PR No. 27
Press release
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Pakistan and Indonesia signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in November 2005 on the occasion of the visit of the President of Indonesia to Pakistan. Under the provisions of CEPA, in 2006, both countries commenced negotiations to conclude a Preferential Trade Agreement. The Agreement would ultimately create a Free Trade Area between the two countries. Both countries successfully concluded the negotiations process during the 8th round of negotiations held on 16th September, 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Under the Agreement, Indonesia agreed to offer market access to Pakistan on 221 tariff lines of on preferential rate. The Indonesian offer list include the products of export interest of Pakistan including fresh fruits, cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, readymade garments, fans (ceiling, table, pedestal) sports goods (badminton and lawn tennis rackets), leather goods and other industrial products.
Indonesia also offered market access to Kino from Pakistan at 0% which will provide a level playing field to this product in the Indonesian market.
Pakistans offer list to Indonesia under the Agreement includes a total of 288 tariff lines for market access at preferential tariff.
Pakistan also agreed to offer to provide the same treatment on Palm Oil products from Indonesia as provided to Malaysia under Pak-Malaysia FTA. It means Pakistan will import palm oil from Indonesia @ 15% Margin of Preference (MoP) rate.
Pakistan has been importing palm oil and its products from Malaysia and Indonesia. The preferential market access provided by Pakistan to Indonesian palm products will have a positive impact on the overall economy of the country. It is expected that this will result in saving approximately US$ 300 million of foreign exchange of Pakistan. It will also help in decreasing the prices of vegetable ghee, cooking oil etc in the country which are going beyond the reach of common man and will create competition in the market which will discourage monopolistic trends.
The Cabinet in its meeting held on 2nd November, 2011 approved the signing and ratification of the PTA between the two countries. The Preferential Trade Agreement will be signed by the Commerce Ministers of both countries at a date and venue to be agreed through diplomatic channels. The Agreement shall enter into force 30 days after the date on which the Parties exchange written notifications for completion of their respective legal procedures.
PR No. 28
Press release
Pakistan re-elected to UNESCO Executive Board with clean slate
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Pakistan was re-elected as member of UNESCO Executive Board with a clean slate here this afternoon. The other countries elected from Asia-Pacific Group are Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan. Pakistan secured 156 votes out of a total of 186. Five countries abstained while twenty-five votes were declared invalid. No vote was cast against Pakistan, says a press release received here today from Paris.
Pakistans re-election to the membership of UNESCO Executive Board is being seen as historic because it took fifty more votes than the number of votes it secured during its last election in the year 2007. It is the highest number of votes Pakistan has secured since 1999. The increase in popularity of Pakistan in UNESCO ranks is being seen as an acknowledgement of Pakistans principled and strong stand on various issues. This year Pakistan was able to secure Arab votes because of its active and effective role on the question of admission of Palestine to the UNESCO. Strong and effective representation of Pakistan by Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, the chairperson of UNESCO Programs and External Relations Committee, also played very important role in securing higher position in terms of votes. The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris also undertook an extensive lobbying campaign before the elections.
Pakistans re-election to the Executive Board with overwhelming support coupled with its recent election to UN Security Council as non-permanent member has enhanced its prestige and influence at International fora and has added to the strength to its voice among the comity of Nations. It is also an acknowledgement of Pakistans principled stand on International issues. These are few of the fruits of democracy at home.
PR No. 29
Press release
Board of Directors of National ICT R&D Fund Approves Project of National Significance
Islamabad: November 03, 2011The 20th board meeting of the National ICT R&D Fund was held in Ministry of Information Technology Islamabad. The board reviewed the progress of the ongoing projects of the Fund and approved three new projects under the directions of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani namely ; National ICT Research Outreach Program, National Grassroots ICT Research Initiative and National ICT Research awards.
The projects are aimed to spur ICT R&D across all over the country and to promote ICT research culture at the grassroots level through incentives for young researchers with special focus on the Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
These projects will not only enhance the pace of ICT research in the country but they will be helpful in inculcating quality research. Moreover along with creating job opportunities for university students, these projects will contribute in transforming Pakistans economy in to knowledge based economy through promotion of innovation centric ICT research.
