PR No.92
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan grateful to China for timely assistance: Masood Khan
Islamabad ; August 9, 2010Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan has said that Pakistan is grateful to the government and people of China for the timely assistance provided for the immediate relief of flood affected people in Pakistan, says a press release received here today.
He said this while talking to the Deputy Governor of Shaanxi province, Mr. Jing Junhai in the historical city of Xi’an. The Ambassador met him on the sidelines of the launching ceremony of the ‘Silk Road Revival Car Rally’ which has started from Xi’an and will pass through the eight countries located on the ancient Silk Road covering a distance of 15000 km in 55 days. Due to flood situation in the country, the car rally would not be able to pass through Pakistan this year.
Masood Khan told the Deputy Governor that Pakistan appreciates the fact that Chinese government and people have always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. He said the three aircraft sent by China carrying tents, medicines, water purifiers, and generators have proved to be a blessing for the flood affected people.
Mr. Jing Junhai said the symbolic importance of the car rally has increased manifold with the participation of the Pakistani Ambassador. He said Pakistan and China enjoy all-weather friendship and Xi’an will forge closer ties with Pakistan to promote connectivity by rail, road and air. He said Pakistan and
Xi’an enjoy historical and cultural ties and Xi’an has sister city relations with Lahore.
Later, while addressing the ceremony which took place at the Danfeng Gate of Xi’an Daming Palace heritage area, Ambassador Masood Khan welcomed the idea of the revival of Silk Road and said that the caravan of cars will show how these regions were connected in ancient times through geography, history, and trade. It will show how in contemporary times we are joined by mountains and rivers and the eternal bonds of commerce and culture, he added.
Ambassador Khan, Deputy Governor of Shaanxi province and Vice Mayor of Xi’an city presented car keys to the 34 drivers and regarded these young men and women, as messengers of peace and ambassadors of friendship. They, he said, will bring closer people of the countries they will visit.
Masood Khan said Pakistan and China are not only bound together by rivers and mountains but also “joined by the love and affection that the people of the two countries have in their hearts for each other. That is why we say that our friendship is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, and sweeter than honey.”
The Ambassador said that Pakistan is keen to deepen economic and cultural ties with Shaanxi province particularly the great city of Xi’an.
Deputy Governor of Shaanxi appreciated the gesture of the Pakistani Ambassador to have visited Xi’an for bidding farewell to the drivers, although the car rally was not passing through Pakistan this year.
The Ambassador also attended a banquet hosted in his honour by the Vice Mayor of Xi’an, Mr. Duan Xiannian who is also the Supervisor of the Silk Road group.
PR No.93
PRESS RELEASE
China’s PLA announced RMB 10 million for flood affectees in Pakistan
Islamabad; August 9, 2010The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China has announced RMB 10 million (1.5 million US Dollars approx) as relief assistance for the flood affectees of Pakistan, says a press release received here today
This assistance is in addition to RMB 10 million announced by the Chinese Government. Last week, three Chinese aircraft delivered urgently needed tents, medicines, water purifiers and generators to Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan thanked PLA for providing additional RMB 10 million in assistance to Pakistan.
Fresh rains and flash floods have caused further devastation in Pakistan.
“What we need now most is equipment bridges to erect temporary bridges for linking up areas where communication has been disrupted because of the collapse of the existent bridges”, Masood Khan said adding that the Chinese Government has been approached in this regard.
Pakistan and China enjoy all-weather and time-tested friendship. PLA and Pakistan Armed Forces have strong bonds which are demonstrated through joint training and joint exercises.
PR No.94
Press Release
The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) to Raise US$16.3 Million for Flood Victims in Pakistan
Islamabad 09, August 2010The Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) hoped to raise US$16,33 million to provide support to twenty thousands (25,000) flood affected families for a period of nine month , says a press release received here today.
This was stated by National Vice-Chairman of MRCS, Datuk Dr. Bahari Abu Mansor while speaking at a Press Conference after launch of the International Relief Fund for Pakistan’s Flood Victims in Kuala Lumpur, yesterday (08-08-2010).
