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No. 133 Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira and Minister of State Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of renowned religious scholars Dr.Israr Ahmad ,who breathed his last in Lahore last night and termed his death as a great loss to the country. In their separate messages, both the Ministers said that late Dr.Israr was an intellectual and scholar par excellence. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
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No. 134 The Nuclear Security Summit convened by US President Obama concluded this afternoon after a full day of debate on national and international actions for securing nuclear material and the role of the IAEA in the area of nuclear security, says a press release received here today from Washington. The Summit concluded with the issuance of a Communiqué, which is a non-binding political declaration. The Communiqué recognizes that nuclear security within a state is entirely the responsibility of that state. It stresses the need for facilitating national actions through international capacity building cooperation and exchange of relevant technology as well as expertise, on a voluntary basis. The Communiqué is supplemented by a non-binding Work Plan which identifies specific measures which states may take for strengthening nuclear security at the national level, in accordance with respective national policies and laws as well as international obligations. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, who was one of the lead speakers in the inaugural session of the Summit, projected Pakistan’s point of view in an effective manner. Highlighting the steps taken by Pakistan for the safety and security of nuclear materials and facilities, Pakistan’s multi-layered command and control structures, its comprehensive regulatory regime as well as export control mechanisms, the Prime Minister called for non-discriminatory access for Pakistan to civil nuclear technology to meet the country’s growing energy requirements. Prime Minister Gilani expressed Pakistan’s full support for the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as a platform for international cooperation in the area of nuclear security, including capacity building assistance and exchange of technology. The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s policy of promoting strategic stability in South Asia, including its efforts to enhance nuclear security, in a holistic sense and to reduce nuclear risks. He reiterated the need for progress on Pakistan’s proposals for a Strategic Restraint Regime (SRR) in South Asia with three inter-locking elements of (i) nuclear and missile restraint, (ii) balance in conventional forces and (iii) conflict resolution. **JI/Ahmad**
PR No. 135 A US delegation headed by Mr. David Lipton, Senior Director for International Economics of the US National Security Council, today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Ms. Anne W. Patterson, US Ambassador and Ambassador Robin Raphel, Assistant Coordinator for Pakistan, were also present besides other US officials. The Pakistani side included Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Dr. Hafeez Sheikh, Finance Advisor, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Mr. Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary and other senior officials. Matters regarding Pak-US relations, fight against militancy, economic situation and US assistance to Pakistan were discussed during the meeting. The President during the meeting emphasized the need to expedite ROZ legislation in order to give people hope for the better through creation of job and other economic opportunities. He asked the delegation to play its role in this regard as this would be a dividend for the inhabitants of war affected areas. The President also called upon the US to assist Pakistan in energy technologies to help the country overcome its energy crisis that was adversely affecting the economy already ravaged by the war against militants. The President said that Pakistan looks for assistance to its partners, especially the US, in stabilizing its economy through investment promotion, overcoming the energy crisis, facilitation in getting market access, capacity building of civilian institutions and securing the needed investment in education and social sector as measures for long term fight against the militant mindset. The President said that Pakistan welcomes US understanding of Pak requirements during recently concluded Pak-US strategic dialogue. He expressed the hope that the shared goal of establishing long-term, multidimensional and sustained partnership between the two countries would be further taken forward to strengthen the bilateral relations and people to people contacts between the two countries. The President called for working out a comprehensive mechanism to take the strategic dialogue forward in a result oriented, constructive and productive manner for deeper engagement in different sectors. He hoped that the process of institutional connect will be enduring and help bridge the trust deficit of the past. The US delegation appreciated the struggle of Pakistan Government not only in its fight against militancy but also to stabilize its economy. Mr. David Lipton said that US appreciates the economic constraints of war ravaged economy of Pakistan and is committed to help out Pakistan in every possible manner. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 136 Article 45 of the Constitution empowers the Government to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any Court, tribunal or other authority. The President exercises this power under Article 45 of the Constitution strictly in accordance with the advice tendered to him, by the Prime Minister under Article 48(1) of the Constitution read with Schedule V-B of the Rules of Business, 1973. This was stated by Spokesman of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The Spokesman said, under the Rules of Business 1973 (item 11, Serial No.18 of Schedule-II) the Interior Division initiates summary for grant of remissions on different occasions and the Prime Minister tenders his advice to the President. The remissions are granted to the prisoners on auspicious occasions. The spokesman said, in 1997, the then President Mr. Muhammad Rafique Tarar, on the advice of the then Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif granted remission of one-fifth (remission of 5 years in case of life imprisonment) and also granted total remission to male prisoners of 65 years or above and to female prisoners of 60 years of age or above if they had served the imprisonment for 10 years. The Spokesman said, in 1988, the then President Mr. Ghulam Ishaque Khan, on the advice of the then Prime Minister Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, commuted death sentence into life imprisonment and granted pardon to all women except those convicted for murder and remitted sentence of convicts who were above 60 years and had served imprisonment of 5 years or more. The Spokesman said, the then President Mr. Muhammad Rafique Tarar, on the advice of the then Chief Executive Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf granted total remission of four years and six months during the year 2000. The Spokesman said, Chapter 8 of the Jail Manual/Pakistan Prison Rules prescribes a system and rules allowing a convict the benefit of remission. Under chapter XXIX of the Criminal Procedure Code the Provincial Government is also empowered to grant remission. These remissions are being granted since 1947. On Thursday, the 8th April, 2010 the President received a Summary from Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, after passing of the 18th Amendment Bill by the National Assembly of Pakistan, with the advice to grant remission of one fourth of sentence to the prisoners. The President approved the proposal on the next day. This remission will, however, not be admissible to those convicted of murder, espionage, subversion, anti-state activities, terrorist acts (as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999, kidnapping / abduction for ransom, robbery (Section 394 PPC), dacoity (Section 395-396 PPC) and those undergoing sentences under the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Spokesman added.
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No. 137 A delegation led by Ambassador Robin Raphail and Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of USAID, called on the Education Minister on 14th April, 2010. The meeting discussed the Pak-US Strategic Dialogue and the projects Pakistan had offered for financing by the US. Federal Minister for Education, Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali has said that terrorism and extremism can be eliminated through the promotion of education and all resources will have to be utilized for providing education to the builders of the nations. While talking about the projects anticipated for the uplift of educational facilities in the country while the help of USAID, the Federal Minister for Education said that the present government aims at establishing the state of the art National Training Centres (NTCs) in the country while schools in Balochistan, NWFP/FATA, Sindh and Punjab will be provided with the missing facilities. He also said that educational institutes in Balochistan and FATA will be up-graded and stipends will be given to girls at primary level in selected districts with low participation, high dropout and poverty while financial incentives will be given to the students of low fee charging private schools. Enrollment in NWFP, FATA and Sindh can be increased appreciably through this scheme. These Students Learning Programme will be Instrumental in bringing improvement in quality of education, he added. The Administrator of USAID Dr. Rajiv said that USAID is willing to work on long-term strategies and plans. “We should work on a sophisticated and definite strategy with a known time frame” he said. He said that appropriate mechanism would be devised to provide support for the projects of the Ministry of Education. He further said that USAID cares about a broad partnership with Pakistan and wishes to start dialogue between the two countries on different issues of public interest. The USAID Administrator, concluded by expressing President Barak Obama’s long term US commitment to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. **AJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 138 President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the casualties and losses caused by a strong earthquake that hit a remote mountainous area of China on Wednesday, killing about 400 people and injuring thousands as media reported have indicated so far. In a message today, the President extended sincere and deep condolences to the Government and the people of China. He also expressed deep sympathies to the earthquake victims. He said that Pakistani nation was with their Chinese brethren in this hour of grief. He said that that people of Pakistan were deeply grieved to hear such news of so many casualties and injuries of their Chinese brothers. A massive earthquake of around 7- magnitude rocked China’s western Qinghai province, killing about 400 people and injuring thousands. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 139 President Asif Ali Zardari today said that the leaders of South Asia should not let the shadows of history impede progress on resolving outstanding issues between them for establishing a durable peace in the region. This he said during meeting with the former Indian Minister of External Affairs and renowned author Mr. Jaswant Singh who called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Adviser to Prime Minister on Education, Nawabzada Malik Ammad Khan, MOS for Foreign Affairs, were also present during the meeting. The President said there was a need to look beyond shadows of history and to forge a mutual relationship sans suspicions and mistrust. The worst sufferers of the security driven policies for past more than 60 years have been the people of the region, the President said. He said that it is time to take up common fight against militancy and poverty that confronted our people. Appreciating the scholarly pursuits of Mr. Jaswant Singh, the President said that objective scholarship and independent and responsible media can make valuable contributions in not only removing the misperceptions but also bring closer together the people of the region. Mr. Jaswant Singh who is visiting Pakistan to attend launching ceremony of his book ‘Jinnah: India, Partition, Independence’ thanked the President for meeting and presented his book to President Asif Ali Zardari. **FU/Ahmad**
