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PR No. 195 A ten (10) member business delegation of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry(RCCI), Pakistan is visiting Malaysia from 18th to 25th of this month to foster business ties with their Malaysian counterparts and to attend Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering Exhibition(SAMPE) Asia Expo 2010, says a press release received from Kuala Lumpur today. According to the Commercial Counselor for Pakistan High Commission, Mr. Wajiullah Kundi, the delegation is meeting with various business entities of Malaysia representing sectors such as Jewelry, Computers, Garments, Textile, Food Items, Stationary, Medicines, Pharmaceuticals and General Consumer Goods with the objective to establish business to business contacts and promote bilateral trade in these sectors. During their stay the delegation is holding meetings with President of Malaysian Organization of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI), National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), President and members of Kuala Lumpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLCCI) and Chairman and members of Malaysian of the Malaysian Printers Association (MPA) for business networking. The visiting delegation also attended SAMPE Asia Conference and Exhibition on 19-20, 2010 held in Kuala Lumpur with the objective to; engage participant companies for business networking, discover new suppliers and learn more about new technologies. The SAMPE conferences in the past have been held successfully in Japan, China and Bangkok Thailand. The Commercial Counselor also advised the Pakistani businesspersons to participate in a big way in the upcoming exhibitions in Malaysia including Malaysia’s International Jewellery Fair (3-7 March, 2010), Malaysia’s International Halal Showcase MIHAS (12-16 May 2010) and Malaysian International Food and Beverage Trade Show(MIFB) (22—24 July, 2010) to introduce Pakistan’s high quality and cost competitive products to Malaysian and International buyers.
PR No. 196 Chairman, Board of Investment Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwala called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here this afternoon and briefed him about the working of the BOI.
PR No. 197 The present Government has promulgated Petroleum Policy 2009 providing liberal incentives to the E&P Companies to attract investment and to accelerate exploration of hydrocarbon in the country with the clear objective to increase the domestic oil & gas production and to reduce burden of imported energy. This was stated by Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources who earlier had directed to expedite exploration and to sign at least 35 licenses and Concession Agreements within three months period and make all possible efforts to bring the discoveries into production for addressing immediate energy needs of public. In the light of the Minister’s directions, the Ministry has already signed two licenses/PCAs on 24th December 2009 and now another six licenses/ PCAs are being signed with three E & P companies including two public sector and one private sector company. The Federal Minister for P&NR graced the signing ceremony attended by eminent Professionals of the Ministry and the Industry. The Licences/agreements were signed by Mr. Mahmood Salim Mahmood, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mr. Mohammad Naeem Malik, Director General Petroleum Concessions, Mr. Shah Mahboob Alam, Managing Director, OGDCL, Mr. Khalid Rehman, Managing Director, PPL and Mr. Sajid Nawaz, Chief Executive Officer, POL. OGDCL is a Public Limited Company engaged in Exploration & Production activities in the country for the last four decades. OGDCL holds the largest share of Oil (46%) & Gas (35%) of the total reserves in the country. Its percentage share of total Oil & Gas production in Pakistan is 57% and 23%, respectively. In addition, OGDCL is the Operator in thirty five (35) exploration licences and is working interest owner in 7 other exploration blocks operated by various E & P companies. OGDCL is currently producing 36,891 barrels of Oil, 737 MMCF of gas, 142 M. Tonnes of LPG and 72 M. Tonnes of Sulphur per day. Today OGDCL signed two Licences/PCAs for Blocks No. 3068-4 (Lakhi Rud) and 2769-16 (Mari East). PPL is Pakistan’s oldest and largest Exploration & Production company, which was incorporated during 1950. Presently, PPL is the operator of nine different exploration blocks and working interest owner in 13 other exploration blocks operated by various E & P companies. PPL is operator of five producing fields namely Sui, Kandhkhot, Mazarani, Adhi and Chachar with the total daily production of 786 MMCF of gas, 4989 barrels oil and 150 metric tons of LPG. PPL inked two Licences/PCAs with the Government for Blocks No. 2763-3 (Kharan) and 2764-4 (Kharan East). POL is a local private company and presently operator of two (2) exploration blocks and is working interest owner in five (5) other blocks operated by various E & P companies. POL is also operator of (9) nine producing fields with the total daily production of 25 MMCF of gas 4268 barrels oil and 106 metric tons of LPG. POL signed two Licences/PCAs with the Government today for exploration and Production