|
PR
No. 52 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his grief and sorrow over the sad demise of a senior journalist, Mr. Muhammad Yasin. In his message to the bereaved family, the Prime Minister conveyed them his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon the departed soul and give strength to his family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. The Prime Minister said that Mr. Muhammad Yasin was a prominent journalist of high repute and caliber who rendered invaluable services for the promotion of healthy journalism in the country. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 53 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of senior journalist, Mr. Muhammad Yasin, who died in Islamabad yesterday. In a message, the Minister said, “I am deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of late Muhammad Yasin who rendered valuable services in the field of journalism. His style of writing, objectivity, and honest opinions earned him a name in journalism which will long be remembered by his colleagues in the field of journalism”. The Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the soul of Mr. Muhammad Yasin and to grant his family the courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
PR
No. 54 Federal Minister for SAFRON, Mr. Najmuddin Khan has said that the government is trying to promote literacy rate all over the country, including FATA, this he said while chairing a briefing on FATA Education Foundation here today. The Federal Minister said that the present government would take special initiatives for the establishment of diversified quality education institutions in FATA. He said that the educational revolution in FATA is need of time. He said that the foundation will consist of 12 members with the Governor NWFP as its Chairman, Secretary SAFRON and Secretary Finance will be its members. The Federal Minister said that the FATA students would be provided quality education in famous educational institutions within Pakistan and abroad with the help of Higher Education Commission and International Donor Agencies. He thanked President Asif Ali Zardar and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani for patronizing and promoting education in FATA. He said that the Foundation established will help promote, improve the education in FATA by strengthening both public and private educational institutions. The Minister assured that SAFRON Ministry will provide full help in obtaining funds from national and international donors for sponsoring the envisioned programmes of the Foundation tailored for educational uplift in FATA. Earlier Managing Director FATA Education Foundation Ahmed Shakaib Sahibzada gave a detailed briefing on FATA Education Foundation and thanked the assistance and support of SAFRON Ministry for implementation of the programmes for creating an educational milieu which is the sine qua non for meeting the present and future challenges facing FATA. **NA/Waseem**
PR
No. 55 The Federal Minister of Petroleum & Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar while visiting the Qadirpur Gas Field this Sunday has highlighted the significance of Qadirpur Interim Compression Project and advised the concerned workforce to put concerted and extraordinary efforts for the timely completion of this project of immense national importance, in order to bridge the energy supply-demand gap and meet the country’s vital energy needs. Syed Naveed Qamar addressing a graceful gathering at Qadirpur Gas Field advised OGDCL management that a feasibility survey be carried out for the provision of natural gas facility to the villages located in the vicinity of Qadirpur gas field in collaboration with Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL). He urged upon the OGDCL management to ensure proper working of Technical Training Centre in District Ghotki, that had previously been announced by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed administration block and planted saplings on the field. The Petroleum Minister announced a bonus for the employees of the company in recognition of their hard work. Shah Meboob Alam MD/CEO OGDCL and Mr. Rasheed Lone MD SNGPL were also present during the visit.
**AK/Ahmad**
PR
No. 56 The Privatisation Commission has asked the management of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) to conduct revalue exercise of their companies to assess up gradation requirements of both the companies and to take measures for value addition in these companies prior to take forward these transaction to the market for privatisation. It was decided in a meeting chaired by Mr. Shahab Khawaja Federal Secretary Ministry of Privatisation here today. He said that the government intended to increase the profitability of both entities and to safeguard the interests of the consumers and the investors by increasing their capability by addressing the issues being faced by the companies. The meeting was informed that currently the gas distribution network was being expanded in Baluchistan, Sindh and Tribal areas. Presently 70 % of gas being produced by Sindh and Punjab and 20 % by Baluchistan and Frontier is being transmitted to the consumers. SSGC has pipeline distribution network of 35000 km length. SNGPL has around Rs.31 billion projects in hand with Rs.20 billion company’s share and Rs.11 billion allocated by GoP. Rs. 6.8 billion provided by the GoP has been spent while remaining Rs.4.2 billion is available with the company for various projects. SNGPL has to spend approximately Rs.18.1 billion from own sources or from find already utilized else where on these schemes. The company has completed projects worth Rs.8.7 billion while remaining projects worth Rs.22.3 billion are outstanding. The representatives of SNGPL, SSGC made presentations regarding their performance and ongoing projects while the officials of OGRA, Ministries of Petroleum, Natural Resources, Finance and PC attended the meeting.
