PR. No. 244
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010The Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held bilateral meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on the fringes of High Level Meeting on the Flood Emergency in Pakistan at the United Nations Headquarters in New York today.
The Foreign Minister expressed profound gratitude of the People and the Government of Pakistan to Secretary Clinton for the generous assistance provided by the U.S. for the rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas. He further said that the solidarity displayed by the U.S. Government and the People at this hour of anguish and misery would be long remembered by the People of Pakistan.
The Secretary of State assured that the U.S. Government and the people would continue to provide assistance and support to the people of Pakistan in these critical times.
The Secretary of State also assured that the U.S. Government would use its channels to urge the international community to come forward and respond positively to the Revised Pakistan Flood Emergency Response Plan – September 2010, for over two billion dollars.
During the discussions, the Foreign Minister briefed the U.S. Secretary of State on the constitution of the 15-member National Disaster Management Oversight Council (NDMOC) with clear terms of reference. He added that all the honourable members carry impeccable record of integrity and high reputation. Moreover, the NDMA is working on a website to clearly indicate the movement/distribution of cash/kind donations for flood affected people. The Secretary of State appreciated the establishment of the Oversight Council and said that it would adequately address the concerns of the international community on transparency at various levels.
Both sides underscored the need for coordinated, enhanced and transparent performance by the UN related agencies working in the flood affected areas in Pakistan.
The two sides welcomed the decision of the European Union to offer WTO waiver aimed at enhancing market access and the grant of GSP + status by 2014, for Pakistani products in the EU markets. The Foreign Minister impressed upon the U.S. side to also consider enhanced market access for Pakistani products. This, he added, would be seen as another positive signal of the multi-faceted assistance by the U.S. side in the prevailing economic conditions in Pakistan.
The Foreign Minister sought U.S. support in the successful convening of the forthcoming FoDP meeting in Brussels on October 15. He said that the Pakistan side would add the floods situation in Pakistan as another agenda item in the meeting. We would be interested to know how the EU members would help us in the Reconstruction phase, he said.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also asked the U.S. government to facilitate the holding of international donors’ conference in Islamabad in November this year for obtaining assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in the flood affected areas.
The Foreign Minister further asked the U.S. Secretary of State for expeditious reimbursement of CSF claims. This, he said would provide the much needed fiscal flexibility to the Government of Pakistan. He also called for early passage of ROZs by the U.S. Congress. Secretary Clinton promised to look into the matter herself.
The Foreign Minister reiterated invitation to President Obama to visit Pakistan in the near future.
Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and USAID administrator, Rajiv Shah were also present in the meeting, says a press release received here today from New York.
**MJI/Ahmad**
PR. No. 245
PRESS RELEASE
President says killers of Mir Murtaza Bhutto will not escape retribution
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010President and Co-Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari has said that Mir Murtaza Bhutto Shaheed would be remembered for dedicating his life to fighting against dictatorship.
This he said in a message on the death anniversary of Mir Murataz Bhutto who was gunned down on this day in 1996 in a conspiracy to overthrow the PPP government.
Mir Murtaza Bhutto endured the rigors of exile, the assassination of his father when he was in exile and the uncertainty of life but never gave up his opposition nor compromised with the dictatorship, the President said.
The President said that Mir Murataza’s killers might think that they have got away with murder but he believed that they would be exposed and punished in the fullness of time. Nature has its own strange ways to ultimately expose and punish the conspirators and wrongdoers, he said.
“May Allah bless the soul of Mir Murtaza with a high place in heaven and bless the souls of those killed with him. May Allah grant patience to their heirs to bear this heavy loss”.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR. No. 246
PRESS RELEASE
NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
IMPERATIVE TO FACE CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING: AFRIDI
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that National Sustainable Development Strategy is a comprehensive framework to emerge environmental challenges confronting Pakistan at the national and international level. He also said that Strategy stresses framing and implementing of complementary policies that address environmental as well as social issues while facilitating economic growth to capture the maximum development dividend of this growth. He expressed these view while holding a meeting with high officials of the Ministry of Environment here today.
While expressing his views, Environment Minster said that Pakistan has made serious and continuous efforts towards the promotion of sustainability in all thematic areas specially transport, chemical, waste management, mining and sustainable consumption and production. All these thematic areas and many more including climate change have been incorporated in the Draft National Sustainable Development Strategy which has been reviewed by relevant organizations and stakeholders, he added. NSDS preparation is a major step forward in promoting sustainable development in Pakistan and a land mark achievement.