of hydrocarbon in Blocks No. 2970-5 (Rajanpur) and 2969-10 (D. G. Khan). Major part of Lakhi Rud Block is located in District Loralai, Balochistan Province whereas Mari East block is located in District Ghotki, Sindh Province. PPL’s Blocks Kharan and Kharan East are located in District Kharan, Balochistan Province. POL’s Blocks Rajanpur is located in District Rajanpur whereas DG Khan block is mainly located in District DG Khan, Punjab Province. The total area of the six blocks is 13599 sq.km and have minimum firm work commitment of US $ 25.42 million. The Federal Minister directed to closely monitor the progress of work on these blocks to ensure in time completion of work. Besides work on other exploration blocks has also been expedited with the objective to enhance share of locally produced oil & gas, which at present is around 52% of primary energy supply. **AK/Ahmad**
PR No. 198 Pakistan values high its relations with Saudi Arabia and both the countries are tied in the eternal bonds of religion, history and culture. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times and is expected to play a leading role to support Pakistan on all international forums. These views were expressed by Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, while talking to Umer Khan Ali Sherzai, Ambassador of Pakistan in Saudi Arabia, who called on her in Parliament House, today. The Madam Speaker said that Pakistan wanted stability and peace in the region because it was necessary for prosperity and development of the region. She said that Saudi Arabia has always played pragmatic role in promoting stability and development of the region. She said that the region’s peace and progress needed collective efforts and Saudi Arabia has an important role in this regard. The Speaker underlined the need for greater exchange of parliamentary delegations of both the countries for strengthening relations and establishing people to people contacts. Pakistani Ambassador in Saudi Arabia, Umer Khan Ali Sherzai, said that relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are based on the strong bonds of religion, history and culture and the exchange of parliamentary delegations will further strengthen these relations. He said that there was a big Pakistani community contributing towards the economic development of Saudi Arabia. He said that the economic cooperation between the two countries will further be strengthened through enhanced interaction between the representatives and parliamentarians of both the countries. Later on Talking to the Ambassador of Iran Mashallah Shakeri Mirza the speaker said that Iran and Pakistan have too much in common and they could use their proximity and commonalities for the benefit of the people of both the countries. She said that there was a vast opportunities for Iranian investors to invest in the agro-based industries in Pakistan while Pakistan can provide enough manpower to Iran for its industrial development. She said that Pakistan was a big market and the Iranian investors could benefit from it. She said that early completion of gas- pipeline would open new avenues of progress and prosperity in the region. Pak-Iran The Ambassador of Iran Masha’allah Shakeri said that Iran wanted to see Pakistan strong and prosperous. He said that his country would extend every support to Pakistan to overcome the challenges it was confronting right now. He also extended the invitation of the speaker of Iran to Madam Speaker to visit Iran. **MT/Ahmad**
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that due to country’s geo-strategic location, availability of skilled manpower, better infrastructure, provision of raw material and low manufacturing cost, Pakistan has become a destination of choice for the foreign investments. He said the government of Pakistan has designed investment friendly policies to encourage both foreign and local investors to promote commercial activities in the country and develop linkages with regional economic pursuits. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of LOTTE Group led by its President Mr. Dong Bin Shin, which called on him at the PM’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the South Korean companies should take advantage of the specialized economic zones being established in Pakistan for export oriented manufacturing industry and reap the benefit from the geo-strategic location of the country, which provide access to markets of Middle East, Central Asia and India. He said the government is focussing on the National Trade Corridor program by developing road and rail network to connect within and with the Central Asian Republics as well as with other countries in the region. The Prime Minister said that there are a number of opportunities available for foreign investments particularly in the energy and infrastructure sector. He specially highlighted his vision to connect Peshawar with Karachi through motorway which would serve as an economic lifeline for the country. He invited the LOTTE Group to look into the possibility of partnership in various sectors of this project from Bahawalpur to Karachi. The government, the Prime Minister added believes in continuation of the economic policies to further attract more foreign investment in the country. He asked the Koreans to