PR No. 112
PRESS RELEASE
MCC, China donates 800,000 Yuan for flood relief
Islamabad; August 10, 2010Mr. Zou Jianhui, President & CEO, MCC Tongsin Resources Ltd., this morning presented Ambassador Masood Khan a cheque of RMB 800,000 (USD 118,000 approx.) for Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Flood Victims 2010, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
While thanking the MCC, Masood Khan said that Pakistan values its partnership with the Chinese conglomerate, which is running two projects in Pakistan, and expressed the keen desire of the government to further expand the relations in mining and steel sectors.
President MCC said his company, being associated with Pakistan, considers it its responsibility to provide assistance to the Pakistanis so as to provide relief to the people affected the floods.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR No. 113
PRESS RELEASE
Office timings during the holy month of ramazan
Islamabad; August 10, 2010Federal Cabinet, in its special meeting held on 04.08.2010, has decided that during the forthcoming Holy month of Ramazan, the following office timings will be observed by Federal Government Offices working on five days a week basis:-
i) Monday to Thursday 08:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m.
ii) Friday 08:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.
**DO/Ahmad**
PR No. 114
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; August 10, 2010A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Women Development was held at Parliament House, Islamabad with Senator Shirala Malik in the Chair. It was attended by Senators Dr. Saeeda Iaqbal, Farhat Abbas, Surriya Amiruddin, Sabina Rauf, Farah Aqil, Afia Zia, Fauzia Fakhar-uz-Zaman and Nilofar Bakhtiar alongwith Secretary, Ministry of Women Development, Ms. Batool Qureshi and Advisor on Women Development, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman.
The Committee had an indepth discussion on GRAP (Gender Reforms Action Plan) and reasons behind its closure. The Committee deliberated at length over proposals / recommendations / future policy by the MOWD for strict implementation on legislation regarding harassment against Women.
The Secretary Ministry of Women Development informed the Committee that the project of GRAP was initiated in 2005 to help and improve the status of women through fiscal, political, legal and institutional reforms in the government structures at Federal, Provincial and District levels in order to ensure gender equality in the Society. The 5 years performance of GRAP was evaluated by JICA, Planning and Development Division and Monitoring and Evaluation of the project. The Secretary informed the Committee that according to all 3 evaluation reports, GRAP was not able to achieve the desired objectives specially revision of Rules of Business and the Gender Development Grants were released without assessing the needs of the districts. Also the project was not able to even spend 84 million out of 250 million, the project grants were distributed without considering the true theme of PC-1. She also stated that a high level Review Panel was formed which during its meeting held on June, 3, 2010 decided not to extend GRAP beyond its terminated dated i.e., June 30, 2010. These recommendations were submitted to the PM and after receipt of approval, the project was closed on June 30, 2010. The Secretary said that as per decision of the Review Panel, the reform agenda is being institutionalized as a regular and permanent activity of the Ministry of Women Development. In this regard, 20 additional posts have been created and a separate wing is being established to exclusively deal with the reforms agenda.
The Chairperson of the Committee Senator Shirala Malik alongwith other Committee members took a strong exception at the biased behaviour of the Ministry of Women Development towards Senate Standing Committee on Women Development. The Committee unanimously expressed its strong reservations regarding the facts that the Senate Standing Committee’s recommendations not to close GRAP was not taken seriously by the Ministry of Women Development, the Senate Standing Committee was deliberately by passed while forming and holding meeting of a review panel and that after the decision was taken to wrap up GRAP was made, the Senate’s Standing Committee was not informed about such a major decision. The Advisor on Women Development and Secretary Ministry of Women Development assured the Committee that in all future decisions / policy making, the Senate’s Committee will be taken into confidence.
The Committee urged upon Ministry of Women Development to encourage disabled and minorities and observe their quota. Senator Nilofar Bakhtiar stated that GRAP was her initiative but she was not interested in politicising the issue. The real issue she stated is that such a major project was wrapped up without consulting / informing the Senate’s Standing Committee she questioned as to whether the P.M. had issued a Notification in this regard and asked the Ministry of Women Development to provide list of members of Review Panel, minutes of the meeting wherein decision to close GRAP was undertaken and explain as to why were staff of GRAP not issued a Notice before ending their jobs.
