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PR
No. 201 Comprising of the representatives of Ministry of Health and Departments of Health of all provinces, AJK and Northern Areas, the National Task Force for Communicable Diseases met at National Institute of Health today under the chairmanship of Dr. Rashid Jooma, the Federal Director General Health. Convened in the backdrop of upcoming summer & monsoon disease outbreak season and in the wake of emergency situation created by the massive displacement of population in NWFP, the meeting was enthusiastically attended by all partners which along with other included Dr. Khalid Naeem Khawaja, Head of the NARC Virology Reference Laboratory, Dr. Altaf Bosan, National Program Manager EPI, Dr. Rana Jawad Asghar, Resident Advisor FELTP/CDC, Dr. S.M. Mursalin, National HMIS Coordinator, Dr. Liaqat Bhutto Director Central Health Establishment and Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, Head of the National Epidemic Investigation Cell, NIH. The Chairman of the National Task Force, Dr. Rashid Jooma while highlighting the need of preparedness and coordinated action, briefed the participants about the upcoming public health challenges. While quoting the examples of SARS and Swine Influenza, he emphasized the need to build core surveillance & response capacities and mechanism at all levels of the healthcare delivery system. While appreciating the efforts of the NWFP health department, Dr. Jooma apprised that the Ministry of Health was constantly in touch with all public & private partners as well as international agencies to ease the sufferings of the displaced people. He also informed the audience about the work being carried out on draft legislation for disease surveillance in Pakistan. Dr. Birjees Mazher Kazi, Executive Director NIH informed that through the Seasonal Awareness & Alert Letter (SAAL), the National Institute of Health continuously keeps the health departments and other partners posted about the upcoming communicable disease threats on quarterly basis. He stressed all stakeholders to exhibit great degree of vigilance to mitigate the impact of the impending challenges of Gastroenteritis, Dengue, CCHF and Malaria. While referring to the IDPs he emphasized on the need to act urgently through appropriate preventive measures including vaccination of vulnerable children. The NPM EPI, Dr. Bosan presented vaccination strategy for children in the IDP camps as well as those living with their relatives across NWFP. The Dr. Zia-ul-Hasnain, Director Public Health NWFP apprised NTF that the situation was rapidly evolving with more and more influx of the IDPs. The provincial health cluster comprising of all stakeholders was closely monitoring the situation through meetings held twice a week. He also appreciated the support coming from the Ministry of Health, health departments of all provinces and AJK as well as WHO and other international agencies. While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rana Jawad Asghar, Resident Advisor FELTP/CDC talked about the initiatives of human resource development, integrated disease surveillance and the ongoing work on draft legislation for public health surveillance. The legal consultants while sharing salient features of the legislative framework informed that the draft was ready for sharing with the provincial health departments. With reference to the Swine Flu, the NTF was informed that the national preparedness plan for the pandemic was developed by NIH in 2005 based on which the Ministry of Health was implementing a National Program for Prevention & Control of Pandemic Influenza since 2006. The NTF recommended full-fledged activation of the national plan as the epidemic situation was highly unpredictable. Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, Principal Epidemiologist NIH and Focal Person for International Health regulations 2005 shared that that the Epidemic Investigation Cell, NIH was constantly providing the required technical guidance for sample collection, transportation as well as prevention & control measures. He also informed that in the wake of upcoming outbreak threats Viral Transport Medium had been made available with all district health departments. The representatives of the provincial health departments while sharing actions taken by them for prevention & control of communicable diseases in their respective areas termed the NTF meeting as a very timely step towards right direction and requested for frequent meetings to review the situation and ensure a coordinated response. **DKK/Ahmad**
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No. 202 TAHAFUZ – Together in Emergency for Health, Family and Environment” programme designed by the Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the partner agencies including UNICEF, RSPN, WSP, Water Aid and Plan International initiative to reach out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) emergency needs in water, sanitation and hygiene begins in the IDPs Camps. Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Afridi has formally launched the programme by inaugurating a water filtration plant and visiting the sanitation facilities in Sheikh Shehzad Camp Mardan. Four filtration plants have been provided by Ideal Hydrotec Systems to provide clean drinking water to the affected people in different camps. Secretary Ministry of Environment, Kamran Lashari, Additional Secretary Imtiaz Inayat Ellahi and representatives of the partner agencies were also present during the visit. Speaking on the occasion the Federal Minister said that government is making all out efforts to provide basic facilities to the IDPs, however, all the segments of the society should come forward to the partners in this noble cause. He said that we should follow the golden example of the Madina migration and the role of Ansar-i-Madina while helping out our brethrens confronted with the difficult situation. The Federal Minister said that TAHAFUZ is an integrated approach encompassing access to safe drinking water, safe disposal of solid waste, safe defecation practices and improved hygiene conditions for the families to minimize the risk of water and sanitation related disease outbreak. TAHAFUZ also seeks to create local employment opportunities through cash for work for IDPs. The Minister said TAHAFUZ model is designed to reach out to all IDPs and service providers by dissemination of basic minimal standards of water, sanitation and hygiene services as per international standards and national sanitation policy of Government of Pakistan. The launch of the first phase of the TAHAFUZ initiative will initially cater to the emergency needs of 5000 IDPs in the coming week, at an estimated cost of Pak Rs. 4 million. He said that we would extend this programme with the assistance of the partners including the development agencies and corporate sector. He said that Ministry of Environment has the mandate for provision of sanitation and hygiene facilities that is why this area has been selected. He said that through development of further partnerships, TAHAFUZ can be replicated to reach out to all IDPs in Frontier Province . This initiative focuses both on the service provision and awareness raising amongst IDPs in water and sanitation. He said that Ministry of Environment has also initiated “Own Families Programme” to help the affected people. Additional Secretary Ministry of Environment is coordinating this program. The minister thanked Mr. Mohsin Aziz , Mr. Ejaz Goar and Malik Yaseen for taking the responsibility of 250 families for one and half month period. He said that the Ministry encourages individuals, organizations, corporate sector and others to join hands with TAHAFUZ through generous contributions in cash or kind. Contributions can be deposited in Ministry of Environment’s Account No. 6494-2, in National Bank of Pakistan, melody Branch, Islamabad.
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No. 203 Pakistan and Canada have agreed to increase defence cooperation between the two countries particularly in the area of military training. This was agreed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, and the visiting Canadian Defence delegation, led by Mr. Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence of Canada, which called on the Minister in Ministry of Defence today. The meeting exchanged views on the security environment of the region, Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and the hardship and problems being faced by the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The Minister briefed the delegation about the ongoing military operation against militants in Malakand Division. He informed the delegation that military operation is being carried out successfully with the full support of the masses and political parties. He also referred to the yesterday’s All Parties Conference which unanimously backed the operation against the militants. Talking to the delegation, the Minister said that the International Community should assist Pakistan in strengthening its counter-terrorism capability so as to eliminate the scourge of terrorism and extremism. He also urged the international donor agencies to provide assistance to the IDPs so as to re-habilitate them and mitigate their sufferings. Mr.Peter MacKay assured the Minister that his country had already committed to provide 8 million Canadian Dollar for IDPs. The meeting also discussed the anti-terror efforts made by Pakistan. The Canadian Defence Minister said that terrorism is like a cancer and his country wanted to work together with Pakistan to uproot this menace once for all. Mr.Peter MacKay also offered to re-open and revive Canadian Military Training Assistance Programme (MTAP) which would further enhance defence cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also discussed Pak-Afghan border situation. The Minister informed his Canadian counterpart that Pakistan wanted to see stability and prosperity in Afghanistan because a stable and prosperous Afghanistan was not only in Pakistan’s interest but the whole region. He termed certain reports about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons in the media as baseless and speculative, saying that Pakistan nuclear weapons are in safe hands and the question about falling them into the wrong hands doesn’t arise. He emphasized that Pakistan’s strategic assets are well-guarded as a comprehensive Command and Control Mechanisms is in place. *AM/Ahmad**
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No. 204 Former Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali met Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House this morning. Overall political situation in the country particularly matters relating to Balochistan came under discussion during the meeting. **PMMO/Ahmad**
