PR. No. 52
PRESS RELEASE
KOrian and Gojra riots inquiry report to be made public:
Ministry of MINORITIES Affairs
Islamabad July 06, 2010Two unfortunate incidents of arson, looting and killing of minority people occurred in Korian and Gojra towns of Toba Tek Singh on 30th July and 1st August, 2009 last year in which nine innocent minority people lost their lives.
Federal Ministry of Minorities in a letter written to the Punjab Government, has informed that the minorities in Pakistan have shown their deep concern in pursuing the Korian and Gojra cases and have demanded to fix the responsibility against the culprits without further delay.
A judicial inquiry commission constituted by the Government of Punjab, headed by Justice Iqbal Hameed ur Rehman, Judge of Lahore High Court has already submitted its report to the Punjab Government.
The Federal Government has asked Punjab Government to make Korian and Gojra inquiry report public so that the people should know the facts of the incidents.
**SJK/Ahmad**
PR. No. 53
PRESS RELEASE
Statement of Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on the beginning of Pak-Afghan Transit Trade
Islamabad July 06, 2010I would like to extend warm welcome to H.E. Mr. Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Minister for Finance Afghanistan, H.E. Mr. Wahidullah Shahrani, Minister for Mines, Afghanistan and members of Afghan delegation. I hope you have a comfortable stay in Islamabad and are well looked after.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are two brotherly muslim contries who share a common geography, common history and a rich cultural heritage. The two contries have been parts of ancient civilizations such as the Graeco-Bacectrian, Bhudhist and Islamic civilizations. Both have been part of the same vast Iranian, Mongol, Turk and Afghanistan empires.
Both countries are located in very strategic region of the would and are at the cross roads of ancient trade routes. The two countries hold the key to trade between Indian sub continent, Central Asia, China, and Russia.
Pakistan is aware of its international commitments under the UN Convention on Transit Trade of Land locked States, freedom of Transit under Article 5 of GATT, Ariticle 2 of the UN Convention of High Seas. It recognizes the rights of Afghanistan as a land locked country. Pakistan is committed to facilitate Afghanistan-Pakistan bilateral trade, their involvement in regional trade and international trade.
So for 6 rounds of talks have been held between the Joint Working Group representing the stakeholders of both the countries. Significant progress has been made so for during the 6 rounds. Protocol 5, dealing with Control of Precursors and Chemical Substance used in the illicit Manufacture of Narcotic Drugs or psychotropic Subsitances. Major text of the Agreement and its protocols has been cleaned. The 6 round has been very important in the sense that it helped to crystallize and bring out the fundamental issues requiring resolution in order for the talks to move forward. I would like to appreciate the hard work done by the team members of both the countries.
We enter into negotiations today with an open mind and positive attitude with the intention to address the outstanding issues and find solutions. I wish good luck and hope that we will be able to come up to the expectations of the people of both the countries.
**KS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 54
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that government has been making all possible efforts at various levels to plead the case for Dr. Afia Siddiqui’s repatriation with the concerned US authorities. He stated that he fully understand the anguish of the family of Dr. Afia Siddiqui but hoped that the family members would bear with the government’s efforts in seeking an early release of Dr. Afia.
He was talking to Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, sister of Dr. Afia Siddiqui, who called on him in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui thanked the Prime Minister for his keen interest to bring Dr. Afia Siddiqui back to her country as soon as possible and for his government’s strenuous efforts undertaken with the US government to plead Dr Afia Siddiqui’s case. Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui said she was also grateful to the people of Pakistan for standing by Dr. Afia’s family in these difficult times.
Minister for Interior Senator A Rehman Malik and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 55
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s role as frontline state in the war against terror has had implications in every sphere of our national life. While the armed and security forces of Pakistan have made great human sacrifices, the economy of Pakistan has been severely effected as the militants on run from FATA and Swat are now targeting the urban centres to create disruption. Consequently, the foreign investment in Pakistan has declined considerably and the economic activities have come under pressure. Despite these serious constraints, Pakistan remains resolutely committed to take this war to its logical conclusion and root out the threat of terrorism and militancy from its soil.
