PR No. 66
PRESS RELEASE
Flood Disaster: Malaysia Pledge US$1 Million Aid To Pakistan
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The Malaysian government has pledged to contribute US$1 million (RM3.17 million) to the Pakistan government as humanitarian aid in the wake of the flood disaster that has hit several parts of Pakistan since July 22, says a press release received here today from Malaysia.
The Foreign Ministry of Malaysia in a statement issued yesterday(5.08.2010) said that the aid was a manifestation of the Malaysian government and the people of Malaysia’s concern and sympathies to the government and people of Pakistan over the loss of lives and destruction of infrastructure and property as a result of the disaster.
“The government of Malaysia hoped the contribution will help alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Pakistan. The flood disaster, Pakistan’s worst in 80 years, has so far claimed at least 1,600 lives. More than 3.5 million people in Pakistan’s provinces of Punjab, Baluchistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Kyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been affected by the disaster.
The High Commission for Pakistan in Malaysia had made a passionate appeal on Wednesday (4th August, 2010) for soliciting humanitarian assistance from Malaysian brotheren and expatriate Pakistani community.
Since the appeal, a number of Malaysian people have expressed interest to contribute donations. The Association of Spouses of Malaysian Ministers and Deputy Ministers, headed by the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia also intends to contribute relief goods to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Pakistan. The aid will be handed over to the Pakistan High Commission on 12th of this month.
The High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is actively engaged to motivate the philanthropists and well to do people to provide humanitarian assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan. The Mission is also opening a special account in the Affin Bank for collection of donations in local currency which will be active in a day or so.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR No. 67
PRESS RELEASE
Relief Goods for flood affectees
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The Indonesian Minister of coordination for Public Welfare, Agung Laksono Thursday evening handed over to Ambassador Sanaullah, documents of the special consignment of relief items for the flood affectees in Pakistan. A special handing over ceremony was held at the Jakarta Airport attended by senior Indonesian officials, Officers of the Pakistan Embassy and members of the local and international media, says a press release received here today from Indonesia.
Receiving the consignment, the Ambassador Mr. Sanaullah said it was a great gesture of goodwill from the people of Indonesia and its government which was highly appreciated by all Pakistanis.
A special cargo plane carrying the 15 tons of relief goods including dry rations, regular food items, baby food, medicines, blankets etc would leave Jakarta for Islamabad on Friday, 6th August via Bangkok and Dhaka arriving at its destination at around 20:00 hrs the same day.
A team of 21 paramedics would follow later and stay in Pakistan for two weeks to look after the flood affectees in need of healthcare.
An advanced team of four it is learnt, already left for Islamabad early Thursday morning for necessary arrangements.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 68
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADOR CALLS ON JAN JAMALI
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, Mr. Shin Un paid a fare well call on Acting Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali at the Parliament House and exchanged views with him on matters of mutual interests and bilateral significance with particular reference to expansion in trade, business and parliamentary relations between Korea and Pakistan.
The Acting Chairman observed that Pakistan enjoys very warm and cordial relations with Korea and expressed hope that these friendly ties would be further strengthened in the days to come. He emphasized the need to focus on Parliamentary exchanges and expand these relations into the cultural and economic fields. He informed that the Pak-Korea Friendship Group could be of great help to pave the way for exchange of Parliamentary delegations between the two countries. He said that recent floods have devastated a vast area of the country resulting in severe loss to the infrastructure and roads network. He thanked the Korean Ambassador for the financial assistance given for the rehabilitation of the flood hit areas.
The Acting Chairman Senate added that there is large scope for investment in various sectors fisheries, IT and many other avenues which can help generate more employment opportunities for the people. He said the country’s economy is basically agrarian and it needs land leveling equipment especially bulldozers, tractors etc. He informed the Ambassador that the Parliament has approved 18th Amendment Bill after which many of the departments would shift to Provinces. The Province is rich in mineral resources and the Gawader Port provides shortest route to Central Asia and other countries of the region, Mr. Jamali added. He also thanked the people and Government of Korea for the help extended during the October 08, 2005 earthquake.
