PR. No. 127
PRESS RELEASE
$70 thousand raised for flood affected areas
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010$70 thousand were raised through a fundraiser organized by the Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistani-Canadian Community last night. The funds will be matched by the Canadian government towards the relief and rehabilitation of flood affected areas of Pakistan, says a press release received here today from Ottawa.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Canada Mr. Akbar Zeb said that more than 20 million people have been affected by floods in Pakistan and the enormity of the disaster requires a well coordinated and concerted effort by the Government of Pakistan, the world community and international organizations to deal effectively with the ongoing crisis.
He said these were Pakistan’s worst floods in 80 years which had led to tragic loss of human lives, and large-scale destruction of crops, livestock, and infrastructure.
Mr. Akbar Zeb said the government had employed all the resources at its disposal for the rescue and relief of the flood affected areas. Also a comprehensive policy was being prepared for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas. However, given the magnitude of the tragedy its was not possible to reach each and every individual affected by the floods. That is why the Prime Minister had launched an appeal for international assistance.
Mr. Akbar Zeb appreciated the humanitarian organizations and Pakistani diaspora for working hard to provide assistance for the people in the flood affected areas of Pakistan.
The High Commissioner appreciated the Pakistani-Canadian Community for joining hands with Pakistan High Commission for organizing the fundraiser.
The fundraiser was attended by John Baird, Leader of the Majority party in the House of Commons, Parliamentarians, politicians, diplomats, international organizations and members of Pakistani-Canadian Community in large numbers. The funds were raised through sale of tickets and auction of various items. The entire food was donated by Mr. Muneer Shah, a Canadian Citizen of Pakistani origin. The mayor of Ottawa declared September 7th as Pakistan Flood Relief Day.
The event was covered by the Canadian media.
**MA/Ahmad**
PR. No. 128
PRESS RELEASE
Remarks by the Foreign Office Spokesman on plan of burning the Holy Quran at the press briefing today
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Pakistan strongly condemns and denounces the planned shameful burning of 200 copies of the Holy Quran by a small Florida Church on 11 September. The Government and the people of Pakistan, including Christians are outraged at this planned act by a self-proclaimed pastor. This is against the spirit of any religion and is, therefore, being rightly denounced by the entire international community. We urge adherents of all religions and faiths to strongly condemn this fanatic approach and oppose those, who in the name of freedom and liberty, are resorting to bigotry and undermining the work that has been done towards promoting interfaith harmony since 9/11.
**MOFA/Ahmad**
PR. No. 129
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grave concern over the threats by a pastor in Miami to burn copies of Holy Quran on Sept 11.
Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said that the President taking note of the distressing reports said that anyone who even thought of such a despicable act must be suffering from a diseased mind and a sickly soul.
He said it will inflame sentiments among Muslims throughout the world and cause irreparable damage to interfaith harmony and also to world peace.
The President called for doing all that it takes to stop such a senseless and outrageous act.
**SAK/Ahmad**
PR. No. 130
PRESS RELEASE
Mr Hamid Yar Hiraj, MNA calls on the Prime Minister
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani expressed his satisfaction that not only the Federal and the Provincial Governments are making concerted efforts to provide relief but the opposition and civil society has also embarked on countrywide campaign to raise donations for the flood victims. He assured that the Government would continue its efforts till rehabilitation of all the flood affectees.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr Hamid Yar Hiraj, MNA who called on him in the Prime Minister’s House here today.
Mr. Hamid Yar Hiraj, MNA thanked the Prime Minister for his reconciliatory political approach and his keen interest in relief and rehabilitation of flood victims. He also discussed development schemes of his areas.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 131
PRESS RELEASE
TRANSPORT SECTOR TO PLAY ITS RESPONSIBLE ROLE FOR POLLUTION FREE ENVIRONMENT------AFRIDI
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that a key element of our transport strategy is to introduce mass transit schemes in cities that will help in reducing traffic congestion and over all pollution. He also said that transport sector is playing vital role to generate economic and social activities in the country that is why all possible resources are being utilized to develop transport sector. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of transporters who met him here today.
During the meeting, Environment Minister said that our vision is to establish an efficient and well integrated transport system that will facilitate the development of a competitive economy and poverty reduction, while ensuring safety in mobility. The strategic thrust is on optimal utilization of the existing capacity, improved management for maintenance and operation and coordinated use of various modes of transport. He further said that private sector participation is being encouraged to promote efficiency in this sector.