Regarding implementation on Harassment Bill, the Committee unanimously recommended that the MOWD should increase its awareness campaigns and sensitization programme to combat this evil. The Committee also took a strong exception to the fact that Women Parliamentary Caucus was focusing only on lady MNA’s and not giving due importance to lady Senators and decided to apprise the Speaker of National Assembly of this untoward negligence of the Senate body.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 115
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; August 10, 2010Federal Minister for Commerce and senior leader Pakistan Peoples Party Makhdoom Amin Fahim visited the sensitive areas of district Mathiari including New Saeedabad, Purana Hala, Bhanot and Mathiari town in Sindh province. Makhdoom Amin Fahim examined the relief activities carried out by the local administration, irrigation department and Law enforcement agencies. The Minister observed the protective measures being taken and directed the local administration for safe mass exodus from Kacha areas. The Minister was briefed that so far more than 32 thousands people have been shifted to camps.
Makhdoom Amin Fahim also visited the camps being built for the affected people, and expressed his satisfaction over the services being provided.
PR No. 116
PRESS RELEASE
ENVOY OF KYRGYZ REPUBLIC CALLS ON MINISTER
Islamabad; August 10, 2010Acting Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic in Pakistan H. E. Mr. Nuran Niyazaliev called on Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi here Tuesday. They discussed matters pertaining to mutual interests and economic and trade relations between the two Muslim countries.
The Envoy informed the Minister about the various agreements and MoS signed between the two countries in various sectors. The Ambassador apprised the Minister about the problem facing by Kyrgyz students in taking admission in various educational institutions in Pakistan and sought the help and guidance of Minister to facilitate these students in seeking admission in Pakistani Madrassas and other educational institutions. He also showed interest for exchange of Ulemas and religious scholars with Pakistan to take advantage of experience of Pakistan.
The Minister welcomed the Envoy and said that Pakistan will extend its all possible support and technical assistance to the Kyrgyz Republic. He asked the envoy for submitting list of students presently studying in Pakistani Institutions and assured him that they will be provided proper guidance as well as facilities in seeking admissions in those institutions which are technically equipped and sound for providing sufficient facilities and proper education to their students.
The Minister also agreed for exchange of delegation of religious scholars of the both countries and hoped that this would promote the skill of both sides.
The Envoy appreciated the efforts of Pakistan for playing role in war on terror and thanked the Minister for extending his support.
PR No. 117
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES CHINESE AMBASSADOR
Islamabad; August 10, 2010Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi received His Excellency Mr. Liu Jian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China today. The Foreign Minister welcomed and congratulated him on his appointment. He recalled longstanding excellent relations between the two countries, which have matured into a strategic partnership, covering all spheres,says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad here today.
The Foreign Minister briefed the Chinese Ambassador on the severity of the flood situation and appreciated their assistance. He also thanked the Chinese help for the Attabad Lake affectees and apprised the Ambassador about the immediate rescue and relief requirements.
The Chinese Ambassador said that his country highly valued its relations with Pakistan. China was saddened to know the damages caused by the recent floods and was one of the first countries to have sent relief assistance worth RMB 10 million. The officials of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad had also donated to relief operations.
The Chinese Ambassador handed over Rs.1.495 million in cash on behalf of the Association of Chinese Enterprises and Oversees Chinese in Pakistan, to the Foreign Minister for flood relief assistance.
The Foreign Minister informed the Ambassador that due to severe floods in Pakistan, he would not be able to visit Shanghai Expo 2010, as scheduled earlier.
The Foreign Minister assured the Ambassador of his full cooperation during his tenure in Pakistan and wished him success.
