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PR. No. 196
PRESS RELEASE
Order
Islamabad:
January 23, 2008
S.R.O 73(I) 2008. The Federal Government is pleased to direct
that the following further amendments shall be made in the Import Policy
Order, 2007, namely:-
In the aforesaid order, in appendix-G against serial No.
1065, after the words in brackets in column(3), full stop and the
following words shall be added,
“Short staple cotton of 0.5 million bales shall also be
importable via land route through wagah border.”
**Ahmad**
PR. No. 197
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan
and australia to further boost ties
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Pakistan and Australia
have underlined the need for deeper and closer cooperation between the two
countries in the areas of common interest. This was discussed at a meeting
between Caretaker Federal Minister for Defence & Defence Production, Syed
Saleem Abbas Jillani, and the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan,
Ms. Zorica McCarthy, who called on him in
Islamabad today. The Minister informed the envoy that
Pakistan attached great
importance to its ties with
Australia
as the two countries enjoyed excellent relations and have commonality of
perceptions on regional and international issues.
The Minister also highlighted the counter-terrorism measures
taken by Pakistan
against the war on terror. He reiterated the govt’s resolve to combating
and eliminating the menace of terrorism and extremism. The Australian
envoy appreciated the key role played by
Pakistan
in this regard. The meeting expressed satisfaction over the existing level
of relationship and stressed the need for further expanding and
strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields for the mutual
benefit of the two sides.
**Ahmad**
PR. No. 198
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN HAS BRIGHT SCOPE FOR INVESTMENT IN AGRI SECTOR: ISA JAN
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Prince
Muhammad Isa Jan Baloch has said
Pakistan has bright scope
for investment in agriculture sector as the government is providing all
facilities to encourage the foreign investment.
He expressed these views in a meeting with Jordan Ambassador
Dr. Saleh Ahmed Al Jawarneh, who called on him here on Wednesday.
The Ambassador desired that
Jordan will import mango
from Pakistan and for the purpose both the countries will sign MoU. The
Food Minister was also invited to visit Jordan for this purpose. Both the
countries should enhance trade, he added.
The Food Minister said the meeting of a steering committee
should be called which was constituted for cooperation in agricultural
policy, plant protection, scientific research and technology transfer.
On the occasion, the minister said both the countries have
old and brotherly relations which should grow with the passage of time. We
should take steps for the promotion of agriculture sector, which will
cause alleviation in poverty.
The minister informed that
Pakistan government has
launched mega projects for the promotion of livestock and upgrade water
management system.
The Minister ensured the Ambassador that
Pakistan will extend all
possible facilities for the promotion of Jordan agriculture.
SG/Ahmad
PR.
No. 199
PRESS RELEASE
86.5 Million Saplings to be planted during the Spring Tree Planting
Campaign 2008
Rs. 12 billion to be spent for Developing Forest Resources in the country:
Decides Inter-Provincial Meeting
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
More than 86.5 Million saplings would be planted all over the
country during the Spring Tree Planting Campaign-2008 and Mega Projects
for development of the forestry sector resources of the country would be
initiated by the forest departments of all four provinces and AJK at an
estimated cost of Rs.12 billion. The objective of these mega projects is
to enhance tree cover from existing 5 % to 6 % under the Millennium
Development Goals (MDG). This was decided in the Inter-Provincial meeting
on Spring Planting Campaign -2008 held at Ministry of Environment here
today. The meeting presided over by Caretaker Federal Minister for
Environment Syed Wajid Hussain Bukhari.
Talking to the media people after the meeting, the caretaker
Federal Minster stressed the need that every citizen should come forward
and play his/her due role to make this campaign a success to achieve the
objective of a pollution-free
Pakistan. He said that during
this campaign the provincial forest deportments would work in
collaboration with the general public, NGOs and corporate sector
Spring Tree planting campaign target, he said, includes
planting 22 million saplings in
Punjab , 12 million in Sindh, 27million in NWFP, 1.5 million in
Balochistan, 16 million in AJK, 4 million in Northern Areas and 4 million
saplings by other departments including CDA.
