PR No.48 PRESS RELEASE Agreement signed for setting up Indus Refinery in Karachi Islamabad; August 5, 2010 An agreement was signed here today between China International Project Investment Management Centre and Pakistan’s Indus Refinery Limited for the setting up a refinery in Karachi with a capacity of 203,000 barrels per day. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan witnessed the signing ceremony which took place at a local hotel, says a press release received from Beijing  here today. PR No.49 PRESS RELEASE Pakistan honoured at rekindling of eternal flame ceremony Islamabad 05 August, 2010 In a simple but impressive ceremony, the ambassador of Pakistan in France rekindled the eternal flame in the memory of Unknown Soldier of World War I at famous Arc de Triomphe here today. This is for the first time that Pakistan has been given such a unique honour. The ceremony is held on 4th of August every year to commemorate the memory of thousands of unknown soldiers who laid their lives defending their Homeland, says a press release received from Paris here today. The day has great importance for Commonwealth Countries because the World War I was declared on August4, 1914.  Every year the veterans of the World War assemble at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. Dignitaries from commonwealth are invited to rekindle the flame which keeps burning throughout the year. It is therefore called the eternal flame. The Forces which fought the war included soldiers from some areas of the sub-continent, now part of Pakistan. It is for this reason that the ambassador of Pakistan in France, Mr. Shafkat Saeed was invited this year to rekindle the flame.  Large number of people witnessed the ceremony. War veterans decorated with their medals marched through the Arc past the grave of the soldiers. Smartly turned contingent of French Armed Forces stood guard. French National Band played National Anthems of Pakistan, France and the United Kingdom. One-minute silence was observed. Members of Pakistani community with Pakistan Flag also attended the ceremony. After rekindling the flame, the ambassador met the war veterans present in the ceremony. The officers and staff of the embassy of Pakistan along with their families also attended the ceremony. PR No.50 PRESS RELEASE INTERFAITH PEACE PRAYER ON AUGUST 07,2010 AT LAHORE Islamabad 05, August 2010 Ministry of Minorities Affairs, Government of Pakistan is arranging Interfaith Peace Prayer in collaboration with NCIDE (Pakistan) on August 7, 2010 (Saturday) from 5 :00 P.M to 7:00 P.M  at Peeru, Raiwind Road, Lahore. Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti will be the Chief Guest at the occasion. Leadings scholars, Ulamas of all sects, leaders, representative of all religions and people belonging to all segments of society will attend the Interfaith Peace Prayer. The main objective of the prayer is to promote interfaith harmony in the country. The participants will pray together for elimination of extremism and terrorism in the country. They will show their commitment, for national solidarity and well being to their homeland, Pakistan. PR No.51 PRESS RELEASE A Singaporean humanitarian organization Mercy Relief has sent a three-member team to Peshawar to undertake relief and assistance work in and around Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. They will distribute US$30,000 worth of blankets, food, drinking water and medicines. They also set shelters for some of the homeless survivors of the flash floods, says a press release received  here today from Singapore. Pakistan High Commission Singapore has coordinated with Mercy Relief to send assistance for floods victims in Pakistan. High Commissioner H.E. Fauzia M. Sana was at the airport to see off the Mercy Relief team. She deeply appreciated the efforts of Mercy Relief, who in the past also participated in relief assistance after the 2005 earthquake in northern areas and for the dislocated people of Swat last year. The Singapore President Mr. S.R. Nathan in a message to the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the unprecedented monsoon rains causing heavy flooding in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province. He express hope for the successful and speedy recovery of those who are hurt and whose homes have been destroyed. The Singapore Red Cross has donated US$100,000 to the International Federation of Red Crescent to bring humanitarian aid to the victims of the flood in Pakistan. Members of Pakistani Diaspora in Singapore are also actively working to collect donations.   Mr. Hasan Ahmad, Chief Executive Mercy Relief has organized donation of 5 units of portable bicycle ultra filtration water treatment system. Mounted on a bicycle the water treatment system can be operated by peddling bicycle and is very appropriate for use in remote disasters stricken areas, where the electricity supply is scares. By this system 600 to 800 liters of water per hour can be treated by removing sediments and bacteria. The Pakistan High Commission is coordinating with Mercy Relief and PIA for transportation of the units from Kuala Lumpur to Peshawar. PR No.52  PRESS RELEASE Islamabad 05, August, 2010 Pakistan’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  here today from Ottawa.   