PR. NO.249
PRESS RELEASE
PM’s housing scheme attracts huge foreign investors: Kakar
Islamabad: August 19, 2010Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Rahmatullah Kakar has said that Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme under which one million housing units were being built has been attracting foreign investors to Pakistan. He observed these views while chairing a meeting to review update progress on housing projects being undertaken by the Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) and Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) here today.
The Minister said that the Chief Executives of German and Canadian companies have expressed their keen interest in the Prime Minister’s Housing for all Program and agreed to make eight billion dollars investment in the housing projects. He said the Pakistani Community in Saudi Arabia has also showed their keenness to take full advantage of the housing schemes in I-16, Islamabad and other parts of the country.
The Minister urged upon the PHA and FGEHF to intensify their efforts for launching more housing projects with a view to speedy accomplishment of housing for all program. He said that construction of one million housing units would not only provide housing facility for the shelterless, needy, government employees and general public but also generate socio-economic uplift activities in the country.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the progress on construction of housing units in various places being undertaken by PHA and FGEHF and asked them to gear up their efforts in order to provide relief to the shelterless people as quickly as possible.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Housing and Works Raja Mohammad Abbas and heads of PHA and FGEHF besides senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Works and concerned departments.
**MN/Ahmad**
PR. NO.250
PRESS RELEASE
Two Aircrafts of Royal Malaysian Air Force with 50,000 Pounds of Relief Goods Left Kuala Lumpur for Islamabad, Pakistan
Islamabad: August 19, 2010Two C-130 aircraft of Royal Malaysian Air Force with relief goods of 50,000 pounds of weight left Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for Pakistan today.
The Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datin Paduka Sri Rosmah Mansor and Malaysian Defence Minister, Dato’ Sri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi handed over the relief goods to High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid, in a ceremony held in Kuala Lumpur, today.
The ceremony was attended by the Malaysian Defence Minister, Malaysian Air force Commander, Deputy President of BUKTI and other Malaysian dignitaries.
While addressing the ceremony, the Spouse of the Prime Minister of Malaysia said that Malaysian people are deeply moved by the difficulties faced by more than two million displaced persons due to unprecedented floods, especially, women, children and elderly people and was sending the relief goods to assist the government of Pakistan to provide the effectees with shelter food and medicines.
The High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid in his address thanked the Malaysian Government for a donation of US$ one million to the Government of Pakistan and also thanked BAKTI and Ministry of Defence Malaysia for sending relief goods to Pakistan.
He said that this gesture was reflective of the warmth and deep sympathy harbored by Malaysian brothers and sisters for the Pakistani people who are currently facing worst flooding in the history of the country, and will go a long way in strengthening people to people contacts and fraternal relations between Pakistan and Malaysia.
The consignment is being sent by the Association of Spouses of Malaysian Ministers and Deputy Ministers called BAKTI and Ministry of Defence, Malaysia.
The relief goods include drinking water, biscuits, milk powder, blankets, cooking oil, medicines, infant milk bottles, winter clothing, tents, blankets and other items.
The aircrafts left Kuala Lumpur at 11:00 am local Malaysian time and would reach Islamabad today at 7.30 pm (Pakistani Local time).
Various Malaysian relief and aid agencies were actively engaged to provide relief goods and services to flood affectees in Pakistan.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Mercy Malaysia, Malaysian Relief Agency and 62 Malaysian youth of Global Model United Nation had opened bank accounts to collect funds from Malaysian from all walks of life for the flood victims.
The Pakistani Community in Malaysia had also collected donation of Rs. 1.4 million which had been sent to the flood affectees of Nowshera in Pakistan, says a press release received here today from Malaysia.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR. NO.251
PRESS RELEASE
“German aid for Pakistan is getting through” -
Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Markus Loening
August 19, 2010.Markus Loening, the Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Aid at the Federal Foreign Office, issued the following statement regarding the immediate humanitarian relief provided by the German Government for the victims of the floods in Pakistan says a press release received here today.
