PR No.31
PRESS RELEASE
Pak High COM APPEALS Malaysians for Humanitarian Aid for Flood Effected People in Pakistan.
Islamabad: August 4, 2010The Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia has made a passionate appeal to the Malaysian from all walks of life and Pakistani expatriates in Malaysia to generously donate in cash and kind to help Pakistani Government to alleviate the suffering of over 3.2 million flood affectees in various parts of Pakistan including Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Balochistan, says a press release received here today from Malaysia.
As a result of unprecedented floods, more than 1500 people have died so far, more than 30,000 houses had been destroyed, vast swathes of standing crops have perished, most of the livestock has been killed and physical/communication infrastructure in affected areas has been destroyed whereas more monsoon rains were expected this week making the situation even worse.
The Acting High Commissioner, Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi while making the appeal said in Kuala Lumpur today that although the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan had launched full fledged rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas and were seized with distribution of ration packs, emergency food items, tents, plastic mats, and blankets, the scale and magnitude of catastrophe required mobilization of international community and Pakistani diaspora around the world including Malaysia to come forward with generous humanitarian assistance for the flood effected people.
The Acting High Commissioner said that a special cell had been created in the Islamabad Ministry of Foreign Affairs which in tandem with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was coordinating the relief assistance from across the world. He added that a formal appeal to the government of Malaysia was being sent, the Malaysian people and Pakistani diaspora, Non Governmental and relief Organizations to contribute generously in the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Special fund.
He said that the contributions could preferably be made in cash to provide the effectees with shelter, food, medicines , water and sanitation. The donation could be sent to Pakistan in cash in Pak Rupees Account Number 000294-2, Branch code 0341 of National Bank of Pakistan secretariat Branch, Islamabad, Pakistan. Donations could also be sent to US$ Account number 9901526, Branch code 0341 (swift code NBPAKKA021) of National Bank of Pakistan, main branch, Islamabad, Pakistan. As regards assistance in kind, the same could be sent directly to Pakistan in the name of Director General, Emergency Relief Cell, Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad.
Information with regard to assistance could be obtained directly from the Acting High Commissioner, Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi contact number 03-2161-4985 fax number 03-2164-5958 and email address floodreliefkl@gmail.com. Intending donors can also visit the High Commission’s website www.pahickl.com and Website of Islamabad based National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at www.ndma.gov.pk for detailed information.
Meanwhile, a three member team of MERCY Malaysia and ICRC is leaving for Pakistan to assist in relief efforts.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR No.32
PRESS RELEASE/CLARIFICATION
Islamabad: August 4, 2010The Ambassador of Pakistan in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Umar Khan Alisherzai, has denied that there were any differences between the Ambassador and the Director General (Hajj) except his grave concern over the transparency in hiring of accommodation for Pakistani Hujjaj (pilgrims). Responding to the news item appeared in a section of press today the Ambassador clarified that neither he nor any official of the Embassy or Consulate General, Jeddah were involved in the hiring process of accommodation for the Pakistani pilgrims, except DG (Hajj) and his staff, says a press release received here today from Jeddah.
The Ambassador said that the entire process of hiring of accommodation has been carried out by DG (Hajj) and his staff without any involvement of the Ambassador or the Consul General or staff of the Embassy of Riyadh or Consulate General, Jeddah.
PR No.33
PRESS RELEASE
Climate Change and Global Warming are Main Reasons of Recent Heavy Rains and floods That Broken 35 years Record
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Federal Minister for environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that climate change and global warming are adversely affecting the whole world. He said that recent rains and accompanying floods that have broken 35 years record mirror the rapid and irreversible changes that are happening due to climate change. This workshop is therefore very timely to discuss the issues related to environment and climate change issues. He expressed these views while addressing in two days (August, 4-5) workshop on Environment and Climate Change being organized by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the University of Peshawar here today.
Environment said that at present, Pakistan is not a major contributor to global warming emitting only 0.4 percent of total global GHG emissions and ranks 135th in per capita per day emissions but the country is likely to be severally impacted by the negative effects of climate change. He said that from food production to water potential, glacial melts, recurrence of natural hazards and human health are all to be affected by climate change. Food, water and energy security are also threatened. According to modeling studies wheat yield will reduce by 5-6 per cent by 2080, he informed.