“Pakistan Peoples Party Government is giving high priority to education and it is the goal of the present Government to enhance budget allocations for education upto 7% of budget by the year, 2015”, says Minister of State for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Mehreen Anwar Raja while addressing the students of Preston University on the occasion of the Inter University Bridal Dress Competition 2010, here today in Islamabad. She said that the Government announced the national education policy after intensive consultations with all stakeholders including Provincial Governments and huge amount is allocated for education during the current financial year to translate the policy into reality. Since illiteracy is basic cause of terrorism, we are making efforts to promote education to help discouraging menace of terrorism, extremism; she stated. She further added, “We have to excel in the field of education to join the rank of developed countries and the private sector is also supplementing Government’s efforts in the promotion of education”. The present Government is establishing Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto University at Karachi and one of its campuses will be set up at Malakand. Moreover, the Government intends to establish separate Universities in the federal capital in the field of Law & Social Sciences. She also expressed that Government’s commitment to put the country on the road of progress and prosperity is very much evident from fact that it has started the Benazir Youth Development Programme. At the end, the Minister of State said that PPP leadership recognizes that we have a mammoth task ahead in pursuing our goal of providing access to quality education to every citizen of our country. Moreover, while being asked about the 18th amendment bill, she revealed to the media that the bill has been unanimously passed by the National Assembly and will soon be passed from the Senate and this is the landmark achievement of present government.
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No. 141 Minister of State for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Mehreen Anwar Raja has expressed her deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of renowned religious scholar Dr. Israr Ahmad, who breathed his last in Lahore last night and termed his death as a great loss to the country. She prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
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No. 142 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has termed his meetings, with President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as very productive and useful in determining the direction of the strategic partnership between Pakistan and USA. He expressed his satisfaction over the progress made by both the countries in the course of last two years in strengthening cooperation in multi faceted fields. He was talking to Senator Johan Kerry Chairman of US Foreign Affairs Committee who called on him in his hotel at Washington DC late evening on 13th April 2010. The Prime Minister appreciated the positive role played by the US Congressional leadership particularly by Senator John Kerry in promoting the economic and security ties through passage of Kerry‑Lugar‑Berman Bill as well as Defence appropriation legislation. While dilating upon Pakistan’s efforts on war against terrorism the Prime Minister said that the whole nation is committed for the eradication of the menace. Senator John Kerry while commending Pakistan’s positive role in war against terrorism assured the Prime Minister of complete support of Congress Leadership for providing Pakistan with greater US market access, meeting Pakistan’s urgent defence requirement and accommodating Pakistan’s request for nuclear power generation. PMCO/wh
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No. 143 Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani while expressing his satisfaction over the last round of Pakistan-US strategic dialogue hoped that the follow-up action on the progress made through sectoral meetings would take place in the near future. The Prime Minister termed the increasing defence and intelligence cooperation between the two countries as a sign of bridging the trust deficit and underscored the need for promoting it even further to counter the common threat of terrorism. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton here at his hotel in Washington-DC late evening of April 13th 2010. The Prime Minister urged the US Government to fast track the funding process for undertaking the up-gradation of existing power generation and transmission infrastructure to help overcome the power shortages in Pakistan. He further stated that addressing the energy crises in the country was the fore-most priority of his government and the US should encourage its corporate sector to invest in this sector in Pakistan. While dilating upon the combined impact of world recession and war on terror, on Pakistan’s economy, the Prime Minister sought US help in negotiations with IMF to soften its conditionality thus enabling the government to provide much needed relief to the people. He also hoped that the US would use its influence with other donor countries to honour their pledges made at the Tokyo Conference. The Prime Minister stated that improvement in the economic life of the people of Pakistan is intrinsically linked to political stability in the country. The Parliamentary democracy has taken roots in Pakistan with unanimous passage of constitutional reforms package and expressed confidence that with steadfast support of US and other friendly countries for economic development, the democratic institutions would be further strengthened in Pakistan. The Prime Minister reiterated his governments firm resolve to maintain cordial neighbourly ties with India and Afghanistan. He apprised the US Secretary of State of his personal initiatives to mend the ties with both the countries in the interest of peace and security of the region. He regretted that Pakistan-India relations had been made hostage to the unfortunate act of terror .While Pakistan he said remains committed to prosecute and bring to justice the perpetrators of Bombay incident, India must return to composite dialogue to sincerely address the bilateral core issues. He said that Pakistan would welcome the US facilitation of this process. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan stands by its offer of assistance to Afghanistan for the capacity building of its army, police and civilian institutions. Afghan peace and stability is vital for Pakistan’s own peace and security and we would continue to support Afghan Government’s initiatives in this regard. Secretary Hilary Clinton professedly praised the Prime Minister for his leadership consensus making ability and vision for fostering friendly relations with Pakistan’s neighbours. She also agreed with Prime Minister’s assessment on the progress of Pakistan-US relations and informed him that she will try to visit Pakistan in July rather than in October to lead the next round of strategic dialogue between the two countries in Islamabad alongwith her Pakistani counterpart. Secretary Clinton assured the Prime Minister that USA will stand by Pakistan in its endeavors to overcome its present economic difficulties particularly in addressing the energy crises. She termed Pakistan’s participation in Security Summit as recognition of its status as a responsible nuclear state. She referred to the statement made by President Obama in his press conference, earlier in the day about the measures taken and security of its nuclear assets and stated that it was an official public affirmation of US satisfaction and reputation of misperceptions in this regard. Bother leaders agreed to consult and coordinate for helping Afghan Government in its policy of reconciliation and building its state institutions. PMCO/wh
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No. 144 Regional head of IMF for south Asia Mr. Waqar during his call on the Prime Minister late in the evening of the 13th April at Washington DC assured the later that IMF Board in its froth coming meeting of 3rd May will approve the release of next tranche for Pakistan. He said that he was confident of successful completion of present IMF Programme for Pakistan by December this year and it was now for the Government of Pakistan to take the decision by this fall (October) it wanted to start negotiations for the next IMF Programme. The Prime Minister apprised him of his government’s endeavours to broaden the text base in the country, through consultation with the provinces and for keeping the budget deficit level closer to 5.1%. He however urged the IMF leadership and its board to take into account Pakistan’s ground realities and practical difficulties while suggesting the required reforms measures PMCO/wh
The visiting US economic delegation, led by Mr. David Lipton, Senior Director for International Economics, National Security Council, called on the Advisor to PM on Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh here today. Talking to the delegation, Dr. Hafeez Shaikh said that Pakistan values its economic ties with USA and wants to enhance these relations for the benefit of the commonman in the country. He stressed the need for enhancement of private sector’s trade links between the two countries and invited US business entrepreneurs to invest in various sectors of national economy. Appreciating the prominent role of Pakistan in the War on Terror, David Lipton said that US wants to establish long-term relationship with Pakistan in various fields including economy, trade and commerce. He said that US wants to assist the Pakistani Government in raising the standard of living of ordinary citizens and in this regard all possible economic assistance is being provided. KS/wh
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No. 146 Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar inaugurated OPF Facilitation Counter at International Arrival Lounge, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Airport, Islamabad in an august ceremony today. Syed Tayyab Hussain MNA & Mr. Mohammad Asghar Qureshi Members Board of Governors of OPF and Mr. M. Tahir Khokhar, Member Legislative Assembly of AJK, Neelum S. Ali, Secretary Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Mr. Habib Ur Rehman Khan, Managing Director OPF, were also present in the ceremony. Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, on the occasion, interacted with a number of Overseas Pakistanis, who were returning to their homeland from UK at that time. The Minster welcomed them and briefed them about the projects and services of OPF being extended to the overseas Pakistanis. Later on, addressing a gathering of the staff of OPF and other concerned departments the Minister advised them to adapt a proactive approach to serve and facilitate the overseas Pakistan as they are the ambassadors of Pakistan all over the world and they are playing a pivotal role in the economic development of the country. The OPF facilitation counter was already present on the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed International Airport Islamabad, like all other major airports of the country, but its position was inconspicuous and it was not properly manned. The Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis on the demand of a number of Overseas Pakistanis not only improved the position of the facilitation counter but also manned it with more energetic and professional officers for serving the overseas Pakistanis. MS/wh
