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PR No. 250
PRESS RELEASE
NAEK TO BE CHIEF GUEST AT PAKISTAN NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATIONS AT LONDON
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Chairman Senate, Farooq H. Naek has left for London to attend Pakistan National Day celebrations on 23rd March,
2010 at High Commission as Chief Guest.
It may be noted that reception arranged by Pakistan High Commission at Pakistan National Day celebrations is widely attended by Pakistani Cabinet Members, British Officers and prominent members of Pakistani community in UK, every year. The key feature of this year celebrations is that the Lord Speaker Rt. Hon. the Baroness Hayman is also expected to attend the reception.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 251
PRESS RELEASE
SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY GREETS NATION ON PAKISTAN DAY.
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan day and said that March 23 has a special significance in the history of sub-continent.
In her message, the Speaker said that 70 years ago, on this day the Muslim of South Asia, under the leadership of Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lahore, resolved to work for independent Muslim state. The Lahore Resolution which was came to be known as Pakistan Resolution, imparted a new vigor and impetus to the movement of independence gave Muslim new sense of purpose and direction.
The Speaker said that for centuries, non-Muslims lived peacefully, enjoyed complete religious freedom under the Muslim rule in sub-continent, however the government which came in power under government of India Act, 1935 give a rude shock to the Muslims forcing them that their rights would not be protected with in a united India. “They were thus left no choice except to demand independence not only from the Yoke of Colonialism but also from the Hindu domination”, she said.
The Speaker said that the Quaid-e-Azam embodied Islamic principles of tolerance and humanism which in courage him to rally around, not only Muslim public opinion but also support from other minorities to demand and create a separate Muslim homeland. “It is a tribute to his leadership and honesty of purpose that with in short period of seven years he secured Pakistan against heavy odds through peaceful means” she said that.
She said that while celebrating Pakistan day it was incumbent upon us to resolve the spirit of national unity and follow the Quaid’s guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline “let us make a firm resolve to make all out efforts to achieve the objectives of creation of Pakistan and also to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous, democratic country where the will of the people, equality, justice and brotherhood reign supreme” she said.
Madam Speaker said that democracy was best solution of all ours problems, therefore on this suspicious occasion let us resolved to work hard to strengthening democracy in Pakistan. She said that democracy in Pakistan at work and it was the responsibility of every citizen to work for strengthening democratic institutions in the country.
**DO/Ahmad**
PR No. 252
PRESS RELEASE
CZECH DEFENCE DELEGATION DUE ON WEDNESDAY
Rawalpindi: 22nd March, 2010A Czech defence delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of CZECH Republic, Mr. Martin Bartak, is arriving on Wednesday (24-03-2010) on two days official visit to Pakistan. During its stay in Pakistan, the delegation will hold meetings with Federal Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, and other senior military and defence officials of Pakistan. The visit of Czech defence delegation to Pakistan will pave way in boosting Defence/Military cooperation between the two countries.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 253
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan and UK enjoy close friendly relations which have largely remained constructive. He recalled his meetings with the British Prime Minister as very fruitful in paving way for further strengthening the existing ties.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of British Broadcasting Corporation led by Mr. Mark Thompson, Director General BBC who is currently on a two day visit to Pakistan. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s House here today.
The Prime Minister while talking about the role of media in Pakistan appreciated its contribution made in the restoration of democracy after eight year of dictatorial rule. The media, he added, is completely independent and alert to the developments both inside and outside Pakistan. It is not only keeping the people informed about the functioning of state institutions but also serving the institutions in pointing out the areas requiring improvement.
The Prime Minister also deliberated upon the existing socio-political, economic and security environment in the country ever since public consensus to fight the menace of terrorism.
Mr. Mark Thompson while thanking the Prime Minister for sparing time to meet the delegation, said that the coverage of Pakistan and the region by international media particularly BBC in extremely important since the developments directly relate to efforts for peace. He also mentioned that BBC is likely to initiate Urdu Service in Pakistan as well as for the Pakistanis living in UK and else where.
The Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Secretary Information and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 254
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the government is determined to provide relief to the masses through Special initiatives focused on the welfare of common man. The efforts relate to ensuring basic needs, facilities and economic opportunities.
He was talking to Mian Hamza Shahbaz, MNA of PML (N), who called on him here at PM House this afternoon.
The Prime minister said that the requisite funds for development schemes are being released in accordance with the priorities given by the MNAs. The development work however need monitoring by the elected representatives to ensure their quality and timely completion.
Mian Hamza Shahbaz apprised the Prime Minister of the on-going schemes in his constituency and also appreciated his reconciliatory approach to keep democratic process move forward.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 255
PRESS RELEASE
GILGIT-BALTISTAN HOUSE IN ISLAMABAD
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the Federal Government for building Gilgit-Baltistan House in Islamabad on the same line like Balochistan, Sindh, Pakhtoonkhwa and Punjab Houses in the federal capital.
This he said during a meeting with the delegation comprising of members from Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly headed by Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Those who attended the meeting included Mr. Wazir Baig, Speaker, Mr. Jamil Ahmed, Deputy Speaker, MLAs Mr. M. Ali Akhter, Mr. Aftab Haider, Mr. Mutabiq Shah, Pir Karam Ali Shah, Dr. Ali Madad Sher, Mr. Ayub Shah, Mr. M. Naseer Khan, Mr. Wazir Shahkeel Ahmed, Shaikh Nisar Hussain, Agha Muhammad Ali Shah, Mr. Wazeer Hussain, Mr. M. Jaffar, Eng. M. Ismail, Ms. Sadia Danish, Ms. Yasmeen Nazar, Ms. Gul Mera Begum, Ms. Shirin Fatima and Council members Prof. Ghulam M Saleem, Mr. Amjad Hussain Advocate, and Mr. Wazir Ibadat Ali.
Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Minister for KANA, Chaudhary Manzoor Ahmed, Ms. Rukhsana Bangash, Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
The members of Gilgit-Baltistan raised various issues that included starting the work on the stalled development projects suspended due to non-provision of funds, extending the Peoples Works Program to Gilgit-Baltistan, creation of tax-free zone, a separate university for women, measures to address financial difficulties faced by newly set up Karakorum University, extending the operation of Women’s Bank to Gilgit-Baltistan and starting a smaller plane service on Gilgit-Skardu and Islamabad sector.
The President said that the issues raised by the members would be forwarded to the Government for their consideration and early redressal.
The President, during the meeting, appreciated the struggle of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for democracy and said that Pakistan People Party has always upheld the rights of people of Gilgit-Baltistan, be it through Northern Areas Council Legal Framework Order 1974-75, Northern Areas Legal Framework Order, 1994 or Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self Governance Order -2009. He said that the latest reform package was intended to take the Northern Areas further towards greater autonomy and delegate authority to its members to make their laws, empower the Council and the Assembly on financial matters besides empowerment in other areas such as establishment of Gilgit-Baltistan Public Service Commission, appointment of a separate Auditor General and Chief Election Commissioner.
The members thanked the President for meeting and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Peoples Party for the welfare of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.
SAK/wh
PR No. 256
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has said that he will take up with the Sindh provincial government the issue of upgradation of the Sindh Medical College to level of university in consultation with all stakeholders with a view to bolstering medical education in the province.
The President said that there was an urgent and great need for upgrading the existing medical teaching institutions and facilities to meet growing demands for access to quality medical care of a growing population.
He also advised provincial government to consider the possibility of starting double shifts and evening classes in medical colleges with a view to make optimum use of existing infrastructural facilities.
This he said during a meeting with the delegation of Sindh Medical College who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Those who attended that meeting included Mr. Javed Suleman, Mr. Iqbal Zafar, Dr. Sameer Raisuddin Qureshi, Dr. Suhail Siddiqui, Prof. Noshad Ahmed Shaikh, VC Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences Jamshoro, Mr. Rashid Jooma, DG Health, Prof. Masood Ahmed, VC Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi, Dr. S. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director Higher Education Commission, Mr. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General, Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary to the President, and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar
Dr. Mohammed Farooq Sattar, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, was also present during the meeting.