“The floods in Pakistan have been devastating in their scale and humanitarian impact. The relief work financed by the Federal Government and professionally carried out by our partners enables aid to reach the people affected quickly and with a minimum of red tape. The Federal Government and the aid organizations are ensuring that this help really does get through to those in need. I would like to ask the people of Germany to hear my heartfeltplea: please give generously – do not forget that millions of children are in grave danger. The first reports of an increase in donations are encouraging, and the aid arriving from Germany is also perfectly respectable by international standards. At the same time, it is clear that when facing a catastrophe of this scale, we can always all do more!” Across Pakistan , almost 20 million people have been affected by the floods. The most urgent requirements at the moment are for food, drinking water and tents, as well as medical care.
The Federal Government took action to provide aid as soon as disaster struck. To date, it has provided bilateral aid worth a total of 15 million Euro. The money is being channeled through UN organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and German non-governmental organizations. Germany is providing further support indirectly via the European Union and by contributing to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).
PR. NO.252
PRESS RELEASE
Ambassador of Republic of Italy to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs:
Islamabad, August 19, 2010H.E. Vincenjo Prati, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti here in Islamabad today and shared grief and sadness to the people badly affected by recent floods in Pakistan.
Minister apprised the Ambassador about various steps undertaken by the Government of Pakistan on war footing for rescue and relief of people affected by the recent natural calamity.
Minister stressed the need that the International Community should support Pakistan generously in this trying time.
Minister shared that it was a worst disaster in the history of Pakistan which has affected large number of people, properties and inundated a major part of land.
The calamity has hit people from all faiths, castes and creed and the enormity of the calamity is beyond all calculation. The floodwater knows no boarder, no boundary and a large number of helpless survivors, defying hunger and illness are waiting for help. According to UN statistics, the catastrophe caused by the floods in Pakistan is greater than the 2004 Asian Tsunami, the recent Haiti earthquake and the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan is facing daunting challenges of relief, rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Government of Pakistan has launched massive rescue and relief operation on all the affected areas and utilizing all available resources to help the flood affectees.
Pakistan enjoys very warm and cordial relations with Italy, which will be strengthened further in the days to come.
PR. NO.253
Press Release
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER LAUDS IMMEDIATE RESPONSE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND RELIEF ACTIVITIES
FOR FLOOD EFFECTED AREAS
Islamabad, August 19, 2010The situation of unprecedented floods in the country is a big challenge for not onlyPakistan but also for the entire world community because the magnitude of this natural calamity & disaster is very high and we can only recover the damages through collaborated efforts, stated this by Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi here today while talking to representatives of UNDP.
The Minister said that due to critical state of affairs emerged in result of worst floods, whole nation is engaged in relief activities and government machinery is fully activated to reach in far flange areas and providing flood victims eatables and other basic necessities on emergent basis.
Hameed Ullah Jan said that Flood-stricken people of Pakistan are striving for the life and government is trying hard to reach every nook and corner to save the calamity hit people from hunger and epidemics. He lauded the efforts and keen interest of international community for immediate response and support of Pakistan and initiation of relief activities in the effected areas. The Minister also appreciated the humanitarian services of Armed Forces of Pakistan which contributed a lot to save the lives of affected people.
Federal Minister Environment said it is hard time for every Pakistani and could tackle this challenge with the joint efforts. He urged world community to generously donate for the cause of humanity.
PR. NO.254
Press Release
H.NIZAM DIN & SONS ALLOWED FOR SUPPLY OF DUTY FREE IMPORTED RELIEF GOODS TO FACILITATE THE
FLOOD RELIEF OPERATIONS
Islamabad 19th August, 2010On the recommendations of the Ministry of Industries and Production the Prime Minister of Pakistan has given one time exemption from duty and taxes to M/S H. Nizam Din & Sons (Pvt) Ltd Karachi for supplying of 30,575 Collapsible Jerry Cans, 6,000 Plastic Sheeting sixe4x6 M, 1,600 Kitchen Sets (Family), 9.000 Blankets (Medium and 1,800 Shelters Emergency kits to NGOs to facilitate flood relief operating in the country. M/SH. Nizam Din & Sons has a Warchouse in Karachi Export processing Zone in which the company important and store various items like plastic Sheetings, Collapsible Jerry Cans and Blankets etc. for relief purpose.
