PR. No. 210
PRESS RELEASE
Condolence Message From The High Commissioner Over Assassination of Dr. Imran Farooq
Islamabad, September 17, 2010
High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan has expressed shock and grief over the assassination of Dr. Imran Farooq and has conveyed heartfelt condolences to his family and leader of the MQM Mr. Altaf Hussain, says a press release received here today from London.In his message Mr. Hasan said “profoundly grieved and shocked over dastardly murder of Dr. Imran Farooq . His death is a personal loss . I had known him for over three decades and found him to be a great human being and a gentleman”
The High Commissioner wished courage to the family and MQM to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul.
**SSR/Ahmad**
PR. No. 211
PRESS RELEASE
Huawei Technologies donate 100,000 Yuan for PM’s relief fund
Islamabad, September 17, 2010China’s leading Telecommunication Company, Huawei Technologies donated an amount of RMB 100,000 (US$ 8000 approx.) for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 here today.
The documents in this regard were handed over by Senior Vice President of Huawei Technologies, Mr. Zhang Chunxiang to Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Masood Khan at the Pakistan Embassy here today.
Ambassador Masood Khan thanked the Chinese government and people for the support being given for the flood affectees of Pakistan both in the form of cash and kind.
He particularly appreciated the medical relief services provided by the two medical teams sent by China to Pakistan. One of these teams, which returned to Pakistan after spending nearly three weeks there, had treated 11400 patients, he said.
Masood Khan also thanked Huawei Technologies for investing in Pakistan and playing a role in reviving the country’s national economy.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Zhang Chunxiang, who has also served as China’s Ambassador to Pakistan and Afghanistan, expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss to life and property caused by the flood water and said that Huawei Technologies considers it an obligation to provide support to the people of Pakistan in their hour of need. He said Huawei employees in Pakistan would also donate US$ 100,000 for the flood affected people, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR. No. 212
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 17, 2010
Minister of Social Welfare and Special Education, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki has expressed her deep sense of grief over the murder of a MQM senior leader Dr. Imran Farooq who was stabbed to death last night outside his residence in London.
he Minister, in her condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family and MQM leadership to bear this irreparable loss.
**AY/Ahmad**
PR. No. 213
PRESS RELEASE
Bijarani expresses his deep sense of grief over the murder of mqm leader Dr. imran farooq
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has expressed his deep sense of grief over the murder of a MQM senior leader Dr. Imran Farooq who was stabbed to death last night outside his residence in London.
While expressing his sympathy with the members of the bereaved family and MQM leadership, the Minister, in his condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family and MQM leadership to bear this irreparable loss.
**MAB/Ahmad**
PR. No. 214
PRESS RELEASE
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR PARTICIPATION OF URS OF HAZRAT KHWAJA ALLAUDDIN ALI AHMAD SABIR
(RA)
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Ministry of Religious Affairs has invited applications on prescribed forms from Pakistani Zaireen to participate in the annual Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Allauddin Sabir (RA) to be held from February 14-21, 2011 at Kalyar Sharif in India. The Ministry has informed that the interested Zaireen may submit their applications on the prescribed Ziarat form to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Section Officer-Ziarat) up to 25th September, 2010. It is further informed that the ballot, if required, will be held on 21st October, 2010 at 1100 hours in Ministry of Religious Affairs, Islamabad.
Other details/instructions regarding the Urs are available in the Application Form and on the official website (www.hajjinfo.org) as well. Application on old forms will not be entertained, it is added.
**AJM/Ahmad**
PR. No. 215
PRESS RELEASE
Government committed to provide Wheat Seed for the upcoming sowing season. Ample wheat stocks to
cater for the domestic requirements. Nazar Gondal
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Federal minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M .Gondal said that the government is bound to provide wheat seed for the upcoming sowing season.
He said it while chairing the Flood Mitigation 2010 meeting that was attended by representatives from the provinces including AJK and Gilgit Baltistan.
“It is the primary duty of the government to make the availability of wheat seed possible and give incentives for the flood affected areas so that the farmers are empowered to grow the seasonal crops on time. We have enough stocks of wheat to fulfill our local requirements and provide seed to all the provinces”, added the minister.
