PR No. 240
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan and Indonesia Ink Defence Agreement
Islamabad July 21, 2010
Pakistan and Indonesia here Wednesday signed an agreement to promote cooperation and exchanges in the field of defence. The Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed by Pakisatan Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence. Pakistan’s, says a press release received from Jakarta here today.Ambassador to Indonesia, Sanaullah, Defence Attache, Col. Zafarullah, members of Pakistani Defence Delegation, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Isaac Latuconsina and senior Indonesian military offiicals attended the ceremony. The sgigning ceremony was preceded by talks between the two Defence Ministers.
PR No. 241
PRESS RELEASE
UNSG SPECIAL ENVOY ASSURES UN’S FULL SUPPORT FOR PAKISTAN’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Islamabad, July 21, 2010.Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Special Envoy of the United Nation’s Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan called on the Federal Minister for Finance, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh here today.
During the meeting, Dr. Hafeez Sheikh briefed Mr. Ripert about the economic situation of Pakistan. He said that though in the initial stage, the present government encountered a number of economic problems but with its bold initiatives, the national economy today is in much better condition. Referring to the positive signs of the national economy, the Federal Minister for Finance said that exports have been picking up, forex reserves are showing signs of improvement, under the NFC Award the federal and provincial governments have better economic coordination, and overseas remittances are increasing. However, Pakistan still faces a number of economic challenges for which we need assistance and cooperation from all international donor agencies, he added.
Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Special Envoy of the United Nation’s Secretary General for Assistance to Pakistan, expressed his satisfaction over the economic policies of the Pakistani government. He said that the UNO intends to continue playing its role in the economic development of Pakistan through the fora like Friends of Democratic Pakistan, encouraging public private partnership in various crucial economic projects and the institutions building process in the country. He said that a democratic and economically developed Pakistan is in the interest of the region and the entire world.
PR No. 242
PRESS RELEASE
SUFI MUSIC MESMERIZED NEW YORK AUDIANCE
Islamabad 21 July, 2010Living Legend Abida Perveen and other exponents of Sufi Music mesmerized the New York audience and brought them to their feet through their sufi songs. Thousands of people flooded at the streets surrounding the famous Union Square, New York to attend the Sufi Festival organized by the Pakistan Peace Builders spearheaded by Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon here at New York today to spread the message of peace, brotherhood and love across America and to present before the people the true phase of Pakistan, says a press release received from New York here today.
Whole area was jam packed and thousands of people present there were clapping, dancing and swinging with the beat of music. The event provided a unique opportunity to the people of New York to listen sufi music and its message of peace, brotherhood and love.
Apart from large majority of Americans, music lovers from Bangladesh, India, Africa and Arab countries also joined the gathering
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon after the successful conclusion of the event said “It’s a gift from the people of Pakistan to New Yorkers, and what better than music. He further said “Individual acts of violence espoused by any minority cannot be allowed to define us all. There was the great need to give voice to the true Pakistan by showing our peaceful human face and culture to demonstrate the tolerant moderate Islam practiced by the overwhelming majority,”. He further said that we were all assembled here today to celebrate the event in the peaceful and healing spirit of our Sufi tradition as expressed through the arts.
The performers were Pakistan’s Living Legend Abida Parveen, Balochistan’s Akhtar Chanal Zehri, Mekaal Hasan Band, Nadir Abbas, Rafaqat Ali Khan, Soung Faqirs from Sindh’s shrine of the revered Sufi saint Sachal Sarmast, Zeb and Haniya. Virtuoso instrumentalists include flutist Ghous Bux Brohi; Haji Sultan Chaney on rabab; Sachoo Khan on Sarangi/Surindo; Riaz Hussain on damboori; dhol/percussionists Abdul Rasheed and Abid Hussain; matka/clay pot percussionist Muhammad Ahmed; and tabla/percussionist Tari Khan.
