PR. NO.210
PRESS RELEASE
AGRICULTURE SECTOR PLAYS VITAL ROLE IN FOOD SECURITY, POVERTY REDUCTION AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT: ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
Islamabad August 16, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Pakistan is an Agricultural Estate and major part of our population depends on this important sector. He also said that present government is utilizing its all possible resources to develop agriculture sector which is back bone of our economy. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Agricultural experts who met him here today.
Environment Minister said that Agriculture sector is playing its vital role in food security, poverty reduction and sustainable development. He underlined that this sector is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and faces significant challenges in meeting a dramatic increase in global food demand while reducing its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Afridi while sharing his views said that there are opportunities to reduce agriculture greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration by improving efficiency and productivity of agricultural systems through improved management practices and technologies. He informed that this can also help to build the resilience and adaptive capacity of these systems to meet the increasing demand for food in a sustainable manner. He also underlined the need for food security.
Minister referred the Global Research Alliance (GRA) and its important role for increasing international cooperation, collaboration and investment in both public and private research activities to improve knowledge sharing, access to and application by farmers of mitigation and carbon sequestration practices and technologies, which can also enhance productivity and resilience as well as facilitate the exchange of information between scientists around the world. Environment Minister added that global warming and climate changes have effected whole world. Pakistan is most vulnerable in this context. Present flood situation is the major cause of climate change which has adversely effected our whole infrastructure specially agriculture sector. He emphasized that agricultural experts has to play their active role to face this challenge. He ensured all possible cooperation of Ministry of Environment in their efforts.
Delegation lauded the efforts rendered by the Ministry of Environment regarding creating awareness among stakeholders and highlighting crucial issues pertaining to environmental degradation. They also shared their views, ideas and several suggestions to enhance the developmental activities to boost agriculture sector. They expressed their commitment for development of agriculture sector of Pakistan.
**MAS/Ahmad**
PR. NO.211
PRESS RELEASE
Independence Day celebrations in Singapore
Islamabad August 16, 2010The Pakistan nation needs to show the same enthusiasm and sacrifice which was witnessed during the formative period of newly independent Pakistan. This was stated by the High Commissioner of Pakistan Mrs. Fauzia M. Sana, during a simple and dignified flag hoisting ceremony held at the residence of the High Commissioner to commemorate the 64th Independence Day, says a press release received here today from Singapore.
Addressing the Pakistani community, Pakistani students studying in different universities of Singapore and the families of High Commission’s officers and staff, she urged that the community to come forward to display solidarity with their brothers and sisters back home, who have lost everything in the unprecedented floods not seen in 80 years. Nearly 20 million people have been displaced, standing crops have been damaged, livestock and even food storage at different places washed away. The magnitude of the problem is more than the tsunami of 2005 and earthquake in Pakistan in 2005. She appealed to the Community to work towards raising funds for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010, and make generous contributions for their brethren in this mubarik month of Ramazan.
The High Commissioner highlighted the efforts of the Mercy Relief, Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) and Singapore Pakistani Association (SPA) in collecting donations for provision of relief goods to the flood affected people. She appreciated particularly the Mercy Relief team who was instrumental installing the innovative bicycle mounted water treatment systems that can produce 600 to 800 liters of water per hour, killing 95% of bacteria.
On this occasion the messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out and national songs also played. The flag hoisting ceremony was concluded by offering dua for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and for the people who lost their lives and their homes and hearts in recent floods and the tragic air blue aircraft crash.
**SW/Ahmad**
PR. NO.212
PRESS RELEASE
khosa to visit flood affected areas, distribute relief goods
Islamabad August 16, 2010Advisor to Prime Minister on Information Technology, Latif Khan Khosa left for Dera Ghazi Khan here on Monday to visit the flood affected areas of DG Khan, Rajanpur and Jampur.
The Advisor will remain three days in the area and distribute two thousand food packets and other relief goods among the flood hit people of the area.
**MA/Ahmad**
PR. NO.213
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad August 16, 2010Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Matters related to security situation in the country and the activities of Pak army regarding relief and rescue operations in the flood affected areas were discussed during the meeting.