Mr. Gondal said that the ministry would soon finalize a Relief/ Incentive Package for the flood affected areas and would forward it to ECC for approval. He added that farmers would be facilitated in all the possible ways so that they resume their livelihood through an early recovery from the damages they faced. “The objective of the Relief Package would be to help the small farmers of the country”, said the minister.
The minister further said that germinated wheat seed would be given to the flood affected areas according to the requirements and data given by the provinces and its cost would be paid by the federal government. He added that the incentives would also include fertilizers and the cost of land preparation. He asked the provinces to decide the modalities of the package and whether they needed the assistance in kind or cash.
The meeting was informed that a total of 135000 tons of wheat seed would be needed for all the provinces. A total of 130, 823 tons of wheat has been damaged in the public sector. Excluding the damages by the floods, the remaining total of 10, 171,774 tons of wheat is available in the public sector.
The meeting was attended by secretary (Mr. Junaid Iqbal) and additional secretary Minfa, Mr. Kamal Majeedullah advisor to president on water, provincial agriculture secretaries and representatives including from AJK and GB.
**MS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 216
PRESS RELEASE
PM condoles death of Ch Muhammad Azam
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Chaudhry Muhammad Azam, former Deputy Speaker of AJK Legislative Assembly and senior PPP leader. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the services of late Chaudhry Muhammad Azam for the cause of democracy. He prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with patience and courage.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 217
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The acting High Commissioner of UK H.E Dr. Peter Tibber called on the Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim in his office today. Secretary Commerce, Zafar Mahmood and other officers of the Ministry were also present in these meeting.
The Federal Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim expressed that both the countries were enjoying excellent and cordial trade relations. The Federal Minister expressed that bilateral trade could be enhanced further through meaningful efforts. The Federal Minister extended his gratitude over generous UK assistance in flood relief activities, and said that Pakistan needs more support to rehabilitate the flood affected people. He further appraised that his ministry carrying out damage assessment in commerce and trade activities by the worst flood that hit Pakistan in past 80 years.
The Minister appreciated the support of UK for Pakistan in EU agreement to grant Pakistan trade concessions. He said that the EU has agreed in principle for immediate substantial and meaningful support. We welcome and appreciate the decision, he further said.
**SH/Ahmad**
PR. No. 218
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN TO SIGN GPFA OF TAPI NEXT WEEK-NAVEED QAMAR LEAVES FOR ASHGABAT
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar will sign the Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA) of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan on September 20, 2010 along with the counterpart ministers from Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and India. The Minister left for Ashgabat today.
TAPI gas pipeline project is being planned to bring natural gas from Turkmenistan through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India. The Heads of State of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan signed Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA) for joint oil and gas pipeline projects between the three countries in 2002. India joined the project in 2008 and a revised GPFA was initialled for the induction of India, thus changing the project from TAP to TAPI. The ADB sponsored pre-feasibility study, conducted in 2004, indicated that the 1680 km pipeline project was economically and financially viable and estimated cost was US$ 3.3 billion (revised to US$ 7.6 billion in 2008). The pipeline would be designed to carry 3.2 BCFD gas from Turkmenistan, delivering 0.5 BCFD to Afghanistan and 1.35 BCFD each to Pakistan and India. Pakistan would be able to produce 6000 MW electricity using 1.35 BCFD gas.
This would be a landmark achievement, as the project had seen no progress since 2008. The president of Pakistan Mr Asif Ali Zardari has during a telephonic discussion with Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov reactivated this important project. Mr Zardari has directed Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources to expedite concluding various agreements with the target of finalizing Gas Sales Purchase Agreement by the end of this year or early next year.
After the signing of GPFA in Ashgabad next week, the parties are planning to convene rigorous rounds of negotiations so as to finalize the Gas Sales Purchase Agreement during a proposed TAPI summit in Ashgabad. The renewed attention to this project from the present government would lead to significantly improving energy availability for Pakistan and help resolve the energy crisis.