PR No. 243
PRESS RELEASE
IRANIAN AMBASSADOR CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that Minister for Water & Power and Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources will undertake visits to Iran in the near future to fast track the bilateral cooperation in oil and gas sectors and expedite implementation of import of electricity from Iran to Pakistan. The Prime Minister hoped that the Iranian firm which has already been given the contract for supplying 100 of MW electricity for Gwadar would carry out the implementation of the project on priority basis.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr Mashallah Shakeri, Ambassador of Iran who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan was looking forward to the 18th Session of Joint Economic Commission’s meeting with Iran scheduled for 2nd and 3rd August in Islamabad in which the Iranian side would be led by their Foreign Minister Mr. Manouchehr Mottaki. He hoped that whole gambit of economic cooperation between the two sides will come under discussion during the Commission’s meeting. He appreciated that Iran would undertake construction of Noshki-Dalbandin sector of the road which would eventually be linked with Pakistan-Iran border. He assured the Ambassador that all the bottle-necks and problems relating to this project will be addressed on urgent basis.
The Prime Minister agreed with Ambassador’s proposal that Chief Minister of Balochistan should undertake the visit of Iranian Province of Sistan and exchanges between both the provinces should be strengthened in the future for increased cooperation and coordination on matters of mutual interests.
Ambassador Shakeri thanked the Prime Minister and the government of Pakistan for its continued support to him during his tenure of stay in Islamabad and because of which the Iran gas pipeline project could be finalized. He assured the Prime Minister that Iran would fully cooperate in early finalization of import of 1000 MW of electricity once the feasibility study being undertaken by both sides is completed. He also stated that Balochistan being the gateway to Iran from Pakistan, is given higher importance and Iran plans for development of road and rail links between the two countries.
PR No. 244
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN-INDONESIA DEFENCE AGREEMENT SIGNED
Islamabad, 21-07- 2010Pakistan and Indonesia here Wednesday signed an agreement to promote cooperation and exchanges in the field of defence. The Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed by Pakistani Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Indonesian Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence, says a fax message received from Jakarta today. Pakistan ‘s Ambassador to Indonesia , Sanaullah, Defence Attaché, Col. Zafarullah, members of Pakistani Defence Delegation, Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Isaac Latuconsina and senior Indonesian military officials attended the ceremony. The signing ceremony was preceded by talks between the two Defence Ministers.
Defence Minister Mr. Ahmad Mukhtar welcomed signing of the agreement at the joint press conference saying that all Pakistanis to this day remembered Indonesia ’s cooperation and assistance offered to Pakistan in the 1965 war and hold this country in high esteem. Our cooperation is bound to grow in future as well, he added. He said the agreement would open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries, besides strengthening their defence cooperation. He made particular mention of cooperation in the field of trade, commerce and industries.
He said Pakistan had taken up the fight against terrorism not only for its own sake but also for the sake of peace in the region. He said terrorists had no faith or face and didn’t have any regard for humanity, so they needed to be eliminated. He said Pakistan had lost over 10,000 lives in the war on terror which was a huge sacrifice. He appreciated the role being played by the Pakistan army to put an end to the scourge of terrorism. He also welcomed cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia in the fight against terrorism as he said both countries were facing this problem.
The Minister said along with defence collaboration, the sphere of defence production was also very important. Talking of specific areas for mutual cooperation, the
Minister pointed out the JF-17 project, joint military exercises, training of military personnel and high level exchanges between the two armed forces.
Replying to a question, the Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar said Pakistan wished to see peace being fully realised in Afghanistan as the Afghans had suffered much more due to militancy. “We want to see them living happily” he said.
Indonesian Defence Minister addressing the press conference also welcomed the signing of the agreement and hoped that Pakistan and Indonesia will develop their cooperation in defence as well as the economic sector. He said we all know that Indonesia and Pakistan already have a historical cooperation. He said the two countries so far had exchanges in the field of military training and this will be expanded to other areas. He said the Indonesian National Army had sent about 47 personnel to Pakistan and received about 60 from Pakistan .