Federal Minister underlined that major challenge lies in its implementation, especially because it is a multi-sector venture. Its effective implementation would require transforming its strategic goals into time bound targets and achieving these within the existing institutional set up albeit by adopting innovative mechanisms that should give due cognizance to complementarities of policies, incentives and accountability, empowerment and enforcement and knowledge management as well as monitoring and reporting.
During the meeting progress of different projects was reviewed and several other issues related to ministry came under discussion. The Minister urged to focus on environmental issues with involvement of related stakeholders. In light of global warming and climate change, he expressed the need to utilize media resources to aware the general community about this important sector.
Federal Secretary Environment Muhammad Javed Malik, D.G. Environment Javed Ali Khan and other high officials attended the meeting.
**MAS/Ahmad**
PR. No. 247
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani lauded the role of Pakistan Air Force in the relief and rescue operations ever since the devastating floods hit different parts of the country. The contributions made by PAF to help the flood affectees, he added, reflected the commitment of the officers and jawans to stand up to any challenge.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman who called on him at the PM’s House here this afternoon.
The task of rehabilitation and reconstruction, the Prime Minister said, is equally challenging for which all segments of the society as well as organizations will have to play an active role with the same spirit as shown in the early recovery stage of relief and rescue.
Earlier the Air Chief apprised the Prime Minister of the details of the relief and rescue operations conducted by PAF in the flood affected areas. He mentioned that the PAF officers and jawans rescued more than 17000 people and disbursed food and relief goods through 1700 sorties of C130s and helicopters in a period of seven weeks. He further said that PAF established six flood relief camps in different parts of the country accommodating over 20000 flood affectees. The medical camps set up by PAF, he said, treated more than 45000 patients suffering from various diseases. The officers and jawans of PAF, he added, contributed Rs 28 million to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund by donating one day salary.
The Air Chief informed the Prime Minister that because of floods, the Jacobabad Air Base was closed for three days for repairs. During this period, around 2000 employees had to be shifted to nearby Air Bases while 200 were stationed to look after the repair work. The officials have since returned back to the Base to perform their duties to manage the technical facilities.
The Air Chief apprised the Prime Minister that the envisaged plan for establishing an Air University in Southern Punjab would soon be implemented. The University, he said, would cater for MBA, Computer Science and Aeronautical Engineering Degree classes. He thanked the Prime Minister for providing Rs 10 million last year for this project as well as his assurance for provision of the remaining amount during the current financial year.
The Air Chief also discussed matters relating to PAF particularly regarding the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visits to France and Belgium.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 248
PRESS RELEASE
construction of surgical hospital for poor in Sukkur
Khursheed Shah
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah has taken initiative on construction of surgical hospital in Sukkur for the labor class and poor people. This hospital will be funded by WWF Workers Welfare Fund.
This hospital will consist of 200 beds which will be equipped with latest technology. The total area allocated for the hospital in 1.7 acre.
Federal Minister said that his top priority is to facilitate and help the poor and through this hospital, better medical facilities will be available to them which will be free of cost.
He further added that the country is passing through a difficult phase and it is the responsibility of all of us to help and facilitate our flood effected brothers in best possible ways and whole heartedly. Minister prayed for the prosperity of the country.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Labour, Mr. Tariq Puri, Secretary WWF and Joint Secretary Mr. Mustafain Qazmi and Consultant Mr. Maqbool Hassan.
**SSW/Ahmad**
PR. No. 249
PRESS RELEASE
CM Gilgit Baltistan calls on the President
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday afternoon.
Measures taken for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood affected people in Gilgit Baltistan came under discussion during the meeting.
The President condoled with the Chief Minister the death of Governor Gilgit Baltistan Dr. Shama Khalid and also prayed for the departed soul.
The Chief Minister briefed the President about the measures being undertaken by the Gilgit Baltistan Government in collaboration with the federal government for the rehabilitation of the flood victims in Gilgit Baltistan.
The President assured that the government would exploit all available resources to mitigate the sufferings of the flood victims in Gilgit Baltistan and rebuild their damaged homes and property.
The President while talking to the Chief Minister also thanked the Chinese government for the prompt support and assistance and providing immediate relief to the flood victims in those parts of Gilgit Baltistan which were inaccessible from Pakistan.