Environment Minister said that being vulnerable to extremity of climate therefore, the country has real interest in protecting itself from the adverse impacts of climate change. This is why the National Environment Policy 2005 provides priorities and guidelines for implementation of climate change issues. As a step further, we are now in the process of developing national climate change policy as well as mitigation and adaptation plans for Pakistan. He added that at the institutional level, climate change is being given top priority in the Ministry of Environment, with dedicated staff to support in meeting national and international obligations of the Government of Pakistan. He underlined that an inter-ministerial committee has also been established under the Prime Minister for addressing climate change. The Global Change Impact Studies Centre, which is the Secretariat for the Committee is conducting comprehensive research on climate change issues. He told that financial losses that amount to 365 billion rupees annually or a billion rupees a day due to environmental degradation in Pakistan. In this regard, preparation of Environment and Climate Change Outlook report will be very helpful to us. By properly highlighting the issues it could assist us in the cross – sectoral integration of environment and climate change issues in national policies and plans. Mr. Afidi hoped that the policy aspects of the report will assist us in reducing risks, developing robust coping strategies and creating synergies between the various government agencies and other actors responsible for environmental management and dealing with climate change issues. He also hoped that this workshop provides a great opportunity and initiative to all of us not only to discuss the various issues related to environment and climate change outlook but also to actively participate in the process through data and information inputs. He also thanked UNEP for funding and technical support for the project and the University of Peshawar which is implementing the project.
Earlier Secretary Environment Javed Malik said in his address that climate change is undeniable reality and an inconvenient truth that we can no longer afford to ignore. The main challenges are reduced agricultural productivity human morbidity, stress on natural resources such as water. He said that comprehensive and research based strategy and planning is need to time to face the challenges of global warming and climate change.
Director General Environment Mr. Javed Ali Khan, V.C. of the University of Peshawar Mr. Azmet Hayat Khan, Former Deputy Executive Director UNEP, Mr. Shafqat Kaka Khail, Representative of UNEP (Bankok) Miss Tunnie and other high officials of Ministry, UNEP and other related departments were present in the workshop.
PR No.34
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the government is handling the flood situation according to a strategy aimed to minimize the sufferings of the affectees in the minimum possible time. Efforts are also focused on restoration of infrastructure, he added, so that the life of affectees could be normalized.
Prime Minister expressed the views while talking to Amir of JUI (F) Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman MNA and the Minister for Tourism Maulana Atta-ur- Rehman, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning.
The Prime Minister urged all the political forces to work in tandem with the sole objective of mitigating suffering of the flood affected people instead of exploiting this calamity to gain political mileage at this hour of national trial and suffering.
The three pronged strategy to help the flood affectees, the Prime Minister said includes the evacuation of the people marooned in the flood hit areas; the provision of food and medicines to control outbreak of epidemics and the restoration of the main infrastructure, communication network and rehabilitation of the people. He further added that folding bridges and the helicopters have been procured from the UK to strengthen the rescue operations.
The Prime minister said it is the time when all the political parties, civil society and patriotic forces have to extend a helping hand to supplement the Government’s relief efforts.
Minister for Tourism apprised the Prime Minister of the damage done to the tourist resorts in flood hit areas of Swat and Malakand. He also apprised him of the tourists stranded in Swat and Malakand areas who were rescued by NDMA with the support of the army. Amir of JUI and the Minister assured the Prime Minister their part’s whole-hearted support in the relief activities. They also agreed with Prime Minister’s view of apolitical approach in relief operations.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No.35
PRESS RELEASE
Masood Khan meets Chinese Vice Minister for Commerce, thanks for timely assistance
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan met the Chinese Vice Minister for Commerce, Mr. Fu Ziying here this afternoon to thank the Chinese Government and people for the relief assistance of RMB 10 million provided to the affectees of the recent floods in Pakistan.
Conveying the condolences of the Chinese government and people, Vice Minister Fu said that the devastation and suffering in Pakistan has caused pain and anguish in China. The people of China would do whatever they can to help their brothers and sisters, he added.
