PR No. 131
PRESS RELEASE
30TH SEPTEMBER, 2010 IS LAST DATE FOR FILING OF YEARLY STATEMENTS OF
ASSETS/LIABILITIES BY PARLIAMENTARIANS AND MEMBERS OF THE PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES.
Islamabad: July 13, 2010Mr. Justice ® Hamid Ali Mirza, Chief Election Commissioner has drawn attention of the Members of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies to submit to the Election Commission by 30th September, 2010, yearly Statements of Assets and Liabilities of their own, their spouses and dependents. This is a mandatory requirement under Section 42A of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and Section 25A of the Senate (Elections) Act, 1975, which are reproduced below:
“42A Yearly submission of Statements of Assets & Liabilities.-
(1) Every member shall, on a form prescribed under clause (f) of sub-section (2) of Section 12, submit a Statements of Assets & Liabilities of his own, his spouse and dependents annually to the Commission by the thirtieth day of September each year.
(2) The Statements of Assets and Liabilities submitted under sub-section (1) shall be published in the official Gazette and copies thereof may be obtained on payment of prescribed fee.
(3) The Commissioner shall, by the fifteenth day of October each year, notify the names of the members who fail to file Statements of Assets & Liabilities within the period specified in sub-section (1) and by an order, direct that such member shall cease to function till such statement is submitted.
(4) Where a member submits the Statements of Assets and Liabilities under sub-section (1) which is found to be false in material particulars, he may be proceeded against under Section 82 for committing the offence of corrupts practice”
“25A. Yearly submission of Statements of Assets & Liabilities.-
(1) Every member shall, in the prescribed form, submit a Statement of Assets & Liabilities of his own, his spouse and dependents annually to the Commissioner by the thirtieth day of September each year.
(2) The Statement of Assets and Liabilities submitted under sub-section (1) shall be published in the Official Gazette and copies thereof can be obtained on payment of prescribed fee.
(3) The Commission shall, by the fifteenth day of October each year,, notify the names of the members who fail to file Statements of Assets & Liabilities within the period specified in sub-section (1) and by an order, direct that such member shall cease to function till such statement is submitted.
(4) where a member submits the Statement of Assets and Liabilities under sub-section (1) which is found to be false in material particulars; he may be proceeded under Section 62 for committing the offence of corrupt practice”
2. Members of the Senate, National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies of the Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Paktunkhwa and Balochistan are, therefore, required to submit in the Election Commission Secretariat yearly Statements of Assets and Liabilities of their own, their Spouses and dependents by 30th September, 2010.
3. The prescribed forms are available, free of cost, form the Election Commission Secretariat, Islamabad and offices of Provincial Election Commissioners in each Province. Forms are also being sent to the Senate Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat and Secretariats of all the four Provincial Assemblies for facility of Hon’ble Members.
PR No. 132
PRESS RELEASE
CJCSC GENERAL TARIQ MAJEED CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad 13th July, 2010Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majeed called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Tuesday afternoon.
Matters pertaining to security situation and professional capabilities of the armed forces were discussed during meeting.
PR No. 133
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 13, 2010In his opening remarks at the meeting to discuss the water issue the Prime Minister expressed confidence that matters would be deliberated upon with the same spirit of reconciliation and consensus as demonstrated earlier during NFC Award, 18th Amendment, unity against terrorism. The reconciliation policy would help strengthen democracy and bring about stability in the system.
PR No. 134
PRESS RELEASE
PM CONDOLES THE DEATH OF EX-SENATOR QAZI ABDUL LATIF
Islamabad: July 13, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of Qazi Abdul Latif, ex-Senator, and leader of Jameet Ulemah-e-Islam, who died today at Kolachi, Dera Ismail Khan.
The Prime Minister in his message of condolence to the bereaved family acknowledged the religious and social services of the deceased. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his countless blessings on the departed soul and grant courage and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
PR No. 135
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO MOBILIZE THE RESOURCES TOWARDS SOCIO-ECO UPLIFT OF FATA: AFRIDI
Islamabad, July 13, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that it is imperative to attain the objective of massive development without addressing the basic problems of common man, we can bring prosperity at grass root level by improving socio-economic conditions in the country. The Minister expressed these views while talking to people of Tribal Areas who called him at Islamabad today.
Afridi said that citizens from FATA are patriotic and well wishers by Pakistan who had rendered great sacrifices and served for the country. He said we can overcome our the problems faced by the people by mobilizing all available resources towards social up-lift of far flunged and neglected areas and government was trying it utmost to improve the living conditions of the people of less developed areas.
Talking about environmental protection projects, the Minister informed that people of all sections of society have been involved in mass awareness programmes and effective steps had also been adopted to sensitize such organizations and groups who can contribute to make practical efforts to minimize hazards of environmental pollution.