The Company management in its letter dated 05-08-2010, addressed to Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production, had written that they had been approached by many International NGOs working in Pakistan in flood relief activities to release them these relief items as these are urgently required in the field on humanitarian grounds. So Company management requested the Ministry for grant of special permission to import above mentioned items free from duty and taxes into the local market for use of various NGOs like IOM, UNIICR, ICRC and OXFAM etc. to facilitate the relief activities of the displaced persons in Pakistan and will be distributed free of cost.
The Secretary MOIP, Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, with the consent and authorization of the Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, submitted the summary on 06-08-2010 to Prime Minister for approval which the PM has approved.
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Revenue (Revenue Division) has issued notification in this regard on 18-08-2010 which says that aftermentioned relief goods shall be exempted from duty and taxes, on the time basis if supplied to the international donor agencies of NGOs, for the flood affectees and victims, for humanitarian purposes, subject to the Conditions that The supplies are made through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and certificate issued by NDMA to the effect is produced to the concerned Collector of Customs for these goods. All the supplies shall be made against convertible foreign currency and the supplies are made on the basis of F.O.B (Free On Board) Prices.
PR. NO.255
PRESS RELEASE
SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN GERMAN ASSISTANCE
Islamabad 19th August, 2010
The German Government has announced significant increase in its bilateral assistance for the flood relief efforts in Pakistan from US$ 19.4 million to US$ 32.5 million, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan Berlin, here today.
Germany has also contributed US$ 18.2 million to the European Union’s assistance for the flood victims in Pakistan.
So far total German contribution for the flood affected people therefore amounts to US$ 50.7 million.
PR. NO.256
PRESS RELEASE
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MADE A CALL TO PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad:19th August, 2010Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh called Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani over phone this afternoon to convey the condolences and commensurations of his government and the people of India on the loss of precious lives and damage to the properties and infrastructure caused by floods in Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister stated that the SAARC member States should come together to help Pakistan in every way possible at this critical juncture.
The Prime Minister thanked his Indian counterpart for his kind gesture of calling him to express his sympathies and solidarity with Pakistan in its hour of trial. He apprised the Indian Prime Minister of colossal damage caused by this unprecedented natural calamity in all the provinces of the country which according to UN estimates was far bigger than the effects of Tsunami and earthquakes which hit Pakistan in 2005 and Haiti last year.
The Prime Minister also availed the opportunity to reiterate Pakistan’s keen desire to have friendly, cooperative and good neighbourly relations with India. He hoped that in accordance with the agreement reached in Thimphu in April, the bilateral dialogue between the two countries would progress a meaningful, substantive and result oriented way by addressing all the issues of concern to both the countries including Siachin and Kashmir dispute.
PR. NO.257
PRESS RELEASE
BISP TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO MOST VULNERABLE FLOOD VICTIM FAMILIES ON
IMMEDIATE BASIS, SAYS FARZANA RAJA
Islamabad:19th August, 2010The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is providing emergency relief assistance to its registered beneficiaries who have been severely hit by recent unprecedented flood across the country. The much needed assistance would enable these highly vulnerable families to overcome tremendous hardships and revive their normal daily lives. Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said this while talking to a delegation of notables from Bajur Agency met her at BISP Secretariat led by Akhunzada Chittan member of National Assembly.
Earlier, Akhunzada Chittan apprised MS. Farzana Raja about the damages occurred in the area due to flood and said that the poor people of Bajur need an immediate relief to cope with their enormous problems. He urged for an immediate relief package from BISP for the people of Bajur keeping in view the abject poverty in the area.
Ms. Farzana Raja informed the delegation that BISP has already announced an initial relief Package of 2 billion rupees for BISP beneficiaries affected by flood across the country. She said that under this emergency relief package, Rs. 12, 000 are being provided to each affected family in 3 equal installments (Rs. 4000 each).