He was talking to Ms Louise Arbour, President of International Crisis Group who called on him alongwith other members of the Group in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister dilated on his government’s persistent efforts to take all the political forces along in major decisions making process to develop and strengthen the democratic institutions in the country. He apprised the International Crisis Group about the unanimous passage of 18th Amendment Package by the Parliament which had not only restored the 1973 Constitution in its pristine form but strengthened the foundation of democracy in the country. The Prime Minister nonetheless underlined the fact that all the major institutions of the country need to work in cohesion and within the laid down parameters of their jurisdiction to ensure that no harm could come to the democracy in Pakistan in the future.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is fully committed to promoting and protecting human rights of every citizen in the country and had ratified all the International Conventions relating to the rights of child, elimination of all forms of discriminations and discriminations against women. The democratic government, he added, was particularly focusing on empowerment of women and guaranteeing equal rights and status to the minorities in the country. He said that government of Pakistan had launched various reform packages for improving governance and economy. The giving of rights to Gilgit and Baltistan and through initiatives like “Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan” and FATA Reforms has helped to address the grievances of smaller provinces and far flung areas. He expressed his government’s resolve to pursue the implementations of these initiatives and overcome the hurdles in that regard.
The Prime Minister stated that while the government of Pakistan had implemented the dialogue and deterrence part of his 3-D policy, the threat of terrorism cannot be addressed unless its root causes are addressed through development. He, however, regretted that international community and major friendly countries were found wanting in their committed assistance at Tokyo to help Pakistan address the problems of poverty, illiteracy and un-employment as well as reconstruction of schools, hospitals and infrastructure in the militancy effected areas. Resultantly, the government of Pakistan, he said, was forced to divert its meager resources meant for further development in the country to rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the effected areas.
Ms Louise Arbour applauded the Prime Minister and his government’s reform agenda. She also appreciated the commitment of the government and people of Pakistan as well as huge sacrifices of the armed and security forces in the war against terror. She expressed the hope that the government of Pakistan, despite the prevalent situation in FATA, will be able to fully implement the FATA reforms introduced in August last year. Ms Louise Arbour said that international Crisis Group, through its reports and analysis of the situation in Pakistan, will continue to mobilize international opinion and support to help Pakistan overcome its present difficulties.
Mr. Mark Schnider, Vice President, Ms Samina Ahmad, Country Representative of International Crisis Group and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
**PMCO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 56
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the Government is according high priority to the development projects, as it is directly linked to the employment generation leading towards poverty alleviation and improving the living standard of common man.
Prime Minister was talking to Parliamentarians who called on him at his chamber at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning.
The Prime Minister observed that disbursement of the requisite funds for the development schemes would be expedited for timely completion of the projects. The Prime Minister also urged the Parliamentarians to monitor the schemes in their respective constituencies and ensure the removal of the bottlenecks in completion of projects.
The parliamentarians eulogized the Prime Minister for the generous as well as judicious allocations to all the elected members in the PSDP for year the 2010-2011.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. Imtiaz Safder Warrich, Minister for Communication, Ms. Faryal Talpu, MNA, Mr. Arif Aziz Sheikh, MNA, Mr. Amir Yar Waran and Ms. Ruksana Bangash, MNA.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 57
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan and Attorney General of Pakistan, Mr. Maulvi Anwarul Haq called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s Sect: here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister was apprised of the progress on important legal and Constitutional matters. The appointment of new Chairman National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the upcoming national conference on law and order also came under discussion during the meeting.
The Law Minister briefed the Prime Minister about his interaction with legal practitioners during his visits to various Bar Councils/Associations of the country. He also briefed him about the working of Law and Justice Ministry.
Secretary Law, Mr. Muhammad Masood Chishti was also present during the meeting.
