-  
    

 PR No. 106
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010 

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep grief and concern over the tragic road accident that took place in Mian Channu this morning in which several school children lost their lives.

In a message to the parents of the deceased children, the Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences.

The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure provision of best medical facilities to the injured and inquire into the incident submitting a report to him at the earliest.

The Prime Minister also directed Pakistan Railways to ensure proper vigilance at their unmanned crossings, particularly during times of fog to ensure public safety.

PR No. 107
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Pakistan is fully committed to its international obligations towards the war on terror. Its army and air force are busy in law enforcement operations in the tribal areas whereas Pakistan Navy is participating in international maritime campaigns.

This was stated by Mrs. Fauzia M Sana, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore while addressing a select gathering of diplomats, Singapore Naval officers and Pakistani community, onboard Pakistan Naval ship Shamsheer in Singapore, says a press release received here.

The High commissioner said that Pakistan Navy has been a part of coalition Task Force since 2004 and it has the honour to command the force thrice. Pakistan has also the singular honour to be the first non-NATO country who has commanded. Pakistan Navy is hosting exercise AMAN bi-annually since 2007. Some thirty countries participate in this saga of “together for peace” exercise, she added.

Mrs. Fauzia Sana appreciated Pakistan Navy’s significant role during Indian Ocean Tsunami. Two of its naval ships which were visiting Maldives during the catastrophe were the first to pick up the survivors numbering over 700. She thanked the guests for sparing their precious times to join her at the reception.

The commanding officer Captain Neimatullah TI (M) PN in his address of welcome explained that PNS Shamsheer, the newly commissioned vessel was visiting Changi Naval Base Singapore on its way to Pakistan. The ship was commissioned on 19th December 2009 at Shanghai Shipyard and sailed for its maiden voyage to homeland on December 25, 2009. He explained that the ship derives its name from traditional Muslim sword Shamsheer used by Muslim warriors in battles and is a third ship to be so named in Pakistan Navy.

Captain Neimatullah giving general characteristics of the Frigate said that it was a special type of saber with a 5-15 degrees curve from tip to tip. It is equipped with best available weapons and sensors onboard which make it an extremely versatile platform with tremendous fire power to effectively thwart possible threats at sea.

Earlier the High Commissioner was given a tour of the ship. Captain Neimatullah elucidated that in modern navies, frigates are used to protect other warships and merchant-marine ships, especially as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces. The High Commissioner recorded her pride in the visitor’s book of the PNS Shamsheer.

PR No. 108
PRESS RELEASE
Joint Business Council of Pakistan and Malaysia to be Launched Soon
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

National Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Malaysia(NCCIM)  and Federation of Pakistan  Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) are in the final stage to launch  Joint Business Council (JBC) of Pakistan and Malaysia.

The High Commissioner for Pakistan, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Tahir Mahmud Qazi said in Kuala Lumpur today that Pakistan Chapter of Joint Business Council comprising thirty four  (34)representatives of  top companies of Pakistan has already been constituted.

The High Commissioner said that Pro-term(Steering Committee) of Malaysia comprising nine(9) members has also  being formed to finalize the membership of Malaysian Chapter of Joint Business Council (JBC).

He said that the list so compiled  will be shared with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Malaysia(NCCIM) to give it a final shape, leading to formation of Malaysian Chapter of JBC.

Mr. Qazi said that soon after the formation of Malaysian Chapter of Joint Business Council, the Joint meeting of the Council will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to discuss ways and means to enhance existing level of bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, he added.

The High Commissioner said that the purpose of JBC is to foster friendships and understanding between business communities of Malaysia and Pakistan with the objective to; enhance existing level of trade and investment between the two countries, facilitate transfer of technology, strengthen cooperation in services and other sector of economic activities and exchange information on trade and investment related matters.

The High Commissioner further added that JBC will also make appropriate recommendations necessary for promoting economic relations between the two countries and will submit them to respective governments for consideration, besides, undertaking exchange of missions, consisting of business sectors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and technical experts for the benefits of both countries.

The Commercial Counselor for Pakistan High Commission, Mr. Wajiullah Kundi while giving background said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Malaysia and Pakistan on 6th May 2005 for the formation of JBC but, only recently implementation on the MOU has been activated.

**QB/Ahmad**

PR No. 109
PRESS RELEASE
President shocked over death of children: directs immediate measures
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday expressed his deep shock and grief over the death of school children in an accident at Mian Chunnu and directed immediate measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.