The President said that expatriate Pakistanis doctors working abroad can also play a great role in this effort and called upon the alumni of Sindh Medical College to play their role in the upgradation of college to a university.
The President said that the Government attaches highest priority to the health sector and is focusing its attention to improve basic infrastructure of the health departments so that basic health facilities are available to the poor segment of society in the far flung areas of the country. He also called upon the doctors’ community to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct, uninfluenced by undue monetary considerations, and to augment Government’s efforts in reaching out to the people of far flung areas. Doctors are missionaries and not mercenaries, he said.
The President appreciated the role being played by the doctors’ community and said that through effective utilization of available resources and with the active support and cooperation of the doctors’ community we can help those who are afflicted by various diseases and can not afford medical expenses. He urged upon the management of public sector health departments to focus on improving the quality of their service to the people, especially the poor and women, and let not any other consideration influence their attitude towards patient.
SH/wh
PR No. 257
PRESS RELEASE
ULEMA MEMBERS OF SHARIAT APPELLATE BENCH OF SUPREME COURT AND ULEMA JUDGES OF FEDERAL SHARIAT
COURT APPOINTED
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010The President today appointed two Ulema as Ad-hoc Members of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The newly appointed members of the Shariat Appellate Bench are Dr. Fida Muhammad Khan and Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghazali.
Dr. Fida Muhammad Khan has remained a Judge of the Federal Shariat Court for 21 years. A Ph.D in Islamic law and jurisprudence he has many publications to his credit including the translation of Holy Quran in English. Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghazali holds the degrees of MA Arabic and Ph.D in Islamic Studies and has many publications to his credit. He also taught Arabic and Science of the Quran.
Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the appointments were made on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the advice of the Prime Minister of Pakistan under article 203F (3) of the Constitution.
The Ulema members of Shariat Appelalte Bench will be allowed privileges and allowances as admissible to the Judges of the Supreme Court.
The President today also appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister two Ulema Judges of the Federal Shariat Court. They are Mr. Shahzado Shaikh and Mr. Mahmood Ahmed Ghazi, the Spokesperson said.
SH/wh
PR No. 258
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the process of consultation during the meetings of Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms is by itself an achievement demonstrating democratic spirit, among all the political parties. He expressed confidence that the proposed amendments would be finalized through consensus as per the track record of the present parliament.
The Prime Minister was talking to a group of Senators who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon.
Lauding the role of the people of NWFP and FATA in the war against militancy, the Prime Minister stressed that the Parliamentarians belonging to these areas need to develop close links with the people to solve their problems. He said the people should feel the change in their lives.
The Prime Minister paid rich tribute to the martyrs and sympathies for all those who suffered losses in terrorist activities. He said they are fighting the war of Pakistan and have sacrificed their present for the better future of their co-countrymen. He said the reconstruction in the areas affected by militancy is the top priority and the elected representative should come forward to assist the government in implementing this agenda. He added the development of these areas would modify the living standard of the people and thus bring a positive change in their way of thinking and comprehension.
Talking about the government’s initiatives on Balochistan, the Prime Minister said that in the coming years the people there would feel a positive change as the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan is the first step towards addressing their long standing demands.
The Senator lauded the Prime Minister for his policy of reconciliation and consensus and extended their all out support. They thanked him for his steps for the development of NWFP, FATA and Balochistan, especially the militancy affected areas.