PR No. 30
Press release
FODP TEAM MEETS DR. SHAIKH
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Ambassadors of United States, Germany, Japan and High Commissioner of United Kingdom, members of the friends of democratic Pakistan met with the federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh here this morning in Islamabad.
While talking to them the Finance Minister said that the Present democratic government attaches tremendous importance to the resolution of the energy issue in the country as energy is related to the overall security and the democratic set up in the country. He said that with a coordinated effort of line ministries we have formulated an energy sector recovery programme. He said that in a broader sense certain aspect of the energy issue is related to economy and social development and ultimately to the democratic set up in Pakistan. He also apprised the FODP team of economic reforms in the realm of macro-economic stability framework, with main focus on the Energy Sector recovery programme.
The Ambassadors of the FODP countries and the Finance Minister were unanimous about the nature of FODP as a political forum not a donor club having any economic agenda, and their discussions thus went on to discuss measures to strengthen bonds of cooperations between FODP and democratic Pakistan, and they maintained that strong Pakistan meant a democratic Pakistan. The Minister asserted that the FODP should focus on terrorism which is variably and invariably hampering the economic development of the country.
The Finance Minister apprised the diplomats of the steps taken by the government for upgrading the level of development in the province of Balochistan, which included, the doubling of the funds, allocation of more resources and recruitment of youth in the public sector organization and government departments, and he highlighted the educational programme also going there.
To keep a perpetual liaison between the diplomat based in Islamabad of FODP countries and Pakistan, the meeting concluded on the formation of a committee comprising representatives of Ministry of Commerce, Water & Power, Planning Commission, Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs Division. This committee shell review the progress and achievements and status of the implementation of reports.
PR No. 31
Press release
MINISTRY NOTIFIES GENCO HOLDING COMPANY AND CENTRAL POWER PURCHASING AGENCY
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Ministry of Water and Power has notified creation of Genco Holding Company and name of its board of directors. In the same time the Ministry has also issued notification for board members of the Central Power Purchasing Company (CPPA).
Members of Genco Holding Company include Mr. Ali Jameel, Mr. Amir Qawi, Mr Asad Umar, Mr. Khursheed Jamali, Mr. Kamran Mirza, Mr. Zargham Ishaq Khan, Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Mr. Naveed Allauddin, Mr. Pervaiz Khan, and Mr. Razaq Dawood. The Genco Holding Company will look the affairs of all the four generation companies. Their previous boards have been de-notified after creation of the new Genco Holding Company.
The Members of the CPPA board include Mr. Imtiaz Kazi, Secretary Water and Power, Mr. Rasul Khan Mehsur, MD, NTDC, Haji Bashir Ahmed, Chairman Sitara Group, Mr. Iftikharul Haq, Engineering Consultant and Member Board of Privatization Commission, Mr. Aftab Mehmood Butt, CEO, KAPCO, Dr. Khaqan Hassan Najeed, Director General (ERU), Ministry of Finance, Mr. Muhammad Akram Arian, CEO, GENCO-I, Jamshoro, Mr. Muhammad Wali, CEO, Pesco, Peshawar, CEO, CPPA and Mr. Sohail Wajahat Siddiqui, CEO, Simens, Karachi.
The Ministry has also notified constitution of board directors of Sukkur Electric Power Company. The names include Mr Asif Soomro, Mr. Hamid Ali Khan, Additional Secretary (MOWP), Mr. Imran Bakhsh Sheikh, Agriculturist, Mr. Neelofer Sheikh, VC Khairpur University, President of Sukkur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Mr. Shabbier Bijrani, Mr. Nisar Siddiqui, Mr. Shakeel Memon, Syed Zohaib Ali Shah an Agriculturist and one nominee from Privatization Commission.
PR No. 32
Press release
Thailand Mission on Dengue Control presented recommendations to Planning Commission
Islamabad: November 03, 2011The Planning Commission has vowed to work with provinces to coordinate response regarding dengue outbreak. In this regard, World Health Organization has been working with provinces at the recommendation of the Planning Commission. A WHO Mission from Thailand has also been visiting Pakistan. The Mission had a de-briefing session at the Planning Commission in Islamabad and shared its recommendations after visiting Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. The Planning Commission/Planning & Development Division has decided to share the recommendations with provinces for incorporating into their strategies.
Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed, Senior Advisor, Planning Commission while chairing the first session with Thai Mission pointed out that Dengue fever poses a serious health challenge for not only Pakistan but more than 100 countries around the world. Every year 50 million people contract dengue worldwide. He pointed towards linkages between diseases outbreaks with climate change. He said the recommendations by the WHO Mission will be shared with provinces.
Chaudhry Muhammad azam Sama, Acting Secretary P&D Division while chairing the second session stated that the subject of health has been devolved to provinces with function of planning and coordination being assigned to Planning Commission/P&D Division. PC/P&D has been providing technical support to provinces on dengue control through its Contact Group in collaboration with WHO.
Dr. Talib Lashari, Advisor Health, Planning Commission/P&D Division said that a Working Paper on Need Assessment on Dengue Control has been prepared. The Working Paper outlined technical and financial needs of provinces. He pointed out that dengue outbreak is an example that how federal tier worked with provinces in the wake of devolution.
Dr. Rana Kakar, Medical Officer, WHO emphasized that the need for strengthening coordination between government and technical agencies like WHO in the wake of devolution. Dr. Kakar recommended that WHO guidelines on vector control may be followed.
Prof. Siripen Kalayanarooj and Ms. Rasana, both members of the Mission from Thailand informed that the Mission conducted training sessions in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and trained 453 doctors and nurses in dengue treatment. Apart from trainings the Mission conducted Medical Audit of deaths occurred in Karachi and Lahore. The Mission recommended that clinical case management may be strengthened through focused trainings on I/V fluids management, timely blood transfusion, monitoring by nurses, use of dengue charts in wards and close monitoring of patients not only High Dependency Units but in all dengue wards. The Mission recommended sufficient provision of I/V fluid 10% Dextran-40 in NSS and Micro-centrifuge for HCT in every dengue control ward.
Dr .Huma Qureshi, Executive Director, PMRC emphasized that we need to identify through research the issues around deaths from dengue. There was need to work with private sector on standardization of blood transfusion and platelet transfusion.
Dr. Muhammad Tariq, Country Director, USAID Deliver Project, suggested that there was a need to develop proper information system and data management at primary and secondary levels.
The members of the Contact Group on Dengue Control attended the session.
PR No. 33
Press release
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Mr. Aziz Ahmad Bilour, Federal Secretary Ministry of Industries held a meeting with the officials of Department of Explosives and the third party testers regarding the issues related to the inspection of CNG/LPG stations, petroleum storage and dispensing facilities and related organizations.
Secretary Industries, emphasized upon the need of observe safety standards. He directed the department and the third party testers to conform to the strictest of standards so that the possibility of any untoward incident may be ruled out. He observed that it is imperative on the Department of Explosive to stay abreast of modern techniques and standards and in order to ensure their capacity building. He directed that all the personnel of the Department will undergo mandatory training regarding the use of modern testing equipments and latest quality standards.
During the meeting, various fees charged by the Department of Explosive and the third party testers were also discussed. The Secretary emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring safety of the life and property of the public and not the collection of revenue. The quality standards to be followed by the CNG and Petroleum industry were also discussed during the meeting. One third party inspector mentioned that during the installation of new CNG Stations proper standards were not followed and genuine parts of equipment were later on replaced by cheap parts. Secretary Industries directed that appropriate quality standards should be adopted and implemented in letter and spirit.
Mr. Bilour also emphasized upon simplification of procedures to facilitate to consumer and the concerned organization while not compromising on the safety standards. It was also pointed out in the meeting that the Department of Explosive, Ministry of Industries has the sole mandate to carry out the inspections as provided by the Explosives Act 1884 and the Petroleum Act 1934. This was also endorse and confirmed by the ECC of the Cabinet and the inter-ministerial committee headed by the Minister for Finance which included the representatives of Ministry of Industries and Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources.
