PR No. 180
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16th July, 2010Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia, Mr. Sanaullah visited the Jakarta Post Head Office and met Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, the newly appointed Chief Editor of the premier English daily. Mr. Meidyatama replaced Mr. Endy Bayuni. They discussed arrangement between the Jakarta Post and Pakistani media on news exchanges, says a press release received here today from Jakarta.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 181
PRESS RELEASE
World Bank delegation assures Hafeez Sheikh of the Bank’s
continued support to Pakistan’s economy
Islamabad 16th July, 2010**KS/Ahmad**
PR No. 182
PRESS RELEASE
President South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry meets the Prime Minister
Islamabad 16th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the government is committed to Women Empowerment in all spheres of life so as to ensure their equal participation in national progress and prosperity. The government, he added, has taken a number of initiatives for economic empowerment of women and expressed confidence that women would take advantage of these facilities.
The Prime Minister was talking to Ms Aneela Iftikhar, President, South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today.
While appreciating the initiative of Ms Aneela Iftikhar to establish the First Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Prime Minister asked her to associate maximum number of women entrepreneurs working in various fields both from the urban and rural areas to help economic emancipation of women.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned federal government organizations to allocate appropriate land for the construction of the building for Women Chamber including the Research and Development Centre for enhancing the interest of business women to further develop their respective businesses. He informed that necessary funds for the R&D Centre have been approved and would be available to the South Punjab Women Chamber through Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
The Prime Minister said that women are half of the total population and their active participation in the national economic activity can help rapid economic progress and prosperity. He further said that all such women forums should develop inter-linkages for coordinated efforts and synchronized cooperation to promote women participation in trade and industry. He observed that there is a need to establish Women Chambers of Commerce and Industries in all the regions which will act as harbinger of change in social attitudes and perception about women’s potential. He expressed his confidence in the Pakistani women’s ability to bring about an economic change.
Ms Aneela Iftikhar briefed the Prime Minister on the progressive development of the South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries ever since its inception in 2008. She apprised the Prime Minister that it was the first Chamber of Commerce and Industry for women entrepreneurs whose membership has increased to 150 members covering 14 districts of South Punjab. She proposed that in order to encourage the women to enter into the field of business and commerce, the women entrepreneurs be given loans at low mark up and those involved in exports of Pakistani goods produced by women be given the facility of tax rebates for some period. She also requested that women entrepreneurs also need to be associated in the Strategic Trade Policy formulation.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 183
PRESS RELEASE
PM talks to Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour,
Ministry of Pak. Railways
Islamabad 16th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan Railways be restructured on modern lines as a viable and efficient public service entity. The Railways, he added, serve as a primary means of communication and transportation thus ensuring the economic progress and development of the country.
The Prime Minister was talking to Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Minister for Railways here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat today.
The Prime Minister said that the government had earlier decided to restructure eight major public sector enterprises including Railways and would like to see concrete proposals to turn around Railways into a self sustaining public service entity.
The Ministry for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour briefed the Prime Minister on the strategy being prepared to restructure the Pakistan Railways. He also apprised him on the working of the Ministry of Railways.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 184
PRESS RELEASE
PM approves/allocates funds to establish Engineering College Sargodha
Islamabad 16th July, 2010The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has approved and allocated requisite funds for the establishment of an Engineering College at Sargodha to cater for the needs of students in the region. He also approved widening and improvement of an important road link from Shahpur to Sahiwal. He said that the Government is making concerted efforts to bring the backward regions at par with the developed areas.
The Prime Minister while talking to a delegation of notables from Sargodha who called on him at PM Secretariat this morning has said the Government remains committed to make Education for All (EFA) a reality and promoting engineering education in the country. He observed that future of the Pakistani nation hinges upon the establishment of knowledge-based economy.
The Prime Minister issued necessary instructions to start classes at Engineering College Sargodha in the coming October as the building is already available in the Sargodha University Campus. The allocated would be utilized for purchase of necessary equipment, laboratories and payment of remunerations to the teaching and auxiliary staff.
The Prime Minister said that a National Education Policy after intense consultation with all the stake-holders including the provincial governments has been announced. He hoped that the provinces will allocate sufficient funds for education as their budgetary allocations have been almost doubled in this fiscal year after enactment of NFC Award and 18th Amendment.
The Prime Minister has said the education plays a pivotal role in the development of any economy and Pakistan needs qualified scientists, engineers, administrators, lawyers and doctors, who can sincerely put in their best efforts in the service of Nation. Being a developing country, he said, provision of education to each citizen of this country is a mammoth task yet the government is making all out efforts to increase the literacy rate.