Referring to different activities Federal Minister for Environment said solid steps had been taken to provide clean drinking water to the people of urban as well as rural areas and students were being involved for dissemination of knowledge about basic principles of clean environment.
The Federal Minister after listening to pressing demands and hardships of people assured adopting appropriate steps to resolve the problems of people.
PR No. 136
PRESS RELEASE
Sayeeda Warsi to visit Pakistan from July 17-20, 2010…..Yasmeen Rehman
Islamabad 13th July, 2010“British lawyer and politician of Pakistan descent Sayeeda Hussain Warsi will visit Pakistan from July 17-20, 2010”, says Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman after a meeting held at the Ministry of Women Development in which the security arrangements regarding her visit were overviewed, here today.
The Advisor informed that Baroness Warsi, member parliament, cabinet minister and Chairman of the UK conservative Party will be visiting Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi on 19th July, 2010 between 0600-0700 pm, where she will meet the women of all sectors of the society.
Moreover, the theme of discussion will be “leadership and the challenges women face in Pakistan” “This will be a great event which will underline the importance of the need to empower women to become leaders”, she further added.
Meanwhile another meeting of the Final Selection Committee of President’s Medal-Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah was held today in the Ministry of Women Development. The meeting was chaired by Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman. The detailed procedure for selection of nominations against 21 categories, in which medals are to be awarded, was discussed in the meeting.
The Committee set out the procedure for deliberation and to ensure that adequate representation to be given to all provinces, FATA, Gilgit-Balochistan, AJ&K and ICT. Moreover, the Committee scrutinized/deliberated each nomination received.
The Ministry will prepare a Plan for Award Ceremony on July 31, 2010 and present it to the Final Selection Committee (SNA)
PR No. 137
PRESS RELEASE
WORLD TOP INVESTMENT GROUPS KEEN IN ISSUANCE OF CONVERTIBLE/ EXCHANGEABLE BONDS FOR PAK SOEs
Islamabad, July 13, 2010The World’s top investment and financial groups including HSBC, NOMURA UK and London Stock Exchange have showed keen interest in the current plans of the Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission for the issuance of Equity Linked Instruments i.e Convertible and Exchangeable Bonds for State Owned Entities and pursuing privatisation process under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mode. The senior officials from HSBC, NOMURA, London Stock Exchange and major financial institutions in London expressed it during meetings with the Federal Minister for Privatisation Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan, says a message received from UK here today.
During the meetings, senior banking officials apprised the Minister on the current global economic & financial environment and discussed various options for increasing foreign investment in Pakistan and termed that frontier markets like Pakistan were the key to future global growth and current market conditions were opportune for foreign investment in Pakistan.
Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation who is currently on a visit to UK informed the groups that the current SOE restructuring plan being pursued by the Privatisation Commission of Pakistan would further improve the current overall economic environment and would turnaround the loss making entities into profitable ones. This restructuring plan involved for generating capital via equity linked instruments and efficient utilization of proceeds for organizational restructuring of the transactions on the Privatisation agenda, he added.
The Minister further said that the strong and visionary political leadership has made the economic environment in Pakistan more conducive for investment through consistency and continuity of investment friendly policies. The international community could play vital role in promoting foreign investment in Pakistan, which would help alleviate fiscal pressures on the GoP created by the war on terror, he said.
Lauding the visionary leadership and the analytical skills of the Minister, the officials from the London Stock Exchange Chief Executive Mr. Xavier Rolet invited him as a ‘key note’ speaker at the London Stock Exchange premises. Political harmony between Pakistan and the World was essential for progress and proposed visits of leading teams from their institutions to Pakistan in order to meet key stakeholders in the country so as to take a step forward and indulge in profitable investments in the country, the officials opined.
PR No. 138
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad 13th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the mechanism of the Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and US would go a long way in building sustainable, broad-based and long-term relationship between the two countries. He added that Pakistan is looking forward to the visit of US Secretary of State Ms. Hillary Clinton, later this month, to take this process forward through the next round of Dialogue, scheduled to be held in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi at PM’s Secretariat here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is desirous of negotiated and peaceful resolution of all disputes with India. He expressed confidence that the forthcoming meeting between Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and India would be fruitful and will pave the way for progress of structured dialogue. He said that the willingness to resume stalled dialogue presents a win-win situation for both the countries, as peace and stability is the only way forward for the progress and prosperity of the entire region.
Makhdooom Shah Mehmood Qureshi apprised the Prime Minister about the progress on the FoDP. He also breifed the Prime Minister on the upcoming visits of Indian Foreign Minister, Mr. S. M Krishna and the US Secretary of State, Ms Hillary Clinton, to Pakistan.
