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PR.
No. 183. On the request of the prospective bidders and an overwhelming response witnessed to the invitation of Expression Of Interests (EOIs) for the privatisation of SME Bank Ltd., the Privatisation Commission (PC) has extended the last date for submission of Expression Of Interests (EOIs) and Statement Of Qualifications (SOQs) to May 31, 2008. All other terms and conditions will remain the same. Earlier, the last date to receive EOIs & SOQs was May 17, 2008. The Privatisation Commission (“PC”) has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from reputed Pakistani and / or International parties / consortia who have an interest in entering the process towards acquiring 93.88% strategic shareholding in SME Bank Limited (“SME Bank”) along with transfer of management control to a strategic investor. The early submission of EOI will enable the interested parties to avail maximum time for the submission of Statements of Qualifications (SOQs). SME Bank’s privatisation represents an attractive investment opportunity for investors interested in entering into the commercial banking market of Pakistan. SME Bank has an unrestricted commercial banking license covering banking activities in Pakistan. SME Bank is a public limited company, which was incorporated in Pakistan on October 30, 2001. At present, SME Bank has employee strength of approximately 630 permanent and contractual individuals and is operating through a diverse network of 27 branches, which include 13 active commercial branches. According to JCR-VIS Credit Rating as on February 22, 2007. SME Bank was rated BBB for long-term and A-2 for short-term credits. SME Bank also holds a 73% share in SME Leasing Limited, listed on the Lahore Stock Exchange (“LSE”), which was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of SME Bank. The Salient Features of the transaction include divestment of 93.88% GOP shareholding along with transfer of management control. The SME Bank has an unrestricted commercial banking license. The potential buyer will have to retain the name ‘SME Bank Ltd.’ for one-year post privatisation. The charter of SME Bank to be maintained for at least three years post privatisation. The leasehold land appearing in the books will not be a part of the transaction and will be returned to the lessor before the sale. All permanent employees will be offered a severance package. GOP will keep the right to appoint at least one director on the board of directors of SME Bank post privatisation. Detailed transaction structure and conditions form a part of the pre-bid documents that would be issued to parties with relevant credentials who submit a formal EOI and / or are pre-qualified parties as the case may be. All terms and conditions relating to privatisation of SME Bank shall be communicated to all pre-qualified bidders from time to time before the bid date. The PC has asked the potential parties to submit EOI including, Name & address of the party / consortium, Date and place of incorporation, Nature of business and other background information, Experience in the banking / financial sector, Audited Financial Statements and detail of ownership structure. TP/AZC
6 members delegation from Guardian Council of Islamic Republic of Iran led by Anayatullah Ahmed Janati visited Faisal Masjid today. Members of delegation offered “Nafals” there, in a noble atmosphere of beautiful masjid of Islamabad. They were accompanied by Secretary Mr. Riazur Rehman, Chairman, Dr. Khalid Masood and other high officials of Council of Islamic Ideology. The Guardian Council of Islamic Republic of Iran is a powerful body with vast legislative and executive jurisdiction that from a corner stone of the Islamic Republic’s Constitution. The Guardian Council, with the status of Senate, is authorized to examine all Parliamentary decisions as to their consistency with the tenets of Islam and Constitutional law. As a matter of fact, the Guardian Council is an institution which is obligated to supervise over the laws ratified by the Islamic Consultative Assembly and to ensure their non repugnance with the sacred injunctions of Islam. Such an important delegation is visiting Pakistan now a days. JG/AZC
PR. No. 185. Federal Secretary for Environment Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi said on Monday that Ministry of Environment is making all out efforts to develop policies, plans and Programmes such as the National Environment Policy, National Sanitation Policy, National Energy Conservation Policy and draft National Forestry Policy for addressing the environmental issues and action is underway for their implementation. Addressing a Consultative Workshop on One UN System in Pakistan in a local Hotel here today, the Secretary said that commitment of the government towards environment is evident from substantial increase in the financial resources allocation and priority attached to the environment in Mid Term Development Framework (MTDF) 2005-2010, Vision 2030 and other national development initiatives. He said that Ministry of Environment considers that the One UN Country Programme on Environment could serve as an important mechanism for implementing the National Environment Polices on the ground and effectively address the secotoral and cross sectoral issues with the line Ministries and organizations so that the sustainable environmental and economic development can be achieved in Pakistan. He said that Ministry of Environment considers it vital that the results, impacts and short comings of United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) implemented during 2004-2008 may be of great help in providing necessary feedback in developing the Joint Country Programme on environment under One UN Reform. The Secretary informed that Situational Analysis Report of the environment sector in Pakistan prepare