invest in Infrastructure, Power Generation, IT & Telecom, Housing Construction, Food and Beverage, Fisheries, Meat processing and livestock development. The Prime Minister thanked the LOTTE Group for their generous contribution for the IDPs of Malakand and Swat. The Prime Minister also appreciated the group’s plan for investment in Pakistan in various sectors of national economy. The Prime Minister assured the delegation of complete support and cooperation from the government of Pakistan in any sector of their interest. Pakistan and South Korea enjoy close friendly relations and the same has to be reflected in the economic field to further strengthen the ties between the two countries, he added. Mr. Dong Bin Shin, President of Lotte Group of Korea and Leader of the delegation said the investment friendly policies are quite attractive for any investor and the same have inspired their interest for further investment in Pakistan. While introducing the members of the delegation, he mentioned that CEOs of all the major companies under Lotte Group are accompanying him which reflect their keen interest to expand their business ventures in Pakistan. He apprised that Lotte Group of Korea has 65 subsidiary companies with a capital of over US $ 45 billion working in a number of countries including China, Russia, Iran, India and Japan covering various sectors particularly agro-chemicals and infrastructure. As regards PTA terminal at Port Qasim, he said that Lotte Group intends to expand the production capacity of the project through additional investment of US $ 50 million including an electricity generation plant of 45 KW which would besides meeting their own needs of 25 KW would feed 20 KW to the national grid system. The Minister for Privatization Mr. Waqar Ahmed Khan, Minister of State for Finance Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Finance, Mr. Salman Siddique, Secretary BOI, Mr. Salim Khan Jhagra, Secretary Industries, Mr. Abdul Ghafor Smooro, Chairman BOI, Mr. Saleem H. Mandiwala, Chairman FBR, Mr. Suhail Ahmed and the Ambassador of South Korea Mr. Shin Vn were also present on the occasion. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 200 Dr. Farooq Sattar handed over a cheque of five lac rupees (Rs. 500,000/-) and allotment letter of a plot, measuring 600 meters, in OPF Valley Zone V, Islamabad to the family of late Farman Ali, a gallant Pakistani who sacrificed his life while saving the lives of the people in November last year flashfloods in Saudi Arabia. Late Farman Ali was a symbol of gallantry and courage and the whole nation is proud of him, the minister said on the occasion. He has earned laurels for his family and his homeland by sacrificing his life for a noble cause, added the minister. Farman Ali 32, a resident of District Swat of NWFP, worked in a grocery shop in Saudi Arabia. He saved 14 persons and was trying to save the 15th person when the water swept him away. Mr. Farman Ali a Pakistani karate champion who saved the lives of 14 people in the Nov. 25 flashfloods in Saudi Arabia before drowning while trying to save another. In a telephonic conversation with Mahboob Ali, Farman’s brother, the Minister termed late Farman Ali as national hero and appreciated his bravery and gallantry.
**MS/Ahmad**
PR No. 201 On the instructions of the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatization held detailed meeting with a high powered South Korean business giant Lotte Group delegation and briefed them regarding the business and investment opportunities in Pakistan here today. Earlier, the delegation met the Prime Minister. The leader of the six-member delegation and the President of Lotte Group Mr. Dong Bin Shin informed the Minister that the Group has so far invested US $ 800 million in Pakistan and was exploring more opportunities to make new investment in energy, food, tourism and other areas. Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan informed the delegation that the present government was endeavoring to implement the Privatization Program through Public Private Partnership. While assuring the delegation of maximum cooperation he said there was tremendous scope for fresh investment in Energy, Oil & Gas, Tourism, Hotel, Food, Beverages and other sectors. Pakistan has the potential for business growth and provides business friendly environment for all business and investment groups of the World enabling them to make profit on their investments. Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan said that Pakistan provided a conducive investment environment in all the sectors without any discrimination between local and foreign investors by providing equal opportunities. He hoped that the interaction with Korean companies would provide an opportunity to business groups and investor to take advantage of Pakistan’s incentives extended through liberal investment, privatization and economic policies. The Minister said that stability was being witnessed on the economic front as a result of the government’s effective strategy and economic indicators were giving positive signals of a strong economy. **TP/Ahmad**
