|
PR.No.96. The Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis, Hajj and Religious Affairs, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah during his visit to Riyadh called on the Saudi Interior Minister, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz at his Office in Riyadh, says a press release received here today from Jeddah. The Federal Minister who was also accompanied by the Ambassador of Pakistan to the Kingdom, Admiral Shahid Karimullah (Retd.) was welcomed by Prince Naif at his Office. Mr. Khursheed Shah conveyed to the Prince the goodwill messages of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Co-Chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party. The Federal Minister discussed with the Prince matters relating to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries. They also discussed issues concerning the welfare of Pakistan Community living in the Kingdom. Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz thanked the visiting Minister and said that the Kingdom welcomes the Pakistani workers but they should be educated about the Law, rules and regulations of the Kingdom. SG/AZC
PR.No.97. Pakistan has conveyed to the United States of America that it would not allow its territory to be used for the purpose of terrorism. This was stated by Secretary Defence, Mr. Kamran Rasool, at a meeting with the visiting US Acting Commander of CENTCOM, Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey, in Ministry of Defence today. Both sides discussed the security environment of the region with special focus on Afghanistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The meeting exchanged views on the anti-terror efforts made by Pakistan. The Secretary briefed the Acting US Commander of CENTCOM about the counter-terrorism measures taken by Pakistan. He told Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey that Pakistan had adopted a three-pronged strategy based on negotiation, economic development and the use of force so as to contain and combat the menace of terrorism. The meeting noted that it was essential to address the root causes of terrorism like illiteracy, unemployment and a sense of deprivation which were responsible for promoting and spreading terrorism. The Secretary told the visiting dignitary that international efforts was needed to develop economic and social infrastructure as well as establish industrial zones in the tribal areas so as provide employment opportunities to the people of tribal areas and win their hearts and mind which alone could help in stemming the tide of terrorism. The Secretary also informed Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey that the process of negotiation, initiated by the present Government, had started yielding positive results. Lt. General Martin E. Dempsey said that his country was supportive to the negotiation process with the reconcilable elements. The process of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), initiated by Pakistan and India, also figured during discussion. The Secretary informed him the process of CBMs was moving in a positive direction and had brought normalcy on the Eastern border between the two countries. The Secretary expressed the hope that these measures would ultimately lead to the resolution of all outstanding issues between Pakistan and India. AM/AZC
PR.No.98. In the backdrop of observance of black day in the country on 12th May, 2008. Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Advisor for Interior has appealed to all segments of society to remain peaceful and not to take law into their own hands. While the newly formed democratic Government is trying to bring stability in the country, he hopped that demonstrators would remain peaceful and not disturb the law and order situation. Law Enforcement agencies have been instructed not to tolerate any violence and ensure peace and order at all costs. All heads of the Law Enforcement Agencies and Civil Armed Forces have been asked to remain in a state of high alert throughout the country. MM/AZC
PR.No.99. Referring to a news item published in daily Business Recorder on May 12, 2008 stating about de-listing of certain entities from the Privatisation Program, a spokesman of the Privatisation Commission has denied receiving any such instructions. The Spokesman said that the Privatisation process of all the ongoing and upcoming public sector entities was proceeding accordingly. No specific instructions with regard to deletion, addition or modalities to be followed have been received by the Privatisation Commission. The present government would carefully study specific upcoming transactions and take decisions as and when required, he concluded. TP/AZC
PR.No.100. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to import additional 2.5 million tons of wheat, including the 1.5 million tons already approved by the ECC, in addition to procurements from the local market in order to build strategic reserves for meeting country's future requirements. The Prime Minister said this while chairing a meeting reviewing the food situation in the country at the Prime Minister's House this morning. The Prime said that food shortage is a global phenomenon whose effects are being felt in every country including Pakistan and the government is taking timely measures for meeting these challenges. The Prime Minister said that ensuring food security particularly of a staple item like wheat is the topmost priority of the government and the leadership of the coalition partners is fully committed in this regard. The Prime Minister said the provincial governments and law enforcement agencies have been asked to take effective measures for controlling smuggling and hoarding of