The Chairperson of the BISP added further that first installment has already been released by BISP to Pakistan Post to provide immediate relief to affectees of flood. She assured the delegation that BISP beneficiaries of Bajur Agency were already covered under this relief package and relief would be provided to them on immediate basis.
PR. NO.258
PRESS RELEASE
AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSIONER HANDOVERS BIRTHING KITS FOR THE FLOOD-AFFECTED WOMEN
Islamabad:19th August, 2010In order to support maternal and reproductive health services to the displaced pregnant women in the flood-affected areas in Pakistan, the Government of Australia has donated 1,962 “Safe Delivery Kits” to Pakistan. These kits have been delivered today to the Ministry of Health through UNFPA.
These safe delivery kits will be used by the community midwives and other skilled birth attendants to conduct deliveries for women displaced by flood. The deliveries will be conducted in the camps or in the mobile service vans which are fully equipped with doctors, para-medical staff and medical supplies being sponsored by UNFPA.
While handing over the safe delivery kits, His Excellency the Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Timothy George reiterated their full cooperation and support to the Government of Pakistan in addressing the urgent needs of maternal and newborn health services in the flood-affected areas. The High Commissioner appreciated UNFPA’s active role in coordinating the handing over of these commodities to the Ministry on their behalf.
The Officer-in-Charge of UNFPA Mr. Jose Ferraris applauded Australian High Commissioner’s personal efforts for the timely support. He reiterated that as part of the donors’ assistance for the people of Pakistan, the contribution of Australian Government is highly commendable. He also thanked the Federal Secretary to accept this kind gesture from the Australian Government.
The Additional Secretary of Ministry of Health, Mr. Agha Nadeem recognized that in emergency situations like this, some aspects of health care like provision of maternity services to pregnant women are neglected and their lives are endangered. Ministry of Health realizes this and is grateful to UNFPA for providing technical and financial support these services to the affected population. Government of Pakistan presents complements to the Government of Australia not only for this donation but also for the other support that is being provided through financial assistance as well as technical support and services by the medical teams from Australian Army.
ENDS.
PR. NO.259
PRESS RELEASE
SYED NAVEED QAMAR PRESENTS A CHEQUE TO THE PM
Islamabad:19th August, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the spirit of patriotism of Pakistanis with which they are helping their brethren in flood affected areas. He reiterated the resolve of the government to utilize all available resources for the rehabilitation of the flood affectees at the earliest.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat to present a cheque of Rs 30 Million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. Minister for Interior Rehman Malik and Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira were also present in the meeting.
Syed Naveed Qamar apprised the Prime Minister that out of Rs 30 Million, Sui Southern Gas Pipeline Limited (SSGPL) employees contributed Rs 10 Million and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) employees contributed Rs 20 Million. The donation is over and above the one day’s salary of the employees as announced earlier, said the Minister.
PR. NO.260
PRESS RELEASE
CALL BY THE PRESIDENT OF MALDIVES TO THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad:19th August, 2010The President of the Republic of Maldives, Mr Mohamed Nasheed called the Prime Minister of Pakistan today. During the conversation, he expressed deep grief over the loss of life and property due to the floods in Pakistan and informed the Prime Minister that his government and people of Maldives will help their Pakistani brethren in distress in every possible way.
The Prime Minister thanked President Nasheed for the call and expression of concerns over floods in Pakistan.
Pakistan and Maldives enjoy close and cordial relations. The relations are based on common religion, culture and traditions. The two countries share the common goal of regional peace and stability.
PR. NO.261
PRESS RELEASE
SAUDI AMBASSADOR CALLS ON THE PM
Islamabad:19th August, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has thanked Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their generous contribution to help the flood affectees of Pakistan.
He was talking to Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Bin Saleh al Ghadeer who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this evening.
The Prime Minister asked the Saudi Ambassador to convey his personal gratitude to the Saudi King for the kind gesture he has displayed for the flood stricken people.
Saudi Ambassador assured the Prime Minister of all support of his government to mitigate the sufferings of Pakistan brethren.
