PR No. 163
PRESS RELEASE
Turkey should be compensated for Mavi Marmara incident – Pakistan
Pakistan seeks technology upgradation for its defence production units
Islamabad, July 15, 2010.Pakistan support Turkey ’s stance of immediate compensation to the victims of Mavi Marmara who were brutally killed by Israeli army on 31 May and has demanded an apology from Israel on the incident. Pakistani Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar stated, says a fax message received from Ankara 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 .
PR No. 164
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER CONDEMNS BOMB BLAST IN MINGOR
Islamabad, July 15, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the bomb blast in Mingora which resulted in death and injuries of innocent and peaceful citizens of the area.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the government and the people of Pakistan are committed to confront the challenge of terrorism. The evil designs of the terrorists would never be allowed to succeed, he said.
The Prime Minister called upon the concerned authorities to investigate into the incident and ensure proper medical facilities to the injured.
PR No. 165
PRESS RELEASE
STUDENTS OF FATA ARE CAPABLE AND TALENTED
GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDE MAIN EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES IN FATA: AFRIDI
Islamabad, July 15, 2010Talented students of (FATA) would visit reputed educational institutions and important places of USA under student Exchange Programme to be conducted by (ED Links). Twenty six students including 07 girls and 19 boys students have been given representation at national level for carrying out a detailed survey and evaluation of their educational performances. These selected students would act as Ambassador of Pakistan during their visit abroad.
This was stated by Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi in a meeting held in his office today. The meeting was attended by Regional Director (ED Links) Ajmal Khan, Programme Manager Ms. Abida Sohail, Managing Director ENERCON Fareed Ullah Khan and other concerned officers of Ministry of Environment were also present on the occasion.
Federal Minister for Environment said that student of (FATA) are capable and talented and they would be selected for all national and international tours purely on merit basis. He said every possible resources should be mobilized for expansion of educational facilities in Tribal area and the young students of (FATA) would promote the soft image of Tribal areas during their visits. He said teachers training programmes and their foreign visits would also be started to promote the standard of education in FATA areas, which would also enable them to make themselves conversant with latest advancement in education sector.
Ajmal Khan informed that selected students would be imparted training in digital and web-based technologies, enhancing language skills and a 15 days training programme has also been designed in Islamabad prior to their departure to USA.
PR No. 166
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 15, 2010Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s Secretariat here this afternoon and briefed him on his recent visit to Australia.
Overall security situation of the country also came under discussion during the meeting.
PR No. 167
PRESS RELEASE
PIR AFTAB JILANI MEETS RAJA PERVAIZ ASHRAF
Islamabad 15th July, 2010Federal Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani held a meeting with Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf here today. Special power tariff for film industry was on the agenda of the meeting.
Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani and the Raja Pervaiz Ashraf both agreed on this most important issue of film industry. They said that every measure would be taken in this regard and everything will be done for revival of film industry on top priority basis. Both the ministers further agreed on the point that power tariff for film industry/ Cinemas and theatre would be in line with the tariff for other industries.
Raja Pervaz Ashraf said that the poor will not be deprived of cheap source of entertainment like cinemas & theatre.
Secretary Water and Power Shahid Rafi, MD PEPCO Basharat Cheema and Secretary Culture Moinul Islam Bukhari were also present during the meeting.
PR No. 168
PRESS RELEASE
QAMAR MEETS AARON REGENT, PRESIDENT BARRICK GOLD CORPORATION
Islamabad 15th July, 2010The Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar has reiterated government’s resolve to providing an enabling environment to the investors and their facilitation for sustainable exploitation of the natural resources of the country.
The minister was talking to the delegation of Tethyan Copper Company Limited – a joint venture between Barrick Gold Corporation (Canada) and Antofagasta Plc (Chile) – led by Aaron W. Regent, President and Chief Executive Officer of Barrick Gold that called on him today and discussed matters of mutual interest with particular reference to the Reko-Diq copper gold mega project in Chagai, Baluchistan.