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. PR No.53  PRESS RELEASE Indonesia chapter of Pak-Indonesia Business Council Meets Ambassador Sanaullah Islamabad 05, August 2010 Members of the Indonesian Chapter of Pakistan-Indonesia Joint Business Council here today met Ambassador Sanaullah over luncheon and discussed future programme of the newly constituted body for promotion of business and trade linkages between the two countries. Among others they included M. Mansur, Chairman Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, Mr. Johnny Virgo, Assistant Managing Director, Permata Hijau Group Mr. Hadi Surjadipradja, Chairman Gabungan Industries, auto dealers and Mr. Tutang Muchtar, Chairman Association of Indonesian Shoe Manufacturers, says a press release received here today. Talking to media on the occasion they expressed the hope that through establishment of the council, economic cooperation between the two countries would be formalized and new opportunities would be created “which were not there before”. They made special mention of trade in palm oil, paper manufacturing, leather products and auto parts. They opined that for a better understanding of market requirements of the two countries, both chapters of the council should have exchange of visits. They hoped that the Pak-Indonesia PTA would be signed soon and help enhance bilateral trade. On queries by the media over issue of militancy, they said it was not that serious an issue to hamper economic cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan. They observed that business environment in Pakistan was very welcoming and its economy had fared well even during the international economic crisis. This was a good omen for development of trade ties between Pakistan and Indonesia Ambassador Sanaullah welcomed members of the Indonesia Chapter and said the two brotherly countries already enjoyed good relations which needed to be translated into a sound economic cooperation. The purpose of establishing the Joint Business Council was to boost such cooperation he added. He said by having                        business linkages with Pakistan, Indonesian business concerns could also later on develop trade with Afghanistan and beyond, the Central Asian countries that abound with trade opportunities. He said people should not be misled about the state of Pakistan’s economy just by reading news reports about the issue of militancy. Pakistan’s economy in the last few years had registered 7 percent growth and only during the last two years there was a decline in the growth rate  as Pakistan had to spend heavily on its anti-terror campaigns. Pakistan had over 500 international companies operating ably supported by favourable investment incentives offered by the Government and an advanced banking system, a pre-requisite for successful functioning of any foreign company. He hoped the newly established Business Council could facilitate joint ventures between the two countries and also facilitate contacts between interested companies and individuals.     PR No.54 PRESS RELEASE Pakistan honoured at rekindling of eternal flame ceremony Islamabad 05, August, 2010 In a simple but impressive ceremony, the ambassador of Pakistan in France rekindled the eternal flame in the memory of Unknown Soldier of World War I at famous Arc de Triomphe here today. This is for the first time that Pakistan has been given such a unique honour. The ceremony is held on 4th of August every year to commemorate the memory of thousands of unknown soldiers who laid their lives defending their Homeland says a press release  received here today. The day has great importance for Commonwealth Countries because the World War I was declared on August4, 1914.  Every year the veterans of the World War assemble at the grave of the Unknown Soldier. Dignitaries from commonwealth are invited to rekindle the flame which keeps burning throughout the year. It is therefore called the eternal flame. The Forces which fought the war included soldiers from some areas of the sub-continent, now part of Pakistan. It is for this reason that the ambassador of Pakistan in France, Mr. Shafkat Saeed was invited this year to rekindle the flame.  Large number of people witnessed the ceremony. War veterans decorated with their medals marched through the Arc past the grave of the soldiers. Smartly turned contingent of French Armed Forces stood guard. French National Band played National Anthems of Pakistan, France and the United Kingdom. One-minute silence was observed. Members of Pakistani community with Pakistan Flag also attended the ceremony. After rekindling the flame, the ambassador met the war veterans present in the ceremony. The officers and staff of the embassy of Pakistan along with their families also attended the ceremony. PR No.55 PRESS RELEASE The Concept of Water Safety Planning, Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance Approach…. A Major Shift for Tackling Water Quality Issues Pakistan Confronting Environmental Challenges and UNICEF Contributing Sincere Efforts      ….Environment Minister Islamabad, August 5, 2010  Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that on 8th October, 2005, nation faced a devastating earthquake in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) which caused loss of 73,000 lives and left millions without basic necessities of life. He said however, now after almost five years, life is even better than it was before the earthquake with generous humanitarian support and assistance of local and international communities. He also said that rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities by UNICEF has made significant contribution in delivery of clean drinking water