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PR. No. 208. The Government of Pakistan has sent more relief goods to China for the rehabilitation of the earthquake affected people of Sichuan province. Two C-130 aircrafts and trucks loaded with tents have left here this morning. Relief goods sent to China so far contain 11,000 tents, medicines and mineral water bottles. Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Lou Zhiao Hui, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cabinet Division were also present on the occasion of relief goods handing over ceremony. Talking to the newsmen at the PAF Base Chaklala, the Minister said that the Chinese Government has also accepted the offer of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for sending medical mission which would leave soon to join rehabilitation activities of earthquake affectees. He said that Pakistan will send more relief goods to China according to that government requirement. Later the Minister visited the Chinese Embassy and recorded his sentiments on the heavy loss of lives in recent earthquake and prayed for success of speedy rehabilitation of the affected people. EH/**Ahmad**
Federal Secretary Ministry of Labour and Manpower, Malik Asif Hayat has said that employment generation and poverty alleviation go hand in hand and urged that there is a need to formulate a coherent international strategy on employment. He was addressing to an inaugural session of two-day National Seminar on “Towards a Comprehensive Labour Market Information Analysis” jointly organized by the Labour and Manpower Division and International Labour Organization (ILO) here today. The Federal Secretary said that the prime focus of our new democratic government is to create sustainable and productive employment for the people, specifically for the vulnerable educated youth. The initiative in this direction has been taken by launching a project for the establishment of the first ever “Labour Market Information and Analysis System” in Pakistan, he added. He said that this system will yield regular statistics with useful analysis about levels of employment, under-employment and the employed and unemployed. The project will also depict future trends and outlooks in Labour market which will definitely give an input for the policy formulation and monitoring of pro-poor employment policies. The Federal Secretary said that commitment from Government of Pakistan to support these efforts at all levels. We are grateful to ILO & UNDP for their valuable technical and financial assistance for this Project. We would request them to continue their support during Phase II of the Project to make this endeavor a success. Senior officials of the M/O Labour Manpower & Overseas Pakistanis and representatives from provincial governments also attended the seminar.
SG/**Ahmad**
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No. 210. The Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on Information & Broadcasting, Senator Liaquat Ali Bangulzai has expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the son, brother and uncle of Senator Hafiz Abdul Malik Qadri in a firing incident in Jamrud. He termed the incident as a dastardly act, which would vitiate the whole atmosphere and efforts for political reconciliation in the area. He strongly condemned the heinous act and urged the authorities to spare no efforts in apprehending the culprits. He also prayed for eternal salvation of the departed souls. SM/**Ahmad**
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No. 211. The Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro and Acting Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the shocking incident of firing in Jamrud (Khyber Agency) this morning which claimed several precious lives including those of the son, brother and uncle of Senator Hafiz Abdul Malik Qadri. They described the incident as a ghastly act of political vendetta. Condemning the incident in strongest terms, they expressed the confidence that the perpetrators of this heinous crime could not escape punishment. In their separate messages of condolence, the Chairman and Acting Chairman offered their heartfelt condolences to Senator Abdul Malik Qadri and prayed that Allah Almighty may rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. The Secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin has also expressed his heartfelt condolences to Senator Qadri and prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed souls and grant of solace to the members of the bereaved family. SM/**Ahmad**
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No. 212. On the instructions of the federal government, National Disaster Management Authority has dispatched 6480 tents for earthquake affected people of China. These tents are dispatched by two C-130 flights (carrying 480) and 6000 on trucks by road. The tents carrying flights departed for China early in the morning on Wednesday, 21 of May. Federal Minister for Narcotics and Food and Agriculture Nazar Mohammad Gondal, Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmed Khan Chairman NDMA, Mr Shokat Nawaz Tahir Senior Member of NDMA, Ms Sohaila Mushtaq D.G Emergency Relief Cell and senior officials of the Cabinet Division and Foreign Office were also present at the simple ceremonies held for the departure of flights at Chaklala air port and for departure of trucks at Police Lines Islamabad. Two more C-130 planes and trucks are likely to be dispatched in next few days. Before this Pakistan sent two C-130 flights on 16th May, carrying relief goods including medicines, plastic mats, mineral water and tents. Federal Minister and other officials expressed their condolence and solidarity with the Chinese Ambassador on the devastation caused by earthquake. Federal Minister extended gratitude to the Chinese government for accepting relief goods from Pakistan. His Excellency Chinese Ambassador expressed his regards for cooperation and assistance extended by Pakistan. The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have already visited Chinese Embassy in Islamabad to express condolence and solidarity with the affected families and Chinese government. CI/**Ahmad**