He also explained that the defence mechanisms of Indonesia and Pakistan were quite similar. Moreover, as Islamic countries they had common problems; that was why their cooperation had been growing, he added. He also paid gratitude to Pakistan for sending 600 personnel to Aceh in Indonesia when it was hit by natural disaster (tsunami). “We are really thankful to Pakistan ” he said.
PR No. 245
PRESS RELEASE
CITIZENS JOIN HANDS TO ACHIEVE THE TARGETS OF MONSOON TREE PLANTATION CAMPAIGN : HAMEED ULLAH JAN
AFRIDI
Islamabad July 21, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi asked lined departments to make elaborate arrangements to achieve the targets of monsoon tree plantation campaign and ensure plantation of suitable saplings which minimize the hazardous effects of carbon and other chemicals emissions.
He stated this while presiding a meeting of officers of concerned departments and reviewed the pace of progress of monsoon plantation campaign.
The Minister stated that clean environment is the basic necessity of all living organisms and it is religious moral and national obligation of every citizen to plant sapling for future generations. He said that suitable sites should be selected for carrying out plantation and it should be made mandatory for all concerned departments to ensure protection of newly planted saplings. The Minister said plantation is a noble cause and we had always given due priority to make afforestation programmes successful and result oriented.
Federal Minister for Environment underlined the need of mobilizing all available resources to achieve the targets of monsoon tree plantation campaign.
PR No. 246
RESS RELEASE
CEREMONY OF OPENING OF TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF EOBI FOUR STAR HOTEL/COMMERCIAL PROJECT HELD
Islamabad 21-07-2010The ceremony of opening of Tenders/bidding for construction of (Civil, Electrical, Plumbing and HAVC ) for four-Star Hotel and commercial Projects of Employees Old-Age Benefits Institutions (EOBI) held here Tuesday. Mr. Ghulam Haider Samejo, Chairman National Assembly Standing Committee on Labour and Manpower chaired the ceremony, Chairman EOBI, Mr. Zafar Iqbal Gondal, Chief Executive Officer, Primeco and other senior officials of EOBI, Primeco, consultants of M/s. ARCOP Associates and M/s AAA partnership and representatives of all Firms were present on this occasion.
The EOBI which provides old-age benefits to persons, employed in industrial and other organizations has recently embarked upon development of a four-star Hotel and commercial complex in Lahore with total estimated cost of Rs. 12 to 14 Billion. The covered area of the hotel and commercial project will be 14 lac square feet having 270 Rooms and 46 Apartments. In response to Press advertisement, initially 42 firms applied in which 8 firms were pre-qualified and then only Four (two foreign and two local) firms participated in the bid. Technical bidding for Civil, Electrical, plumbing and HAVC work, the estimates of which is Rs. 8-9 billion, opened in presence of representatives of these four firms. The financial bid will be opened after completion of evaluation of Technical bids.
The project will be completed in 30 months from the date of commencement of its work.
PR No. 247
PRESS RELEASE
PAK AMBASSADOR/CONSUL GENERALS (DESIGNATE) CALL ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad 21 July, 2010Pak Ambassador /Consul Generals designate to Sudan, Vancouver, Chengdu and Barcelona called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The envoys included Mr. Muhammad Ziad Khan, Ambassador (designate) to Sudan, Sardar Shuja Alam, Consul General (designate) to Vancouver, Syed Hassan Habib, Consul General (designate) to Chengdu and Mr. Masud Khan Raja, Consul General (designate) to Barcelona.
The President felicitated the designate envoys on their new assignments and urged them to focus on further strengthening and promoting multifaceted ties between Pakistan and the countries of their respective postings.
The envoys-designate thanked the President for the confidence reposed in them and assured that they would work zealously to promote political, economic, trade and commercial ties with the countries of their postings.