The President urged the local government of Gilgit Baltistan to take all possible steps in collaboration with the federal government for the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure including homes, schools and hospitals in Gilgit Baltistan soon after the completion of damage need assessment process. The President also stressed for ensuring transparency in all the phases including collection and disbursement of aid money for flood victims.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR. No. 250
PRESS RELEASE
Post Eid ul Fitre event at Medan, Indonesia,
60,000 US$ for Pakistan’s flood affectees pledged
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010An amount of US$ 60,000 was pledged for the flood affected people in Pakistan at a ceremony on Saturday at Medan, the third largest city of Indonesia and capital of North Sumatra province.
The evening ceremony which marked post Eid ul Fitre celebrations in typical Indonesian welcome dance and music style, was organized by the Honorary Consul General of Pakistan in Medan, Mr. Musa Ichwan Shah along with his father, H. Anif Shah, a known social and business elite of Medan as well as Indonesia. More than 150 special invitees on the occasion included diplomats, high ranking officials of the provincial government, the Regency, police, members of the humanitarian and business community and Chairman Pakistani Community of North Sumatra, Haji Muhammad Deen. A large number of decedents of the first generation immigrants from the sub-continent also participated in the evening function. Ambassador Sanaullah was invited as Chief Guest to inform the participants about the floods situation in Pakistan.
Honorary Conusl General, Mr. Musa Ichwan Shah briefly recalled the traditional friendship between the two countries and assistance they had exchanged in their hours of need. He said it was a great honour to arrange this fund raising event for the Pakistani brethren who were badly affected by the floods. The representative of the provincial Governor expressed support for Pakistan and appealed to the Indonesian people for generous donations for relief and rescue operations for flood victims.
The Mission arranged screening of a 20-minute documentary depicting heart wrenching scenes evoking sentiments of sympathy for flood victims in Pakistan. The Ambassador presented statistics involving number of deaths, displaced persons and the destroyed infrastructure. In his address, he dwelt on the continued human sufferings of the vulnerable section of Pakistan’s populace. While appreciating the government’s efforts, generous assistance of the NGOs, friendly foreign countries including Indonesia, the Ambassador highlighted the circumstances under which 22 million people including 3.1 million women and children left their houses without any cash, clothing, food or utensils. Highlighting the plight of flood victims, the Ambassador said that the scale of the tragedy was so massive that no state in the word could cope with it alone. The damage to Pakistan would take years to undo, he said.
The ambassador said that the government was faced with the enormous challenge to redress the pain of the people and rebuild their livelihood. He asked the women present in the gathering to think of mothers who could not feed the infants, provide food to children, medicine to the wailing sick and shelter to their grown up daughters. He mentioned that after the unprecedented deluge, conditions in certain regions had worsened with no access to basic needs including shelter in devastated villages, seeds for new crops and drinking water.
The Ambassador said the natural disasters were not new to the Pakistani people. They would overcome their difficulties. They expect their brothers and sisters in Indonesia to pray for their welfare and share their compassion to offset the fury of floods. He expressed thanks on behalf of people of Pakistan to People of Indonesia for their generous donation.
It may be mentioned here that the Indonesian government, socialites and humanitarian organizations have already made contributions and pledges of over four million USD for the flood affected in Pakistan. A number of Indonesian teams under the “Indonesia Cares for Pakistan” programme launched by Baznas, the National Zakat Agency in Ramadan, are undertaking relief activities in the flood affected areas. They have particularly focused on providing medical aid and food items to the affectees. The Indonesian government’s 3.3 million USD assistance package in kind and cash has contributed well in easing the difficulties of the people stricken by floods. Adding to that the Medan fund raising event has fetched over US$ 60,000 in cash and pledges which augurs well for the Pakistan Mission’s continued efforts to seek assistance for flood victims, says a press release received here today from Jakarta.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR. No. 251
PRESS RELEASE/clarification
Allotment of 300 houses not cancelled: Kakar
Islamabad; 20th September, 2010Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Rehmatullah Kakar has said that allotment of 300 houses was neither cancelled nor their restorations under review.
Terming the news item of cancellation of 300 houses in F-6/1 as misleading and totally incorrect, the Minister said that allotment of not a single house was cancelled by him as alleged by some vested interest.
The Minister said that a Committee was working in the M/O Housing & Works under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary to review the cases of illegal possession of government accommodation and its vacation from retired officials and illegal occupants. He said that the doors of the Ministry were always opened for the complainants who can meet the Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Estate Officer to solve their problem.