He said the MRCS was in immediate need of medication, drinking water, proper sanitation, medical kits, blankets, tarpaulins and tents as more people are expected to be affected as additional rains were forecast in the coming days.
He said that the International Federation of Red Cross aid workers were working with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to take appropriate action in the event of an outbreak of water-borne diseases.
He said that once MRCS received a request from PRCS, it will send a five (05) member team including a medical doctor to assist them to provide medical services to the fold affectees for about a month.
Vice-Chairman MRCS appealed to the Malaysian from all walks of life to generously make online donation to “May Bank’s account No.514422102657 or via cheque made payable to the MRCS International Relief Fund with “Pakistan Floods” written at the back of the cheque.
PR No.95
Press Release
DR. FAROOQ SATTAR CONDOLES DEATH OF MOTHER OF NAWAZ RAZA & TARIQ SUMAIR
Islamabad 09, August, 2010Deputy Convener of MQM and Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar has condoled death of Mother of Nawaz Raza, Senior Reporter Nawa-e-Waqt and Tariq Sumair, Editor Reporting INP.
In his condolence message Dr. Farooq Sattar prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and to enable the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with courage and equanimity.
PR No.96
Press Release
Islamabad 9th August, 2010The Planning Commission arranged a seminar on “Health System in Pakistan” in Islamabad today. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Ashfaque Ahmed, Advisor Science & Technology.
Dr.Sania Nishter, Chief Executive Heartfile Pakistan was the keynote speaker. While delivering her keynote address she highlighted various issues which the health sector of Pakistan is confronting. She said that unfortunately diseases of poor nation are still prevalent in Pakistan and the major challenge before us is poverty because when people are economically empowered they know what to do with themselves.
She highlighted the problems in the health system being low funding in health sector, lack of private sector and lack of transparency in the public health care system. She commended the role of Planning Commission in this regard and emphasized on its role as a mother think tank organization.
The inconsistencies in the policies were pinpointed as the major impediment in reforming the health sector of Pakistan and the need to bring policy consistency was also stressed.
The keynote address was followed by an extensive discussion session in which participants from various walks of life presented their viewpoints. The participants expressed their concerns regarding the governance constraints and stressed on harnessing of private sectors entrepreneurial talent to improve public service delivery.
The seminar was third in the series of lectures conducted by Planning Commission to review economic / social policies and sectoral growth strategy to ensure sustainable economic development in consultation with all stakeholders.
PR No.97
PRESS RELEASE
CHEQUE OF 100,000 HONG KONG DOLLARS FOR PM’S FLOOD RELIEF
Islamabad ; August 9, 2010Mr. Qamar Minhas, Vice President, International Islamic Society of Hong Kong, presented a cheque of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars to Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan for the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Flood Victims 2010, here this afternoon, says a press release received here today.
Consul General Hong Kong, Dr. Ahmed Bilal was also present on this occasion, says a press release received here today.
PR No. 98
PRESS RELEASE
Yasmeen Rehman announces flood relief centers
Islamabad August 09, 2010“In the wake of devastation caused by the recent flashfloods, it has been decided to use the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Centres for Women as flood relief centres to facilitate women in distress”, reveals Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, here today.
She said that these twenty six (26) centres are fully equipped with basic facilities of shelter and related assistance. In this regard a list of addresses and telephone numbers of these centers has been distributed to the media and all other concerned.
The Advisor has further expressed that letters have already been issued to the Managers and Chairpersons, NGOs Management Committee and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Centers for futher necessary action to facilitate the women affected by the flood with all facilities available in the respective centres (SNA).
PR No. 99
PRESS RELEASE
BIJARANI CONDOLES WITH NAWAZ RAZA AND TARIQ SUMMAIR
Islamabad: August 09, 2010Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has expressed his deep sense of grief and sorrow over the death of the mother of former President of Rawalpindi Press Club & senior reporter of Nawa-e-Waqt Nawaz Raza and senior journalist Tariq Sumair.