The Senators included, Senator Haji Muhammad Adeel, Mr. Ilyas Ahmed Bilour, Mr. Muhamamd Zahid Khan, Mr. Abdul Nabeel Bangish, Ms. Farha Aqeel, Hafiz Rasheed Ahmed, Mr. Shahid Hassan Bugti and Mir Muhammad Ali Rind.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 259
PRESS RELEASE
PRESENT GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES THE PROVISION OF SAFE DRINKING WATER
AS A FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT……
NATIONAL DRINKING WATER POLICY IS LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT …..AFRIDI
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Government of Pakistan recognizes provision of safe drinking water as a fundamental human right. He said that The National Drinking Water Policy was placed before the Cabinet as a landmark achievement of National Year of Environment 2009, which was accorded approval on 28th September 2009, making Pakistan one of the few countries of the world having a national level Policy on the issue of drinking water. He also said that without water we have no society, no economy, no culture and no life. He expressed these views while addressing in World’s Water Day workshop on “Launching of National Drinking Water Policy and Strategies Development” here today. He was Chief Guest in this workshop.
Federal Minister said that Ministry of Environment has formulated National Drinking Water Policy to provide adequate quantity of safe drinking water to the entire population at an affordable cost and in an equitable, efficient and sustainable manner. He said that The formulation of the Policy involved extensive consultations with the line ministries, AJK, FATA and FANA governments, NGOs, communities and other stakeholders. He said that it is pleasure for me to formally launch the national drinking water policy on the World Water Day today. He also told the theme of this year’s World Water Day as “Clean Water for a Healthy World. He further said that water is our most valuable natural resource, It is essential to all basic human needs, including food, drinking, sanitation, health, energy and shelter however, Its proper management is the most pressing natural resource challenge of all of us he added.
Afridi further said that without clean and safe water, human health gets severely impacted due to water-related disease. He told that according to the World Health Organization, 4 billion cases of diarrhea each year in addition to
millions of other cases of illness are associated with lack of access to water that is safe for human consumption. Per year 2.2 million people die as a result of diarrhea most of them are children under the age of five. Moreover,
Ministry of Environment has also finalized the National Drinking Water Quality Standards after undergoing an extensive consultative process. The Drinking Water Quality Standards will be enforced throughout the country and agencies responsible for the provision of water supply will ensure that the quality of water supplied by them conforms to these standards. Minister for Environment further said that Mministry of Environment has achieved various landmarks during recent past. This includes, celebration of national year of Environment, establishing guineas book of world record of planting maximum sampling in a single day, formulation of National Sustainable Development Strategy, and most importantly the formulation of the National Drinking Water Policy, he said. Minister said that our efforts will ensure renewed commitment of the Government of Pakistan to the aims and objectives of the National Drinking Water Policy as well as to raise its profile by developing concrete strategies, plans, programmes and actions at all levels. Furthermore, in order to have clean water for healthy Pakistan, both in terms of sustainability as well as of investment and affordability, prevention should be the preferred option. He added that prevention of water pollution must therefore be our first priority to sustain water quality. He assured that Ministry of Environment will take concrete measures to support municipal and industrial water and wastewater infrastructure services and ensure adequate treatment of the untreated municipal and industrial effluents which pose a serious threat to the water quality of receiving water bodies.
Afridi said that we also encourage multi-donor support which is crucial in attaining this objective and invite other donor agencies to join us in this initiative. He thanked UNICEF, other partner agencies, line Federal Ministries, Provincial, AJK, FATA and Gilgit / Baltistan governments and the staff of Ministry for their support and contribution in accomplishing this important task. He also thanked media, NGOs, experts and other stakeholders who provide useful inputs in finalization of the policy.
Earlier, Pirkko Heinonen, Deputy Representative, UNICEF, Kamran Ali Qureshi, Additional Secretary Ministry of Environment and Javed Ali Khan Director General Environment, also expressed there views on this occasion. Songs about Environment Protection were presented. Children of Roots School System also presented fabulous.
AS/wh
PR No.260
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad : March 22,2010President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, was pleased to confer 189 Pakistan Civil Awards on 14th August, 2009 (Annex-I) and 7 Pakistan Civil Awards after 14th August, 2009 (Annex-II).