Vice Minister Fu said the first consignment of relief goods, comprising tents, small electric generators, water purification systems and medicines, on board three aircraft has already reached Pakistan. Ambassador Masood Khan said these were the items which Pakistan needed the most.
Vice Minister Fu said the Chinese government is highly appreciative of the rescue operation to save 265 stranded Chinese nationals. China, he said, is particularly grateful that special resources were deployed to save them. Ambassador Masood Khan said that these Chinese workers are part of our family, adding that Pakistan would continue to ensure safety and security of Chinese nationals and businesses in Pakistan.
The Pakistani Ambassador said that Pakistan’s most urgent requirements include shelter, food items, medicines, water, sanitary kits, dewatering pumps and water filtration plants.
Vice Minister Fu said that, as the situation further evolves, China would be ready to give any additional assistance that Pakistan may need.
Ambassador Masood Khan said the massive flash floods had hit all the four provinces of Pakistan as well as Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Khyber-Pakhtunkwa and Balochistan were hit the hardest. Pakistan had mobilized all its resources – armed forces, civilian administration and the National Disaster Management Authority – for providing immediate relief and save precious human lives. Still, the challenge is enormous as the floods are heading south and the entire disaster response machinery is on high alert, he concluded, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR No.36
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010As the flood enters the Sindh province, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, federal minister for commerce cancels all his political engagements and official commitments in Islamabad , and reaches Karachi to personally watch the relief activities in the province. Makhdoom Amin Fahim will remain in Sindh province as long as the flood torrent passes the province. During his stay, the federal minister will personally visit the affected areas, and will monitor the relief activities. He has emphasized the provincial government of Sindh to keep the district administration on high alert prior to the arrival of flood torrents in riverain or Katcha areas between Kashmore and its Indus delta up to the sea coast.
Meanwhile the Commerce Minister has also contacted the president of FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries) Sultan Ahmad Chawla to help the minister in collecting donations from well-off traders of various chambers and associations of the country. The president of FPCCI assured the minister of his complete support of the business community, and vowed to pursue the traders for this good cause. The minister informed the FPCCI president that the donations collected from the affluent traders would be spent on relief and rehabilitation activities of the affected people.
**SH/Ahmad**
PR No.37
PRESS RELEASE
Samia Khanan of Pakistan Won 52nd Annual International Qirat Competition in Malaysia
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Miss Samia Khanan of Pakistan won the Quran Reciter Championship in women’s category of 52nd Annual International Quran Reciters Assembly (Tilawah Al-Quran) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 27th July to 3rd August 2010, says a press release received here today from Malaysia.
The eight-day tilawah competition on theme “Strengthening Brotherhood, Empowering the Ummah” was attended by 76 participants from 47 countries.
Miss Samia Khanan was also awarded with cash prize of US$10,000 a trophy, souvenir and certificate of participation which were presented to her by Malaysian King, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin lastnight(4.08.2010)
The Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan, Dr. Imtiaz A Kazi who congratulated Mrs. Samia termed her success as a great achievement. It is for the first time in 52 years that a Pakistani has won this coveted and blessed competition.
The Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan, Dr. Imtiaz A Kazi with Mrs. Samia Khanan of Pakistan. The lady Qariah won the first prize of US$10000 in women’s category at the 52nd Annual International Quran Reciters Assembly (Tilawah Al-Quran) held in Kuala Lumpur from 27th July to 3rd August 2010. On the right is Qari Mubashar Dilawar participant from Pakistan in the men’s category.
The prize giving ceremony was attended alongwith Kuala Lumpur based Diplomatic Corp by Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia Dr. Imtiaz A Kazi. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom Chief Justice Tun Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim and Brunei Darussalam’s Religious Affairs Minister Pengiran Datuk Seri Setia Dr Mohammad Pengiran Abdul Rahman were present from Malaysia officialdom.
Egyptian Qari Hani Abdel Aziz Ahmad won the first prize in the male category whereas Malaysia’s male reciter Wan Ainuddin Abdullah and Brunei’s female reciter Dayang Nurfaezah Emran were the runners-up in categories, each taking home US$7,000 a souvenir and certificate of appreciation.
Four countries which took part in the tilawah for the first time this year were Kazakhstan, Surinam, Zambia and Djibouti.
