PR. No. 295
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 22nd September, 2010Foreign Minister of Pakistan Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed profound thanks on behalf of the Government and People of Pakistan to Chancellor Merkel for the generous support Germany has provided for the flood affectees and for strongly supporting Pakistan’s case at the E.U. Special Session for enhanced market access, says a press release received here today.
Meeting the German Chancellor over a luncheon hosted by her in honour of the heads of delegations of the Asian Group on the occasion of High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals, the Foreign Minister also appreciated her personal role in mobilizing private donations for the flood victims. The German Government and public have so far provided $218 million under flood relief assistance to Pakistan.
Showing an extraordinary gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan, Chancellor Merkel gave the floor to Foreign Minister Qureshi who briefed the heads of delegations on the latest flood situation in Pakistan and the steps the Government of Pakistan has taken to ensure the transparent and effective use of flood assistance.
PR. No. 296
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed to upgrade the existing level of cooperation
for mutual benefit of the two countries
Islamabad , September 22: 2010The Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi met Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Ruslan Kazakbaev on the sidelines of the 65th UN General Assembly Session in New York today. Both leaders reviewed the bilateral relations between the two countries,says a press release received here today.
Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev expressed sympathies on the tragic loss of life and extensive devastation caused by floods in Pakistan. He briefed the Foreign Minister on recent political developments in Kyrgyzstan. He thanked for Pakistan’s understanding on tragic events of June 2010 in Kyrgyzstan. He informed that Ministry of Education was devising plans to improve the academic conditions for Pakistani students. The academic year in most professional colleges in Kyrgyzstan would start after parliamentary elections in October 2010. It would help in saving an academic year of Pakistani students.
Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev emphasized the need to upgrade economic and trade relations between the two countries. He also sought Pakistan’s expertise and investment in hydropower generation projects.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi thanked the Kyrgyz Government on steps taken for safety and welfare of Pakistani students. He agreed for upgrading relations between the two countries, including development of trade and energy corridors. Foreign Minister Qureshi said that Kyrgyzstan could use facilities of Gawadar sea port for trade with the world.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed to revitalize the Joint Economic Commission and institute bilateral consultations between the two Foreign Ministries. The two sides also agreed to closely coordinate with the UN and other international organizations.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi accepted the invitation to visit Kyrgyzstan at mutually agreed dates.
PR. No. 297
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad September 22, 2010The interfaith initiative of Pakistan aims at forging tolerance and respect for people of all religions at the grass roots level and under this initiative interfaith committees have been set up comprising of Muslims and non Muslim members in equal numbers with a view to promote religious tolerance among people as well monitor the incidences of violence and send recommendations to the Federal Government so that policies and practices could be improved on the basis of recommendations. In addition to this a number of other measures are also being taken for integration of minorities in the economic and social mainstream. This was stated by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minorities Mr. Shehbaz Bhatti while addressing a conference organized by the Christian Muslim Forum (CMF) at the St. George the Martyr Church, says a press release received here today.
The Minister further informed that the present government with its commitment to revive the vision of founding fathers of the country , which was one of tolerance and integration has taken several measures to address the issues pertaining to minorities. H e informed that 5% quota has now been reserved for the minorities in the civil services , similarly through the 18th amendment four seats for the minorities have been reserved in the upper house of parliament the Senate. He further informed that the sub- committee of Parliamentary Standing Committees on Minorities is in the process of reviewing discriminatory laws and to prevent misuse of this law against minorities.
Emphasizing the need of international help and support to cope with the devastation caused by recent floods the Minister also launched appeal for flood victims at the Christian Muslim forum saying that all the religions preach humanity and emphasize help to human beings in suffering. He said that it was the duty of believers in interfaith harmony to come forward and help flood victims in Pakistan.
Co - Chairman of Christian in Muslim Forum Dr. Musharraf Hussain who recently visited Pakistan with Archbishop of Canterbury said that he observed that Minorities in Pakistan were confident and well integrated in the mainstream . Conference was chaired by The RT, RVD Dr. Richard Cheetham and other speakers included Mr. Julian Bond , Director Christan Muslim Forum, Dr. Musharraf Hussain Co Chairperson of CMF , and Ms. Anjum Anwar Dialogue Development Officer at the Blackburn Cathedral.