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No. 205 Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah has said that Pakistan has received a big demand of skilled workers from Italy and in this regard an MoU will sign soon. He stated this after the meeting with a 6-member Italian delegation who met the minister in his office here today and exchange views on import of manpower from Pakistan. The 6-member Italian delegation was headed by its Foreign Minister, H.E. Prof. Gianni DE Michelis, who is also the President of IPALMO, a prominent Italian institute of Internal Policies and Economics. Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, apprised the Italian delegation that Pakistan is ready to sign MoU with the government of Italy to streamlining workers flow from Pakistan to work in Italy. Regarding training programme, the Minister expressed that Pakistan keenly desire to meet manpower requirements of Italy and has evolved excellent training facilities in technical and professional fields. Federal Minister discussed that Pakistan will supply different categories of skilled and unskilled workers for inclusion in Italy’s seasonal workers scheme on regular footing and under specific quota, which can bring economic dividend to Pakistan and Italy. The Minister said Pakistan is exporting its manpower to different countries of the world since 1971. About 4.7 million workers of various categories have been proceeded abroad for employment from 1971 to 2008. On the occasion, the Head of Delegation Prof. Gianni DE Michelis has expressed that Pakistan and Italy enjoys cordial and friendly relations and share commonality of perception on important international issues of mutual interest. Our cordial relations are characterized by regular exchange of higher level visits. Both countries have the resources, the technological ability, the infrastructure and the manpower to bring about a transformation. There is a need to give substance to bilateral economic relations to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of our peoples for prosperity. He disclosed that every year one thousand visas are being issued to Pakistani workers and we want it to enhance upto 5000/-. Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary M/O Labour & Manpower and other high officials of the Ministry were also present in the meeting. **MSG/Ahmad**
PR
No. 206 Ukrainian Ambassador, Mr. Ihar Pasko called on Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmad Bilour here today. The matters of mutual interests in the backdrop of extending cooperation and business in Railway sector between the two countries came under discussion. The Federal Minister for Railways briefed the Ambassador about on-going development in Railways Sector and told that preliminary work has been started on Chaman-Qandhar section and Peshawar-Jalalabad section. The Minister said that establishment of rail link with Afghanistan, Pakistan may provide an easy access to Central Asia Russia and rest of Europe. The Ukrainian Ambassador briefed the Minister about the achievement and development of Ukrainian Railways and expressed his eagerness to extend cooperation in railway sector with Pakistan. The Ambassador highlighted the characteristics of Ukrane locomotives, Tracks and other technicalities. The Secretary and Chairman Railways welcomed the offer made by Ambassador and said that Ukraine might also participate in Tender Process by following the rules and procedures laid down by the Railways Ministry regarding procurement.
The Secretary Railways
further said that the exchange of Railway experts from both sides will
benefit each other in professional backdrop.
PR
No. 207 The present government is fully aware of the importance of Nursing Sector and is determined to raise its level to bring it at par with international standards. This was stated by Dr. Asim Hussain, President Pakistan Nursing Council, Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum and Chairman National Reconstruction Bureau. Dr. Asim emphasized the importance of nursing education as a prerequisite for bettering the current status and conditions of this sector. He stressed upon the need to phase out the prevalent diploma system by replacing it with four years BSc. Nursing. He also suggested that every medical college should have a Nursing School attached to it. The consultative meeting of 35 representatives of the nursing sector from Sindh and Balochistan held in Karachi was organized by National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) in collaboration with the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC). The objective of this exercise was to devise need based Nursing Human Resource (NHR), generation of job opportunities at national and International level; opening of new specialties in this field and funding a way forward for development of the backbone of the medical profession i.e. Nurses. At the meeting, presentations made by the visiting representatives from Sindh and Balochistan gave a historical overview of the profession, as well as the present scenario of nurses’ employment. These presentations were followed by a brain storming session based on which more presentations were made indicating problems and also proposing preferential course of action for their effective resolution. The participants deliberated upon education planning, techniques for creation of better opportunities for nurses in both public & private sector, preparation of a competent nursing force fit for foreign employment and improvement in the existing career structure of nurses. Mrs. Humera Hameed Alwani MPA, Sindh was also present on the occasion. She highly appreciated the “healing power” and role of “nurse” in our society. She also expressed the need to better the social and economic conditions of this much neglected segment of the Health Industry. The MPA strongly recommended instituting an excellence award in the name of