wheat besides taking strict action against profiteers. Secretary MINFAL briefed the meeting about the wheat procurement situation in the country. He said that targets of procurement will be ensured in all the four provinces, besides active buying by the PASCO itself. The meeting also reviewed the rice stocks and supply situation in the country and expressed satisfaction over situation of rice in the country. The Prime Minister was told that the country has surplus reserves of Irri, the most widely consumed variety in Pakistan. The Prime Minister directed that agreement with Rice Export Association Pakistan (REAP) regarding availability of 200,000 tons of rice to Utility Stores Corporation and maintenance of additional reserves of 300,000 tons should be ensured and implemented in letter and spirit. This, he said, would ensure adequate supply of rice to the consumers at reasonable price. He also directed to review the situation to ensure adequate supply of pulses such as grams, masoor, mung and mash in the market. The stock and supply situation of pulses also came under deliberation during the meeting. The Prime Minister said that availability of essential food items at reasonable rates to the people should be ensured. Earlier in a separate meeting Senior Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ch. Nisar Ali Khan gave the Prime Minister a general overview of the food situation in the country. Federal Minister for Finance, Mr. Ishaq Dar, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary Commerce, Secretary Cabinet, Secretary Finance, Secretary Food & Agriculture also attended the meeting. **AZC**
PR.No.101. Mr. Naguib Sawiris, CEO of Mobilink, called on President Prevez Musharraf here today. Mr. Naguib Sawiris while appreciating the past economic performance of Pakistan said that the economic conditions in the country are conducive for foreign investment. The President appreciated the efforts of Mobilink for investment in Pakistan and said that the economic reforms of the country are creating an enabling environment for the private sector to become an engine of growth and as a result of this Pakistan has become one of the attractive destinations for investment due to its liberal and investment-friendly policies. **AZC**
PR.No.102. Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Ports, Shipping, Privatisation, Investment, Industries & Production has ordered to suspend forthwith the officials of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) involved in violation of the prescribed procedures for hiring of one Tug and one Pilot Boat while awarding contract as determined by the Inquiry Committee formed by the Minister a week ago in its report submitted to the Minister today.
The Minister formed the Inquiry
committee after taking serious notice of the news reports appearing in a
section of the press alleging Port Qasim Authority (PQA) for violating the
prescribed procedure while awarding a contract.
PR.No.103. The international community responded remarkably well and offered invaluable services in helping turn tragedy and adversity into opportunity whereas the brave local people rose to the occasion and remained steadfast despite enormous challenges in the wake of the earth quake to bring life back to normal. This was stated by the Federal Minister for I.T. and Telecommunications, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira who had a meeting with vice president British Telecom Global Services,Mr.Paul Falkner, who called on him today at the IT ministry.Mr. Falkner’s recent visit was at the conclusion of his recent trip to the quake stricken northern areas under the auspices of the government of Pakistan . B.T, which has been indirectly doing business in Pakistan since inception and present locally since five years had played an effective role in the aftermath of the earth quake when it donated satellite communication equipment worth Rs. 140 million to the government of Pakistan This equipment enabled free calls to UK or any world wide destination and voice communications between sites in Pakistan. Moreover, additional equipment worth Rs. two and a half crores for compatibility with Pak sat satellite needed to establish communication links was also donated. Mr. Falkner also paid rich tributes to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto shaheed’s efforts for explaining Pakistan to the rest of the world and removing wrong perceptions about Pakistan by bridging the gap between the real Pakistan and the perceived one. Mr. Falkner informed that B.T. is planning on diverting it’s investments to Pakistan as Pakistan offers excellent opportunities of investment, a destination of choice and an ideal market place for foreign investors. He further said that this will also enhance confidence of foreign investor in Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion , Mr. Kaira said that it was an honour to have B.T. which played such an effective role in the rehabilitation and restoration work by re-establishing communication links. Mr. Kaira assured all possible support on behalf of the government of Pakistan in facilitating the company to further it’s inititatives and added that he looks forward to see B.T. expand further it’s programmes in collaboration with the government of Pakistan. AR/wh
