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PR. NO. 272 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the sister of Malik Muhstaq, Chairman PEMRA. In a condolence message to the family, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the members of bereaved family. He prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength to family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. EH/gm.
PR. NO. 273 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the father of Malik Bilal Ahmad Khar, MPA. In a condolence message to Malik Bilal Ahmad Khar, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the members of bereaved family. He prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength to family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. EH/gm.
PR. NO. 274 According a message received from Tokyo at the end of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) conference co-hosted by Japan and IFI’s, the World Bank has complimented Pakistan Government and Advisor to PM on Finance Mr. Shaukat Tarin, stating that the scale of the donor pledges made on April 17 is a signal of regard for the tough measures the economic team, led by Shaukat Tarin, has taken in the past few months. We now need to focus on a range of critical development issues including health, education, skills building and social mobilization as well as important infrastructure to underpin future growth. In a world crowded with problems, Pakistan has won an important commitment to this big agenda. ”The international community rallied to support Pakistan’s economic program with more than US $ 5 billion in funding designed to meet its immediate needs and protect expenditures on safety net and human development initiatives critical for poor people. The amount exceeded initial expectations. The conference was co-hosted by the Japan government and the World Bank and attended by representatives of 31 countries and 18 international organizations and agencies. The message stated that Pakistan’s economy started showing strong signs of overheating more than two years ago and with additional food and fuel price shocks hit last year, policy responses were inadequate. The new government took robust stabilizing measures and entered into an International Monetary Fund Stand-By Arrangement on November last year which remains on track. Through this difficult adjustment – made all the harder by a global downturn – Pakistan has done well to protect the poorest 25 percent of its citizens,” said Isabel Guerrero, World Bank Vice President for South Asia. “Social spending in areas like education and health has been shielded and what we have achieved in Tokyo is to raise that shield for the poor even higher with an additional US $ 5 billion. In essence, under all the macroeconomic numbers, this meeting has been about protecting the poor.” Participants at the conference recognized the multiple challenges confronting Pakistan on both economic and political fronts. While delegations noted the need for Pakistan to ensure economic stabilization, they also emphasized their commitment at this time was both an expression of support to the people of Pakistan and a recognition of the critical importance of stability and development in this region. The Government of Pakistan shared development plans at the conference and committed to tough measures that would sustain macroeconomic stability while rolling out expanded social safety nets and laying the foundation for accelerated growth. Development partners supported new social safety net programmes being introduced by the government. The World Bank is working with Pakistan to refine the targeting of these programmes to make sure support reaches the poorest citizens in a transparent manner. The successful monitoring and evaluation of this progamme was of particular concern to donors. The Donors’ sideline evaluation of GoP’s ongoing 9-point economic reforms agenda has lent credence to the scale of robust efforts Pakistan has undertaken in core economic areas like macro-economic stabilization, social protection, agri reforms, industrial competitiveness, Human Resource Development, integrated eregy generation plan, capital market reforms, Public-Private Partnership and administrative reforms. Redesigning the internal fiscal policies through various economic structures undertaken by Central Bank is part of the package of economic measures and monetary operations put in place by Government of Pakistan led by Advisor to PM on Finance Mr. Shaukat Tarin, message concluded.
PR. NO. 275 Federal Minister for Social Welfare & Special Education, Ms. Samina Khalid Ghurki said this while inaugurating an orphanage Sofia House being established by Muslim Hands International and Millee Miltoo Children’s projects at Chak shahzad Islamabad today. Samina Ghurki further said that this is the responsibility of government to support, protect and educate children. Welfare of children and particularly the care of orphans is a noble cause. Sofia orphanage is no doubt a remarkable project of the Muslim Hands. She said “As you know that the gravity of the issue is immense therefore, the government needs helping hands from all around to join hands in government’s endeavors to provide a caring and congenial environment for our children in coming years”. JG/gm.