Earlier, the Korean Ambassador Mr. Shin Un said that the Korean Government has announced 500,000 US$ financial assistance for the flood affectees and assured all out cooperation in the early rehabilitation of the victims. He also assured to help the Province of Balochistan in undertaking the capacity building of the Government functionaries and officials. He apprised the Acting Chairman Senate that the Korean Government is working closely with the NDMA to rebuild areas that have been devastated by unprecedented floods.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 69
PRESS RELEASE
INTERFAITH PEACE PRAYER ON AUGUST 07, 2010 AT LAHORE
Islamabad; August 6, 2010Ministry 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.
**SJK/Ahmad**
PR No. 70
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; August 6, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that it is the responsibility of the government and civil society to join hands for the help of our brothers stranded in flood hit area. We have to cope with this crisis with patience, he added.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the noble gesture of Chief Executive Officer PTCL, Mr. Walid Irshad and UFone’s President and CEO Mr.Abdul Aziz who presented donation cheques of Rs. 40 m and Rs.13.5 m respectively for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 at Prime Minister’s House this morning, said that our corporate sector quickly responded to the alarming situation to shoulder their responsibilities in the relief activities.
The Prime Minister reiterated the commitment of the government; to utilize all available resources for the rescue and rehabilitation of the flood affectees. He also said that the physical infrastructure has been damaged by the gushing waters of flood.
The Prime Minister urged the telecom sector to restore the telecommunication system in the flood hit areas as early as possible to strengthen the relief activities.
CEO, PTCL apprised the Prime Minister that PTCL Company has donated Rs 20 million and Rs 20 million by depositing one day’s salary of the employees. Similarly UFone Company has donated Rs 10 million and Rs 3.5 million by depositing one day’s salary of employees. He also apprised him that PTCL sector has established three medical camps and free telephone centers in different flood hit areas to facilitate the affectees.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 71
PRESS RELEASE
Government Recognizes Provision of Safe drinking Water as Fundamental Human Right……
Environment Tribunal To Take Notice Against Supply of Contaminated Water…..Afridi
Islamabad; August 6, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that present government would ensure provision of safe drinking water to the masses which is fundamental human right. Ministry of Environment also recognizes safe drinking water as a public health mater. He said that water resources are decreased with high speed which is considerable for whole world. He expressed these views while chairing a workshop on the Development of the jointly organized by Ministry of Environment (Pak-EPA), Ministry of Science & Technology and UNICEF here today.
Environment Minister while addressing, said that there is an increasing trend of water contamination caused by lack of proper water treatment facilities, lack of environment protection measures and un-checked discharge of domestic and industrial effluent and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He said that as the result, many people especially those live in poor and remote communities are exposed to water contamination causing huge lose in life and economy every year. He informed the audience that in Pakistan, diarrhea, caused by unsafe water supply and poor sanitation, is the largest single cause of child morality. As the result, Pakistan has one of the highest child death rates in Asia. Minister told that currently about 60% of Pakistan’s population is considered to have access to safe drinking water. It means that around 60-70 million people in Pakistan are drinking contaminated water. He said that inadequate water supply, poor sanitation and hygiene result in the high incidence of water and sanitation related diseases in Pakistan and pose a major threat to the survival and development of Pakistani children.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi mentioned way forward for drinking water quality monitoring and improvement that Pakistan Environmental Protection Council in its 11th meeting held in March 2010 under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Pakistan approved the National Drinking Water Quality Standards. The preparation of these Standards had undergone an extensive consultative process with all stakeholders, he added. Moreover, he said that following Pakistan’s commitment to the Millennium Goals, it has become the responsibility of the state to reduce the proportion of the population without sustainable access to safe drinking water, to half its current level by 2015. The formulation of an adequate framework for the implementation of this particular agenda has been done through the approval of the National Drinking Water Policy in 2009 which acknowledges access to clean and safe drinking water as a fundamental right of every citizen. Mr. Afridi appraised that in view of the ongoing effort to improve water quality management and the challenge faced by Pakistan in ensuring the safety of drinking water supply, there is a need to develop a comprehensive strategy and action plan to support the implementation of drinking water policy and to promote the compliance of National Drinking Water Quality Standards. He urged on environmental tribunal to take itself, notice on supply of contaminated water.