and improvement of health and living environment of affected population. He expressed these views in project completion ceremony of UNICEF’s water, environment and sanitation response in earthquake affected areas here today. Environment Minister said while referring the earthquake situation, that no doubt it was a large scale catastrophe and bringing life back to the normal was a big challenge but UNICEF and other national and international community contributed sincerely for reconstruction of basic infrastructural services network in the earthquake affected areas. Mr. Afridi further said that rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities by UNICEF, in collaboration with earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation authrotity (ERRA) and with the financial assistance of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands has made significant contributions in the delivery of clean drinking water and improvement of health and living environment of affected population. He told that in this connection reconstruction and rehabilitation of 948 water supply schemes and water quality mapping of 3,450/- water supply systems is appreciable and noteworthy. Federal Minister told that the concept of water safety planning and water quality monitoring and surveillance approach, being advocated by National Drinking Water Policy has successfully put into practice by the respective Local Government and Public Health engineering departments of AJK and Khyber pakhtunkhwa a major shift to tackling water quality issues on long terms basis. He added that this will ensure continuity of safe water supply to the inhabitants of the earthquake affected areas and has great potential to replicate this tested approach of water safety planning to other parts of Pakistan. Similarly the promotion of hygiene, household water treatment methods and capacity building of water management committees in 1350 village has provided a real sense of community participation and will lead to sustainable operations of the installed water supply schemes in the remotest areas. Environment Minister acknowledged the generous contribution of the Government of Netherlands, Leadership of UNICEF and ERRA and hard work of the Provincial Governments who made this all possible to build back better. He also thanked the Royal Netherlands Embassy and congratulated UNICEF and ERRA for successful implementation of water, sanitation and hygiene promotion interventions in the earthquake affected areas. Earlier, Mr. Deepak Bajracharya, Deputy representative and Chief of Field Operations, UNICEF, Umer-Al-Hattab, Chief WES, UNICEF, Lt. General Muhammad Haroon Aslam, Deputy Chairman ERRA and Mr. Joost Reintjes, Ambassador of Netherlands in Pakistan also expressed their views. PR No.56 PRESS RELEASE GOVERNMENT COMMITS FOR THE WELFARE OF ARTISTS AND CULTURAL ARTISANS:  PIR AFTAB JILANI Islamabad 05 August, 2010 Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani has said that incumbent Government committed for the welfare of Artists and Cultural Artisans and taking keen interest in this regard, this was stated by the Federal Minister while  chairing the Pakistan Culture and Arts Foundation Relief Fund Committee meeting here today. Federal Minister told that the Pakistan Culture and Arts Foundation Relief Fund has been established for the welfare of Artists. He said that 35 million rupees has been deposited in this relief fund and Rs. 41,30,000 will be annual profit of this amount. The Minister said that it was decided in the meeting that this year one time grant of Rs.3,000 rupees  will be given to 9 peoples and 3000 rupees per month for one year will be given  to 77 peoples. Federal Secretary for Culture Moinul Islam Bukhari told that all Provincial Cultural Secretaries including AJK are the members of this committee. Representatives of all provinces and others high officials also attended the meeting.  PR No.57 PRESS RELEASE BENAZIR TRACTOR SCHEME: Applications for the phase-11 are likely to be invited in September. ZTBL instructed to immediately fulfill the requirements for the implementation of the scheme.     Nazar M. Gondal Islamabad August 5, 2010. Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that the phase-11 of the Benazir Tractor Scheme (BTS) will be launched soon to empower the poor farmers for modernizing the agricultural practices and increasing the productivity of the agriculture sector. The minister said it while holding a meeting with the president ZTBL, Mr. Muhammad Zaka Ashraf. “Farmers are waiting for the delivery of the tractors. The process must be speeded up so that the early delivery of the tractors is made possible. You must be in a position to invite applications for the subsidized tractors as soon as possible”, said the minister. Mr. Gondal said that the present government has committed to revolutionize the agricultural sector by introducing modern farm machinery. He added that ten thousand tractors have already been given to the farmers with a subsidy of Rs. 20, 0000 per tractor and the same number of tractors would be delivered in the phase-11 as well. He also said that farmers would be free to select any brand of local/imported tractor and avail the scheme through the bank’s (ZTBL) loan or payment of cash amount. The minister said that the manufacturing companies must be bound to give at least a two year warranty on the tractors they produce. He said that the model must be duly approved by a regulatory committee before finalizing