The reciters were judged by a panel of 16 judges chaired by the director-general of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), Datuk Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz. The panel included judges from Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Malaysia.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR No.38
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the government has evolved a comprehensive strategy to address the sufferings of the flood affected areas of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. He further said that the Federal Government will extend every possible support to the Balochistan Government for relief and rehabilitation of the people of the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister, while talking to Governor Balochistan, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi who called on him at PM’s House here this morning, said that a committee comprising of the Chief Minister Balochistan and the Federal Minister for Water and Power will sort out the issue of electric subsidy to the tube wells in the province. He reiterated the need to construct small and medium dams to harvest the flood water for irrigation usage.
The Prime Minister said that he has already extended invitation for dialogue to all the nationalist leaders of Balochistan for political reconciliation and restoration of peace and harmony in the province. He observed that political dialogue is the only way forward to sort out political differences and sustainability of the democratic process in the country. While reiterating the government’s commitment to bring the under-developed areas at par with other developed ones, he said that policy of reconciliation is a central plank in Governmen’s strategy because no economic development is possible without political stability.
The Prime Minister said that the three pronged strategy evolved to help the flood affectees includes the evacuation of the people marooned in the flood hit areas; the provision of food and medicines to control outbreak of epidemics and the restoration of the main infrastructure, communication network and rehabilitation of the people. He further said that he has already directed all the concerned agencies to coordinate with the provincial governments to step up relief and rehabilitation activities.
The Governor apprised the Prime Minister of the damages on account of the recent floods and torrential rains. He said that the districts of Sibi, Barkhan, Bolan and Kohlu have been badly affected by the recent flash floods and heavy rains. He also apprised the Prime Minister of the steps taken to mitigate the sufferings of the flood affectees.
Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi apprised the Prime Minister of the current security situation of the Province and the steps being undertaken for further improvement. He also briefed the Prime Minister on the status of ongoing development projects in Balochistan.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No.39
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the suicide attack in Peshawar today in which Commandant FC, Major General Sifwat Ghayur along with his four bodyguards have been martyred and many other injured. It is most deplorable, he said, that when the whole Nation particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa are facing worst difficulties because of floods the terrorists have chosen to add to their miseries through such inhuman acts. He ordered the concerned authorities for holding an immediate enquiry into the sad incident and provide best medical facilities to the injured.
The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the members of the bereaved families. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessings upon the departed souls and grant strength to the families to bear this immense loss with equanimity.
PMMO/wh
PR No.40
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS; REASSURES
COMPLETE SUPPORT TO THE AFFECTEES
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited the flood affected areas of Mianwali and its surroundings. He landed at two places, first at the Jinnah Barrage and later at Rokhri near Mianwali. The Prime Minister was briefed by the Army personnel at both the places on the impact of flood and heavy rains.
The Prime Minister was shown the breach made four days ago to divert the flood water in order to save the Jinnah barrage and the Hydro Power project being constructed next to it. The Hydro Power plant is being installed by the Chinese and would produce 96 MW of electricity on completion.
At Rokhri, the Prime Minister talked to flood affactees and assured them all possible assistance. The Prime Minister also took a boat ride to visit and see for himself the villages drowned in floods. He observed that the stranded people were being given assistance by the army jawans. Later, the Prime Minister visited a relief camp established in a school building. He inspected the relief goods being given to the people as well as medical services and medicines available for the affected population.
After visiting the relief camp and medical dispensary, the Prime Minister talked to the representatives of the Media.
The Prime Minister said that the purpose of his visit was to monitor the relief operations and access the extent of damages by the flood. He said that he wanted to reassure all the flood affectees that the government is fully alive to the situation and is working for the early resolution of problems of the people stranded in the flood waters.
The Prime Minister said that he had asked NDMA to coordinate with the provincial governments and the Ministry of Health to check any possibility of spread of any sort of epidemics.
The extent of damage, the Prime Minister said could only be made after detailed Damage Need Assessment by various organizations particularly the World Bank and ADP. The Prime Minister said he was pleased to see and learn that food and water supply to the flood affectees is satisfactory.