Mr. Afridi said that the organization of would help us to formulate and finalize an advisory plan to implement and enforce the approved National Drinking Water Policy and Quality Standards. He appreciated the UNICEF, NGOs and other partner agencies for their support and contribution in accomplishing this important task.
Earlier Federal Secretary Environment Javed Malik delivered comprehensive address on the subject. DG, Pak EPA, Asif Shuja, Consultant UNICEF Mi Hua, Chairman PCRWR Dr. Manzoor Malik and Representative UNICEF, Irfan Al-Rahi also expressed their views. Participants from different NGOs, UNICEF, Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Environment and other partner departments were present on this occasion.
**AS/Ahmad**
PR No. 72
PRESS RELEASE
SENATE BODY FOR ACTIVE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARIANS IN PEACE MAKING
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan has called for an active role of Parliamentarians from Pakistan and Afghanistan in responding to the common challenges like terrorism and extremism being faced by the two countries and to evolve workable and effective strategies for overcoming them.
The Committee led by Senator Salim Saifullah Khan, held a detailed meeting with the visiting Afghan Delegation headed by Mr. Jamahir Anwari, Minister for Refugees and Repatriation Affairs at the Parliament House today, observed that the daunting challenge of terrorism must be faced courageously and with determination to stamp out the scourge completely. In this connection, it underscored the need for a closer collaboration between the Parliamentarians of the two sides respectively alongwith sharing of experiences and best practices. “We have had enough strife, trouble and turmoil since 1979 and this is about time to put the past behind and to give our people promise of a better tomorrow”, it added.
The Members of the Committee held the view that a tiny minority of terrorists and trouble makers in both the countries should not be allowed to hold the peace and tranquility in the region hostage to their whims and must be dealt with strongly and forcefully. ‘These two nations have great potential to move on road to progress and prosperity but peace is the essential pre-requisite to development. Therefore, every effort must be made to restore peace and normalcy in our respective countries with a view to realizing our full potential’, they said.
The Committee expressed its keenness to visit Kabul after Ramadan and to interact with their counterparts in the Afghan Parliament. They said that there is a special bond of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, which is strong enough to sustain all pressures. It is all the more imperative to move with mutual trust and confidence for rising to the occasion.
The Members of the Afghan Delegation expressed their happiness to visit a brotherly neighbouring country Pakistan. Reciprocating the gestures, they said. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a common history, culture and religion. These ties, they said are too strong to withstand the vicissitudes and expediencies of every day politics. The two sides also agreed to recommend closer trade and business relations in addition to more frequent exchange of Parliamentary and civil society delegations to forge better relations. The Members of the Afghan Delegation also lauded setting up of Pak-Afghan Friendship Group in the Upper House of the Parliament. They also condoled loss of precious human lives in Pakistan recently due to plane crash, floods and terrorist incidents.
The meeting was attended, among others, by Col. ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Haji Muhammad Adeel, Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Fauzia Fakhruzamman, Mrs. Seemen Siddiqui, Syeda Sughra Imam and Abbas Khan Afridi besides Special Secretary Senate, Iftikharullah Babar.
The Afghan delegation includes Jamahir Anwari, Minister of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs, Mr. Mutasil Komaki, Deputy Minister (Secretary) M/o Commerce and Industry, Mr. Hessam ud Din Marzi, Deputy of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Lieutenant General Haider Bassir, Deputy Minister M/o Interior Affairs, Mr. Ramazan Mirzzaic, Advisor to the Second Vice President and Mr. Taqi Khalili Advisor to the Second Vice President.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 73
PRESS RELEASE
U.S.– PAKISTAN JOINT STATEMENT
Rawalpindi; August 6, 2010The 19th Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting was held in Rawalpindi from August 5 to 6, 2010. The Pakistani delegation was led by Secretary of Defence, Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Athar Ali, and the U.S. delegation was led by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Michéle A. Flournoy.