PR No. 34
Press release
THE ADVISOR TO PRIME MINISTER ON HUMAN RIGHTS, MR. MUSTAFA NAWAZ KHOKHAR MEETS WITH MR. GAJUS SCHELTEMA, AMBASSADOR AND MR. JOHANNES SMEETS, SECRETARY GOOD GOVERNANCE OF THE EMBASSY OF NETHERLAND
Islamabad: November 03, 2011H. Gajus Scheltema, Ambassador and Mr. Johannes Smeets, Advisor on Good Governance of the Embassy of the Netherlands have called on the Advisor to Prime Minister on Human Rights, Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar on 3rd of November at his office. The Advisor has discussed the mutual area of support and interest by highlighting with them his role in removing reservations on ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) and CAT (Convention Against Torture). He has also mentioned about the legislative initiatives for addressing human rights issues e.g. Women distress and relief bill which has been approved, NCHR (National Commission on Human Rights), and NCW (National Commission on Women) bills have been tabled and resultantly the said commissions will be formed soon. He has further mentioned about the National Policy on Human Rights which will be prepared indigenously and its draft will be completed after the eid. The Advisor has informed him about long and sustained media campaign for de radicalization of society which will be initiated by identifying three core issues like terrorism, domestic violence and religious freedom. He has particularly mentioned about the Alternative Grievances Mechanism for addressing gross human rights violations at gross roots level.
Gajus Scheltema, ambassador and Mr. Johannes Smeets, Advisor Good Governance of the Embassy of the Netherlands while appreciating the efforts of the Advisor have offered the Ministry to identify mutual area of interest and support for appeasing human rights situation in Pakistan and creating national harmony and also bringing into place corporate social responsibility in Pakistan. They have informed the Advisor about their Human Rights Programme in Pakistan. They have assured the Advisor of their continued support and cooperation in the cause of human rights in Pakistan.
PR No. 35
Press release
POULTRY ASSOCIATION PRESENTED RS.8 MILLION FOR PMS RELIEF FUND
Islamabad: November 03, 2011A delegation of Poultry Association presented a cheque of Rs. 8 million to Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for the PMs Relief Fund for the flood affected areas here at PMs House today.
The Prime Minister appreciated the goodwill gesture the Poultry Association in helping their countrymen in hour of need. The Prime Minister said that the poultry association is playing an important role in fulfilling the meat requirements of the country. He said that at the time when mutton is available at a rate of Rs. 500/KG and meat at a rate of Rs.300/KG, the chicken meat is available at an affordable rate of Rs. 135/KG to the people of the country.
The Prime Minister said that the government is pursuing the policy of enhancing trade with regional as well as other countries like China, Russia, India, Iran Bangladesh and Central Asian Republics. He added that the countrys poultry industry can benefit from the governments trade initiatives.
The delegation members thanked the Prime Minister for not imposing GST on poultry industry being a perishable item. They said that this has played a major role in containing the prices of the poultry meat at affordable prices.
In a separate meeting Mir Israrullah Zehri, Minister for National Food Security and Research also presented a cheque of Rs. 1590333/ to the Prime Minister for the Flood Relief Fund.
PR No. 36
Press release
PAK EXPORTS TO GERMANY INCREASED BY 42 PERCENT.
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Exports from Pakistan to Germany have registered an increase of 42 percent during the first seven months of the calendar year 2011 compared with exports in the same period during 2010, says a press release received from Berlin here today.
Major jump in Exports to Germany has been witnessed in textile, food and agriculture sectors, as per the figures available with the German Statistical Department. During the year 2010, around 600 Pakistani traders participated in over 30 major trade fairs and exhibitions of different products held in Germany. Statistics show over 3 million traders, Businessmen and visitors from all over the world visited these Trade Fairs in 2010.
Meanwhile, German Investors and Business Houses are expanding their business operations in Pakistan in the wake of recently concluded New Bilateral Investment Treaty between Pakistan and Germany as its provisions provide better investment protection to investors of both countries compared to the provisions of the previous one signed in 1959 coupled with Pakistans investment friendly and resilient economy.