**TP/Ahmad**
PR. No. 219
PRESS RELEASE
Ambassador Richard Holbrooke calls on Prime Minister
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that National Oversight Disaster Management Council (NODMC) has been constituted through national consensus as well as in line with devolution of powers to the federating units provided for under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. He said the NODMC consists of people of impeccable integrity and repute and its members are nominated by Federal as well as all the Provincial governments including AJ&K and Gilgit-Baltistan. Under its Terms of Reference, he added, NODMC is fully empowered to ensure transparency, accountability and judicious utilization of the foreign assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister was talking to Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan who alongwith a delegation which called on the Prime Minister at the PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that NODMC is totally a non-governmental and non-political body having support of all political parties and endorsed by the Council of Common Interests. He added that the NODMC is in addition to the already existing accountability mechanism like the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee.
The Prime Minister said that it is a matter of satisfaction that all the political parties and civil societies are making efforts to help their brothers at these trying times. He updated the US delegation about the current situation in the flood affected areas. He thanked the US leadership and military for their generous humanitarian assistance to mitigate sufferings of Pakistan’s flood affectees. He appreciated the fact that the US would be announcing a comprehensive package for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases in the flood affected areas during the forthcoming FoDP Ministerial meeting in Brussels from October 14-15, 2010. He said that government of Pakistan is also raising finances through indigenous resources to meet the expenditure required for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the US would also expedite reimbursement of pledged assistance against Kerry Loogar Bill and the long overdue payments of Coalition Support Fund. While noting that EU Council had decided yesterday for WTO trade concession specifically for Pakistan, the Prime Minister urged the US government for helping Pakistan in lobbying for a positive decision for greater access to Pakistani products in the EU markets.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that despite the catastrophic consequences of floods on Pakistan’s economy, his government remains resolutely committed to pursue the war against terror. While referring to President Karzai’s recent visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister stated that he was of the firm belief that a peaceful, stable and economically developed Afghanistan was pivotal for the peace and stability of Pakistan and his government would continue assisting the Afghan Government to achieve these goals.
Ambassador Richard Holbrooke stated that he had personally observed unimaginable and incredible devastation caused by the floods during his last two days trip to Thatta and Southern Punjab. He said that the US government would continue to standby Pakistan in overcoming its economic difficulties and coping with the challenges of rescue, relief, recovery and reconstruction phases.
Ambassador Holbrooke said that US government would now consider giving direct assistance to the Government of Pakistan for its expeditious and optimal utilization for the flood affectees and would remain in consultation with the government of Pakistan about its emergent requirements. The US government hence was focusing on the next FoDP Ministerial meeting and was mobilizing the international community for generating the required funds for Pakistan.
US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Anne W Patterson, Minister for Defence Ch Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Interior Mr. Rehman Malik, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 220
PRESS RELEASE
The government and the people of Pakistan are grateful for the relief efforts offered by the Sudanese government and volunteers. Linkages in agriculture sector would be established to help the brother nation. Nazar Gondal
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal thanked the Sudanese government and the volunteers for their humanitarian activities in the flood affected areas and committed to establish sustainable cooperation with Sudan in agriculture help that country to benefit from the experiences of Pakistan.
The Minister said it while holding a meeting with the Sudanese delegation that called on him at his office.
“We are grateful for the kind gesture and concern shown by your government and people in the aftermath of the devastating floods. The spirit of helping us in this time of trouble and trail is most appreciated. We would build strong and durable linkages with Sudan and would offer all that is possible for us”, added the Minister.
Mr. Gondal said that areas for mutual cooperation must be identified so that a MoU is signed between the concerned organizations of both the countries. He added that his ministry is ready to help the agricultural sector of Sudan and transfer the expertise to the brotherly country.
The delegation was led by Dr. Abdul Majid Muhammad Noor and accompanied by H.E Mohammad Omer Musa, the Sudanese ambassador to Pakistan. The head of the delegation said that the government and people of Sudan are really concerned at the damages due to the catastrophic floods. The delegates were mostly medical doctors who have come to Pakistan to help the flood affected people.