While expressing his sympathies with Nawaz Raza and Tariq Sumair and other members of the bereaved family, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, in his condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
PR No100
PRESS RELEASE
MOIP TAKES IMMEDIATE STEPS TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO FLOOD AFFECTEES
150,000 RATION BAGS FROM USC SUPPLIED TO NDMA, ERC AND PAKISTAN BAIT-UL-MAAL
Islamabad: August 09, 2010Ministry of Industries and Production has summarily supplied 150,000 Ration Bags from USC to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Emergency Relief Commission and Pakistan Bait-Ul-Maal to provide an immediate relief to flood affectees. Each Ration Bag has the value of Rs.1600 and Rs.2000 which consists of eleven edible items. These eleven items include one bag of Floor (Atta)-20 kg, Dall Chana-2 kg, Dall Mong-2 kg, Rice (Sella)-5 kg, Ghee/Oil -2 kg, Sugar-2 kg, Milk Powder (Nido)-400gm, Tea-200 gm, Salt-800 gm, Candle (Medium)-12 Nos and Match Box-1Box.
The total value of these 150,000 Ration Bags is 18 Crore rupees. The afore said Ration Bags have been supplied to NDMA, ERC and Pakistan Bait-Ul-Maal before August 03, 2010. It is further mentioned here that the Ministry is going to supply more Ration Bags of worth millions of rupees in a day or two for flood affectees.
PR No101
PRESS RELEASE
EU ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD EFFECTEES
Islamabad , August 09, 2010European Commission has announced a release of 30 million Euros for the flood affectees in Pakistan. The NATO has also tasked Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) at NATO Headquarters in Brussels to provide transport facilities in flood affected areas. The council of NATO has a coordination center for emergency mandate to run on the situation in Pakistan. It would, particularly, provide airlift of relief supplies and rescue equipment to the affected areas, says a press release received here today.
However, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and European Union Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani has made passionate appeal to the Pakistani diaspora, International humanitarian organizations, NGOs, International Forums and people from all walks of life in Belgium to come forward for the assistance of people affected by unprecedented floods in Pakistan. He was talking to the Pakistani community and media in Brussels and said although the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan have launched full fledged rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas and are distributing ration packs, emergency food items, tents, plastic mats, medicines and blankets, the scale and magnitude of catastrophe required mobilization of international community and Pakistani diaspora around the world including Brussels to come forward with generous humanitarian assistance for the flood effected people. He appealed to all for sending cash for providing food, shelters, medicines and other necessary items to the affected areas.
Pakistan hasn’t seen floods of this ferocity for nearly 80 years. The impact has been devastating with more than 1,000 people killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. Hundreds of villages have been swept away in Punjab while Sindh, which has seen so little water in its waterways for a number of years, is now bracing itself for a major deluge. As a result of unprecedented floods, more than 1500 people have been killed so far, more than 650,000 houses had been destroyed, vast swathes of standing crops have perished, most of the livestock has been killed and physical/communication infrastructure in affected areas has been destroyed whereas more monsoon rains are expected making the situation even worse. There are reports of outbreak of diseases in these areas.
A special cell had been created in the Islamabad Ministry of Foreign Affairs which in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was coordinating the relief assistance from across the world. However, it is appealed to the people and Pakistani diaspora, Non Governmental and relief Organizations to contribute generously in the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Special fund.
The contributions could be made in cash to provide the affectees with shelter, food, medicines, water and sanitation. The donation could be sent to Pakistan in cash in Pak Rupees Account Number 000294-2, Branch code 1732 of National Bank of Pakistan secretariat Branch, Islamabad, Pakistan. Donations could also be sent to US$ Account number 9901526, Branch code 0341 (swift code NBPAPKKA021) of National Bank of Pakistan, main branch, Islamabad, Pakistan.
PR No102
PRESS RELEASE
MAKE SURE IMPORTED SUGAR IS AVAILABLE IN OPEN MARKETS ON
CONCESSIONAL RATES BEFORE RAMADAN………BIJARANI WRITES TO PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS.
