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PR No. 173
President Zardari also recalled late
Mushtaq
Qureshi, husband of the deceased,
who was also well known party activist and journalist whose commitment,
dedication and loyalty to the Party and its principles inspired many. Both
Mushtaq Qureshi and his wife were assets to the Party and it will be hard
to fill the void created by their deaths.
PR No. 174 Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Shahid Malik called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday afternoon and discussed matters relating to relations with India. Pakistan’s High Commissioner also briefed the President about the Indian offer for secretary -level talks and the Pak-India dialogue process. The President said that good neighbourly relations were essential for the welfare of the people of both countries and also for fighting militancy. He said that Pakistan wanted meaningful and result oriented talks with India including the resumption of stalled composite dialogue.
PR No. 175 Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that our natural resources are indeed our valuable assets. Environmental tragedies, like global warming and climate change certainly pose a viable threat to our assets and our goal to achieve healthier and happier lifestyles. Although climate change affects all aspects of life and ecosystems but its impact on wetlands is more pronounced. He expressed these views while addressing the closing ceremony of Wetlands Day, organized by the Ministry of Environment’s Pakistan Wetlands Program here today. Federal Minister for Environment was the chief guest in the ceremony. Federal Minister said on this occasion, that in Pakistan unexpected hot and dry summers, increased floods and cyclones are due to climate change which we have seen in Makran Coast during past few years and drastic reduction in rain falls. While commenting on the effects of climate change on wetlands, he said that the impact is visible in the form of enhanced frequency and intensity of hurricanes and coastal storms, out of season rains and floods, drought and acute shortage of water and glacial melt. He further said that Pakistan has about 225 significant wetlands and these wetlands are found across different eco-regions of the country. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi while highlighting the importance of wetlands, said that wetlands serve many purposes, on one hand they serve as purifiers or as natural buffers to water pollution and on the other hand, they can serve as remedies to climate change impacts by providing protection against climate extremities such as floods. Moreover, climate change has a profound effect on our fragile ecosystems such as the wetlands. He emphasized that as responsible citizens, we have to make individual actions and collaborative efforts to curtail the negative impacts of this change. He further added that first of all there is need to educate ourselves and then raise our awareness about this evolving phenomenon which will help us to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles and value the conservation and protection of our precious natural resources he added. The Minister also informed the participants that from April 2010, environmental education is also being introduced in the syllabus upto intermediate level. Federal Minister said we are celebrating this event today to commemorate the value of these extremely vital systems and to acknowledge the need to conserve them through global action by acting on the principles set by the Ramsar convention and through local initiative such as contributing in the efforts made by the Pakistan Wetlands Program, Ministry of Environment. In concluding remarks he urged to lend environment a hand that is our national, social, cultural and religious responsibility. It is to preserve our present and sustain our future”. Rector, Behria University, Admiral Mohammad Haroon also addressed the participants. Earlier, Federal Minister visited different stalls arranged by different schools on this occasion. He appreciated the tableaus performed by the students to highlight the importance of wetlands. It is important to mention here that this combined nation-wide event featured a range of activities with a special focus on raising-awareness of wetlands and, in particular, their significance to lessen the impact of the severe weather conditions that is likely consequence of climate change. The wetlands day celebrations were held simultaneously in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Gilgit, Rahim Yar Khan, Naushera, D.I. Khan, Chitral, Peshawar, Jhelum, Mardan, Gwadar, and Jiwani. In all, more than 100 school children and university students participated in the program.
PR No. 176 The Government has strongly refuted the claims by Jang Group alleging ban on its advertisements. Commenting on the news reports carried by the Jang Group publications and its news channel alleging ban, a spokesman of the government said, “This is incorrect to claim that a ban has been imposed on the release of government advertisements to Jang/News/Waqt/Geo Group. There is no ban at all on the release of government advertisements to the Jang Group. Advertisements from the federal government, provincial governments, corporations, semi-autonomous bodies etc. are being regularly released to the Jang Group. Even today’s issues of Jang Group publications and its TV channels are carrying government’s advertisements”. The spokesman added: “The allegations of a government ban in release of government advertisements to the Jang Group tantamounts to leveling false allegations against the government”.