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No. 147 Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has gained international recognition as an effective programme for alleviation of poverty, said Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja during a meeting with European ambassadors on Wednesday. At a working lunch at the residence of Spain’s ambassador to Pakistan, ambassadors from seventeen European nations expressed keen interest in the objectives, operations, functionality and modus operandi of BISP and praised it for being the first of its kind programme in South Asia for poverty reduction. Briefing the participants, Ms Raja said BISP has made significant progress in reaching out to the poorest of the poor section of the society and to bring them relief from their financial hardships. She said BISP has introduced various initiatives to empower the women and make them financially independent. One of the major initiatives of BISP, she said, is the Waseela-e-Haq under which deserving families are being given an amount of Rs.300,000 through a computerized draw to start their own business. The family which receives this amount is also trained in running a business and keeping in view family members’ capabilities, they are also suggested an appropriate business. Health Insurance and Vocational Training are other big initiatives through which deserving families are given annual health insurance of Rs.25,000 and under the Vocational Training scheme one member of the BISP beneficiary family will be given technical training to enable one person in the family to start earning and contributing to the household income. Ms Farzana Raja said BISP has cooperation and assistance of international organizations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and they are providing financial and technical assistance to BISP. Ms. Farzana Raja also briefed the participants on methods adopted by BISP in selection of beneficiaries. In this regard, she said, BISP is conducting a nationwide poverty survey through the World Bank sponsored Poverty Scorecard Survey, which will ensure transparent and error-free identification of potential beneficiaries. She also said that BISP was playing a crucial role in achievement of Millennium Development Goals set for Pakistan. Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP was a very transparent and non-political programme for empowerment of women and alleviation of poverty and this is reflected by the active cooperation and assistance of international donors and agencies in execution of its various programmes. SK/wh
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No. 148 A delegation of American Gurdwara Parbadhak committee led by Pritpal Singh called on Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti here on Wednesday. The meeting was also attended by Federal Secretary, Ministry of Minorities, Mr. Javed Akhtar. The Federal Minister said that, all religious festivals of minorities including Bisakhi are being observed and government is providing facilities on the eve of these festivals. Furthermore, Sikh temples will be provided all latest & modern facilities. The minister also said that government of Pakistan is taking concrete steps for boosting religious tourism so that people form all over the world belonging to different religions could visit these historical places which can be instrumental for religious harmony. He further said that government is providing scholarships to deserving and capable students of minorities so that they could brighten the name of Pakistan. He said that Ministry is doing a lot for the welfare of Sikh brethren and an act with the name of “Sikh Marriage Act” will be passed soon in the National Assembly which has never happened before. The delegation appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Minorities and government of Pakistan in regard of minorities and thanked for their warm welcome. The Minister thanked the delegation for their visit and appreciated their views regarding minorities. IS/wh
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No. 149 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the renowned religious scholar Dr. Israr Ahmed. In a message to the bereaved family and his followers, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the deported soul in eternal peace. He also prayed for grant of courage to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. Eulogizing the invaluable services rendered by late Dr. Israr Ahmed for the propagation of Islamic teachings, the Prime Minister said that the reverend scholar will be remembered by the Muslims for his outstanding research work and sterling personal character. PMMO/wh
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No. 150 President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday expressed the hope that the passage of the constitutional Reforms Package by the Parliament will purge the constitution of all the anti- democratic articles introduced into it by successive dictators and will also restore to the Parliament the powers that really belong to it in a democracy. PPP as the largest and formidable political force in the country believes in supremacy of the Parliament and institutional stability and have always worked for the constitutional development in the country. This he said while addressing a meeting of party Parliamentarians, office bearers and workers of PPP Peshawar Division at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Wednesday night. The meeting was also attended by Federal ministers Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar, Mr. Lal M. Khan, Mr. Najmuddin Khan and Mr. Arbab Alamgir, Party Provincial President Mr. Zahir Ali Shah, political secretary, Rukhsana Bangash, Senator Sardar Ali Khan, Fauzia Habib and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar. Matters regarding the Current political situation in the country with particular reference to the political situation in the province, fight against militancy, law and order situation and developmental issues were discussed during the meeting. The President said that the country was faced with huge challenges including fight against militancy, economic turnaround, poverty alleviation and the forthcoming local bodies polls. It calls for regrouping ourselves and focusing our energies to fight these challenges, the President said. He said that the government was fully determined to cleanse the society of militancy and extremism and to ensure peace and prosperity of our future generations. The participants of the meeting spoke on a host of issues including the current political situation, the new political challenges before the government, fight against militancy and the developmental activities in their constituencies. The President said that he would be holding more of such meetings with Party workers and office bearers at the divisional level to re- energize the Party in meeting the challenges. FU/wh
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