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PR No. 328
PR No. 329 Pakistan’s High Commissioner (designate) to Bangladesh Mr. M. Ashraf Qureshi called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at the Presidency before taking up new assignment. The President said that Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with Bangladesh based on mutual respect, common religion, history and culture and advised the newly appointed envoy to work for further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The President emphasized on economic diplomacy to be pursued and adopted by all diplomats for furthering economic interests of the country as an essential component of the foreign policy. The High Commissioner designate thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and assured that he would endeavor to boost Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Bangladesh
PR No. 330 President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Hasan Aksay, Commander Turkish Air Force, who is on an official visit to Pakistan and called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) has been conferred upon General Hasan Aksay, Commander Turkish Air Force for his services rendered to improve relations and cooperation between the two Air Forces. The citation read out on the occasion said that in view of his meritorious services and as a token of acknowledgement of his personal contribution to strengthening the goodwill and cooperation between the two air forces, the President is pleased to confer Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) on General Hasan Aksay, Commander Turkish Air Force. Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Foreign Secretary Mr. Slaman Bashir and H.E. Mr. Mustafa Babur Hizlan, Turkish Ambassador, were also present on the occasion besides high ranking officials and dignitaries of both the countries. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 10TH DECEMBER,2009
PR.No. 331
The Government of Pakistan is committed to create a society free of human sufferings and deprivation. The Policy frame work on human rights envisages the elimination of injustice & poverty, safeguarding human dignity, establishing the rule of law, guaranteeing the fundamental freedom to all the citizens by making them masters of their own destiny, creating a balance between the rights of individuals and their responsibilities towards the society in promoting tolerance and harmony. The first and the most comprehensive charter of human rights was the last Sermon of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the occasion of Hujja-Widah, while all subsequent charters and legal instruments are the reproduction of the contents of this Sermon. In pursuance of the last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the provision of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan regarding fundamental rights and principles of policy as well as the Universal declaration of the Human Rights, the present democratic government stands committed to the promotion and the protection of human rights, not only for its own people but also for all the people in the world.. The Pakistan People Party has an unflinching commitment to promote the human rights cause. To translate this commitment into reality, the party in its earlier tenure established a Ministry for Human Rights to provide an institutional framework for implementation of policies enshrined in the party’s manifesto. The present government is trying its best to; provide safeguards and security to life, liberty, property, livelihood, right to freedom & association, expression and movement and to ensure non-discrimination, political and religious freedom of every citizen. Our government is committed to honour the fundamental rights (Article 8 to 28) and principles of Policy (Article 29 to 40) of the Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Besides this, the government of Pakistan has ensured universality and inter-relatedness of all human rights in accordance with the UN standards i.e.. Civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. The government is conscious of the rights of the vulnerable segments of the society and is making efforts for their protection. In this respect special emphasis is being given to safeguard the rights of women, children and minorities in the country. The government has decided to set up an independent National Commission for Human Rights. In this regard a bill has been introduced in the National Assembly which is under the consideration of Human Rights Committee. I hope this bill will be cleared soon by the both houses of the Parliament. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 10TH DECEMBER,2009 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 10TH DECEMBER,2009
PR.No. 332 The International Human Rights Day, on the every December 10th is a reminder to democratically conscious citizens to reiterate their commitment individually and collectively to make renewed efforts to promote a culture of tolerance, respect for human rights, diversity, and pluralism. The people of Pakistan and particularly the workers of the Pakistan Peoples Party instinctively know what human rights are and what their violation means to their bodies and souls. We have learnt it in the course of our struggle for raising the dignity of every individual. The right to representation, to free and fair elections, to dissent, to justice and the right to food, clothing, shelter, education and health and the right to freely practice one’s religion are all parts of the basic human rights. The struggle of our people over the decades to achieve these rights is indeed commendable. But much more needs to be done. Of late a new threat has emerged to the basic rights of our people; it is the threat from the militants and extremists who wish to foist their political agenda on the people through the bullet in the name of religion. This unacceptable and the nation is determined and united in fighting against this new threat to the basic right of its people to choose the way of life they wish to live. The government is determined to defeat the militant mindset. The extremists must be defeated; they will be. The government is also determined to bring to our parched land the breath of freedom, a freedom which will allow the flower of human dignity to blossom. The government has chalked out a 7-day celebration program throughout the country to mark the International Human Rights Day. Let us on this Day pledge to raise the dignity of each individual which is at the heart of the basic and fundamental rights. Let us also honour those who wear on their bodies and their souls the indelible marks from the violation of human rights. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 10TH DECEMBER,2009
PR
