PR No. 118
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN EYES INVESTMENT IN SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES- Minister for Privatization
Islamabad, July 12, 2010Pakistan is keen on developing special economic zones for the potential investors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Privatisation Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said during an interview at Bahrain, says a message received here today from Manama.
Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said there was a huge potential of investments in textiles, food processing and other agro-based industrial projects in the country and the initiative of setting up economic zones would reshape the entire philosophy of attracting foreign investments from brotherly countries like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in various sectors.
“The availability of liquidity in the GCC and the strategic location of Pakistan coupled with investment friendly environment will serve as a key for attracting more investments from the GCC as a whole,” the Minister said.
“We have spearheaded major initiatives to reassert our position while seeking stronger financial and investment ties with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and the UAE.
Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan, who held fact-finding meetings with the top officials at the Kingdom’s sovereign fund Mumtalakat, said there exists a big window of opportunity for Pakistan to work more closely with Bahrain on findings ways and means for greater cooperation.
The landmark trade treaty of Bahrain with the US known as Bahrain-US FTA, he said, can be used as a launching pad for attracting Bahraini investments in the textile and other sector in agro-based industry in Pakistan.
“Bahraini investors can establish businesses in Pakistan with an aim to re-export by using Bahrain as a hub to the US market. Such projects could be either 100 percent owned by the Bahraini investors or in form of joint ventures but in any case such projects will have a profound impact on the development of trade, investments and commercial ties between the two brotherly countries,” he added
PR No. 119
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 12th July, 2010Governor Punjab Mr. Salman Taseer called on President Asif Ali Zardari Monday afternoon at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Matters relating to law and order situation, development in the province and overall political situation came under discussion during the meeting.
PR No. 120
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES RS 5 LAC FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT
Islamabad, July 12, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has taken notice of the news item published in a section of press regarding a poor family whose three children had contracted a deadly disease. He directed the Director General, Special Education to provide free medical treatment in the Special Children Hospital to the children of Abdul Razzaq, resident of Mianwali who are suffering from muscular-dystrophy.
The Prime Minister also announced an amount of Rs 500,000/- (five lac) as financial assistance for the poor family whose sole bread-winner (father) is a labourer.
PR No. 121
PRESS RELEASE
Defence Minister Leaves for Turkey .
Islamabad 12th July, 2010Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, will be leaving tomorrow (Tuesday), along with defence delegation, on three days official visit to Turkey . During his stay in Turkey , the Minister will hold meetings with his counterpart and the military leadership of Turkey . The visit of the Minister to Turkey will further reinforce the defence ties between the two countries. It is to be mentioned here that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed excellent relations in the fields of trade, economy and defence, and the visit would further boost and expand bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
PR No. 122
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 12, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that a comprehensive strategy has been evolved with the active participation of students of environmental sciences and faculty members of universities to initiate an integrated plan of action to make the environmental protection projects successful besides creating awareness among the masses. He stated this while talking to the Faculty heads of Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi here today.
Additional Secretary Environment, Kamran Ali Qureshi, Director General Environment Javed Ali Khan, Acting V.C. Arid University D.r Serwat Mirza, and Chairman Department of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Azeem Khalid were present on the occasion.
Federal Minister underlined the need of proper management of water especially for irrigation purposes and appreciated the efforts of Arid University for taking keen interest in water management projects in different areas. He stated on the occasion that climate change is a global issue and we would welcome the recommendations of researchers in this regard. The Minister assured every possible assistance and support to the Faculty Members in all their endeavors especially relating to environmental betterment. He said that forest is the back bone of our national economy and efforts were being made to protect forest lands with the cooperation of Provincial Governments. Giving briefing about the project, Dr.Azeem Khalid informed that water management project will be implemented with the financial assistance of Italy. He also highlighted salient features of the project. During the meeting, Additional Secretary, Environment, Kamran Ali Qureshi told about initiatives taken by the Ministry of Environment for development of Agriculture sector with the involvement of public. Moreover, D.G, Environment Javed Ali Khan said that cooperation and coordination is being made with students and research departments for environmental betterment.
PR No. 123
PRESS RELEASE
Pak Handstitched Balls for Lucky Winners
Islamabad: July 12. 2010.German Telecom organized a public viewing of FIFA-2010-Final World Cup match between Spain and Holland on a big screen on Sunday evening in Berlin. A select gathering drawn from International Community, diplomats, Film/T.V. artists and businessmen viewed the Final World Cup match and enjoyed the food. At the end, a lucky draw was held and 03 guests won the Pakistan made hand stitched footballs. Before the announcement of lucky winners, a brief history of Football manufacturing in the city of Sialkot, Pakistan was read out by the host, says a press release received here today from Berlin.