Federal Minister told that Pakistan maintains one of the largest fleet of vehicles running clean Compressed Natural Gas, that has been possible due to concerted government efforts. He told that Ministry of Environment is also in the process of inducting a fleet of 8,000 CNG buses in our major cities. This will go a long way in not only addressing the transportation needs of the population but also reducing the carbon emissions linked to transportation sector.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, while talking to the delegation said that Ministry of Environment has also phased out lead from gasoline and reduced sulphur content substantially from diesel. He further told them, that the Environmental Protection Council, headed by the Prime Minister, has recently approved the Pakistan Clean Air Program, which seeks to systematically phase out two stroke engine vehicles by 2013. The Council has also approved national environmental quality standards for noise and ambient air. Environment Minister said that Ministry of Environment is committed to provide healthy environment to the community and all possible resources are being utilized for this purpose. He urged them to come forward and join hands with Ministry for this noble cause.
Delegation, appreciated the efforts of Ministry of creating healthy environment in the country. They also gave different ideas and suggestion in this regard. They also shared their concerns faced by them in transport sector. Delegation expressed their all possible cooperation and support for promoting pollution free environment in the country.
**MAS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 132
PRESS RELEASE
Federal Minister for Minorities Condemns “International Burn a Quran Day”
“Devilish plans to burn the Holy Quran is against the principles of Christianity”
Shahbaz Bhatti
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Federal Minister for Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti has condemned the malicious intentions of a Florida based Pastor of a self-professed non-denominational church to burn the Holy Quran on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks in New York.
In a statement issued here on Thursday the Federal Minister has appealed to the American civil society and US higher authorities to stop Pastor Terry Jones of Gainesville, Florida from committing such evil acts. He termed this act as disrespectful, shameful and intolerant, he emphasized that such acts are against the principles of Christianity. Christianity preaches love and respect for fellow humans and their faith. Such actions are contrary to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He said all religions need to be respected and its sacred books and places of worship must be protected.
Mr. Bhatti stated that freedom of expression must not be exploited nor should it be used to instigate insult to religious sanctities. He further emphasized that the Pastor does not represent the Christian community at large, nor does he represent biblical values, Christianity does not allow anyone to hurt the religious sentiments of others.
The Federal Minister said that such devilish tactics hamper the peace building efforts to promote interfaith harmony and tolerance among different faiths. He demanded that no individual should be allowed to commit such appalling acts.
Pastor Terry Jones must not, under any circumstances be allowed to carry out his deplorable plan to burn Islam’s Holy Book.
**SJK/Ahmad**
PR. No. 133
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has congratulated Pakistan’s Star Tennis Player Mr Aisam ul Haq on reaching the finals of Men’s Double and Mixed Doubles of the US Open Tennis Tournament.
The Prime Minister said that the whole Nation is proud of him for his landmark achievement and are praying for his success in the finals. He wished him the best in the finals and future career.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 134
PRESS RELEASE
NA SPEAKER VOWS TO MITIGATE THE SUFFERINGS OF FLOOD AFFECTTEES
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has vowed to provide relief and rehabilitate the people effected by catastrophic flood in the country. She said that the Government has chalked out a comprehensive strategy and would start disbursement of cash to the affecttees soon.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza has also decided to celebrate Eid with the flood affecttees in District Badin and Thatta. She will visit the Camps in Government High School, Badin, Peer Ahali Shah Stadium, Memon Community Centre Golarthi, Government Islamia Degree College and Government Poly Technical Institute and will distribute Eid gifts and relief items to the flood affecttees.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza, also held detailed meetings with the District Administration of Thatta and Badin and directed them to ensure provision of food, shelter, medicines and clothes to the affected people. She said that various philanthropists agencies, NGOs, individuals besides Government agencies were distributing relief items to the affecttees. She stressed for coordination amongst all so that no one should be left out.
PR. No. 135
PRESS RELEASE
ITALY ANNOUNCES EURO 80 MILLION FOR FLOOD AFFECTED PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Finance Minister, Government of Pakistan held a meeting with Mr. Franco Frattini, Foreign Minister of Italy in Rome.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh comprehensively briefed the Foreign Minister of Italy about the impact of devastation of flood on the economy of Pakistan. Italian Foreign Minister stated that Italy considers itself as one of the close friends of Pakistan and will stand by the people of Pakistan in this time of need.
He also assured the Finance Minister of Pakistan of Italy’s full support on the issue of enhanced market access of Pakistani products and also to lobby for Pakistan on this issue.
The Foreign Minister of Italy informed that he had already written a letter to EU’s Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton in this regard.
The Italian side announced a special assistance of Euro 80 million for post-flood reconstruction, which includes Euro 50 million long term untied soft loan at 0% interest rate for reconstruction. The Italian side also agreed to divert Euro 21 million under Pakistan-Italian Debt Swap for post-flood recovery and reconstruction.
The Italian side also announced Euro 1.5 million for emergency projects in addition to Euro 3.8 million already provided as flood relief assistance.