PR.No.104. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that provision of quality education across the board is government’s top priority and every effort would be made to empower them with requisite knowledge and skills so that they could contribute towards the process of socio-economic development of the country. He said that government would continue its support to the higher education including the new engineering universities so as to make the country self-sufficient in science & technology sector. The Prime Minister said this while chairing a briefing on Higher Education by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat today. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is blessed with a huge pool of creative people. The demographic dividend reflects that 100 million people out of 165 million populations are below the age of 25 which would be a great asset for the country by providing them professional education and necessary skills. The Prime Minister said that the budget for education would gradually be increased to 4% of GNP over the next three years where expenditure on higher education would also be increased to 30% in the same period of time as per international norms. He asked the HEC to accord priority to remote areas of the country while formulating policy for higher learning so as to ensure the provision of quality education to the people of those areas which were un-attended in the past. He further directed the HEC to incorporate government priorities specified in the 100 days program in their policy on higher education. The Prime Minister said that no country could make progress without having a strong educational base particularly in the field of science & technology. He called upon the need for strong linkage of higher education with industry so that creative potential could be unleashed for the economic progress of the country. He said that the mission of HEC is to facilitate institutions of higher learning to serve as engines of socio-economic development of Pakistan. The Prime Minister stressed the need for further improving the standard of education, enhancing the enrollment in higher education and makes it relevant to the modern world to meet the needs for socio-economic development of Pakistan. He also asked for a comprehensive presentation on education at the earliest. He also called upon the need for frequent holding of coordination meeting among the various departments for effective implementations of decisions to promote science and technology in the country. The Prime Minister also instructed the concerned authorities to expedite provision of services like water, gas, electricity, sewerage lines, telephone to all those sites already allocated for establishment of the new universities of engineering, science & technology in collaboration with foreign countries. Earlier, the chairman of Higher Education Commission, Dr. Atta ur Rehman in his presentation briefed the meeting about the activities of HEC for the promotion of higher education in the country. He informed the meeting that in five years 56 new universities have been established both in public and private sector, PhD enrolment has grown by 300%, PhD output has doubled from 300 to about 600 per annum, university student enrolment has increased by 130%, Pakistani professionals settled abroad are now returning to Pakistan in large numbers. The chairman further apprised the meeting that enrolment ratio in educational institutions in Pakistan is 4% which need to be enhanced to 8%. He informed that HEC has initiated a massive foreign scholarship programs and 1000 students are being sent abroad annually to top universities in Europe, USA and China. He told that due to change in salary structure, HEC has been able to reverse the brain drain and a good numbers of expatriate scientists have been attracted to return to Pakistan. He also briefed the meeting about the Pakistan education & research network, digital library, virtual university and IT strategy. He also informed that a good numbers of engineering universities are being established in various parts of the country with the collaboration of foreign countries. DSG/ank
PR.No.105. The Chairman Federal Public Service Commission General (Retd) Shahid Hamid called on the Prime Minister Syed Yousf Raza Gilani here at the Prime Minister House this afternoon. The Prime Minister during the course of discussion mentioned that during his recent visits to all the four provinces of the country he was apprised by the representatives of the people that several candidates could not appear for the CSS examinations because of very high standards fixed by FPSC which deprive them to appear in the examination and compete for selection in the Federal Services of Pakistan. The Prime Minister asked the Chairman Federal Public Service Commission to review the existing system and standards, with the objective to accommodate the candidates particularly from Baluchistan, rural Sindh and other backward areas of the country. Earlier the Chairman of FPSC General (retd) Shahid Hamid briefed the Prime Minister on the system of recruitment of FPSC for the Central Superior Services examination. He also apprised him of the process of promotion of the Federal Government officers to higher grades through the Central Selection Board. DSG/ank
PR.No.106. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has said that the government is appreciative of the initiatives undertaken by the Agha Khan Fund for the economic development and improvement in the lives of the people, particularly in the flung areas. The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Iqbal Waljee representative of Prince Karim Agha Khan and Sultan Ali Alana, President Agha Khan Fund for Economic Development who called on him at the Prime Minister's House this afternoon and conveyed the special greetings of Prince Karim Agha Khan. The Prime Minister said that every possible effort would be made to facilitate the working of the Agha Khan Foundation so that the fruits of development can reach to the people at the grass root level. Mr. Iqbal Waljee and Sultan Ali Alana briefed the Prime Minister about the various on-going programmes in various parts of the country including Northern Areas. They said that the completion of these projects will bring further improvement in the socio economic life of the people. DSG/ank