Mohtarmaa Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for outstanding nurses. Mr. Naeem-ul-Haq, Member-I, NRB stressed that any way forward will depend upon commitment of stakeholders and innovations in the existing Nursing Policy. He stressed that phenomenal progress in the medical profession should be accompanied by concomitant progress in the nursing profession. This meeting is to be followed by a similar session which is likely to be held in the last week of May, 2009 in Lahore. The culmination of these interactions between the NRB and representatives of nurses will be a national seminar scheduled for June, 2009 at the capital. Principals of nursing institutes, Advisor Nursing Ministry of Health, Vice Chancellor DOW Medical University, nurses superintendents from Balochistan and Sindh, senior officers of NRB were present at the meeting held at a local hotel in Karachi. **AJ/Ahmad**
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No. 208 Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raeesani, has urged Federal Government that priority should be given to projects plan for development of Balochistan as Federal Government has started various projects for development of Livestock and Dairy Farming in Balochistan. He stated this remarks during a visit to the Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development here today. He said present government is very keen in development of Balochistan for which provincial and federal government has joint hands. Provincial Minister, fisheries and other senior officers of Balochistan and Federal government were present in the meeting and reviewed the various scheme related to development activities in Balochistan. On the occasion the Federal Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Dairy Development, Mr. Muhammad Ali Afridi in a briefing has said that Federal Government is implementing livestock projects worth of Rs. 8 billion throughout the country including Balochistan. They are at various stages of completion. Some of the Balochistan specific achievements include Initiation of PPR vaccine production at Veterinary Research Institute, Quetta and training of livestock official on production of said vaccine, Provision of mobility to veterinary field staff to improve veterinary health coverage at field level under Strengthening of Livestock Services Project (SLSP) project, Establishment of 447 feedlot fattening farm in Balochistan under LDDB Meat project, Provision of livestock production and extension services at farmer’s doorsteps, targeting 07 districts in Balochistan under Prime Minister’s special Initiative for Livestock. He further disclosed that M/o Livestock and Dairy Development also received livestock projects worth of Rs. 928 million from Planning and Development Department, Government of Balochistan for funding from federal PSDP. These have been forwarded to Planning Commission for necessary action and funding. He said these projects are establishment of sheep farm at Khuzdar, Establishment of camel farm at Kharan and Establishment of dairy farm, at Jhal Magsi area in Balochistan. He said the mass scale vaccination and de-worming program in large and small ruminants in District Khuzdar, besides the establishment of veterinary Dispensary at Goth Jhal Magsi have also been under consideration of Federal Government under Federal PSDP….. **QAM/Ahmad**
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No. 209 Canadian National Defence Minister Mr. Peter Mackay called on President Asif Ali Zardari her today at Aiwan- e- Sadr and discussed matters pertaining to the regional security situation, Pakistan’s efforts to fight militancy and extremism and relief efforts for rehabilitation of IDP of Malakand and Swat. Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Interior Minister Senator A.Rehman Malik and Secretary General to the President M. Salman Faruqui were also present during the meeting. Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Mr. Randolph Mank was also present. The President while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to fight militancy in the region said that the government would establish and maintain the writ of the state to ensure the supremacy of the rule of law. The president said that the entire nation is supporting the ongoing operation against the militants and wanted to flush out menace of terrorism from the areas to ensure peace. The president said that the government is determined to the betterment and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and all efforts and possible steps are being taken for their relief and rehabilitation with the active support of general public and the donors. The President pointed out the need for international assistance in rehabilitation of internal refugees who have been displaced from their homes. He said that the fight against militants now had political ownership and the nation was united to defeat the militants. He said that Pakistan was facing the consequences of an international drive against the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan and the international community should help Pakistan in countering the menace.
Canadian Defence
Minister expressed complete solidarity and support to
Pakistan
in this difficult hour adding “we desire to do even more in this fight
against militancy”. He said Canada will extend all possible help in
providing immediate relief to the IDPs by building schools, water supply
schemes and basic health units. He also assured that Canada will continue
to support Pakistan at the forum of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan.