Islamabad: August 09, 2010Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has asked the provincial governments to make sure that imported sugar is available in open markets well before Ramazan on concessional rates. The Minister, in his letter particularly written to Chief Minister Punjab Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif on August 04, has said that he wrote this to bring to his personal notice the fact that the Federal Government is off loading one hundred tons of imported sugar in the open market before Ramazan. The provincial shares as determined on the basis of the immediate requirements with mutual consensus stand as Punjab-50,000 tons, Sindh-17,000 tons, KPK-20,000 tons and Baluchistan-8,000 tons, whereas AJK/ Gilgit Baltistan-5,000 tons. The approved dealers of the provincial Governments would get these stocks from TCP on “pay as you lift” basis. Kindly ensure that these stocks being provided on concessional rates i.e. at the imported cost price reach the general public in a transparent and swift manner.
Moreover the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) of Pakistan will be supplying 80,000 tones of sugar through its stores during the month of Ramazan. They have been asked to regularly inform the D.C.Os about the supplies and sale position in the respective districts. Provincial Governments are requested to monitor the operation of the USC for the whole range of commodities under the Ramazan Package including sugar to ensure that only the deserving persons benefit from it.
I take this opportunity to reiterate that there are already sufficient stocks of sugar in the country for the next three months and for November, the last month before the next crushing season. The TCP has also finalized its import orders for 350,000 tons of sugar. The Federal government is fully alive to the situation and to the aspirations of the common man and is making every endeavour to cater to their basic needs. I look forward to an active participation by the provincial governments in this exercise, the Minister added.
PR No. 103
RELEASE
Islamabad 09, August 2010PID, Crisis Communication Cell attended a number of telephone calls/complaints during the last 24 hours from flood affected people all over the country which were properly addressed. The callers were properly guided and the relief agencies concerned were contacted to help them promptly.
Established in the last week of July under special instructions of Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Crisis Communication Cell has been delivering upto the expectations of the affected people.
The officials working in the Cell works with extra dedication and vigilance round the clock without any break. PID, which is already short of staff, manages in a very good way, to complete the task with zeal and fervor. People from different walks of life are appreciating good work being done by PID.
PR No. 104
RELEASE
SPECIAL REMISSION IN SENTENCE ON THE OCCASION
OF INDEPENDENCE DAY (14th August, 2010)
Islamabad 09, August 2010I am directed to say that the President, in exercising his prerogative under Articles 45 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has been pleased to grant special remission in sentences as under:
Special remission of 90 days to the prisoners convicted for life imprisonment except those convicted for murder, espionage, anti-State activities, sectarianism, Zina (Sec. 10 offence of Zina (Sectrion 10 Offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 (also under Sec.377 PPC), robbery (Sec. 394 PPC), dacoity (Sec.395-396 PPC), kidnapping/ abduction (Sec. 364-A & 365-A), and terrorist acts (as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No. XIII of 1999).
Special remission for 45 days to all other convicts except the condemned prisoners and also except those convicted of murder, espionage, subversion, anti-state activities, terrorist act (as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1979 (also under section 377 PPC), kidnapping / abduction (Sec. 364-A & 365-A) robbery (Sec. 394 PPC), dacoity (Sec. 395-396 PPC) and those undergoing sentences under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
Special remission at sub-paras i & ii above will be admissible provided that the convicts have undergone 2/3rd of their substantive sentence of imprisonment.
Total remission to male prisoners who are 65 years of age or above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of their substantive sentence of imprisonment, except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, as defined in the Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1969 (No. XIII of 1999).
Total remission to female prisoners who are 60 years of age or above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of their sentence of imprisonment, except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, as defined in the Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No. XIII of 1999).
Special remission of one year to female prisoners who have accompanying children and are serving sentence of imprisonment for crimes other than culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, as defined in the Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No. XIII of 1999)
Total remission to juvenile convicts (under 18 years of age) who have served 1/3rd of their substantive sentence except those involved in culpable homicide, terrorist act, as defined in the Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999), Zina (Sec. 10 offence of Zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 (also under section 377 PPC), robbery (Sec. 394 PPC), dacoity (Sec. 395-396 PPC), kidnapping/ abduction (Sec. 364-A & 365-A) and anti-state activities.