During the meeting Syed Naveed Qamar emphasized on further enhancing interaction with the Government of Baluchistan and consideration of their proposal of value addition of mineral deposits that would go a long way in streamlining matters relating to the Reko-Diq copper gold project.
The delegation appreciated minister’s vision for sustainable development of the country’s mineral deposits.
Secretary Petroleum Mr. Kamran Lashari as well as Additional Secretary Mr. Ejaz Chaudhry also attended the meeting.
PR No. 169
PRESS RELEASE
COAS CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad 15th July, 2010Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday afternoon.
Matters related to operational preparedness of Pakistan Army and security situation in the country was discussed during the meeting.
PR No. 170
PRESS RELEASE
MONSOON TREE PLANTATION CAMPAIGN 2010
45.5 MILLION SAPLINGS TO BE PLANTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY
NATIONAL TREE PLANTATION DAY WILL BE CELEBRATED ON 10TH AUGUST, 2010
DURING MONSOON TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN
INTER-PROVINCIAL/INTER-MINISTERIAL MEETING ON SPRING TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN
Islamabad July 15,2010A high level inter-provincial/inter-Ministerial meeting for monsoon tree planting Campaign 2010 was held under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi here today. The aim of this meeting was to review the progress of afforestation by various agencies during Spring Tree Planting Campaign 2010 and develop a comprehensive strategy for Monsoon Tree Planting Campaign 2010.
The meeting was attended by Molvi Abd-us-Samad, Minister of Forest Balochistan, Secretary Ministry of Environment Mr. Muhammad Javed Malik, Addl. Secretary Mr. Kamran Ali Qureshi, representatives of provincial of forest, wildlife, and environment departments, CDA, Ministries of Defense, Defense Production, Education, Health, IUCN and other partners.During the meeting it was decided that more than 45 million saplings would be planted all over the country during the monsoon tree plantation campaign 2010 beginning from the third week of July, 2010. Targets fixed for current campaign include planting 14 million saplings in Punjab, 12 million in Sindh, 5 million in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, 0.5 million in Balochistan, 5 million in AJ&K and 6 million in FATA. In addition to this CDA would plant 0.4 million saplings, IUCN 0.8 million, Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited 0.3 million saplings whereas 1 million saplings would be planted under the Rachna Doab project.
Speaking on the occasion the Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi stressed the need of a comprehensive monitoring strategy to monitor the survival percentage of the saplings planted. Federal Minister observed that though the Prime Minister of Pakistan has declared 18th August as National Tree Planting Day but due to holy month of Ramzan this day shall be celebrated on 10th of August 2010 and urged the provincial forest departments and other stakeholders to plant as much saplings as they can on this day to celebrate it in a befitting manner. Government should encourage private nursery growers so that healthy and vigorous planting stock is available to public at large, the Minister added. Honourable Minister reiterated the importance of mobilizing all the government, semi-government and Private organizations alongwith general public towards making Monsoon Tree Planting Campaign 2010 a success and urged the media to play its vital role in promoting this noble cause.
PR No. 171
PRESS RELEASE
OUR FUTURE IN AGRICULTURE WOULD BE DEFINED BY THE WAY WE PERFORM IN THE SEED SECTOR. RESEARCH AND TRIAL A MUST FOR PROMOTION OF HYBRID SEED IN THE COUNTRY. NAZAR M. GONDAL
Islamabad July 15, 2010.Federal minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal said that agricultural progress depends on producing quality seeds and keeping abreast with the lately researched varieties of the crops. He added that it is a very crucial and sensitive sector and we need to provide quality seed to our farmers.
The minister was chairing the 15th meeting of the National Seed Council here at the ministry.
“The council must include members from the citrus producing areas. The agricultural scientist must find solutions for the sudden death of mango and citrus plant. Cotton Leave Curl Virus (CLCV) is a local disease and finding a remedy for it a challenge for the agricultural scientists of the country. Our agricultural sector offers a huge potential for investors and the private sector would be encouraged and facilitated to invest in the seed sector”, added the minister.