2. The awards will be conferred on 23rd March, 2010 under the following arrangements:-
a) President Asif Ali Zardari, will decorate 75 recipients of Pakistan Civil Awards, including 12 foreign nationals, at the Investiture Ceremony being held at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on 23rd March, 2010.
b) The Governor Punjab on behalf of President will decorate 31 recipients of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-III), at the Investiture Ceremony being held in Governor’s House Punjab, Lahore.
c) 34 recipients of Pakistan Civil Awards and one awardee of 14th August, 2008(Annex-IV) will be decorated by Governor Sindh, on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held in Governor’s House Sindh, Karachi.
d) 11 recipients of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-V) will be decorated by Governor NWFP, on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held in Governor’s House NWFP, Peshawar.
e) 9 recipients of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-VI) will be decorated by Governor Balochistan, on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held in Governor’s House Balochistan, Quetta.
f) Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will decorate 17 recipient of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-VII), on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held at JCSC HQ after 23rd March, 2010.
g) A recipient of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-VIII) will be decorated by the Vice Chief of Army Staff, on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held in GHQ after 23rd March, 2010.
h) A recipient of Pakistan Civil Awards (Annex-IX) will be decorated by the Joint Chief of Naval Chief, on behalf of the President, at the Investiture Ceremony being held in NHQ after 23rd March, 2010.
i) 13 foreign nationals including 05 Pakistani citizen (residing abroad) (Annex-X) will be decorated, on behalf of the President, by the Heads of Pakistan Missions located in various countries on 23rd March, 2010.
NOTE:
The award list is available on our website home page as www.pid.gov.pk
PR No. 261
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed all Ministries/ Divisions/Departments/Autonomous and Semi-autonomous bodies and Provincial Departments through the Cabinet Division to immediately implement the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010, enacted on 11th March, 2010, by undertaking the following measures:-
i) Adoption of a Code of Conduct prescribed in the law.
ii) Constituting the three member committees of credible persons, with at least one woman member. The committees will immediately address the complaints of sexual harassment as per law, as and when received.
iii) Ensuring that justice is done swiftly and retaliation against the complainants is curbed.
iv) Informing and educating the employees to make them more aware of the provisions of the Act and to encourage a professional and dignified work environment for the women in public and private sectors.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 262
PRESS RELEASE
CEC WARNS AGAINST VIOLATION OF CODE OF CONDUCT OR DIRECTIVES ISSUED BY ECP DURING BYE-ELECTION IN PF-65 DI KHAN-II AND PP-111 GUJRAT-IV
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan has stated that the ECP, in addition to laws and regulations relating to electoral offences, has been issuing Directives from time to time to ensure free, fair and transparent elections banning posting/transfers of civil servants; restraining misuse of state resources or announcing development scheme after the issuance of Election Schedule and for giving balanced coverage to candidates for an election by the electronic media. Despite all these legal restrictions or directives, incidents of violation of electoral laws, rules and directives keep on appearing in the newspapers.
The Secretary further stated that Justice ® Hamid Ali Mirza, Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has taken serious notice of the allegations regarding violation of the Code of Conduct and Directives issued by ECP during election process. The Hon’ble CEC has warned that stern action will be taken against anybody who violates the electoral laws, rules or directives issued by the ECP during pre-poll period. He further observed that if any violation or mischief on the part of a candidate regarding rigging of any kind, jeopardizing the sanctity of the ballot is proved, the ECP may order recounting of votes or, as the case may be, re-poll in appropriate cases and the notification of the returned candidate may be recalled/cancelled if the result of recount or repoll so requires. The Hon’ble CEC has further directed that State resources will not be used in favour of a particular candidate and to the detriment of another. No body is above law, therefore, action will be initiated against anybody who does any act which hampers the smooth conduct of bye-elections in the aforesaid constituencies or violates any provisions of electoral laws, rules or Directives of the ECP.
AC/wh
PR No. 263
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 22nd March, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today appointed Dr Shama Khalid as Governor Gilgit Baltistan. She will take oath of office on March 23, 2010.
FU/wh