The U.S. delegation expressed its sympathies for the loss and devastation caused by recent flooding in Pakistan. The U.S. has responded swiftly in response to Pakistani requests for disaster assistance, providing $35 million in assistance, helicopter lift support, meals, and other humanitarian supplies. The Pakistani delegation expressed its appreciation for the rapid and abundant U.S. assistance, and noted that such a response is indicative of a partnership that reflects deep compassion for the sufferings of the Pakistani people.
The DCG is the primary forum for exchanging views and coordinating defence policy discussions, with the goal of strengthening the defense relationship based on mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust. The last meeting of the DCG was held in Washington D.C in December 2009 and is part of the overall U.S. Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. In the intervening period the Pakistan-U.S. defence relationship has continued to improve and focused on our joint efforts to fight terrorism.
The major theme of this year’s DCG was to continue dialogue on strategic security issues and discuss ways to accelerate cooperation over the next twelve months in order to combat the threat of extremism to peace and security in the region. The group noted that significant progress had been made in strengthening the defence partnership through increased dialogue and broadened U.S. defence assistance.
The DCG plenary session reviewed the Exchanges on Defence Planning (EDP), which took place in June and July 2010 and identified Pakistan ’s immediate and long term defence needs. Both sides emphasized the importance of such exchanges in defining the mutual opportunities and challenges associated with multi-year cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S. , and the value of prioritizing and integrating Pakistan ’s security and defence capability requirements. Having acknowledged the significance of the EDP in the defence partnership, it was agreed to continue the EDP process.
The Pakistani side also gave a briefing on counterinsurgency/counter- terrorism issues and its conventional requirements. The U.S. side acknowledged the extraordinary sacrifices borne by the people and military of Pakistan in its efforts to defeat violent extremists. The Pakistani side also discussed the significant burden that increased military operations have placed on its forces and its economic situation. Both sides also discussed prospects for peace and security in the region. The U.S. and Pakistan delegations acknowledged the improving coordination of activities along the border with Afghanistan.
The delegation discussed ways to assist Pakistan in transitioning across the counterinsurgency phases of clear, hold, and build. The Pakistani side emphasized the importance of providing swift humanitarian and developmental assistance to victims of violence. The delegation considered the challenges in assisting Pakistan in this area and prospects for expanding urgent humanitarian relief and reconstruction support.
The respective participants briefed on the Security Assistance Working Group (SAWG) and U.S. efforts to speed assistance of military equipment to Pakistan. The Pakistani delegation expressed its appreciation for the increased U.S. military assistance and noted the value of U.S. military training efforts.
Both sides agreed to continue the EDP process in the coming months. The next DCG meeting will be held in early 2011. The two sides agreed to continue working together for the mutually agreed objectives of peace, development and stability of the region.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 74
PRESS RELEASE
pid crisis cell lauded by flood affectees
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The performance of the Crisis Communication Cell set up by the Press Information Department at Islamabad for the flood affectees is lauded by the masses a lot and calls of thanks were received throughout the day from the near and dear areas including the affectees by themselves appreciating the dedication and vigilance showed by the PID officials working at the Cell. They expressed satisfaction over the swift and expedient response of the cell.
It is pertinent to mention over here that the Crisis Cell worked in closer coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Flood Cell.
This cell was set up soon in PID on 29th July, when the worst flood was witnessed by the country.