PR No. 248
PRESS RELEASE
Prof. Dr. Mushtaq joins Ankara University as Scholar, Urdu Chair
Islamabad 21 July, 2010Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad today joined as Scholar, Urdu Chair, Ankara University, Turkey. Dr. Mushtaq is a Ph.D. in Urdu fiction and has to his credit more than 50 research articles that have been published in internationally recognized journals. His arrival in Ankara will provide a boost for the promotion of Urdu language and literary activities in Turkey, says a press release received from Ankara here today.
Dr. Mushtaq brings a wealth of teaching experience to his new host University. He started his career as lecturer in 1985 at Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He later on became Chairman of the Department of Urdu in the same University. Dr. Mushtaq also remained Associate Professor of Urdu in Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.
PR No. 249
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN BOI MEETS PM
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s geo-strategic location, availability of skilled manpower, better infrastructure, provision of raw material and low manufacturing cost, makes it a destination of choice for the foreign investments. He added that this strategic advantage alone makes Pakistan a marketplace teeming with possibilities and accordingly the investment policies have been designed to suit investor needs.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister of State/ Chairman Board of Investment of Pakistan, M. Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla who called on him at PM’s Sectt: here this afternoon.
Highlighting the important role of BOI, the Prime Minister said that it acts as a focal point of contact for prospective investors, both domestic and foreign to provide them with all necessary information and assistance in coordinating with other Government Departments/Agencies. He emphasized that BOI must follow its objectives and ensure that it act as one window for investors all over the country.
The Prime Minister while mentioning his interaction with various heads of the governments on the occasion of SCO (Shangai Cooperation Organization) meeting, said that they had positive views regarding the investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said that the potential entrepreneurs of the region must be encouraged for investment in various sectors in Pakistan, particularly energy and infrastructure.
Mr. Mandviwalla briefed the Prime Minister on his recent visit to Tajikistan. He apprised that Pakistan is supporting Tajikistan Government through its investment in different sectors like cement, pharmaceutical, hospital tools and equipment, minerals, oil exploration, textile, food processing. He informed that the Tajikistan Government has also sought technical and institutional support of Government of Pakistan in the field of education.
The Chairman BOI further informed the Prime Minister that the business forum provided an excellent opportunity to the businessmen of Pakistan and Tajikistan not only to interact with each other but also apprise themselves of the economic potential of each other in various fields, and avail of the opportunities of investment in both the friendly and brotherly Muslim countries.
PR No. 250
PRESS RELEASE
PM ANNOUNCES RS. 3 LACS FOR MR. A. HAMEED
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Taking notice of a news report published by a section of press, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has announced financial assistance of Rs. 3 lacs for Mr. A. Hameed a renowned writer living in Lahore to mitigate his financial sufferings.
Mr. A Hameed is a famous writer who wrote more than 200 books and he is living in miserable condition as his lone source of income is a stipend of Rs. 5000/ per month from Pakistan Academy of Letters.
The Prime Minister asked MD. Baitul Mal, Mr. Zamurd Khan to immediately deliver the cheque to the writer.
PR No. 251
PRESS RELEASE
Chairman, PMIC calls on the PM
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reaffirmed government’s commitment to alleviate the hardships of the people and improve their socio-economic conditions. The government machinery, he added, has to function more efficiently to cope with the increasing challenges so as to bring about a change in the life of common man.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while chairing a meeting in which Malik Amjad Ali Noon, Chairman, Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission briefed him about the functioning of the Commission, here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat today.
The Prime Minister directed that the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission should play an effective role and assist the government in improving efficiency and transparency in the government / public sector organizations. He further directed the Commission to identify important cases, conduct inquiry and suggest steps to check wastage and mis-utilization of public funds. The objective before the Commission he mentioned should be to ensure quick redressal of grievances and difficulties of the people.
The Prime Minister instructed the Commission to monitor mega projects under PSDPs, in collaboration with the Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance with an effort for timely completion of the projects and remove hurdles if any.