PR No. 202 Pakistan has asked the United State of America to enter into Civilian-Nuclear Energy Cooperation with Pakistan and also to recognize it as Nuclear state. This was conveyed to the visiting US Defence Secretary, Mr. Robert M Gates, by Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, at a meeting held here today. The Meeting focused on Pakistan’s role against the war on terror, its security and economic needs and also the Geo-strategic situation of the region with special reference to Afghanistan. The meeting emphasized the need to promote a long and durable strategic partnership based on mutual trust, respect and shared goals. The Minister briefed the US Secretary Defence about the counter-terror efforts made by Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was committed to root out terrorism and extremism and has been playing and key role in this regard. The US delegation lauded the sacrifices and contribution made by the security forces of Pakistan against terrorism and militancy. The Minister apprised the delegation about the security and economic needs of Pakistan, saying that the counter-terrorism capability of the Armed Forces of Pakistan needed to be strengthened as it was imperative to defeat and eradicate the terrorist and extremist elements. The US Secretary Defence indicated that his country would continue its security assistance programme through Foreign Military Fund (FMF) and Foreign Military Sale (FMS) and Pakistan’s Counter Insurgency Capability Fund. The Minister emphasized to expedite the process of reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund which is over due since May 2008. The US side responded that they would positively consider Pakistan’s request to expedite and simplify the procedure. The Minister sought US support in energy sector to assist Pakistan and meeting its energy requirements. He also stressed the need to expedite work on setting up of Reconstruction and opportunity zones in tribal areas which would help in bringing economic and social development. The Meeting also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan. The Minister informed his US counter-part that Pakistan wanted to see durable peace and stability in Afghanistan because a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan but of entire region. He said that Pakistan wanted to train Afghan National Army. Referring to the regional approached being adopted by United States, the Minister emphasized to have enhanced role in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also expressed concern over the growing influence of India in Afghanistan which is causing instability in Pakistan particularly in Baluchistan and tribal areas. **AM/Ahmad**
“All Provincial Population Welfare Departments (PWDs) must expedite action for early establishment of service delivery outlets including family welfare centres, Family Planning Counters and Reproductive Health Centres etc”, says Federal Minister for Population Welfare Ms. Firdous Ashiq Awan while chairing the Inter Provincial Review Meeting in the Ministry of Population Welfare, today. She said that the partner organizations including public and private sectors have communicated their consent for establishment of service delivery outlets in their premises. She further added that the Population Welfare Departments have been repeatedly requested to involve Ministry of Population Welfare in the selection procedure of female social mobilizers. The Ministry appreciate that the NWFP has already complied. It was also revealed in the meeting that Ministry of Finance is requested to help Ministry of Population Welfare (MoPW) by facilitating release of balance amount of Rs. 101.000 million on one time basis in foreign exchange so that Ministry could procure the required contraceptive commodities to ensure uninterrupted supply and availability of contraceptives being pivotal contributor for improving adverse Population Indicators. The Minister has desired that provinces may start the performance appraisal of the officials of service delivery. The best performer would be conferred performance awards on quarterly basis by Federal Minister/ Secretary, MoPW. Based on the quarterly performance, the provinces would nominate the top performer in each category for the National Performance Award on World Population Day. A coordinating committee comprising of Director (FM), Director (TC) and Director (CS) has been constituted for liaison with the provinces. The committee would evaluate and re-conform the provincial nominations.
PR No. 204 The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) met under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Finance, Mr. Shaukat Tarin at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today. The ECNEC gave approval to 28 projects in various sectors of the national economy. The meeting was attended by the Federal Ministers and Secretaries of the economic ministries and provincial representatives. Energy Sector Under the Energy Sector, the ECNEC approved following 3 projects: i. Extension/Augmentation of existing 500 and 220 KV G/stations of NTDC system by installation of additional transformers costing Rs.1,934.24 million with the FEC of Rs.1,373.66 million. It will cover various districts in Punjab, Sindh and NWFP. ii. Up-gradation of Transmission Lines & Grid System Network of HESCO costing Rs.5,859.97 million with FEC of Rs.1,699.5 million. iii. Nuclear Fuel Enrichment Plant (NFEP) Project at the