PR No. 105
PRESS RELEASE
Comprehensive Climate Change Strategy Would Be Initiated In Consultation With IUCN
Islamabad, August 9, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Ministry of Environment would enhance its coordination with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to formulate comprehensive strategy to manage issues related to climate change. He stated this while talking to Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director, IUCN Asia, who called on Federal Minister at his officer here today.
The Minister lauded the role of IUCN to cope up the threats associated with climate change. He said that Ministry of Environment is committed to boost its efforts for addressing the consequences of climate change in the country. He said that Pakistan is facing drastic floods in several areas of the country which is due to climate change. He said that flood situation, rapid climate change and sea level rising are the major threat for us. The Minister said that IUCN has to take concrete steps to face these challenges. He said that Ministry of Environment is ready to assist and cooperate at every level. He appreciated their efforts for initiated projects in FATA and ensured all possible assistance in this regard. Federal Minister hoped that Ministry of Environment and IUCN would more closely enhance their working to overcome environmental issues of Pakistan.
Earlier, Regional Director, IUCN Asia briefed the Minister about their ongoing and up-coming projects. She told that we have been very keen in working with South and Delta areas. She also shared her views about FATA and over all situations of proposed projects in its areas. She told that IUCN is committed to actively participate in development of FATA through different projects. During the meeting very fruitful discussion was made about several issues specially related to National Climate Change Program and Cop-16 meeting etc. Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji apprised the Minister that International development partners are interested to provide financial technical assistance for climate change strategies. Ms. Aban Marker also gave suggestions and proposals for expediting the activities to face the challenges of climate change. Water Management Issues among Pakistan, India and Afghanistan came under discussion.
Ms. Aban Marker Kabraji was accompanied with Mr. Shah Murad Aliani, Coundtry Representative, IUCN Pakistan, Mr. Mahmood Akhtar Cheema, Manager, Islamabad Program Office, Hamid Serferaz, Program Coordinator, IUCN Pakistan. Federal Secretary Environment Javed Malik, D.G Environment Javed Ali Khan, Joint Secretary Saqib Aleem were also present on this occasion.
PR No. 106
RESS RELEASE
POSTPONEMENT OF NATIONAL YOUTH AWARD CEREMONY
Islamabad, August 9, 2010The investiture ceremony of National Youth Award-2010, scheduled to be held on 11th August, 2010 at Pakistan National Council of Arts has been postponed in view of the catastrophic floods in the country. The next date of National Youth Award ceremony will be communicated in due course of time.
PR No. 107
RELEASE
HAFEEZ SHEIKH CHAIRS MEETING TO STREAMLINE RELIEF ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES
Islamabad, August 9, 2010.A high level meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, to review the flood situation in the country and channelize and expedite foreign aid flows for the flood affectees as well as streamline donations to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, 2010.
While reviewing the existing position of assistance from national and international donors, the Finance Minister directed that the Finance Ministry should play a pivotal role in motivating national and international donors to contribute handsomely to the cause of flood affectees. In this connection it was decided to constitute a Coordination Committee with the task to contact prominent international NGOs and 500 top tax payers in the country to motivate them to come forward for the assistance of the needy people.
The meeting also received a briefing by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) about the damages caused by the flood and relief provided.
The Finance Minister also gave instructions to the State Bank of Pakistan to ensure that all branches of the Banks, notified to collect donation under the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010, were fully geared to collect these donations and that the donors would be fully facilitated for the purpose.
The Finance Minister reiterated that all donations to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 were tax exempt.
The meeting also took the following decisions :
i. Donation mechanism should be simplified and streamlined so that more and more organizations and people could join the campaign.
ii. In order to facilitate the system of making donations, the notified banks should ensure that each and every branch was duly authorized to receive donations.
iii. There should be systematic flow of aid from the donors to the needy people.
iv. There should be much more coordination and information sharing among various government organizations performing relief work.
v. All relief funds should be consolidated so that the available funds are used for the rehabilitation of flood afectees.
vi. Flow of aid information system should be channalised.
The meeting was attended, among others, by the senior officials of Ministry of Finance, FBR, Cabinet Division, NDMA, Economic Asffairs Division and Planning Commission.
