PR No. 136
PRESS RELEASE
Girls Tournaments Announced by Yasmeen Rehman
Islamabad: June 11, 2010“Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Judo and Karate tournaments will be held/organized on the eve of Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Day and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Day in July and December this year”, says Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, here today while talking to the reporters.
The Advisor has further revealed that it has been decided to hold girls competitions of Badminton, Tennis and Table Tennis in connection with the Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah Day on July 7-9, 2010. Moreover, the girls’ competitions of Tennis, Table Tennis, Judo and Karate will be held in connection with the Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Day on December 27-29, 2010. These competitions will take place among the local girls of Islamabad and Rawalpindi and they will be nominated by the National Sports Federation. Further more, cash awards and trophies will be distributed among the winners as well.
It is pertinent to mention over here that Ministry of Women Development is sponsoring the first ever Fatima Jinnah and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed tournaments in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and holding of such an event will be a yearly routine feature now.
Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman has pointed out that this joint effort/collaboration is a giant leap towards paying tribute to the services rendered by both the ladies towards the nation and which are acknowledged/recognized by the rest of the world.
**SNA/Ahmad**
PR No. 137
PRESS RELEASE
Vote for Overseas Pakistanis Under Consideration
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary ECP has said that the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis has sent a draft bill regarding grant of right to vote to Overseas Pakistanis to the ECP for comments and the ECP has invited some other Ministries concerned i.e. Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Ministry of Finance for consideration of the bill. Since then the matter is under active consideration of the ECP and all the other Ministries.
This was clarified by the Secretary, ECP in response to a news item appeared in a section of press saying that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected the proposed legislation by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis (OP) on grant of right of vote to the overseas Pakistanis. However, the situation is different from the reported piece of news.
The Secretary further said that the Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), on receipt of the said draft bill, has appointed a committee headed by the Secretary, ECP and comprising the members of the aforementioned ministries to examine all aspects of the bill before legislation on it. The committee has examined in detail all Constitutional, legal, financial and administrative implications pertaining to grant of right of vote to the overseas Pakistanis and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis advised accordingly to re-examine the issue in light of the recommendations of this committee and submit a fresh summary to the Prime Minister. The matter is under consideration of the Ministry of overseas Pakistanis.
The above committee was of the view that involvement of overseas Pakistanis could go a long way toward economic development of the country as well. In view of the aforementioned implications of grant of right to vote the committee was of the view that grant of right to vote to overseas Pakistanis on the basis of proportional representation could be a better option, Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan said.
Moreover, the issue of entitlement of the right of vote to the overseas Pakistanis was also discussed at length during the meeting of the committee and it also reflects in the report submitted by the ECP. Broadly speaking, there are three categories of overseas Pakistanis i.e.
Who have Pakistani nationality and are working abroad temporarily/ on work permit
Who have dual nationality (Pakistani nationality and of any other country with whom the government of Pakistan has entered into an agreement in this regard).
Who had dual nationality but surrendered their Pakistani nationality
The Secretary explained that the committee had recommended that the overseas Pakistanis falling in the category (i) and (ii) excluding the category (iii) could qualify the right to vote.
**NA/Ahmad**
PR No. 138
PRESS RELEASE
Benefits of IT sector’s successes being passed on to ordinary citizens: Latif Khosa
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Minister Incharge/ Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology, Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa has said with continuous dedication, Ministry of Information Technology will keep running more productive programmes for the promotion of IT and Telecom related services, in tune with the foundations and vision contained in the manifesto of the PPP as announced by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and got registered by himself with the Election Commission of Pakistan as Chairman Election Monitoring Cell of PPP.
The Minister Incharge/ Advisor expressed these views while addressing a contract signing ceremony between National Telecommunication Corporation and Huawie Technologies Pakistan, held here in a local hotel on Friday for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of DWDM and next generation SDH equipment on key turn basis.
He said during the present government’s tenure, the IT sector is achieving unprecedented successes and its benefits are being passed on to the ordinary citizens of the country. It has now become essential to pursue a futuristic approach to achieve sustainable growth for the sector.
He said Pak-China friendship is all weather and time-tested, which is bound to go from strength to strength in days to come adding we believe in one China and Chinese should feel at home in our country.
He said it is a great event for NTC to ink the agreement for the project of deploying DWDM in its backbone. Since inception 14 years ago, NTC has grown with a fast pace and has proved to be a vibrant organization in public sector. Especially, in the last two years, it has prepared a development plan and has initiated implementation on a fast track to keep abreast of the private sector. In this regard some of the examples are; up gradation of its countrywide backbone to 10 Gigabit on DWDM at a most economical cost of only Rs. 300 Million, Next Generation IP based voice network, Office Automation and state of the art Data Center and Billing and customer care project.
“I would also like to commend the efforts of NTC management to accomplish this task of inking agreement for up gradation of its network in a most transparent manner on unprecedented cost of only Rs. 300 Million.”, he said.