The Minister said that there was paucity of accommodation for the government employees in Islamabad and the Ministry of Housing & Works was striving to provide them shelter as soon as possible.
PR. No. 252
PRESS RELEASE
NA DEPUTY SPEAKER APPRECIATES EUROPEAN UNION DECISION
FOR ALLOWING MARKET ACCESS TO PAKISTANI PRODUCTS.
Islamabad September 20, 2010:Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly has appreciated European Union’s decision for allowing market access to Pakistani products in European markets. He said that this was long standing demand of Pakistan and it will play an important role to revive and stabilize Pakistan’s economy. He expressed these views while talking to Mr. Sajjad Karim, Member European Parliament who called on him in the Parliament House, today.
The Deputy Speaker said that recent flood had played havoc in the country. He said that the floods had badly affected all four provinces including AJK and Gilgit-Balistan and dislocated more than 20 million people and devastated infrastructure at a massive scale. The Deputy Speaker said that floods have badly damaged agriculture sector and million acres of agriculture land had been destroyed and standing crops of worth of billion of dollars have been ruined.
Faisal Karim Kundi said that rehabilitation of the masses and reconstruction of infrastructure was the top priority of the Government and all available resources will be utilized for this purpose, however support of friends like European Union will supplement the efforts of the Government. The Deputy Speaker apprised him about the Watan Card Scheme being issued to flood affecttees under which Rs. 1 lac will be given to each affected family in two installments He appreciated the role played by Mr. Sajjad Tarin for advocating market access to Pakistani products in European Markets.
Mr. Sajjad Tarin, Member European Union expressed profound grief over the causalities and losses caused by devastating flood and said that it was a disaster which had never seen before. He assured the Deputy Speaker that the European Union will extend its all out support to Pakistan to cope with catastrophe.
Later on Bob Rae, Member Canadian Parliament called Deputy Speaker National Assembly. Talking to Member Canadian Parliament the Deputy Speaker appreciated generous contribution of US $ 33 million for flood relief. He said Pakistan and Canada enjoyed friendly relations and steps should be initiated to further enhance the bilateral ties. He stressed the need for frequent exchange of Parliamentary delegation between the two countries to enhance the bilateral relations.
Mr. Bob Rae, Member Canadian Parliament assured the Deputy Speaker that Government of Canada is committed to rehabilitate the flood affecttees and will extend all out assistance in that regard. He said that Canada value high its relations with Pakistan and Government and people of Canada stand with Pakistani people in this hour of crises. He appreciated the contributions of Pakistani expatriates residing in Canada in strengthening the economy and development of Canada.
PR. No. 253
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad September 20, 2010:Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani expressed his satisfaction that not only the Federal and the Provincial Governments are making concerted efforts to provide relief to the flood affectees but the opposition and civil society has also played its due role to mitigate the sufferings of the flood victims. He reiterated the commitment of the Government to continue its efforts till the rehabilitation of all the flood affectees.
The Prime Minister was talking to Maulana Fazal ur Rehman Chief JUI (F), Dr.Babur Awan Minister for Law Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and Senator Rehman Malik, Minister for Interior who called on him in the Prime Minister’s House here today.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that all the political parties and the civil society will manifest the same spirit during the reconstruction & rehabilitation phases .He stressed upon the joint efforts to galvanize the relief activities.
Maulana Fazal Ur Rehman appreciated the Prime Minister’s reconciliatory political approach and his keen interest in relief and rehabilitation of flood victims. Both leaders exchanged views on over all political situation of the country and expressed their determination to keep the democratic process working in the country.
PR. No. 254
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad September 20, 2010:Chief Minister Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani called on Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman, Implementation Commission today at Parliament House, Islamabad.
The two Leaders discussed the implementation of the 18th Amendment, Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package, the flood situation and the role of Federal Agencies in Balochistan.
Mian Raza Rabbani, briefed the Chief Minister on the working of the Implementation Commission with reference to the 18th Amendment. Both the Leaders reiterated their resolve to implement the 18th Amendment in letters and spirits. They also expressed the resolve to complete the process of devolution i.e. transfer of subjects from the Federal Government to the Provincial Governments which were on the Concurrent List by the 30th of June, 2011.
The Chief Minister was informed that in accordance with the decision of the Council of Common Interest, the process of devolution will be incremental and shall be completed by the date even in the Constitution. The Provinces should prepare their infrastructure to take on these new responsibilities.