PR No. 108
RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES MR. ABDULLAH AL-SHOAIBI, LEADER OF THE SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT
Islamabad, August 9, 2010.Mr. Abdullah Al-Shoaibi, leader of the Saudi Fund for Development delegation called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. The Saudi Ambassador H.E. Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim bi Salih Al-Ghadeer accompanied him. The delegation informed the Foreign Minister that eight relief flights from Saudi Arabia had already arrived in Pakistan and that Saudi Arabia will continue to send two flights per day in the coming days. If more relief was required, the Saudi authorities would be willing to increase the number of daily flights, says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad here today.
The Foreign Minister said that the immediate requirement was provision of tents, mats, blankets, medicines, dry milk and purification tablets. Pakistan was also short of helicopters which were hampering quick dispatch of relief to people trapped in far flung areas.
The Saudi delegation informed that on the instructions of Khadim-ul-Harmain Shareefain, the Saudi Government was planning to construct 2000 transition houses for affected people. The Saudi Government had already allotted US$ 45 million to be utilized by UNHCR and WFP to provide food and shelter to the affected areas. This package may be further expanded, if required. The Saudi Government is also considering to contribute towards repairing damaged infrastructure in the affected areas.
The Foreign Minister appreciated the generosity of the government and people of Saudi Arabia for sending immediate relief to their Pakistan brethren deeply touched by the immediate response of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Khadim-ul-Harman Shareefain His Majesty King Abdullah.
PR No. 109
RELEASE
UN SECRETARY GENERAL’S SPECIAL ENVOY CALLS ON THE FOREIGN MINISTER
Islamabad, August 9, 2010.The UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert called on the Foreign Minister this afternoon. He was accompanied by Mr. Onder Yucer, UN Resident Coordinator and Mr. Martin Mogwanja, UN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator in Islamabad. The Foreign Minister conveyed his thanks to the UN Secretary General for immediate release of US$ 10 million from the Emergency Fund to the UN system in Pakistan to help flood affectees. He appreciated the spirited response by the UN agencies in support of the affected people. The Foreign Minister said that the magnitude of calamity brought by flash floods was many times more than the 2005 earthquake especially as it affected four times more area and population across the country, says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad here today.
The Special Envoy informed that the UN has dispatched teams to affected areas in all the provinces to coordinate relief assistance with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities and local government. The UN has also prepared an initial assessment of damages and relief requirement. The main focus was on four key areas of food security, shelter, clean water and health.
The Foreign Minister assured the Special Envoy that he will personally oversee the international aspect of the relief operations for the victims of the recent floods.
PR No. 110
RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI, SYRIAN PRESIDENT HOLD BILATERAL MEETING DURING TECHNICAL STOP-OVER
LATAKIA (Syria), Aug 9 ,2010President Asif Ali Zardari and his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad had a bilateral meeting here Monday, as the former landed at Bassel al-Assad International Airport for a technical stop-over on his way back home from the
United Kingdom.The President was warmly received by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, before the two leaders held bilateral meeting at the airport and discussed bilateral, regional, international and matters of common interest.
President Zardari briefed his Syrian counterpart about the floods situation in Pakistan and the life and material losses caused by the devastating flash floods.
President Bashar al-Assad expressed his shock and grief over the destruction caused by the floods and said the Government and people of Syria stand with the Government and people of Pakistan in this hour of trial.
He said Syria will not leave Pakistan alone in this critical hour and assured of all possible help and assistance from Syria for the flood affected people.
Pakistan and Syria enjoy historic and brotherly relations, with the two having ancient civilizational ties.
PR No. 111
RELEASE
CHEQUE OF 100,000 HONG KONG DOLLARS FOR PM’S FLOOD RELIEF FUND
Beijing; August 9, 2010Mr. Qamar Minhas, Vice President, International Islamic Society of Hong Kong, presented a cheque of 100,000 Hong Kong dollars to Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Masood Khan for the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Flood Victims 2010, here this afternoon.
Consul General Hong Kong, Dr. Ahmed Bilal was also present on this occasion.
