PR. No. 189
PRESS RELEASE
NAEK, JAMALI CONDOLE DR. SHAMA KHALID’S DEATH
Islamabad, September 16, 2010The Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran politician and Governor of the Gilgit Baltistan, Dr. Shama Khalid, who passed away yesterday.
The Chairman and Deputy Chairman eulogized the services of late Dr. Shama Khalid which she rendered for the social uplift of the people of Gilgit Baltistan region and termed her sudden death as a great loss.
They offered their heartfelt condolences over her death and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
The Leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Mr. Wasim Sajjad have also condoled the death of Dr. Shama Khalid and lauded her social and political services for the region.
PR. No. 190
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010The United States Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Anne W. Patterson, called on the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar here today.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on matters of bilateral interest, mutual cooperation and regional significance with particular emphasis on energy cooperation between U.S.A and Pakistan.
Syed Naveed Qamar apprised the ambassador of the havoc wreaked by floods in the country and the relief efforts undertaken by the government, in its aftermath, to assuage the suffering of the citizens. He said that thousands of employees of various departments and companies under the Petroleum Ministry such as OGDCL, PARCO, PSO and SSGC worked round-the-clock in the flood affected areas to restore suspended oil and gas supplies due to inundated infrastructure and installations as well as to reinforce river embankments. However, extraordinary efforts still needed to be taken urgently for rehabilitation and bringing normalcy in the flood affected areas, he added.
Ambassador Patterson said that the United States was cognizant of the growing energy needs of Pakistan and was inclined to extend all possible support in its endeavour to bridge the yawning energy demand-supply gap.
Secretary Petroleum, Mr. Imtiaz Qazi and Mr. John Simmons, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy also attended the meting.
PR. No. 191
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has constituted 15 member National Oversight Disaster Management Council (NODMC) to monitor in flow of funds for various phases of post-flood recovery and reconstruction.
The NODMC will be headed by Mr. UAG Isani. Other members of the Oversight Council are Mr. Ejaz Rahim, Ms. Fauzia Naqvi, Ms. Ameena Syed, Mr. Farid Rehman, Mr. Justice ® Mian Allah Nawaz, Mr. A. Z. K. Sherdil, Mr. Fazal-ur-Rehman, Mr. Fazlullah Qureshi, Mr. Justice ® Sardar Muhammad Raza, Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan, Mr. Justice ® Amir-ul-Mulk Mengal, Mr. Munawwar Khan Mandokhel, Mr. G.M. Sikandar and Mr. Tariq Masood.
The council will review plans for post-flood reconstruction and monitoring progress of implementation of reconstruction. The council will also interact with authorities relevant to reconstruction (Economic Affairs Division, Planning Commission, NDMA and provincial governments). The NODMC will also ensure effective targeting and transparent disbursement of support to genuine affectees. It will also be responsible to prepare quarterly reports for Council of Common Interests. According to the terms of reference, the Council will commission and supervise audits on utilization of funds.
PR. No. 192
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up Spiritual Leader and President of Pakistan Muslim League (F), Pir Sahib Pagara this morning and congratulated him on the election of Syed Sajad Hussain Zaidi as Senator.
While appreciating the constructive and reconciliatory role played by the PML (F) in the national political arena, the Prime Minister said that it has provided strength to positive democratic norms in the country. He added that their role has provided impetus to the policy of reconciliation and consultation being pursued by the government in handling matters of national importance. He hoped that for the betterment of the people at large PML (F) would continue to support the government in its endeavours.
The Prime Minister also expressed his sorrow and grief over the sad demise of Justice ®, Abul Razzaq Thahim during the conversation. He paid rich tribute to the services rendered by the deceased both in the legal and political fields. He declared his death as an irreparable loss to the party and country.
It may be recalled that on the directive of the Prime Minister, sepecial plane was provided for shifting the body of late Justice ® Abul Razzaq Thahim from Islamabad to Karachi.
PR. No. 193
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil, Federal Minister, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Federal Secretary Kashmir Affairs and Ministry of Kashmir Affairs condoled the sad demise of first Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Dr Shama Khalid.
The services of Dr Shama Khalid as Governor GB are unforgettable and Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan appreciates it. The officers of the Ministry also prayed for her.
PR. No. 194
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Federal Secretary Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Muhammad Ihtisham Khan chaired a meeting regarding observance of 27th October, 2010 as ‘Black Day’ here on Thursday.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Kashmir Affairs, Ghulam Abbas Nakai, representatives from all provinces, AJK government, Gilgit-Baltistan Government, Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, PTV and Radio Pakistan.