**MS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 221
PRESS RELEASE
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE IS CONDITIONAL TO FACE
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES: HAMEED ULLAH JAN AFRIDI
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that the continues process of global warming and climate change can bring major abnormalities in weather conditions which could cause further damages in different areas of Pakistan. He stated this here today in an interview to the media. The Minister said that the people of Pakistan were facing severe hardships in terms of harsh weather conditions with erupts like droughts and floods for the past several years. He said that it is imperative for initiating effective steps to minimize omissions of hazardous particles in the air which were causing respiratory diseases and other fatal ailments. He said there is need to bring behavior change towards environment and collective efforts should be made to face the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
Responding to a question Federal Minister Environment said that although government with the assistance of individual and collective efforts striving its best to provide immediate relief and rehabilitate the flood affectees however, huge resources are required to tackle this gigantic challenge. He said that the process of intrusion along the river banks is continued due to devastating rains and floods and it can be prevented by massive plantation. The Minister said that Maga Forestry Projects are being implemented with the cooperation of Provincial Governments.
Mentioning various steps adopted by Ministry of Environment, Hameed Ullah Jan said that major achievements have so far been achieved to improve environmental conditions and new projects have been introduced to ensure effective steps for the purification of environment.
**MAS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 222
PRESS RELEASE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORESTRY SECTOR
IS NEED OF TIME: HAMEED ULLAH JAN AFRIDI
REDD IS AN INTERNATIONAL MECHANISM TO REDUCE DEFORESTATION AND PROVIDE INITIATIVES
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Ministry of Environment is seriously pursuing CDM and REDD agenda in the country. Sustainable development of the forestry sector is need of time and Ministry of Environment is utilizing all possible resources for promotion of forestry area in the country. Forestry sector is playing important role in the socio-economic development of the country however, public -private sector and related stakeholders have to come forward in this regard. Federal Secretary Environment, Muhammad Javed Malik said this while addressing the media persons in a briefing about Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation and Reducing Emissions due to Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) here today.
Federal Secretary said that REDD is an international mechanism which has been constituted to reduce deforestation and provide initiatives in this regard. He said that there is need for sustainable forest management. He said that Pakistan has rich natural resources however, there is need to make sustainable use of these resources. While explaining, he said that Pakistan has 5% forestry covered area and government is taking several initiatives to increase that forestry area to meet the Millennium Development Goals. He mentioned that provincial development projects are also being initiated to increase forestry area of the country. People’s livelihood is linked with forest sector. Forests not only provide wood but food and other facilities as well.
Javed Malik said that reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing counties to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. He said that most of the forestry area is under private ownership. There is need to inform and educate them to not only maintain but also increase forestry area and get maximum benefits from CDM and REDD initiatives.
He said that Pakistan is a developing country which is facing environmental issues. He told that in Pakistan two major events are being organized for tree plantation. All provinces are being taken on board and targets are being fixed. Environment Secretary mentioned for policy decision all stakeholders and public-private are being involved. He also urged on media to come forward and play its due role to aware and educate the community and promote our efforts for promoting the issues of climate change and environment.
Joint Secretary Abid Ali, Director General Environment Javed Ali Khan, I.G forest, Syed Mehmood Nasir and other high officials of Swiss Agency for Development and Inter-Cooperation were also present on this occasion.
**MAS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 223
PRESS RELEASE
Health Minister Launches National Mass Vaccination Campaign for Flood Affectees
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The Federal Health Minister, Makhdoom Shahabuddin today launched special National Mass vaccination Campaign for flood affectees at railways hospital in Sukkher. Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Kursheed Ahmad Shah, Argentinean Ambassador to Pakistan, Rodolfo Saviris, World Health Organization representative t Pakistan Guido Sabatenneli, and high ranking officials were present on the occasion.
While addressing a select group of Lady Health Workers, public health experts and community mid-wives, after administering polio and measles vaccine to kick off the special drive for the flood affectees the Federal Health Minister said, “Immunization is the first line of defense in dealing wit health challenge of this magnitude and scale thrown in the wake of unprecedented floods in the country”. Makhdoom Shahabuddin said “it is only due to effective management and coordinated health response that the country did not have to face serious epidemics as was being foreseen by national and international public health experts.