The President took a serious note of the sad incident in which a school van was hit by a train at an unmanned crossing.

                       
He directed the Railways and the local authorities to take immediate necessary measures at all unmanned crossings to ensure the safety and security of the people.


 The President conveyed his deep sorrow and grief to the families of those who were killed in the accident and prayed to Allah Almighty to shower his blessings on them. He also prayed for courage for the families who lost their loved ones. 

**S/Ahmad**     

PR No. 110
PRESS RELEASE
BILOUR ANNOUNCES COMPENSATION AMOUNT
FOR VICTIMS OF TRAIN ACCIDENT
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour Wednesday announced Rs. 500,000 each for heirs of the victims as compensation, who lost their lives in the Mian Channu train‑van accident, besides Rs. 100,000 and Rs.200,000 for minor and critical injured respectively.

“Although there is no alternative and compensation of precious lives but the Ministry of Railways would give Rs. 500,000, Rs.100,000 and Rs. 200,000 each to heirs of the dead, minor and critical injured respectively,” he announced while addressing a news conference today here.

He said the tragedy took place due to negligence of the van Driver as he did not take care while crossing the track in the foggy weather even having knowledge that it is “unmanned and un‑gutted.”

“The accident could have been avoided if the van driver would have taken extra care while crossing the gate in foggy weather,” the minister said.

He said the ministry has already moved a summary to the federal cabinet for approval of a project to ensure the gutted and manned railway crossings throughout the country.

The project would cost Rs. 38 billion to streamline the system at existing 2,382 un‑manned railway crossings, adding that Rs. 45,000 are needed to deploy staff, construct gate and install signal at the each crossing point.

The minister regretted that Pakistan is the only country where some crossing points go unattended while there is no concept of unmanned railway crossings in the world.

He said construction of underpasses and fly‑over bridges at these points is the responsibility of the federal government, National Highway Authority and district governments.

Bilour said the ministry is already facing financial deficit and it is unable to meet the locomotives demand of the Railways. “A locomotive costs Rs. about 280 million and the Railways is short of nine to ten engines for smooth conduct of its freight service,” he added.

To a question, the minister said a tender has been floated for insurance of railway passengers and the ministry is making all‑out efforts for early completion of the project.

Minister of State for Railways Afzal Sindhu and Secretary/Chairman Samiul Haq Khilji were also present on the occasion.

PR No. 111
PRESS RELEASE
launching of 1st phase of bara kahu housing project soon: kakar
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Rehmatullah Kakar has said that Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) was making arrangements to launch the first phase of Bara Kahu housing project soon in which 5000 out of 15000 flats/plots would be built and allotted to registered applicants.

He said this while talking to the media men here today. The Minister said that about 3000 kanals of land in Bara Kahu has been purchased where 15000 flats/plots would be allotted to the government employees, general public and journalists.

The Minister said that the allotment would be made on “no profit no loss basis” About two percent quota for journalists and non-journalists has been allocated in each of the Federal Schemes in the country.

Mr. Kakar said that the present government from the day one started short and long term projects to overcome the problem of housing shortage. Soon after taking the charge, the government announced to construct one million houses across the country under Prime Minister’s Housing for All Program.

He said that around eight million more housing units were needed in the country to meet the shortage and 3,00,00 to 5,00,000 houses were being constructed on annual basis. The Minister said 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 houses are being constructed in private sector while the rest are being built by the Government.

The Minister said that construction of houses has been started in sectors G-10, G-11 and I-11 in Islamabad and similarly construction of housing units is underway in Karachi in Gulshan-e-Maymar Scheme 23 and Mono Got areas in Peshawar, Hayatabad area in Lahore in the Federal Colony and in Quetta in the area along the Chaman Highway.

He said in a month, construction of houses in G-13, Islamabad, would be started as all the paper work has been completed.

**MN/Ahmad**


 PR No. 112
PRESS RELEASE
16th  NCA MEETING
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

The National Command Authority (NCA) met, under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, to review matters of strategic importance to Pakistan. This was the first meeting of NCA chaired by the democratically elected Prime Minister.

The NCA expressed satisfaction on the safety and security of Pakistan’s strategic assets and the effectiveness of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence. It emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s policy of credible minimum deterrence and the maintaining of strategic stability in South Asia. It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s policy of restraint and responsibility and its resolve to continue efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia. It underscored the need for prevention of conflict and avoidance of nuclear and conventional arms race in the region.