As regards public complaints of smaller projects and schemes, the Prime Minister desired that the elected representatives be involved to procure details and accordingly observations be conveyed to the relevant implementing organizations. As far requests for assistance, he said, that after through investigation, genuine cases, specifically the requests by disabled and those suffering from cancer and hepatitis be referred to relevant organizations for appropriate and immediate action.
Earlier the Chairman, PMIC Malik Amjad Ali Noon briefed about the working of the Commission. He said that PMIC being the statutory autonomous body, also undertakes the “Public Grievances”. He said that since December 2009, the petitions addressed to the President have also been assigned to PMIC for processing.
The Commission, he mentioned, also carry out inspection and conduct inquiry in respect of working of any Ministry / Division / Department or Federal Government institution / offices etc. and if needed together with a provincial government.
He further said that the Commission also conduct inquiries against employees of the above mentioned offices in respect of allegations of corruption or mal-administration, and recommends to the Prime Minister administrative or penal action against them.
PR No. 252
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 21, 2010President Zardari has welcomed NATO’s intention of establishing a Trust Fund to support training activities related to counter- terrorism and counter-insurgencies. He hoped that NATO would provide equipment for capacity building of our counter terrorism units under the proposed Trust Fund.
During his meeting with Secretary General NATO Mr. Andres Fogh Rasmussen at Aiwan-e-Sadr today, the President appreciated training facilities offered by NATO to Pakistani officers and called for further increasing such facilities. He said that the capacity building and training of our military as well as civilian officers was essential for effectively combating the challenges posed by militancy and terrorism.
The President said that NATO and Pakistan share common objectives of enhancing regional and global peace and were partners in the international coalition against terrorism. He hoped that the strong ties between NATO and Pakistan would further deepen with maturing of political dialogue between the two sides.
Those who were present during meeting included among others Mr. Babur Hizlan, Turkish Ambassador, Mr. Martin Howardm Mr. Mark sedwill, Mr. Robert F/ Simmons, Mrs. Fiona Morrison, Mr. James Appathurai, Mr. Michael Ulveman and Mr. Gilles Vander Ghinst. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Secretary General Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir, Secretary Defence Lt. Gen ® Syed Athar Ali and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present besides other senior officials.
Briefing the media Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President said that war against terror was not confined to the borders of Pakistan but the whole world was suffering through this menace. Pakistan, however, was paying the greatest price in terms of human and material losses. He said that owing to the heavy price being paid by the country and the great sacrifices being made by the security forces as well as civilian population, the Government has always urged upon its partners to augment our efforts and provide the country with necessary tools to fight militancy. The President said that the democratic Government of Pakistan understood the potential of destabilization of the world by extremists’ forces and took on the challenge to exterminate this menace. We have proved to the world that we have the determination and the capability to effectively take on the challenge, but we need resources and capacity-building with necessary tools and equipment.
He said that Pakistan’s designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally was a clear recognition of the vital role Pakistan has played in the war against terror. Our resolve and determination stands beyond any doubt, the President emphasized. He said that we have been urging the international community to help Pakistan in creating opportunity zones in the conflict ridden areas in order to change militant mindset and to win the war which was essentially a battle of hearts and minds. The President appreciating NATO’s assistance for securing preferential market access for Pakistan said that the development and creation of opportunities was the only way out for ridding those areas that were worst hit by militancy.
Discussing the regional situation, the President said that Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in neighbouring Afghanistan. Strong and stable Afghanistan would help in putting a permanent end to the sources of funding and weapons to the terrorists, he said. The President said that the drugs were being used as a weapon for funding and equipping the militants and there was an urgent need for the international community to especially focus on putting an end to drug trafficking. He said that poppy cultivation could be effectively eliminated through introduction of alternate crops and facilitating the farmers in this regard.