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No. 213. A 5-member delegation of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, Country Director of UNDP called on Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour here today and discussed the Gender Justice Project through Musalehat Anjuman with the Minister. Secretary Local Government & Rural Development Mr. Saleem Khan Jhagra and other senior officials of the Ministry were also present during the meeting. The delegation informed the Federal Minister that Pakistan is one of the leading country for one U.N. Reforms i.e. various programme areas including poverty alleviation, gender, governance, environment, crisis prevention etc. Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, head of delegation appreciated partnership of UNDP with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and expressed his desire that they would build upon the relationship set by the Gender Justice Project and Continuous support. Talking to the delegation, Federal Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour appreciated the support being extended by UNDP to the Ministry for Gender Justice Programme and urged the need for a working relationship to strengthen interaction between the Ministry and UNDP. The Minister informed the delegation that the Provinces may be facilitated for a policy dialogue on governance reforms. Secretary Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Saleem Khan Jhagra appreciated the efforts of the UNDP for a stable partnership with the Ministry which needs to be sustained and concerted efforts made for redressing rural poverty, Social Justice, improved quality of life as UNDP is playing a catalytic role. FK/AZC
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No. 214. The Ambassadors of France and Tunisia to Pakistan separately called on the Defence Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, and discussed with him matters of common interests. In his meeting with the Minister, the ambassador of France, Mr. Regis de Belenet, told him that Pakistan and France enjoyed excellent relations in various fields which needed to be further expanded and enhanced in the areas of trade, economy and defence for the mutual benefits of the two sides. The meeting also exchanged views on various aspects of defence cooperation. The Minister told the envoy that Pakistan attached utmost significance to its ties with France as the two countries had unanimity of views on regional and international issues. He said that his country wanted to promote closer economic and defence cooperation with France which was a reliable and dependable friend of Pakistan. He deeply appreciated the French support in strengthening the defence sector of Pakistan especially the construction of Agosta Submarines, which has greatly contributed towards enhancing the defence capability of the country. The Minister expressed the hope that France would continue to assist Pakistan in the area of defence. The ambassador of Tunisia, Mr. Zouhaier Dhaouadi, in his meeting with the Minister, underscored the need for developing more robust and closer cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of trade, economy, textile and defence. He suggested certain ways and means how to increase and expand bilateral cooperation in there areas. He told the Minister that there existed enormous economic and trade opportunities between the two sides which needed to be capitalised upon for the mutual benefit of the two countries. am/AZC
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No. 215. The Prime Minister has directed all four provincial governments to immediately release the prisoners, who have completed their sentences but are still in jail due to non payment of meager amount of fines. The Prime Minister said since the funds amounting to Rs. 7195692 have been released to the concerned departments, therefore all the necessary legal formalities be fulfilled at the earliest for the release of such prisoners. It may be mentioned that a total of 190 prisoners in all the four provinces who have been identified as such and have completed their sentences but are still in prisons for non-payment of small amount of fine. AZC
Senator Dr. Muhammad Ali Brohi, Chairman, Senate Standing Committee on Housing & Works sought the views of the Minister for Housing & Works regarding the issue of Government quarters in Karachi. Replying to the query of the Chairman Committee, the Minister said that only eligibility certificates have been issued to the occupants, which do not entitle them to sell the quarters. He assured that no body is going to be evicted as all the occupants were paying the rent. The Committee has directed the Estate Office to take strict action against the illegal occupants of the Government owned accommodations in the Federal Capital and get resolved residential problems of the government employees who are waiting since long. The Committee took strong exception to the fact that some police officials still continue to illegally occupy the flats / quarters in different sectors of Islamabad and decided that senior police officials would be summoned to seek explanation why Committee’s recommendations have been flouted when senior high ups of the Police gave assurance that all the illegally occupied flats / quarters would be vacated soon. The Committee also directed the Ministry of Housing & Works to provide details of the criteria / procedure adopted for making recruitments in the Estate Office, Islamabad. The Committee also entertained various complaints against the Estate Office and directed the Estate Officer, Mr. Sher Afzal Khan to resolve the issues judiciously and provide relief to the complainants. The members of the Committee underlined the need to ensure transparency in the allotment of government quarters. Earlier, Mr. Rehmatullah Kakar, Federal Minister for Housing & Works informed the Committee that steps were being taken to improve the working of the Ministry and making the allotment process more transparent. Mr. Sher Afzal Khan, Estate Officer in his briefing stated that a strong ‘mafia’ is illegally occupying the government quarters in G-6 area. He sought the help of the Committee to get the ‘mafia’ out of the area. He said that such an action would help in providing accommodation to the deserving Federal Government employees. Mr. Sher Afzal said that he has no personal grudges against any body and all the actions were taken to get vacated the flats / quarters as per directives of the Ministry and as per rules. The meeting was also attended, among others, by Senators Shuja-ul-Mulk, Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, Maulana Rahat Hussain, Mir Mohabbat Khan Marri and Muhammad Saleh Shah besides Mr. Rehmatullah Kakar, Federal Minister for Housing & Works. Mr. Liaquat Ali Bangulzai attended the meeting as Mover and Senator Muhammad Enver Baig as Special Invitee. AZC
PR.