The Prime Minister mentioned that developmental funds had been allocated to each and every member of the parliament irrespective of their party affiliation. He said that the Government is according priority in the People’s Work Programme to such projects which can bring the backward areas at par with the developed regions of the country. He also discussed development projects launched in Sargodha Division.
The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the establishment of an Engineering College at Sargodha and provision of requisite funds for widening and improvement of the existing road from Shahpur to Sahiwal in district Sargodha. They appreciate the Prime Minister’s keen interest in the development of the backward region of the country.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 185
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16th July, 2010A delegation of General Electric Company of USA, headed by Mr. Ferdinando Falco Beccalli, President and Chief Executive Officer of General Electric International, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The delegation beside its President/CEO Mr. Ferdinando Falco Beccalli also included Mr. Kursat Ozkan, Corporate Regional Executive, Mr. Karan Bhattia, Vice President General Electric Corporate and Mr. Lorenzo Simonelli, Vice President General Electric Rail.
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Minister for Railways, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chairman Board of Investment, Mr. Samiul Haq Khilji, secretary Railway, spokesperson to the President former senator Mr. Farhat Ullah Babar and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
The meeting was part of series of meetings the General Electric Company has been holding in Pakistan to explore different avenues of investment in power generation, wind energy and building of fast track railway lines in Pakistan.
The President while referring to the Pak-US strategic relations said that USA is our single largest investment and trade partner and added that initiatives of General Electric Company to invest in Pakistan will further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The President assured full support of the government towards realization of the company’s initiatives for contributing to the economic and social development of Pakistan. He said that the business friendly and liberal investment policy devised by the government to attract foreign investment in key sectors like Energy and Power generation, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing and agriculture have resulted in attracting significant foreign direct investment in Pakistan.
The CEO of General Electric said that his company was keen to invest in wind energy projects and also in building fast track railway lines in Pakistan. The President appreciated General Electric’s interest to invest in Pakistan and also emphasized the need for latest technology and localizing it in Pakistan as the strategy for improving railway in the country. The President said that Pakistan offers promising opportunities and prospects for massive investment in new sources of energy in Pakistan particularly in the development of wind energy.
PR No. 186
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that his government has taken a number of positive steps for the empowerment and emancipation of the women. It is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to bring women in the main stream to play their due role in the nation building, he added.
The Prime Minister was talking to Senator Syeda Sughra Imam and Ms Raheela Baloch, MNA, who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning.
The Prime Minister lauded the role played by women parliamentarians in the Assembly sessions and for contributing positively towards the legislation process.
The Prime Minister urged them to focus on the development schemes to encourage other women to participate in the development activities both at federal and provincial levels.
The Parliamentarians apprised the Prime Minister of the status of development projects in their respective constituencies.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 187
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has reiterated the commitment of his government to provide relief to common man and to take all necessary measures to improve their standard of living.
While expressing his satisfaction over the political situation of the country, the Prime Minister said that by virtue of the policy of reconciliation of his government, all political parties are playing their due role for strengthening of democracy. He hoped that restoration of peace will pave the way for the investment in country directly linked to the prosperity and development of the country and its people.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Food and Agriculture and Ms. Fariyal Talpur, MNA who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat today.
The Prime Minister urged the parliamentarians to ensure the implementation of Ramazan Package announced by the government in Cabinet meeting. The Package, he observed, would make possible the provision of the staple food to the people at lower prices.
The parliamentarians appreciated the steps taken by the government in this regard and also apprised the Prime Minister of the status of the on-going development schemes in their respective constituencies.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 188
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16th July, 2010The 7th round of Pak-Afghan Joint Working Group Meeting on Pak-Afghan transit trade Agreement (APTTA) starts in Islamabad today. The Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim and his Afghan counterpart Anwar ul Haq Ahadi jointly inaugurated the session. In his welcome statement Makhdoom Amin Fahim welcomed the delegation. The Federal Minister hoped that both the delegations would take advantage of this occasion and their efforts would prove to be productive for the benefit of the people of both the countries. Afghanistan is an important trading partner of Pakistan , and the bilateral trade has grown from US $ 170 million in 2000-01 to US $ 1491 million in 2008-09, the Federal Minister stated. Afghan Transit trade through Pakistan has increased from US $ 161 million in 2000 to US $ 1073 in 2009, he further stated. The Transit Trade Agreement signed between the two countries in 1965 has served well. In view of expansion of global trade, both the countries feel the need for an up-dated and improved Transit Trade Agreement, said the Minister. Substantial progress has been made so far in six rounds of Talks of the Joint Working Group, and I am sure that commitment and determination of both the sides would achieve its objectives; Makhdoom Amin Fahim concluded his statement. In his speech, Anwar Ul Haq Ahadi, the Minister for Trade and Industries of Afghanistan, expressed that regional cooperation was a must for regional peace and stability. He outlined that Afghanistan ’s economy was integrated with Pakistan ’s economy, and their mutual will could give it a positive impetus. The talks would continue for tomorrow.