Mr. Gondal said that the council proposes that all the imported hybrid seeds must go through the trial and test system under the supervision of the local scientists before commercializing them. He said that the present government is committed to bring about a drastic change in agriculture by modernizing agricultural practices and implementing the laboratory results in the fields.
The agenda items for the meeting included Fruit Tree Nursery Certification Standards, to levy fee for certification of various crop seeds and Adoption of Seed Testing Procedures, Methods and Protocols of International Seed Testing Agency (ISTA), etc.
Members from the private seed companies assured of their cooperation for the promotion of quality seeds in the country. Mr. Aamir Mehmood, CEO Monsanto in Pakistan, said that Pakistan is the third largest market in Asia for foreign investors in the agricultural sector.
The meeting was attended by Secretary and additional secretary Minfa, Provincial agriculture secretaries, D.G’s Provincial Seed Councils, representatives from private seed companies, progressive farmers and other senior officials of the ministry.
PR No. 172
PRESS RELEASE
A VIGIL EYE SHOULD BE KEPT ON STRICT COMPLIANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS: JAVED MALIK
Islamabad 15th July, 2010Federal Secretary Environment Muhammad Javed Malik has said that time of compromises on environmental issues has gone, we should have to kept a vigil eye on strict compliance of environmental laws with the support of civil society and media. Practicable suggestions could be evolved so that a comprehensive roadmap could be defined to overcome environmental degradation issues.
He expressed these views while addressing one day workshop on Environmental Laws, Compliance & Enforcement held today.
Federal Secretary said that Environmental challenges and issues of Pakistan are associated primarily with the distorted social and economic development in the recent decades. He said that rapid urbanization, industrialization and population pressures are serious threats for our environment and being the patriotic citizens of Pakistani we should have to devote ourselves for adopting necessary precautionary measures to minimize the elements effecting to our environment.
Mr. Muhammad Javed Malik said that according to World Bank study environmental degradation costs the country at least 6 percent of GDP, or about Rs.365 billion per year, in order to address the environmental issues we should have to discharge our responsibilities with national spirit and zeal. The Federal Secretary Environment appreciated the collaborated efforts of UNEP, UNDP, PELA & partner organizations for making the event successful.
Earlier, eminent experts on the Environmental Laws giving presentations highlighted crucial issues relating to violation of Environmental Laws and said that it is imperative to tackle the situation by strict enforcement of relevant laws. The speakers also underlined the need of mutual cooperation of executing agencies to address the issues accordingly.
PR No. 173
PRESS RELEASE
FINANCE MINISTER CHAIRS MEETING OF CABINET COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING OF
PUBLIC SECTOR ENTERPRISES (CCOR)
Islamabad, July 15, 2010.The 2nd meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Reconstructuring of Public Sector Enterprises (CCOR) was held under the chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh here today.
The committee deliberated upon the multiple issues relating to the task of restructuring of PSEs and adopted the following general principles for completing its task:
The size of the proposed Board of Directors may range between 8 to 10 members.
The proposed names of Board of Directors must contain a right-mix of Government and private sector professionals with a greater leaning towards the private sector.
The private sector nominations should represent a balance in their academic and professional background to provide diversity of opinion for taking informed decisions by the Board.
Regional balances may be observed in the nominations to the Boards.
Gender balances may also be maintained while making nominations to the Boards.
The nominees may also reflect a balance in the age of the nominees to the Board of Directors of PSEs.
With a view to grooming a second generation of private sector persons, at least once member on the BOD should be a young private sector individual with potential to make his mark in future.
The nominees of the Board may be selected from the trade and industry, NGOs, academia and the media.
Ministers, Secretaries/government officials may not be nominated as chairpersons of the Board of Directors.
The office of the Chairperson and CEO should be kept separate.
