PR No. 212
PRESS RELEASE
The Malaysia Investment to Pakistan Peaked at US$ 216.14 Million in 2008-2009
Islamabad 19th July, 2010According to latest data released by Pakistan’s Board Of Investment, Malaysian Foreign Direct Investment(FDI) in Pakistan reached US$ 216.14 million in first eleven months of financial year 2008-2009(July, 2008 to May 2009) says a press release received from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia here today.
According to data, the biggest Malaysian investment was made in financial business with US$ 194.33 million followed by Oil and Gas Exploration US$ 14.26 million, sugar sector US$ 10 million, and Chemical sector US$ 2.11 million.
Other sectors of Malaysian investment were Rubber and Rubber Products, Pharmaceuticals & OTC Products, Electrical Machinery, Construction, personal services and others.
However, due to global recession, the Malaysia investment to Pakistan saw a steep downward trend in the first eleven month of financial year 2009-10, but it continued to flow in Financial Services sector US$ 24.99 million, Oil and Gas Exploration US$ 6.54 million and in other sectors such as Pharmaceutical and OTC products, metal products, transportation Equipment, Trade, Communication and personal services.
While commenting upon the data, the Acting High Commissioner, Dr. Imtiaz A. Kazi urged the Malaysian investors to take full advantage of Pakistan’s investment friendly regime which according to the World Bank Report of September, 2008 had placed Pakistan at 77th most business friendly country in the world in its annual ‘Ease of Doing Business’ report.. Furthermore, recent reforms introduced by the government has helped Pakistan to win the second most business friendly location in South Asia only after Maldives.
He said Pakistan with its Geo Strategic location as a gateway to the rich Central Asian States and financially stable Gulf states, English speaking workforce, with a large pool of trained and experienced engineers, bankers, lawyers and other professionals, fast growing economy, tailor made investment polices to suite individual investor’s needs and vibrant and stable capital market has made Pakistan destination of choice for foreign investors.
He urged the Malaysian investors to invest in Agriculture, Automobile, Health and Pharmaceuticals, Housing and Real Estate Development, Infrastructure, IT and Telecom. Light Engineering, Minerals, Oil and Gas, power and sugar and textiles sectors and benefit from Pakistan’a lucrative investment policy which includes no government permission to foreign investors to set up manufacturing plants, complete remittance of capital, profits, and dividends while equity can be entirely foreign-based.
He also assured fullest cooperation of the High Commission for Pakistan in Malaysia to the prospective Malaysian investors in their investment venture in Pakistan.
PR No. 213
PRESS RELEASE
Chairman, HEC calls on the Prime Minister
Islamabad, July 19, 2010Dr. Javed Leghari, Chairman, Higher Education Commission, called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and briefed him on the progress of various on going projects of the Higher Education Commission. He also apprised him of the future plans of the Commission including the budgetary position.
The Prime Minister while enquiring about the progress on various ongoing projects of the HEC desired that the Chairman should hold meetings with the concerned Ministries at the earliest.
During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister directed the Chairman, HEC to follow the rules and procedures while dealing with the issue of verification of degrees.
PR No. 214
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER MEETS EDUCATION MINISTER
Islamabad: July 19, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has reiterated the resolve of his government for the promotion of education in the country. The education, he said, will bring a positive change in society for the sustenance of democratic process.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while talking to Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali, Minister of Education who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning.
The Prime Minister urged the Education Minister to expedite the reforms in the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE). He directed the Education Minister to bring the curricula upto international standards.
The Prime Minister stressed on the need of girl child education and appreciated the project of home schools by education ministry to enroll 450000 students per year upto class V with the female teachers.
Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali apprised the Prime Minister of various projects being taken up by his ministry, for improvement of the Education system thereby fulfilling the vision of the PPP lead coalition government.
PR No. 215
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad July 19, 2010Mr. Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labor & Manpower, Government of Pakistan signed an MoU with the Ministry of Labor Government of Korea here today. Government of Korea was represented by H.E. Mr. Shin Un the Ambassador of Republic of Korea. The MoU will be valid for a term of 2 years.