PR. No. 298
Press Release
INDUSTRIAL SECTOR TO ENSURE SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS TO IMPEDE WATER AND AIR POLLUTION
LEGAL ACTIONS WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST WATER AND AIR POLLUTERS: ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
SPECIAL MONITORING CELL HAS BEEN CONSTITUTED FOR INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Islamabad, September 22, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has warned all industrial sector organizations that are becoming sources of Industrial waste to initiate safety measures and ensure installation of treatment plants in their respective industries on emergent on basis to impede Water and Air Pollution otherwise legal actions would be taken against them and environmental laws would be strictly implemented. He instructed Environmental Protection Agency to take action against those Industrial organizations which were releasing dangerous smoke without proper treatment and that are not taking actions to stop inclusion of sewerage disposal into clean water. He also urged that legal action should also be taken against all those concerned government officials who had failed to perform the duties in implementing environmental laws.
He issued these directives while chairing a meeting of environment ministry officials to review the main causes and mitigation measures environmental degradation. He said that Water and Air polluters are national culprits and they would be treated under the law. Environment Minister said that Special Monitoring Cell has been constituted by the Ministry of Environment to monitor Industrial Organization. He urged all factories, mills and industrial owners to act upon environmental laws and promote healthy environmental practices.
Federal Minister appealed to the citizens to identify those industrial units which are disposing off industrial waste in clean drinking water resources without treatment. Government would ensure to take legal actions against them. He urged that Environmental protection is the responsibility of every citizen and Ministry of Environment is taking concrete measures in this context with the participation of general public. He emphasized on different environmental protection and welfare organizations to not only depend on just organizing seminars and workshops but also promote out door activities while visiting congested cities, industrial zones and business sectors and
critically analyze the environmental issues, likewise identify those segments which are working against environmental laws.
Moreover Afridi expressed the need to highlight and aware different segments of society about environmental issues. He said that effective and comprehensive awareness campaign should be started with involvement of general public, students and public private sector. He added that through environment friendly initiatives, we would be able to face environmental challenges and natural disasters like flood, climate change and unexpected rain falls etc. He also expressed the need for cooperation of international community.
Environment Minister while sharing his views said that government is committed to take overcome environmental issues and with cooperation of Media and general community targets can be achieved easily. He advised all concerned officials of the meeting to submit their weekly report about their regular visits to industrial zones and business states.
PR. No. 299
PRESS RELEASE
PM felicitates Bilal Bhutto Zardari on his birthday
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani telephoned Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and congratulated him on his 22nd birthday. He wished him success in his future pursuits. The Prime Minister discussed post-flood situation and rehabilitation plan with the PPP chairman.
PR. No. 300
PRESS RELEASE
PROVINCIAL MINISTERS PPP PUNJAB CALL ON THE PRESIDENT
Islamabad; September 22, 2010A delegation of Provincial Ministers PPP Punjab led by Senior Minister Raja Riaz called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The provincial ministers who attended the meeting besides Raja Riaz included Mr. Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, Finance Minister, Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Sohna, Haji Muhammad Ishaq, Dr Tanvir ul Islam and Mr. Yousaf Ghurki.
Ms Mehreen Anwar Raja, MOS for Law & Justice, Ms Rukhsana Bangash, MNA, Ms Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA, Ms Fouzia Habib, MNA and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar were also present during the meeting.
Matters regarding status of relief and rehabilitation activities in flood affected areas, political situation in Punjab, results of the recently held bye elections in Punjab and party matters came under discussion during the meeting.
Senior Minister Punjab, Raja Riaz briefed the President about the relief and rehabilitation activities in flood affected areas and the political situation in Punjab.
The President while mentioning the success of the party in Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, Sargodha and other constituencies in bye elections appreciated the political work done by the party.
The President during the meeting directed PPP provincial ministers, parliamentarians and party workers in Punjab to play their active role and remain side by side with the flood victims by personally visiting relief camps set up for flood victims in their areas. The President asked the PPP ministers to involve the party and political workers in the relief operations. This was necessary as the task was too big for the government alone to handle and every section of the society needed to be mobilised, he said. The President also asked party workers to remain actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation work for their brethren in the hours of distress. The President said that the close monitoring of the rehabilitation activities by the public representatives is vital as through this mechanism the government could better judge the situation on ground in different areas of the country.
