NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE sighting of moon of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010 PR. No.140 PRESS RELEASE Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (On the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010) Islamabad, 10th September 2010 On the Eid day this year I wish to call upon the countrymen to spread out and assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of our grief and calamity stricken brethren whose lives have been devastated by the history’s worst natural disaster. We bow our heads in gratitude to Allah on this day for blessing us with the bounties of the holy month of Ramazan. For the Muslims it is a thanksgiving day and I wish to greet all Muslims of the world on this occasion. A festive occasion however has relevance only when festivities and celebrations are genuinely shared with many. We therefore cannot celebrate the day with traditional fanfare and festivities when millions of our countrymen have been rendered shelter-less as villages, towns and cities have been destroyed. On this Eid let us also spare a thought for those members of our armed forces, the police, the law enforcing agencies and civilians who laid down their lives in the fight against militants so that we may truly celebrate Eid in peace. Pakistanis are a very caring and loving people. I call upon them to step forward and help the victims of floods and also the victims of fight against militants in their hour of trial. May Allah in His infinite mercy grant our supplications and guide us to imbibe the spirit of Ramazan throughout the year and to employ that spirit in rebuilding the lives of the people devastated by floods and by extremists and militants.   NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE sighting of moon of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE sighting of moon of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010 PR. No. 141 PRESS RELEASE Message from Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (On the Occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010) Islamabad, 10th September 2010 Following is the English rendering of the message of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr (1431 Hijri): “I wholeheartedly felicitate the whole nation on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Thanks to Almighty Allah, Who blessed us with the courage and strength during the holy month of Ramazan; blessed us with the spirit to observe fasting, benefit from the bounties of this month and serve our needy brothers and sisters. This year’s Eid festival is being celebrated on such a moment of history, when a large part of country is under the devastation caused by pre-Ramazan floods. Our millions of fellow countrymen are homeless and facing severe difficulties. Every section of our nation demonstrated the commendable cooperation, sincerity and generosity to lessen the immense problems and hardships faced by the flood victims and their miseries and grief. No doubt, brave nations face the challenges with courage and mettle. Today when the whole nation is busy day and night to help their flood affected brethren, the anti-state elements and terrorists are ruining peace in our cities and towns to achieve their nefarious objectives. At the hands of these cruels, neither the sanctity of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak is protected nor they have any respect for human lives or faith. But it is the firm commitment of our nation that we will never let these terrorists and extremists to succeed in their nefarious intentions and the fight against them would continue till their complete elimination. Eid-ul-Fitr is a happy festival, which requires us to share our joys with our flood affected brethren. Your love and empathy will help address their miseries and pains. Reconstruction of the devastated towns, destroyed houses and the rehabilitation of flood affected people is our foremost priority and national obligation. Let us all fully participate in this noble cause. May Almighty Allah grant us with His blessings to succeed in this challenge and fulfil our obligation. Ameen”. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED /BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE sighting of moon of Eid-ul-Fitr 1431 AH/2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH  SEPTEMBER, 2010 PR. No.142 PRESS RELEASE MESSAGE FROM MR. ASIF ALI ZARDARI PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN ON THE OCCASION OF QUAID-I-AZAM’S 62ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY (11TH SEPTEMBER, 2010) Islamabad 10th September, 2010 The best way to pay homage to the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is to strive for achieving the objectives for which Pakistan was created as a separate independent homeland for the Muslims of the sub continent. Pakistan was to be a country where the principles of democracy, Constitutionalism and egalitarianism would reign supreme and where there would be social justice and economic opportunities for all as propounded by the Quaid throughout his life. The best way to pay homage to the Quaid therefore is to reiterate our adherence to these principles. For ensuring democracy we must defeat the militants who are seeking to impose their own political agenda on the people through gun and bullets. For ensuring Constitutionalism we must ensure that Constitution is given only be the elected representatives of the people and not imposed on the people by anyone else. For ensuring egalitarianism, social justice and opportunities of all we must immediately rehabilitate and reconstruct the millions of lives that have been devastated by the floods throughout the country. I pay homage to the innumerable people who made huge sacrifices and to all the martyrs who laid their lives first for the creation of Pakistan and secondly for keeping it as a democratic polity. I also pay homage to the resilience and courage of the people with which they have endured and faced the vagaries of devastating floods Let us on this day reiterate that we will continue to struggle for the vision of Quaid-e-Azam for achieving the goal of a federal and democratic polity that is based on egalitarianism and social justice for all. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH SEPTEMBER, 2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH SEPTEMBER, 2010 PR. No.143 PRESS RELEASE PRIME MINISTER SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI’s MESSAGE O THE DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF QUAID-E-AZAM MOHAMMAD ALI JINNAH Islamabad 10th September, 2010 Today we are observing 62nd death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the Founder of Pakistan and a great statesman of the world. Nature had gifted Quaid-e-Azam with a giant’s strength in so far as his determination was concerned to accomplish tasks that he set before him. His political acumen, his vision and will, his capacity to handle delicate and grave situations were put to the severest test, and his phenomenal success dazzled the eyes of friends and foe alike. It is unknown in the annals history that any new nation had to face such difficulties as were faced by Pakistan at its birth. But Quaid-e-Azam was a dedicated man, and he dug the mine of his physical strength to the last ounce of that metal to serve his people. To Pakistan, his untiring dedication and devotion was its richest asset in those early years, when her very existence was a question-mark of history. Our adversaries’ intrigues were actively undermining the economic fabric of Pakistan even before it came into existence. They declared, “After us the deluge. We are leaving Pakistan an economic desert”. But their claims epitomized wishful thinking. Achievement of Pakistan had meant for him only the end of one phase of his life and he beginning of another phase, equally important- of consolidating Pakistan and ensuring its stability. Despite his failing health, he was not going to desert his post at the period of crisis through which his nation was passing, and he did not spare himself. He went on working to the very last and continued to deal with important State papers until his death. The best tribute which we can pay to the father of the nation is allegiance to principles which he espoused vigorously and the values which he promoted consistently in his career. His death anniversary calls for reappraisal of the situation and a solid commitment to complete Quaid’s mission of consolidating Pakistan and ensuring its stability. His life-giving words uttered during the struggle for Pakistan still rings true in our ears. He said, “We have won the battle for Pakistan’s freedom but the grimmer battle for preservation of that freedom is still in progress”. The Quaid stood for the rule of law, for freedom and democracy, for social justice, for discipline and orderly progress. He envisaged Pakistan as a welfare State. In his message on Eid-ul-Fitr on 27th August, 1948, he wrote, ‘It is only with united effort and faith in our destiny that we shall be able to translate the Pakistan of our dreams into reality”. Our government is striving hard to restore peace in the country and put the economy back on rails to progress and prosperity. We have restored the constitution in its original forms and empowered the Parliament. We have harmonized inter -provincial relations and ensued reconciliatory politics in the country. The government is fighting the menace of terrorism through effective strategy. Recent ravaging floods have caused colossal loss to our economy washed away one fifth of our agriculture and displaced 20 million people. However, I have complete faith in the resilience of our Nation which has always braved such daunting challenges with courage. I solemnly assure the flood affectees that their Government will not leave them in the lurch and will rehabilitate them in their home in the shortest possible time. I am confident that on this day we would come up to the expectations of our great Quaid and pledge to extend all possible help to our brethren devastated by the ravaging floods. We shall, with the grace of almighty Allah and with the support of our brave people, overcome the challenges confronting the Nation and turn them into opportunity to make Pakistan a better and strong country”. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH SEPTEMBER, 2010 PR. No. 144. PRESS RELEASE $70 thousand raised for flood affected areas Islamabad, 10th 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 issued by High Commission for Pakistan, 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 organisations 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. PR. No. 145. PRESS RELEASE A MOVING INSTANCE OF ORDINARY TURKISH PEOPLE AFFECTION FOR PAKISTAN Islamabad, 10th September 2010.              