PR No. 118
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL TREE PLANTING DAY 2010 CELEBRATIONS
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER INAUGURATED THE CAMPAIGN WHILE PLANTING SAPLING
Islamabad, August 10, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that forest land area is decreasing rapidly resulting global warming and climate change in the country. He said that there is need to change human behavior for healthy environment. Government is committed to face environmental challenges and people from all walks of life have to play their due role to make Pakistan a green country. He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony to mark National Tree Plantation Day 2010 at Murree Expressway (Khajiot).
Environment Minister said that Ministry of Environment and Provincial Forest Departments organized mass tree planting campaigns every year in spring and monsoon seasons. He said that year 2009 was celebrated as National Year of Environment with the prime objective of motivating people of all walks of life in environmental protection and mass tree planting. Moreover, Government of Pakistan declared 18th August as National Tree Planting Day that will be observed every year. He also told that in year 2009 more than 6.8 million saplings were planted on 18th August.
Mr. Afridi said in his address said that in inter-provincial/ inter-ministerial meeting held on 15th July, it was decided in consultation with provincial Forest Departments that NTPD 2010 will be celebrated on 10th August, before commencement of the month of Ramadhan. He said that all the provincial Forest Departments, CDA and Ministry of Environment have planned a large number of celebrations throughout the country. National NGOs including IUCN, WWF have also designed special events to mark the NTPD today, he added.
Federal Minister told that in Punjab, all the three Forest Zones are organizing mass tree planting events in a competitive way. With the cooperation of Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Ministry of Environment and Punjab Forest Department are organizing a mass tree planting ceremony along the 33 KM length of Murree Expressway. He informed that in this activity about 145000 saplings would be planted while about 45.5 million saplings would be planted throughout the country in this campaign. He invited all citizens of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to join this event as noble cause. Environment Minister also announced on this occasion that Government of Pakistan will duly recognize the efforts on NTPD 2010, even while planting a single sapling in any part of the country. He told that Ministry of Environment has devised website (www.plantforpakistan.gov.pk) a very transparent system of registering and monitoring the tree planted on that day and best performer of this campaign would be awarded. Environment Minister Highlighted that we are committed to break world record of India by planting maximum saplings in the month of September, 2010.
Minister for Environment also requested the media to keep an eye on tree planting activities throughout the country and report on the effectiveness of this system. He also urged that media has to play their important role to create awareness about the environment and forests. He underlined that global warming and climate change are the major threats for whole world in present time. However, he said that there is need to bring maximum lands under forest and trees to provide shields against floods and other natural disasters. He also emphasized to bring change in behaviors to face environmental challenges.
Earlier, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, MNA, Raja Fiyaz Serwar MPA, Federal Secretary Environment Javed Malik and Provincial Secretary Forest Punjab Babar Hassan Barwana expressed their views.
Environment Minister inaugurated National Tree Plantation Campaign 2010 while planting a sapling at Murree Expressway (Khajiot). In this NTPC 2010, Ministry of Environment, Punjab Forest Department, Parliamentarians, NGOs, government organizations, students from schools, colleges, universities, religious institutions representative of Rescue 1122 and scouts participated with national spirit in this campaign.
PR No. 119
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER CALLS FOR CREATING AWARENESS AMONG THE HAJJ PILGRIMS
Islamabad, August 10, 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has called for creating proper awareness to educate the intending pilgrims for performing Hajj in the coming Hajj season. He stressed the need to priorities provision of proper training to the Hujjaj in order to make them fully equipped with skilled knowledge of performing Hajj in proper way and without any difficulties.
He made these observations while addressing in the ceremony of starting of Refresher course for Master Trainers and Resource persons of Hajj 2010, here Tuesday. Director Hajj, Senior Officials of Ministry and Master Trainers from AJK, Hazara Division and Rawalpindi Islamabad were present on this occasion.
The objective of the Hajj Training of the 80 Master Trainers was to equip them with proper techniques to educate the intending pilgrims of their respective areas, creating awareness among them for performing Hajj in a proper way.