No. 333 Federal Minister for Textile Industry Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan has said that govt. is committed to develop Textile sector and maximum assistance would be provided to boost this important sector of our economy. He expressed these views while charing the 2nd meeting of Textile Policy Implementation Liaison Committee here today. During the meeting different measures, taken in 1st meeting of Textile Policy Implementation Liaison Committee were discussed. On this occasion Mr. Rafiq Godal, member of sub- committee, constituted in 1st meeting of committee gave detailed briefing regarding selection of associations for registration process. Moreover, Zubair Motiwala, head of sub committee also briefed about the issue of granting Drawback to the EPZ-units. On this occasion different ideas and point of views were shared to the related matters. Moreover, different suggestions and recommendations were given during the meeting. Members of the committee deliberated upon various issues regarding Textile Policy Implementation. Likewise updates on the registration process of Yarn export also came under discussion. Members of committee appreciated the efforts and progressive measures taken by the Ministry of Textile Industry. Earlier the meeting started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Federal Minister for Textile Industry welcomed the participants. He said that Textile is the most important sector of our economy. That is why, maximum assistance would be provided to boost this Industry. He expressed his firm believe that present govt. is playing vital role to develop Textile Industry. Meeting was attended by Mr. Zubair Motiwala, MD, Diamond Textile Pvt. Ltd.Karachi. Mr. Rafiq Godal, Ex-Chairman, Pakistan Knitwear & Sweater Exporters Association, Karachi, Mr. Tariq Mehmood, Ex- Chairman, APTMA, Lahore, Mian Muhammad Latif, Chairman, Chenab Group of Industries, Faisalabad, Mr. Javed Siddiqui, Ex- Chairman, APTMA (Punjab Zone), Mr. Yasin Siddik, Chairman, APTMA, (Sindh- Balochistan Zone), Mr. Bashir All Muhammad, Chairman, M/S Gul Ahmed Taxtile Mills Ltd, Karachi and Javed Bilwani, Ex- Central Chairman PREGMEA. Moreover, Federal Secretary, Dr. Waqaar Masood Khan and other high officials of Mintax. were also present in the meeting. AS/wh
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No. 334 Federal Public Service Commission will hold Professional/Screening Tests from 20th December 2009 to 24th December, 2009 simultaneously at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, D.I.Khan, Gilgit, Multan and Sukkur for various posts advertised in Commission’s Consolidated Advertisement Nos.14/2008 (one case), 4/2009 (five cases) and 5/2009 to 10/2009. The Admission Certificates alongwith Syllabi and Time-Table etc. for tests of the above posts have been dispatched to all the candidates through registered post. In case the candidates, particularly belonging from Law and Order affected areas, have not received the Admission Certificates or facing any difficulty, they are advised to approach the FPSC at the numbers given below. The Commission will facilitate them as far as possible. Website: www.fpsc.gov.pk. Phone Nos. 051-9205075 Ext.231.243.271,298,320,307 and contact on phone Nos.051-9212331 & 9205075 Ext.241.
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No. 335
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No. 336 Federal Minister for SAFRON, Najmuddin Khan has said that the review of strategy of repatriation of Afghan Refugees is under consideration, which will be finalized very soon. He was talking to Mr. Kasidis RochanoKorn, Director, Regional Bureau Asia Pacific UNHCR, here on Wednesday who called on the Federal Minister. The Director was accompanied by Country Representative of UNHCR in Pakistan, Mangesha Kabede. The Minister said that there is need to expedite RAHA project which is only possible if the donors fund the project directly to the Ministry of SAFRON. He also pointed out that few months ago, reorganization of UNHCR offices was committed but it has not been implemented as yet. He also said that there should be target oriented progress in UNHCR projects. The Minister also raised the issue of IDPs in the meeting. The Director appreciated RAHA project and wished for the replica of such a project in other countries like India and Afghanistan. He further said that UNHCR will not downsize its staff in Pakistan rather he said that UNHCR is considering how to remodel operation modalities in the region. He also said that UNHCR will host tripartite session-UNHCR, Pakistan and Afghanistan very soon. Secretary SAFRON, Mr Riffat Pasha stressed over the repatriation of Afghan refugees as soon as possible because their presence is enhancing economic burden and social evils.
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No. 337 President PML, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon. Overall political situation in the country with particular reference to the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan came under discussion during the meeting. The Prime Minister said the government is committed to ensuring proper and timely implementation of Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan. The Prime Minister acknowledged the contribution of the country’s political leadership in this process. He hoped that they would continue their cooperation in the same manner enabling the government to ensure smooth execution of the reform programme in the province. PML MNAs, Mr. Riaz Pirzada and Mr. Ghaus Baksh Khan Mehar were also present during the meeting. PMMO/wh
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No. 338 Ambassadors of Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. Pavol Sepelak and Greece, H.E. Mr. Petros Mavroidis called on the Federal Minister for Investment, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan. While talking to them, the Minister underscored the need of concluding BITs with respective countries. During the meeting, mutual trade and investment opportunities came under discussion. Senator Waqar Ahmad Khan tried to persuade both the Ambassadors to lobby for Pakistan in the European Union for securing GSP+ status. Senator stressed the need to enhance trade volume of Pakistan with European countries in order to reduce poverty in Pakistan and maintain sustainable economic growth. It is imperative that the European Union joined hands with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism and allowed free access of Pakistani products to European markets. The Minister referred to the meetings of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani with German Chancellor and the British Prime Minister in which mutual trade and investment opportunities were discussed. In continuation of that policy, Senator shared and conveyed the desire of Pakistani government to gain access to European markets. Senator told that Pakistan is a resource- rich country and offers huge investment opportunities to the world. On the other hand, Pakistan needs help from European countries so that local market of Pakistan gets exposed to the state-of –the-art European markets .Infact; this is the best way to enhance the level of competitiveness of local market of Pakistan. The Minister said that Pakistan is engaged in the war on terrorism and the whole country is in a state of war. He condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Quetta and Multan. Under these tough times, Pakistan expects from the countries of European Union to open up their markets for Pakistan and allow free access to Pakistani exports with minimum conditionality and lowest tariffs. Senator thanked the respective Ambassadors for showing keen interest and being instrumental in persuading the investors of their countries to explore and invest in multiple sectors in Pakistan. Pakistan can’t and should not be equated with Afghanistan, the Senator said. Pakistan is a sovereign and responsible country. Pakistan enjoys full-fledge democracy led by the elected leadership of Pakistan with stable and strong institutions like Parliament, Judiciary and the Army The Senator asked for the support of both the countries to achieve GSP+ status in the European Union through the strong lobby of these countries in the Europe. Both the ambassadors agreed in principles to vote and lobby for Pakistan in achieving maximum support for Pakistan in the European Union. AC/wh
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