PR No. 139
PRESS RELEASE
PM chairs meeting of Chief Ministers to resolve water dispute
Islamabad: July 13, 2010The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has observed that all provinces have a stake in one another and that what binds us together is greater than what drives us apart. He has said that consensus adoption of the 18th amendment, the NFC Award, Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment, fight against terrorism and successful load-management through the National Energy Conference bespeak the political maturity and sagacity of both the national and provincial leadership.
The Prime Minister, while chairing a high level meeting at PM Secretariat here today participated by the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh, Federal Ministers for Water and Power, and Petroleum and Natural Resources, provincial ministers, members of the provincial assemblies, federal and provincial secretaries and experts, hoped that the leadership of both the provinces will resolve the water issue through dialogue in an amicable manner. He said that his Government will protect the rights of all the provinces and ensure equitable distribution as per the 1991 Water Accord. He also emphasized on the need to depoliticize the IRSA and be made more effective.
The Prime Minister tasked the Chief Ministers, their advisors and experts to sit together soon after the meeting and come up to him with a solution as soon as possible. He thanked both the Chief Ministers for their participation in the meeting on his invitation. He appreciated the positive attitude of both the Chief Ministers for agreeing in principal on a negotiated settlement. He also stressed upon the need to address the structural problems in the river flow and install a foolproof monitoring system of river flow acceptable to all the provinces.
The Chief Ministers appreciated the sagacity of the Prime Minister and thanked him for holding a meeting in a friendly atmosphere. They also assured the Prime Minister that they would clear the misunderstanding and resolve the dispute in an amicable way as desired by him.
PR No. 140
PRESS RELEASE
Ch. Abdul Majid, President, PPP, AJ & K and Mr. Shah Rukh, MPA meet the PM
Islamabad: July 13, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is committed to the cause of the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination. The government, he added, would continue to follow the vision of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed and Mohtarama Benazir Bhuttoo Shaheed for the resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the wishes of the people of Kashmir.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during his meeting with Chaudhry Abdul Majid, President, Pakistan People’s Party, AJ & K and Mr. Shah Rukh, MPA, here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that the “Yaum-e-Shuhada-e-Kashmir” which is observed on 13th of July every year reminds us of the sacrifices of the Kashmiris rendered in 1931 for their inalienable rights. Their continued struggle, he added, for a just cause to determine their future would pave the way for negotiated settlement of the issue.
PR No. 141
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 13, 2010A three member delegation of Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association called on the Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim today. Secretary Commerce Zafar Mahmood was present in the meeting. Akhtar Nazir Khan, Chairman of the Association led the delegation. Makhdoom Amin Fahim showed concern over the decline in carpet exports, from its previous export figures of US $ 287 million to US $ 120 million in the current year. The decline is because of foreign travel advisory and disturbed supply line. Small scale factories in rural areas could help a lot to give a boost to the industry. The delegation highlighted that because of global recession and declining exports, the industry needs some concession from the government side in areas of credit financing and bank loan. Carpet sector had remained one of the main export sectors earlier. About 2 million people are attached to the industry, the chairman of the Association apprised the Federal Minister. He proposed that by holding special exhibitions for the Carpet industry, the exports could get a positive breath. The Minister assured complete support of his Ministry and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to the proposal of exhibitions. Eastern Europe and South America are the potential regions of carpet export. There are some traditional workers of carpet manufacturing industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, interior Sindh and Punjab who need proper training and financing to maintain proper supply chain of the product, the chairman proposed. This small scale manufacturing will not only improve supply side but also create employment opportunities in small towns. The Federal Minister affirmed to assist the exporters and suggested the exporters to focus on quality improvement and bringing innovations into the industry to make the product more competitive in the international market.
SH/wh
PR No. 142
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 13, 2010Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Tuesday afternoon.
Matters related to rehabilitation of Atta-Abad lake victims of Hunza valley, development projects, provision of funds for the developmental projects, extension of Peoples Works Program to Gilgit-Baltistan, creation of tax-free zone, Women University, extension of Women’s Bank to Gilgit-Baltistan were discussed during the meeting.
The President advised the Chief Minister to give special attention to the communications and connectivity projects in Gilgit-Baltistan which he said were crucial for the long term development of the region. The President apprised the Chief Minister that two MoUs had been signed during his recently concluded visit to China for building of 165 km long Jaglot- Skardu road and 135 km long Thakot- Sazin road. He said that Pakistan was also seeking Chinese assistance in the proposed realignment of Karakurram Highway a part of which had been submerged in the Atta-Abad Lake recently.
The President also urged for undertaking all possible measures for rehabilitation and maximum facilitation of the victims of Atta-Abad Lake. The President said that the federal government would continue to assist local authorities and provide all possible support for relief and rehabilitation of the displaced people through the National Disaster Management Authority, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, BISP and other government agencies.
Syed Mehdi Shah thanked the President for his keen interest in the development of Gilgit- Baltistan and rehabilitation of the Attabad lake affectees.