The Minister was of the view that Islam teaches patience and tolerance, adding that it is the prime duty of the Master Trainers to educate the Hujjaj in this respect. He said if proper awareness and education are provided to the pilgrims, it will indeed minimize the difficulties of the Hujjaj in the coming Haji season as practiced in the past, he maintained.
The Minister also directed the Hajj Directorate to mobilize all possible resources for providing facilities to the Hujjaj. He warned the officials that no irregularities to this effect would be tolerated and the poor performers would be brought to net, he concluded.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
PR.NO. 120
PRESS RELEASE
Message of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
(On the occasion of “Minorities Day” on 11th August, 2010)
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The observance of the Minorities Day today is an occasion to recognize the important role played by the minorities in Pakistan in nation building, the sacrifices rendered by them, the problems and issues by member of minorities as well as to renew our commitment to protect their rights and to draw them fully in the mainstream of national life.
The present democratic government is driven by the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and Quaid-e-Awam in protecting the rights of the minorities.
The Quaid vision is contained in his histories speech on this day in 1947 that laid down the foundations of a modern, tolerant and progressive Pakistan in which every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender. The Quaid-e-Awam’s vision is embodied in the Constitution of 1973 that envisioned minorities to freely profess and practice their religion and culture and that every one will have equal rights regardless of creed and gender.
Inspired by this vision the present government decided to observe August, 11 each year as the Minorities Day to reiterate the need to integrate people of all faiths in the national mainstream. It has reserved 5% quota in Government jobs, provided for four reserved seats in the Senate and allowed optional holidays to minorities on the eve of their religious festivals which will also be celebrated at official level. The government has also decided to review all laws that militate against minorities and the vulnerable sections of society.
The country has been hard hit both the man made disasters in the form of terrorism and natural calamities in the form of floods caused by torrential monsoons. Thousands have been killed and hundreds of billions lost in these man made disasters and natural calamities. On the occasion of Minorities Day I call upon people of all faiths to join hands to promote peace and harmony one the one hand to alleviate the sufferings of the people hit hard by floods on the other.
Let every one on this Day pledge to promote democratic values and culture as a necessary tool of promoting tolerance, peace and harmony and ending violence and extremism as well as alleviating the sufferings of our less fortunate brethren.
**DO/Ahmad**
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
PR.NO. 121
PRESS RELEASE
MESSAGE OF THE PRIME MINISTER SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI ON
THE OCCASION OF MINORITIES DAY, 11TH August, 2010
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The present Democratic Government has declared 11th August, as “Minorities Day”, the day when the father of nation laid down the foundation of a progressive, modern and a democratic Pakistan. The founder of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah made a
solemn pledge at the time of creation of Pakistan that the policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities shall be practiced.
History of Islam is full of instances in which the minorities enjoyed peace, protection and equal social status. Government of Pakistan stands committed for the preservation of rights of Minorities in Pakistan. We continue to be one nation living with mutual respect, honour, peace and harmony. We recognize that our Minorities are responsible and patriotic and are playing their due role in nation building. We will, therefore, never allow the miscreants to be successful in their ulterior motives.
One of the top priorities of the present Democratic Government is to protect the rights of the Minorities and to uplift and empower them. Interfaith Harmony is being promoted through our Ministry ‘at international and national levels. Many steps have been taken by the People’s Government for the protection and promotion of Minorities like the reservation of 05% quota in Government jobs/Services, reservation of four, seats for minorities in the Senate, declaration of 11th August, as the Minorities Day, including observance of optional holidays and celebration of the festivals of Minorities at official level. We acknowledge the contribution and sacrifices of all Minorities not only in the freedom Movement but also for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.
The “Minorities Day” provides with us an opportunity to reassure that despite belonging to different faiths, we are one Nation which continues to march on for a prosperous, Pakistan. I hope, this Minorities Day will go down in the annals of history as a memorable day.