Federal Minister Syed Khurshid Shah has told that during the last 2 years Overseas Employment Corporation which is the implementing agency from Pakistan has sent 1619 workers for employment to South Korea under the KLT -EPS. In South Korea, whereas majority of the workers are employed in the manufacturing sector, some of the workers are also employed in Construction, Agriculture and Fisheries sectors. The average salary of the workers in South Korea is Pak Rupees 80,000 + and the initial period of the employment visa/contract is 3 years, renewable for another term of 2 years.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan is a rich manpower country which is sending labour manpower to Korea. He assured that cooperation will continue in this regard.
The ceremony was also attended by other senior officers of the Ministry of Labour & Manpower, Government of Pakistan and Embassy of South Korea, Islamabad.
PR No. 216
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER TELEPHONES TO CANADIAN SENATOR MS SALMA ATAULLAH JAN TO CONGRATULATE
Islamabad: July 19, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up Ms Salma Ataullah Jan and congratulated her on appointment as Senator of the Canadian Parliament. The Prime Minister invited Ms Salma to visit Pakistan at her earliest convenience.
Ms Salma Ataullah Jan was pleased to receive the telephone call from the Prime Minister and thanked him for the invitation to visit Pakistan. She praised the Prime Minister for handling the national affairs with wisdom and maturity. It is a great honour, she said, that all the political parties in the National Assembly had elected him as Prime Minister unanimously.
Ms Salma Ataullah Jan, it may be mentioned is a Canadian of Pakistani origin who has been appointed as member of the Canadian Parliament in the recently held general elections.
PR No. 217
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRPERSON UK CONSERVATIVE PARTY BARONESS SAYEEDA WARSI CALLED ON
PRESIDENT ASIF ALI ZARDARI AT AIWAN-E-SADR TODAY.
Islamabad 19th July, 2010British High Commissioner Mr. Adam Thomson was also present during the meeting besides senior officials of the British High Commission. From Pakistan side, Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Water & Power Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Secretary General Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Minister of State for Law & Justice Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Secretary to President Malik Asif Hayat and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar also attended the meeting.
Matters relating to Pak-UK bilateral relations, further strengthening mutual cooperation, regional situation and the role of Pak-origin citizens abroad were discussed along with war against terror.
The President during the meeting appreciated the achievements of Pak-origin Ms. Warsi and said it was a matter of great pride for the Pakistani people that she was playing such a leading role in a country that is regarded as the mother of democracy. He said that Ms. Warsi’s position would not only elevate the status of Pakistani community residing in UK but also inspire others to follow her example. He said that it was necessary for our womenfolk to step forward and manifest their talents for not only their self-actualization but also for enhancing the image of the country as a progressive and talented nation.
While discussing Pak-UK relations, the President emphasized upon the need for both the countries to work closely for further strengthening their partnership in various areas particularly in trade and investment and educational development with a view to eliminate militancy and terrorism from Pakistan and promoting peace and security of the region and the world.
Discussing ongoing war against militancy, the President said that as a result of this war, Pakistan had suffered a huge loss besides unquantifiable cost in terms of social
and human losses. He said that militancy and terrorism was the common enemy and that the cooperation between the two countries must continue to fight this war. He said that defeating the extremists on ground was one part of the battle and that complete success required that we changed the militant mindset through creation and provision of opportunities to the people.
The President urged Ms. Warsi to use her influence for setting up Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in conflict ridden areas, with the facility to export the manufactures to the markets of European Union countries. This, the President said, would help addressing the issues of poverty and unemployment in the tribal areas and thereby wean away frustrated and unemployed youth from militancy and extremism.
The President also pointed towards visa delay issues and highlighted the need for further strengthening student exchanges programs so that the students from Pakistan who intend to pursue their higher studies in UK could be facilitated.
The President appreciated UK’s development assistance worth £665 million committed for 2009-2013 and additional £50 million assistance to support Pakistan’s development plans.
Ms. Sayeeda Warsi and British High Commissioner Mr. Adam Thomson appreciated the efforts of the Government and its security forces against militancy and reiterated British support to the democratic government in Pakistan in fighting militancy. They said that Britain would continue to support Pakistan in not only fighting militancy but also for revival of its economy and overcoming challenges faced by the democratic Government.
PR No. 218
PRESS RELEASE
Defence Minister Leaves for Indonesia .