The NCA took note of the developments detrimental to the objectives of strategic stability in the region. It observed that instead of responding positively to Pakistan’s proposal for a Strategic Restraint Regime in South Asia, India continues to pursue an ambitious militarization programme and offensive military doctrines. Massive inductions of advanced weapon systems, including installation of ABMs, build-up of nuclear arsenal and delivery systems through ongoing and new programmes, assisted by some external quarters, offensive doctrines like ‘Cold Start’ and similar accumulations in the conventional realm, tend to destabilize the regional balance. This relentless pursuit of military preponderance will have severe consequences for peace and security in South Asia as well as for the Indian Ocean region. Pakistan cannot be oblivious to these developments.

The NCA took serious note of recent Indian statements about its capability to conduct conventional military strikes under a nuclear umbrella. Such irresponsible statements reflected a hegemonic mindset, oblivious of dangerous implications of adventurism in a nuclearized context.

The NCA further noted that the India-specific exemption made by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and subsequent nuclear fuel supply agreements with several countries, would enable India to produce substantial quantities of fissile material for nuclear weapons by freeing up its domestic resources.

The NCA reiterated that, while continuing to act with responsibility and avoiding an arms race, Pakistan will not compromise on its security interests and the imperative of maintaining a credible minimum deterrence. 

The meeting reviewed plans for civil nuclear power generation under IAEA safeguards as part of national energy security strategy to ensure sustained economic growth. It welcomed the renewed international interest in nuclear power generation to meet the challenge of climate change.

As a country with advanced fuel cycle capability, Pakistan is in a position to provide nuclear fuel cycle services under IAEA safeguards, and to participate in any non-discriminatory nuclear fuel supply assurance mechanism.

It expressed satisfaction at the steps taken by Pakistan at the national level for nuclear safety and security, which continue to be important considerations in the context of national nuclear power development plans.

The meeting reaffirmed that, as a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan is committed to work as an equal partner in international efforts for general and complete nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. In this regard, it underscored the need for non-discriminatory policies and accommodation of the reality of Pakistan’s nuclear weapon status for promoting global non-proliferation goals.

It emphasized that promotion of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament objectives in South Asia are linked with regional security dynamics and the need to address existing asymmetries and resolution of outstanding disputes.

The NCA stressed that, as the sole disarmament negotiating forum, the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in Geneva should play its due role in global nuclear disarmament.

As far as the consideration of a Fissile Material Treaty (FMT) at the CD is concerned, Pakistan’s position will be determined by its national security interests and the objectives of strategic stability in South Asia. Selective and discriminatory measures that perpetuate regional instability, in any form and manner, derogate from the objectives of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and, therefore, cannot be accepted or endorsed. Pakistan will not support any approach or measure that is prejudicial to its legitimate national security interests.  

**PMMO/Ahmad**

PR No. 113
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

The signing ceremony on Tarbela Dam Repair and Maintenance project for 16 million US dollars between Government of Pakistan and Government of United States through USAID was signed today .The agreement was signed by Anne W. Patterson, The Ambassador of USA and Mr.Sibtain Fazal Halim, Secretary Economic Affairs Division. While the agreement was witnessed by  Mr. Richard C.Halbrook, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Secretary Ministry of Water and Power and Chairman WAPDA.

The US Government will contribute US dollars 16 million to improve the operating capacity of the Tarbela Dam hydroelectric plant, grant funding will be provided to the Ministry of Water and Power and implemented through the Water and Power Development Authority.

“The energy crisis in Pakistan is an issue that affects everyone,” Ambassador Holbrook said at a ceremony marking the signing of the agreement. “Power blackouts cripple commerce and cause suffering in the daily lives of millions of Pakistanis. An efficient system of power generation and distribution is a critical factor in spurring economic development to the benefit of all”.

The rehabilitation is part of a $ 125 million program announced by Secretary of States Hillary Clinton in October 2009 aimed at increasing electricity output and increasing energy efficiency in Pakistan.

Tarbela Dam is one of the largest dams of its kind in world. It is being used for energy production and irrigation purpose as well. US government wants to make Pakistan energy efficient, said Mr.Holbrook. Within next 4 years US will assist another mega project in Pakistan costing dollars 1 billion to boost the energy sector. Other parts of the program include up gradation of the Jamshoro Thermal power station in Sindh, the Muzaffarabad power station in Punjab and the Guddu station at the confluence of Sind, Punjab and Balouchistan. The replacement of 1100 agricultural tube well pumps and technical assistance to improve the performance of Pakistan ’s electricity distribution system is also part of the programme.