PR. No. 136
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI VISITS BRUSSELS
Islamabad, September 09 2010Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood arrived Brussels on a trip to Europe on September 09 to lobby for greater market access for Pakistan’s exports through the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) plus — a concessionary trading arrangement especially for vulnerable countries with special development needs, says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels here today.
Foreign Minister Qureshi met Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and appreciated her efforts for providing immediate assistance to Pakistan despite her other pressing engagements. He also expressed gratitude from the people of Pakistan for the relief assistance provided for the flood affectees in Pakistan. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed profound thanks for EU’s generous and timely support.
Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed to the EU leadership that the main purpose of his visit was to express thanks to the leadership and the people of Belgium for the prompt and generous assistance provided to the flood affectees in Pakistan. Belgium has donated Euro 2 Million whilst EU has donated Euro 140 Million for the flood affectees and the relief assistance from Belgium still continues.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister of Belgium Mr. Steven Vanackere warmly received Foreign Minister Qureshi and expressed his Government’s deep sorrow over the devastating floods in Pakistan. He said that Belgium was ready to help Pakistani people in whatever way it could. The two Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent relations between Pakistan and EU. During the meeting Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised the Belgium and EU leadership of the scale of devastating floods which was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated Mr. Vanackere’s presence at the United Nation’s Special Plenary Session on 19 August to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan due to unprecedented floods. Answering the question of journalists in the joint Press Conference both the Ministers expressed the need of the hour is to address the issue on urgent basis and to enumerate mechanism for effective utilization of relief assistance.
In his meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner Mr. Karel De Gucht, Mr. Qureshi expressed gratitude to the EU leadership for its gesture to initiate a long term approach to help Pakistan overcome its enormous challenges instead of just one-off humanitarian relief assistance. EU Trade Commissioner assured Foreign Minister Qureshi full support to Pakistan through WTO concessions to help Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan is on a tour to the European countries. After four days of bilateral interactions with other EU countries including Spain, Portugal, Poland, he arrived Brussels today and met the Belgian and EU leaderships.
PR. No. 135
PRESS RELEASE
ITALY ANNOUNCES EURO 80 MILLION FOR FLOOD AFFECTED PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad: 9th September, 2010Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Finance Minister, Government of Pakistan held a meeting with Mr. Franco Frattini, Foreign Minister of Italy in Rome.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh comprehensively briefed the Foreign Minister of Italy about the impact of devastation of flood on the economy of Pakistan. Italian Foreign Minister stated that Italy considers itself as one of the close friends of Pakistan and will stand by the people of Pakistan in this time of need.
He also assured the Finance Minister of Pakistan of Italy’s full support on the issue of enhanced market access of Pakistani products and also to lobby for Pakistan on this issue.
The Foreign Minister of Italy informed that he had already written a letter to EU’s Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton in this regard.
The Italian side announced a special assistance of Euro 80 million for post-flood reconstruction, which includes Euro 50 million long term untied soft loan at 0% interest rate for reconstruction. The Italian side also agreed to divert Euro 21 million under Pakistan-Italian Debt Swap for post-flood recovery and reconstruction.
The Italian side also announced Euro 1.5 million for emergency projects in addition to Euro 3.8 million already provided as flood relief assistance.
PR. No. 136
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI VISITS BRUSSELS
Islamabad, September 09 2010Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Commerce Secretary Zafar Mahmood arrived Brussels on a trip to Europe on September 09 to lobby for greater market access for Pakistan’s exports through the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) plus — a concessionary trading arrangement especially for vulnerable countries with special development needs, says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan Brussels here today.
Foreign Minister Qureshi met Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and appreciated her efforts for providing immediate assistance to Pakistan despite her other pressing engagements. He also expressed gratitude from the people of Pakistan for the relief assistance provided for the flood affectees in Pakistan. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Qureshi expressed profound thanks for EU’s generous and timely support.
Foreign Minister Qureshi conveyed to the EU leadership that the main purpose of his visit was to express thanks to the leadership and the people of Belgium for the prompt and generous assistance provided to the flood affectees in Pakistan. Belgium has donated Euro 2 Million whilst EU has donated Euro 140 Million for the flood affectees and the relief assistance from Belgium still continues.
Earlier, the Foreign Minister of Belgium Mr. Steven Vanackere warmly received Foreign Minister Qureshi and expressed his Government’s deep sorrow over the devastating floods in Pakistan. He said that Belgium was ready to help Pakistani people in whatever way it could. The two Foreign Ministers discussed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They expressed satisfaction over the existing excellent relations between Pakistan and EU. During the meeting Foreign Minister Qureshi apprised the Belgium and EU leadership of the scale of devastating floods which was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan. Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated Mr. Vanackere’s presence at the United Nation’s Special Plenary Session on 19 August to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan due to unprecedented floods. Answering the question of journalists in the joint Press Conference both the Ministers expressed the need of the hour is to address the issue on urgent basis and to enumerate mechanism for effective utilization of relief assistance.