Islamabad, the 19th July 2010.A defence delegation, led by Federal Minister for Defence, Ch.Ahmad Mukhtar, will be leaving tonight on three days official visit to Indonesia . The Minister, during his stay in Indonesia , will hold meetings with his counterpart and the President of Indonesia. The visit would pave the way for further strengthening and promoting defence cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
PR No. 219
PRESS RELEASE
YASMEEN REHMAN MEETS SAYEEDA WARSI
Islamabad 19th July, 2010British Cabinet Minister and Chairperson of the ruling British Conservative Party Baroness Sayeeda Warsi called on the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, here today in the Ministry of Women Development.
Sayeeda Warsi expressed her views on the challenges being faced by Pakistani Women and embarked upon the fact that Women Parliamentarians can play an effective role to resolve these problems.
Yasmeen Rehman briefed her about the ongoing projects of the Ministry and told her that the present government is fully committed to ensure equal rights through economic, social, legal and political measures. Moreover the government attaches high priority to gender mainstreaming in every field and to enable women to play their role in national development, she further added.
The government has decided to establish fifteen hundred (1150) schools where the education will be imparted among five lac sixty thousands (5,60000) Children.
Sayeeda Warsi lauded the role of Parliamentarians. However, she mentioned that only ladies of few families have got this monopoly to be in the Parliament.
She appreciated the steps being taken by the Ministry for uplift and amelioration of women and especially the legislation against discrimination including the sexual Harassment at Workplace.
The Advisor informed the Baroness that a bill regarding Acid Burns and Home based Workers will soon be put up in the Parliament (SNA)
PR No. 220
PRESS RELEASE
NO SALE OF PR-PSM-PIA-USC- PEPCO- SENATOR WAQAR AHMED KHAN
Islamabad, July 19, 2010Speaking at a joint meeting of UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and industry (UKPCCI) and Pakistan Press Club at London the Federal Minister for Privatisation Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said that the core assets such as Pakistan Railways, PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan Utility Stores Corporation and PEPCO would not be sold, however, at the same time the government was taking steps to reorganize its core assets and turn them into profitable entities, says a message received here today from UK.
Senator Waqar termed these organizations as a great burden on national exchequer. Actually they cause a hemorrhage in the balance sheet to the tune of about $ 3 billon to 3.5 billion per year, which was not a small amount. Pakistan Railways had been working without a balance sheet that has led to its inefficiency and losses to the state amounting to billion of rupees, he added.
“We have instead embarked upon a policy to re-shape these organizations by bringing in people with sound background and knowledge for running them in a profitable manner” he said.
The Minister said that the government was taking steps to launch convertible bonds to generate liquidity and to rely on its own resources. He further said that the government was aware of he huge fiscal deficit facing the country and has taken steps to reduce it in a gradual manner.
The Minister said that the government was thinking of innovative ways to create liquidity and be self-sustained. He was of the view that the government should be in the business of making policies and not running the businesses. The government job was to make policies that were conducive and supportive of the private sector business development process, he stated.
Earlier, UKPCCI President Naheed Randhawa said that the privatisation was the only way forward to put all sick industries back on track. He urged the government to make transparent recruitment policies and bring in really qualified people for running these State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
PR No. 221
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 19th July, 2010Mr. Latif Khosa is Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information Technology and Telecommunication and has not been removed from that position. He would continue to be the Adviser. Prime Minister will hold the portfolio as the Minister Incharge IT.
PR No. 222
PRESS RELEASE
PROVINCES TO SELL ONE LAC TON EXTRA IMPORTED SUGAR @RS.61/-PER KG DURING RAMADAN…………..BIJARANI
PRESIDES OVER MEETING
Islamabad 19th July, 2010A consultative meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani here today. The meeting was attended by the Secretary and Additional Secretary Federal Ministry of Industries and Production, Secretary Food Punjab, Secretary Industries Punjab, Cane Commissioner Punjab, Cane Commissioner Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa, Cane Commissioner MINFA, Secretary Food Balochistan, Senior representatives of Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Planning Commission of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan, Chairman TCP, Managing Director USC.
The Provincial Cane Commissioners informed the meeting about the stocks position of sugar and out standing payments of farmers against the Sugar Mills which was found satisfactory. Managing Director USC informed about arrangements for Ramadan Package. Chairman TCP gave update on sugar imports. The proposed distribution mechanism by the Provincial Governments for imported TCP stocks of sugar was also discussed.