PMCO/wh
PR. No. 58
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is part of the solution of the problems in Afghanistan and sincerely desire to work together with the government of Afghanistan in this regard. Pakistan, he added, really wants to improve its relations with the brotherly country of Afghanistan in all spheres of economic activity.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Afghan trade delegation led by Hazrat Qamar Zakhilwal Minister for Finance and Trade. The delegation included Mr. Wahidullah Shahrani Minister for Mines and the Afghan Ambassador in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister emphasized on cooperation beyond the existing collaboration in security matters including intelligence sharing so as to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and militancy. The focus at present of both the countries, he said, should be to improve the law and order situation to ensure peace and stability. Law & order and Economy, he added, are bracketed with each other. The improved environment, the Prime Minister said, would automatically extend opportunities to exploit the huge potential for enhancement of trade and commercial activities. It would bring progress and prosperity, he said, for the people of the two neighbuorly countries.
While stressing upon the need to increase bilateral trade the Prime Minister underlined the importance of regularizing the trade as well to check smuggling of goods. He further underscored the significance of improving connectivity between the two countries by developing Railways and Road links. These infrastructures, he added, could be extended beyond Afghanistan to Central Asia thus leading to economic development of the entire region.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the concept of trilateral links between Pakistan, Afghanistan and China could greatly benefit all the three countries. The discussions in this context between the leadership of three countries, he said, have been encouraging.
The Prime Minister recalled his meetings with President Karzai as very useful in further developing relations between the two countries. He mentioned that Pakistan had offered to help develop various institutions in Afghanistan including training of police and army.
The Prime Minister under pinned the immediate need for closer links between the business community of both the countries. It would help expand possibilities of trade and commerce. These links can be strengthened through people to people contacts, exchange of parliamentary delegations and close links between political leadership.
The Afghan Minister for Finance and Trade said that his meetings with the Pakistani officials have been very fruitful. He agreed with the Prime Minister that there are great potentials for promotion of trade between the two brotherly countries. The government of Afghanistan, he said, has already taken up the Railways Project to link Torkham with Jalalabad. The next railways link, he mentioned, would be between Jalalabad and Mazar-e-Sharif during the next five years.
The Afghan Minister condemned the terrorist attack on the sacred shrine of Data Ganj Bakhsh and emphasized on need to improve the security situation in both the brotherly countries.
The Afghan Minister invited Pakistani businessmen to invest in the infrastructure sector in Afghanistan and also to explore possibilities of joint ventures .He also highlighted the prospects of developing the copper and coal mines of Afghanistan.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Finance and concerned Federal Secretaries.
PMCO/wh
PR. No. 59
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 06, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that good governance is a pre-requisite for a welfare state and his government is committed to make Pakistan a welfare state.
The Prime Minister was talking to Malik Amjad Ali Noon, Chairman, Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat, this afternoon.
The Prime Minister asked the Chairman to build the capacity of the Commission for undertaking assessment of the performance of the government’s departments with a particular focus on controlling the wastage of resources and improve the service delivery for public benefit.
Chairman, PMIC apprised the Prime Minister of the working of Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission and also discussed with him the strategy to address public grievances and subsequent provision of relief to the complainants.
ZY/wh
PR. No. 60
PRESS RELEASE
JOINT WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY POTENTIAL AREAS FOR MUTUAL COOPERATION WITH SUDAN. PAKISTAN CAN PROVIDE AMPLE ASSISTANCE IN AGRICULTURE RESEARCH. NAZAR GONDAL
Islamabad July 06, 2010Federal minister for food & agriculture Nazar M. Gondal has said that a joint working group is to be formed consisting specialists on wheat, cotton and livestock that would suggest ways for cooperation with the brotherly country of Sudan
The minister was holding a meeting with H.E Mohammad Omer Musa, the Sudanese ambassador to Pakistan.
