PR No. 146
PRESS RELEASE
Reception Hosted in honour of Pakistan Girls Softball team
Islamabad: July 14, 2010The 21-member Pakistan Girls soft ball squad comprising sixteen players and five officials will wrap up its visit to Jakarta on Thursday after participating in the Asia-Pacific Soft ball tournament being played from 09-16 July 2010, says a press release received here today from Jakarta.
The team competed against Philippines and Indonesia in the “Big League” where each team played the others twice. The last fixture, the second one against Philippines, is scheduled to be played on Thursday.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Jakarta, Sanaullah here Wednesday hosted a reception in honour of the visiting team. In his welcoming remarks, the Ambassador said it was heartening to see young players representing Pakistan at such a high level and gaining useful experience for future tournaments. He said the Embassy was pleased to receive the softball team soon after the visits by Pakistan’s Rugby and Polo teams this year. He said Pakistan and Indonesia enjoyed good relations in all spheres and sports was also an area where their mutual cooperation could be further enhanced.
Mr. Asif Azeem, head of the Pakistani delegation thanked the Ambassador and all other officers and officials for receiving the team and hosting a reception in its honour. He said although Pakistani players were young and upcoming and did not have vast exposure at international level, still they put up a brave show against much superior Philippines and Indonesian girls teams. He said the game of soft ball was gaining popularity in Pakistan and already its teams were taking part in international tournaments. Later he presented a souvenir to the Ambassador on behalf of the team and the Pakistan Softball Federation.
The team will return to Pakistan on 16th July having played its last match on 15th.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 147
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 14, 2010The Cabinet condemned the murder of Senator Habib Jalib, Secretary General of BNP and supported Prime Minister’s action for judicial inquiry into the incident. The Cabinet condoled with the family of the deceased and also sympathized with Senator Sardar Ataullah Mengal.
PR No. 148
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 14, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated that development and prosperity in FATA and adjoining areas would help to curb the extremist tendencies. The government, he said, has more than doubled the development funds of FATA public representatives and would remain focused to transform this region into a symbol of progress and prosperity.
He was talking to the Governor of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Mr. Owais Ahmad Ghani here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning. The Prime Minister also discussed with the Governor the security situation in FATA and Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa. He emphasized that the elected representatives need to monitor and give a proper feedback to ensure timely completion of projects.
The Governor thanked the Prime Minister for generous allocation of development funds for the uplift of FATA and assured proper and prompt utilization of these funds for the development of the region. He also thanked the Prime Minister for his keen interest in the welfare of the people of FATA.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 149
PRESS RELEASE
Pak-Turk Joint Defence Production – Turkish President
Islamabad: July 14, 2010Turkish President H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul has stressed upon the need of initiating joint defence production projects between Pakistan and Turkey. He expressed these views in a meeting with a Pakistani defence delegation, led by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar who called on him, says a fax message received from Ankara today.
Mr. Gul said the existing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey provides an opportunity for joint ventures among the defence production organs of the defence forces of Pakistan and Turkey. He showed ke ben interest in Pakistan ’s JF-17 Thunder aircraft, which he was told is a multi-role combat aircraft equipped with state of the art modern technology and is manufactured according to present day defence requirements.
Referring to the unprecedented economic growth that Turkey has been achieving over the last couple of years, Turkish President said “we want the same type of economic development in Pakistan also and are prepared to help our brotherly country in every possible manner.” “I am personally motivating Turkish investors to invest in Pakistan ’s energy sector,” said Mr. Gul. Pakistan ’s coal reserves are third largest in the world and production of electricity from coal would be a viable project for overseas investors, he maintained. The President also desired to expedite work on the US$20 billion railway project that will connect Pakistan with European market through Istanbul.
Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar thanked the Turkish President for personally monitoring Turkish investors’ projects in Pakistan. He appreciated the level of hospitality extended to his delegation and hoped that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkey shall be further enhanced in every field.