**DO/Ahmad**
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
PR.NO. 122
PRESS RELEASE
MESSAGE FROM MR. SHAHBAZ BHATTI, FEDERAL MINISTER FOR MINORITIES ON MINORITIES DAY-2010
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The present Democratic Government has declared 11th August, as “Minorities Day” the day when the father of nation laid down the foundation of a progressive, modern and a democratic Pakistan. The Founder of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had right from the day of creation of Pakistan, unequivocally declared a policy of equality, freedom and security for all communities living in Pakistan, irrespective of their religion, profession or ethnic origin.
The Constitution of Pakistan lays down the provision for the minorities to freely profess and practice their religion and for the development of their culture; also to safeguard the legitimate interests of minorities for which the People’s Government is committed wholeheartedly. The People’s Government is making all out efforts to safeguard fundamental rights, safety, security, honour, life, liberty and properties of the minorities. Pakistan is a liberal democratic state that strongly believes in religious independence and personal liberties. Our national flag gives the message of Religious Tolerance, National Unity and brotherhood and it is the need of the day that all our Pakistani people should stand together for the prosperity of Pakistan without any difference.
11th August, is declared as Minorities Day to recognized the sacrifices and contribution of minorities in nation building and promote the vision of founding father for human equality, religious freedom and equal rights for all. We are committed to emanancipate and aemolreate the down trodden and marginalized minorities of Pakistan. We are struggling to establish a society free from discrimination, inequality and injustice. On the Minorities day, Minorities should pledge that they will continue to contribute in the prosperity, development of the country.
The Government of Pakistan has made institutional arrangements and taken a lot of other measures for the uplift and welfare of the minorities, like reservation of 05% quota in Government Jobs / Services, reservations of 04 seats for minorities in Senate, the upper house of the Parliament, declaration of Minorities Day, Observance of religious festivals of minorities at the Government level, establishment of hotline in the Ministry of Minorities Affairs and District Interfaith Harmony Committee throughout the country.
Founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had presented the idea of democrated, enlightened and prosperous Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan Peoples Party is committed to work on the principles of Founder of Pakistan and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and are trying to create a society free of prejudice and discrimination and based on the principles of social justice, human equality, national unity and religious tolerance and interfaith harmony.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF August 11, 2010
PR.NO. 123
PRESS RELEASE
DR. ABDUL HAFEEZ SHEIKH BRIEFS MUSLIM COUNTRIES’ AMBASSADORS ON FLOOD DEVASTATION
Islamabad, August 10, 2010.Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Planning and Development held a meeting with the Ambassadors of Islamic countries based in Pakistan here today.
The Finance Minister thanked the Muslim countries for their persistent support to Pakistan, especially their prompt response in providing relief goods, food and medicines to the flood affected people. He informed the diplomatic community that the present flood was one of the worst natural calamities Pakistan has ever faced in its history. Apart from damages to physical and social infrastructure, the flood would have negative impact on the economy of Pakistan. It has already damaged crops in certain parts of the country. The Minister also informed that after the flood is over, the government will undertake an exercise to assess the damages caused to the physical and social infrastructure and would devise strategy for reconstruction of the flood affected areas.
It may be noted that this was the first meeting of the series of meetings which the Finance Minister would under take with the diplomatic community to update them on the impact of flood on economy.
The meeting was attended by diplomats from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Kuwait, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Libya, Brunei and Afghanistan.
PR.NO. 124
PRESS RELEASE
MAKE IMMEDIATE ARRANGEMENTS TO LIFT APPORTIONED QUANTITY OF SUGAR …….
FED SECRETARY INDUSTRY WRITES TO PROVINCIAL CHIEF SECRETARIES
Islamabad: August 10, 2010Federal Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Abdul Ghaffar Soomro has strongly urged the Chief Secretaries of all the Provinces to make immediate arrangements to lift their apportioned quantity of sugar to meet any shortage of sugar in their respective province during the holy month of Ramazan. The Federal Secretary in his letter, written to Chief Secretaries of the Provinces today, has reminded them that in order to augment the sugar stock in the open market and help stabilize prices, the high powered Ministerial Committee constituted by the Cabinet Division vide their letter no.76/11/2010 dated 12-07-2010 recommended and the ECC approved, off-loading TCP stocks of imported sugar to the Provincial Governments through approved dealers before the holy month of Ramazan.