**SNA/Ahmad**
PR No. 75
PRESS RELEASE
safe and sustainable housing to overt colossal loss: kakar
Islamabad; August 6, 2010Ministry of Housing & Works, National Housing Authority organized an International Housing Conference as well as Exhibition on safe and sustainable housing here today. The Minister for Housing and Works Mr. Rehmat Ullah Kakar inaugurate the conference. Ministers/Federal Secretaries and representative from Public and Private sector organizations including Chief Executives of foreign construction companies attended the conference.
The Minister in his address said “it is the prime responsibility of the Government to take appropriate actions in order to promote, protect and ensure proper realization of provision of safe, sustainable and adequate housing for its citizens. However, there is a huge housing backlog of around 7 million units in the country and majority of our population is living in unsafe settlements.”
The Minister urged upon the construction experts to introduce hi-tech in the housing sector so that cost effective housing units could be built for the shelterless people at a fast pace as enunciated in the Prime Minister’s housing for all program. He said that it was the first time in the history of our country that housing units at a large scale were being constructed which has opened widespread investment opportunities for the local and foreign companies to participate in the housing projects of their choice.
The Minister said that it was the dire need for taking concrete steps to implement the building code by the construction companies and building planners for minimizing the human and material loss in the wake of any nature calamity.
MD PHA Muhammad Ali Afridi, said that in endeavor to complete the Prime Minister housing scheme, inspite of PHA limited resources of 500 flats in joint venture with M/S nobles waters at Mauza Rawat, Islamabad are being completed. He said construction of 8700 flats at Islamabad and 1000 flats in Karachi would also be completed this year.
He announced that would also be new project of Prime Minister housing scheme at Wafaqi Colony in Lahore comprising of 120 B, D and E type apartment will be constructed at ground plus 3 and 4 building blocks. This project will be completed in two and a half years period.
**MN/Ahmad**
PR No. 76
PRESS RELEASE
NO RIFT WITHIN GOVERNMENT: LATIF KHOSA
Islamabad; August 6, 2010Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa, Advisor to Prime Minister on Information Technology denied all media reports of confrontation within the Government headed by the Prime Minister, particularly being attributed to his letters written to Prime Minister and the Chairman of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, as they were strictly confidential in nature.
He said that he has highlighted mismanagement, corruption and other irregularities being done by individuals, who were seeded by the Musharaf’s regime in various departments of Ministry of IT. Unfortunately, these elements are still continuing unveiled, damaging and weakening the image of the elected democratic regime and hindering efforts of the government to deliver for the benefit of masses and the State.
He said that the elected democratic forces shall jointly defeat and weed out these remnants through established democratic norms and practices.
**MA/Ahmad**
PR No. 77
PRESS RELEASE
Joint statement by President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister David Cameron
Islamabad; August 6, 2010The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan HE Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rt.Hon.David Cameron MP met at Chequers on August 6, 2010.
The President Pakistan complimented Prime Minister Cameron on his election as the Prime Minister of the UK.
Pakistan and the UK have longstanding relations which are based on shared interests and mutual respect. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to further strengthen strategic and co-operative ties between the two countries by intensifying the UK-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and confirming a yearly Summit. This dialogue will deepen consultation on global and regional issues of peace and stability, will include people to people links, enhanced business investment and trade, collaboration in the education sector, and cultural and Parliamentary links.
The two leaders welcomed the forthcoming launch of the British Pakistan Foundation as an initiative to promote connections between our people.
Both leaders agreed that a strong, stable, secure and economically prosperous Pakistan is vital to global and regional peace and stability. In recognition of this, both leaders agreed to pursue closer development, economic and trade cooperation as part of the intensified strategic dialogue.
President Zardari underscored that Pakistan needs trade even more than aid. The Prime Minister said that the UK will continue to be Pakistan’s strongest ally in pursuing greater trade access to the EU for Pakistan.
Prime Minister Cameron expressed the UK’s support for Pakistan’s democratic government and expressed the UK’s solidarity and support for Pakistan coping with the damage caused by the recent floods. He also expressed his condolences at the loss of precious lives and sympathy for the bereaved families. President Zardari expressed thanks for the UK’s pledge of £ 10 million of immediate relief for flood victims and for accelerating an already agreed £ 10 million bridge reconstruction programme.