He praised in particular the lady health workers who have been at the forefront in health response t the affectees. “I salute the Lady Health Workers and EPI vaccinator for their devotion and dedication in ensuring that there is no epidemic in any of the flood affected areas. Civil Society, pharmaceutical sector, PAIMAN, USAID, UNFPA have all played a vital role” added the minister. He appealed to the health workers and flood affected families to make special vaccination drive a success. Earlier Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto in her welcome remarks elaborated the health challenges being faced by the affectees in Sindh Province. She expressed determination on behalf of the entire health fraternity to meet the challenge in the next phase as flood water recedes.
Dr. Altaf Bosan made a presentation on strategy for the mass vaccination campaign. A total of 15 million children in the flood affected areas cross Pakistan will be immunized with measles and polio vaccines. For this purpose over 6000 special teams have been constituted. “The first wave of deaths in the immediate aftermath of the floods was averted due to immediate vaccination of the IDPs whereas a second wave shall be averted as a result of this drive to be held from 20th September till the 2nd of October 2010.
The Minister also went around the diarrhea treatment centre established for flood affectees by the Federal Ministry of Health where he was given a comprehensive briefing on treatment and management of acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis cases by Prof Rashid Jooma, DG Health. Later the Minister handed over a consignment of water tanks and jerry cans to the Sukkher district government. These goods were donated by USAID.
PR. No. 224
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has published the name of the candidate returned elected un-contested as a result of Bye-Election to the Senate of Pakistan against a General Seat from Sindh Province fallen vacant due to death of Senator Mr. Abdul Razak A. Thahim, for the un-expired term of office, which is due to expire on the 11th March, 2012:
Name
Father’s Name
Address
1
2
3
Syed Sajid Hussain Zaidi
Syed Abid Ali
R/o. House No.151,
Mohalla Ali Murad,
Khairpur.
PR. No. 225
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has, keeping in view the Report dated 14-09-2010 received from the Secretary, Home Department, Government Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar and the report of Returning Officer concerned dated 15-09-2010 regarding adverse law and order situation in Tank, re-fixed the date of Poll for Bye-Election in the Constituency No. PF-69 Tank as 28th November, 2010 instead of 22nd September, 2010, as notified earlier.
PR. No. 226
PRESS RELEASE
PM EXPRESSED SHOCK AND GRIEF OVER THE DEATH OF DR.IMRAN FAROOQ
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the assassination of Dr. Imran Farooq, former Convener of MQM at London.
In his message to the bereaved family, the Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies over the tragic incident. He said that those involved in this heinous crime would be apprehended soon by the British Government to bring them to justice.
The Prime Minister also prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his countless blessing on the departed soul and give courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with equanimity.
PR. No. 227
PRESS RELEASE
MDTF TO FOCUS ON LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE RECONSTRUCTION
Islamabad, September 17, 2010The first Steering Committee Meeting of the Multi- Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Balochistan took place today to approve a financing strategy for the $130 million fund. The World Bank administered MDTF was established at the request of the Government
to support reconstruction and peace-building initiatives in crisis affected areas of KP, FATA and Balochistan. Donors also agreed that the fund, which became operational recently, should also be used to address urgent needs arising from recent flooding in these provinces and FATA.
“The Trust Fund is a good instrument for ensuring better coordination among the donors and the Government, thereby enhancing development effectiveness and also reducing transaction costs”, said Rachid Benmessaoud, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan.
Australia, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Turkey, UK, and the USA have agreed to pool a total of $130 million through the fund to support the two provinces and FATA. The financing plan was designed based on the preliminary findings of the Post Crisis Need Assessment (PCNA) and on the development plans of the federal and provincial governments.
“We appreciate the support of the donor partners and assure them that the Government will play its role to assure success of the MDTF”, said Sibtain Fazal Halim, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, who co-chaired the meeting.
The World Bank confirmed its commitment to administer the Fund on behalf of the participating donors.
The expanded focus of the MDTF takes into account the need to address flood recovery, though the Fund remains committed to the original goals in support of a long-term peace-building strategy for the region.