The Minister said that main objectives of mega projects in
the forestry sector are to enhance the forest cover in live with MDG
targets and to develop new carbon sinks for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
to meet international obligations under
Kyoto Protocol. These
objectives also include institutional strengthening of provincial forest
departments and evolve an effective monitoring mechanism for protection
and of new plantation and conservation of the existing forests resources
of the country.
Under the 6-year Mega Projects Plan for development of
forestry sector resources in the country, the minister said, Rs. 3678.664
million would be spent in
Punjab , Rs. 3003.766 million in NWFP, Rs1484.00 million in Sindh,
Rs. 2157.823 million in Balochistan and Rs.1663.043 in AJK. The
implementation strategy involves conservation of biodiversity, alleviation
of poverty by enhancing agriculture and livestock production and
increasing wood production in the country. “Special emphasis would be laid
upon aforestation, reforestation and developing nurseries and seed
orchards. A well-planned mechanism would be evolved to monitor the
execution of the projects so as to ensure proper utilization of funds,
protection of the forest resources and to maximize the survival rate of
new planted saplings”; the Minister maintained.
Secretary Environment Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Quershi, Balochistan
Forest Minister Mir Murad Abro, NWFP Forest Minister Ijaz Ali Durrani,
Punjab Forest Minister Pir Saad Ahsan-ud-Din, Inspector General (Forest),
Dr. Bashir Ahmed Wani, Provincial Secretaries Forest , representatives of
the relevant sectors, NGOs and Civil Society.
FR/ank.
PR. No. 200
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE CONDUCIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS ON
TIME
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has said that
the interim government has taken appropriate steps to ensure conducive
atmosphere during the forthcoming general elections on the February 18 th.
The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of
Senators who called on him at the PM’s Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said the caretaker government has ensured
continuity of the reform-oriented economic policies and would continue
taking steps for providing basic necessities of life to the people at
their doorstep.
The Prime Minister said the country is presently facing two
major challenges i.e. rise in extremism and militancy and shortage of
energy. He said the government is taking long-term measures to meet these
challenges. The best course of action for the citizens, he added, is to
follow the injunctions of Islam in their letter and spirit. He also
emphasized that conservation of energy is the only method to ensure
continuity of progress and prosperity.
The Prime Minister said that because of the timely policies
of the government the situation of wheat and atta has considerably
improved in all parts of the country. He appreciated the spirit and
cooperation of the people in facing the situation with patience, which
helped in resolving the issue.
The Senators told the Prime Minister that the recent approval
by federal Cabinet for the issuance of ration cards to the underprivileged
segment of the society would help in reducing poverty while bringing about
stability in the prices of essential commodities in the open market.
**Ahmad**
PR. No. 201
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN DESIRES EXTENSIVE TRADE RELATIONS WITH
KUWAIT,
UAE AND YEMEN
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has said that
Pakistan attaches
high value to its brotherly relations with Kuwait as both the countries
share common faith, history and culture and the two countries enjoy
unanimity of views on most of the global and regional issues.
The Prime Minister was talking to the newly appointed
Ambassador of Kuwait to
Pakistan, Mr. Aziz Raheem
Al-Dehani, who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat
today.
The Prime Minister said that the deep rooted relations
between Pakistan
and Kuwait cover political, diplomatic, religious, trade, economy and a
host of other areas and the two countries have always stood by each other
at time of need.
The Prime Minister said a large number of Pakistanis living
in Kuwait
are contributing significantly towards the development of Kuwait and
government of Pakistan will send more skilled manpower to Kuwait as per
demand of the respective government.
The Prime Minister said that and Kuwaiti investments in
Pakistan are
growing in all sectors of national economy, thus contributing
significantly in strengthening the overall relations between the two
countries. He said that trade and economic relations between the two
countries are moving well but there is more potential in this sector to
further enhance the relations.