No. 217. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor to Prime Minister on Industries and Production has directed officials of the Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan (USC) to expand its existing network of utility stores in Balochistan so that people in all parts of Balochistan can get essential commodities at the subsidized rates. ‘Special arrangements may be made for opening more utility stores in Balochistan’, said Mr. Wattoo adding that ‘special treatment may be given to Balochistan in this regard’. He said this while chairing a briefing on the performance USC here today. He further said that there was a need to open more utility stores in the urban areas because the poor people in urban areas are more adversely affected by the rise in prices of essential commodities especially the flour. Earlier, MD USC gave detailed briefing about the structure and working of the USC. He told Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo that 4500 utility stores are operating through out the country. He further told that USC was working on no profit, no loss basis and during the last two years a relief of Rs. 15 million had been extended to the people through the utility stores. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo observed that the role of USC as a relief mechanism needed to be enhanced further so that people in parts of the country can benefit from the relief provided by the government through the network of utility stores. AZC
PR. No. 218. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan and India need to resolve all outstanding issues between them including the core issue of Kashmir so that both countries can focus their energies on the shared problems of poverty, food and energy shortages. The Prime Minister said this while talking to the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Mr. Parnab Mukherjee who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the fact that a popularly elected government is in place in Pakistan augurs well for the improvement of relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is committed to the peace process with India and wants to further improve and strengthen relations with India. The Prime Minister said that it is gratifying to note that the process of composite dialogue has led to increase in people to people contacts, cultural exchanges and enhanced communication links between the two countries. He said both countries should continue to undertake CBMs to make the peace process a success. The Prime Minister said that both countries have been victims of terrorism and have lost their popular leaders at the hands of terrorists. He said Pakistan has strongly condemned the recent bomb explosions in Jaipur and has expressed it deep condolences over the tragic loss of life and property there. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is keen to expedite of finalization of the IPI gas pipeline project as it will help both countries to meet their growing energy needs. The Prime Minister also emphasised the need to further energise the SAARC so that it can become the proper platform to enhance economic, social and cultural cooperation among its member states The Prime Minister asked the Indian Foreign Minister to convey his warm regards to Mr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India and convey his gratitude for his gracious contact with him on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Mukherjee renewed Indian Prime Minister’s invitation to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to visit India. The Prime Minister while thanking for the invitation said that Pakistan is also looking forward to Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Pakistan which, he hoped, will go a long way in improving relations between the two neighboring countries. The Indian Minister for External Affairs said India was also committed to seriously pursuing the ongoing composite dialogue with Pakistan and wants to resolve all outstanding disputes between the two countries. He said that he has met Pakistani leaders belonging to the different political parties which will further help improve relations between the two countries. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Mr. Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary of India, Mr. Shiv Shankar Menon, Ambassador of India in Pakistan Mr. Satyabrata Pal and senior officials. DSG/ank.
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No. 219. Government is well aware of the importance of the industrial sector for the over all development and well being of the country and all the necessary steps will be taken to bring efficiency in the sector and increase its out put. This was stated by Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor to Prime Minister on Industries and Production. He said this while chairing a meeting with the officers of the Ministry of Industries and Production and the heads of its attached here today. Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Mr. Shahab Khawaja gave a detailed briefing to Mr. Wattoo about the structure, working and functions of the Ministry including an update on the ongoing projects of the Ministry. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo instructed the concerned officials to give him detailed briefing on the status of the various projects being undertaken by the Ministry so as to formulate a strategy to complete them on fast track basis. Mr. Wattoo especially instructed the Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production to convene an immediate meeting with Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) so as to use power generation capacity of the sugar mills as early as possible. He also directed the Ministry officials to conduct feasibility for setting up of a DAPA fertilizer plant in the government sector so as to facilitate the farmers of Pakistan for providing them DAPA fertilizer at comparatively cheaper rates. After being appointed as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo visited the Ministry today, met senior officers of the Ministry and chaired a briefing on the Ministry. AUR/ank
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No. 220. Apropos a news item appearing in section of the media wrongly suggesting that Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has been appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology. It is hereby clarified that Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has been appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. His status is equal to that of the Federal Minister. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watto has taken charge of the Ministry of industries and Production and also chaired a briefing on the working and functions of the Ministry of Industries and Production here today. AUR/ank.