PR. NO. 276 Advisor to Prime Minister on Petroleum & Natural Resources, Dr. Asim Hussain chaired a meeting of the Sub-Committee of ECC of the Cabinet on Ex-Refinery Pricing Formula for NRL, PRL, ARL and BOSICOR, here today. The meeting was attended by Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Privatization & other officials concerned. The Import Parity Pricing (IPP) formula for refineries was introduced in 1992-93 with the approval of the ECC. The IPP formula was modified in 2002 when the minimum 10% guaranteed rate of return with upper limit of 40% was done away and a tariff protection was allowed to NRL, PRL & ARL. On 30-07-08 the ECC approved reduction of deemed duty on HSD from 10% to 7.5% and also revised formula for ex-refinery prices of Motor Spirit 87 Research Octane Number and High Octane Blending Component. Under the existing formula, NRL, PRL & ARL are required to transfer amount of their profit over & above 50% of its paid-up capital, as of 30th June 2002, to a special reserve which is meant for expansion, modernization and to offset future losses, if any. During the meeting monthly and quarterly review of the gas prices was also submitted. AJ/gm.
PR. NO. 277 Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari, Secretary Information, Mr. Ashfaq Ahmad Gondal and Principal Information Officer, Mr. Shabbir Anwar have expressed their grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the sister of Malik Mushtaq, Chairman PEMRA. In their separate messages they conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to the members of bereaved family. They prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength to family members to bear this irreparable loss with magnanimity. MY/gm
PR. NO. 278 Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi met Ambassador of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Saleh Al-Jawarneh at the Embassy of Jordan here today and discussed with him matters of mutual interests and Pak-Jordan relations. Talking to the Ambassador of Jordan, Dr. Saleh Al-Jawarneh, Syed. Hamid Saeed Kazmi said that Pakistan and Jordan, two Muslim countries, are enjoying very cordial and friendly relations with each other. The Religious Minister informed the Jordanian Ambassador that Government of Pakistan will make its best efforts to promote exchange of scholarships for young scholars, researchers, educationists and experts in various fields in Pakistan and Jordan. Promotion of trade between the two countries also came under discussion. The Federal Minister said that some foreign powers are hatching conspiracies to destabilize Pakistan and defame Islam. The Federal Minister said that it was the top priority of the PPP Government under the dynamic leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani to maintain peace, tranquility and order in NWFP, Malakand and others of the country. He informed the Ambassador that it was the people of the Area who demanded enforcement Nizam-e-Adl in the area. The Federal Minister briefed the Ambassador about the role, goals and achievements of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Ambassador of Jordan, Dr. Saleh Al-Jawarneh said that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Values its relations with Pakistan. The Jordanian Ambassador informed the Federal Minister that both Pakistan and Jordan should undertake programmes regarding visits of religious scholars, ulema, educationists, students and learning of Arabic language programmes to further cement ties between the two countries. The Ambassador told the Federal Minister that exchange of cultural programmes between Jordan and Pakistan should be enhanced for the benefit of the people of two countries. He appreciated and termed peace deal in Swat a good sign for restoration of peace in the area and hoped that Pakistan would overcome all the challenges and said that relations between Jordan and Pakistan would further go stranger with the passage of time. The Ambassador emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement of Palestine and Kashmir issues. The Ambassador enthusiastically invited the Federal Minister to visit Jordan and told him that he would soon receive a formal invitation from Religious Minister for Jordan. FK/DD/PRO
PR. NO. 279 Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, inaugurated Pakistani pavilion at Hannover Industrial Fair in Germany. Pakistani pavilion which is spread over more than 600 square meters and the products put on display at the Pakistani stalls range from agricultural machinery, casting and forging , pumps of various kinds, auto parts, electrical products, plastic and rubber parts, Oil and gas equipment and CAD/CAM services. Pakistan has been participating in Hanover Industrial Fair for the last seven years. Each time the participation by the leading Pakistani companies has shown the strength of the engineering sector in Pakistan. Currently this sector is one of the most promising sources for high-value exports from Pakistan and is expected to grow in the near future, says a press release received here today from the Embassy of Pakistan, Berlin. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany, Mr. Shahid Kamal and senior officials of the Ministry of Industries and Production and Engineering Development Board were also present on this occasion. Speaking on this occasion the Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Watto appreciated the quality of Pakistani products and assured the participating companies that the elected government will provide all possible assistance to improve the quality of the Engineering products. He said that the Government was aware of the problems of the Engineering sector and efforts were being made to encourage the private sector to compete in the international market. Pakistan is a rapidly growing economy that thrives on its skilled and competitive workforce and emerging as Asia’s low cost destination. The Minister advised the exhibiting companies to interact with their counterparts from around the world and win contracts to export Pakistani Engineering goods in the international market. He expressed the hope that the Hannover Fair will pave the way for establishing much stronger business relations with the companies from Germany and 61 participating nations. He said that the Pakistani companies should try to establish joint ventures with the foreign companies and attract more foreign investment. The Minister visited all the stalls of 41 companies of Pakistan and appreciated their efforts of the participating companies to display Pakistan’s development in the industrial sector in an impressive way. The Hannover Fair is one of the largest fair of Engineering goods held every year. This year there are 41 exhibitors from Pakistan participating in the fair. The Fair provides an opportunity to the innovative industrial technologies at a single event. The Engineering Development Board and the Commercial Division of the Embassy of Pakistan Berlin made excellent arrangements for the Pakistani companies. The fair would continue till April 24 and would feature energy efficiency in industrial processes as its keynote theme. The organizers at the fair have hosted 6,150 exhibitors from 61 nations who are showcasing products and innovations from the fields of industrial automation, motive power engineering, energy, industrial subcontracting and R&D. In addition, many forums, conferences, seminars and workshops have also been organized on the occasion. This year Pakistani stalls are comparable with other competitors around the world and attracting a lot of visitors. The exhibiting companies are expecting to establish good contacts and get orders from various foreign firms to export their products and much needed earn foreign exchange for the country. Later the Minister met with Dr. Wolfram V. Fritsch, Chairman of the Board of Deutsche Messe (German Fairs) and apprised him of the present Government’s policies to attract foreign investment in various sectors and recent developments in the Industrial sector of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and Germany have excellent cooperation in the industrial sector. He informed him that German companies can invest in Power generation especially in wind and solar energy, and fertilizers etc. He said that the present Government is encouraging private-public partnership in all industrial sectors. The minister said that in the next fair Pakistan wants to make its participation even more attractive and intends to become a partner country. The Chairman of the German Fair appreciated the role of the Pakistani companies in the fair for last seven years. He assured the Minister all possible cooperation to the participating companies from Pakistan in the fair. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany, Mr. Shahid Kamal, and senior officials of the Ministry of Industries and Production and Engineering Development Board were also present during the meeting.(Ends)
PR. NO. 280 Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari, Federal Secretary Information, Ashfaq Ahmed Gondal and Principal Information Officer Shabbir Anwer have condoled the sad demise of renowned singer Iqbal Bano. Paying glowing tributes to the services rendered by Presidential Award Winning singer in the filed of music, they said that Iqbal Bano enthralled millions by her melodious voice for decades. Her name, they said, will be ever remembered by the music lovers of South Asia. They prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and courage and equanimity for her bereaved family. (Ends)
PR. NO. 281 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani taking cognizance of the financial difficulties being faced by the print media due to non payment of outstanding public sector advertisements dues approved clearance of all outstanding dues. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) was demanding settlement of these outstanding bills to save the print media industry from financial crisis and retrenchment of employees. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had earlier moved a summary to the Prime Minister through the Ministry of Finance for allocation of funds to clear the liabilities of public sector advertisements of over 42 Ministries/Divisions/Departments of the federal government. This good well gesture of the Prime Minister would go a long way in strengthening the print media industry in Pakistan. ENDS
PR. NO. 282 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of renowned classical singer, Iqbal Bano. She was also a recipient of President’s Pride of Performance Award. In his message, the Prime Minister offered his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies to the bereaved family. He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul and strength to her family members to bear this immense loss with fortitude. The Prime Minister lauded the invaluable contribution of Iqbal Bano spanning over decades for the promotion of classical singing in the country which would be long remembered. (Ends).