To help Pakistan to overcome the electricity shortage, Secretary of State Ms.Clinton will host a high level power policy Dialogue between the Representatives of the high energy power sector of USA and Pakistan, Said Holbrook.

Us is determined to support Pakistan for Peace and stability, fight extremism and alleviate poverty, reiterated Mr. Holbrook. Mr.Shahid Rafi, Secretary Ministry of Water and Power thanked the Government of USA for the assistance and said that the completion of the project will add 375 MW of energy to the national grid. 

**FJ/Ahmad**

PR No. 114
PRESS RELEASE
Syed Naveed Qamar meets US Special Rep. Richard Halbrooke, discusses, bilateral energy
cooperation, investment opportunities in the country
Islamabad: January 13, 2010 

A US delegation headed by Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Halbrooke called on Syed Naveed Qamar, the Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources here today. Ambassador Anne W Patterson also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, views were shared on matters of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest with particular focus on the ongoing cooperation in the field of energy between the two countries. Ways and means to further enhance the existing relations and to support projects intending to reduce the energy shortfall in the country also came under discussion.  

Syed Naveed Qamar while giving an overview of his efforts for mitigating fuel demand supply gap in the country, said that significant progress had been achieved to ensure meeting the oil and gas demand particularly in the short and medium term especially through LNG imports, and the matter would soon be placed on the agenda of Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet.

Syed Naveed Qamar said that the US assistance in LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) projects is highly appreciable as evinced by keen interest of Overseas Private Investment Cooperation (OPIC) in supporting LNG import projects in Pakistan and can further go beyond the LNG projects. Many operators with US equity were showing increasing interest especially for the short medium term, he added.

Pakistan was an ‘important’ and ‘a great country’ and meeting Pakistan’s requirements was US top priority. Mr. Halbrooke apprised the Minister of his government’s keen interest in addressing the country’s need by extending support in areas of oil and gas and water. Halbrooke also underscored the need to enhance understanding and confidence so as to maximize trust. He looked forward to both sides working together for mutual benefit.

Ambassador Patterson said that a huge potential existed for entrepreneurs to partner with Pakistani investors.

              PR No. 115
PRESS RELEASE
SEED INDUSTRY: WE SHALL SUPPORT AND PROTECT THE LOCAL SEED INDUSTRY TO GIVE BENEFIT TO OUR FARMERS:
NAZAR M. GONDAL
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

The Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that the Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) bill, already introduced in the Parliament, will ensure intellectual property rights to the breeders for development of new plant varieties. The introduction of the bill will pave the way for enhanced investment of public sector in breeding programmes for development of high yielding hybrid varieties. 

Talking on the importance of the bill, the minister said that it would encourage plant breeders and seed organizations of both public and private sector to invest in research and plant breeding. “It would contribute to the redevelopment and availability of new technologies and making additional resources available to support research in the country”, said the minister.

The honorable minister further added that the multinationals and biotech seed companies could play their role for providing quality seed only if they are assured of protection of their investment through Plant Breeders Rights.

He said that PBR legislation is required to avoid further delay in the investment in seed industry of Pakistan. “ We  need to support and protect the local seed industry otherwise we shall have to remain a seed importing country with extremely high cost and that would keep our farmers at stress in competitive agrarian economy”, concluded the minister. 

**MS/Ahmad**


 PR No. 116
PRESS RELEASE
The Present Government is working for the welfare of farming community: Nazar Gondal
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

The Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that the recently introduced Seed Amendment Bill seeks certain important amendments in the Seed Act of 1976.  The minister, while talking to media, highlighted the crucially important features of the bill.

He said that the bill aims at making the seed legislation more effective under the changing scenario of WTO and to meet the requirements of the private sector along with the emerging seed industry. The minister said that certain amendments in the Seed Act, 1976 had been proposed and already approved by the cabinet in its meeting held on September 30, 2009.

“The objectives of the amendments is to incorporate the wider participation of the private sector in agriculture and the latest development in Seed Technology and Seed Industry along with our international obligation under WTO regime”, added the minister.

The minister said that the bill once passed would increase the role of the private sector through registration of seed companies, seed dealers and seed processing units. It will provide an opportunity to make available the pre-basic seed for the production of basic and certified seed in private sector. It will also enhance the penalties for those selling sub-standard seed in the market and establish accredited seed testing laboratory in private sector.

“The amendments would enable us to provide training to the people engaged in Seed Industry and regulate the quality of transgenic varieties developed through Genetic Engineering”, expressed the minister.