The President said that directives have been issued and a fool proof system of transparency and accountability had been devised by the government for the collection and distribution of relief goods. He said that all donations and relief goods and their disbursement to the provinces and the flood areas will be available on web and everyone can access this information. He said that transparency was the key to combating corruption and a decision had been taken to make the distribution of relief and rehabilitation most transparent, the President said.
The President said that the government is exploiting all available resources to rehabilitate the flood victims to their original dwellings and assured that they would have better homes with modern design and technology.
Raja Riaz also apprised the President about the initiatives taken by the provincial government and the Party for the relief and rehabilitation of flood victims in Punjab.
PR. No. 301
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI CALLS AJK PRESIDENT TO CONDOLE DEATHS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN
Islamabad: September 22, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday telephoned President Azad Jammu Kashmir Raja Zulqarnain Khan and condoled over the tragic deaths of school children in a road accident.
President Zardari said that he was shocked and grieved over the tragic incident in which so many innocent children lost their lives. He also asked the AJK President to convey his sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families. President Zardari also prayed for courage to members of the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude.
The President also asked the AJK President to extend all possible help to the bereaved families in their hour of distress.
PR. No. 302
PRESS RELEASE
STATEMENT ABOUT HIGH EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad, September 22, 2010The government is deeply committed to promote higher education. Without improving quality and quantity of education, prospects of this country will not improve. Government recognizes the efforts of Higher Education Commission and other institutions in promotion of higher education in the country.
Currently the country is facing budgetary crunch. Unfortunately, we are facing natural catastrophe in the form of worst floods. This will require reallocation of resources. All aspects of development spending are being tightly curtailed. Efforts are being made to curtail the expenditure.
Austerity is the theme of the day. Within this theme, efforts are being made to keep the share of higher education. When resources allow, higher education is priority. The committee set up by Prime Minister has met and will reach a conclusion very soon.
Higher Education Commission has been asked to shape its prioritization plan in line with fiscal requirements of the country. This exercise is mainly to help find ways to ensure that the development of Higher Education Commission continues in these difficult times. The impression that the government is not committed to funding higher education is therefore erroneous.
PR. No. 303
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 22, 2010A high level meeting was held today in the Presidency review the progress on the implementation of various ongoing projects undertaken in different part of the country in various sectors with the Chinese assistance. The meeting presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari was also attended by Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal, Minister for agriculture, Mr. Nadeem – ul- Haq, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Mr. Khalil Ahmad, ambassador at large, Mr. Salim H Mandviwala, Chairman BOI, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Salman Bashir, secretary foreign affairs and secretaries of related government ministries and heads of departments.
Briefing the journalists about meeting, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that during President Zardari visit to China in July this year Pakistan and China had agreed to strengthen the strategic relationship, increase the level of economic cooperation and take concrete measures to further bring their peoples closer together. Pakistan and China have signed over sixty MOUs during the last two years in a dozen areas including agriculture, power, roads and highways, health , telecom, railways, education, hybrid seeds technology and sprinkler irrigation.
The spokesperson said that the meeting was informed that bilateral trade between china and Pakistan has been enhanced from $ 2 billion in 2002 to around $ 7 billion. There are about 120 Chinese enterprises working in Pakistan and that under the Five Year Program for trade and economic cooperation 62 projects have been identified, the meeting was informed.
The spokesperson said that the President asked the government to expedite work on the joint collaboration projects.
The President also advised the government to consider involving Chinese expertise and companies in flood control plans with emphasis on diverting flood waters to desert areas away from populated areas.
PR. No. 304
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 22, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday enquired the health of renowned columnist, playwright and intellectual, who has been admitted to a hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage,
The President instructed the federal government to provide best possible medical treatment and bear all the expenses on his treatment.
The President sent him a bouquet and prayed to Allah for his speedy recovery from illness.
PR. No. 305
PRESS RELEASE
SENATE BODY FOR EARLY COMPLETION OF THE HOUSING PROJECTS.