cost of Rs.14,247.64 million including FEC of Rs.5,571.41 million. The project is located in Mianwali District. Physical Planning and Housing Sector Under the Physical Planning and Housing Sector, the ECNEC gave approval to the following 6 projects: i. Re-construction of District Complexes at (i) Rawalakot Azad Kashmir and (ii) Bagh, Azad Kashmir with a cost of Rs. 1318.52 million and Rs. 1459.512 million respectively. The projects are part of an umbrella project of ERRA for reconstruction and rehabilitation of earthquake affected areas of AJ&K. ii. Construction of New Supreme Court Building at Islamabad. (2nd Revised PC-1) at a cost of Rs.1055.334 million. i. Construction of additional family suites for members of the parliament including servant quarters blocks at Sector G-5/2, Islamabad costing Rs.2908.369 million. ii. Gravity Flow Water Supply Scheme in Abbottabad with a cost of Rs.4280.105milliion. The entire cost of the local component of the project will be met by the Government of NWFP from its own resources. (Approved subject to Cabinet policy in the light of NFC). iii. Extension of water resources for Faisalabad city - Phase-I at a cost of Rs.5133.96 million including FEC of Rs.3794.56 million. iv. Quetta Water Supply and Environmental Improvement Project (QWSIP)Revised costing Rs.17,092.60 million. Transport and Communication Sector For the transport and communication sector, the ECNEC approved the following 18 projects: i. Private-Public Partnership Based Environment Friendly Public Transport System for major urban centers of Pakistan with the cost of Rs.5,000.0 million. The project is meant for Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, Hyderabad, Gujranwala and Sukkur. ii. Construction and Remodeling of Southern By-Pass detouring Hayatabad, Peshawar. The project will cost Rs.3,030.0 million. The project envisages improvement and widening of existing 25 km long and 7.3 m wide dual carriageway to three lane dual carriageway including construction of 12 ft wide service roads (on both sides), along with the allied facilities. iii. Bridge over River Indus connecting Larkana and Khairpur Districts with the cost of Rs.9,225.338 million. The project covers construction of a 1,222 meters long, 4-lane concrete bridge over river Indus along with 55.63 km long, approach roads with 7.3 m wide standard 2-lane single carriageway along with allied facilities. iv. Construction of Bridge Across River Indus linking Kandhkot located on the National Highway N-55 with Ghotki located on the National Highway N-5 at a cost of Rs.5,742.422 million. v. Improvement of Multan Inner Ring Road including six interchanges with improvement of at Grade Intersections Enroute with the cost of Rs.6,191.26 million. vi. Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway M-9 (134.5 k.m.) which will cost Rs.13,439.467 million. vii. Construction of 103 km long Khanewal-Lodhran (Bahawalpur) Access Controlled Expressway (E-5A) costing Rs.24,584.24 million with FEC Rs.8,371.15 million. viii. Bridge over River Indus linking N-5 with N-55 near Nishtar Ghat with the cost of Rs.5,459.329 million. ix. Widening and improvement of Bosan Road, Multan (from Chungi # 9 to Bahauddin Zakariya University) including construction of 2-lane flyovers for right turns at Chungi No.6 and Golbagh Chowk & two lanes flyover from Chungi No. 6 to Northern Bypass chowk with the cost of Rs.4,570.022 million. x. Amri – Qazi Ahmed Bridge over River Indus (between Hyderabad Bypass and Dadu Mordo Bridge) connecting N-5 with N-55 costing Rs.3,683.0 million. xi. Construction of Bridge across River Chenab linking Shorkot and Garh Mahraja which will cost Rs.1,602.878 million. xii. National Highway Development Sector Project Improvement and Rehabilitation of nine (9) sections of the National Highways (Revised) with the cost of Rs.49,954.78 million (FEC: Rs.38,268.74 million). xiii. Construction of New Gwadar International Airport and allied facilities costing Rs.7,675.00, including Omani grant of US $ 17.50 million. xiv. Procurement/manufacture of 300 New Design High Speed Bogie Wagons (Revised) at the revised cost of Rs.3,238.00 million with FEC of Rs.1,768.970 million. xv. Complete Track Renewal by Replacing Metal Sleepers in connection with Signaling project on Lodhran-Shahdra Section costing Rs.2,216.0 million (with FEC: Rs.1,274.886 million). xvi. Sustainable livelihood for Barani Areas Project (Punjab) costing Rs.4002.90 million with FEC of Rs.100.00 million. The project will cover ten districts i.e. Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, Layyah. xvii. Rehabilitation of assets damaged during the riots of 27th & 28th December, 2007 (Revised) at a cost of Rs.7,855.953 million with FEC of Rs.4710.0 million. The project is located at Karachi and Sukkur Divisions of the Pakistan Railways. xviii. Peshawar Northern Bypass – 32.2 km (Revised) with the cost of Rs.9,002.75 million. The ECNEC also formed a committee under the chair of Minister for Agriculture to finalize recommendations within one month on enhanced grain storage capacity in the country. The ECNEC also gave approval of procedure for approval of development projects of FATA and allowed ACS (Dev.) FATA to approve development schemes only to be financed from US funds up to Rs.1000 million for the next two years.