In his meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner Mr. Karel De Gucht, Mr. Qureshi expressed gratitude to the EU leadership for its gesture to initiate a long term approach to help Pakistan overcome its enormous challenges instead of just one-off humanitarian relief assistance. EU Trade Commissioner assured Foreign Minister Qureshi full support to Pakistan through WTO concessions to help Pakistan in the rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan is on a tour to the European countries. After four days of bilateral interactions with other EU countries including Spain, Portugal, Poland, he arrived Brussels today and met the Belgian and EU leaderships.
PR. No. 137
PRESS RELEASE
MNA MIAN KHURRAM WATTO CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, September 09 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the government is taking all possible measures to provide relief to the flood affected people. He said that it is dire need of the time to collectively work for the rehabilitation of their brethren in order to accomplish this gigantic task as early as possible.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mian Khurram Watto, MNA who called on him at the Prime Minister’s house this afternoon.
The Prime Minister also enquired about the health of his father Mian Manzoor Ahmed Watto, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and prayed for his speedy recovery.
During the meeting Mian Khurram Watto apprised the Prime Minister about the progress of development schemes launched by the government for uplift of the region.
PR. No. 138
PRESS RELEASE
AJK PRIME MINISTER CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, September 09 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the Government will make every effort to mitigate the sufferings of flood affected people. He has apprised the AJK Premier of the measures being taken by the government for relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees. The prime minister was talking to Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, Prime Minister of AJK who called on him at Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon.
The AJK Premier thanked the Prime Minister for inviting him in the Council of Common Interest’s meeting. He said that since Z.A. Bhutto Government, the AJK Prime Minister was seldom invited to participate in the deliberations at such a high level meeting. He also informed the Prime Minister that disbursement of Rs 20,000/- as relief assistance to flood affectees has been started in the AJK as per the Prime Minister’s directions. He also thanked the Prime Minister for highlighting the issue of human rights violation in the occupied Kashmir.
During the meeting they also discussed the reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood affectees and development projects in AJK.
PR. No. 139
PRESS RELEASE
FINANCE MINISTER CALLS FOR SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC INTEGRATION BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND EU
Islamabad, September 09 2010Federal Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafez Sheikh has called for sustained economic integration between Pakistan and the European Union. While talking to Mrs. Christine Lagarde, the Minister of the French Republic for Economy, Industries and Employment during a meeting here today, he said that Pakistan was looking beyond government to government cash grants. Dr. Sheikh is on a short visit to France, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Paris here today.
Finance Minister provided his French counterpart with a detailed appraisal of the losses caused to the economy in the wake of unprecedented floods in Pakistan . He particularly stressed the damage caused to the cotton crop and its adverse implications for the textile sector of the country as he feared that Pakistani farmers would be caught in the vicious circle of low domestic output which would force them to import yarn at higher prices and it would further reduce their competitiveness in the world markets. While highlighting the apparent damage done to different sectors of the economy, Finance Minister said that the actual extent would be known only once the World Bank and Asian Development Bank conclude their joint assessment exercise in this regard.
Whereas the Finance Minister lauded the efforts of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to fast track the relief efforts, he urged upon the EU leadership to divulge upon the crucial question of providing a level playing field for Pakistani exports. While talking about bilateral economic co-operation, he emphasized that the trade interests of the two countries were complementary as they were not producing the same type of exportable goods. He pointed out the injustice being meted out to Pakistan as despite being a vulnerable economy, its exports are denied level playing field in EU thus eroding the competitiveness of our products vis-à-vis our regional competitors. He emphasized the importance of France as having a crucial role in EU and requested Mrs Lagarde to support Pakistan at this crucial juncture.
The French Finance Minister affirmed that France would fulfil the 2009 FODP commitments. On GSP Plus she stressed upon the technical aspects of the issue and pointed out the issue being of ‘European Nature’, where the opinion of all member states matters. However, she mentioned the alternative proposal of providing some temporary relief for the textile sector products of Pakistan. Finance Minister made it clear that given the setbacks suffered by the textile industry in the wake of floods and the supply side challenges it confronts, it is unrealistic to feel threatened from Pakistani products flooding the French or EU markets. It would only enable them to incrementally regain their market share which they lost to their competitors over the last 5-6 years, the Minister argued. French support to Pakistan’s demand for greater market access would demonstrate the resolve of EU countries to help Pakistan in the hour of need, he concluded.