FU/wh
PR No. 143
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 13, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the sagacity of the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh for amicable and expeditious settlement of the water issue between the provinces.
At the conclusion of the meeting between the two Chief Ministers and their teams, the Prime Minister was apprised that the reservations of Sindh Province regarding procedure adopted by IRSA for water regulation as per order dated 06.07.2010 was agreed to be withdrawn by consensus and with immediate effect.
The Prime Minister was further apprised that it was also agreed that IRSA will be requested to convene an urgent meeting of the Authority on 14 July, 2010 to review the regulations keeping in view the current water availability and provincial indents of various canal system for subsequent necessary orders to regulate the water supplies.
Both the Chief Ministers lauded the Prime Minister for his bipartisan approach, reconciliatory role and guidance given during the meeting earlier which helped in reaching an understanding.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 144
PRESS RELEASE
NAEK REITERATES PAKISTAN ’S COMMITMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRIBUNALS SETUP IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad: July 13, 2010An eight member parliamentary delegation headed by Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek has arrived here to participate in three day International Parliamentary Conference on Climate Change. With its theme “Global to Local: Climate Change Post Copenhagen” the aim of this conference is to support parliamentarians to influence the formulation and implementation of climate change policy at local national and international level. Thirty seven Commonwealth Countries are participating in this conference organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, says a press release received from the Information Division, High Commission for Pakistan London here today.
During the second session of the conference, the Chairman Senate informed the participants that Pakistan was fully committed to environmental protection and various measures have been taken in this direction. He said that Pakistan has enacted and implemented laws in this regard. Mr. Naek said that the concentration of Green House Gases (GHG) in atmosphere is rising and causing global warming Pakistan contributes only 0.4% world’s total GHG it is 135 in global ranking yet it is faced with climate change impact. He informed that in Pakistan we have established environmental tribunals for trial of persons responsible for polluting the environment
Besides Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek other members of Pakistan delegation are speaker Baluchistan Assembly Muhammad Aslam Bjhootani, Senator Raza Rabbani, Senator Islamuddin Sheikh, Senator Gulshan Saeed, Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash and Senator Nawabzada Muhammad Akbar Magsi.
Expressing their views members of Pakistan delegation said that they hope to benefit from the conference in obtaining international perspective on issues pertaining to climate change and with the focus of conference on adapting the global themes to local settings they will certainly contribute positively towards policies on climate.
Pakistan’s share in total global commissions is 0.4% and it is largest user of CNG in Asia. Pakistan is signatory to major international conventions and protocols for environmental protection including Kyoto Protocol Stockholm convention on Persistent organic pollution and Cartagena Protocol on Bio Safety to CBD.
In 1992 the government of Pakistan issued its National Conservation Strategy Report (NCSR) outlining Pakistan’s State of environmental health, its sustainable goals and viable programme options for the future with National Conservation Goals.
DO/wh
PR No. 145
PRESS RELEASE
YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIAN DELEGATION ATTENDS BRIEFING AT NATO HEADQUARTERS
Islamabad: July 13, 2010A delegation of Young Parliamentarian Forum led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi visited NATO Headquarters on the invitation from Public Diplomacy Division of NATO, says a press release received from Brussels here today.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen political dialogue and to create greater awareness among elected representatives of Pakistan about NATO’s role and engagement in Afghanistan.
A comprehensive briefing was given to them on the ongoing NATO’s operation in Afghanistan. The discussions were devoted to the developments of the situation in Afghanistan and insurgency over boarder with Pakistan. Special emphasis was laid on NATO-Pakistan relations especially close ties and collaboration with Pakistan, as Pakistan is the key partners for stability of the region. NATO’s assistance to Pakistan’s earthquake hit areas in 2005 and subsequent efforts for rehabilitation were highlighted. Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Climate change, piracy and cyber crimes are the challenges NATO is confronted with today.
The Young Parliamentarian Forum delegation stressed that military operations alone will not provide a long-term answer to creating a secure and peaceful environment in the area. A comprehensive approach, involving all stake holders, massive reconstruction of the region and poverty alleviation is the solution for a successful outcome of the international engagement. The delegation also gave Pakistan’s point of view on the security situation in the region as well as Pakistan’s proactive efforts at establishing peace in the region. Dilating up the deteriorating situation as a result of air strikes, the Parliamentarians called for a politically and economically stable Afghanistan so that the process of dialogue may get a chance to restore peace in the area. They also reiterated Pakistan’s stance that a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is in the vital interest of Pakistan.
The members of delegation represent all political parties including PML (N); PML (Q); ANP and PPP.
During their stay in Brussels the delegation will visit Supreme Europe Allied Headquarters (SHAPE) and will also attend briefing at Kashmir Centre, Brussels.
DO/wh