They observed that the 18th Amendment was unanimously passed by Parliament, and has ownership of all political Parties within the Parliament and the four Provinces. They also observed that the 18th Amendment has taken a major leap forward in giving Provincial Autonomy, as a result of which today the Federation and the Provinces are co-owners of their natural resources with joint management be conducted through a strengthened Council of Common Interest.
The two Leaders observed that the 18th Amendment is a reflection of the collective struggle of democratic forces in Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Senator Ishaq Dar, Deputy Chairman, Implementation Commission, Senator Rehmatullah Kakar, Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Senator Afrasiab Khattak, all members of the Implementation Commission and Mir Asim Kurd Galo, Finance Minister Balochistan.
PR. No. 255
PRESS RELEASE
BIDS OPENED FOR 300 MW PRIVATE POWER PROJECT (IPP) NEAR LALIAN TOWN, CHINIOT
Islamabad September 20, 2010:A Bid Evaluation Committee comprising representatives from PPIB, PEPCO/NTDC, NEPRA and Ministry of Finance opened today Bid for 300 MW Oil Fired Reciprocating Engines based IPP near Lalian Town, Chiniot, FESCO Area (the Project) in presence of bidders.
A two-envelope Bidding approach has been adopted for the bidding based on ICB. Bidders were required to submit Qualification and Technical Bids in Envelope-I and Financial and Tariff Bids in Envelope-II. One Bid from Karkey Karandeniz Elektrik Uretim, Turkey was received within the stipulated Bid submission deadline whose Envelope-I was opened today, the contents of which will be evaluated for Responsiveness Test, as given in the RFP. If the Bid is considered Responsive, Envelope-II, containing Financial and Tariff Bids shall be opened. The Request for Proposal (RFP) document was prepared by PPIB in consultation and co-ordination with Nepra, Ministry of Finance and WPPO.
PPIB has been tasked by GOP to initiate solicitation of new IPP Projects through ICB to be commissioned in 2012, 2013 and 2014 after assessment of power supply and demand position. Planning Commission after consulting with relevant stakeholders, concluded that while taking into account the on‑going/under process power generation projects both in public and private sectors, Pakistan would require induction of additional 5,000 MW immediately, in addition to the existing planned capacity.
PR. No. 256
PRESS RELEASE
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER CALLS ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad September 20, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Monday called upon the British Government and EU countries to further pursue the progress that has recently been made in EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels last Friday for grant of market access to Pakistani goods to the European trade markets. The grant of trade concessions to Pakistan would enable the government to generate employment opportunities in the country and look after the flood victims in various parts of the country.
The President said this during his meeting with Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, who called on him today at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Matters regarding rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood victims, revival of flood ravaged economy, bilateral relations, war against militants, access of Pakistani products to EU markets and regional situation were discussed during the meeting.
The President thanked UK and EU for recently making some progress on Pakistan’s quest for market access and said that market access would help recover country’s fragile economy that has been hardly hit by war against extremism and recent devastating floods in the country.
The President appreciated the support and assistance of the British Government for the relief and recovery of the people affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan.
The President while referring to the colossal damage to lives, property, infrastructure and livestock by the devastating floods said that catering to the needs of dislocated people and to rehabilitate them besides recreating economic opportunities for them was a gigantic task that needed special attention of the international community as it was beyond the capacity of Pakistan to handle it on its own. The President hoped that the British government would also play its active role in garnering international support for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood victims.
The President said that the Government of Pakistan in order to ensure transparency had developed a fool proof system for utilization of flood aid. All information about the flood aid received and disbursed will be put on the web and will be accessible to everyone, the President said.
The President while discussing Pak- UK bilateral relations stressed the need to start the Strategic Dialogue between the two countries to discuss all issues and use the forum to promote relations in all fields.
Mr. Thomson thanked the President for meeting and assured UK’s continued support and assistance to the Government and the people of Pakistan to meet the challenges of rehabilitation of flood victims and revive flood ravaged economy. He also assured that Britain will play its role to push Pakistan’s case in the EU for grant of Pakistani goods access to EU markets.
PR. No. 257
PRESS RELEASE
HOUSE BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS
Islamabad September 20, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly in Parliament House to discuss the business of the House for 25th Session of the National Assembly starting today.