it. Mr. M. Zaka Ashraf said that the bank would soon complete the procedures to launch the second phase of BTS. He said that the bank would write to the M/O Finance to release cash for the announced scheme. He said that ZTBL would facilitate the earliest launch of the scheme. The meeting was attended by Mr. Tahir Anwar, DG water management MINFA (the ministry’s focal person on BTS) and other officials of the ministry and ZTBL PR No.58 PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT MONITORING FLOOD SITUATION: KAIRA London: August 5,2010 President is continuously monitoring flood situation in Pakistan and giving necessary directions for the relief efforts for people affected by the floods, said Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr.Qamar Zaman Kaira while addressing a community meeting in Manchester yesterday. The Minister informed that on the directives of the government all the missions of Pakistan abroad have been advised to generate assistance for flood affectees. He informed that Pakistan army, navy and aviation have been fully mobilized for relief efforts and the Prime Minister and cabinet members are fully involved to make sure that all the national and international efforts are streamlined and flood victims were able to get relief expediently. Minister appealed to the community to come forward and contribute generously in Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.  Mr. Kaira  further added  that in this difficult hour when Pakistan was faced  with worst floods of past 80 years the visit of President was one of the necessity to put across  Pakistan’s point of view in the backdrop of a controversial statement by British Prime Minister David Cameron. The Minister added that the meeting of President Zardari with Prime Minister Cameron will be focused on removing misperceptions about Pakistan. Where will apprise the new Prime Minister about efforts of Pakistan in combating terrorism. The Community meeting was attended by the President PPP UK Mr. Hassan Bukhari, Ms.Fauzia Habib, former Minister AJK Minister Mr.Pervez Ashraf and Mr.Afzal Javed. PR No.59 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: August 5, 2010 PID Crisis Communication Cell Delivers On the directives of Federal Minister for Information, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, a Crisis Communication Cell was setup in the Press Information Department headquarters, Islamabad with an objective to providing immediate rescue/relief to the recent flood affectees all over the country. Under the direct supervision of the Principal Information Officer, the Crises Cell started its work from the evening of 29th July, 2010 working round the clock. After receiving emergency calls from the flood affectees belonging to various parts of Khyber Pukhtunkha  and Punjab the PID Crisis Cell transmits the complaints to the concerned agencies at the Federal and Provincial level including National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA), Flood Cell, Indus River System Authority(IRSA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA) and District Managements. The PID Cell keeps on pursuing the complaints with the relevant relief providing agency till the time the affectees are satisfied with the response. So far the Cell has received more than five hundred calls/complaints from the flood affected people of the Khyber Pukhtunkha and Punjab provinces. The complaints include rescue calls, provision of shelter, food, boats, helicopters, verification of rumors  and information about water level at various rivers and dams. Almost all the complaints have been addressed at least at the level of the PID Crisis Communication Cell. This is all because of the dedication and vigilance showed by the PID officials working at the Cell. Secretary Information Mansoor Suhail visited the Crisis Cell yesterday. During the visit, the Secretary expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made at the Cell. On the occasion, he issued certain instructions for further improvement of the functioning of the Cell. At the pattern of the Crisis Communication Cell working at the PID Headquarters, Islamabad, another Cell has also been established at the PID Regional Office, Peshawar which is functioning with the same zeal and fervor. PR No.60 PRESS RELEASE LONDON, Aug 5, 2010 Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira has said the response of Pakistani Diaspora to the visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to the UK has been very positive. Speaking to the media on Thursday, the Minister who addressed a string of community meetings in northern England during the past three days to apprise the people of  the importance of President visit to the UK,his Friday meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron and his Saturday’s address in Birmingham, said the confusion regarding the visit of President to the UK was explained to the community and all Misunderstandings cleared. The Minister said the community acknowledged the importance of the visit in the context of British Prime Minister Cameron’s Pakistan terror remarks on the Indian soil. He said the community fully endorsed the view that President Zardari in his meeting with Cameron will forth Pakistan’s record in the fight against terrorism and extremists and bring in his knowledge the sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan armed forces and the people as Well as the colossal damaged suffered by his country’s economy. The Minister