**SH/Ahmad**
PR. NO.214
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT OF FIRST WOMEN BANK OF PAKISTAN CALLS ON THE PM
Islamabad, August 16, 2010.President First Women Bank, Mrs. Shaukat Sultana called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani this morning at Prime Minister’s House and presented him a cheque of Rs 5 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister thanked the President of the First Women Bank and asked her to co-join the efforts of the government by joining hands in different programmes run by the government.
Mrs. Sultana apprised the Prime Minister of various relief activities undertaken by her bank in different flood hit areas. She said that the bank is mulling the idea to provide large water containers through coordination with the water tankers which are supplying clean drinking water in the flood affected areas. She added that her bank’s mobile medical units were also providing medical care and food supplies to the affected families.
The Prime Minister suggested the President of the First Woman Bank to coordinate with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to distribute clothes, stoves, utensils and sewing machines among the ladies of the flood affected families so that they could support their families.
PR. NO.215
PRESS RELEASE
SYED NAVEED QAMAR, MINISTER FOR PETROLEUM & NR MEETS
Islamabad, August 16, 2010.Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani this morning and presented him cheques amounting to Rs 200 million, Rs 17 million and Rs 10 million respectively on behalf of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Sui Northern Gas Private Limited (SNGPL) and Government holding company (Pvt) Limited for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister said that relief work is a joint responsibility of all the public representatives and parties irrespective of the political affiliation. He apprised the Minister of his meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif, PML(N) leader two days ago. He further added that all the political parties will be taken on board for establishment of a fund raising authority as decided in his meeting with PML(N) Leader.
Syed Naveed Qamar apprised the Prime Minister of the flood situation in Sindh. He also apprised about the situation in Kashmore were major plants of oil and gas production are located.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources in restoring 14 grid stations in one day which were damaged by flash floods.
PR. NO.216
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN, NFC CALLS ON PM
Islamabad, August 16, 2010.Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated the resolve of the government to provide every possible relief to the flood affectees in all parts of the country. Joint efforts, he added are needed to tackle this natural calamity.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Chairman of National Fertilizers Company (NFC) Mr. Muhammad Khalid Malik, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning to present a cheque of Rs 20 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister appreciated the humane gesture of the Chairman and thanked all the employees of Fertilizer Company for generous contribution to help their brethrens in these trying times. He stressed upon the need of coordinated rescue and relief efforts.
The Chairman elaborated that this contribution over and above the contribution of one day’s salary of the NFC employees.
PR. NO.217
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, August 16, 2010.Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while reiterating three pronged policy of the government for flood hit areas said that rescue and relief work was going on and all the concerned authorities were making valuable contribution for this humanitarian task. Rehabilitation, he observed, would be an uphill task and would require a huge amount of money and resources.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Executive Director, M/S Lotte Pakistan Mr. Neon Jung Kim and Chief Executive Mr. Asif Saad, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House to present a cheque of Rs 10 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the role of M/S Lotte Pakistan recalled that the company had also contributed $ 100,000 in NCHD for rehabilitation of IDPs in Malakand and Swat. He thanked the company for financial assistance and also asked to make more investment in the country.
The CEO Lotte Pakistan apprised the Prime Minister about their on-going project of power plant in Karachi, which will start production by the end of this year. He said that the company intends to start a network of utility stores in far flung areas of Pakistan as well.
The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution of Lotte Pakistan which is already working on infrastructure development in the country. After completion, these projects will help in the rehabilitation process.
He urged the CEO to expedite their projects of road networks linking the main cities. Chairman, BOI Mr. H. Saleem Mandviwala was also present in the meeting.
PR. NO.218
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT AJ&K CALLS ON THE PM
Islamabad 16 August 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said The Federal Government, has equal concerns for all regions of country including AJ&K for which appropriate measures are being taken to mitigate the difficulties of the flood affectees.
The Prime Minister was talking to the President of AJ&K Raja Zulqurnain Khan who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning.