All participants informed the chair about their arrangements regarding the observance of Black day.
All condemned atrocities being committed by Indian Army in Held Kashmir and asked International community to take notice of it.
Kashmiris in held Kashmir observe Black Day on 27th October to mark the day when Indian Army landed in Srinagar for occupation of Jammu & Kashmir.
PR. No. 195
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education has started a Toll Free Service/Helpline for poor and neglected people including women, children and Senior Citizens to provide awareness, guidance, emotional support, professional help, immediate relief and referral services for alleviation of their hardships. In this connection trained Social Welfare Officers are available to provide guidance and referral support services in Federal Capital Islamabad and four Provincial Capitals Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi on Toll Free Helpline Number 0800-19478. The staff of the helpline are available from 08:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m. The Helpline are located in the following location,
Integrated Social Development Project 1 A Education Town, Near Alamgir Flat, Khubaid Street, Wahadat Road, Lahore. 0800-19478.
Integrated Social Development Project, House No. 03, Street No. 1, Saryab Road, Quetta. 0800-19478
Integrated Social Development Project, FD Plot 15, Gulshan-e-Johar, Karachi. 0800-19478.
Integrated Social Development Project, House No. 05, Street No. 4, Nasir Bhag Road, Peshawar. 0800-19478.
Ministry of Social Welfare & Special Education, Hanna Road, G-8/4, Islamabad. 0800-19478.
Poor and needy people contact us on our Free Helpline (0800-19478) for assistance about their problems. Our officers always ready for your help.
**AY/Ahmad**
PR. No. 196
PRESS RELEASE
HMC HAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR PLANTS MANUFACTURING……TURKISH DELEGATION CALLS ON
BIJARANI
Islamabad, September 16, 2010A two member Turkish delegation accompanied by MD HMC called on the Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani Here today.
The delegation told the Minister that they visited Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) at Taxila yesterday. The delegation said that HMC had a great potential in the progress and development of the country as it has great potential for manufacturing different heavy machinery plants like cement, sugar and steel bridges
The delegation offered their expertise and experience for the construction of Hi-Tech Rubber Dams over Rivers and Canals which inflate and deflate water automatically and supply it to Sea, Rivers, Fisheries and Farm Lands quite easily. The delegation told that this technology is already successfully operational in Japan, South Asian Countries and USA.
Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani while welcoming the delegation said that HMC is a national asset and we are trying our best to improve its performance further. Turkey is our Muslim brother country. The people and governments of both the countries enjoy good brotherly relations in every section of life and are time tested friends. The Minister thanked the delegation of their offer and said that Pakistan would definitely benefit from the expertise and experience of Turkish Technology. The Minister also thanked the people and government of Turkey for helping the Pakistani brethren suffering from floods.
PR. No. 197
PRESS RELEASE
e-LEARNING PROGRAMME TO BE LAUNCHED IN TRAINING INSTITUTES
Islamabad, September 16, 2010This has been decided in the meeting between UNODC and Narcotics Control Division that e-learning programme would be launched in ANF academy and other training institutes of law enforcement. Mr. John Hannel Irvin who is working as the Global Director of the UNODC global e-learning project has been sent to Pakistan to launch this programme.
Secretary Narcotics Control Tariq Khosa who is Co-Chairman of UNODC programme in Pakistan welcomed Mr. John Irvin and told him to formulate realistic curriculum of e-learning which suits Pakistan’s needs for training institution particularly ANF Academy, FIA Academy and National Police Academy. He also told him to have interaction with provincial police institution as well. e-Learning would enhance the performance of these institutions remarkably and its effects would benefit every individual of society.
He also mentioned that ANF academy which would start functioning later this year would be centre of excellence and its first model course would start in couple of months. All SAARC countries have placed request for training of their officers in ANF academy. While appreciating the performance of Ministry senior official of UNODC said that Drug Control Master Plan (2010-14) which was prepared under the guidance of Secretary Tariq Khosa was appreciated by international community and has been circulated in other countries to follow this plan. The meeting was concluded with motivational note by Secretary Narcotics Control, “We want to succeed and become a role model for international community”.
PR. No. 198
PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan welcomes German cooperation for reconstruction of the flood affected roads
network
Islamabad, September 16, 2010The Federal Minister for Communication Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan has appreciated the cooperation extended by Germany regarding reconstruction of the segments of roads & highways damaged by the recent floods in Pakistan. He was talking to a delegation of Hydro Power Engineering (HPE) GmbH & Co. Germany, headed by Managing Director Mr. Matthias Bertram, that called on him today here in Islamabad. Secretary Communication Division Mr. Sharif Ahmed and other senior officers of the Ministry of Communications and National Highway Authority (NHA) were also present.
Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan welcomed the delegation and appreciated the intent of the German engineering firm towards helping the Government of Pakistan in reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by the recent catastrophic floods. He said that the roads network serve as a backbone of the economy and in the present situation it is of vital importance to establish terrestrial links between the areas that are in urgent need of relief goods.
Managing Director HPE Germany thanked the Federal Minister for meeting them and provided a briefing about the expertise of the German firm.
Secretary Communications briefed the delegation that the process of roads & highway’s damage assessment is underway in collaboration with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The German delegation was informed that a list of viable projects can be developed that may be discussed in details with the experts of NHA.
PR. No. 199
PRESS RELEASE
Air Chief calls on President
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Professional matters pertaining to Pakistan Air Force and the role of Air Force during current devastating floods in rescue and relief operations were discussed during the meeting.
The President appreciated the role played by Air Force in reaching out to the flood affected people who were stranded at far off places and were short of food, water and other necessities of life.
PR. No. 200
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan PLAYING important role to save Ozone Layer
from harmful impacts of Ozone Depleting Substances
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that International Ozone Day has been celebrated in 196 member countries through out the world including Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is playing its important role to save Ozone Layer from harmful impacts of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and promotion of Ozone-friendly technology. He also said that there is need to take concrete measures for creating awareness about Ozone depletion and environmental issues. He expressed these views while addressing in a high level meeting with concerned stakeholders regarding Ozone Depleting Substances and to review the propose future plans and strategies here today.
Environment Minister said that theme of International Ozone day is “Ozone layer protection: governance and compliance at their Best”. He said that Ozone layer, which is so essential for life on earth, is unfortunately being depleted due to a few man-made activities. He Added that in light of Montreal Protocol, with cooperation and coordination of UN, several departments and organizations, Ozone Depleting Substances are being controlled. The Minister also said that if you want to leave green footprints and protect the Ozone layer, you may want to replace the old refrigerator and air conditioner, also use fewer lipsticks, body sprays and other cosmetics because it has been indicated that their usage releases Ozone Depleting Substances. These chemicals make a hole in the protective Ozone Layer which saves us from Ultraviolet Rays that can make humans more prone to skin cancer, eye cataracts and reduces general immunity. He also mentioned that a single Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) molecule releasing from the old refrigerator, air-conditioner and body spray can destroy Ozone molecules in the sky, allowing the deadly UV rays reach down and cause disaster on earth.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi urged that it is our collective responsibility to provide healthy future by saving Ozone layer. He underlined that mass awareness strategies are being practically made through effective involvement of all stakeholders, students and public/private organizations. He assured that Pakistan is going a long way to achieve this objective to pave the way to phase out ODS from Pakistan.
Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) said that Ozone layer is a shield against harmful Ultraviolet Radiations from the Sun and Pakistan has been on the fore front of the global efforts towards the preservation of Ozone layer with the support of implementing agencies. He said that all stakeholders have been kept on board to achieve the targets of Ozone protection. He also briefed that large number of banners and posters would be installed at focal points of twin cities and other prominent areas to educate general public. Similarly grand functions would be held in educational institutions to make conversant the young generation about hazardous effects of environmental pollutions specially Ozone Depletion.
Federal Secretary Muhammad Javed Malik, Adl. Secretary Kamran Ali Qureshi, Director General Environment Javed Ali Khan and other concerned stakeholders attended the meeting.
PR. No. 201
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan and Afghanistan must endeavor to realize the benefits of trans-regional development cooperation. He further said that in this context both countries should attach particular importance to two Declarations on ‘Directions of Bilateral Relations’ singed between them as well as the ‘Trilateral and Coordilateral Process’. He urged that Afghanistan should consider enabling a road link between Pakistan and Tajikistan through Wakhan strip to facilitate eventual Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement between the three countries.
He was talking to Afghan President Hamid Karzai who called on him at the PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan-Afghanistan strategic partnership holds key to regional peace, stability and the prosperity of their two people. He stated that both sides should redouble their efforts to alleviate the relations of the strategic partnership and expansion of cooperation in economic and commercial areas by enhancing goodwill through people to people contacts. While stressing that a peaceful, stable and economically developed Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s interest, the Prime Minister suggested initiation of bilateral security dialogue between the two countries to build closer coordination through institutional arrangements between the security and intelligence agencies of Pakistan and Afghanistan to effectively combat the threat of terrorism and extremism. Referring to Vikki Lix cyber propaganda, the Prime Minister said that such doubtful reports vitiating Afghanistan – Pakistan relations should be guarded against by avoiding blame game and addressing the issues and concerns bilaterally instead of negative media comments.