The Federal Secretary in his letter further writes that these stocks were to be lifted with effect from 28th July, 2010. Provinces were given proportionate share as per requirements given by the Provincial Representatives in the consultative meetings of the Ministerial Committee. It has however, been noted today i.e. 10th of August that even after ten days of the operation the required quantity has not been lifted or even ordered. Whereas the Provincial Representatives in the consultative meeting of the Ministerial Committee had indicated an expected shortage of sugar in the month of Ramazan and in wake of the devastating floods (for which we all sympathize), the available quantities might have diminished further.
It may be mentioned here that the Punjab had to lift 50,000MT, Sindh-17,000MT, Balochistan-8,000MT, KPK-20,000MT, and AK/GB-5,000MT. Out of which the Punjab lifted only 4,682MT till to date.
It is pertinent to mention here that the monthly consumption of sugar in the country is 300,000MT to 350,000MT. Whereas the Federal Government arranged well in time 100,000MT imported subsidized sugar from TCP for the Provinces according to their requirement which was to be lifted by them well before Ramazan. While the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has procured 80,000MT subsidized imported sugar from TCP to sell out during the month of Ramazan in addition to afore said one hundred thousand matric tons for Provinces. So the Federal Government arranged total 180,000MT imported subsidized sugar for the month of Ramazan which can fulfill more than 50% monthly consumption of sugar of the country. More over, there is sufficient stock of domestic sugar which can easily fulfill the consumption of the country till the start of next crushing season.
PR.NO. 125
PRESS RELEASE
CABINET COMMITTEE REVIEWS PRICES OF ESSENTIAL ITEMS AT USCS DURING RAMADAN
Islamabad: August 10, 2010The Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a meeting of the Cabinet committee to look into the prices of essential item at the Utility Stores, here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hafeez Shaikh stressed the need to ensure sufficient supply of various essential and daily use items during the holy month of Ramadan through the Utility Stores at the rates approved by the Cabinet.
The meeting was briefed by the Managing Director of USC that essential items would be sold at the following subsidized rates at the Utility Stores throughout the country:
Aata : Rs. 17/Kg
Ghee and Oil : Rs. 110/Kg
Dal channa : Rs. 56/Kg
White Grain (Chana) : Rs. 78/Kg
Dates : Rs. 88/Kg
The Finance Minister directed that this price shall be held at all costs. He further directed that every Store shall display a chart of available commodities of items with a price list. The availability and price shall be cross-checked through “mystery shopping.”
In addition it was directed that USC shall published list of public complaint telephone numbers where the citizens could lodge their complaints. The meeting also appealed to the citizens and civil society to cooperate in this regard and bring all violations to the notice of USC management.
The meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture and senior officials of Ministry of Industries/ Finance/ Commerce/ Food & Agriculture.
PR.NO. 126
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT REVIEWS LAW AND ORDER, FLOOD SITUATION
Islamabad August 10, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today called Interior Minister Rahman Malik and Sindh Home Minister Zulfikar Mirza for a meeting in Bilawal House Karachi.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that law and order, the flood situation and measures taken for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims were discussed during the meeting. The President directed the federal Interior Minister and the provincial home minister to reach to the bottom to the recent wave of targeted killings and apprehend those involved regardless of their association.
The President also spoke with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah in Sukkur to enquire about the relief measures undertaken for the rescue and rehabilitation of flood victims. It may be recalled that the President had called Qaim Ali Shah from abroad during foreign visit and asked him to proceed to the interior of Sindh to supervise the relief and rehabilitation work. The President also called some Party officer bearers on the telephone to enquire about the flood situation in their respective areas and the relief measures undertaken.
The President is scheduled to return to Islamabad tomorrow Wednesday.