Islamabad, 22nd September,2010The Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works met at the Parliament House today to discuss the Joint Venture Project of PHA and Ms. Nobel Waters besides various other ongoing projects of Federal Government Employees housing foundation and PHA which were being executed under PM directives. The Committee was presided over by Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash and was attended among others by Senators Dr. Mrs. Saeeda Iqbal, Adnan Khan, Sardar Ali Khan, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Muhammad Hummayun Khan, besides Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rehmatullah Kakar and Senior officials of the Ministry, PHA and other attached departments.
The Committee observed that the Ministry of Housing and Works should gear up its efforts to complete the ongoing housing projects at the earliest so that a common man particularly the Government employees may be able to get a housing unit to live. Government employees were facing hardships in this regard and the issue needs to be addressed on war footings, the Committee added. It directed the Ministry to vacate the Chamba House, Lahore from NAB and gave a cut off date of 31-12-2010 to the Ministry for this purpose.
The Committee also reviewed the project of the Ministry signed with M/s. Rufi Builders. It instructed the Ministry to direct the firm to complete all the codal formalities and gave a two months time to the firm for this purpose. In case of failure, the Ministry should finish its agreement with the firm. The Committee had earlier in one of its meeting pointed out that the firm was incapable to execute such a mega project, the Chairman of the Committee Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash said.
The Committee also reviewed the Joint Venture Project of PHA and M/s Noble Waters and directed the quarters concerned to review the layout plan of the project and the prices to be charged from the Government Employees. It observed that maximum relief should be provided to the Government Employees while charging price for a single unit.
The Committee assured its all out support to the Ministry and its attached departments to remove the bottlenecks in the way efficient working and execution of the projects.
PR. No. 306
PRESS RELEASE
DR. AFIA SIDDIQI’S SISITER MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has reiterated that the government would continue to make efforts for the early repatriation of Dr. Afia Siddiqi. The unanimous resolution passed by the National Assembly, he added amply reflects the sentiments of the people.
The Prime Minister was talking to Dr. Fauzia Siddiqi, the sister of Dr. Afia Siddiqi who met him in his Chamber at Parliament House here this evening.
The Prime Minister said that the government had taken up the issue at all the appropriate forums including the legal support extended through Pakistan Embassy in Washington.
Dr. Fauzia Siddiqi appreciated the efforts of the government and thanked all the members of the National Assembly for the passage of resolution
PR. No. 307
PRESS RELEASE
KOHISTAN DELEGATION MEETS PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the across the board allocation of development funds to the Parliamentarians has started showing its results. He added that this has not only provided impetus to the development of far flung areas of the country but also contributed in keeping the elected representatives constantly in touch with the public.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of notables from Kohistan headed by MNA, Mr. Mehboob Ullah Jan which called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon.
Talking about the Kohistan and its tourist resorts, the Prime Minister said that the development of roads infrastructure would pave the way for opening these areas for national and international tourists. He said that the damage done by the recent flash floods in that area has greatly affected the people and infrastructure. However the government is determined to not only rebuild the area but to improve it further. He said that the government would convert the catastrophe into an opportunity by focusing its energies to develop the affected areas and create opportunities for the people.The members of delegation apprised the Prime Minister that due to special attention of the government the roads were very much improved which are now swept away by the floods. They conveyed the gratitude of the people of Koshistan to Prime Minister for taking personal interest in the development of the area. They also informed the Prime Minister about various issues being faced by the people.
Other members of the delegation included, Haji Umar Khan, Malik Hijab Khan, Dr. Mamoon Ullah, Dr. Shamsul Haq, Mr. Ehsanullh and Mr. Mohibullah.
PR. No. 308
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gialni and presented two cheques worth Rs. 14 million for the Prime Minister’s relief Fund for flood affectees.
The cheques included Rs. 4 million on behalf of Federal Board of Education and Rs. 10 million on behalf of the Federal Directorate of Education.
Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Muhammad Azam Swati also called on Prime Minister separately and presented water coolers and solar lights for the flood affectees.
PR. No. 309
PRESS RELEASE
PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that although the magnitude of the devastation caused by the floods is huge yet the government utilized all its resources to minimize human sufferings to a great extent due to timely action. He specially mentioned about the effective measures which helped to prevent the epidemics in the affected areas.