After thorough discussion, it was decided that the 25th Session of the National Assembly would continue till 8th October, 2010. It was decided that the National Assembly will take up various laws pending for legislation apart from discussion on issues concerning the public. It was also decided that the Sessions will be held in mornings except Monday and Wednesday (subject to cabinet meeting in morning).
The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Ch. Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Minister for Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mrs. Jamila Gilani, Ch. Barjees Tahir, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed and Syed Haider Abass Rizvi.
PR. No. 258
PRESS RELEASE
SENATE HOUSE BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS
Islamabad, September 20, 2010The Senate House Business Advisory Committee comprising heads of Parliamentary Parties represented in the Senate met at the Parliament House this evening under the Chairmanship of the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek to discuss the modalities of the 64th Senate Session beginning today.
It was also attended among others by the Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali, Leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Wasim Sajjad and Senators Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Haji Muhammad Adeel, Col. ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Prof. Khurshid Ahmed, Shahid Hassan Bugti, Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokhel, Muhammad Jehangir Badar, Muhammad Kazim Khan, Sardar Ali Khan, Babar Khan Ghauri and Dr. Abdul Malik, besides Secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin.
The meeting decided that the present session would continue till 1st October, 2010 in which important issues including flood situation, law and order, situation of economy and education would be discussed.
The meeting, which was held in very cordial atmosphere, decided to conduct the proceedings of the current session in spirit of accommodation and understanding, which remained the hallmark of the Upper House.
PR. No. 259
PRESS RELEASE
MESSAGE OF FELICITATIONS TO JAPAN
Islamabad, September 20, 2010Following is the text of message of felicitations from the Foreign Minister for Mr. Seiji Machara on his appointment as the Foreign Minister of Japan:
“Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to extend warmest felicitations on Your Excellency’s appointment as the Foreign Minister of Japan. It is indeed a manifestation of the trust and confidence of Japanese leadership and acknowledgement of Your Excellency’s services to your great country.
It is a matter of deep satisfaction for us that Pakistan and Japan enjoy close and cordial relations. We share a common desire towards international peace and stability and are partners in meeting the global challenges that we face collectively.
May I avail this opportunity to express our deep appreciation and thanks for the contribution, towards flood relief, by the Government and people of Japan.
I look forward to working with Your Excellency in future expanding and cementing the mutually beneficial ties between our two friendly countries.
Please accept Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi)
Foreign Minister of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan
His Excellency,
Mr. Seiji Maehara,
Foreign Minister of Japan,
Tokyo”
PR. No. 260
PRESS RELEASE
PM TAKES NOTICE OF SUICIDE OF JOBLESS PERSON MUHAMMAD AKRAM
Islamabad, September 20, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while taking notice of the news item that appeared in a section of Press regarding self-immolation by a jobless person Muhammad Akram, resident of Jampur, who later died in the hospital made a telephone call to the father of deceased and expressed deep sorrow and grief over unfortunate incident.
The Prime Minister directed Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary for Water and Power to visit the bereaved family and express condolence on his behalf. He also announced Rs. 5 lacs as financial assistance to the bereaved family.
PR. No. 261
PRESS RELEASE
PEMRA DRIVE AGAINST VIOLATING CABLE OPERATORS CONTINUES
Islamabad, September 20, 2010PEMRA has ardently undertaken a series of crack down since September 09 onwards against cable operators relaying channels that are not in consonance with the PEMRA Laws. The crackdown operation by PEMRA enforcement teams continues as it raided around 270 more head-ends and seized / confiscated systems of around 73 cable operators in various parts of the country including Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Kasur, Kharian, Nankana Sb, Multan, Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Sinjhoro, Sanghar, Daharki, Sukkur, Peshawar, Haripur, Havelian, Sawabi, Tarbela, Ghazi, Abbottabad, D.I.Khan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Hassanabdal, Attock, Gujar Khan, Sargodha, Quetta, Pishin, Sibbi, Turbat, Loralai, Mastung, Naushki, Kalat etc. Gadgets of 73 cable networks were also confiscated. Relevantly, the cable licenses of some habitual violators are going to be cancelled by the Authority, stated PEMRA press release.
Despite repeated warnings to cable operators issued from time to time, public complaints received indicated the insubordinate manner of cable operators in complying with PEMRA’s directives. PEMRA had to take immediate and concrete action. In Punjab region 50, Sindh 60, KPK 35, Islamabad 80 and Balochistan 45 head-ends were visited by PEMRA authorities during last 4-5 days and punitive measures were taken in order to curb the practice of relaying or distributing channels that are un-licensed or are not authorized by PEMRA. It may be recalled that this action is in addition to the 50 cable networks seized by PEMRA Authority last week on account of similar violations.