addressed public gathering in Burnely, Auden Shaw,Oldham, Bradford, Birmingham and Bradford and said the audience understood Pakistan’s point of view and termed Cameron’s remarks as ‘uncalled for and undiplomatic. He said Pakistani community was looking forward to attending the public meeting in Birmingham in a big way and lent total support to the Government and people of Pakistan in dealing with challenges and the ravages of flood. “The British voters have also voiced their concern over the remarks and said they were saddened by what he had stated in India. This inter-action was very positive and helped to mobilise the UK-based Pakistani community.” On President’s talks with British Home Secretary Theresa May earlier in the day, Kaira said the talks also focussed on the co-operation on security matters as well as visa and British assistance for the flood affected people in Pakistan. He said the Home Secretary was very positive on the security co-operation between the two countries and also assured of extending further strengthening the ties in this particular field. The Information Minister termed the meeting constructive and positive and said it provided both sides a good opportunity to inter act with other each for the first time since the new British government came into power after the general elections in May this year. Responding to a question, the Minister said President Zardari in his discussion with Cameron will cover the whole gamut of Pak-British relations including the war on terror as well as British Prime Minister’s remarks. He was hopeful that this meeting will lead to positive outcome and will further cement and consolidate the ties between the two countries. The Minister said the two countries were already engaged in the strategic dialogue and joint co-operation on issues common to them. PR No.61 PRESS RELEASE DELEGATION OF Islamabad District BAR, CALLS ON HCJP Islamabad, Aug 5, 2010 “Lawyers should strive hard to facilitate the litigants in quick redressal of their grievances” said the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while addressing an eight member delegation of District Bar Islamabad headed by its president Syed Wajid Ali Gilani and comprising other advocates namely Ch. Muhammad Ashraf Gujjar, Former President, Dr. Muhammad Azam Chaudhry, Sardar Muhammad Tariq Farid Gopang, Ch. Muhammad Naeem Ali Gujjar, Ch. Abdul Khaliq, Ch. Fayyaz Ahmed and Nazir Ahmed Bhutta who called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry today i.e. 05-08-2010 in Supreme Court building Islamabad. Taking to the delegation his lordship said, “after restoration movement the trust of people in judiciary has enhanced so the responsibility of both Bench and Bar has also increased to dispense inexpensive and expeditious justice to them and settlement of their disputes. The Hon’ble Chief Justice informed the delegation that under National Judicial Policy committees have been constituted comprising on District and Sessions Judges, Additional District and Sessions accompanied by other judges to visit fortnightly the jails for the purpose of jail inspection and decide on the spot minor criminal cases. The presidents of District Bars and other lawyers extending free legal aids to prisoners also accompany Judicial Officer during jail visit. The delegation informed the Hon’ble Chief Justice about their visit to France where they were warmly welcomed. They also met the Hon’ble former Chief Justice of France who is now member of Constitutional Court France and other judicial luminaries. The delegation informed the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan about the invitation extended by Hon’ble former Chief Justice of France (who is currently member of Constitutional Court France) to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan to visit France . They further informed his lordship that the Hon’ble former Chief Justice of France had visited Pakistan in 2006 and had attended International Judicial Conference 2006 during the Golden Jubilee Ceremony of Supreme Court of Pakistan held at Islamabad . The delegation also submitted written invitation of Hon’ble former Chief Justice of France to Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan. They apprised his lordship about good will and sentiments of Paris Bar and their efforts to support lawyers’ movement in Pakistan for the cause of independent judiciary, Rule of Law and supremacy of Constitution. Furthermore the delegation informed the Hon’ble Chief Justice about the problems and hardships faced by them like shortage of Judicial Magistrates at Islamabad etc. The president District Bar Islamabad informed his lordship about disposal rate at Islamabad and appreciated National Judicial Policy. PR No.62 PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT MEETS BRITISH HOME SECRETARY London, Aug 5, 2010 Ms Theresa May, British Home Secretary Thursday called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at local Hotel in London. Matters regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, Pakistan’s fight against extremism and militancy, relief works for flood affectees in Pakistan, access to Pakistani goods in EU markets and Visa issues came under discussion during the meeting. Those who attended the meeting included Ms Lyn Homer, Chief Executive officer, UK border agency, Mr. Charles Farr, DG immigration and Counter Terrorism Home office and Mr. Andrew Patrick, Director South Asia, Home Office UK. From Pakistan side the meeting was