The Bank is using its emergency procedures to reduce preparation and approval time for projects under the MDTF. At the same time, systems are being put in place to ensure that funds will be used for the intended purposes in a transparent manner.
PR. No. 228
PRESS RELEASE
GERMAN PUBLIC DONATIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS INCREASE TO OVER US$ 209 MILLION
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Donations by German people for the flood victims in Pakistan have increased to around US$ 209 million, as per the statistics issued by the German Institute on Social Matters, Deutsches Zenhalinstitut fuer soziale Fragen, DZI here today. 45 German Relief Organizations have the certification of the DZI Institute to collect donations and these have collected Euro 161 million (around US$ 209 million) so far,says a press release received from Embassy of Pakista Berlin here today.
According to DZI, after a slow start the flow of donations gathered pace and Now the donations are the highest by German after the donations given by them in Tusnami in 2004-05, Elbe Floods in Germany in 2002 and Haiti’s earthquake earlier this year. However, the donations for Pakistan flood victims still continue to pour in.
The six organizations which have collected more than Euro 10 million are Entwicklung Hilft (27.8 million), German Red Cross -DRK (18.9 million) Aktion Deutschland Hilft (16.3 million), Deutsche Welthungerhilfe (15.3 million), Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (12.2 million) and the Caritas Germany (11 million).
PR. No. 229
PRESS RELEASE
RICHARD HOLBROOKE CALLS ON CHAIRMAN NDMA
Islamabad, September 17, 2010Mr. Richard Holbrooke, US Special Envoy to Pakistan/Afghanistan called on Chairman, NDMA, Lt. Gen. ® Nadeem Ahmed, here today. They discussed the current flood situation and the Chairman briefed Mr Holbrooke about the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
Commending the incessant efforts of the NDMA for providing timely relief to the flood affectees, Mr. Holbrooke assured Gen. Nadeem Ahmed that the US will continue its support for the flood affected people. He said that the present situation is a challenge for the country and that the US will stand by Pakistan in this hour of need.
Apprising the US envoy about the relief and rescue activities in the flood ravaged areas, Chairman, NDMA lauded the substantial aid extended by the US for the victims of this calamity and expressed hope that this cooperation will continue until the sufferings of the affectees are alleviated.
PR. No. 230
PRESS RELEASE
PPP HOLDS MID TERM REVIEW MEETING
Islamabad, 17 September 2010A mid term review of the Government held in a meeting of the federal cabinet presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and PM Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani in the Presidency today reviewed in depth the progress made by the government, the challenges faced by it and the way forward and resolved to continue making strides to strengthen democracy and address the problems faced by the people.
The meeting was attended by about forty Federal Ministers, Ministers of State and the Advisors present in Islamabad.
Briefing the Journalists about the meeting Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farthatullah Babar said that while expressing their views candidly on all political, economic and security issues the meeting also adopted a resolution reposing full confidence in the leadership of the Co-Chairman PPP President Asif Ali Zardari and the head of the Government Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani.
The issues discussed in the meeting that lasted for four hours ranged from the current political situation, to the state of economy, from rehabilitation of flood victims to the relations with coalition partners and from the opportunities before the Government to the challenges faced by it.
The meeting was also addressed both by the President in the beginning and the end and by the Prime Minister towards the end of it.
The meeting noted that despite challenges and hurdles in its way the Government had waded through difficulties successfully and achieved significant achievements on political and economic fronts as well as on the fronts of fight against militancy. Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting also resolved that democracy, the Parliament and the unanimous Constitutional Amendments adopted by the Parliament in April last will be defended and protected at all costs.
The President in his opening remarks asked the participants not to be deterred by the negative propaganda against the Government.
About the situation arising out of floods, the President thanked the international community for its help but said that we also have to help ourselves to gain the confidence and credibility of the international donors. For this, he said, we have to generate indigenous resources and then look towards the international community for greater assistance.