The Ambassador said that his government greatly values its
relations with
Pakistan
and would be keen to further promote these relations in all areas
particularly in economic and trade. He said that 120000 Pakistanis are
working in Kuwait and appreciated their contribution towards the
development of Kuwait and said his country is interested to increase the
manpower from Pakistan. He also appreciated the role of Pakistan army
towards the liberation of Kuwait as well as removing mines.
The Ambassador of UAE, Mr. Ali Muhammad Bin Hammad Al-Shamsi
also called on the Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro here at
the Prime Minister Secretariat today.
The Prime Minister said that
Pakistan values its close
and multifaceted relations with the UAE which are rooted in common faith
and shared heritage, values and culture.
The Prime Minister appreciated the investments made by the
UAE companies in
Pakistan
in various sectors of national economy. He said that Pakistan greatly
appreciates the interest taken by the UAE’s private sector in Pakistan’s
telecom, banking, infrastructure projects, petrochemicals, real estate,
agri-business and tourism.
The Prime Minister called upon the need to further promote
the existing economic and trade relations between the two countries as
there are more areas where both the countries would explore avenues of
cooperation to benefit the people of both the countries.
The Ambassador said that UAE has a special and historic
relationship with
Pakistan.
He said that UAE businessmen will continue to invest in Pakistan.
Investment, he said, comes only where conditions are conducive and the
people of UAE and its investors have great faith in investors friendly
polices of Pakistan. He said his government would continue to encourage
its private sector to enter into joint ventures with their counterparts in
Pakistan.
The Ambassador of Yemen, Mr. Abdul Elah Mohamed Hajar also
called on the Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and extended the
invitation from his government to the Prime Minister to visit
Yemen, which the Prime
Minister has accepted.
The Prime Minister said that
Pakistan greatly values
it relations with Yemen as these relations stems from common faith,
history and commonality of views on world affairs. He said that both the
countries should explore possibilities in enhancing the economic and trade
relations. He said his forthcoming visit to Yemen would help in further
strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister said that
Pakistan would welcome
Yemeni students to study in Pakistani educational institutions and would
provide all possible cooperation in this regard.
The Ambassador said that
Pakistan is an important
country of OIC and its contribution towards world peace is commendable. He
said that his country is keen to further enhance its economic and trade
relations with Pakistan.
**Ahmad**
PR. No. 202
PRESS RELEASE
WORLD BANK DELEGATION MEETS HEALTH MINISTER
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
A meeting of the World Bank authorities met the Caretaker
Health Minister Ejaz Rahim here today. The World Bank team comprised Mr.
Bengamin Lovenson, Ms. Shahnaz Kazi, and Dr. Inaamul haq. Secretary Health
Mr. Khushnood Lashari was also present during the proceedings.
World Bank Team made an important presentation to the Federal
Health Minister on whether Pakistan was on track in the achievement of
Health MDG1 (i.e. Nutritional Status of Children), MDG-4 (I.E. Infant and
Child Mortality Rates) and MDG-5 (i.e. Maternal Mortality Rate.
The meeting noted that compared to South Asian countries, the
nutrition status of Pakistani children under 5 years of age in terms of
weight is better. However, there is a need to overcome micro-nutrient
deficiencies especially in iron and zinc. The situation of vitamin-A and
Iodine had shown considerable progress. Cross sectoral nutrition
interventions were stressed through National Programs.
As regards Infant and Child mortality rates, the under-5
mortality rate in
Pakistan
is 94 per 1000 live births whereas it is 87 for
India
and 78 for Bangladesh. The indicator for Pakistan is moving in a positive
direction but as against needed 4% rate of decline, our interventions only
created 1.5% rate of decline of child mortality rates. Consequently,
greater efforts are required in order to reach the MDG Goals.
It was noted that despite noticeable improvement in
post-neonatal mortality, the neonatal (upto 28 days) mortality rates of
about 50% of overall child mortality needs to be addressed as a focus area
of the future. There was a case for Immunization activities and coverage
to be more strongly pursued, especially at the provincial and district
levels.