PR. NO.262
PRESS RELEASE
GERMAN CHANCELLOR MADE A CALLED TO PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad:19th August, 2010German Chancellor Dr. Angela Markel called Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani over the phone today to express commensurations and condolences on massive loss of lives and colossal destruction of properties and infrastructure cause by the floods in Pakistan. She sated that the Government of People of Germany were deeply concerned at the scale of devastation and would steadfastly stand by Pakistan in the trying times.
German Chancellor inquired from the Prime Minister about Pakistan’s urgent requirement for providing relief to flood victims and assured him that her Government would assist Pakistan in relief as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.
The Prime Minister thanked the German Chancellor for her kind gesture of calling him to express her solidarity and sympathies with the flood affectees of Pakistan. He while apprising the German Chancellor of the devastation caused by the floods in all over the country and efforts of his government to cope with this unprecedented natural disaster, conveyed his gratitude for Germany’s bilateral assistance of $ 20 million and its contribution of $ 18 million towards the European Union Flood Relief Package for Pakistan.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the fact that people of Germany were coming forward in a big way to donate and that German Government had granted tax exemption on the donations of German public for the flood victims of Pakistan.
Prime Minister termed it as gratifying that European Union’s Foreign Ministers informal meetings had been called by the High Representatives for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on September 11, to draw up a comprehensive European Union response plan to support Pakistan. He urged the German Chancellor to use her valuable influence within the EU for provision of every possible material, financial and market access assistance to Pakistan at this critical juncture.
Prime Minister also informed the German Chancellor that Pakistan Development Forum’s meeting was being planned in the near future in Islamabad and hoped for Germany’s high level active participation in that meeting.
PR. NO.263
PRESS RELEASE
REHMAN MALIK CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL MEETING
Islamabad:19th August, 2010Federal Minister for Interior Senator A. Rehman Malik chaired a high level meeting at Ministry of Interior and reviewed law and order situation in the country.
It has come to the notice of the Government that militant organizations are likely to involve themselves into charity work in the flood affected areas. The proscribed organizations or militant organizations in the garb of charity shall not be allowed to operate in the country. The respective Home Secretaries of all the Provinces will constitute a Task Force headed by a DIG to identity such elements and initiate action against such charity organizations.
Public is requested to donate to only those organizations which have the permission/certificate from the respective Districts Administrations. The local communities are requested to inform if any suspicious persons are found collecting donations etc. All Federal/Provincial Agencies are directed to supply real time intelligence in this respect.
PR. NO.264
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 19th August, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has appealed to the nation to offer special prayers before Allah Almighty after Juma prayers for ending of the spell of heavy rain fall and steer us from this crisis.
He said the rains and floods have caused the colossal loss of lives, property and infrastructure in the entire country.
“We all should bow before Allah Almighty and pray to shower His blessings on us and give us courage to face the challenge that has adversely affected the whole country,” the President said.
He also appealed to the nation to pray to Allah Almighty with utmost humility, for stoppage of the rains.
The President said that the nation is facing a colossal loss as a result of the floods where more than 20 million people have become homeless all over the country but expressed the hope that Pakistani nation would come out successfully of this huge calamity.
PR. NO.265
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 19th August, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called Prince Karim Agha Khan and apprised him of the colossal losses caused by unprecedented floods in Pakistan.
The President told Prince Karim Agha Khan that the torrential rains and gushing floods have killed over 1400 people, injured thousands and made 20 million people homeless besides damaging infrastructure, roads, bridges, standing crops and properties worth billions of dollars.
Prince Karim Agha Khan expressed condolences on massive loss of lives and colossal damages to properties and infrastructure caused by the floods.
He pledged full support for the flood affected people of Pakistan and assured mobilization of his community world over to supplement government of Pakistan in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
PR. NO.266
PRESS RELEASE
SENATOR MIAN RAZA RABBANI CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 19th August, 2010Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Parliament on 18th Amendment Act, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House here this evening.
During the meeting, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani apprised the Prime Minister of the progress with regard to the implementation status of the 18th Amendment Bill.