In response to a question, if the government could handle such a huge calamity, the Prime Minister said that we have the ability and the will to handle the enormous challenge but would also require assistance and support of our own people as well as international community. He mentioned that he had already talked to the Pakistani Ambassadors posted in different countries to contact the respective governments in this regard. The international community, he said, is already aware of the huge damage that has occurred because of heavy floods.
Replying to another question, the Prime Minister said the bigger challenge of restoration of civic facilities, infrastructures, schools, hospitals, water supply, is still ahead and it would require assistance from international agencies.
Responding to another question on coordination among the government departments, the Prime Minister said that there is no lack of coordination since NDMA as an umbrella organization is coordinating with all the provincial and local governments as well as federal ministries and concerned departments including the armed forces.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water and Power, Mr. Samsam Ali Bukhari, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting on his visit to the flood affected areas.
PMMO/wh
PR No.41
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said it is hallmark of the great nations that they face calamities with courage and fortitude. He said that the country has been exposed to unprecedented rains and floods resulting into loss of precious lives and colossal damage to physical infrastructure, standing crops and private properties. He directed all the concerned quarters to make every possible effort to cut down expenditures, avoid holding of Iftar parties during Ramadhan, celebrate 14th August with simplicity and contribute generously towards the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for mitigation of flood affectees’ sufferings.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while chairing a Special Cabinet Meeting here at PM Secretariat this afternoon to review the relief and rescue operations and devise a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy. The Chief Ministers of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amir Haider Khan Hoti, Senior Minister Punjab Mr. Zulfiqar Khosa and representatives from Balochistan also attended the meeting.
The Prime Minister appealed to the private sector and philanthropists to lend a helping hand to Government’s relief efforts. He said that he would himself oversee and monitor relief operations and assured that every single penny collected for flood affectees will be spent transparently on the relief and rehabilitation work. He said that Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund – 2010 has been established with the contribution of one month’s salary by the members of the Federal Cabinet and one day’s salary by the officers in BS-17 and above. He directed the Cabinet members and public representatives to visit the flood affected areas and motivate the public in helping their fellow countrymen who are in dire need of timely help.
The Prime Minister directed the NDMA to carry out damage assessment when the water recedes so that a comprehensive plan could be implemented without any loss of time. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already mobilized Pakistan’s Missions abroad and we have received encouraging response from the global community. He further stated that NDMA and EAD are also working in close liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Prime Minister informed the Special Cabinet Meeting that the International Community is providing assistance for the flood affectees in cash and kind. He said that NDMA is the focal government agency which is coordinating the relief operations throughout the country and is being assisted by PDMAs, Pak Army, Navy and Air Force as well. He further stated that about one hundred thousand stranded people have so far been rescued and relief items in sufficient quantity have been provided to the provinces.
The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet that two reserve brigades of Pak Army are deployed at Malakand while 2500 troops have been mobilized in Punjab. He further said that twenty helicopters of the armed forces are conducting rescue and relief operations while Navy’s helicopters are on standby at Karachi to meet any emergency in Sindh province. He stated that the US has also provided four Chinook and two Black Hawk Helicopters for relief operations. Moreover, he added that the PIA is operating five daily flights to Gilgit – Baltistan.
The Prime Minister said that the Control Rooms of the NDMA and the Cabinet Division are in operating round the clock to coordinate the rescue and relief operations. He further said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is arranging daily briefings to update on all related activities. He informed that NDMA has organized Donors Conference and it will brief Foreign Ambassadors in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that the affected people have been provided food, medical kits, tents, blankets and other necessities of life. Medical teams of civil and defence services have been mobilized in the affected areas, he added. He further said that the NDMA has been providing update on its efforts through its website while MET department is providing regular weather update to the media.
Earlier, the Cabinet offered Fateha for all those who lost their lives in this natural calamity.
PMMO/wh
PR No.42
PRESS RELEASE
BIJARANI BRIEFED ABOUT NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY ORGANIZATION(NPO)
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani, Minister for Industries and Production chaired the 6th Board of Directors of National Productivity Organization (NPO) meeting here today.