Turkish Minister for National Defence Mr. Vecdi Gonul and Pakistan ’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Tariq Azizuddin were also present in the meeting, says a press release received here today from Ankara.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 150
PRESS RELEASE
PM strongly condemns the murder of Habib Jalib Baloch
Islamabad: July 14, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemning the murder of BNP (M), Leader Habib Jalib Baloch who got killed by firing of unknown assailants in Quetta today. He telephoned the Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raiseenai in this connection and ordered a judicial enquiry to investigate this heinous crime.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities that the real perpetrators of this cold blooded murder must be apprehended and brought to justice. He said that those involved in such heinous crimes have anti-state designs and want to create disturbance in the society with the aim of destabilizing the country.
In his message of condolence to the bereaved family, the Prime Minister paid rich tribute to the political services of the deceased and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. He also prayed to Almighty Allah to grant courage to the family members of late Habib Jalib Baloch to bear this loss with equanimity.
PR No. 151
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 14, 2010The Monsoon Tree Plantation Plan 2010 would be finalized on Thursday while targets of monsoon plantation throughout the country would also be fixed in a high level meeting to be held on 15th July, 2010 at 1100 hours under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi. The provincial Ministers and high officials of concerned departments would attend the meeting. The representatives of different departments would give their presentations regarding monsoon plantation of their respective areas and an effective plan would be chalked out to implement the monsoon plantation in accordance with the national requirements.
PR No. 152
PRESS RELEASE
MIR HAZAR KHAN BIJARANI AND DR AYATULLAH DURRANI CONDEMNS ASSASINATION OF BNP
LEADER HABIB JALAB BALUCH
Islamabad: July 14, 2010Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani and Minister of State for Industries and Production Dr Ayatullah Durrani has severely condemned the assassination of BNP leader and ex-Senator Habib Jalab Baluch.
While expressing their sympathies with members of the bereaved family and BNP Leadership, the Ministers, in their separate condolence messages, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family and BNP Leadership to bear this irreparable loss.
PR No. 153
PRESS RELEASE
YASMEEN STRESSES ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN
Islamabad: July 14, 2010Yasmin Rehman Adviser to Prime Minister on Women Development has said that land has been acquired for setting up Entrepreneur Development Institute (EDD) for women in Lahore.
In a meeting with USAID delegation here she said that economic empowerment of women through entrepreneurship was need of the hour.
She informed that EDI project is a joint effort of Ministry of Women Development, TDAP and Evacuee Trust. Giving details of the EDI project, Yasmin Rehman informed the meeting that an interim committee has been constituted consisting of officials from MOWD, TDAP. Women Chambers of Commerce and EAD to make EDI early functional. She said that EDI would organize entrepreneurship awareness camps, entrepreneurship development programs sand faculty development programs in the region.
She said EDI would also function to target entrepreneurship for women programs to bring women in the domain and to design special programs for women entrepreneurship development. EDI would also work to develop and introduce curriculum on entrepreneurship development at various levels including degree/diploma courses for other institutes in the region.
The EDI would work to consider new ways of bringing women and under privileged sector into a support system of entrepreneurship development, to conduct research work and survey for identifying entrepreneurial opportunities, she said.
Advisor to PM on women development briefed that EDI would also guide and assist prospective entrepreneurs on various aspects such as preparing project reports, obtaining project approvals, loans and facilities from agencies of support system and information on technologies. It would act as regional information centre of business opportunities, processes, technologies, market etc by creating and maintaining relevant data base. The other functions of EDI include provision of testing calibration, qualify assurance, and design tool room, pilot plant and to render advise to sick enterprises and assist entrepreneurs in rehabilitating them. (SNA)
PR No. 154
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 14, 2010.Agreement to move faster on Olive Production with Italian assistance. Italy promises technology and expertise transfer and enhancing joint mechanism for cultivation of olive plants in Pakistan. Nazar M. Gondal
Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that olive oil production would be greatly enhanced in the country with the cooperation and assistance of Italy. He appreciated the level of seriousness and commitment of Italy for the promotion of olive oil production in Pakistan.
An Italian delegation led by H.E Mr. Vicintzo Parati, ambassador of Italy in Pakistan, held a meeting with the minister here at Islamabad.