The Prime Minister assured the President Karzai of his government’s full support in initiation of an inclusive political reconciliation process by Afghanistan and establishing of a High Level Peace Council to talk to the Afghan Opposition groups. He emphasized that Pakistan had consistently stated that military operations alone could not restore peace and stability and hence international community needed to follow a holistic approach combining military, political and development tracks in Afghanistan.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan on its part was ready to support Afghan Government in the process, if required. He said that Pakistan in the meanwhile would continue to focus on development of Afghan infrastructure particularly by undertaking projects linking the border areas, capacity building of Afghan institutions, provision of increased slots in professional and technical institutions to Afghan students and officials, and promoting overall trade and economic plans between the two countries. He hoped that the existing trade volume between the two sides would be raised to the level of $ 5 billion by 2015 through concerted efforts. He assured the Afghan President that Pakistan would fast track the process of finalization and signing of Afghanistan – Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement in the near future.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Afghan President and people of Afghanistan for providing valuable assistance in rescue and relief efforts for Pakistan’s flood affectees. He thanked the Afghan President for handing him over a cheque of $ one million in addition to one million dollar cash assistance accorded last month as well as 04 tons of medicines and deputation of 04 MI 17 helicopters and a 27 member medical team for rescue and relief operations in flood affected areas.
The Afghan President while thanking the Prime Minister and government of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and for very useful frank discussions on whole gambit of the relationship conveyed the condolences and commiserations of the government and people of Afghanistan on the devastation caused by the floods. Afghan President termed the assistance of his government for the flood affectees as very little and not comparable with the hospitality accorded and assistance offered to Afghan refugees by government and people of Pakistan in the last three decades. He welcomed Prime Minister of Pakistan’s assurances for early finalization and signing of APTTA with the government of Pakistan and for redoubling of scholarships for the Afghan students and for provision of increased slots for them in Pakistan’s professional colleges as well as for higher number of training slots for Afghan officials in Pakistan’s training institutions.
Afghan President assured the Prime Minister that his government would favourably consider the road link between Tajikistan and Pakistan through Wakhan strip and was keen to develop regional cooperation through road connectivity providing access to Pakistan to Central Asian States as well as energy linkages through Turkmenistan - Afghanistan – Pakistan – India Gas Pipeline. He informed the Prime Minister that as soon as the composition of High Level Peace Council was finalized, his government would enter into consultations with Pakistan to adopt coordinated approach in reconciliation and rehabilitation process with Afghan Opposition groups. He also agreed with the Prime Minister on the need for strengthening the tripartite dialogue between Afghanistan, Pakistan and ISAF forces and for not allowing any deliberate or otherwise to spoil the cordial relations between the two sides.
President Karzai invited the Prime Minister to undertake official visit of Afghanistan in the near future which the Prime Minister accepted thankfully and it was agreed that the time frame of the visit would be decided through diplomatic channels.
Afghan Minister for National Defence General Abdul Rahim Wardak, Minister for Finance Dr Hazrat Omar Zakhiwal, Minister for Commerce Dr Anwar ul Haq Ahadi, Minister for Tribal Affairs Mr Asadullah Khalid, and Pakistan Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim, Minister for Defence Ch Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Food & Agriculture Mr Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Information Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Interior Senator A Rehman Malik, Minister for SAFRON Mr Najamuddin Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Secretary Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Ambassador in Afghanistan and other senior officers were also present.
PR. No. 202
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood hit areas is indeed a gigantic task for which a collective approach is the need of time. He added the only way forward to timely assist our distressed brothers and sisters is redirect our energies for the welfare of flood affectees without a consideration for political gains, party affiliation or regional preferences.
The Prime Minister was talking to Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira and Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Asharaf who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that the brave and resilient Pakistani nation stands fully united in the face of present colossal natural calamity. He said that he is confident that with unity this enormous challenge can be converted in to an opportunity for rebuilding and reconstructing the damaged national assets as well as the national economy.
Commenting on the damages caused by the floods, the Prime Minister said that since it has affected the lives and properties of millions of people, there is dire need to keep the international community constantly engage to face this challenge.