It will ensure the availability of quality seeds to the farmers which extremely important. The dependence on the seeds import would also be decreased and would encourage an investment in the emerging national seed industry by multinational and private seed sector to invest and go for local seed production.

 **MS/Ahmad**    

PR No. 117
PRESS RELEASE
Death grant for the labours will be enhanced soon: Khurshid shah
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah said that there are 11 million labours in the country amongst them only 3.5 million are registered with the Provincial Social Security Institutes (PSSI) and Employees Old Age Benefits Institutions (EOBI) and the unregistered labours are not benefiting from the facilities including monitory benefits from these institutions. It is necessary to prepare a combined data of all the employers and workers by the EOBI and PSSI so that all the workers could equally enjoy the facilities provided by these institutions.

He was addressing a high level meeting in the Ministry of Labour and Manpower to review data of employers and workers all over the country. He also said that the government is working on issuing a Manpower Card to all the registered workers in which they will be allotted a specific number which entitled him and his family residing elsewhere in the country to avail all the medical and education facilities provided by EOBI as the present government wanted to facilitate the maximum numbers of labours.

The meeting was informed that there are one million labours are working in different mines all over the country but are not registered anywhere due to which they and their families cannot utilize the facilities provided by EOBI and PSSI. The Minister said if they are registered by these institutions they become entitled to avail above mentioned facilities.

He also directed in the meeting to enhance the Death Grant upto Rs. 15000/- in case of death of labour or his family member. He also assured the participants from the provinces to eliminate the income tax being deducted on the Provincial Workers Welfare Fund in the forthcoming budget so that more funds could be utilized for the welfare of the labours.

The meeting was attended by provincial labour ministers, Amir Nawab (Sindh), Moulvi Ghulam Sarwar (Balochistan), Sher Azam Khan Wazir (NWFP), Federal and provincial Secretaries and higher officials of Labour and Manpower ministry also attended the meeting.

SG/wh

PR No. 118
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT LAUDS ARMED FORCES FOR THE HUGE SACRIFICES MADE IN FIGHT AGAINST MILITANCY
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

 
President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the fight against militancy will be pursued to the logical conclusion and law and order restored in all parts of country particularly Karachi which he said will be turned once again into a land of peace and tranquility in which all people lived in harmony.

He said this while talking to a delegation of the ANP Sindh that called on him in Bilawal House Karachi Wednesday afternoon.
The six member ANP delegation led by Shahi Syed Provincial President ANP comprised of Muhammad Amin Khattak Provincial General Secretary, Rana Gul Afridi Central labour secretary, Bashir Jan Deputy General Secretary and Ajab Khan and Azeem Afridi both members of the Central Committee of the ANP. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Provincial Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza and Spokesperson former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present in the meeting.

The President also paid tributes to the armed forces of the country for heroically fighting against militants. “The armed forces as an institution was the defender of the country and the nation was proud of its armed forces”, he said while talking of the huge sacrifices made by them in fighting extremists and militants in an unconventional war.
The sacrifices rendered by the officers and jawans in the war against militancy and in defending our borders have earned for them the gratitude of the whole nation, he said.

President Zardari said that the attempts in the past by some individuals to advance their personal political ambitions can not and should not be allowed to undermine the institution of the armed forces of Pakistan.                  

He said that the government realized its responsibility to ensure security of life and property in Karachi and indeed throughout the country. He said that he was grieved over the recent loss of lives and property in recent incidents in Karachi and vowed not to allow anyone to disturb the peace of the city.
 
 In order to ensure peace and security we need to carry forward and further strengthen the process of reconciliation and amity in the country, the President remarked.
 
The President also recalled the preaching of non violence of the ANP founder late Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and said that all political forces must join hands in Karachi to restore its peace and so that development process continued unhindered.
 
 The President said that we all must guard against subversive elements masquerading as political activists.
  The ANP delegation thanked the President for receiving them and also talked about the issues faced by them in Karachi. The President advised the Chief Minister to have regular consultations with the ANP and address their issues.

 SAK/wh

PR No. 119
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Federal Government attaches high priority to the socio-economic development of FATA and would ensure provision of maximum resources in this regard.

The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai, MNA and Parliamentary leader of FATA, who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon.

He apprised the Prime Minister of the development activities in FATA and thanked him for his personal interest in according high priority to the development of the area.