Among the common challenges facing the UK and Pakistan is the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Both leaders agreed that terrorism and extremism are global issues and needed to be combated by intensifying cooperation at the global and regional level.
Both leaders discussed the role being played by the democratic government in fighting terrorism. The Prime minister recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s military, civil law enforcement agencies and people in fighting violent extremism and militancy and appreciated the efforts of the democratic government. Both leaders appreciated the close cooperation that already exists between respective police forces and other security agencies.
The two leaders agreed that such cooperation needs to and will intensify. In this regard the British Home Secretary would visit Pakistan in the autumn. They asked the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to make proposals for enhancing practical cooperation ahead of the visit.
Pakistan and the UK will intensify their strategic engagement and pursue comprehensive ministerially – led co-operation under the framework of a Summit level strategic dialogue process. This will be taken forward through annual contacts between the British Prime Minster and the President/ Prime Minister of Pakistan.
These summit meetings will be reinforced through regular national security discussions. The two leaders looked forward to the meeting between Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi and British Foreign Minister William Hague under the revitalised dialogue in October.
The President invited the Prime minister to make and early visit to Pakistan. The Prime Minister was pleased to accept.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 78
PRESS RELEASE
ZARDARI AND CAMERON PLEDGE TO WORK TOGETHER TO CONSOLIDATE PAK-UK TIES
LONDON, Aug 6, 2010.President Asif Ali Zardari Friday appreciated the UK’s assurance on assisting Pakistan in overcoming its problems and challenges and to work together in combating war on terror.
Emerging from their hour long talks at Chequers, the country retreat of the British Prime Minister, the Pakistani leader expressed his gratitude to the people and Government of the UK for understanding the situation in Pakistan and extending assistance and support in resolving them.“I am grateful to the UK and Prime Minister David Cameron for support in the flood affected areas of Pakistan. I am looking forward to a relationship with the UK supporting Pakistan in different fields.”
The President said Prime Minister Cameron also has assured him supporting Pakistan’s point of view in the European Union and the USA in securing access to Pakistani goods in these countries.
He spoke of hundred years of relationship with the UK and said they have been allies since the last 62 years. The President said Pakistan and UK will stand together and face difficulties and weather storms to make the world more peaceful and secure.
For his part the British Prime Minister described the meeting ‘as excellent’. “The prime Minister said that I have been talking about what we see as an unbreakable relationship between the two countries based on our mutual interests.
“Obviously, we talked about dreaded and devastating floods in Pakistan. The British Government stands ready to help more and as required to make sure that help is given to all.
“Above all, what he been talking lately about is our strategic partnership and how we deepen and enhance that partnership to make that we do all with the issues where we want to see progress whether it is trade, education and also in the absolutely vital are of combating terrorism.”
Mr Cameron said both countries want to work together to combat terrorism and ensure global peace. “We want to work with Pakistan in this vast strategic partnership.”
PR No. 79
PRESS RELEASE
Joint statement by President Asif Ali Zardari and British Prime Minister David Cameron
London: August 6, 2010.The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan HE Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rt.Hon.David Cameron MP met at Chequers on August 6, 2010.
The President Pakistan complimented Prime Minister Cameron on his election as the Prime Minister of the UK .
Pakistan and the UK have longstanding relations which are based on shared interests and mutual respect. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to further strengthen strategic and co-operative ties between the two countries by intensifying the UK-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and confirming a yearly Summit . This dialogue will deepen consultation on global and regional issues of peace and stability, will include people to people links, enhanced business investment and trade, collaboration in the education sector, and cultural and Parliamentary links.
The two leaders welcomed the forthcoming launch of the British Pakistan Foundation as an initiative to promote connections between our people.
Both leaders agreed that a strong, stable, secure and economically prosperous Pakistan is vital to global and regional peace and stability. In recognition of this, both leaders agreed to pursue closer development, economic and trade cooperation as part of the intensified strategic dialogue.