“We are grateful for the already provided assistance for the promotion, production and commercialization of olive oil in Pakistan. Potential areas suitable for the cultivation of olive plants have already been identified which is about 800,000 hectares in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. We are moving in the right direction, but we must move faster as the country spends heavily on the import of oilseeds”, said the minister.
Mr. Vicintzo Parati said that Italy is willing to help Pakistan achieve self-sufficiency in the oilseed production in the country. He added that establishing an Olive Research Centre and coordination with the academic and research centers would be enhanced to promote olive cultivation and commercialization in Pakistan. He said that the presence of the Director General of the Instituto Agronomic per I’Oltremare (IAO), Mr.Giovanni Totino shows how serious is Italy in the promotion of oilseed production in Pakistan.
Italian government will launch a regional project for the promotion of Olive cultivation covering countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal with its headquarters set up at Islamabad. Another project,” Commercialization and Promotion of Olive and Olive Products for Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation” would be started at a cost of Rs. 382 million in September this year.
“We are extremely delighted to have such a high level delegation for discussing an issue that is of great importance for us. We are grateful for the good gesture and hope that you would continue to support us in future as well”, added the minister.
Mr. Raffel Telcima, the technical expert among the delegates said that Italy was already working on promoting fruit culture in Swat and would work in Bunir, Lower Dir, etc for the cultivation of olive plants. He said that their activities are in coordination with University of Peshawar, ARID University Rawalpindi and other institutes of the country.
The meeting was also attended by secretary Minfa, M.D, PODB, D.G, NAPHIS and other officials of the ministry.
PR No. 155
PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL CABINET MEETS
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.The Federal Cabinet met here today under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and approved a relief package of Rs 2.27 billion to reduce the prices of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan. The Cabinet also constituted a Committee comprising the Ministers for Commerce, Food and Agriculture, Industries and Production and Finance to review the situation with a view to ensuring its implementation and availability of essential food items to the common man at affordable prices during Ramadan. The Prime Minister directed the Cabinet Committee to consider appropriate utilization of the surplus wheat stock with TCP and others and maintain demand and supply position of sugar in the country so that no shortage of these essential items takes place during Ramadan. The Prime Minister also directed the Committee to ensure that the benefit of relief package reaches the common man.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that the present government believes in taking right decisions to provide relief to the poor. “Our leadership have taken bold decisions and we would not hesitate to take all the provincial governments on board to provide relief to the common man”, the Prime Minister said and added that a careful review of the past years be made as to whether the relief meant for the poor reached the target areas and population.
The Prime Minister said that during the forthcoming Ramadan, all Cabinet Members and Parliamentarians should regularly visit the markets to ensure that the general public does not suffer at the hands of the hoarders and profiteers. He also directed the ministries of Water and Power and the Petroleum and Natural Resources to ensure supply of electricity and gas to the consumers particularly at the Sehr and Iftar timings in the country.
The Prime Minister directed the Minister for Interior to organize Ramadan Bazars in the Federal Capital Territory on the pattern of last year.
The Prime Minister said that the Utility Stores Corporation with its 5700 outlets in the country should play proactive role to provide essential food items to the poor at affordable prices particularly essential items like Atta, Ghee, Sugar, Daal Chana and Rice Tota during Ramadan.
The Prime Minister also directed that all ministries should have a proper media mechanism to disseminate timely information to the media and respond to their queries. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will continue to provide professional support to all ministries but each Principal Accounting Officer/Secretary of the Ministry shall be personally responsible to reach out and respond to the media, the Prime Minister said.
While reviewing implementation of decisions of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister directed that the Ministers should personally hold meetings within their respective Ministries to ensure immediate implementation of the decisions taken by the Cabinet concerning their Ministries. The Ministers should come back to the Cabinet if there is any issue beyond the responsibility of the Ministry concerned.
The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet that he has telephoned the Chief Minister Balochistan and Baloch leader Mr. Atta ullah Mengal and expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the assassination of BNP leader Habib Jalib Baloch. The Prime Minister also informed that he has ordered a judicial inquiry to investigate this sad incident. The Cabinet strongly condemned the murder of BNP(M) leader Habib Jalib Baloch and offered Fateha for the departed soul.