**TP/Ahmad**
Federal Minister for environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Ayubia National Park conservation is need of the time which will be beneficial to save the environment. He said that Government is committed to utilize all possible resources to maximize this natural green area. He expressed these view during his visit to Ayubia National Park, District Abbottabad. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi visited Ayubia and inspected the under constriction work under the project titled “Implementation of Management Plan for Ayubia National Park” sponsored by the Ministry of environment and being implemented by Wildlife Department NWFP. Moreover, he visited information centre, Ayubia National Park, Donga Gali, WWF Wildlife Department. On this occasion conservator (Wildlife) Syed Safdar A. Shah gave detailed briefing about this project. It told that this project is being implemented at a capital cost of Rs. 99.999 million for a period of 5 years (2005-2010). During the briefing he also told about initiatives taken under this project. Likewise, he told different problems and hurdles and other concerns in the light of this project. Now, the project is going to be closed on June 30, 2010. An amount of Rs. 58.562 million has so far been utilized. It was also requested for releasing of funds so that pays of the staff may be paid and extension of the project period for one may be initiated, which is under process in the Development Wing of the Ministry. On this occasion, he also met with the senior members of local community. Local community told problems of their area. They also lauded the initiatives of the government like this project. They also demanded to start other projects like this in their area. They also gave several suggestions and ideas for development of their area. Federal Minister for Environment while expressing his views, ensured that he will discuss with Ministry of Finance to release their funds immediately and for one year extension of this project. He also said that this project has been initiated very successively and fruitful results would come out in coming future. He said that through this project local community has become aware of environmental and wildlife related issues. Federal Minister emphasized that provincial government should also play their role to start different projects in these areas. He said that local community also got benefits through this project. Afridi said that complaints of the local community are very value-able for him and government will take all possible initiatives for their grievances. He lauded the efforts of whole project team for making it successive and hoped that they will continue their work with same spirit. MNA, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Deputy Conservator, Muhammad Hussain, officials of wildlife, Ayubia National Park Project and Ministry of Environment and senior members of local community were also present on this occasion.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani chaired the 17th meeting of the National Command Authority (NCA). It was the second meeting of the NCA with the Prime Minister in chair. The NCA reviewed policies and measures in place for the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities. It expressed full confidence in the arrangements for custodial controls and safety and security of Pakistan’s strategic assets, and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence. The NCA reiterated that, as a nuclear weapon state with advanced nuclear technology and expertise, Pakistan was fully cognizant of its responsibilities. The nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation measures put in place by Pakistan were supported by extensive legislative, regulatory and administrative framework. While expressing confidence in the indigenous knowhow and technology to sustain national nuclear safety and security systems, Pakistan would continue to benefit from IAEA’s relevant programmes on nuclear security, consistent with national policies and interests. The NCA took note of the fact that Pakistan’s socio-economic development was dependent on its ability to meet rapidly expanding energy requirements. There was a need to explore all options to ensure a reliable energy mix. Civil nuclear power generation was therefore an essential part of the national energy security strategy. Having more than 35 years experience of operating nuclear power plants, highly trained manpower and a well established safety and security culture, Pakistan fully qualifies for equal participation in civil nuclear cooperation at the international level. Nuclear safety and security as well as safeguards are vehicles for facilitating international civil nuclear cooperation. The objectives of non-proliferation and nuclear safety and security can be promoted through a non-discriminatory approach for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
PR
No. 59 On the directions of the Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani regarding employment from Balochistan Province in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat (Public), the Prime Minister’s Secretariat advertised the vacant positions (BS-1 to 15) pertaining to Balochistan quota in the national dailies and on receipt of applications, sent a team to Quetta for recruitment of the required staff purely on merit. After selection by the Committee, offer of appointments have since been issued to the selected candidates on their permanent addresses. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has completed the process of recruitment from Balochistan on fast track basis in order to fulfill the commitment made in the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package and also as a gesture of good will for the people of that province.