President Zardari underscored that Pakistan needs trade even more than aid. The Prime Minister said that the UK will continue to be Pakistan ’s strongest ally in pursuing greater trade access to the EU for Pakistan .
Prime Minister Cameron expressed the UK ’s support for Pakistan ’s democratic government and expressed the UK ’s solidarity and support for Pakistan coping with the damage caused by the recent floods. He also expressed his condolences at the loss of precious lives and sympathy for the bereaved families. President Zardari expressed thanks for the UK ’s pledge of £ 10 million of immediate relief for flood victims and for accelerating an already agreed £ 10 million bridge reconstruction programme.
Among the common challenges facing the UK and Pakistan is the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Both leaders agreed that terrorism and extremism are global issues and needed to be combated by intensifying cooperation at the global and regional level.
Both leaders discussed the role being played by the democratic government in fighting terrorism. The Prime minister recognised the sacrifices made by Pakistan ’s military, civil law enforcement agencies and people in fighting violent extremism and militancy and appreciated the efforts of the democratic government. Both leaders appreciated the close cooperation that already exists between respective police forces and other security agencies.
The two leaders agreed that such cooperation needs to and will intensify. In this regard the British Home Secretary would visit Pakistan in the autumn. They asked the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to make proposals for enhancing practical cooperation ahead of the visit.
Pakistan and the UK will intensify their strategic engagement and pursue comprehensive ministerially – led co-operation under the framework of a Summit level strategic dialogue process. This will be taken forward through annual contacts between the British Prime Minster and the President/ Prime Minister of Pakistan .
These summit meetings will be reinforced through regular national security discussions. The two leaders looked forward to the meeting between Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi and British Foreign Minister William Hague under the revitalised dialogue in October.
The President invited the Prime minister to make and early visit to Pakistan . The Prime Minister was pleased to accept.
PR No. 80
PRESS RELEASE
British PM endorses Pakistan’s position on terror war: Kaira
London: August 6, 2010
ISLAMABAD, Aug 6 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Friday said that Pakistan’s point of view with regard to war on terror was endorsed by the British Prime Minister during his meeting with President Asif
Ali Zardari.
In a telephonic interview to a private television channel he said that President Asif Ali Zardari presented Pakistan’s point of view on all the issues, including war on terror, efficiently and these were well taken by the British Prime Minister.
He said the two leaders discussed the existing historical relations between the two nations in a cordial atmosphere.
The British Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the democratically elected Pakistan government in all the areas, the Minister said and added, sacrifices of Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies and the civilian population were also lauded.
He said that both the leaders committed to jointly fight the menace of terrorism at regional and global level.
Kaira said that Pakistan’s demand for more trade access in the United Kingdom and other European countries was well taken by the British Prime Minister and he committed to play his role not only in the United Kingdom, but in the European Union and other countries across the world.
He said enhancement in Pakistan’s exports abroad was imperative for the country to ensure continuity in economic growth and to become economically self reliant.
The Minister said flood situation in Pakistan was discussed in detail between the two leaders and the British government has committed to extend maximum support
to Pakistan.
Asked had the issue of David Cameron’s controversial statement on Pakistan came under discussion the Minister said, the appreciation of the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed
forces, law enforcement agencies and the civilian population by the British Prime Minister means that he acknowledges Pakistan’s role in war on terror.
To a question the Minister said that philosophy of ‘do more’ should be viewed in a particular perspective.
Eloborating he said that when the British and Pakistani leadership commited to jointly fight the menace of terrorism, the ‘do more’ means extension of efforts by both
the sides.
Similarly he said that Pakistan is doing business with many countries across the world but when it asks for more trade access it is asking for ‘do more.’
Asked when in his opinion the British Prime Minister would visit Pakistan after acceptance of invitation, the Minister said, it is the job of Foreign Office to fix dates and divulge information in this connection adding in his opinion the visit may take place
soon.