PR
No. 210 Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here today and briefed him about the relief activities underway for the Internally Displaced Persons of Swat and Malakand Division. The Prime Minister said that all necessary measures should be taken in coordination with all stake holders including provincial government as well as the Special Support Group for ensuring provision of basic necessities of life to the people living in these camps. The Prime Minister said that efforts should be made for the provision of clean drinking water, electric coolers and electric fans to the displaced persons. **PMMO/Ahmad**
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No. 211 Pakistan and Egypt are facing similar challenges particularly with regard to religious extremism and terrorism, therefore, there is a need for enhanced cooperation between the two countries to overcome these daunting challenges. This observation was made by the Deputy Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali while taking to Mr. Mohammad El-Zorkany, Assistant Foreign Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who called on him at the Parliament House today. The Egyptian Ambassador to Pakistan was also present on the occasion. The Deputy Chairman said Islam is the religion of peace and it is unfair to associate Islam or the Muslims with violence and terrorism. An overwhelming majority of the Muslims is peace loving, law abiding and believes in moderation, upholding universal egalitarian values taught by their religion. He said ‘Sufis spread Islam in this part of the world and their dominant philosophy was love for humanity. That’s why they have been adored and endeared by people of all religions like Hindus, Sikhs and even Christians. He underscored the need to address the root causes of the scourge of terrorism like injustice, poverty and deprivation to rid the world of this menace. ‘Stability and tranquility are key to progress’, he observed. The Egyptian Minister said his country highly valued its relations with Pakistan and the achievements made by it in various fields have made all Egyptians proud. He said that there are other commonalities with Pakistan e.g. both are the proud inheritors of great civilizations Pakistan has Indus valley civilization whereas the Egyptian civilization is also one of the oldest in the world. He also elaborated on Al-Azhar’s role in spreading moderation. He also informed that Egypt has provided two C-130 of relief goods for IDPs. During the meeting, it was also observed that the Interior Ministries of both the countries are collaborating closely and the parliamentarians of the two countries should also learn from each other’s experiences. The Parliamentary exchanges should be stepped-up further. The Al-Azhar and Islamic International University, Islamabad are also cooperating with each other and exchanges scholars.
PR
No. 212 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the whole nation is united to wage a campaign against the militants and terrorists in Swat and Malakand Divisions. Pakistan is fighting on two fronts, as its Army and Para-military forces were involved in operation clean up in the most arduous and difficult mountainous terrain. Simultaneously, the Government and civil society was faced with the gigantic task of providing relief to the consequent influx of internally displaced persons whose number had already crossed 1.5 million and is likely to swell in the coming days. Pakistan also is confronted with the challenges of reconstruction of the affected areas and rehabilitation of IDPs once the military operation comes to an end. Building the capacity and to better equip the civilian law enforcement agencies with bomb proof police stations, bullet proof jackets, modern weapon systems as well as the social safety net to cater for the families in the event of casualties and disabilities of law enforcement agencies personnel is urgently required. He was talking to Mr Peter MacKay, Canadian Minister of National Defence who along with his delegation called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister called on the international community to have a realistic understanding of the ground realities of situation in Pakistan and come forward to assist his government in eliminating the common threat of extremists and terrorists. He also expressed his disappointment on the continuing drone attacks which had proven counter productive in his Government’s campaign to isolate the militants from the peace loving populace in the affected areas. The Prime Minister underlined the need for reinvigoration of Pakistan-Canada relations particularly in the trade, economic and defence fields. While welcoming the Canadian government’s decision to restore Military Training Programme (MTAP) for Pakistan, he urged the Canadian Government to lift the arms embargo against Pakistan, allow participation of Pakistan Armed Forces personnel in the Canadian institutions in areas of UN peace keeping and ease restriction on issuance of visas to Pakistani nationals. The Canadian Defence Minister informed the Prime Minister that he was visiting Pakistan to convey the good will of his government and to offer cooperation from his department of defence. He stated that the two countries had solid relations and this was an opportune time to further strengthen these relations. Canada was deeply involved in Afghanistan and the war against terrorism. Canada was fully aware of Pakistan’s needs to providing the education, health, drinking water and infrastructure facilities in the affected areas. He informed the Prime Minister that the Canadian government mindful of the IDP crisis in Pakistan had pledged a grant of Canadian dollar 8 million. Canada would also participate in the forthcoming donors conference, being arranged to help Pakistan cope with the IDP crisis. He recalled his initiative as Foreign Minister of Canada to help Pakistan and Afghanistan in the border management capacity building and expressed his satisfaction on successful Dubai process in that regard.