The Prime Minister was talking to Parliamentarians who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening.
Appreciating the role played by the individual philintrophists, the private organizations, the entrepreneurs and the media organizations during the relief activities, the Prime Minister said that this kind of spirit is the hallmark of Pakistani nation. He expressed confidence that the nation would exhibit the same zeal the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction for its early would be completion.
The Prime Minister asked the Parliamentarians to personally visit the affected areas and monitor in the distribution of compensation cards so as to ensure transparency and efficiency. He said that it would also keep the MNAs and MPA abreast with the local needs of the people.The Prime Minister welcomed the newly sworn in MNA, Khadija Aamir Waran and congratulated her.
The Parliamentarians included Punjab Finance Minister, Mr. Tanvir Ashraf Kaira, Ms. Rukhsana Bangash, MNA, and Ms. Khadija Aamir Waran, MNA and Mr. Aamir Yar Waran, ex MNA.
PR. No. 310
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINSTER MEETS HIS COUNTERPARTS OF IRAN, JAPAN AND SINGAPORE
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, met with the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Japan and Singapore on sidelines of the 65th UN General Assembly Session in New York today. The meetings provided an opportunity to review bilateral relations as well as exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest, says a press release received from New York here today.
All the Foreign Ministers expressed sympathies on the tragic loss of life and extensive devastation caused by floods in Pakistan and reiterated their support to the people and Government and the People of Pakistan. The Foreign Ministers also assured their continuous support to Pakistan during rehabilitation and reconstruction phases in the flood-affected areas.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki of Iran referred to close personal engagement of the top Iranian leadership in providing relief assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan. He said that it was a reflection of close fraternal relations between the two countries. On bilateral relations, the two Foreign Ministers reviewed progress on Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, supply of 1000 Megawatts of electricity by Iran for Baluchistan and 100 Megawatt of electricity for Gwadar. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the next meeting of the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) in Islamabad this year. Foreign Minister Mottaki will lead the Iranian delegation. They also agreed to convene the Sixth Joint Trade Committee meeting at an early date. The Foreign Ministers agreed to further improve the existing cooperation on security/counter terrorism and border control.
Japanese Foreign Minster, Mr. Seiji Maehara of Japan recounted the assistance Japan has extended in the flood affected areas of Pakistan. He said Japan has also sent two mediacl teams to provide healthcare in the affected areas. On bilateral relations, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to further enhance the existing trade and economic relations. Foreign Minister Qureshi invited Japanese investments in agriculture, manufacturing and agro-based industry. He also sought progress on quarantine regulations to facilitate export of Pakistani fruits to Japan. Foreign Minster Seiji Maehara assured high-level participation from Japan in the Friends of Democratic Pakistan meeting in Brussels in October 2010. The two Foreign Ministers also reviewed existing levels of cooperation between the two countries in the United Nations and other International fora.
In his meeting with Foreign Minister George Yong-Boon Yeo of Singapore, Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi discussed prospects of upgrading relations between Pakistan and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Foreign Minister welcomed investments from Singapore and sought progress on institutionalizing arrangements for expanding bilateral economic relations. Foreign Minister Yong-Boon Yeo urged early negotiations on Free Trade Arrangements between the two countries. He briefed the Foreign Minister on economic scenario in East Asia. The two Foreign Ministers also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan-India bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the United Nations and other International fora.
PR. No. 311
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: September 22, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Wednesday night. The meeting was also attended by some Cabinet members and the Party leaders present in Islamabad.
The meeting that lasted for about three hours reviewed in depth the current political situation in the country.
The meeting reiterated the Party’s resolve to protect and strengthen parliamentary democracy in the country and also defend and respect all state institutions.
The President applauded the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for their resolve to strengthen Parliamentary democracy in the country.
The meeting was attended by Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Mr. Nazar Muhmmad Gondal, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Senator Rehman A. Malik, Syed Khurshid Shah, Dr. Babar Awan, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mian Raza Rabbani, Senator Jahangir Badar, Ms. Rukhsana Bangash, Ms. Fouzia Habib, Ms. Fouzia Wahab, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar.