The Ministers briefed the Prime Minister of their visit to various flood hit areas and the details of damages and destruction caused by the floods.
PR. No. 203
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said welfare of the people at large is the top priority of the Government; therefore, improvement of governance is a priority of the democratic Government. He emphasized that the administrative machinery has to be proactive and responsive. He further said that the administrative machinery of all the provinces should dutifully work to mitigate the sufferings of the flood affectees as well as build capacity to for the onerous task of reconstruction and rehabilitation operation.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to the newly appointed Chief Secretary Sindh, Mr. Kamran Lashari who paid a courtesy call on him after assuming his responsibilities at PM’s House here this morning.
Commenting on the important position of Sindh and especially Pakistan’s financial hub, Karachi, the Prime Minister stressed that efforts to improve governance will address the public problems. He added that good governance will also help to attractive more investment both from within and outside the country. He said that after the enactment of 18th Amendment Bill, the Provinces have been given more autonomy and financial powers as well as enlarged responsibilities too which demands good governance and concerted efforts on parts of administrative units. He further said that coordination with Federal Government and provinces needs to be kept at priority which would greatly contribute towards overall development of the country.
The Prime Minister hoped that Mr. Kamran Lashari would come up to the expectations and would discharge his assigned responsibilities diligently.
Mr. Kamran Lashari thanked the Prime Minister for the confidence reposed on him and said that he would do his best for upholding the concept of good governance during the discharge of his duties.
PR. No. 204
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has advised the Government to consider localising the production and distribution of power and facilitate the private sector set up small power plants, whether hydro or non hydro, to serve as dedicated power sources to localised consumers.
This he said during a presentation given to him about small hydel power projects at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Those were present during the meeting included among others Water & Power Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Nadeem-ul-Haq, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary Finance Mr. Salman Siddique, Secretary Planning Commission Mr. Ashraf Haya, Chairman WAPDA Mr. Shakeel Durrani and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar besides other senior officials of the concerned departments.
Briefing the media Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the President is of the view that building large dams without a broad-based consensus could be detrimental to the national integrity and therefore we should concentrate on building a series of non-controversial small dams throughout the country.
The President therefore emphasized on early completion of ongoing small hydel projects in the country in order to fully utilize huge potential of the country in hydropower generation. This, he said, would not only help to meet our energy requirements but would also reduce our dependence on other sources for producing direly needed energy thus saving huge forex reserves of the country.
He said that the President believes that while efforts to develop consensus may continue, we should concentrate on building a series of non-controversial small dams throughout the country.
The President said that there were a large number of suitable sites in all the provinces where small and medium sized dams could be built expeditiously to address both water and power issues.
Discussing the role of private sector in this regard, the President said that in order to fully tap huge natural wealth of the country, the private sector needs to be encouraged and facilitated to the maximum extent so to step forward and undertake various projects.
The President directed the concerned departments to gear up their efforts for attracting local as well as international investment in the power sector through offering them incentive based packages and extending maximum facilitation.
PR. No. 205
PRESS RELEASE
ECC MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE FORMS SUB-COMMITTEE TO FINALIZE DETAILS OF IMPORT OF RAW SUGAR WITH IN A WEEK
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani chaired a Ministerial Committee set up by ECC on sugar here today.
The meeting was apprised of the domestic and imported sugar stocks position. The total Domestic stocks stand at 0.4 million tons, Chairman TCP informed that contracts stood awarded for 1.2 million tons; I.C.s opened for about one million tons, 995,000 MT; total imported actually arrived 417.875 MT, Remaining arrival schedule: September 132.000MT and 626,875 MT in October and November, Stocks Total domestic plus imported 1.136,167 MT, sufficient6 till December 2010.
Cane Commissioner MINTA inter- alia apprised the meeting of the details of the post floods sugar cane crop position and explained that after taking the flood losses into account a gap of around1.2 million tons equal to last year’s gap was expected between production and consumption of Sugar in 2010-11.
A Sub-committee comprising Secretary Industries and production, Secretary MINFA, Secretary Finance, Secretary Commerce and Chairman FBR has been formed today to decide within a week a details of the quantity, timing and modus operandi of import of raw sugar and facilitation of private sector for import of white sugar and submit to FCC Ministerial Committee for approval of the ECC to meet the forecasted sugar gap. The Ministerial Committee also stressed the need for strict implementation on ban of export of sugar and gur and to check its smuggling.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for food and Agriculture, Federal Minister for Commerce, Minister of State for Finance: Federal Secretaries for Industries & Production and Food & Agriculture; Additional Secretary Industries and Production, Finance, Commerce and representatives of Provincial Governments, Federal Board of Revenue, Cane Commissioner MINFA, State bank of Pakistan, Chairman TCP, Managing Director USC and representatives of PSMA and private sector importers.