PR
No. 213 Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has described the trial of Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi as an unfortunate development and urged the Government of Myanmar to consider reviewing their decision, says a press release received here today from the Office of the Spokesman , Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi’s long years of detention have been a cause of concern to the international community. Her early release would serve the fundamental interests of Myanmar with which Pakistan has enjoyed close cooperative relations.
PR No. 214 President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred Hilal-i-Shujaat on veteran politician and former federal and provincial minister from Frontier Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khan in recognition of the great courage and steadfastness demonstrated by him in the war against militants in Swat region. In a statement spokesperson the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President has ordered immediate conferment of the award relaxing the rules which require announcement of the award on August 14 and the Investiture on March 23 each year. A special Investiture ceremony will now be held soon to confer the award on Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khan without waiting for March 23, he said About two months ago the Provincial Assembly of Frontier adopted a unanimous resolution urging the President to immediately confer Hilal-i-Shujaat on the “courageous and respectable Pukhtoon leader Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Lala for courage in fighting against militancy and for the survival of Pakistan”. Mr. Afzal Khan fondly called Lala in Frontier belongs to village Drush Khela in Swat. When the victims of militants’ brutalities were streaming out of Swat for safety, the 78 years old Afzal Khan stood up against the militants and refused to abandon his ancestral home for fear of life, he said. The veteran Afzal Khan stood like a rock against the militants and refused to heed the advice to migrate to a safer place. In standing up to the militants he became a tower of strength and encouragement to a besieged people. He miraculously survived several attempts on his life by militants who wanted to eliminate him to remove from the scene a symbol of defiance and courage. He and his nephew were seriously wounded in the attack. In another attack his two grandsons were assassinated and body guards seriously injured. The conferment of Hilal-i-Shujaat on Afzal Khan also signifies determination of the President to honour symbols of courage in the fight against militants and to assure the victims that the state will not abdicate its duty to protect them.
PR
No. 215 Population explosion is the mother of all problems and biggest threat to country, Federal Minister for Population Welfare Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Tuesday. Addressing a seminar entitiled, “Reproductive Health and Family Planning for Registered Practioners and Post Graduate Students,” at Fatima Jinnah Medical College Lahore, says a message received here. She said that Pakistan is the sixth populous nation in the world with highest population growth rate in Asia as five children are born in Pakistan after every minute which is hampering the planning. Due to over population gap between demand and supplies has widened, besides increasing unemployment ratio in the country. The people have developed a sense of deprivation due to the lack of resources for the increasing population, she added. The Minister said that growing population was cause of extremism and terrorism as it had multiplied to poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, thus paving way for the evils in the society. Dr Firdous, who go her MBBS degree from the same medical college, urged the students to play their role for ensuring quality health services to the women at large especially to reduce maternal mortality ratio in the country. She said that Pakistan government is fully aware of unacceptably high levels of unwanted pregnancies and related consequences for morbidities and mortality for women and children in Pakistan. “Indeed, the reduction of untoward fertility may be key to reducing maternal and child mortality and reaching Millennium Development Goals four and five,” she said adding that lack of adequate services for reproductive health and less utilisation of existing facilities are the major causes of mortalities in Pakistan. “Unfortunately, the underlying causes are rooted in the very social and economic structures of the country,” the minister said. She said the recent trends in unwanted fertility and its related behaviours is recognised by the Ministry of Population Development of Pakistan and comprehensive policies and programmes in all social sectors are implemented. Especially, elimination of poverty and provision of better education facilities is linked to the success in eliminating the deeper causes of unwanted fertility and its sequels, Dr Firdous informed the participants. The minister pointed out that there is high inequality in access to reproductive health facilities across rural and urban areas of Pakistan. Therefore, the government required support for the establishment of more facilities in the rural areas.