The Cabinet also decided to reduce the airfare for Hajj 2010 by Rs 9000/- as against Rs 15000/- earlier approved by the Cabinet. This has been possible due to negotiations with PIA to charge minimum Hajj fare as compared to last year.
The Secretary Population Welfare was directed by the Cabinet to go ahead to convene the meeting of the National Commission for Population Welfare headed by the Prime Minister. It may be mentioned that the Cabinet had decided on 24th February 2010 that the National Commission for Population Welfare shall hold an early meeting taking on board the provincial Chief Ministers to address this important issue of national importance.
The Cabinet considered and approved the National Anti Narcotics Policy 2010 which aims to: eliminate poppy cultivation to maintain Pakistan’s poppy free status; prevent the trafficking and production of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals; strengthen law enforcement agencies and streamline their activities; enhance demand prevention efforts through education and community mobilization campaigns and projects; develop effective and accessible drug treatment and rehabilitation system; conduct a drug abuse survey to determine the prevalence of drug addiction; promote and actively participate in bilateral, regional and international efforts to combat drugs; emphasize on control of problem at source in poppy growing areas.
The Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to negotiate the modalities for signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the British government to improve, promote and strengthen the strategy for counter terrorism outreach and communications of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting through mutual collaboration.
The Cabinet also accorded approval for the establishment of a government holding company for power sector debt resolution.
The Cabinet accorded in principle approval to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Member States of South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) on Regional Oil and Chemical pollution Contingency Plan for South Asia; to start negotiations for an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between Pakistan and Spain; to initiate negotiations on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and European Union for cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursor Chemicals; and signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan and Australia on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Developing Narcotics Control Cooperation.
The Cabinet approved draft agreement between Pakistan and Nigeria on Cooperation in Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemicals.
The Cabinet accorded approval for signing of agreement between the Federal Service of the Russian Federation of Narcotics Traffic Control and Pakistan’s Ministry of Narcotics Control. The Cabinet also approved signing of two grant agreements with Japan; one for the project of “Urgent Rehabilitation for Sewerage and Drainage System in Lahore” and the other for “the project for improvement of Water Resources in Abbottabad”.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 156
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday said that the government will continue to pursue liberal policy towards private sector in education and would extend all possible support to all non- profit private universities which meet the HEC’s criteria for government support.
This he said while presiding, as patron, a Board meeting of FAST National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday.
FAST Board members who attended the meting included Mr. Wasim Sajjad, President FAST and Chancellor of the university, Dr. Abdul Wahab, former VC of Karachi University and former director IBA, Justice ® Mian Mohammad Ajmal, former Judge Supreme Court, Mr. Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh, former KCC, Dr. Rafiq Ahmad, former VC University of Punjab, Lahore, Mr. Justice ® S.Ali Aslam Jafri, former judge SHC, Mr. Samar Mubarakmand, former Chairman NESCOM, Rana Ghulam Shabbir, Secy General FAST Board, Dr. Amir Muhammad, Rector FAST National university, Dr. Ayub Alvi, Dean FAST University and Dr. M. LATIF virk, Registrar, FAST University.
Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Kamal Majidullah, SAPM on water resources, Mr. Malik Asif Hayat, Secy to the President, Mr. Naguibullah Malik, Secretary IT & Telecom and spokesperson to the President former senator Mr. Farhat Ullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
The President said that the government accords top priority to the promotion of higher education as it is central to the progress and prosperity of the country. “In present era of technological revolution and scientific advancement, no nation can progress without making education its topmost priority,” the President said and advised the government to focus on strengthening the domestic technological capability through research and development to make Pakistan a self-sufficient nation.
The President said that the secret to the success of the developed nations lies in their attainment of high educational standards and productive human resource development
The President said that it was heartening to know that 91 PhD students at the FAST University are being funded by the HEC and stressed for making every effort to expand higher education facilities to accommodate more students so as to raise a pool of highly qualified professional for trade and industry of Pakistan.
The President commended the services of FAST (Foundation for Advancement of Science & Technology) for providing quality education to students particularly providing financial assistance worth Rupees 50million to about 1000 poor deserving students who cannot afford to continue higher education.