It was decided to seek ECC’s approval on supplying imported sugar in the open market through provincial mechanisms to supplement domestic sugar stocks commencing 15th Shabaan i.e. 28th July, 2010 in three interventions at fifteen day intervals. This was to ensure more than sufficient supply of sugar in the market and thereby render any hoarding or price escalation unviable. In the first intervention, the following province wise provision of imported sugar would be made: Punjab-50,000 tons, Sindh-17,000 tons, Balochistan- 8,000 tons, Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa- 20,000 tons, AJK/GB-5,000 tons. TCP would provide the stocks for the first intervention @Rs.56/kg to the Provincial Governments which will sell it @Rs.61 per kg through their respective mechanisms.
The following edible items under the Ramadan Package at a cost of Rs. 2.7 billion subsidy will be sold at lower than market and previous USC prices through Utility Stores. These items include Ghee/Cooking Oil, Daal Channa, Rice broken (tota)/ sela, Basin, Dates, Squashes syrups, Tea and Atta.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the sufficient sugar stocks at present that were comfortably positioned for Ramadan and thereafter till the next crushing season.
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PR No. 223
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 19th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani made a telephonic call to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Quaid PML (N) and took him into confidence over the recently held Pakistan-US strategic dialogue. He informed him regarding the assistance that the US government is planning to provide for the development of various sectors in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also took him into confidence over the understanding to facilitate the Afghan Transit Trade that has been agreed between the two countries and which would open up route for Pakistani goods to Central Asia.
Both the leaders expressed their satisfaction over the unanimous approval of the Diamer-Basha Dam resolution by the CCI and stressed for comprehensive strategy to ensure its early completion.
The Prime Minister also took Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif into confidence over the recently concluded Pakistan-India Foreign Ministers meetings. The Quaid PML (N) supported the Prime Minister and said that all outstanding issues with India must be resolved through meaningful dialogue.
The Prime Minister while acknowledging the statement of the Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif regarding the arrest of HEC Chairman’s brother, informed him that the Home Minister Sindh has been directed for his immediately release. He said that he has also talked to the Chief Minister Sindh in this regard and asked him to avoid any victimization.
The Prime Minister also enquired about the health of Begum Kalsoom Nawaz and prayed for her early recovery.
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shrif lauded the Prime Minister for his approach in developing consensus on matters of national importance and specially for according due consideration to the views of all the political leadership. He reiterated his support to the government to strengthen the democratic norms in the country.
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PR No. 224
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN’S AMBASSADOR TO USA CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad 19th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan-US strategic dialogue indicate that the two countries are enjoying cordial relationship which would further strengthen with the passage of time. He appreciated the US support to the democratic government and the assistance in various sectors specially the energy and infrastructure development.
He expressed these views in a meeting with the Ambassador of Pakistan to USA Mr. Hussain Haqqani who called on him in his office at PM’s Sectt: here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of the Fifth Round of Strategic Dialogue and declared these productive which would have far reaching and positive results. He specially mentioned the understanding between the two countries on the negotiation for acquisition of civil nuclear technology and said that it would help resolve the energy shortage faced by the country. He added that US eagerness to provide wide access to the Pakistani products to the American Markets would also go a long way in translating the relationship into a long term partnership.
The Prime Minister asked the Ambassador to develop closer coordination with the American leadership so that there may be complete harmony between the two countries regarding any matter. He further asked him to facilitate the Pakistani community living in USA so as to help resolve their difficulties and assist them to focus on their jobs and businesses.
Mr. Hussain Haqqani briefed the Prime Minister about the Fifth Round of Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue. He informed that the US has agreed to further enhance its assistance to Pakistan to support programmes and projects in the priority areas of energy, food security and social sector development. He apprised that US has announced financial assistance for 18 projects in the energy sector in different parts of the country. He further informed that the United States will also continue to assist Pakistan in reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas that have been affected by terrorism, especially Swat, Malakand and South Waziristan Agency.
The Ambassador apprised the Prime Minister that US will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its trade though greater market access and establishing Reconstruction Opportunity Zones. He said that the US has expressed its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts and lauded the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies, security forces and the common people.
MNA Ms. Farah Naz Isphahani was also present during the meeting.