Mr. Babar said that the President also pointed towards inadequate compensation and remuneration levels of the security forces who were operating against the militants. On the other hand, the President pointed out, the drug money was being used for not only offering lavishly attractive packages to the militants but also for attracting frustrated and unemployed youth. The President said the international community is yet to fully appreciate the implications of drug trafficking and inadequate remuneration levels of the security personnel and urged upon the NATO Secretary General to use his influence upon international community to address these issues on priority.
The President also said that the international community need to synergize their efforts for restoration of peace, stability and prosperity of Afghanistan and emphasized upon the need for the International community to stay engaged and facilitate efforts for re-building of Afghan state institutions. He said that Pakistan would complement and support international efforts for the peace and stability and would provide all assistance for capacity building of the Afghan institutions.
Secretary General NATO Mr. Andres Fogh Rasmussen thanked the President for meeting and appreciated the steps taken by the Government in fighting militancy within its borders and supporting and promoting political solution to the problems across its border.
SH/wh
PR No. 253
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 21, 2010President Zardari has said that Thailand serves as a role model for many developing countries for development of tourism industry. This he said during his meeting with a delegation of Thai media scholars at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The delegation included Mrs. Kusuma Yodhasamutr, Program Host/Producer Channel-5 TV, Mrs. Eling-on Siripanit, “Diplomat in Siam” Program Channel-5 TV/NIDA, Mr. Pramote Meckum, Producer Channel-5 TV, Mr. Imtiaz Muqbil, Columnist in “Bangkok Post” and Executive Editor The Travel Impact Newswire, Mr. Phoowadon Duangmee, Assistant Editor/Travel Journalist The Nation, Mr. Peerasit Somkaew, Columnist Daily News and Mr. Maqsudul Hasan Nuri, President IPRI. Secretary General to the President Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Press Secretary to the President Mr. Taimur Azmat Usman, MNA Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
The President said that the Thai model of promoting its tourism industry by developing infrastructure and the linkages—within and with the world tourist centres—scientifically oriented hospitality industry and effective public private partnership serves as a model for Pakistan to promote its tourism industry on similar lines. The main impediment in our way, the President continued, remains the scourge of militancy. He said that the war against militancy had affected adversely our tourism industry and our economy could not take advantage of our natural tourism potential. He said that once the war against militancy is brought to its logical conclusion, we would be in much position to develop our tourism industry on modern lines.
Discussing Pak-Thai relations, the President said that Pakistan and Thailand enjoy cordial relation however there was a need to further strengthen our ties through increased trade and economic cooperation. He said that the level of mutual annual trade needed be enhanced besides focussing on reciprocal Tourism cooperation. Pakistan, the President said, is the cradle of Bhuddist civilization and naturally it should attract the tourists interested in studying the Bhuddist civilization.
The President while appreciating the progress of Thai media said that frequent exchanges of the media persons of the two countries were important for not only learning from each other’s experiences but also for maximum utilization of mutual cooperation in the field of information.
The members of the delegation thanked the President for meeting and the warm hospitality extended to them by the Government and the media organisations in Pakistan.
SH/wh
PR No. 254
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the improvement of governance in the country largely hinges upon the strength and capability of the institutions; therefore, the Government is making concerted efforts for institutional capacity building. The Government he observed has taken concrete measures to improve law and order situation in the country since it is a prerequisite for creating an enabling environment for socio-economic activities.
The Prime Minister while talking to Ms. Sherry Rehman, MNA and the former Minister for Information who called on him here this afternoon at PM Secretariat said that the role of the provinces in ensuring good governance has increased many folds after the enactment of 18th amendment and NFC award.