He said NTC, mandated by the Government of Pakistan to fulfill its telecommunication needs in a secure and reliable way, fully understands the importance of security and resilience in telecommunication services for enhancing the efficiency of Government and has always strived to introduce latest technologies in the telecom field for effective and efficient provisioning of telecommunication services, be it voice or data, bandwidth or co-locations! But security is a costly business and requires huge investments. In this regard Government of Pakistan is willing to extend all out help to NTC to setup secure networks in collaboration with foreign Governments, as security of our motherland cannot be compromised at any cost.
He expressed a hope that Huawei (Pakistan), who have been chosen to be partner in this project of prime importance to the Government of Pakistan, will accomplish the task in a most professional manner and will meet all the deadlines set to them. Keeping the repute of Huawei Pakistan in mind, I am sure that they will come up to the expectations set for them, the Advisor added.
Chairman NTC, Brig. (Retd.) Mirza Babar Aziz Beg and Chief Executive Officer of Huawie, Pakistan, Alan Wang also addressed the meeting while contract signing ceremony was witnessed by Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology, Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa and Secretary IT Naguibullah Malik.
**MA/Ahmad**
PR No. 139
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the foreign policy of Pakistan should be calibrated to promote peace in the region, cultivate friendly relations with all the nations and enhance exports.
The Prime Minister was talking to Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Foreign Affairs who called on him at Prime Minister’s House today.
The Prime Minister said that his economic team has formulated investor friendly policies and now there is a great opportunity for the foreign investors to invest in Pakistan. He observed that foreign businessmen are investing in energy and infrastructure projects, yet there is an urgent need to bring foreign investment in other sectors of economy as well.
The Foreign Minister apprised the Prime Minister about his meeting with the Turkish President H.E. Abdullah Gül. He apprised the Prime Minister that Turkey will support Pakistan’s candidacy for non-permanent seat of UN Security Council. Turkey also offered support and preparatory work on next Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP).
Foreign Minister informed that the President thanked the leadership of Pakistan for their warm welcome extended to the delegation during his recent visit to Pakistan.
Foreign Minister also briefed the Prime Minister about the details of his meetings during 3rd CICA Summit (Conference on Interaction and Confidence building measures in Asia) .The summit was held to enhance cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 140
PRESS RELEASE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS AGREES FOR
LEGISLATION FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF HOME-BASED WOMEN WORKERS
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting of the General Assembly of the Women Parliamentary Caucus in Parliament House, Islamabad today.
The General Assembly was given a detailed briefing on the proposed legislation on home-based women workers by the KARKUN, a network of NGOs working for the women emancipation and empowerment. Apprising the General Assembly, the Representatives of KARKUN, informed that the proposed legislation aims at providing social security mechanism and protection of their rights. The Representative informed that home-based workers comprise a significant number of women who are striving for making their families economically sustainable by making handicrafts, household items, leather goods and apparels, however, they are deprived of their legitimate remuneration for the job, done besides were vulnerable to violence, harassment and other social issues. The Representative further added that their contribution in national economy needs to be recognized and their rights protected.
The Members of Caucus appreciated the legislation proposed by the KARKUN and said that the home-based workers were subjected to chronic poverty and other social problems therefore, immediate attention should be paid to initiate their problems by amending existing laws besides enacting new laws. They were also of the view that the informal sector in which such workers were working needs to be regularized and mainstreamed.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza, while acknowledging the necessity to the enactment of laws for home-based women workers said that their rights needed to be protected, made economically strong and socially protected. She said that a census of women home-based workers throughout the country needs to be carried out to access the exact number of such workers. She said that the bill in question would be discussed in General Assembly of WPC so that the members could give their input.
Later, the General Assembly appreciated Dr. Fehmida Mirza for her initiative of holding Women Parliamentary Convention. The members were of the view that convention provided an opportunity for women MPs from across the country and SAARC region to forge a common strategy for women rights protection.
The General Assembly was attended by members of the WPC from Senate and National Assembly.
PR No. 141
PRESS RELEASE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SENATE FOR REDUCING THE HAJJ PACKAGE
TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE CABINET MEETING: HAMID SAEED KAZMI.
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that the recommendations of the Senate for reducing the Expenditures on Hajj will be forwarded to the government and it will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting.
He said that government has tried its level best to keep the expanses of Hajj at a minimum level but due to certain unavoidable circumstances a slight increase in the Hajj expenditures has been made. He further said that the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on Ministry of Religious Affairs will be discussed in the next Cabinet meeting and if government decides to give subsidy on Hajj package then the subsidized amount will be returned to the pilgrims. He said that the Cabinet Meeting is likely to be called after the budget session and by that time the closing date for the submission of Hajj applications will also be gone so he advised the pilgrims to deposit the Hajj dues as announced in the Hajj Policy. The pilgrims can take out the subsidized amount from the banks if cabinet gives subsidy to the pilgrims, he added.
Hamid Saeed Kazmi said that increase in air fares is due to the increase in the petroleum prices and the devaluation of the Pakistani currency. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has done many rounds of talks with the PIA in this regard and has been successful in keeping the increase in the Hajj fares to a minimum level, he added. The Minister has further said that the government of Saudi Arabia has assured that all the facilities will be provided to the Pakistani pilgrims. He said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs has taken numerous measures for ensuring the comfortable stay of Pakistani Pilgrims in Makkah, Madina and Mina.