attended by Information Minister Mr. Qamer Zaman Kaira, Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Bashir, Secretary to the President, Malik Asif Hayat, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in UK, Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hassan and other senior government officials. The President while referring to the difficulties being faced by Pakistani nationals in getting UKvisas called for curtailing the processing time for visa issuance particularly to students and businessmen. The President appreciated the steps being taken by the british government to strengthen Visa sections in Islamabad and Abu Dhabi to clear the backlog of Visa applications. The President said that the two governments should work on abolishing visa for diplomatic and official passport holders between the two countries. The President urged the international community to come forward and play their due role in extending support and assistance for the people affected by recent floods s and torrential trains in various parts of the country. The President appreciated British Government’s financial assistance of 5 million Pounds for flood victims in Pakistan and added that the magnitude of the devastations caused by the floods is very huge.  Ms Theresa May appreciated the government’s determinations to fight against the militancy and terrorism. . She said that Britain would continue to support Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, building its ravaged economy and addressing issues pertaining to delays in Visa issuance to Pakistani nationals. PR No.63 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad 5th August, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the role of Army personals in rescue and relief efforts in the flood affected areas. The Prime Minister while talking to the Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani who called on him at the PM’s House this evening, asked to focus on the rescue and relief efforts in the southern parts of the country as well to save lives of the people. The Army Chief appraised the Prime Minister about the relief work undertaken by the Army personals and the overall security situation in the country. PR No.64 PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT HOSTS LUNCHEON FOR BRITISH MPS OF PAKISTANI ORIGIN London; August 5, 2010 President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked British members of Parliament of Pakistani origin to play their active role in mobilizing Pakistani community in UK for wider support and assistance for the people affected by recent floods and torrential rains in Pakistan. This he said during a luncheon hosted in honour of the British members of Parliament of Pakistani origin here at the local Hotel in London on Thursday. British MPs of Pakistani origin who attended the luncheon meeting included Mr. Ray Rehman Chishti, Mr. Sajid Javed, Mr. Muhammad Sarwar and Mr. Shahid Malik. From Pakistan side those who attended the meting included Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamer Zaman Kaira, Ms Rukhsana Bangash, MNA, Ms Fouzia Habib, MNA, Mr. Salman Bashir, foreign secretary, Secretary to the President Malik Asif Hayat, spokesperson to the President former senator Farhatullah Babar and Pakistan’s high commissioner in UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hassan. The President during the meeting appraised the MPs of Pakistani origin about the various plans and development programmes initiated by the incumbent government for the welfare and uplift of the people of Pakistan particularly the downtrodden of the society. The President said that the government has launched Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to extricate the poor from below the poverty line, reinstated the sacked workers, gave 12 percent shares in state-run enterprises to the workers and devised plans to give state lands free of cost to poor women in the command areas of the twelve new dams that will be built in the country in the next three years. The President said the Pakistan People’s Party had adopted policy of reconciliation as a conscious political decision for the sake of harmony and political stability so that the socio- economic developmental agenda ahead of the government could be vigorously pursued. Discussing ongoing war against militancy, the President said that Pakistan had rendered great sacrifices in the war against terror and criticising it would undermine the totality of efforts. He said that Pakistan had suffered over 45 billion dollars of loss over the past eight years as a result of this war. We have urged the international community to help in our economic development through trade and not aid for fighting the menace of militancy, the President said. The President appreciated the achievements of British members of Pak-origin and said it was a matter of great pride for the Pakistani people that they were playing such a leading role in a country where more than a one million Pakistani diaspora is living and playing their role as a bridge between the two countries. PR No.65 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad August 5, 2010 In wake of the red alert issued for Sindh, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani  has directed the Minister for Water and Power on telephone to stay there and  coordinate with Chairman NDMA for immediate action in case of any serious threat. He also directed the Minister to keep him constantly posted on the latest developments.