Pakistan ‘s Ambassador to Germany Mr. Shahid Kamal said on this occasion that Pakistan is a World leader in production of hand stitched soccer balls and its town, Sialkot has the distinction of supplying quality sports goods to leading brands in the world of sports.
Pakistan Embassy in Berlin made special arrangements in cooperation with the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry(SCC&I) to promote hand stitched Football Industry of Pakistan in Germany on the eve of FIFA—World Cup 2010. Specially designed Soccer balls supplied by the SCC&I were distributed as souvenirs amongst selected business community people and other dignitaries.
PR No. 124
PRESS RELEASE
Internationally Recognition For Ministry of Environment
Islamabad, July 12, 2010Two Scientists working at Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), the research arm of the Ministry of Environment, have recently earned the international recognitions.
For details, Dr. M. Mohsin Iqbal, Head Agriculture Section, GCISC has been selected as a “Lead Author” by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) for its Fifth Assessment Report to be published in 2014. Moreover, the regional research project on Climate Extremes Indicators and Indices in the South Asia Region, led by Mr. M. Munir Sheikh, Head Climatology Section, GCISC has been recognized as an “Outstanding” Project by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), Kobe, Japan.
Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi congratulated the both scientists. He said that it is matter of great proud for whole Pakistan and hoped that through their research and studies, we would be able to highlight the global environmental issues and to aware the world community about environmental degradation. He said that these scientists are our assets and present government is committed to make all possible arrangements to provide better and green future for coming generations.
PR No. 125
PRESS RELEASE
Young Generation to Play Its Role to Make Country Green and Prosperous……Afridi
Islamabad, July 12, 2010A group of students of Environmental Sciences Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi joined Internship Programme in Ministry of Environment Islamabad here today. They called on Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ulllah Jan Afridi and expressed their gratitude for giving them representation in connection with acquisition of knowledge about execution of environmental projects.
Federal Minister for Environment talking nine member group of female students said that we were facing environmental challenges at international level and being the signatories of various UN protocols, it is our prime responsibility to safeguard our environment from hazards particles and pollutants. He said it is also obligation of young generation to play its due role to make the country green and prosperous. The Minister said, students are real force and they are change agents so it is imperative for them to realize their national responsibility to achieve the targets of pollution free Pakistan.
PR No. 126
PRESS RELEASE
DR. FAROOQ SATTAR ADDRESSES OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS IN STUTTGART, GERMANY
Islamabad, July 12, 2010The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis is working on the formulation of National Policy for Overseas Pakistanis with the objective to better serve the overseas Pakistani brothers and to streamline various incentives and services provided to them by the government of Pakistan. The draft of the policy would be finalized in the next meeting of the OPF Board of Governors that is scheduled to be held in the mid of August. This was stated by the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar, who is on an official visit to the Germany, while addressing a large gathering of Overseas Pakistanis in Stuttgart, Germany. In order to ensure participation of the overseas Pakistanis in parliamentary process of Pakistan we are also working to reserve seats for the overseas Pakistanis in the parliament and to grant them the right to cast their votes in the polls, Dr. Farooq Sattar added. He said that the overseas Pakistanis are the ambassadors of Pakistan and their role in the economic development of Pakistan is unmatched. The Foreign Exchange Remittances figure of 8.9 billion US $ in the last financial year is a clear proof of the love of the overseas Pakistanis for their homeland, he further added. During the address the Minister also threw light on the new housing projects being initiated for the overseas Pakistanis by the OPF.
Dr. Farooq Sattar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Germany, which he has undertaken upon the invitation of overseas Pakistani community. During the visit, the Minister held extensive meetings with the representatives Overseas Pakistani Associations and the overseas Kashmiri community and listened to their problems and issues and expressed the resolve to address them.
MS/wh
PR No. 127
PRESS RELEASE
Karachi: July 12, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Economy and Law & Order are two major challenges for the entire country requiring focused attention and better coordination among the federal and provincial governments. The Prime Minister said both these issues are interlinked and interdependent, therefore, have to be tackled simultaneously.