PR No. 142
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has approved the bailout package for the Pakistan Steel Mills as proposed by the Ministry of Industries and Productions, in a special meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The meeting was held to review various options to resolve the Pakistan Steel Mills crisis.
The Prime Minister said the Pakistan Steel Mills will not close down as its a national asset but has to be managed both professionally and commercially. He emphatically stated that neither politicization nor interference in Pakistan Steel Mill affairs will be allowed in order to protect this state enterprise.
The Pakistan Steel Mills, he said, be restructured and revived as a commercially viable entity in accordance with the Cabinet decision to restructure the major state enterprises. He specifically directed the Ministry of Finance to monitor the bailout package and restructuring of Pakistan Steel Mills to ensure transparency and judicious utilization of resources.
Earlier the Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani while expressing his view mentioned that the cost of orderly closure of Pakistan Steel Mills as an option would be much more than to be spent on its proper restructuring. The Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khurshid Shah opined that the option of allowing the Pakistan Steel Mills to close down would render 17000 employees jobless thus creating an enormous social issue.
The Chairman, Board of Governor Mr. Fazalullah Qureshi apprised the meeting that during last three years the Pakistan Steel Mills was totally dependent on imported raw material since there was disruption in supply of local raw material because of poor Law and Order situation. The local raw material otherwise too partially supplemented the requirements of the Steel Mills, he stated. The global recession and fluctuation of prices at international level, he added, are beyond the control of Pakistan Steel Mills, which were mainly responsible for the losses incurred.
The CEO of Pakistan Steel Mills Malik Asrar Hussain briefed the meeting through a presentation highlighting the financial difficulties of PSM arising out of global recession. He further explained that the supply chain of raw material has to be ensured for the next two months for the viability of the Mill. He also dilated upon various options vis-à-vis the future of Pakistan Steel Mill. While elaborating the details of restructuring plan he assured that after the bailout and proposed restructuring the turnaround of PSM is expected by the third quarter of next year.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister of State for Industries and Production Dr. Ayatullah Durani, Secretary Finance Mr. Saluman Siddique and Secretary Industries and Production Mr. Abdul Ghafar Soomro.
PR No. 143
PRESS RELEASE
MESSAGE OF FELICITATIONS TO JAPAN
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Following is the text of felicitations message from the Prime Minister addressed to the Prime Minister of Japan on his election as the Prime Minister of Japan:
”Excellency,
I wish to extend to you heartiest felicitations, on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan and on my own behalf, on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan.
Your elevation to this high office is recognition of your outstanding qualities of leadership and the dedication with which you have served your country during your distinguished career. I am confident that under your leadership, Japan will continue its march to greater prosperity.
Relations between Pakistan and Japan are marked by close friendship and understanding. I look forward to working with Your Excellency in further expanding and strengthening our bilateral relations as well as for promoting the cause of global peace and stability.
I wish Your Excellency, good health, happiness and every success.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani)
Prime Minister of the
Republic of PakistanHis Excellency Mr. Naoto Kan
Prime Minister of Japan
Tokyo”
PR No. 144
PRESS RELEASE
MESSAGE OF FELICITATIONS TO REPUBLIC OF PHILIPPINES
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Following is the text of felicitations message from the Prime Minister addressed to the President-elect of the Republic of Philippines:
“Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to convey to Your Excellency my warmest congratulations on your election as the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Your Excellency’s election is indeed a testimony of the high trust that the people of the republic of the Philippines have reposed in your leadership and an acknowledgment to the contributions made by your family in strengthening the roots of democracy in the Philippines. I firmly believe that under your wise and inspiring leadership, the Philippines and its people will continue to enjoy peace and prosperity.
The relationship between Pakistan and Philippines is based on common values and shared objectives. I am confident that these cooperative relations will continue to grow to the mutual benefit of our two counties.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
(Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani)
Prime Minister of the
Islamic Republic of PakistanHis Excellency
Mr. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” C. Aquino III
President of the Republic of the Philippines
Manila”.
(NOT TO PUBLISH, BROADCAST, AND TELECAST, BEFORE THE MORNING OF 12TH JUNE, 2010)
PR No. 145
PRESS RELEASE
PM GREETS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART ON NATIONAL DAY
Islamabad: June 11, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, on the National Day falling on June 12.
In his message of greetings, the Prime Minister said “On behalf of the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it gives me great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and the people of the Russian Federation warm greetings and felicitations on the auspicious occasion of the National Day of the Russian Federation.
Our two countries enjoy cordial and cooperative relations. My government attaches the highest importance to our relations. I am confident that our ties of friendship will continue to grow and be further strengthened to the mutual benefit of our two peoples in the years ahead.
I avail myself of this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency’s health, happiness and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Russian Federation.”
(NOT TO PUBLISH, BROADCAST, AND TELECAST, BEFORE THE MORNING OF 12TH JUNE, 2010)