under One UN Reform has been reviewed by the Ministry of Environment and it was felt to widen the scope of consultation with all line agencies and today’s workshop marks commencement of this process. The Secretary appreciated the support and cooperation extended by UNDP and UNICEF and other UN agencies extended to the Ministry of Environment which has greatly help this Ministry to develop the above policies and initiate follow up programmes for their implementation. The Secretary hoped that Pakistan being one of the pilot country the recommendations of this workshop will provide a solid basis to reform UN System in accordance with specific needs and facilitate implementation of national environment policy with the target to offset the cost of environmental degradation estimated to be around one billion a day. Speaking on the occasion Director General, Ministry of Environment Mr. Jawed Ali Khan informed that the country program is being piloted in eight countries of the World and two in Asia including Pakistan and Vietnam . He said that the Pakistan country program includes five core areas, environment; agriculture, rural development and poverty reduction; education; health and population; and disaster management. He said that a Thematic Working Group on each of the themes has been constituted and situational analysis has been carried out for each of the thematic areas. UN Resident Coordinator Mr Fikret Ackura said that the issues of Enabling Environment for Improved Environmental Management and Development, Integrated Programme on Access to Safe water and Improved Sanitation, Integrated Natural Resources Management, Sustainable Urban Development and Green Industries, Energy and Jobs would be addressed under One UN System reforms programme. DKK/AZC
PR. No. 186. The Foreign Minister, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi has asked the Pakistan Ambassador in Nigeria to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Narcotics Control and to record his statement in connection with issuance of visas to African nationals mostly Nigerians, who were later found to be involved in drug trafficking. The Foreign Minister, who appeared before the Senate Standing Committee, which was examining the issue at the Parliament House today also assured that he staunchly believes in sovereignty of the Parliament and his Ministry would extend full cooperation to the Senate Body investigating the matter of issuance of visas to nationals of African countries by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While endorsing the right of parliamentary oversight of the performance of various ministries and divisions of the Government, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi urged the national Press and Media to be careful and circumspect in reporting sensitive matters like the present one as the country has to pay dearly for slightest indiscretion. ‘Diplomatic sensitivities must be taken care of while reporting things in the Press’. He also assured the Committee that all documents relating to the case would be provided without the slightest hesitation and no attempt would be made to cover up the things at FO. Earlier, Senator Muhammad Enver Baig, Mover, speaking on the occasion expressed his surprise that the Pakistan Mission in Nigeria did not care whether the applicant has fulfilled the visa requirements or not. In most cases, he said, the applicants were not asked to furnish the relevant documents like bank statement, letters from Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the nature of the business they are dealing with etc, while processing applications for grant of visas. Even the addresses given in the applications turned out to be fake in a number of cases. It appeared that these were stamped whimsically and without taking into consideration the standard procedure being followed the world over for grant of business visas. Consequently, he said, our reputation was tarnished. The Members of the Committee demanded that the visa issuance procedure be reviewed and SOPs be followed strictly. While they made it abundantly clear that the country or for that matter the Senate Committee has nothing against people of African origin, no let up be allowed at the airports or elsewhere which may tarnish the country’s reputation. They also called for immediate deportation / handing over of all those convicted in drug related matters, once they have completed their sentences. ‘They should not be allowed to stay back in Pakistan and continue to spoil the future of our youth’, the Senators observed. Senator Mrs. Kalsoom Parveen, the Chairperson of the Committee said the future of our young generation is at stake and proliferation / use of drugs is a crime against humanity. The Government and the people must unite to eradicate the menace of drug from the country. The Senate Committee was also given a presentation on province-wise involvement of persons in the business of drugs whose properties were confiscated by the MNC / ANF and subsequently auctioned. It also considered the issue of “Seizure of 14 MT of Acetic Anhydride at PICT on 23rd March, 2008 by Pakistan Customs imported under the guise of Hydrogen per Oxide. The Senate Body has also asked the Ministry of Narcotics Control to sit with the Ministry of Law & Justice and prepare a draft law on the use of forfeited properties of the drug barons. The issue of precursor chemicals and their use in the industry also figured during the meeting. The meeting was attended, among others, Senators Nisar A. Memon, Sardar Mehmood Khan, Mrs. Tahira Latif, Saleem Saifullah Khan, Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan, and Abdur Rahim Mandokhail besides Senator Muhammad Enver Baig Mover, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Mr. Abdullah Yousuf and senior officials of the Ministry of Narcotics Control, ANF and Pakistan Customs. AZC
PR.