PR No. 205 The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan was committed to fight against terrorism and it was high time for international community and Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) to fulfill their promises to support Pakistan in its efforts to eliminate terrorism and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). She said this while talking to the UN delegation headed by Jean-Maurice Ripert, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to support the humanitarian work of the UN in Pakistan and Special Adviser to the group of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP), which called on her in the Parliament House today. The Speaker said that military operations against terrorist in Swat and Waziristan had the backing of entire nation and Parliament had passed unanimous resolution to the effect. She said that Pakistan was fighting war against terrorist to secure the whole world from the menace of terrorism and extremism. She said that time was running out fast and there was urgent need to start developmental work in FATA and other war affected areas. She said it was high time that the international community and Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) to come forward and assist Pakistan for rehabilitation of IDPs, enabling them to stand on strong economic footings. The Speaker also apprised the delegation about the efforts of the parliamentarians regarding IDPs rehabilitation, their visits to the IDPs camps for the delivery of goods and the Speaker’s Relief Fund for the IDPs. The Speaker also appreciated the UN assistance for rehabilitation of IDPs. The head of the delegation Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, said that the world community was impressed with the success of military operation in Swat and now the world community will start their developmental activities there for IDPs and added that from the coming year the world body will start $ 1 billion program for the IDPs.. He assured the Madam Speaker of the good will of international community and Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP). He also assured the Madam Speaker that United Nations assistance in Pakistan will continue for the people of Pakistan and UN offices will also continue working here. He also assured the Madam Speaker that he will convey to UN and FODP to fulfill their promises regarding the assistance for rehabilitation and developmental work in the affected areas.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani during his meeting with PML President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain said that government would continue pursuing the policy of reconciliation and will take all the political forces on board on issues of national importance. The Prime Minister said in order to steering the country out of present challenges it is imperative that all the political forces should join hands together and supplement government’s endeavours for the welfare of the people.. Chaudhry Shaujat Hussain lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister for developing consensus on NFC Award which he added, was the dividend of democracy and extended his support to the Prime Minister for strengthening the democratic institutions in the country. He also thanked the Prime Minister for providing development funds across the board irrespective of the political considerations.
PR No. 207 Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgat Baltistan, Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Watto has directed the Secretary of the Ministry and other officials that Kashmir Day fall on 5th day of February should be observed with solidarity. While chairing a meeting of Ministry of KA&GB on Thursday, he directed the officials that Pakistanis should observe Kashmir day to express their solidarity with their Kashmiri brethren and it will highlight the objectives of Kashmir Movement. He further said that policy for road network, higher education and hydle power projects should be devised and Federal Government, Azad Kashmir Government and Azad Kashmir Council should pool in their budget for these development schemes
PR No. 208 Ambassador of Kazakhstan, Mr. Bakhitbek Shabarbayev called on the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek here today and extended the invitation by Chairman Senate of Kazakhstan to attend the 2nd OSCE Parliamentary Forum on 14 – 15 May 2010. The matters of mutual interest especially collaboration in the Parliamentary Affairs and cooperation in international bodies were also discussed during the meeting. While talking to the ambassador Farooq H. Naek stressed the need of upgrading the economic relations between the two countries as neighbours who share common values. “We enjoy excellent relations with Kazakhstan and value these relations and friendship with Kazakhstan”. The two countries should further increase their cooperation in various Parliamentary bodies and economic forum”, Farooq H. Naek said. In 2010 Kazakhstan is assuming the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the first ever Asian or a Muslim country to lead this organization. Kazakhstan will be the Chairman of OIC in 2011. The Chairman Senate also extended the invitation of visit to the Chairman Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
PR No. 209 Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek underlined the need of sectarian and interfaith harmony for the sake of democratic system and economic development of the country. He was talking to a delegation of Markazi Imam Hussain Council headed by its chairman Dr. Ghazanfar Mehdi, here today. “!The unity among different sects is a key factor to end sectarianism and terrorism from the country”, the Chairman said. ‘Islam is a religion of peace, humanity and social justice. The true message of Islam must be propagated by all the sects who believe in Allah and the last Prophet of Allah (PBUH)’, he added. Farooq H. Naek also stressed the importance of the role of Ulema and Mashaikh in spreading the true message of Islam as a religion of peace and love. The Chairman specially mentioned that the brave and valiant armed forces and security agencies are waging a war against terrorism successfully and the whole nation must stand solidly behind them for the ultimate victory. During the meeting the Ulemas of different shades of opinion gave suggestions and proposals to promote religious, sectarian and interfaith harmony in the country and expressed their full support for war against terror and operations in Waziristan. Farooq H. Naek appreciated the role of Markazi Imam Hussain Council to end sectarianism and religious intolerance and mentioned its initiative for arranging a conference in House of Lord for presenting true image and message of Islam and for interfaith harmony at international level. Among others the meeting was attended by barristers Rubab Mehdi, Chairperson International Imam Hussain Council, Allama Muhammad Ishaq Najmi, VC Jamia Al Kausar University, Allama Abbas Komali former Senator, Syed Nazakat Hussain Shah, Sajjadha Nasheen Dargah Bari Imam, Malik Amjad Hussain Alvi, President Ithade Umat Islamabad, Allama Syed Izhar Hussain Bokhari, Secretary Information, JUI(S), Allam Umar Riaz Bokhari, President Tehraik Minhaj-ul-Quran, Saghar Abbas Hamdani, Secretary International Shah Hamadan Association, Makhdom Ali Raza Bokhari, President Ulema and Mashaik Pakistan Peoples Party.