PR.No.107. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has lauded the valuable services rendered by the outgoing Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr. Akram Sheikh who paid a farewell call on him here at the Prime Minister's House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the government recognizes the contributions of Dr. Akram Sheikh, particularly in elaborating the future planning in the vision-2030, which is an important document for future formulation of policy in various sectors of national development. He also appreciated his untiring efforts for the policies and project in the infrastructure development sectors and their execution. He expressed his best wishes for his health and future endeavours. DSG/ank
PR.No.108. The Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday said that the private sector will be encouraged and their proposals will be considered in order to attract the investment in the power sector. He said this during his visit to the under-constructed 165 MW Attock Gen. Limited (AGL) power plant, being set up by the Attock Group of Companies at Morgah some eight kms away from Rawalpindi . Managing Director PPIB, Fayyaz Elahi and other senior officials were also accompanied him. The Minister said that the role of public sector will be minimized and the private sector will be given maximum possible incentives to magnetize their investment in the power sector. He said that all the bottlenecks and hindrance will be removed both for domestic and foreign investors to promote investment in the power sector. All their suggestions will be properly considered and incorporated before taking any policy decision in this regard. He said that Pakistan is facing energy shortage and the new power plant on fast track basis will help to bridge the gap between demand and supply. Earlier, the Minister was briefed by the CEO of the AGL, Adil Khattak and said that the project will be completed in October 2008, three months before from its scheduled completion time. He informed that there will be no foreign exchange expenses involved in the import of fuel because the fuel will be supplied from Attock Refinery. This fast track combined cycle project is located in the vicinity of Attock Refinery Limited. Mr. Khattak also said that their company is also interested to set up a 200 MW thermal power plant in the Gujranwala and Faisalabad area and a proposal is being sent to the government for approval. He said that after approval and completion of other formalities, the project will be taken up on fast track basis and will be completed within shortest possible time. The Minister welcomed the new proposal of the company to further invest in the power sector and said that the domestic investors will also be given all the facilities. Later, the Minister visited the site and was briefed by the technical aspects of the projects. AJM/ank
PR.No.109. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is taking steps for encouraging investment in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mr. Naguib Sawaris, CEO Orascom, who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the new government is faced with economic challenges and both short and long-term steps are being taken for ameliorating the situation. The Prime Minister said that the government intends to introduce reforms in every sector for ensuring better provision of basic necessities of life in all parts of the country. Mr. Sawaris congratulated the Prime Minister on obtaining unanimous vote of confidence from the National Assembly. He told the Prime Minister that Orascom group has invested in various sectors including telecom, cement, real estate and would continue investing in the other sectors including tourism and banking. CEO Mobilink was also present during the meeting. DSG/wh
PR.No.110 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has welcomed the decision taken today by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to restore Pakistan’s position in the Councils of the Commonwealth. The Prime Minister stated that CMAG’s decision is not only an acknowledgement of Pakistan’s return to democracy but also a tribute to the people of Pakistan who under the outstanding leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the Pakistan Peoples Party have succeeded in ensuring the realization of their democratic aspirations. The Prime Minister stated that the Government and people of Pakistan believe in fundamental freedoms and the rule of law and are determined to uphold these values at the global plane. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan attaches importance to the Commonwealth and will be happy to contribute towards strengthening friendship and developing mutually beneficial partnership among the Commonwealth members. It is imperative that the Commonwealth addresses the issues of socio-economic injustice, deprivation, poverty, hunger and disease and play its due role in reducing inequities between regions and states, in terms of their socio-economic development. It is also important to urgently address the topical issues of food and energy security and develop programmes and projects of technical assistance to help the vast number of less privileged members of the Commonwealth. For its part, Pakistan stands ready to contribute towards making Commonwealth a truly people oriented community, committed to realizing its full potential in terms of furthering people to people, educational and cultural cooperation.
|