PR No. 177 We are ready to work for the capacity building in agriculture of Maldives and export of rice, fruits and Halal meat: Nazar Muhammad Gondal The Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that his ministry is ready for building institutional linkages with the Maldives’ Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and assisting the people of Maldives in building their capacity in agriculture. He said that the students from that country would be offered short courses and other programmes. Mr. Gondal said that his ministry would work on exporting Halal meat, rice, fruits like mangoes, kenos, etc. He directed that proposal drafts about the potential areas for trade must be exchanged between the two countries so that a MoU could be worked out and signed in near future. The minister also added that the Maldives Minister for Agriculture & Fisheries would be sent an official invitation to visit Pakistan and identify the areas where Pakistan can help and assist Maldives. The Maldives High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Shehenaz Adam called on the federal minister at his office. She showed keen interest in the export of rice, fruits (especially mangoes and kenos), garments and other agriculture related items to her country. The High Commissioner added that Maldives imports all most every thing from abroad and Pakistan’s help in this regard would be most appreciated. The Federal Minister said that Pakistan produces about 4 million tons of surplus rice and the best quality of Basmati in the world is a production of the country, which could be exported to Maldives. The High Commissioner thanked the federal minister’s for his cordial and positive response to the Maldives’ request for cooperation in the field of agriculture and showing interest in the export to Maldives. The Federal minister presented the traditional Sindhi Ajrak to the visiting guest and thanked her for her for the productive visit. Maldives is a small country of 300 thousands only and 50% of its GDP is earned through the tourism industry. It imports all most everything from abroad and its local production is almost zero. There is no university in Maldives and the country depends on self-sponsored and foreign assisted scholarships and training courses.
PR No. 178 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the uplift of backward areas is essential to improve the quality of lives of the people and exploit the economic potential for national prosperity. He directed that the efforts should be to ensure uniformity in the level of development which would bring the people closer and strengthen national solidarity. The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting regarding socio-economic development of backward areas here at the PM’s House this afternoon. The meeting reviewed the progress of infrastructural projects and development schemes within the available funds to bring all regions at par. The Prime Minister said that the progress thus achieved would help to generate socio-economic activities and establish linkages between various regions of the country. It also has to be ensured, he said, that the available national resources including water are equitably distributed so that the existing genial milieu facilitate the development efforts and support the desired change. The spirit of cooperation and accommodation, he said, displayed in finalizing the NFC Award is testimony to the fact that the elected representatives of the people of all the provinces and regions can resolve issues to the mutual benefit of the entire population. The Prime Minister asked the Ministries of Finance and Communication to pursue consultative process with other Ministries as well as the Provincial governments to integrate the overall development activities. He also desired that the allocation of funds after austerity cut to meet the budgetary deficit, be appropriately re-allocated keeping in view the priority areas. Earlier, the Prime Minister was briefed on progress about various infrastructural projects being carried out by the Ministry of Communication as well as National Highway Authority in different parts of the country. He was also briefed on various on-going development schemes in different backward areas. He was apprised that due to austerity measures, the projects and schemes need to be prioritized. The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Mr. Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmad Tarin, Minister for Communication Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, Secretary Communication, Acting Secretary Finance, Chairman NHA and other concerned senior officials.
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No. 179 A delegation comprising of Senators and MNAs belonging to FATA called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The delegation included Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, Minister for Environment, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Minister for Zakat and Ushar, Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai, MNA, Malik Bilal Rehman, MNA and senator Sardar Ali Khan. Matters relating to developmental issues in FATA, political reforms in tribal areas, the ongoing fight against militancy and law and order situation came under discussion during the meeting. The President said that the democratic government is committed to the uplift and political and economic emancipation of the Tribal people. He added that the people of tribal areas would be brought at par with the people of other parts of the country in terms of development. Referring to the fight against militancy the President said that education was the most important tool for defeating the militant mindset and added that long term measures will be taken to reform the militant mindset through education, social and political reforms and giving people ownership in mega development projects through public private partnership. Hameed ulllah Jan Afridi and Munir Khan Orakzai during the meeting raised the issue of the registration and support to the Internally Displaced Person’s families of Khyber and Kuram Agencies. The President directed that the issue of displaced persons raised by the two Parliamentarians should be looked into and the report be submitted to him. He said that it is the government’s moral, political and administrative responsibility to provide every possible help and support to the displaced people who rendered huge sacrifices in the war against militancy. “We would never let the IDPs families suffer every where in the country as we owe a lot to them for their sacrifices” the President said. The members of the delegation thanked the President for his keen interest in the uplift of FATA.