No. 187. Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour inaugurated art exhibition organized by National Textile Institute (NTI) here today. The Federal Minister was taken around various sections of the exhibition organized by the National Textile Institute, Islamabad. Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour visited various sections of Islamic designs, border design and textile design and printing, block printing, graphic designing and different theme-based designs prepared by the students of the institute. The Minister also visited section of masterpieces of art comprising Islamic, Arabian, Mughal and Indian art and art paintings displayed by the students in the exhibition. The Federal Minister appreciated the work, art designs and forms of dresses including bridal dress, formal wear, informal wear, party dress and casual dresses which depicted the skill, performance and dedication to work by the students. He said that he was really impressed by the art work, designs of various costumes prepared by the students of the Institute. Later, Prof. Rana Muhammad Latif, Exertive Director of the NTI presented a master-piece of painting to the Minister. FK/AZC
PR. No. 188. The Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Women Development and Health Ms. Sherry Rehman met her Chinese counterpart Mr. Chen Zhu. The Minister expressed sympathies over the death of people in devastating earthquake which struck China last week and assured full support of the people and government of Pakistan for the Chinese people in this hour of tragedy, and hoped that Chinese people will soon be able to overcome the trauma. The Ministers discussed the health matters of mutual interest and highlighted that given the strong historical relations between the two countries, Pakistan and China need to further strengthen their collaboration in the health sector as well. The particular areas identified for collaboration included: exchange of post-graduate trainees in various medical specialties and public health; establishing and strengthening public health surveillance systems; strengthening health systems; collaboration in medical and public health research; exchange of expertise in various specialties; encouraging the participation of experts in conferences and seminars; technical assistance for strengthening vaccine production facilities; pharmaceuticals, surgical and medical equipment; and traditional medicines. The Minister invited Chinese Health Minister to visit Pakistan in the near future which he gratefully accepted. WHO’s Assistant Director General for Communicable Diseases and Director General’s Representative for polio eradication Dr. David Heymann also called on the Minister for Health Ms. Sherry Rehman. The Minister thanked the WHO for its assistance for polio eradication in Pakistan. The Minister informed that Pakistan is continuing National Immunization Rounds and is vigilant through a well functioning surveillance system. The Minister reiterated that the Government of Pakistan is committed to eradicate this disabling menace and will leave not stone unturned to fulfill its commitment. Dr. Heymann assured that the WHO will continue to provide financial and technical assistance to achieve the goal of polio eradication. Mr. Abdumon Sidikor, Deputy Minister for Health of Uzbekistan also called on Minister for Health Ms. Sherry Rehman. They discussed health matters of mutual interest and highlighted that both countries need further strengthen the collaboration in health sector as well. They particularly discussed exchange of post-graduate trainees in various medical specialties and public health and export of quality pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical equipment to Uzbekistan. The Uzbek Deputy Minister desired for assistance in the field of kidney transplantation. The Minister assured Pakistan will be pleased to train Uzbek surgeons in this field. Enam Wazir/ank
PR. No. 189. Economic Advisory Council convened its 1st meeting under the Chairmanship of the Finance Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar in the Finance Division, Islamabad. The Minister stated that the Council has to deliberate upon the solutions to the macro economic problems faced by the country. There is a need to focus on food security, energy crisis and other budgetary issues affecting the common man. He expressed the hope that the committee will be able to advise short term and medium term measures to improve and invigorate the economy as well as ensured that the common man can be provided relief against current economic pressures. The terms of reference of Economic Advisory Council are to provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and the government on the formulation and implementation of economic policies and reforms agenda. Economic Advisory Council (EAC) comprising 11 members includes the Finance Minister, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs and Finance Secretary from the government sector. The private sector members who today deliberated on the economic issues are Mr. Bashir Ali Muhammad, Mr. Tariq Saigol, Mr. Saqib Sherani, Mr. Farooq Rahmatullah, Mr. Salim Raza and Mr. Shaukat Tarin. Mr. Shaukat Tarin is the Convener of the Committee and leads the deliberations as per TORs assigned to the EAC. Mr. Shaukat Tarin convener of the meeting assured that the EAC would try to identify measures to address the current economic situation and would also deliberate upon medium and long term initiatives for improving the economic structure of the country. The Deputy Chairman Planning Commission expressed the view that the EAC should address the immediate problems of the common man. Finance Secretary gave a presentation on the overall economic situation and forthcoming budget being prepared by the Finance Division. The meetings of the EAC would continue during the current week. NJ/ank
PR. No. 190. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Health and Women Development Ms Sherry Rehman said on Monday that Pakistan strongly believes in “One China Policy” and regards Taiwan an indivisible part and province of China, which will soon return to the mainland. In her speech at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland she said that “the Government of the People’s Republic of China has the sole responsibility of representing all its provinces and territorial units in the international forums.” She further said that Pakistan fully endorses and supports the decision to set aside the proposal to “invite Taiwan to participate in the World Health Assembly as observer”. This is a prudent decision which is anchored in legality. She said that the issue of the representation of China in the United Nations was settled once and for all 37 years ago and it should not be reopened. This Assembly should focus on health-related issues, she stressed. The Minister opined that today, the most urgent issue about China that this august Assembly should address is the need to bring quick relief to the victims of the deadly earthquake that has struck China. “Collectively, we should take action to heal wounds, to rehabilitate, and to rebuild shattered lives and neighborhoods,” she stressed. The Minister said that the Chinese government has been making commendable efforts to promote cross Strait exchanges. We appreciate the goodwill, sincerity and flexibility demonstrated by China to encourage direct contacts between the Liaison Office in Taiwan and the WHO Secretariat for exchange of technical information and support with regard to effective implementation of the International Health Regulations in Taiwan, said the Minister. “We commend Chinese Government’s readiness and efforts to engage Taiwan, to explore ways to associate Taiwanese professionals with the WHO, and to facilitate technical exchanges between Taiwan and the WHO,” she added. She said Pakistan was of the view that the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding between the Chinese Government and the WHO Secretariat to facilitate technical exchanges between Taiwan and WHO, adequately addresses concerns raised by the Taiwan authorities from time to time. EW/wh
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