Apart from the concerned Ministry the tendency of nominating BOD members from other ministries should be curbed. This may only be resorted to if it is absolutely necessary.
No representative of the Ministry of Finance may be nominated on the BODs unless absolutely necessary.
The CEOs and Head of Finance of each PSE be a member of the BOD.
The choice of private sector nominees may also be based on the ability of the nominee to be able to devote time to the PSE to which he/she may be nominated.
Multiple nominations be avoided at all costs.
One nominee of the CCOR be represented on the Boards of all PSEs.
The above parameters shall be observed subject to any legal impediment on where, it is absolutely necessary to deviate there from.
The CCOR decided that the above parameters would be shared with the concerned Ministries to enable them to propose Board nominees for the PSEs falling in their jurisdiction. The process is likely to be completed before the next meeting of the CCOR scheduled for next week.
It may be recalled that the Federal Cabinet under the chair of the Prime Minister had prescribed the following Terms of Reference for the CCOR:
To restructure the Boards and Management of the PSEs
To direct the Boards to prepare and present restructuring plans.
To review and monitor implementation plans on a quarterly basis
It may be recalled further that the following eight Public Sector Enterprises were identified for restructuring:
PEPCO (and is distribution companies)
Pakistan Railways
Pakistan Steel Mills
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP)
Utility Stores Corporation
Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Company (PASSCO)
National Highway Authority
The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs and Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.
PR No. 174
PRESS RELEASE
NAEK, JAMALI CONDEMN MINGORA BLAST
Islamabad 15th July, 2010The Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have strongly condemned the bomb blast occurring in Mingora today which caused heavy loss to the lives and properties of the people and termed it as a cowardly act. They also prayed to Almighty Allah for early recovery of those who sustained injuries in the blast and observed that the government and the people would not submit before a handful of terrorists and continue to put up a brave fight against terrorism in all forms and manifestation.
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate sympathized with the families of the victims.
The Leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Mr. Wasim Sajjad has also condemned the blast.
PR No. 175
PRESS RELEASE
INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad 15th July, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Thursday said that destinies of the people of both Pakistan and India and development of the entire region lies in friendly, cooperative and good neighborly relations between the two countries.
This he said during meeting with the Indian External Affairs Minister Mr. S. M. Krishna who called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
Indian External Affairs Minister was accompanied by Ms. Nirupama Rao, Indian Foreign Secretary and Mr. Sharat Sabharwal, Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan.
From Pakistani side, those who attended the meeting included Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, Senator A. Rehman Malik, Interior Minister, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Kamal Majidullah, SAPM, Malik Asif Hayat, Secy to the President, Mr. Salman Bashir, Secy Foreign affirs, Mr. Shahid Malik, Pakistan’s High Commissioner in India and spokesperson to the President former senator Mr. Farhat Ullah Babar.
The President while appreciating the re-engagement between the two countries said that heavy responsibility devolves on both Pakistan and India to have sustained dialogue and steer our nations from conflictual path to a cooperative course for the uplift and welfare of the region and people of the two countries.
The President said that the resumption of composite dialogue will help remove mistrust and restore confidence in relations between the two countries and would also help resolve all outstanding issues including occupied Jammu & Kashmir, water, Sir Creek, Siachen, terrorism and other issues impeding the mutual cooperation. He said that the water issue was becoming serious as it had adverse impacts on our agriculture and added that the Indus Water Treaty should be fully honoured and implemented.
The President said that trade relations between the two countries would see a marked increase once the resumed dialogue process continues without any interruption.
The President while referring to Pakistan’s fight against extremism said that terrorism is a common enemy and Pakistan is against militancy and terrorism in any form and in any location and both the Governments needed to work more closely for eliminating this menace. The President stressed for timely information and intelligence sharing between the two counties to prevent any incident of terrorism and violence and that terror incident don’t affect our ties in the future.
The Indian Foreign Minister also conveyed to the President greetings of Indian Prime Minister Mr. Manmohan Singh.