The Prime Minister stated that current challenge could be effectively confronted with unity and commitment. All the political parties, he added, need to synergize their energies and prepare a comprehensive strategy that could be applied across the board in all provinces.
President AJ&K apprised the Prime Minister about damages and destruction caused by floods in AJ&K. While underlining the needs, he mentioned, people needs tents, utensils, stoves and safe drinking water to be able to face the situation. He appreciated the help extended by the Federal Government especially Army in extending rescue and relief.
Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Law & Justice Dr. Babar Awan were also present in the meeting.
PR. NO.219
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT’S MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF MEDICAL ORGANIZATIONS
Islamabad 16 August 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today directed the federal and provincial health ministries; Governmental health department and the health related NGOs to take steps to prevent outbreak of cholera and other epidemics in the flood affected areas.
This he said during his meeting with the health sector managers of the country and representatives of local as well as international medical organizations. Those who were present during the meeting included among other Federal Secretary and four Provincial Health Secretaries, Registrar of PMDC and Pakistan Nursing Council, President of Pakistan Medical Association and CPSP, Representatives of WHO and UNICEF, UNAIDS coordinator, Save the Children, Chief of Party PAIMAN, Director (Health) Pakistan Red Crescent Society along with Deans of PIMS, Polyclinic and JPMC. Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary to President, and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar while briefing the media said that a detailed briefing was given to the President by representatives of different organizations about the efforts being undertaken for providing medical relief to the flood affected people.
The President calling upon the doctors’ community to play their role at this critical juncture urged the medical organizations for a concerted and coordinated effort to complement Government’s efforts in meeting the current challenges and to tackle the threats of waterborne diseases. He said that the people who have been worst hit by the torrential rains and the floods and were facing the threats of outbreak of waterborne and respiratory infections diseases. The immense damage to the existing health facilities has further complicated the situation for the people, he said. Therefore, the situation calls for an urgent and missionary response from all associated with medical profession to not only treat the affected people against diseases but also to provide psychological support to them. He said that he has already asked the Government to consider providing cooked food to those in the camps or marooned so as to avoid breaking out of diseases.
The President said that we had the knowledge, the skills and the manpower and what was needed to thread the beads together and coordinate the activities of different relief agencies by providing a policy cover. He said that once the flood water recedes the dynamics of problems confronting us will change forcing the health issue to come to the fore. Preventing the spread of waterborne diseases in the aftermath of flood was critical to the success of relief and rehabilitation program, the President remarked. The President also called for devising a communication strategy to reach out the affected people and educate and facilitate them in adopting both preventive and curative measures.
He said that the Government was mobilising the international community to generously assist its efforts in meeting the challenges of the present situation. He said that the after witnessing the unparalleled disaster UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki Moon terming it a heart wrenching destruction that calls for greater international assistance has appealed to the international community for generous and speedy response.
The President emphasized upon the need to reach out to the affected people of far flung areas especially in those places where medical facilities were not available. He said that the Government on its part would provide all possible help and assistance to the doctors’ community. He urged upon the management of public sector health departments to extend their service to the affected people, especially the women and the children, and let not any other consideration influence their attitude towards patients. The President also called for effective measures to be put in place for preventing the outbreak of diarrhoea and other waterborne diseases in the refugee camps.
The Participants made a number of suggestions both for the immediate response and during the recovery phase of the plan in different areas including provision of clean water, sanitation, vaccination, mobility, data gathering and medical and paramedical manpower. The President assured that their suggestions will be considered by the Government for implementation.
PR. NO.220
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN’S EMBASSY IN BERLIN REACHES OUT TO PEOPLE FOR FLOOD DONATIONS
Islamabad 16 August 2010Pakistan Embassy in Berlin has geared up its efforts to draw the attention of the German people towards the plight of people affected badly in recent floods in Pakistan and appealed to them to donate funds for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010,says a press release received from Pakistan Embassy, Berlin here today.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany Mr. Shahid Kamal made an appeal to German viewers through leading T.V. Channel such as ZDF and other popular Channels, N24, NTV, T.V. Berlin and Info Radio for contributing towards P.M’s Relief Funds as well as support other humanitarian organizations engaged in rescue and relief operations in Pakistan. He also briefed the German media last Friday about the flood situation in Pakistan and ongoing Rescue and Relief Operations. He appealed to them to highlight the plight of people badly affected in the worst floods in the history of Pakistan.