PR
No. 210 Senator Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Chief Whip in the Senate has underlined the need for more closer bilateral ties and cooperative relationship for resolving burning issues that become irritants between friendly countries. He was talking to a two member delegation of the Embassy of Switzerland comprising of the Ambassador Mr. Markus Peter and Deputy Head of the mission Mr. Nicolas Platter. Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri stated that the ban on constructing new minarets has created a wave of resentment among the Muslims. He said that the Swiss Government should find out a way of solving this issue in a peaceful manner. He further said that the UN charter for Human Rights has clear cut provisions for freedom of practicing ones religion and the need is to implement these principles in letter and spirit. Senator Haideri said that Pakistan is a tolerant country and the Non-Muslims have been guaranteed to practice their religion without any fear. He observed that the Swiss Government should try to create a soft attitude towards such issues and the ban on constructing minarets should be abolished. The Chief Whip stated that both Pakistan and Switzerland have a very closer cooperation in different fields and there is a vast scope for investment in Pakistan. Imposing religious restrictions would send a negative message among the people which need to be stopped immediately, he added. Earlier the Swiss Ambassador is his statement said that the Swiss Government strongly believes in respecting religious rights of minorities. He said that Pakistan has been a priority country for development projects since last forty years and that there are eighteen Swiss firms working very actively in Pakistan. He also explained the Swiss Government’s position on the said issue. He said that the Muslims in Switzerland are allowed to practice their religion and live according to there believes. At the end of the meeting the Swiss Ambassador invited the Chief Whip to come and address the people at Geneva to convey his feelings and ideas about a closer and friendlier approach towards Pakistan and Islam.
PR No. 211 Federal Minister for Privatization Mr. Waqar Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House toady and discussed with him matters relating to their respective Ministries.
PR No. 212 US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates called on the President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency Thursday evening where he also had dinner with the President. Security situation in the region, drone attacks, reimbursements of Coalition Support Fund arrears, fight against militancy, drug traffiking, the new US screening regime and strengthening of Pakistan’s law enforcing agencies were discussed in the meeting. Robber Gates was accompanied with the US Ambassador in Islamabad Anne W. Petterson and senior US official accompanying the Secretary. Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Secretary General to the President Salman Farooqui, Senator Sugjra Imam, Farahnaz Ispahani MNA and Secretaries Defence and Foreign Affairs besides other senior officials were also present in the meeting. Briefing the media about the meeting Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah said that the President emphasized that the issue of arrears in Coalition Support Fund amounting to over 1.3 billion dollars be resolved at the earliest. President said that the economic cost of the war against terror amounting to US $ 35 billion for the last eight years had gravely impacted on Pakistan’s economy adversely and the amount under CSF had actually been spent by Pakistan that needed to be reimbursed urgently. “Pakistan has been facing delays in payments of coalition support Fund claims”, the President informed the Defence Secretary and urged for timely reimbursement of arrears. Reviewing the overall security situation the President welcomed US affirmation of commitment to Pakistan’s stability and security adding also, “it must be based on mutual respect and trust”, Farhatullah Babar said. In this context the President expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals saying that it had generated resentment in the country and called for its review. About the drone attacks on Pakistani territory the President said that it undermined the national consensus against the war on militancy and called for creating a mechanism whereby the drones were used by Pakistan’s security forces rather than by foreign troops which raised questions of sovereignty. It was critical that national consensus on war against militancy was not allowed to erode and anything that tended to weaken it was avoided, the President said. The President said that when Pakistan’s national security forces employed high tech in the war it had no negative fallout. He said if our own security forces possessed drones it would be a more helpful high tech weapon of war than when it was used by foreign forces. The President also called for strengthening law enforcing agencies and provision of necessary equipment for meeting the ends of fight against militancy. The President also said that the people of Pakistan had suffered greatly in the fight against militancy and there was need for the international community to give our people the peace dividend by way of massive economic assistance and energy development. He said that democratic stability in Pakistan is contingent upon advancement of our development agenda and called upon the industrialized world to play a greater role. “Indeed Pakistan needs a Marshall Plan for strategic economic rehabilitation “ The President said that a Marshal Plan was needed to overcome economic problems and called for the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to translate into practice the pledges of economic and financial support to Pakistan. Farhatullah Babar said that the President also called for allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods in the U.S. and European markets. President Zardari said that for the past over three decades the region had been turned into a theatre of war against the rival ideology by the international community which had turned Pakistan into a security driven state. This the President said had gravely impacted on its social, human and economic development on the one hand and sustained and nurtured militancy on the other. If Pakistan’s progress had not been thus hampered the country today would not have been faced with economic woes it was faced with. The international community that together had created these conditions now owed it to Pakistan and to itself to help rebuild the country, the President remarked. In this context the President emphasized the need for early adoption of legislation in the US on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones(RoZs) to give the needed relief to the tribal people in their search for economic well being and social and political stability to counter forces of extremism and militancy. The President said that the people of Pukhtoonkhwah and FATA were enterprising and if assisted the area and its people could be transformed into a bulwark against extremism. Referring to the new Afghan strategy of the US the President said that Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and urged that US must remain sensitive to Pakistan’s core national interests and concerns. US actions should remain on the Afghan side of the border, he added. President Zardari also underlined the need for controlling drugs which he said was serving as “a force multiplier “ to the benefit of militants. Robert Gates appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against extremism and militancy and assured full support to Pakistan in fight against militancy as well as economic rehabilitation.