PR No. 176
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTANI DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS TURKISH DEFENCE PRODUCTION ORGANIZATIONS .PAKISTAN TO FOCUS ON LINKING DEFENCE INDUSTRY WITH ACADEMIA – MUKHTAR
Islamabad 15th July, 2010Pakistani Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, who is leading a defence delegation to Turkey, visited today Turkish defence organizations including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and ASELSAN in Ankara. Possibilities of local production, co-production, and transfer of technology for defence related products according to needs of the two countries were discussed during the visit, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan Ankara, Turkey here today.
Chairman of the Board of Directors of TAI, Lt. Gen (Retd) M. Yalchinkaya briefed the visiting delegation about the main areas of activities of the organization. Progress on existing defence related projects between Turkey and Pakistan was reviewed. The delegation also visited the facilities of aircraft manufacturing, overhauling, and were shown unmanned aerial (UAV) vehicle indigenously developed by TAI.
The delegation also visited ASELSAN, another defence production company, working under public private partnership. They were particularly briefed about the academic-industry linkage arrangement that is giving a big boost to R&D for the Turk defence production sector.
Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar also desired for a strong academia-industry linkage. He said innovation and best research is possible when industry is linked with the academic institutions.
ENDS
PR No. 177
PRESS RELEASE
NAEK FOR PROMOTING FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENT
FRIENDLY BUSINESS
WATER RESERVOIRS TO BOOST AGRICULTURE IN BALOCHISTAN: BHOOTANI
Islamabad 15th July, 2010The Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Mr. Farooq H Naek has called upon policy makers and parliamentarians to lay down frame work of priorities in support of climate friendly business in order to combat emissions and other pollutants. He said this today, while chairing the session on “Working with Business” on the occasion of International Parliamentary Conference on Climate Change organized by Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in London. The session aimed at exploring how parliamentarians can work with various partners in tackling climate change and looking at the ways and means parliamentarians can utilize to support business to carry out its role more effectively to combat climate change, says a press release received from Pakistan High Commission, London here today.
The main speakers of this session were Mr.Mark Kenber, Policy Director, the Climate Group and Mr.David Mason, Senior Sustainability Manager, SKANSKA. Drawing the recommendations from the presentations and discussions, Mr.Naek who chaired the session put forth five priorities for supporting the programmes and working with the business aimed at environmental protection including public and private sector partnership and information sharing in business for emission reduction; Investments through international money in developing countries to reduce emissions; addressing barriers to technology transfer and trade and creating incentives and measures for industries to reduce emission; look for synergies between adaptation and where meeting these objectives also improve jobs and investments, and framing necessary policies and legislation for making cities climate friendly.
The Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Mr.Muhammad Aslam Bhootani while highlighting the climate issues in the province of Balochistan said that, the biggest problem being faced by the province due to climate change is that of water shortage and to solve this issue, the present Government is focussing on building water reservoirs and dams and recently President Asif Ali Zardari has laid down ground breaking of two dams in Balochistan namely Winder and Naolang dams, besides this construction of Hingol and many other dams has been approved.
Mr. Bhootani added that the construction of dams and reservoirs will help in improving water situation as well as underground water levels in the province which in tern will give boost to agriculture and thousands of acres of land will be brought under cultivation. He further said that since Pakistan was engaged in war against terrorism, the resources of the country were under severe constraints; therefore support from international community was required for implementing schemes for environmental protection.
PR No. 178
PRESS RELEASE
YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIAN DELEGATION STRESSES NATO TO HALT DRONE ATTACKS
Islamabad 15th July, 2010An 18-member delegation of Young Parliamentarian Forum led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi currently on a visit to Brussels on the invitation of NATO visited Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), European Parliament, NATO and Kashmir Centre in Brussels, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Brussels (Belgium) here today.