Mr. Kamal also held meetings with Pakistani community and urged them to contribute their share towards the Flood Relief Fund of the Prime Minister to save the lives of their compatriots.
PR. NO.221
PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL MINISTER’S VISIT TO FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS IN KHYBER PAKHTOONKHWA
Islamabad 16 August 2010This is a disaster of enormous magnitude and unimaginable proportions. This is a mega disaster that requires world to mount a “Mega response”. These views were expressed by Federal Minister of Minorities while talking to journalists after visiting the flood affected areas in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. He said the calamity has hit people from all faiths, caste and creed and the enormity of the calamity is beyond all calculation. The flood water knows no boarder, no boundary and a large number of hapless survivors, defying hunger and illness are waiting for help.
Mr. Bhatti emphasized that the disaster had eclipsed the scale of devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and January 2010 earthquake in Haiti put together.
He said that over twenty (20) million people are affected. Villages and towns have been wiped out, scores of people have been killed and injured, the number of which is still rising. There is also a grave concern over the children health and nutrition.
Federal Minister said devastating flood has ravaged all the provinces of Pakistan. The flood destroyed crops, homes, and communication lines. Electricity system, water supply and bridges making excess to remote areas even more difficult, survivals are threatened by water borne diseases from contaminated wells and wide supply of water
He said that there is extensive damage to infrastructure and transportation routes that is hampering the provision of essential services. Rushing water has washed away thousands of acres of crops, government buildings, businesses, schools, bridges and homes. People are left with nothing and their chances of survival are upon the aid they might receive on time.
Mr. Bhatti said the government of Pakistan has launched massive rescue and relief operation in all the effected areas and utilizing all available resources to help the flood affectees. All the government officials and institutions including the President and the Prime Minister are involved in this relief operation but flood has caused devastation at large scale. Alone Pakistani government could not tackle the tragedy until the international community comes forward to share the burden.
Mr. Bhatti said Federal Ministry of minorities affair have lunched relief operation in the flood affected areas. Relief teams carrying relief goods are reaching people in need in the flood affected areas. Federal minister of minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti is personally visiting flood affected areas and distributed relief goods among the affectees. Necessary assistance and relief goods are being provided to the victims who lost their home and hearth.
Federal Minister said that still in some areas the affectees of flood do not have, shelter, clean water and food etc there is a dire need to take relief steps on war footing basis. The floods are the worst in a generation and people are left with nothing. Skin diseases, chest infection and stomach-related disorder such as diarrhea are now spreading among the displaced people.
Federal Minister said that Pakistani nation should set-aside all the political religious and other differences and stand united to save the lives of victims. He said that if every patriotic citizen should contribute something to assist people in need. He said Pakistani living abroad, friends of Pakistan and all peace loving people in the whole world should help Pakistan in trying time.
PR. NO.222
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 16 August 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said that devastating floods have thrown before the nation an unprecedented challenge and the whole nation and the political parties will have to rise together to meet it.
This he said while interacting with editors of leading national newspapers during meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday.
Those who attended the dinner included Mr. Mehmood Sham, Daily Jang, Mr. Muhammad Maalick, The News, Mr. Mujeeb Ur Rehman Shami, Daily Pakistan, Mr. Rashid Rehman, Daily Times, Mr. Khushnood Ali Khan, Daily Jinnah, Mr. Zia Shahid, Daily Khabrain, Mr. Imtinan Shahid, Daily Khabrain, Mr. Abbad Athar, Daily Express and Mr. Zahid Malik, Daily Pakistan Observer.
The dinner was also attended by Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Senator Syed Faisal Raza Abdi, Ms. Fauzia Wahab, MNA, Malik Asif Hayat, secretary to the President and Mr. Farhatullah Babar, spokesperson to the President.
Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar while briefing media about the meeting said that matters regarding flood damages, measures for the relief and rehabilitation of flood victims, visit of the UN secretary General to Pakistan to express solidarity with victims, role of media in relief efforts and ways and means to further streamline the relief operations came under discussion during the dinner meeting.
The President said that media can play the most vital role in mobilizing the public, the civil society and charity organisations to muster support and assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees.
The spokesperson said that the President said that no one should try to politicise the unprecedented human miseries for partisan political gain. Any attempt by anyone to politicise it will be detrimental to the national cause and any effort aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the people, the President added.
The spokesperson said that the President while talking to editors urged media to bring in home this message of national cause to tackle the gigantic task of relief and rehabilitation of flood victims in a befitting manner.
The spokesperson said that the President informed the editors of the leading local newspapers that 71 districts throughout the country had been hit by floods including 24 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 19 in Sindh, 8 in Punjab, 7 in AJK, 7 in GB and 6 in Balochistan. Nearly 1400 people have been killed, Over 720,000 housed destroyed and over 1.2 million people adversely affected. Khyber Pukhtoon khwah has suffered the most followed by Punjab and Sindh.
The Spokesperson said that the President while referring to the visit of UN Secretary General said that Ban Ki Moon himself has witnessed the extent of damages to life, property, cattle head and infrastructure during our combined visit to the flood affected areas and have assured us of all out support of the UN and international community to cope with the devastations caused by the deadly floods Pakistan ever witnessed.
The President said that the magnitude of destruction to life, property, livestock and infrastructure is so huge that it can only be met with combined efforts of the people of Pakistan and the support and assistance of the international community. We look forward to continued support of the UN and international community in overcoming the devastations caused by these floods.
The extent of total damage to life, property, cattle head and infrastructure may be far more than what these initial estimates suggested, the President said.
The spokesperson quoted the President as saying “we will fight the adversity and come out triumphantly”.
The President said that political leadership should not be afraid to lead even if in doing so they are subjected to criticism. If the democratic political leadership failed to do so, the vacuum thus created will be filled by extremists and militants, the spokesperson quoted the President.
PR. NO.223
PRESS RELEASE
NHA’S SENIOR MANAGEMENT TO OVERSEE RESTORATION OF NATIONAL HIGHWAYS: ALTAF CH
Islamabad 16 August 2010Mr. Altaf Ahmed Chaudhry Chairman National Highway Authority on Monday deputed Senior Management of the National Highway Authority (NHA) to personally supervise the restoration of National Highway Network across the country including Gilgit- Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir(AJK).
While talking to the media men here on Monday Mr. Saqlain Mehdi, Spokesman NHA disclosed that the Chairman NHA on the instructions by Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, Federal Minister for Communications has directed the Senior Echelon of NHA to personally go and remain at site to coordinate with respective Regional General Managers alongwith allied staff to oversee rehablitation of physical infrastructure on war footing basis, in order to effectively facilitate the relief operations.
The senior management, he said have been made responsible for timely and effective coordination with local civil administration and personnel of armed forces engaged in relief operations and other agencies, working in that area adding that they shall be responsible for mobilization of all resources and take all necessary measures in consultation with Chairman, NHA for restoration of damaged infrastructure and provision of related technical assessment report.
The Spokesman, NHA said these administrative measures are being taken keeping in view the emergent situation due to unprecedented floods across the country including Gilgit -Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
In absence of Members, respective General Managers will take up the routine matters, he said.
In the light of Executive Orders Raja Nowsherwan, Member (Operation) has been made responsible for Sindh region, Mir Hassan Rind, Member (Construction) for Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Ashfaq Jumani, Member (Motorways & IT) for Southern Punjab, Aurangzeb Khan, Member (Planning) for Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Altamash Khan, General Manager (Construction) for Balochistan, Atiq Ahmad, General Manager(Operations) will head the Flood Control Cell at NHA Headquaters whereas Ikramus Saqlain Haider, Director (RAMS) will be responsible for compiling all flood related reports.
Ends/-