“We are quite advanced in agricultural research and can help a lot in that area. The experts from both the countries must identify various areas for mutual cooperation. Both the countries can benefit a lot from each other’s potentials in the sector of agriculture. We have already invited your agriculture minister to visit Pakistan and see things for himself”, added the minister.
The ambassador said that Sudan offers a lot of leveled and fertile land for investment and the private sector of Pakistan would be facilitated if it desires to invest in that area. He added that Pakistan’s help in modernizing the agricultural practices and sharing the research based findings would benefit Sudan greatly.
Mr. Gondal said that exchange of elite genetic resources of field and horticulture crops like sugarcane, dates, tomatoes and water melon etc would benefit both the countries. He said that Pakistan can provide production and management technology related to agronomy, weed control, plant protection and harvesting to Sudan. He added that an MoU may be signed between Al-Jazeera Agriculture Project and Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) for cooperation in research.
The meeting was also attended by secretary and other officials of the ministry.
MS/wh
PR. No. 61
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI ARRIVES IN BEIJING ON SIX DAY VISIT TO CHINA
Islamabad July 06, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Beijing Tuesday evening on a six day official visit to China to hold talks with Chinese leaders including President, the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin, some provincial political leaders and heads of major corporations, according to a press release received from Beijing.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the President was received at the Beijing airport by the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhi Jun, Pakistan’s Ambassador in China Masood Khan and the chiefs of protocol.
On arrival in Beijing the President while talking to the media said that his visit is aimed at pushing forward the process of strategic engagement, enhancing economic and trade ties, and bolstering people to people contacts to lend greater depth and a newer perspective to the relations. It is continuation of the process of learning from the rich diversity of Chinese economic and development miracle and benefiting from their expertise in the fields of agriculture, education, communications, energy and industry, he said.
This is my fifth visit to China since October 2008 and I have been truly been inspired by the remarkable achievements of the Chinese people, and the wise stewardship of its leaders, the President said.
Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying that the foundations of a strong friendship with China were laid by the visionary policies of Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, late Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Cho Enlai playing a pioneering role in preparing the groundwork on which this edifice was later built. Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed maintained the tradition of this special relationship with China, taking it to new heights. The leadership and people of both Pakistan and China honor their contributions to this day, the President remarked Pakistan has and will continue to firmly remain on the side of the people of China in their march towards their manifest destiny, he further said.
The President said that Pakistan valued its friendship with China. Strengthening of cooperation with China is one of the key principles guiding Pakistan’s foreign policy. We believe that China is a factor of stability in the region and together we would continue our common endeavours for building a better future for our people, and promoting international peace, stability and prosperity, the President said adding that he looked forward to very productive and useful meetings with Chinese political leaders as well as leaders of its business and industry.
From the airport the President accompanied by Ambassador Masood Khan drove to the state guest house where he was received by members of the entourage. Soon after arrival the President held meetings with the Ambassador and members of the
entourage to get briefing on the initial meetings held with Chinese business and industry leaders ahead of the President’s arrival.
Farhatullah Babar said that tomorrow the President will hold meetings with heads of major Chinese corporations including Sinohydro, Three Gorges Corporation, China Northern Railways, EXIM Bank, Peoples Bank and the Chinese Development Bank to review the status of ongoing projects undertaken by these corporations in Pakistan as well as the status of some new proposals already in the pipe line.
Later the President will drive to the Great Hall of the People for a one on one meeting with President Hu Jintao followed by a larger meeting in which the Presidential aides will also participate. Some agreements and Memorandum of understanding are also expected to be signed on the occasion.
On Thursday the President will visit the Tsinghua University to inaugurate the Moenjodaro Exhibition followed by meetings in the Great Hall of the People separately with the Chairman of the Chinese Peoples Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Jia Qinglin and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao. The Ministers for Water and Agriculture of the host country will also call on the President in the State guest House later tomorrow.