PR
No. 213 The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf RAza Gilani has said that delisting of Pakistan from amongst the countries whose nationals have been designated for special screening at US Airports, non-discrimination while dealing with Pakistan and India, stoppage of counter productive drone attacks and quick disbursement of long over due payments of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) will help bridge the existing trust deficit in relations between Pakistan and US. The Prime Minister was talking to US Defence Secretary, Mr. Robert Gates who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this evening. The Prime Minister while reiterating his Government’s commitment to a long term strategic partnership with the US underscored the need for early commencement of strategic dialogue between the two sides covering multi-dimension sectors, He said that Ambassador Hall Brooke had already given Pakistan’s perspective on this account during his recent visit and he was hopeful that the US side will positively respond to Pakistan’s proposals. The Prime Minister particularly stressed the need for fast tracking of dialogue on energy sector to mitigate the present power shortages in the country. He noted with concern that the delay in disbursement of CSF payments to Pakistan had negatively impacted Pakistan’s economy. This inordinate delay, he added in receipt of payments from the US is also affecting campaign against terrorism. While expressing his reservations on the new security measures introduced by the US government for screening Pakistani nationals in the United States, he stated that such policies cause consternation and anxiety among the people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister also underlined the need for enhancing bilateral trade and provision of greater market access to Pakistan under GSP Plus arrangements, use of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and other US mechanisms for encouraging its investors to invest multi-dimensional sectors to assist government of Pakistan’s endeavours to boost the economy. The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s disappointment over the continuing drone attacks since its hampering government of Pakistan’s efforts to isolate the militants from the local population. The Prime Minister said the trust deficit could be minimized by improving the perceptions and developing people to people contact between the two countries. He said the war against terrorism is a long term struggle requiring continuous improvement in the capacity of the security forces as well as support of the people. The Prime Minister emphasized that the development of the areas where security operations have culminated urgently require restoration and development. The rehabilitation of the people in these areas would help to win the hearts and minds of the local population, he added. Talking on Pakistan-India relations, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is committed to peace in the region and in this context his government is making sincere efforts to resume the Composite Dialogue Process with India but regretted that the response from the other side has not been encouraging. The relations between India and Pakistan, he added should not become hostage to the activities of terrorists which is the common enemy. He said that for lasting peace in the region, both countries should resolve the core issues including Kashmir and water dispute. The US Secretary of Defence said that he was visiting Pakistan with key message that US was committed to a long term strategic relationship with Pakistan. Even though the war on terror might come to an end in next four to five years period, the US which had learnt from its past mistake of leaving the region after Soviet Union withdrawal and imposition of Pressller amendment, will not leave Pakistan alone in the future. Mr. Robert Gate paid tribute to the Prime Minister and the Government of Pakistan for their resolute and steadfast commitment against the evil forces of terrorism and lauded Pakistan Armed Forces’ successes in the Malakand and South Waziristan operations. He also expressed condolences for the soldiers who lost their lives in this struggle. The Secretary said that during his visit to India, he had raised the issue of Pakistan’s concern with Indian leadership like interference in Balochistan and resolution of core issues between the two countries. He refuted the existing miss-perceptions that US had any intensions of interfering in Pakistan internal affairs, controlling or abusing its sovereignty or having foot prints on Pakistan soil. He assured that US will continue to support Pakistan in every possible way to overcome the common enemy of terrorism as well as to revive its economy. Federal Ministers for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar; Finance, Mr. Shaukat Fayyaz Tarin, Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik and Secretaries Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior also attended the meeting. US Ambassador in Pakistan, Ms. Anne W. Patterson was also present in the meeting.
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