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No. 221. The Speaker N.A Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that friendship between Pakistan & China is based on principles and natural understanding between the two countries and has withstood the test of time. She was speaking at a photo exhibition organized by the Chinese Embassy at the National Arts Gallery Islamabad today. The exhibition titled “Showcases of a New China”. Was held to commemorate the 57th anniversary of Pak-China relations. The Speaker said that indeed it is an informative and educative venture and a befitting tribute to the 57 years of the common trust, time-tested friendship and strategic partnership of our two countries. She said that it’s a friendship deeper than the oceans and taller than the Himalayas . The speaker said that while we witness the marvels of progress in China , as depicted in these photographs, our thought go back to those Chinese brothers and sisters who braved the fatal shocks of the massive earthquake that hit our friends on May 12, 2008 . She said that on behalf of the National Assembly of Pakistan and on my personal behalf, I offer my heart-felt condolences to the Government and people of China on this tragic loss of life and property. She said that Pakistan can never forget the help and support it received from China when a similar tragedy hit us on October 8, 2005 . she said that in this hour, we stand by China . She said that we are most eager to offer our help in whatsoever manner China Government desire. The speaker said that the Government of Pakistan has already dispatched two aero planes of relief goods while the Pakistani NGOs are also cobbling up resources in this regard. The speaker said that she was confident that the great Chinese nation will march out of this crisis with dignity and courage as has been the hallmark of the Chinese history. She said that this proud tale of the Chinese strength and resilience was best depicted in these photographs of the exhibition She said that the Chinese model of development was worth emulation for other developing nations of the world. The speaker said that the relationship between Pakistan and China respects a model for co-existence of two countries with different ideologies, political systems and cultural backgrounds. She said that both the countries have stood together as neighbours and friends inevery crisis and at every change in the international and regional situations. She said that both the countries are averse to foreign aggression and both have respect for each others sovereignty. The speaker said that the last 57 years of our relations have therefore, been a step by step development of confidence, mutual benefit, regional stability and inter-dependence for our common good and what is more, today, this strategic partnership is seen as a major factor of stability in the region. She appreciated the Embassy for organizing the event. Executive Director Pakistan National Council of Arts Dr. Adam Nayyar also spoke on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion the Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaoui while narrating the historical facts of the Pak-China relations said that these relations were time tested and beyond the effects of politics and economics. He said that both China and Pakistan will continue supporting each other on international and regional issues and their friendship will grow stronger with the passage of time. Later on, the speaker National Assembly inaugurated the Exhibition Titled Showcases of new China . MT/ank.
PR. No. 222. The Senate Standing Committee on Planning & Development, which met at the Parliament House this evening under the Chairmanship of Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi, expressed its dissatisfaction over the pace of execution of the various on-going development schemes and projects and directed that every effort must be made to implement these within the stipulated time without any compromise on quality. The Senate Body assured its all out support in overcoming the bottlenecks and difficulties being faced by the Ministries and Divisions concerned in this regard. It also recommended that the existing differences over planning and execution of some of the development projects among the federating units be resolved through the Council of Common Interest (CCI). ‘Projects were delayed either due to lack of funding or lack of management skills’, in a majority of cases and we must make sure that this should not continue to plague our development planning’ it added. The Committee also urged the Government to accord a high priority to the energy and power generation sector as development cannot take place without these vital ingredients therefore, this sector must be accorded the priority it deserves. It especially pointed out that the share of nuclear and coal based power should be increased in our energy mix. Similarly, it recommended that the country’s hydel potential should be utilized in its full capacity. In this connection, focus must be on ‘run of the river potential’ which according to some members of the Committee, stood as high as 32,000 MW. Terming the province of Balochistan as power house of the future, the Committee observed that emphasis be placed on utilizing the mineral capacity of the province which is largely unexplored at present. The Committee demanded allied facilities for Gawadar Port area on priority basis in order to operationalize it in full capacity. ‘At present it is without power and water supply of its own’. The Committee also observed the Federal Government must ensure that all colleges have well equipped science and computer laboratories and efforts be made to provide missing facilities to the existing schools and colleges. Some members of the Committee held the view that present focus on Higher Education is somewhat misplaced as most of the schools and colleges in the country which are supposed to be the nursery for these universities, lack basic facilities. ‘Present allocations for the education sector (excluding HEC) reflect a downward trend which is very alarming’. Investment