Dr. Amir Muhammad, Rector FAST National University gave a detailed briefing about the functions, performance, research and faculty of the FAST University and also about the eleven advanced disciplines taught at the university. The Rector also highlighted some issues and problems faced by the university including the transfer of 6 acres of purchased land by the Sindh Government to University for its Karachi Campus and allotment of 30 acres of land in sector H-11, Islamabad to FAST.
The meeting was informed that that FAST University, established in the year 2000, has presently four campuses located in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar and offering quality education in 11 different disciplines ranging from electrical engineering, business administration, mathematics and accounting and finance. The University offers Bachelor, Master and PhD level courses, the meeting was informed. The Rector apprised that FAST university, due to its quality education, has been declared as a “category, W, University” (highest category) by the HEC.
The meeting was informed that presently 500 students are sponsored by the government of Pakistan (under National ICT scholarship Program) for study at this University. Twenty five Fulbright scholarships, which are highly prestigious scholarships awarded every year to outstanding students by the United States, have been awarded to FAST university graduates.
The President assured that the issues faced by the FAST University would be forwarded to federal government and Sindh provincial government for early redressal.
FU/wh
PR No. 157
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Federal Minister for Commerce has expressed his pleasure and satisfaction over achievement of export target for the year 2009-10. The export target for the year 2009-10 was set as $ 18.7 billion. The actual export for the same period remained $ 19.38 billion. Makhdoom Amin Fahim in his statement said that it was an enormous achievement for his Ministry, that despite global recession and depression at the domestic side, the export target was achieved. The Federal Minister said that the export target was achieved at a time of severe competition in the international market and at a time when no concessional treatment was being offered to Pakistani products in the markets of US and EU. The Minister for Commerce has congratulated the exporters and the whole nation on such a hallmark achievement. The Federal Minister hoped that the export target, set in the forthcoming trade policy, would also be achieved with support from traders and exporters of the country.
SH/wh
PR No. 158
PRESS RELEASE
Turkey should be compensated for Mavi Marmara incident – Pakistan
Pakistan seeks technology upgradation for its defence production units
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.Pakistan support Turkey’s stance of immediate compensation to the victims of Mavi Marmara who were brutally killed by Israleli army on 31 May and has demanded an apology from Israel on the incident. Pakistani Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said this here today in a meeting with Turkish Minister for National Defence Mr. Vecdi Gonul, says a press release received from Ankara here today.
Visiting on the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar is leading a defence delegation and is on a three days visit to Turkey.
Both the Ministers discussed joint defence production projects including capacity building and technology up-gradation of Pakistan Ordnance Factories, air defence, and naval combat system projects. They hoped to start projects in modernization of F-16 aircrafts.
Later on, Ch. Mukhtar met with General Ilker BAŞBUG, Chief of Turkish General Staff. He also visited HAVELSAN which is a Turkish Armed Forces Foundation company engaged in hi-tech defence production. Lt. Gen (Retd) Hayrettin UZUN, Chairman of the Board of HAVELSAN briefed the visiting Pakistani delegation about the status ongoing defence projects between Turkey and Pakistan.
AA/wh
PR No. 159
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated government’s determination to explore all possible opportunities to attract investment as well as to utilize the natural resources of the country for the economic prosperity of the people.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of consortium of mineral exploring companies led by Mr. Aaron Regent, President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation and Antofagasta Minerals S.A. of Chile, which called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan really want foreign investment and intends to encourage the best firms and companies which can give the best results. It is with the same intention that the government has prepared investor friendly policies and opened up various sectors for the interested investors.
The Prime Minister informed the delegation which intends to invest in exploration and development of Rekodiq Copper-Gold Mines Project in Balochistan, that the Federal Government has discussed and decided in principle to fully support the consortium and expects the project would be launched at the earliest.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources to hold further discussions with the consortium and to coordinate with the Government of Balochistan to finalize the details.
