance were being scheduled and his government was planning to set up one field hospital each in the flood affected areas of KPK, Punjab and Sindh to provide medical care to flood victims.
He also underlined that it was for the first time that in deference to the request of Prime Minister, the clergy of Qom and all the Ayatollahs of Iran had decided with consensus to contribute 1/3rd khomas funds for the flood affectees of Pakistan. He said that with these funds and with the funds generated through the personal appeal made by the Iranian leadership, additional substantial relief assistance from his country would be on its way to Pakistan in the coming days. He further assured the Prime Minister that his government and people will not leave their Pakistani brethren alone in the recovery, rehabilitation and long term reconstruction phases.
The Interior Minister of Iran delivered an invitation from the First Iranian Vice President Mr. Rahimi to the Prime Minister for undertaking an official visit to Iran at a mutually convenient time. Prime Minister accepted the invitation with thanks and stated that its time frame would be coordinated by the two Foreign Ministries. He asked the Iranian Minister to convey his gratitude for the assistance rendered or planned for Pakistan as well as his best wishes to the Iranian Supreme Leader and President Ahmadinejad.