On Friday the President will address the Pak-China Economic Cooperation Forum and hold talks with corporate leaders of energy, construction, mining, petroleum, engineering, shipping, finance and banking sectors and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
Later he will leave for Shanghai where he will address the Pak-China Alternate Energy forum and visit the pavilions of Pakistan and China at the Expo and meet the Mayor of Shanghai.
Members of the entourage include among others Defence Minister ChaudhryAhmad Mukhtar, Petroleum Minister Naveed Qamar, Minister of State for water Resources Kamal Majidullah, Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, Secretary General to President Salman Farooqui, Secretary Foreign Affairs Salman Bashir, Ambassador at large Khalil Ahmad Khan, Chairman WAPDA Shakil Durrani and Chairman NHA Chaudhry Altaf Ahmad.
Ambassador Masood Khan also briefed the President on implementing the vision of promoting people to people ties. Two separate media interactions, visits to the Tsinghua University, inauguration of a photo exhibition highlighting Moenjodro- Gandhara civilizations and visits to the pavilions of Pakistan and China at the Shanghai Expo were the highlights of reaching out to the Chinese people during the visit, the Ambassador said. He said that special photographers from China had been sent to take pictures of the remains of the ancient civilization that ‘connected China and Pakistan through history’.SAK/wh
PR. No. 62
PRESS RELEASE
CENTRAL RUET-E-HILAL COMMITTEE HAS CALLED MEETING FOR SIGHTING CRESCENT OF SHA’ABAN
Islamabad July 06, 2010Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has called a meeting on 12th July 2010 for sighting the crescent of Sha’Aban, 1431 Hijri. Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will preside the meeting which will be held in Pakistan Meteorological Department, Camp Office, Karachi. The other members of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will going the meeting from their respective provinces/districts. The ICT zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee members will attend the meeting from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad. Any news regarding the sighting of crescent of Sha’Aban will be immediately communicated to the Chairman who will formally announce the sighting of crescent of Sha’Aban.
AB/wh
PR. No. 63
PRESS RELEASE
6TH CITI-PPAF MICRO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY
Islamabad July 06, 2010“The Government fully supports Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund and civil society organizations in providing a platform to the microentrepreneurs to prove their capabilities and help fight poverty”. This was stated by Federal Minister/Chairperson Benazir Income Support programme Farzana Raja at the 6th Citi-PPAF Microntrepreneurship Awards (CMA) ceremony jointly organized by PPAF and Citi Foundation on Tuesday at a local hotel here in Islamabad.
CE/MD PPAF Kamal Hyat, Citi Global Director Microfinance & Community Development Robert Annibale, Citi Country Officer/Managing Director Arif Usmani, Chief Financial Officer PPAF Iltifat Rasul Khan and PPAF Chief Operating Officer Kamran Akbar, representatives from microfinance institutions and PPAF partner organizations were also present on this occasion.
Focusing on the need of establishing technical training institutions, Farzana Raja said that permanent and sustainable solutions are required to tackle menace of poverty and that more emphasis should be laid on building capacities and teaching skills to people so that they could improve their social and economic life. She also said that PPAF is working for a noble cause and is also supporting the Government in conducting a poverty survey in the country.
As many as 50 rising microentrepreneurs and their loan officers were awarded cash prizes. Muhammad Shabbir Hussain was declared the “Best Male National Entrepreneur”, while Zohra Bibi the ‘Best Female National Entrepreneur’.Bahadur Chang (Sindh) Abdul Basit (Balochistan), Roohi Bano (Khyber PakhtoonKhwa) Rifat Iqbal (Punjab) Sheli Khan (Federal, Gilgit and Baltistan) and Muhammad Sharif (AJK) were declared “Best Regional Entrepreneurs” with one runner-up for each category. Special awards were also given in the categories of “Most Innovative”, “Overcoming Adversity”, “Young Entrepreneur” and “Positive Impact on Community”.
In his welcome address Kamal Hyat appreciated the award winners for accepting challenges and using microcredit in productive ways. He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for supporting various sectors working in microcredit. He also said that PPAF and Citi are planning to further expand their partnership.