The Prime Minister was apprised that development of this mega project shall generate a revenue of about US $ 3.5 billion for Government of Pakistan and US $ 4.5 billion for Government of Balochistan over the life of mine which as 40 years. He was briefed that the project would generate mass scale employment of about 6500 skilled and unskilled workers, transfer of technology, promotion of down stream industries, establishment of new township in the region and place the country on the world mineral map.
Mr. Aron Regent, President and ECO of Barrick Gold Corporation leading the delegation appreciated the investor friendly policies of the government of Pakistan and added that it was for the same reason that the consortium has been attracted to come to invest in Pakistan. He further mentioned that their respective governments have urged them to come to Pakistan in response to the demand of the government of Pakistan for foreign investment. The initial investment of the consortium which included a Canadian and a Chilean firm he said would invest US $ 200 million, which could reach upto US $ 4 billion as per the progress on the project. He appreciated the response of the government of Balochistan to the project and lauded the sagacity of the Chief Minister.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Finance, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Finance and Mr. Kamran Lashari, Secretary Petroleum & Natural Resources.
Mr. Aaron Regent was accompanied by the head of M/s Tethyan Copper Company, Mr. Gerhard Von Borries, Ms. Casrie Bogsi and Mr. Kelin Dashnisky of Barrick Gold Corporation and the Antofagasta Minerals.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 160
PRESS RELEASE
IQBAL ISMAIL PRUDENTLY HIGHLIGHTED THE ROLE OF MUSLIMS FOR CREATION OF PAKISTAN IN HIS NEW BOOK
IQBAL ISMAIL VERY BEAUTIFULLY FORESEES THIS BOOK AS A MESSAGE OF PEACE
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah jan Afridi said that Iqbal Ismail prudently highlighted the role of Muslims for creation of Pakistan in his new book. He also said that it is not very often that one comes across a book which is as fascinating and captivating as this one. The author, Iqbal Ismail, brings to life the lesser known aspects of contribution by the Muslims of Bombay in the creation of Pakistan. He expressed these view while addressing in book launching ceremony of “FootPrints in the sand” by Mr. Iqbal Ismail here today.
Mr. Afridi said on this occasion that Memon Muslim community has in the early years of the last century built a huge trading empire that dominated regional trade and finance. The business could rival the best in the world and could be compared with the multinational corporations of today, he added. Environment Minister also mentioned that even today, mainly large Pakistani companies are the direct branches of these large business houses. Many of these companies are present in our everyday lives and have contributed to this country. Thus their imprint is written large on our economic landscape. While refereeing to the book, Federal Minister said that if one reads carefully, one is confronted with the sharp business skills, extreme hard work and close adherence to business and religious ethics which these persons possessed, that made them larger than life and stranger than fiction. He said Mr. Iqbal Ismail very beautifully foresees this book as a message of peace.
Mr. Afridi commended Iqbal Ismail for the excellent research he has undertaken to bring out the economic and financial aspects of the businesses, which thrived in the most hostile environment.
Earlier, the author Mr. Iqbal Ismail delivered his address in which he said that his book touches the deeper aspects of financially turbulent times when Pakistan needed help and how these business clans helped to bring glory to Pakistan. He highlighted the services surrendered by the Memon community for welfare of the Pakistani people.
AS/wh
PR No. 161
PRESS RELEASE
KAIRA STRESSES PAK-US COLLABORATION IN FIGHTING TERRORISM
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that Pakistan and USA should continue working together to change the extremist mindset to achieve peace and development in the region.
The Minister was talking to American Ambassador to Pakistan, H. E. Ms. Anne W. Patterson who called on him in his office here today. The meeting discussed bilateral relations as well as cooperation in the field of public diplomacy and communications between the two countries.
The minister on this occasion stressed the need of enhancing technical and financial cooperation between the two government especially in the field of Information and media. He underlined the need of this cooperation to fight the extremist mindset of a very small segment of the society threatening the whole social fabric of the country. He said that elimination of this mindset is essential for sustainable peace in the region.
The minister highlighted the potential role played by media in uprooting this mindset and stressed the need for capacity building of the media infrastructure in the country through collaboration between the two countries.