PR No. 189
PRESS RELEASE
VICE PRESIDENT WORLD BANK CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad 16th July, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Friday called upon international donor agencies, world community and friends of Pakistan for extending optimal support and assistance to the democratic government of Pakistan not only to rescue our war ravaged economy but also to create vistas of opportunities for our people affected by the war against militancy and terrorism.
This he said during a meeting with Vice President World Bank Ms. Isabel Guerrero who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today. She was also accompanied by Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud, Country Director, World Bank.
From Pakistan side, those who attended the meeting included Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Finance Minister, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Ms Farzana Raja, Chairperson BISP, Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary to the President, Mr. Salman Sidique, Secy Finance, Mr. Sabtain Fazal Halim, secy Economic Affair Division and spokesperson to the President former senator Mr. Farhatullah Babar.
The President while referring to the human and material losses , Pakistan has incurred as a result of prolonged fight against militancy said that Pakistan has suffered immensely in the global fight against militancy and finds its economy gravely damaged by the war against militancy. He reiterated that the war would continue against militants till the complete elimination of this menace.
The President said that the government looked forward to international donor agencies and other partners for support in facing numerous challenges. He also called for trade and market access for Pakistani products into the US and European Markets to put our economy on the path of stability and prosperity and also to address issues of poverty and unemployment in the war affected areas.
The President appreciated the working relationship of Pakistan with the World Bank and emphasized the Bank to consider financing energy and water resource projects in Pakistan as the country is facing acute energy shortage and water crises which were adversely affecting the economy. The President also appreciated the World Bank loan amounting to US$ 145.6 million for Punjab Barrages improvement project.
Ms. Isabel Guerrero briefed the President about the Country Partnership strategy (CPS) of US$ 6 billion of the World Bank with Pakistan and also about various projects of the Bank and thematic areas of financing by the Bank in Pakistan. She also showed interest in the Benazir Income Support Program and how it was used to empower women in Pakistan. She said that World Bank was ready to invest in energy sector in Pakistan.
PR No. 190
PRESS RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, TRAINED MANPOWER NECESSARY TO
CURB DRUG TRAFFICKING – PAKISTAN AMBASSADOR
Islamabad 16th July, 2010To counter drug trafficking and curb the menace of organized crime, international cooperation and best trained manpower are two essential components. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey, H.E. Mr. Tariq Azizuddin said this at Turkish International Academy Against Drugs & Organized Crime (TADOC), Ankara, at the concluding ceremony of two week training course attended by 19 senior government officials from Pakistani law enforcement agencies (LEAs) here today says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan Ankara, Turkey.
“Imparting best training would empower field officers of LEAs to eliminate drug trafficking,” said the Ambassador. He said enhancing the technical expertise of the relevant officials would certainly help in curbing trans-border crime and drug trafficking. “Actionable intelligence gathering and use of technology would make our response from reactive to a proactive mode and would enable us to eliminate this cancer from our societies,” added the Ambassador.
Director TADOC Mr. Ismail Uzturk on the occasion said that his organization has implemented 230 international training programs with the participation of over 3000 law enforcement personnel from 63 countries.
Today’s concluding ceremony of the training coincided with the launch of a landmark country programme for Pakistan in Islamabad for the period 2010-2014 targeting drug and crime issues.
ENDS
PR No. 191
PRESS RELEASE
PRESENT GOVERNMENT TO IMPART TECHNICAL EDUCATION TO OVER
ONE MILLION YOUTH IN ITS TERM OF FIVE YEAR
Islamabad 16th July, 2010The present government, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has recognized that in order to achieve sustained economic growth, increased social development and remain globally competitive, skills development must be a national priority.
This was stated by Mr. Adnan A. Khawaja, Chairman NAVTEC, while addressing a gathering at the Certificate distribution ceremony of trainees at technical Institute of Karachi Shipyard in Karachi.
The Chairman NAVTEC further stated that this is a proven fact that technical and vocational training is the only way to overcome unemployment and poverty in the country.
Mr. Khawaja informed the gathering that this was the vision of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani which provided guidance to NAVTEC in formulating the first National Skill Strategy. This National Skill Strategy out-lines a series of reforms that will help establish a national system of skill development that addresses the needs of employers, meets the expectations of learners and assures quality. Now, the work on a number of reforms has already been initiated, he informed.