PR. NO. 283
Speaking at the High Level Segment of the Durban Review Conference against racism, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, said that one of the most insidious forms of contemporary racism is the defamation of religions, in particular Islamophobia. He called for dialogue and understanding among followers of different religions and beliefs to address these issues, says a press release received here today from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Minister of State, Malik Amad Khan is leading the Pakistan delegation to the Durban Review Conference that is currently in session in Geneva. The Geneva Conference is being held to review the implementation of the 2001 Durban Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance. Malik Amad rejected the cannard of so-called “Islamic terrorism”. “Terrorism has no faith”, he added. Malik Amad underscored that Muslims all over the world are justifiably alarmed at being deliberately targeted in certain countries. “While freedom of opinion is sacrosanct, it must not be exploited to defame any religion and to incite thereby violence against its followers”, he stressed. Malik Amad added that the Conference should have corresponding effect on the lives of all victims of racism including those who continue to be marginalized on the basis of race, caste or creed. Malik Amad regretted the decision of some countries to withdraw from the Durban Review process. He added that engagement was better than estrangement. Almost all the speakers regretted the non-participation of some western countries in the process. Over 50 Ministers and High Level Representatives participated in the debate in the High Level segment of the Durban Review Conference. On the sidelines of the Conference, the Minister also held several bilateral meetings including those with the Secretary General of the OIC, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Foreign Minister of South Africa, Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare of Sri Lanka, Egypt’s Minister for International Cooperation, Minister of Brazil and Deputy Foreign Minister of Indonesia. (Ends)
PR. NO. 284 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the assassination of Deputy Speaker, Northern Areas Legislative Assembly, Syed Asad Zaidi. In his message, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies to the members of the bereaved family. He prayed that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace and grant strength to the family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. The Prime Minister strongly condemned the assassination of Syed Asad Zaidi and his companion and directed the concerned authorities to investigate the incident and submit a report in this regard. He further directed the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the assassins forthwith and bring them to justice. (Ends)
PR. NO. 285
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr.Qamaruz Zaman Kaira and Minister of State for Information Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari have expressed their condolences over the sad demise of senior journalist of Wazirabad Rana Mohammad Aslam. They prayed eternal peace for the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family. They also prayed courage and fortitude for the family members of deceased to bear this irreparable loss.
PR. NO. 286
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani Tuesday night called on the President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency and discussed with him the current political situation in the country. In a statement spokesperson of the Party former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President who is also the Co-Chair of the Party said that a meeting of the Party MNAs and MPAs from Punjab will be called this week to take a final decision on the modalities of quitting the Punjab government in the wake of the decision by the PML-N not to rejoin the federal government. It may be recalled that the Pakistan Peoples Party had decided to quit the provincial government in Punjab and sit in the opposition in case the PML-N refused to join the federal government, the spokesperson said. The President also apprised the Prime Minister of his visit to Japan and China and the Friends of Pakistan meeting in Tokyo that pledged over five billion dollars of aid to Pakistan by a number of countries and international financial institutions. The Prime Minister felicitated the President on the outcome of the Friends meeting in Tokyo. The two also discussed the recent Presidential letter to the Prime Minister urging the government to urgently take appropriate legislative steps for implementing the Charter of Democracy signed between the PPP and the PML-N in May 2006. The Prime Minister apprised the President of the steps that are being taken in this regard, the spokesperson said. (Ends).
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