Talking about changing the extremist mindset, the minister said that only democratic behaviors in all walks of life can discourage this mindset. He said that the democratic government of Pakistan People’s Party and allied parties believes in democracy and dialogue. He said that the government is ready to engage into dialogue all forces that lay down their weapons and thus prove their seriousness in the peace process.
The upcoming Pak-US Sectoral dialogue also came under discussion during the meeting. The minister appreciated the initiative and hoped that these dialogues would help bring both the countries closer. He also discussed the objective of including in the dialogue, cooperation in the field of public diplomacy & communications.
The US Ambassador appreciated the steps taken by the Pakistani government, especially by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, for enlightening and educating people against terrorism and extremist ideology and strengthening of democracy. She said that US government will always back and support Pakistan in this noble cause achieving which could herald a new era of peace and development in the region.
MS/wh
PR No. 162
PRESS RELEASE
CLARIFICATION
Islamabad, July 14, 2010.This is with reference to a half baked opinionated report by Reuters carried by a section of Pakistani press on 12 July 2010. The report has attempted to suggest that the war effort of the Democratic Government of Pakistan is lacking in attention and strategy. This is a ridiculous observation which is totally in conflict with the ground realities. The fact of the matter is that the military government of General Pervez Musharraf had completely failed in tackling the Taliban militants in the war against terror. Pakistani soldiers and garrisons were being targeted and military convoys could not travel in various parts of the country. A lot of areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and Federally Administrated Tribal Areas were cut off from the rest of the country and Pakistani flag could not be hoisted in many districts.
The PPP Government took decisive action against the terrorists by bringing people behind the national army and giving our forces a plan and enough resources to implement that plan. This national effort has paid off and now the government has regained control of no-go areas and Pakistani flag has been hoisted again in a number of districts after a decade of dictatorship and terrorism. This is an achievement unparalleled in history. The Waziristan operation is the only exception of a victory by a military where, historically speaking, the British and Pakistani forces failed to gain control despite repeated efforts. In contrast, the allied forces comprising soldiers from dozens of NATO countries have failed to make an impact in the immediate neighborhood of this battleground. The Democratic Government and Pakistani forces, therefore, deserve appreciation on this count.
The retired general quoted in the Reuters story as an analyst seems to be oblivious of the facts on the ground. He could draw better comparisons if he had compared today’s situation with the ground reality of the previous military government. The democratic government is working on a comprehensive strategy to isolate and defeat the terrorists by engaging different segments of society for creating a more tolerant and inclusive Pakistan. All government departments, including army, are part of this national effort and the so-called expert analysis is far removed from reality. How can one ignore the broad based consensus against terrorism achieved under the leadership of Pakistan Peoples Party through an All Parties Conference, a consensus resolution by the Parliament against terrorism and resolution of the National Assembly regarding Swat operation?
Moreover, Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan is one example where political and army leadership has demonstrated unison to redress the historically accumulated grievances of Baloch people. The repositioning of security forces in Balochistan eased a political demand which was responded positively by the political as well as military leadership.
Furthermore, the report’s commentary on dynamics of party and government displays complete ignorance about the way Pakistani system works. The Prime Minister is chief executive of the country who takes such decisions while the President is a figure head who represents the unity of the federation. This office remained in control of civil and military bureaucracy for major part of Pakistani history. But now we have a political President, who is also co-chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. In this capacity, he has a role regarding all party members including the Cabinet. Party has a written manifesto which obliges it to deliver a particular agenda for nation building, poverty alleviation and development. All members of PPP are bound to abide by that manifesto and that is what they are doing, whether President, Prime Minister or cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister is in total control of things and he has proved his mettle as politician, parliamentarian and administrator. Pakistani economy has regained its lost dynamism under his leadership, provinces have become stronger through landmark 18th Amendment and the political atmosphere has improved as a result of the policy of reconciliation.
Pakistan has a functioning democracy today. Despite a continuing war in the neighborhood featuring U.S. and its allies on the one side and Al Qaeda and Taliban on the other, Pakistan has proved its resilience and come back strongly from economic meltdown and an unpopular dictatorship. Pakistani economy, genius of its people and a broad-based consensus on the constitution make Pakistan a strong player in the region. This is a new Pakistan.
DO/wh