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No. 180 “The importance of modern education and the scientific research is the key to development and progress and it was the vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto to empower the youth with the state of art knowledge and education”. This was stated by Mr. Farooq H. Naik, Chairman Senate while addressing on the convocation at SZABIST (Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology) at Karachi. He said that SZABIST is a non profit publicly and privately funded institute of Science and Technology. The objective was to produce highly qualified scientific and technical personnel to cater the need of country’s skilled manpower and provide hi-tech work force. The modern education and the scientific research is the vehicle of progress and economic growth. It is imperative to work with zeal and made Pakistan in the comity of Developed countries in the era of 21st Century. The Honourable Chairman Senate awarded Degree Certificates among the Graduates of Different Disciplines and stressed the need to work hard for the development of the country. He added that Pakistan is facing very critical time in her history the terrorism is the terrible challenge but we will defeat these dark forces with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as she laid her life for the cause of the country On the occasion Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chancellor SZABIST, Dr. Shams Qasim Lakha, Chairman Board of Directors, Dr. Izhar ul Haq, President, SZABIST, Mr Kashif Hussein Affendi Vice President addressed and highlighted the need of modern education.
PR
No. 181 Pakistan’s High Commissioner (designate) to Mauritius Maj.Gen. ® Muhammad Siddique called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday. The President while congratulating the envoy -designate for his new assignment advised him to work for further enhancing bilateral relations in economic, commercial and cultural fields between Pakistan and Mauritius. He said that entrepreneurs and business community of both the countries must be encouraged to meet and develop mutually beneficial interaction and explore the real potential of trade between the two countries. The President also emphasized on economic diplomacy for furthering economic interests of the country. The High Commissioner designate thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him and assured that he would endeavor to boost Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Mauritius.
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No. 182 Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Current situation was discussed during the meeting.
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No. 183 The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedures & Privileges, which met at the Parliament House this morning under the Chairmanship of Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi for consideration of the Privilege Motion moved by Senator Muhammad Idreees Khan Safi in the sitting of the Senate held on 21st January, 2010 on the insulting behaviour of Political Agent, Mohmand Agency with him. Committee expressed its dissatisfaction over the reply submitted by the Political Agent, Mohmand Agency and observed that the people holding such responsible posts while performing their official duties should keep in mind the honour and respect of the Parliamentarians and should give them the due respect. Mover and Senator Abbas Khan informed the Committee that they have contacted Additional Chief Secretary and even Governor, FATA for resolving this matter but in vain and when the mover contacted the Political Agent he became rude with him and did not pay heed to his request. The mover further informed that the Political Agent, Mohmand Agency called them to Kohat to resolve the matter but when he was on his way the Political Agent informed him that due to blast in Mardan he would not be able to meet him while on his enquiry it revealed that the blast had occurred two or three days before. The Secretary, Law and Order, FATA, said that the point raised by the Hon’ble Senator is valid. He further said that Tehsil Safi is a conflict zone and the ensuing action against Masood Safi tribe is under the clauses of collective responsibility (21 FCR) wherein the tribes as per agreements with the Government are responsible to the state collectively for their soil and fellow tribesmen for any offence and criminal abatement, in which 74 persons have been detained including 32 persons of Habibzai Masood, the subsection of the worthy Senator which is still in progress. This is without prejudice and perfectly according to the law of land. The Committee showed serious concern over the statement of the Secretary, Law and Order, FATA and observed that a breach of privilege of the Hon’ble Senator has been made and at least the responsible should have accepted his mistake. Minister for SAFRON said that practically the Ministry of SAFRON has no control or powers to the affairs of the FATA as the same are administered by the Provincial Governor. However, he submitted his unconditional apology on behalf of the Political Agent, Mohmand Agency which was welcomed by the Committee. While concluding the discussion the Committee directed the Secretary, Law and Order, FATA to conduct an inquiry against the Political Agent, Mohmand Agency and submit its report to the Committee. The Committee also directed that representative of Governor and Additional Chief Secretary should be called to attend the meeting and deferred further discussion till the next meeting. The meeting was attended, among others, by Senators Abbas Khan, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi, Muhammad Idrees Khan Safi, Muhammad Zahid Khan and Minister for SAFRON besides senior officers of FATA Secretariat, and Ministry of SAFRON.(End)
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No. 184 The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedures & Privileges, which met at the Parliament House this afternoon under the Chairmanship of Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi for consideration of the Privilege Motion moved by Senator Muhammad Zahid Khan in the sitting of the Senate held on 14th January, 2010 on the incorrect replies to his starred question Nos. 162 and 36 asked in the Senate sittings held on 13th October, 2009 and 13th January, 2010 respectively by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. At the very outset the Committee showed its serious concern over the wrong replies of the starred questions submitted by the government departments in the House. However, the Committee showed satisfaction over the written reply of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources. The mover requested the Committee to give some time to the Ministry to complete the project for provision of gas to Timargarah, District Lower Dir which was approved in 1998 and to defer further discussion on the privilege motion till the next meeting which was acceded to by the Committee and discussion on the Privilege Motion was deferred till the next meeting. The meeting was attended, among others, by Senators Abbas Khan, Dr. Muhammad Ismail Buledi, Muhammad Zahid Khan and Afrasiab Khattak besides senior officers of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources as well as Gas Companies.(End)