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PR No. 225
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 19th July, 2010Federal Minister for Minorities Shahbaz Bhatti has strongly condemned brutal killing of two Christians in the premises of District Session Court, Faisalabad. Mr. Bhatti said that the unfortunate and tragic incident is an offshoot of misuse of Blasphemy Law.
Federal Minister said that the government will not tolerate heinous crimes like murder in the name of religion and punish all those involved in the killing of innocent people to settle their personal vendettas. He ordered an inquiry and asked the concerned police authorities to submit their report within 24 hours.
Minister said that nobody is allowed to take law in their hands and it is the responsibility of courts and State to decide the fate of those who are allegedly involved in such cases and without any proof murder on the basis of charges is in fact an attempt to create chaos in the country. He said that these two Christians named Rashid Emanuel & Sajid Emanuel were blamed for blasphemy but the allegations were not proved yet and police were investigating the case.
Federal Minister further said that no one sensible can commit blasphemy and most of the cases under the pretext of Blasphemy Law are false and not proved in the courts.
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PR No. 226
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 19th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the first round of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and United Kingdom was very fruitful and expressed confidence that the second round would be equally beneficial in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The high level interaction, he added, greatly help in opening up avenues for improving relations.
The Prime Minister further stated that he was looking forward to Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Pakistan in the second round of strategic dialogue between the two countries.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during meeting with Baroness Saeeda Warsi, Chairperson of the Conservative Party of United Kingdom here at the Prime Minister’s House this evening.
The Prime Minister thanked the British government and the people of United Kingdom for their continued support to Pakistan in the European Union for seeking GSP plus facilities for introducing its products in the European markets, for playing a lead role in FODP and for being amongst those few countries which have delivered on their pledges during meeting in the Tokyo Donor’s Conference.
The Prime Minister also thanked the British government for its commitment under which Pakistan’s education sector would be supported over the period of five years. He stated that education was one of the top priorities of his government in addressing the root causes of terrorism. He hoped that the Education Task Force of the two countries would expedite the projects in primary and secondary education by making Islamabad the role model and also focusing on Southern Punjab. He noted with satisfaction that it was the 3rd Ministerial visit from United Kingdom since the takeover of the new government and hoped that people to people and Parliamentary contacts between the two countries will also be strengthened in the interest of expanding bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.
While talking about the regional situation, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighbours to focus its efforts on war against terror. He also referred to his meetings with the Indian Prime Minister, which he said had helped to pave the way for resumption of dialogue on issues between the two countries. The Prime Minister further said that he firmly believed that the dialogue was the only way forward to help resolve outstanding issues and ensure regional stability.
Saeeda Warsi expressed her gratitude on the very warm welcome and hospitality extended to her and her delegation during their visit to Pakistan. She assured the Prime Minister that the new government in the United Kingdom wishes to have honest and genuine dialogue with Pakistan as it attaches very high priority to foster ever closer ties with Islamabad.
She reaffirmed the British government’s support to Pakistan bilaterally as well as in multilateral fora at this critical juncture of war against terror. She stated that the United Kingdom had lobbied for Pakistan case in the European Union for grant of GSP plus facilities and her government was very disappointed when it transpired that the European Union failed to grant market access to Pakistan. The United Kingdom nonetheless would continue using its influence in the European Union, with the FODP and the donor countries for Pakistan’s increased exports, creation of higher job opportunities and accelerated development activity in the country.
Baroness Warsi thanked the Prime Minister for his invitation to Prime Minister Cameron and assured him that the visit will take place in the near future.
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PR No. 227
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER TALKS TO CHIEF MINISTER PUNJAB TO ENSURE HIS SUPPORT OVER LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN
FAISALABAD
Islamabad 19th July, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab a while ago, to share concern over the Law and Order situation in Faisalabad. The Chief Minister of Punjab briefed the Prime Minister over the prevailing situation in Faisalabad. The Prime Minister assured complete cooperation and support of the Federal Government in case the Provincial Government needs any assistance.
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PR No. 228
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCE COMPENSATION FOR INJURED PERSONS OF SARGODHA SUICIDE ATTACK
Islamabad 19th July, 2010The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has announced Rs. 10 lakh for Mr. Sibtain Shah who was seriously injured in the suicides attack on Imam Bargh in Sargodha yesterday. He also announced Rs. 1 lakh each for the other nine persons injured in the terrorist attack.
The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper medical care of the injured.
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