He asked the Government to pursue vigorously the issue of market access with European Union and the United States. He described the Thursday’s development where European Union leaders has agreed to grant limited trade concessions to Pakistan to help it overcome the impact of devastating floods as very positive adding that it has raised the confidence level of Pakistan to achieve the objective of market access. The President said the international community has realized that a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan was a key to address global issues such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and counter-narcotics etc.
The President asked the ministers to strive to strengthen Pakistan economically. Once we are strong economically, we will be able to tackle all the challenges, he said.
The President said that such political meetings will be held more frequently. Meeting of CEC, Federal Council and the Parliamentary Party will also be held shortly, he said.
Mr. Babar said that almost all the participants expressed their views candidly on variety of issues. Taking note of the suggestions by some participants about strengthening the Party’s organizational structure, the President in his concluding remarks said that as Co-Chairman of the Party he will take appropriate decisions in consultation with the Party on organizational matters. He said that beginning with Balochistan, where the Party organization is in suspension, all organizational issues of the Party will be addressed shortly.
PR. No. 231
PRESS RELEASE
IRANIAN WOMEN DELEGATION MEETS CHAIRPERSON BENAZIR INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMME
Islamabad, 17 September 2010An official Iranian Women Delegation headed by Mrs. Maryam Mojtahedzadeh, Adviser to the President Ahmadinejad met the Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Farzana Raja at BISP headquarter on 17th September 2010. Apart from Mrs. Maryam Mojtahedzadeh, delegation consisted of Mrs. Fatemeh Alia, a female parliamentarian, and the wife of Ambassador of Iran Mr. Masha’allah Shakeri. Ambassador himself accompanied the delegation.
Ms. Farzana Raja apprised the delegation about the devastation caused by the latest floods; she informed that much of the people affected by the floods were already living below the line of poverty, and now even the lower middle class is sliding towards the line of poverty. She informed the delegation about the relief efforts initiated by the Government and BISP. She said that BISP is distributing Rs. 12000, apart from its regular benefits, among the almost one million flood affected beneficiaries of BISP for their immediate relief. She also informed the delegation that 6 million of the 20 million flood affected people are already registered with BISP. Besides this Ms. Raja also apprised the delegation of the current status of the various initiatives , including Cash Grant, Emergency Relief Package, Waseela-e-Haq, Health Insurance, Vocational Training Programme and national rollout of Poverty Survey, started by the BISP for the well being of the marginalized and under-privileged sections of the society.
The delegation very much appreciated the idea of BISP and said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was not only the daughter of Pakistan she was also the daughter of Iran. Delegation informed that 70 tons of relief goods, especially for the flood affected women, will be delivered in Karachi tomorrow. Delegation apprised Ms Raja about the various steps taken by the Iranian government for the empowerment of women. Mrs. Maryam Mojtahedzadeh and ambassador Masha’allah Shakeri also invited the Chairperson to visit Iran to meet her counterparts and exchange views and experiences. The Chairperson thanked the delegation for their visit and promised to visit Iran as soon as possible.
PR. No. 232
PRESS RELEASE
MAULANA FAZL-UR-RAHMAN CALLS ON PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI
Islamabad, 17 September 2010Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Flood relief measures and the coalition matters were discussed during the meeting.
PR. No. 233
PRESS RELEASE
HOLBROOKE MEETS FINANCE MINISTER
Islamabad, 17 September 2010United States Special Envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan Mr. Richard Holbrooke who is currently visiting Pakistan called on the Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh here today. He was accompanied by US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Patterson and other officials.
During the meeting the US Enovy said that Pakistan is now facing quite a difficult time in the wake of the floods, and assured that the United States would deliberate upon some more increased financial support in the coming days. He also assured that the US Administration would motivate the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to expedite the disbursement of remaining tranche which were pledged under the Tokyo arrangemetns.
Mr. Richard Holbrooke expressed his satisfaction over the setting up of the National Disaster Management Oversight Committee on utilization and disbursement of external assistance. He was informed that the Pakistan Development Forum was being planned in the month of November this year in which Pakistan would be presenting its requirements for post-flood reconstruction efforts. The Finance Minister also briefed the visiting team about the various measures being taken by the Government to overcome the present economic problems of the country. Among others senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, EAD, FBR also attended the meeting.