PMMO/wh

PR No. 120
PRESS RELEASE
BISP SEMINAR ON “TECHNOLOGY BASED GOVERNANCE FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT”
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is holding a roundtable seminar under the title “BISP Technology Based Governance for Poverty Alleviation and Women Empowerment” on Thursday.

BISP has revolutionized the design and management systems of the programme by introducing Technology Based Management Systems and adopting international best practices to ensure transparency in its operations. Also among many innovations introduced by BISP are adoption of Poverty Scorecard, establishment of a database on poverty, smart card and mobile phone based payment mechanisms and electronic reconciliation of funds. The civil society, media and the academia will also participate in the seminar.

SK/wh

PR No. 121
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that reconstruction and development of the areas already cleared in Military operation was imperative to win the hearts and minds of the effected people and for the success of Pakistan’s ongoing campaign against militancy and terrorism. He urged that the US should fast track its assistance through established channels of Government of Pakistan to effectively implement the Malakand reconstruction strategy.

The Prime Minister was talking to the Ambassador Richard Holbrook, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan who called on him at the Prime Minister House this afternoon.

The Prime Minister welcomed the progress made in the energy dialogue between the two countries by way of signing of an MOU today for Improvement and Upgradation of Tarbela Dam which will lead to an additional 80 mega watts of electricity to national grid before the middle of this year.  He informed the US Special Representative that the bulk of eleven thousand tube wells to be financed with the US financial support, should be installed in Balochistan to help develop the agriculture sector in that province.

The Prime Minister reiterated the need for expeditious disbursement of long withheld Coalition Support Fund payments to Pakistan as delays in payments by the US was eroding the capacity and capabilities of Pakistan security forces in the war against terror. It was agreed that both sides will work out the modalities for the release of US$ 200 million to Pakistan on immediate basis.

The Prime Minister informed Ambassador Holbrook that the Cabinet Committee formed by him was looking into the issue of issuance of visa to the US government officials and he has directed them to resolve this issue on an immediate basis.

The Prime Minister welcomed the resumption of bilateral strategic dialogue with the US, first session of which was scheduled to be held later today. He stated that Pakistan wished to engage more closely and regularly with the US on the bilateral political track to effectively remove the misperception and misgivings between the two countries.

Ambassador Holbrook paid tributes to Prime Minister of Pakistan’s leadership in building consensus and taking all stakeholders in the country on board on all important national issues. He also commended Prime Minister for his continuing endeavours to build trust between both countries to strengthen the bilateral ties and to broadening of the US economic support to Pakistan to help the country’s economy that has suffered being the frontline state on war against terrorism.

The meeting was attended by b y the Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar; Minister for Finance, Mr. Shaukat Fayyaz Tarin, Minister for Interior, Senator Rehman Malik, Senator Sughra Imam, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Ms. Nargis Sethi and Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr. Salman Bashir. US Ambassador in Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Patterson was also present in the meeting.

PMMO/wh

PR No. 122
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Maulana Hamid Saeed Kazmi called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his Chamber at the Parliament House today and discussed with him matters pertaining to his Ministry. 

The Minister also informed the Prime Minister about the satisfactory completion of post-Hajj operation and comprehensive arrangements made by his Ministry for the Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj season 2009. 

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts made by the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the Pakistani pilgrims during the Hajj season and hoped that the Ministry would take further steps for providing more facilities to the Hujjaj in future.

PMMO/wh

PR No. 123
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: January 13, 2010

A delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), led by its President Mr. Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening.


            The Prime Minister while highlighting the government’s efforts in executing trade friendly policies for promotion of business activities in the country, said that the business community plays a vital role for the economic progress of the country. He stressed that they should undertake such initiatives which could improve the quality of their commodities in order to make them more competitive in the international market.

            The Prime Minister appreciated the LCCI for its leading role in undertaking various philanthropic activities and urged to further broaden its activities.

            The President LCCI informed the Prime Minister of the proposed LCC,I FM radio station.

            Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was also present in the meeting.

            Other members of the delegation included Vice President LCCI, Mr. Faisal Iqbal Sheikh and former President LCCI, Mian Shafqat Ali.

PMCO/wh

PR No. 124
PRESS RELEASE
PM CONDOLES WITH BARRISTER ARSHAD ON HIS MOTHER’S DEATH
Islamabad: January 13, 2010 

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the mother of Barrister Arshad Abdullah, Minister for Law, NWFP.

In his message, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies to the members of the bereaved family.  He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul and courage to the family members to bear this immense loss with equanimity.

PMCO/wh