PR
No. 216 The President and the Prime Minister will jointly preside over a meeting tomorrow on Wednesday in the Presidency to review the measures taken for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons as a result of operation against militants in Swat and adjourning areas. The meeting will be attended by concerned Ministers, the Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of the Frontier Province, and United Nations representative in Islamabad besides others. It is estimated that there are nearly 1.7 million internally displaced persons. The President during his recent visit to Libya, UK, US and France also raised the matter with the leaders of the host countries who promised to help. The President also flew into New York to urge the UN Secretary General to launch a global appeal for humanitarian assistance to avert a major crisis. Brittan and France have already announced immediate aid of 12 million Euros each for rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons. “A humanitarian crises is in the making which if not addressed urgently will undermine the ongoing war against militants”, was the gist of the message the President conveyed to World leaders during the visit. Meanwhile immediately on return the President advised that Cabinet Minister who draw out a plan to regularly visit the Camps for the internally displaced people and inform the government about the measures that need to be taken. “The internally displaced people have made great sacrifices in the war against terror and we must not only alleviate their sufferings but also honour them” the Presidential advice to the Cabinet said.
PR
No. 217 The Economic Coordination committee (ECC) of the Federal Cabinet has decided to allow marketing of Ethanol-120 motor vehicle fuel on trial basis in PSO stations. The ECC met under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Economic Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today. The decision to allow marketing of E-10 was taken to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products to the extent possible through use of appropriate indigenous blend able substitutes. Anhydrous Ethanol (Ethanol with less than 1% water) is one such product which can be blended with gasoline in varying proportions. Most gasoline vehicle engines operate well with mixtures of 10% Ethanol E-10. The ECC further decided that Ethanol-10 will be treated as motor vehicle fuel. ‘The ECC also allowed OGDCL to supply 20-26 MMCFD gas from their Bahu Field to M/s Fauji Kabirwala Power Company Limited so that OGDCL could meet its contractual obligation under existing GSA. The ECC approved issuance of the government’s guarantee of Rs. 1 billion for the Pakistan Textile City, Karachi for a period of two year. It may be noted that Pakistan Textile City is located in the Eastern Zone of the Port Qasim Authority, Karachi on 1250 acres. It is a joint venture of Government of Pakistan, public sector and prime financial institutions. The land for the Textile City was acquired from Port Qasim Authority (PQA), and its leveling and grading is approaching completion stage. The ECC also allowed Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) to provide 6 acres of land on rent sharing basis for a period of five years and allowed all permissible EPZA incentives to M/s Progressive International Party Ltd. Of Australia for establishment of EPZA Tech Power Project. The ECC was informed that this year Pakistan is likely to reap a very good crop of wheat, now projected at 24 million tones. Consequently, after two consecutive years of acute shortage of wheat, Pakistan has finally been successful in breaking out of the vicious circle of low wheat production. While taking stock of price situation of various daily use commodities, the meeting decided that sugar hoarding will not be allowed at any cost so that the price of sugar remains within the reach of common man. The meeting also decided that the government would reduce State Bank borrowings to control inflation in the country.
PR
No. 218 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari here today in the Presidency. President Zardari apprised the Prime Minister on outcome of his visits to Libya, USA, UK and France. While terming it extremely successful , it was informed that leaders of all the countries visited assured cooperation in Pakistan’s efforts for poverty alleviation, socio-economic progress, strengthening democracy and lauded Pakistani leadership for its stand in eradicating extremism and militancy from the country. President Asif Ali Zardari informed the Prime Minister that US House of representatives approved $ 1.9 billion aid, UK committed 640 million pounds over the next four years and France offered civilian nuclear technology to Pakistan after decades of embargo in addition to specific aid for the immediate rehabilitation of refugees and broadening of the partnership to fight the scourge of extremism and militancy. The Prime Minister congratulated the President on his successful visit to Libya, US, UK and France and hoped that the wide ranging measures announced during the visit would strengthen Pakistan’s economy on the one hand and garner international political support to a democratic Pakistan engaged in a major battle against the militants in the Frontier and tribal areas on the other.
Prime Minister also apprised the President political
situation in the
PR
No. 219 Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah called on President Asif Ali Zardari here today at Presidency and discussed with him matters regarding law and order situation and the development activities in the province. The President urged provincial government to take all steps for the uplift of Sindh in order to eliminate the problems faced by the people of the province. The Chief Minister Sindh apprised the President about the current status of various development activities initiated by the incumbent government in the Province.
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