Khawaja Muhammad Yousaf, CEO NPO briefed the achievements and future targets of NPO. He mentioned that NPO has conducted more than 90 Training Programmes across the country during last six months, four Technical Experts Services availed from Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Tokyo, Japan under TEST program. NPO launched 5S Certification Program, and also provided consultancy services to more than 13 companies. To save the Energy, the NPO has conducted audits more than 60 textile mills and to cover around 120 more Textile mills has undertaken training program in energy management for Enercon. He further mentioned that NPO has embarked upon Prime Minister Quality Award project.
In the Agricultural sector a BSF funded project is under implementation for Post Harvest management of Peach in Swat. In addition to above few other projects in health, education and services sector are also being finalized along with projects with the assistance of UNIDO, He told.
CEO NPO apprised the meeting that NPO’s Vision is to act as catalyst to improve productivity to achieve global competitiveness. Whereas NPO’s Mission is to lead the Productivity movement in Pakistan to Foster an Enabling Environment and to introduce and Implement Programmes/Initiatives that Enhance Productivity.
NPO’s major Objectives are to enhance productivity and competitiveness of Pakistan’s Industry. To inculcate productivity consciousness through national and international training courses. To measure, evaluate and improve productivity of various sectors of economy. To establish databases and disseminating systems covering all productivity issues of the economy. To provide information on Productivity and Quality leading to value addition. Develop and strengthen industrial sectors in compliance with international best practices, fully utilizing our extensive national and international networks. Developing human capital & organizational excellence for building a knowledge-based society through training, system development and best practices. To carry out research in Productivity and Quality (P&Q) and establish productivity indices for industries. Assist government organization and private undertakings in their efforts to establish performance standard. Act as integrated focal point of all organizations engaged in productivity drives.Deliverance of regular reports to MOI&P regarding efficiency and productivity performance of local industries.
NPO’s Core activities are National Training Programmes, Benchmarking Services, Management Consultancy, Energy Efficiency, Productivity Promotion Activities, Research and Publication, Innovation and Quality Center (IQC) and International APO Training Programmes.
Sohail P. Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer, Thal Engineering Company proposed that the Jute industries may also be included in the energy project. Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Former Chief Planning and Commission proposed that the NPO should establish Productivity Centre like US model. Dr. M. Ashraf, Senior Chief, Planning and Development appreciated the idea of establishing the Centre of Excellence for which funding could be sought from International donors. Mr. Badr Hashmi, Advisor, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) also appreciated the NPO efforts and proposed that like other countries the parameter should be defined to measure the productivity. Mr. Shahid Rashid, CEO SMEDA appreciated the idea to develope and launch web portal “Kisan Ghar” under Kisan Behbud Program and launch Tele-Health Network Program to provide health services.
Earlier, at the start of meeting, CEO NPO introduced the Minister that NPO presently operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Industries and Production. NPO is also working as a Liaison Office of Asian Productivity Organization (APO) which represents 20 member countries from Asia and Pacific Region.
He also briefed about the NPO history that in 2001, the Government of Pakistan decided to restructure the NPO to undertake the productivity movement in Pakistan. After the approval of the Prime Minister, the legal status of NPO has been changed and the National Productivity Organization has been incorporated under the Companies Ordinance 1984 in 2006. During the last nine years, the NPO has taken a number of initiatives to create productivity consciousness in the country.
The Minister appreciated the Board Members’ capability, knowledge and dedicated efforts in strengthening NPO. The Minister also expressed his satisfaction on the overall performance and activities of NPO. He directed that NPO should open Regional Offices in Peshawar, Muzafarabad and Gilgit in addition to Lahore, Multan and Karachi.
MAB/wh
PR No.43
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari telephonically inquired about the health of the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Mian Manzoor Ahamd Wattoo and prayed for his early recovery and good health. The President also sent a bouquet for the ailing Minister.
AZ/wh
PR No.44
PRESS RELEASE
FLOOD DAMAGE: CROPS HEAVILY DAMAGED ACROSS THE COUNTRY. FARMERS WILL
BE FULLY COMPENSATED FOR THE LOSSES. NAZAR M. GONDAL
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that the recent floods have damaged the crops in different parts of the country and the government would compensate the farmer community for the losses.
The minister said it at the conclusion of a 3-day visit to the flood affected areas in district Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha and Mianwali.