Mr. Adnan A. Khawaja further stated that the PPP Government, during its term of five year, would be able to provide technical and vocational training to over one million youth of the country which would usher in a new era of socio-economic development. Efforts are being made to provide jobs to all technically trained male and female within the country and also abroad.
Earlier, In his address, Vice Admiral ® Rao Iftikhar Ahmad, MD Karachi Shipyard, stated Karachi Shipyard Technical Institute is imparting best possible skills to its trainees which would enable them in seeking good jobs not in Pakistan, but also in neighbouring mid Eastern Countries, for their better future. So far 1100 students have got technical education prom Karachi Shipyard Institute.
In the end, Chairman NAVTEC, distributed certificates to the passed–out trainees.
PR No. 192
PRESS RELEASE
MS. SEEMA ILLAHI BALOCH DECORATED BY POLISH GOVERNMENT.
Islamabad 16th July, 2010The Ambassador of Pakistan to the Republic of Poland Ms. Seema Illahi Baloch was given the award of Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Poland the other day.
The Ambassador was decorated by His Excellency, Mr. Radoslaw Sikorski, Foreign Minister, on behalf of the Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament and Acting President Mr. Bronislaw Komorowski, for the outstanding contribution she made in strengthening Pakistan-Polish relations.
It may be mentioned that the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland is a Polish Order awarded to those who have rendered great service to the Polish nation. It is granted to foreigners or Poles residents abroad for a distinguished contribution to an international cooperation or cooperation between Poland and other countries and as such is a traditional ‘diplomatic order’. It is awarded by President of Poland.
The Order was established in 1974, as Order of Merit of People’s Republic of Poland and was reestablished in 1992 as Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.
PR No. 193
PRESS RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE CALLS ON FOREIGN MINISTER
Islamabad 16th July, 2010The Australian Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr. Richard Campbell Smith, called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today.
The Foreign Minister discussed with the Special Representative the situation in Afghanistan, the upcoming Kabul Conference and the recent positive developments in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations.
The Foreign Minister and the Special Representative also discussed activities of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan and the Senior Officials’ Meeting of the forum being held in Islamabad tomorrow (17 July). It was agreed that the FODP was an important forum, which could and had expanded its activities in the last two years with a view to helping Pakistan in its socio-economic development.
The Foreign Minister also briefed the Special Representative about the recently concluded Pakistan-India talks in Islamabad. The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan strongly believed that dialogue was the only way forward between Pakistan-India in order to resolve their bilateral disputes and embark upon peace and prosperity in the region.
PR No. 194
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad 16th July, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has hoped that the upcoming round of Pak-U.S. Strategic Dialogue would further advance progress made so far in the mutually agreed areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. He said that the roadmap prepared during previously held meetings between the officials of the two countries for making consistent progress would be pursued further for implementation of the projects identified in those meetings.
This he said during his dinner meeting with Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Ms. Anne W. Patterson was also present during the meeting. Secretary General to the President Mr. M. Salman Faruqui and Pakistan’s Ambassador in Washington Mr. Hussain Haqqani were also present.
Matters relating to the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, security situation in the region and the shared terrorist threat were discussed in the meeting.
Discussing regional security situation, the President said that Pakistani people and our armed forces have made great sacrifices in the ongoing fight against militancy. Despite great human and material toll, we are determined to pursue our struggle till its logical end, the President emphasized. He said that the international community must take into considerations our requirements and valid concerns while chalking out any strategy in this regard. The President stressed that the development of conflict ridden areas was sine qua non for changing the militant mindset and winning the battle of hearts and minds. He said that he has been urging the international community to especially focus on prioritized areas of development for preemption of proclivities breeding militancy and extremism.
On Afghanistan, the President said that a stable, prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and it firmly believes in the policy of neutrality and non-interference in internal matters of Afghanistan. Pakistan, he said, supported the Afghan led process of political reconciliation process and efforts for the stability of the neighboring country. The President said that Pakistan is ready to assist Afghanistan in all possible manners for the development of infrastructure and strengthening of its institutions.
The President said that the international community needs to synergize their efforts for restoration of peace, stability and prosperity of a country which has remained war theatre for years. On our part, the President said, we would complement Coalition’s effort in this regard and would provide all possible assistance for capacity building of the Afghan institutions.
Reiterating U.S. administration’s long-term and multifaceted commitment towards Pakistani Government and its people, Ambassador Holbrooke expressed the hope that the dialogue would yield positive results and would contribute in further strengthening the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation. He said that United Stated valued Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in the region and we greatly appreciate sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war against terror.