The Prime Minister was addressing the provincial cabinet of the Sindh Government here at the Chief Minister House this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said at present more attention is needed to improve the Law and Order, since the country cannot afford disruption and insecurity. He expressed confidence that the proposed All Parties Conference on Law & Order would be able to establish guidelines for preparing a comprehensive strategy to fight the menace of terrorism. It may take sometime, he added, to curb this menace but the national consensus and commitment would help to tackle the issue at the earliest.
The Prime Minister said that stabilization of economy and improvement of Law & Order are also linked with governance which is a shared responsibility of all the institutions of the state at local, provincial, and federal levels. All the institutions at all levels have to perform well so as to give confidence to the people at large about a better and secure future.
The Prime Minister said that women being half of our population have an important role to play in the development of the country. While the federal government, he said, has taken a number of initiatives for the uplift of female population, therefore, the empowerment of women has to be prioritized by all the provincial governments as well to ensure their socio-economic wellbeing.
As regards the water issue, the Prime Minister informed the members of the Sindh Cabinet that he had already called a meeting in Islamabad tomorrow in which the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh will be participating. As far Sindh Government’s reservation on NFC Award, the Prime Minister assured that he would direct the Minister for Finance to hold discussion with the government of Sindh to help resolve the matter. He also assured to request the President for his advice and support in this regard.
On Thar Coal Project, the Prime Minister directed that a Committee already formed in the Ministry of Finance in this context must accelerate the coordination through regular meetings. He further directed that all the stakeholders must meet immediately to speed-up the implementation of infrastructural development linked with the Thar Coal Project.
Earlier, the Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah apprised the Prime Minister of the current water issue, the progress and needs of Thar Coal Project as well as the reservation of the Sindh Government on the NFC Award. He also briefed on the progress of federal government projects as well as provincial government’s schemes and initiatives for the welfare of common man.
The Secretary Minerals, Government of Sindh while briefing the Prime Minister on Thar Coal Project mentioned that this single project has the potential to turn around the economy of the country. The energy mix of Pakistan, he said, is imbalanced and utilization of coal is the lowest in the world. The Thar Coal, he added, is the world’s 7th largest reserves and 68 times higher than Pakistan’s total gas reserves. The projects initiated, he mentioned, would consume 1% of coal to produce 25% of Pakistan’s power generation capacity on completion. Till the year 2020 it would be able to generate 10,000 MW, and save US$ 79 billion on import of oil. The studies conducted, he said, reveal that this project is technically, environmentally and economically viable. The project, he added, would be open for foreign investors after eight months. He emphasized on immediate development of requisite infrastructure for the project and sought the support of the federal government.
The Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and Minister for Petroleum also gave their views on the project and future energy needs of the country.
The Federal Secretary, Water and Power briefed the meeting on the contribution of the federal government towards the Thar Coal Project as well as prospects for foreign investment and assistance for the development of Thar Coal Project.
The Provincial Home Minister, Mr. Zulfiqar Mirza briefed the Prime Minister on the prevailing Law and Order situation in the province. He stressed upon assistance from federal government for the capacity building of the Provincial Law enforcement agencies.
The meeting was attended by the Governor Sindh, Mr. Ishrat ul Ibad, Minister for Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik and senior officials of the concerned federal and provincial ministries.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 128
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 12, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday night.
Current situation in the country and President’s visit to China was discussed during the meeting.
The President also briefed the Prime minister about his recently concluded visit to China and his interaction with the Chinese leadership.
The Prime Minister felicitated the President for the accomplishment of a successful visit to china which, he said, would prove a milestone in further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
FU/wh
PR No. 129
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 12, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up Syed Sibghat Ullah Shah Pir Sahib of Pagaro Sharif who is also the Quaid of Pakistan Muslim League (Functional), and assured him that Pakistan People’s Party would not field its candidate against PML (Functional)’s candidate Mr. Rughar in the by-election in Khipro.
The Prime Minister apprised Pir Sahib of Pagaro Sharif that the decision has been taken by the party in accordance with the spirit of reconciliation. He further informed that the party would try that the candidate of PML (Functional) gets elected unopposed.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 130
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 12, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Health to send immediately a team of officials and doctors to village Lundi Khosa (Kichhi) in Balochistan to investigate and submit report about the mysterious disease in the village.
The Prime Minister took note of the spread of the disease through a news report on a private TV Channel and was greatly perturbed to see the condition of patients suffering from the skin disease
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Health to conduct research and diagnose the disease and its cure for treatment of the patients.
PMCO/wh