PR No. 37
Press release
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani directed the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Railways to guarantee the disbursement of pay and pension to the Railways employees every month .He said this during a presentation by Ministry of Railways at Prime Ministers House.
Finance Minister, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh informed the meeting that the financing agreement with the Banking Consortium would be signed within one week for funding the rehabilitation of 96 locomotives at a cost of Rs 6.1 Billion. The availability of the locomotives will significantly improve the efficiency of Pakistan Railways in terms of earnings and provision of traveling facilities to the people, added the Minister.
The meeting was also informed that all the non-economical Railways sections will be closed. The provision of diesel for Railways locomotives will be ensured and the credit limit from the PSO will be doubled to ensure the mobility of locomotives , said the minister.
The Finance Minister said that the private-public partnership based freight operation will be conducted by FPCCI from 25th December this year. Non-stop Business Express will start operating between Lahore andKarachi and Railways will get Rs 1.15 Billion. This partnership, he maintained will boost business in the country. Shalimar Express under public-private partnership will also operated between Lahore and Karachi, the meeting was informed.
The Prime Minister directed Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Minister for Railways to monitor progress of the Railways operation on daily basis. The Prime Minister maintained that he would chair a meeting every month to review the programme for making Railways turnaround.
The Prime Minister said that Restructuring of Railways will be done on priority basis under the guidance of CCOR (Cabinet Committee on Restructuring). The CEO and CFO will also be appointed by me on the recommendations of CCOR, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Railways to convene Special CDWP meeting within next two weeks to reprioritize PSDP funded projects of Pakistan Railways.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Railways for expeditious completion of a joint venture project for rehabilitation of locomotives and freight operation .
The Prime Minister also directed to set up of an Assessment Management Company for management of non-core assets of Pakistan Railways including its land bank.
The meeting was also attended by Mr.j aved Iqbal Chairman Pakistan Railways, Dr. Mushtaq Ali Khan, Chief economic Advisor, State Bank, Mr. Saeed Akhtar, GM Operations railways and other high officials of Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission and Prime Minister Secretariat.
PR No. 38
Press release
Islamabad: November 03, 2011Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while chairing a meeting on restructuring of PIAC reviewed the proposals of the Cabinet Committee on restructuring and directed the Committee to give final recommendations combining improvements in corporate governance ,services and financing requirements. Business as usual is unacceptable, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also constituted a Committee led by Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance and Secretary Cabinet, PSPM and Defence Secretary as other members. The Committee will submit a report to the Prime Minister within a week outlining a roadmap for making turnaround in PIA.
The Prime Minister said that the members of Board of Directors will be approved as per recommendations of CCOR (Cabinet Committee on Restructuring). The Prime Minister gave full authority to the committee to make viable recommendations aimed at making PIA to stand on its feet and compete with other international airlines.
The restructuring of PIAC will incorporate professionalism, autonomy to the Board of Directors and no bureaucratic impediments in decision making, said the Prime Minister.
The meeting was attended by Dr.Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Mr. Nadeem khan Yousufzai, MD PIA, Dr. Mushtaq Ali Khan, Chief economic Advisor, State Bank and other officials of Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission and Prime Ministers Secretariat.
PR No. 39
Press release
DELEGATION OF FATA SENATORS CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: November 03, 2011A delegation of FATA Senators met Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at Prime Ministers House this evening and apprised him about development projects being undertaken in FATA.
The members of delegation appreciated the Prime Minister for his keen interest in development of FATA which was evident from the fact that he has doubled the development funds for FATA which would go a long way in improving quality of life including creation of job opportunities for the people of FATA.
The Prime Minister thanked the Senators and asked them to keep him informed about the ongoing development projects in the area so that they could be completed timely.
The Prime Minister said that development strategy of his government was focused on completion of those projects which have already been completed to the extent of 60-70%.
The meeting was attended by Senator Islamuddin, Senator Eng Rashid Ahmed Khan, Senator Haji khan Afridi, Senator Hafiz Rasheed Ahmad, Senator M. Idrees khan Safi, Senator Abdul Raziq, Senator Abdul Rashid and Senator Sughra Imam.