A nine-year old Turkish girl student Merve Tekinay has donated her entire one year’s pocket money of 150 Turkish liras in cash and her doll as a contribution to the flood relief effort. In an instance of sublime affection demonstrated by the ordinary Turkish people for their Pakistani brethren Merve hailing from Konya, the burial place of Sufi saint Jalaluddin Rumi, also addressed a personal letter to President of Pakistan. The hand written letter in Turkish language promises continued help, “I will go on sending my help. Don’t hesitate, we are your best friend. Merve’s letter says, “I don’t know how much needs, equal to our help for your situation. I send you one year pocket money and my doll. In the behalf of our friendship I also send a photo of me.” The letter further says, “I am little, I saw Pakistan in the news and felt so sad. My daddy told me that you helped us in Independence war a lot. So now it is our turn to help you in this flood.” “I wrote this letter because I want you to know that we are all informed about this”, the letter said. The letter ends with, “May God help you. Kisses” The cash contribution of Merve has been deposited in the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund account maintained by the Embassy of Pakistan in Ankara. PR. No. 146. PRESS RELEASE Raja Pervez Ashraf presents cheques of Rs 9.8 million to PM Islamabad, 10th September 2010. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the government was 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 flood affected brethren in order to accomplishment of this gigantic task as early as possible. The Prime Minister was talking to Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon and presented him cheques of Rs 9.8 million contributed by the IPPs.  The Prime Minister thanked the Federal Minister for Water & Power and the IPPs for the generous contributions and said that it would help the government’s efforts for speedy rehabilitation of the flood affectees.  The Minister for Water & Power apprised the Prime Minister about the restoration of energy infrastructure in flood affected areas.  PR. No. 147. PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, 10th September 2010. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that the democracy has firmly taken roots in Pakistan and all the democratic institutions were fully functional without interference in each other’s purview. He thanked the US leadership for its unequivocal and unambiguous stance on supporting and strengthening the democracy in Pakistan. The Prime Minister was talking to US Vice President Mr Joseph Biden who called on him over the phone this evening to reiterate US support for the democratic set up in Pakistan and the commitment of the US Government to standby Pakistan throughout the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases to mitigate the affects of devastation caused by the unprecedented floods. The Prime Minister recognized the solid US assistance - which was the largest so far from any foreign country - to his government’s efforts to deal with the catastrophic situation caused by the floods.  He apprised the US Vice President that his government had successfully managed the consensus of all the provinces and stakeholders to establish an Oversight Council which would supervise collection, division and utilization of all the local and foreign assistance, in the flood affected areas.  The Prime Minister added that the preliminary report of Damage Need Assessment was likely to be announced on 15th of this month and would be discussed in the UN General Assembly’s Special Session on floods in Pakistan on September 19.  He expressed the hope that that the international community will come forward in a big way to respond to the second appeal for help to Pakistan, likely to be issued by the UN Secretary General on 17th September. He urged the US Vice President that besides the continued bilateral assistance, the US should also use its influence with the IMF, World Bank and Asian Development Bank to ease their conditionalities on Pakistan and provide it additional funds for the reconstruction of flooded areas.  He also sought US help in getting the GSP Plus market access facilities from the European Union. The Prime Minister emphasized that the next round of strategic dialogue scheduled for October should focus on the concrete support for Pakistan’s economic recovery and US should take the lead role for assuring Pakistan’s economic and political stability. The Prime Minister also appreciated the US President and his administration’s timely measures to prevent the planned desecration of the Holy Quran by a misguided and deranged Pastor.  He termed it as the timely action which averted the expected massive scale of agitation and anti-Americanism in Pakistan and other parts of the Muslim world.  He called on the US government to undertake concerted efforts alongwith the Muslim world to ensure that such fringe and marginalized elements of any faith are not allowed to destroy the interfaith harmony and become a cause of enhanced recruitment opportunities as well as of support for the wrong ideology practiced by Al-Qaida and other extremist outfits in the Muslim world. The US Vice President Joseph Biden assured the Prime Minister that his government will not be left alone to fend for itself in the wake of massive flood devastation.  He reiterated that the US would continue supporting the democratic government and offering assistance to Pakistan to over ride its economic difficulties.  Vice President Biden stated that alongwith the relief supplies the US was ready to provide additional helicopters, if Pakistan so required, to strengthen its government’s efforts in rescue, rehabilitation and provision of essential foods and relief items to the flood affectees.  Vice President Biden stated that the US would play its due role with  International Financial Institutions to ease the economic burden on the government of Pakistan, at this critical juncture and will again take up the matter for greater market access to Pakistan’s exports with the European Union leadership. He termed the Pastor in Florida’s heinous attempt to desecrate the Holy Quran as mindless and crazy and reassured the Prime Minister and through him the Muslim Ummah that the US government would never allow such sacrilegious plans of any one to materialize, on its soil.