PR No. 60 The House Business Advisory Committee of National Assembly met under the Chairpersonship of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly. The Committee discussed ways and means to run the 21st Session of the NA starting from tomorrow i.e. 6th April, 2010. The Members of all the political parties gave their suggestions. It was decided that the constitutional amendments would be discussed and passed in the ensuing session. It was also decided that President’s address to the Parliament would be discussed in the next session of the National Assembly. The Business Advisory Committee will meet tomorrow to decide the timetable for the discussion and passage of proposed constitutional amendments. The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Mr. Qamar Zaman Qaira, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, MNAs Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Dr. Abdul Qadir Khanzada and Ms. Jamila Gillani.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the Charter of Democracy is the consensus document in the history of Pakistan which was signed by two former Prime Ministers of two major political parties. The Prime Minister expressed these views during the PPP Parliamentary Party Meeting at Committee Room No2, at Parliament House here this evening. The Prime Minister said PPP has kept the CoD in its manifesto and two years government’s performance has shown that it has fulfilled most of the promises made with the people of the country. The policy of consensus and reconciliation, he added has greatly facilitated the government efforts in achieving landmarks like the draft 18th Amendment bill, NFC Award and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan were made. While mentioning the role of the President, the Prime Minster said that for the first time in the history the President himself is transferring powers and helped creation of balance among the state institutions. He added this itself is a very positive and laudable role which has greatly contributed towards stabilizing the democratic process. Commenting on the role of political leadership, the Prime Minister said they by their support and timely criticism provided an opportunity to correct our future way of action. He thanked all the political parties and appreciated their role. Regarding the passage of draft 18th amendment bill by the Parliament, the Prime Minister stressed upon all the members to actively contribute during any deliberations. He said it would be appreciable that the bill also be passed by the Parliament with same zeal as done by the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. Earlier Chairman of the PCCR,Mian Raza Rabbani briefed the meeting on salient features of the draft bill.
PR No. 62 Former Finance Minister, Senator Shaukat Tareen called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here at PM’s House this evening. The Prime Minister appreciated his contribution for putting the economy on sound track and expressed hope he would continue to extend his advise when needed. He remained with the Prime Minister for some time and exchanged views on the current economic situation of the country.
PR
No. 63 A farewell dinner was hosted in honor of Mr. Shaukat Tarin, former Finance Minister of Pakistan at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion President Asif Ali Zardari, appreciated the hard work of Mr. Tarin and thanked him for his tireless effort in bringing the economy of Pakistan back on track. Mr. Shaukat Tarin thanked the President for his support in steering the economy and said that he will continue to support the government and the President. He also spoke about the achievements of the government in the sector of finance, especially consensus on NFC award after 19 years, restoration of trust in the stock markets, bringing the inflation down and the restructuring of public and private sector. He said that these achievements would not have been possible without the support and commitment of the President and the Prime Minister. Shaukat Tarin reiterated his support to the government and the leadership of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. He said that he would have loved to continue as the Finance Minister if it wouldn’t have been for his personal reasons. He said he would be happy to be in the think tank of the finance team of the government and give inputs whenever the need arises. He said he will always be there to support the government whenever need be. “I will always remain loyal to the President and the Party “. The farewell dinner was also attended by Prime Minister and several Federal Ministers as well as Governor State Bank.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