Speaking on the occasion Arif Usmani said that Citi enjoys a longstanding relationship with PPAF and looks forward to working with them on similar initiatives in the future.
Robert Annibale while addressing the gathering said that the ambition and innovation demonstrated by rising Pakistani entrepreneurs is tremendous and provides opportunity to the traditional bankers to learn from these microentrepreneurs.
Now in its sixth year, the objective of the CMA programs is to highlight and promote the effective role microfinance plays in poverty alleviation. In particular, the program seeks to generate recognition for extraordinary contributions that individual microentrepreneurs have made to economic sustainability of their families as well as their communities.
Specific goals of CMA program are to raise awareness about microfinance, particularly among microentrepreneurs who could benefit from it, to recognize and celebrate the contributions that microentrepreneurs bring to the world economy and to highlight best practices in microentrepreneurship. The awards also aim at raising awareness and support for microentrepreneurs by highlighting their talents and accomplishments among the investment and donor community throughout the world. These awards are also meant to create the next generation of microfinance networks, build more inclusive financial sectors and lay foundation for a flourishing microfinance industry.
The CMA program is held annually to recognize and reward leadership, entrepreneurial skills and best practices of individual microentrepreneurs at national, provincial and regional level. This program aims at creating awareness regarding the effectiveness of microfinance as a tool in fight against the poverty besides encouraging the award winning microentrepreneurs.
Since 2005, awards are being organized with the collaboration of PPAF in Pakistan. The CMA programs are being held in 18 countries in Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela.
PPAF is the lead institution for poverty-focused interventions in the country. Set up as a fully autonomous private sector institution, PPAF enjoys facilitation and support from the Government of Pakistan, the World Bank and other international donors. Outreach of PPAF now extends to 127 districts of Pakistan through its microcredit, community physical infrastructure, drought mitigation and health & education interventions. It has partnered with 86 organizations working in 73,000 villages with over 229,000 communities and groups network at grassroots level.
Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Citi’s major brand names include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica and Banamex.
DO/wh
PR. No. 64
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT CATEGORICALLY REJECTS INSINUATIONS OF PLACING CURBS ON MEDIA
Islamabad July 06, 2010A section of the press has created a wrong impression that the Government is poised to clamp down on the independent media industry. Clarifying the position, a spokesman of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting stated that the present government has neither imposed any restriction on the media during last two-and-half years nor did it intend to do so in future. On the contrary, it strongly believes in the freedom of information and media.
In order to do away with the negative amendments to control the media inserted by previous government following imposition of emergency in the country on November 3, 2007, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information & Broadcasting has submitted its report in the National Assembly on June 27, 2010 to amend Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority Ordinance. Several clauses introduced on November 3, 2007 have been removed from this revised amendment bill. The bill will be finalized after due discussion by the National Assembly and the Senate, the spokesman added.
The spokesman further added that the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting constituted an independent committee headed by Justice (Retd) Fakhruddin G. Ibrahim in April 2009 to formulate a voluntary code of conduct for private media. This Committee has prepared a draft code of conduct after consulting all the stakeholders and having accorded due consideration to the proposals of Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA). The Government is committed to evolving an elaborate code of conduct for the media which will be in line with Article 19-A of the Constitution.
The spokesman further said that it has been wrongly alleged that Media Coordination Committee on Defence Planning was trying to formulate policy guidelines for private media organizations. Clarifying the position, the spokesman said that the Media Coordination Committee on Defence Planning was constituted in the early 1970s and its terms of reference are now outdated. The Committee consists of officials and has nothing to do with the formulation of media policy or laws related to private media which is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. In fact, the recent meeting recommended to its main Committee to formulate new TORs of the Committee. The whole exercise is procedural in nature and applicable in war time situation only. The said committee has no mandate to prepare media policy or amend any media laws, the spokesman concluded.
DO/wh