Matters relating to the national security particularly Pakistan US Strategic Dialogue also came under discussion in the meeting.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 255
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: July 21, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has emphasized the need for joint monitoring of Pakistan-Afghan border and increased sharing of information on the cross border movement of militants and terrorists between Pakistan and NATO-ISAF forces. The Prime Minister has also underscored the importance of ever closer consultation and better understanding on all issues of common interests between Pakistan and NATO.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Secretary General, NATO who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister welcomed the proposal for signing a Framework Agreement between Pakistan and NATO through Joint Political Declaration and hoped that both sides will exchange drafts of the proposed Declaration in the near future to finalize it for signing as soon as possible. The Prime Minister also appreciated NATO’s training facilities for Pakistan’s military and civilian personnel and hoped that this cooperation will be further expanded to strengthen his country’s counter terrorism and counter insurgency capabilities.
The Prime Minister thanked the NATO’s Secretary General for his intersession with the European Union leadership on Pakistan’s behalf for granting the GSP Plus facility and greater access to Pakistani products in the European markets. Pakistan’s economic development and progress, he added, is a pre-requisite for successfully confronting the threat of terrorism and its allies must help it in this regard through greater market access.
The Prime Minister drew the attention of the Secretary General to the need of refurbishment of the road infrastructure for facilitating smooth supplies to ISAF forces through Pakistan and sought NATO’s assistance in improving the related road network in the country.
The Prime Minister stated that despite immense human and material losses, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to combat terrorism, extremism and militancy. The sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan and its armed forces remain un-paralleled but his government has been able to retain the domestic consensus and people’s ownership of struggle against terrorism. The Government of Pakistan attaches high priority to provide relief and rehabilitation to the returnees to the affected areas and reconstruction of the areas cleared from the militants. The international community should assist Pakistan in these efforts, he added.
Dilating on NATO and ISAF forces’ role in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister stressed that the international community must stay engaged and facilitate efforts of the Afghan Government to rebuild its state institutions and related capacity. He reiterated Pakistan’s offer for the training of the Afghan National Army, National Police and civil bureaucracy.
Secretary General NATO, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussan commended the Prime Minister, his government and Pakistan armed forces for resolutely pursuing the campaign against terrorism. He expressed his satisfaction over the on-going cooperation between Pakistan and NATO and vowed to expedite finalization of Joint Political Declaration between the two sides. The Secretary General said that NATO would like to have a long term and robust cooperation going beyond resolution of Afghanistan crisis.
He stated that NATO, beside capacity building of Pakistan’s military and civil officers in anti-terrorism fields, was willing to provide training to concerned Pakistani agencies personnel in anti narcotic drive.
He termed the Kabul Conference held, yesterday, as very successful and stated that the participating countries had agreed with President Karzai’s idea that the Afghan forces should be enabled to take over the law enforcement duties from the NATO and ISAF Forces by the end of 2014. The NATO would accord every possible assistance to Afghan Government to achieve that goal.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 256
PRESS RELEASE
THE PRESIDENT CONSTITUTES 8TH NFC
Islamabad: July 21, 2010In pursuance of Article 160 (1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan has constituted the 8th National Finance Commission consisting of the following namely:-
(1) Minister for Finance Chairman
Government of Pakistan
(2) Minister for Finance Member
Government of the Punjab
(3) Minister for Finance Member
Government of Sindh
(4) Minister for Finance Member
Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
(5) Minister for Finance Member
Government of Balochistan
(6 to 9) One Member from each Province to be notified in consultation with the ‘ Governors of the Provinces.
The terms of reference for the Commission are as under:-
(a) the distribution between the Federation and the Provinces of the net proceeds of the taxes mentioned in clause (3) of Article 160 of the Constitution;
(b) the making of grants-in-aid by the Federal Government to the Provincial Governments;
(c) the exercise by the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments of the borrowing powers conferred by the Constitution;
(d) any other matter relating to finance referred to the Commission by the President, from time to time;
(e) the meetings of the NFC may be convened regularly on a quarterly basis to monitor implementation of the award in letter and spirit.
The Finance Division shall, as per the Rules of Business, 1973, provide the Secretariat support to the Commission.