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No. 185 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the private sector is a major driver of the economic activities and the government desires to encourage their participation in the economic progress and prosperity. The government, he said, also intends to encourage public-private partnership in all sectors since government alone can not provide the required investment in every sector. The Prime Minister was talking to the members of the Task Force on Private Sector Development who met him here at PM’ House this afternoon. The Prime Minister while appreciating the contribution of the Task Force on Private Sector Development, said the private sector has a major role in the development of economy. He emphasized on the optimal utilization of the potential of the private sector. The Prime Minister said the government intends to take all stakeholders on board while formulating policies which in line with government’s political approach. The process of consultation and interaction at policy making level, he added, ultimately benefits the implementation of the policies. The Prime Minister said that the objective of economic and business related policies is to ensure overall development and economic prosperity of the common people. It is therefore imperative, he added, that policies reflect the aspirations of the people and prove beneficial for everybody. Earlier the members of the Task Force briefed the Prime Minister on the deliberations of four previous meetings held on this subject. The Co-Chairman of the Task Force Mr. Shahid Javed Burki apprised the meeting that they have identified eight areas requiring focused attention. The areas he mentioned relate to improving the overall regulatory framework helping smooth functioning of the national economy. The areas identified were to broaden the tax base, evaluation of cost benefit of subsidies, minimal issuance of SROs, introduction of modern technology by business firms, business friendly laws and regulations, familiarization with international best practices and improvement of physical infrastructure like ports, railways and highways. The members also showed interest to be associated in the process of implementation of their recommendations if so required to help achieve better results. The members of the Task Force were Chairman Descon Engeering Ltd, Mr. Abul Razzak Dawood, CEO Engro Chemical Pakistan, Mr. Asad Umar, Former Chief Economist Mr. Pervez Hasan, and CEO Pakistan-Japan Buisness Forum Mr. Abdul Kadeer Jaffer. The meeting was also attended by Acting Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed, Chariman BOI, Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chief Executive TDAP, Syed Mohibullah Shah, Secretaries of Planning Commission, Commerce, Industries and Production and Privatization and other senior government officials.(End)
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has welcomed European Union’s Action Plan for Pakistan and its commitment to remain engaged with Islamabad by helping it through financial assistance for socio-economic development. He particularly appreciated EU’s support in education, infrastructure and energy sectors and for the capacity building of Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies personnel. He, however, emphasized that the European Union must realize that its relations with Pakistan are to be developed on stand alone basis and not for the reasons of contiguity with or neighbourhood of Afghanistan. The Prime Minister also called upon the European Union to treat Pakistan at par with India and accord it the same access in the civil nuclear technology, as given to India. He was talking to the Troika of European Union Ambassadors consisting of Ambassador of Sweden, Spain and European Union who called on him in the Prime Minister’s House today, to brief him on European Union’s Action Plan on Pakistan as approved by the EU’s External Relation Council, at the end of October, 2009. The Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to participate in the Second Pakistan-European Union’s Summit scheduled to be held in Brussels in April to forge a long term strategic partnership with European Union based on mutual trust and mutual interests. He underlined the need for regular interaction and institutionalization of Summit level dialogue between Pakistan and European Union, to achieve this common objective. The Prime Minister appreciated European Union’s pledge to assist his government in implementation of Malakand strategy, further liberalization of trade in goods and services and the continued support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development bilaterally, through FoDP and through international financial institutions. While underlining the need for expeditious fulfillment of commitments made to Pakistan at the Tokyo Donors Conference last year, the Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that the European Union had taken lead in timely disbursement of the pledged amount. He, however, hoped that the EU would utilize the established transparent government mechanisms for channelizing its assistance in the interest of its optimum utilization and benefits for the targeted populations and area, in Pakistan. The Prime Minister also hoped that the major countries in the European Union would fully support Pakistan’s case for greater market access of its products to the European markets by facilitating expeditious grant of GSP Plus facilities as well as start of meaningful negotiations for Free Trade Agreement. The troika of European Union Ambassadors informed the Prime Minister that the European Union and its member countries were fully cognizant of Pakistan’s importance and its immediate requirements to pursue its campaign against terrorism. They acknowledged Pakistan’s great human and economic sacrifices on that account and assured the Prime Minister that European Union will standby Pakistan in the reconstruction phase of militancy affected areas. They also assured that EU will help Pakistan in developing capacity of its Law Enforcement Agencies, in establishment of technical and vocational training institutions and in reform of various socio-economic sectors.
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