in education is investment in our future, they maintained. The Committee also took exception to the fact that the contracts of a number of members of the Planning Commission have not been renewed on time and this impacted very adversely the performance of the Commission especially at time when the national budget is only a few weeks away. Earlier, the Planning Commission made a presentation on review of PSDP 2007-08 and physical and financial targets achieved till March 31, 2008. The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi asked the PC to expedite progress on Greater Quetta Water Supply Scheme with revised PC-I. The meeting was attended, among other, by Senators Anisa Zeb Tahirkhaili, Lt. Gen. (R) Javed Ashraf, Mrs. Kalsoom Parveen, Mrs. Gulshan Saeed, Dr. Mrs. Kausar Firdaus, Hafiz Rashid Ahmed and Abdur Rahim Khan Mandokhail besides Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and senior officials of Planning Commission. SM/ank
PR. No. 223. The Federal Cabinet which met here today, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani decided to withdraw the official dowry and bridal gifts bill in view of the fact that a Private Member Bill on the same subject has already been passed by the Senate. The Cabinet decided to introduce amendments as contained in the official bill at the time of consideration by the National Assembly directly or through Committee. The Cabinet considered draft amendment bill on Zakat, Ushr and Baitul Mal. It was observed that the Bill was based on recommendations of a sub-committee constituted in 2004. The Cabinet decided to form another sub-committee to examine the Zakat and Ushr Ordinance 1980 in totality. The Committee shall consist of Ministers of Religious Affairs, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Social Welfare, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance & Economic Affairs, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Sector Development, Secretary Religious Affairs, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology and Chief Secretaries of the four provinces. The Cabinet approved the summary of the Investment Division for grant of airport entry passes, whereby it allowed Issuance of one entry pass to the investors worth US$10 million investment in the country. Two airport passes for the investors having equity investment of more than US$ 20 million ,while it permitted issuance of three airport passes for the foreign companies with investment of US$50 million, or more. The Cabinet approved the minimum wages of workers to Rs.6000/- per month, which shall be presented in the Parliament as part of the Finance Bill. The Cabinet also constituted a committee to report on Provincial Employees Social Security Ordinance. The Committee consists of Ministers for Defence, Minister for Labour, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Sector and Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior. The Cabinet decided that committee comprising the Minister for Law, Finance, and Industries will interact with the State Bank of Pakistan to review the written off loans and the non-performing loans of Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan (IDBP) with its recommendations for the consideration of the Cabinet. The Cabinet expressed its deep condolences of the Government and the people of Pakistan over the loss of lives in the earthquake in China. On the directive of the Prime Minister, two C-130 planes and fifty trucks loaded with tents and relief goods were dispatched today to China for the earthquake victims. The Cabinet observed one minute silence as a respect to the deceased. GHB/ank
PR. No. 224. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, took stock of the prevalent economic situation in the country and adopted necessary measures to overcome the problems. The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has directed PASSCO to deliver the procured wheat to the provinces of Baluchistan and NWFP on priority. The Punjab Government has already earmarked 90,000 tons of the commodity for NWFP. The Cabinet decided to allow private sector to import wheat and also withdrew 10 % duty on its import in the country. The Cabinet also decided to maintain ban on export of wheat. It also approved transport charges to the farmers at the rate of Rs. 25 for a bag of 100 kg. The Cabinet considered measures in energy sector and decided that defaulters departments should undertake reconciliation with Ministry of Water and Power within one month, failing which the Ministry of Finance will resolve the issue by exercising option of source deduction. The ECC was informed that Sensitive Price Index registered an increase by 0.85 percent as against an increase of 1.05 percent during the preceding week. GHB/ank
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No. 225. The United Nations General Assembly today re-elected Pakistan as a member of the Human Rights Council for a three year term (2008-2011). Six Asian countries including Pakistan were competing against four seats reserved for the region. Japan, Bahrain and Republic of Korea were the other three countries elected to the body says a press release received from New York here today. Pakistan’s re-election to this highest UN body on human rights reflects the international community’s confidence in Pakistan, following the restoration of full democracy in the country. The election to this eminent intergovernmental body was a result of a vigorous and coordinated campaign launched by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in New York and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad through its missions abroad. This success was all the more important since it was achieved in the face of insidious campaign conducted by certain organizations against Pakistan’s election. Pakistan looks forward to continuing its active contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights all over the world, especially right of the people to development and economic and social prosperity as well as political and civil freedom.
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