It was an opportunity for Young Parliamentarians to interact with the representative of UK, Ambassador of Turkey, Deputy Assistant General for Public Diplomacy Division, Deputy Assistant Secretary General Political Affairs, Ambassador Robert F. Simmons and Admiral Giameaolo Di Paola, Chairman of the Military Committee. The purpose of this visit was to create awareness among Parliamentarians and future leadership of Pakistan about the operations of NATO and its achievements in Afghanistan and to acknowledge the role of Pakistan in the stability of the region as a front line state in war on terror.
The delegation also visited SHAPE and had briefing on the operations by Gen. Sir John McColl, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander and Major General Frantisek Maleninsky. The Members of delegation conveyed the feelings of Pakistani public against drone attacks and called for their immediate halt so that the process of dialogue may get a chance to restore the peace in the area. They emphasized Pakistan’s stance that peace in Afghanistan is vital for peace in the entire region. The delegation stressed upon need for recognition of sacrifices made by people in Pakistan, hence Pakistan needs trade not aid.
The delegation also attended EU Parliament session with countries of South Asia, headed by Ms. Jean Lambert and explained about the sufferings and losses of Pakistan in the context of war against terrorism.
During their visit at Kashmir Centre, Barrister Majid Tramboo briefed about the functioning of Kashmir Centre and emphasised the work Kashmir Centre EU is undertaking in order to highlight grave human rights abuses in Indian-held Kashmir at the EU level.
PR No. 179
PRESS RELEASE
INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad 15th July, 2010‘ Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that his Government is committed to having friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations with India and enjoys full support of the whole spectrum of political forces, in the country, on this account. The Prime Minister stated that the existing environment of goodwill for fostering friendly relations with India, in Pakistan, needs to be benefited from through concrete measures to address all the outstanding issues between the two countries, lest it gets eroded with the passage of time. He added that he has personally invested in improving the relations with India as he was of the firm belief that it was the only way forward for the peace and prosperity of both the countries as well as the whole South Asian region.
The Prime Minister was talking to Indian External Affairs S.M. Krishna who along with his delegation called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, this afternoon.
The Prime Minister recalled his very cordial meetings with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Sharm-al-Sheikh, last year, and again in Thimphu in April, this year, as steps in the right direction. He underlined the fact that it had been agreed in the Thimphu meeting that both sides would enter into discussions on all the issues of mutual concern and hence every dispute would be put on the table as part of the dialogue.
Prime Minister said that Pakistan, being the foremost victim of terrorism, having lost tens of thousands of soldiers and common men, besides suffering tremendously in economic terms, was vigorously cooperating with the rest of the world to defeat the menace of terrorism. Pakistan has accordingly taken serious and credible steps to bring the perpetrators of Mumbai incident to justice but it wants India to share with it the credible and prosecutable evidence against the accused, to achieve that goal. Prime Minister added that Pakistan is also steadfastly pursuing the matters agreed between the Interior and Home Ministers in their meeting in Islamabad, last month, as it considers terrorism as a common threat to both the countries. The evil designs of terrorists can only be defeated through continued dialogue between Pakistan and India, he added.
The Prime Minister stated that while Pakistan stood by its commitments made in Thimphu and in the Interior Ministers’ meeting, the ball was now in court of India to take the peace process forward by resuming the dialogue on all the outstanding issues. He called for increased exchanges by way of people-to-people contacts and Parliamentarians visits to help bridge the trust gap between the two countries and suggested immediate release and repatriation of all the incarcerated fishermen and those prisoners who have already completed their sentences in each other’s countries.
The Indian External Affairs Minister stated that his visit was part of the initiatives taken by the Prime Ministers of both the countries to resume meaningful dialogue. He agreed with the Prime Minister on the need to bridge the trust gap between both the countries and to enhance interaction between them at every level.
He said that despite the respective positions of both sides on certain issues, India will continue striving to reach for the mutually agreeable solutions of the irritants, through dialogue. The talks between the two countries, he said, would pave the way forward to open up avenues for discussions in various fields.