It may be noted that Article 160(1) of the 1973 Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan prescribes constitution of National Finance Commission (NFC) at intervals not exceeding five years. As such the National Finance Commissions had been constituted after every five years. Similarly the 7th NFC was established on 21st July, 2005.
With the induction of new political governments both at the center and provinces as a result of general elections 2008, the 7th NFC was reconstituted on 24th July 2009. The reconstituted 7th NFC submitted its recommendations (Award) on 30th December, 2009 and the recommendations were given legal cover through President’s Order No.5 of 2010 to be effective from 1.7.2010 as required under clauses (4) and (7) of Article 160 of the Constitution.
Since the 7th National Finance Commission was constituted on 21st July, 2005, its life expired on 20th July, 2010. In keeping with the constitutional obligation, the 8th NFC has been notified with effect from 21st July, 2010.
KS/wh
PR No. 257
PRESS RELEASE
DECISIONS ON REHABILITATION OF ATABAD LAKE AND KKH TAKEN
HIGH LEVEL MEETING IN PRESIDENCY DECIDES ON LOWERING WATER LEVEL IN LAKE,
START OF FERRY SERVICE AND FEASIBILITY FOR BY PASS CHINESE ASSISTANCE LAUDED
Islamabad: July 21, 2010A high level emergent meeting in the Presidency Wednesday night considered options available to rehabilitate the Atabad lake in Gilgit Baltistan and restore the damaged portion of the Karkoram Highway (KKH) and decided to resort to controlled blasting to lower the water level in the lake for undertaking the necessary rehabilitation works and restoration of normal life in the affected areas.
The meeting presided over by the President Asif Ali Zardari was attended by the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, the Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Mehdi Shah Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan, Chief Secretary GB, Babar Yaqub, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Nadeem ul Haq, Chairman NDMA, Secretary General to the President Salman Farouqui, Secretary to President Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary Communication Sharif Ahmad, spokesperson Farhatullah Babar, DG FWO Major General Njibullah Khan and Lt General ( R ) Shahid Niaz Member Planning Commission and heads of technical departments.
Briefing the media about the meeting Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that it was also decided to start a large and fast speed ferry service capable of ferrying big machines and merchandise so as to restore the normal life on the one hand and to facilitate in the rehabilitation works on the other.
It was also decided to undertake feasibility study for building by pass as a permanent solution to the problem of landslides in the future. The feasibility study for bypass will be undertaken by the NHA, he said.
The decisions tonight were a follow up of the President’s visit to China early this month in which the President also raised with the Chinese political leaders at the highest level the issue and sought Chinese assistance in this regard. The President in his meetings with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao had emphasised urgent rehabilitation measures commensurate with the seriousness the two countries attached to the connectivity projects between them, he said.
Farhatullah Babar said that following the President’s visit the Chinese government on Tuesday offered that its experts and companies would be prepared to help the government of Pakistan in undertaking the rehabilitation works and asked Islamabad to decide on the options available. The two options that the Pakistani authorities had been debating were; one to make a bypass and two, to lower the level of the water to 30 metres, he said.
The late night Wednesday meeting decided to exercise the option of lowering the water level and undertake rehabilitation the works with the assistance of Chinese immediately and at the same time to undertake feasibility study for a by pass, he said.
The Chief Minister GB Syed Mehdi Shah endorsing the decisions taken thanked President Zardari and the government of Pakistan for its efforts in addressing the issue on a permanent basis. The Prime Minister who was also present in the meeting also scheduled a meeting with CM GB Thursday to discuss further relief measures and the financial support needed for it.
LT General ® Shahid Nadeem former Engineer in Chief Pakistan Army and currently Member Planning Commission will be co-ordinator of the project that will be overseen by the Secretary Communications, he said.
The Chinese government has also offered to provide relief goods to those affectees of the landslide who are not easily accessible from the Pakistan side.
President Asif Ali Zardari also thanked the Chinese offer of assistance and said that the offer demonstrated yet again the deep strategic ties between the two countries, the spokesperson said.
FU/wh