PEMRA resolved to continue such crackdowns until the law prevails in its true essence.
PR. No. 262
PRESS RELEASE
SOUTH KOREAN DELEGATION CALLS ON PM
Islamabad: September 20, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that government would engage international institutions to make damage assessment in wake of recent devastating floods so as to make it more accurate and transparent. He added that it would greatly help the government to cope with challenges of reconstruction and rehabilitation in the affected areas.
The Prime Minister was talking to delegation of Poongsan Cooperation South Korean headed by, Mr. Jin Roy Ryu who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber and presented a cheque of US Dollar one lac and fifty thousand for the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister urged upon the international community and institutions to come forward and generously assist Pakistan in its efforts of rehabilitation of the flood affectees. He informed the delegation that the floods affected areas are the food basket of Pakistan, so its economic repercussions would be felt for long time throughout country. He said that the government is determined to convert the catastrophe into an opportunity by focusing its energies to develop the affected areas and create opportunities for the people.
The delegation informed the Prime Minister that more assistance would be provided once the damage need assessment is completed.
The Prime Minister thanked the delegation for their gesture of good will and support for the flood victims.
PR. No. 263
PRESS RELEASE
VARIOUS DELEGATIONS MEET THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 20, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the human catastrophe caused by devastating floods requires generous contribution to help mitigate the sufferings of millions of people. The forthcoming phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction, he added needs substantial resources to bring normalcy in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister, various delegations and philintrophists who called on him to present cheques to him for Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
Lauding the spirit and sense of devotion displayed by different segments of society, the Prime Minister said that the response is encouraging and it would help restore the confidence of the flood affected people, during the forthcoming phases of rehabilitation and reconstruction. .
The Prime Minister said that he has urged the public representatives to keep constant vigilance during the relief activities so that people could receive maximum help. He said that although the magnitude of the calamity is huge but due to timely response the human loss has been minimized to a great extent.
Those who presented cheques included Minister for Industries Mir Hazar Khan Bijrani Rs. 10 million, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah one Lac rupees on behalf of Shadani Darbar Mirpur Mathan, Advisor to PM on political Affairs, Nawabzada Ghazanfar Gul one Lac rupees, Mr. Abdul Malik on behalf of Pakistan Computer Association 10000 British Pounds, Eng. Hasnain Ahmed Pakistan Engineering Council Rs. 10 million, and Principal Abbotabad Collage one thousand rupees.
PR. No. 264
PRESS RELEASE
TURKMENISTAN-AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN-INDIA (TAPI) GAS PIPELINE HEADS OF AGREEMENT SIGNED. PETROLEUM MINISTER NAVEED QAMAR INITIALS PIPELINE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
Islamabad: September 20, 2010The Heads of Agreement which covers the broad principles of Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline project was signed by the relevant parties here Monday in Ashgabat. The GSPA is planned to be signed by December 2010.
In addition to this, the Gas Pipeline Framework Agreement (GPFA) was also initialed which after the Government of Pakistan’s approval is scheduled to be signed in the forthcoming meeting. The Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar initialed the GPFA and Managing Director Inter State Gas Systems Limited (ISGSL) Mr. Hilal A. Raza signed the Heads of Agreement (HoA).The Turkmen party has also provided the third party gas certification, by Gaffne Cline, which was of prime importance to all the parties.
The meeting is of great importance as the milestones achieved thus far are considered to be significant progress on the project and leading towards regional economic development, cooperation integration, peace and prosperity.
The Minister also had bilateral discussions with the Indian minister of State for Petroleum Mr. Prasad, the Afghan Minister of Mines, Mr. Shahrani and the Turkmen Minister for Petroleum Mr. Nadirov and exchanged views on matters of bilateral interest and energy cooperation . The Minister also met with the Turkmen Vice Premier.