PR. No. 206
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010Eulogizing statesmanship of the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raeesani, Chief Minister Balochistan in his meeting here at the PM’s House this morning, said that passage of the 18th Amendment is a landmark achievement of the Prime Minister. He said that is an undeniable fact that the contribution of the Prime Minister is monumental for ensuring Provincial autonomy through 7th NFC Award whereby the financial resources have been transferred to the federating units. He said that it is an unprecedented achievement which no Prime Minister could accomplish in 63 years history of Pakistan. He further said that the Prime Minister has won the hearts of the Balochi people when he came to sign 7th NFC Award in Gwadar, he added.
These measures of the Prime Minister, he said, will be enshrined in golden words by people of Balochistan and other provinces and we are greatly indebted in this regard to the Prime Minister.
The Chief Minister Balochistan while expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister further said that ‘Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan is a water shed point which Prime Minister gave to Balochistan and it is being implemented earnestly and people of Balochistan see a lot of hope in the implementation of this initiative. He said that Prime Minister is a visionary and has national outlook which is visible in the form of functionalization of Gwadar Port. He requested the Prime Minister that Gwadar Port should be connected to Ratodero Indus Highway for materialization of this vision.
Reciprocating the sentiments of Chief Minister, the Prime Minister said that development of Balochistan is directly linked to the progress and prosperity of the country. The strategic location of the province could serve as a hub for economic activities for ensuring a better quality of life to the people of Balochistan, he added.
The Prime Minister said that ‘Aghaz-e-Haqooe-e-Balochistan’ was designed to ensure speedy development of the province. It will go a long way in alleviating the sufferings of the Balochi people and mitigate the inequalities and bring them at par with other developed regions of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that Passage of 18th Amendment Bill is a great achievement of the elected representatives of the people of Pakistan and through NFC Award more resources have been put at the disposal of the province which should be used for the betterment of the people. He assured the Chief Minister that no Swat like operation will be initiated in Balochistan. He further assured that as committed by the Federal Government, remaining amount of GDA Business Plan would be released to the Balochistan Government. He informed that the Federal Government has already released Rs 5 billion.
The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities for convening of the ECNEC meeting for thrashing out outstanding issues regarding Balochistan.
The Prime Minister also directed that the proposal for provision of bulldozers to Balochistan Government be examined for relief activities to flood affected areas. He directed Chairman, NHA to immediately take up repairing and building of roads and bridges infrastructure on top priority basis in Balochistan.
The Prime Minister also issued instructions for dispatching of more field hospitals and mobile medical teams in the flood affected areas of Balochistan to carry out medical activities.
Mr Muhammad Asim Kurd, Provincial Finance Minister was also present in the meeting.
PR. No. 207
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 16, 2010High Commissioner UNHCR Mr. Antonio Guterres called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Mr. Kasidis Rochanakorn, Director Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific, Geneva, Mr. Mengesha Kebede, UNHCR Representative for Pakistan, were also accompanying the High Commissioner.
Minister for SAFRON Mr. Najmuddin Khan, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Senator Ms. Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar were also present during meeting.
The President appreciated the valuable contributions of UNHCR during the recent floods for the affected people. He said that the worst flood in the history of the country had inflicted colossal damage on the people and the infrastructure of the country. He said that all the resources had been mobilized by the Government for rescue and relief operations in the affected areas but the scale of devastation was beyond the capacity of any developing country or perhaps even the developed country to manage on its own.
The President said that Pakistan direly needs massive international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work not only to resettle the affected people but also to recreate economic opportunities for them.
The President mentioning that the floods have also affected certain Afghan refugees camps said that though Pakistan was not a party to 1951Refugees Convention it has done more than any signatory to look after huge influx of Afghan refugees. The President said that Pakistan considers repatriation of Afghan refugees on voluntary basis as the most preferred and viable solution.
The President said that during recent years the country had felt double impact of protracted Afghan refugee situation. He said that the situation was compounded by cut in funding by UNHCR and slow pace of repatriation. Therefore, the President said, Pakistan expects the international community particularly the UNHCR to continue its support for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan and for the policies and programmes of the Government for the refugees.
Mr. Antonio Guterres thanked the President for meeting and assured that UNHCR would continue to help people of the affected areas and the refugees.