“We have already announced that the ZTBL’s loans for the crops will be waived off and no agriculture tax would be imposed in the flood affected areas. Floods have damaged crops which are the sole source of livelihood for the farmers, therefore it is the duty of the government to compensate the farmers for their losses”, said the minister.
Mr. Gondal said that floods have done a severe damage to crops in district Mianwali especially to the Mung crop. He added that compensation would be given to the farmers after conducting surveys once the situation gets normal in the flood affected areas. He said that the present government would continue the traditions of the PPP of helping the people in distress and trouble.
The minister visited the Flood Relief Centers and camps established for the displaced people. He called the concerned authorities for the early supply of electricity to areas where the supply lines were damaged due to the recent floods. He asked the people to face the situation with patience and courage and appealed the well off people to help the affected communities open heartedly.
MS/wh
PR No.45
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has handed over an appointment letter here at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this evening to a blind woman Mrs. Mahajabeen who visited Prime Minister’s Grievances Cell alongwith her blind spouse and two infants few days ago.
The couple came all the way from Karachi to seek Prime Minister’s help for a durable source of income to earn their livelihood with dignity.
The handicapped Mahajabeen has been appointed in the Provincial Headquarters of NADRA at Karachi.
PMMO/wh
PR No.46
PRESS RELEASE
TURKISH PRIME MINISTER MADE TELEPHONE CALL TO THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey rang up Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani this evening to convey his Government and people of Turkey’s condolences and commiserations on the massive loss of lives and properties in the recent floods wrecking massive havoc in vast areas of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister of Turkey apprised the Prime Minister that his Government had already dispatched a plane load of food stuff and other relief goods for the flood affectees in Pakistan and had decided to extend further relief assistance of US$ 5 million for the flood affectees. He enquired from the Prime Minister about the immediate requirements of Government and assured him that his Government and people will help Pakistan in every possible way to override their current phase of difficulties caused by this natural calamity. The Turkish Prime Minister also stated that Turkey would help Pakistan reconstruct the roads, bridges, schools and hospitals destroyed by the floods.
The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani conveyed profound gratitude of his Government and people of Pakistan to Prime Minister Erdogan and brotherly people of Turkey for the generous assistance offered and for their expression of solidarity with the people of Pakistan in these trying times. He said that the Government and people of Turkey had always stood up by their Pakistani brethren and had wholeheartedly assisted them whenever a natural calamity had struck the country and that the GoP and Pakistanis would always remain beholden to Turkey for its noble gesture.
Prime Minister also thanked his Turkish counterpart for the assistance offered and apprised him of the ravages that the floods had left behind in terms of loss of human lives and damage to properties and infrastructure. Prime Minister informed his Turkish counterpart that list of Pakistan’s immediate requirements would be transmitted to the Turkish Government through Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, on priority basis.
Prime Minister expressed the hope that friendly countries like Turkey would route their financial and material assistance directly to Pakistan’sNational Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to enable the GoP to utilize it optimally and immediately for providing relief to all the affected people, through out Pakistan.
PMMO/wh
PR No.47
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 4, 2010Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Ottawa Mr. Akbar Zeb has called upon the humanitarian organisations and Pakistani diaspora to come forward with humanitarian assistance for the people in the flood affected areas of Pakistan, says a press release received from Ottawa here today.
Talking to CTV News here he said that this was a disaster of unprecedented proportions. Upto 2.5 million people across Pakistan had so far been affected by the heavy flooding caused by torrential monsoon rains. These were Pakistan’s worst floods in 80 years resulting in tragic loss of human lives, and large-scale destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, Punjab and Balochistan.
He said while the extent of damage was still unfolding entire towns and villages have been washed away. So far, more than 1600 deaths had been reported from affected areas and hundreds of people were missing. There were also reports of outbreak of diseases in these areas.
Mr. Akber Zeb said that while the federal and provincial governments in Pakistan had launched full fledged rescue and relief operations in the affected areas in view of the enormity of the challenge support from the international community to compliment was needed.
The High Commissioner underlined immediate needs in term of shelter, food items, medicines, water & sanitation items. The Prime Minister of Pakistan he said established a special fund titled ‘Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010’ this purpose.
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