PR. No. 265
PRESS RELEASE
NICK CLEGG FOR ENHANCING ASSISTANCE FOR PAKISTAN TO COPE WITH FLOOD DISASTER
Islamabad: September 20, 2010The Deputy Prime Minister of the U.K Mr. Nick Clegg has said that Pakistan was suffering more than any other country due to violence and terrorism, and the suffering has been further enhanced by devastation caused by recent floods. Mr. Clegg was speaking at a reception hosted by Pakistan High Commissioner Mr.Wajid Shamsul Hasan on the occasion of Annual Conference of Liberal Democrats in Liverpool , yesterday, says a press release received from High Commission of Pakistan, London here today.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that after visiting Pakistan he has been able to observe for himself the magnitude of devastation and has absorbed gravity of situation caused by flood disaster. He added that since the process of devastations caused by floods was slow it took time for the people to absorb the full scale of catastrophe but as the people continued to watch flood situation on media the response for donation s improved and as a result Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has been able to raise substantial donations (54 million pounds). He further said that he was informed by the DEC that never ever in their history, the response increased in second week of appeal, whereas in the case of Pakistan it did. Mr. Clegg said that the level of support from British Government and public are great testament to enduring relations of Pakistan and the UK .
Appreciating the contribution of Pakistani community, Mr. Clegg said that he considered Pakistani community as vital and important component of British society while supporting more representation of Pakistani community in Lib-Dem party.
High Commissioner for Pakistan to UK , Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan in his address said “We are particularly indebted to Deputy Prime Minister Rt.Hon. Nick Clegg for his profound and visible support for the relief of flood victims in Pakistan . In fact his concern for the lacklustre response during the initial days of the flood had an immediate impact in the United Kingdom to stimulate the fund raising campaign. Subsequent to Mr. Clegg’s intervention, there as surge in the contribution by the British public.”
Mr. Hasan said that UK has championed Pakistan ’s cause in the EU summit for grant of market access in the EU markets as some sort of consensus has been agreed in last week’s meeting and Pakistan will have Preferential Trade Access. This would enable the government of Pakistan to offset some of the losses caused due to war against extremism and devastating floods. While it would also fulfil Pakistan ’s cherished goal of “trade not aid”.
The High Commissioner further said that the Liberal Democratic Party has always enjoyed a special place amongst the people and Government of Pakistan for their upright stance on issues of international importance, especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir .
He further added that the presence of Pakistani origin councillors and prospective candidates in the LibDem Annual Conference is reflective of the Pakistani Diaspora’s active participation in the British political life.
The event was attended by large number of British MPs, Councillors and Mr. Qasim Afzal of Liberal Democratic Party conducted the proceedings of the occasion.
PR. No. 266
PRESS RELEASE
SAMINA KHALID GHURKI CALLED ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 20, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the first phase of flood relief operation is close to completion and disbursement of relief assistance is in progress while second phase of rehabilitation will soon be launched in all the flood affected areas. He said that the concerned Ministries and institutions have been directed to evolve a well coordinated plan so as to mobilize maximum support for the immediately required assistance during this phase.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki and MoS, Parliamentry Affairs, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening.
The Prime Minister said that the close monitoring of the rehabilitation process by the public representatives is very important as through this mechanism the government could better judge the situation on ground in different areas of the country. He said that government would welcome all suggestions in this regard.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki briefed the Prime Minister regarding various steps taken by the Ministry in the relief activities. She also apprised about the initiatives taken by Pakistan Baitual Mal under the direction of the Prime Minister.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 21ST SEPTEMBER 2010
PR. No. 267
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI GREETS
MALTA PRIME MINISTER ON NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY
Islamabad: September 20, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to Dr. Lawrence Gonzi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta on their National Day falling on 21st September, 2010.
In his message of felicitations, the Prime Minister said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, as well as on my own behalf, it gives me immense pleasure in conveying our sincerest greetings and heartiest felicitations on the National Day of the Republic of Malta.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Malta enjoy cordial relations. It is our sincere hope and desire that we may continue to build upon the entire scope of our bilateral cooperation in times to come.
I avail this opportunity to express my sincere wishes for Your Excellency’s health and for the continued prosperity of the people of Malta.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 21ST SEPTEMBER 2010
PR. No. 268
PRESS RELEASE
PM TAKES NOTICE OF LAW AND ORDER SITATUION IN KARACHI,
PHONES FEDRAL INTERIOR MINISTER AND CM SINDHIslamabad: September 20, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has taken serious notice of the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi. He rang up Federal Minister for Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik and Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah this evening and directed them to take immediate steps for improvement of situation in the Provincial Metropolis.
The Prime Minister said that Karachi is the economic hub of the country so any law and order situation has deep effects on the national economy.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need of increased coordination between the Federal Interior Ministry and the Provincial Government so that the anti-state elements could be exposed and brought to justice.