A very interesting finding of World Bank study is that Infant
mortality rates of girl child is lower than that of male child of under-5
years. Also, statistical observation is that no gender discrimination is
visible in nutrition sector amongst children of under 5 years of age. This
shows the inaccuracy of general perceptions in this matter.
On Maternal Mortality Rates, it was agreed that unless
visible improvement in the targets of Skilled Birth Attendant delivery and
facility-based delivery are achieved, the situation would not dramatically
improve. There was a need felt for better results in Total Fertility Rate
and Contraception Prevalence Rates for which a much closer collaboration
between the provincial and district health outlets and family planning
facilities was required.
The Federal Minister of Health appreciated the briefing and
pointed out that vision 2030 document is already cognizant of these
challenges. The reform policies will be further taken up in a meeting of
Health and Population Ministers which is likely to take place in due
course of time.
DK/Ahmad
PR. No. 203
PRESS RELEASE
PAK DEFENCE POLICY BASED ON PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has said that
Pakistan’s defence
policy is based on peaceful coexistence in conformity with the prevailing
geo-strategic environment and the national aspirations.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Caretaker Federal
Minister for Defence, Mr. Saleem Abbas Jilani, who called on him at here
this afternoon.
The Prime Minster said that the government is fully cognizant
of the country’s defence needs and will continue making all necessary
resources available to modernize and upgrade its defence needs in view of
the current technological developments.
The Prime Minister said that
Pakistan does not harbour
aggressive designs against any country and has no intention to enter into
an arm race. He said Pakistan is playing a stabilizing role in the region
and believes in settlement of all outstanding disputes through diplomatic
means in a peaceful manner.
The Prime Minister said that peace could only be achieved
through strength; therefore,
Pakistan has to maintain
a minimum credible deterrence. For maintaining this deterrence, he said,
the country depends on both strategic and conventional initiatives.
Mr. Jilani briefed the Prime Minister about the steps being
taken by the Ministry of Defence for further improving the defence
capability of the country.
**Ahmad**
PR. No. 204
PRESS RELEASE
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting
Senator Nisar. A. Memon Presided the PEMRA License Award Ceremony here
today.
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
The Caretaker Federal Minister called this day, a historic
one as ‘Pakistani media is entering in a news political phase’ with 12
more private TV channels getting regular licenses today. There were 36 TV
channels already been operating in
Pakistan and with these
12 coming in , the number has gone up to 48, he said further. In addition
to this those who are given landing rights will make the total of
approximately 80 channels on air in Pakistan. Approximately 106 FM
channels are also operating in
Pakistan,
he added.
This major initiative of opening up of media is based on the
vision of President Pervez Musharraf, following which PEMRA ordinance in
2002, Government promotes policy of media freedom in the spirit of
democracy, he said. The steady growth of media industry in the country
requires us to be more responsible and efficient, he told the licensees.
While mentioning the core task of caretaker Government, that
is provision of enabling environment for the free fair, transparent
elections, he urged the media to support democratic values and help
defying uncertainties in the people. He said that he has directed PTV to
give equitable coverage to all political parties and asked the private
channels to support in March towards democracy by encouraging people to
participate in elections, help identifying issues and give level-playing
field in their coverage to all political parties.
While talking about the situation of Law and order in the
country, he said that situation is improving and during the event of
Ashura, no major incident took place. Emphasizing the role of media in
this regard, he asked the media to ‘Condemn the terrorists through their
reports ‘and also emphasize the human element in the news. The Minister
urged the media to launch a cohesive campaign against terrorists so that
an enabling and peaceful environment would be ensured for the upcoming
polls.
Mentioning the issues of media in the country, the Minister
said that the Government believes in self regulation, and Government can
withdraw certain clause which PBA, CPNE, APNS objects to, if they
incorporate them in their self regulation policy. He said , today all
channels are on air , and the code of conduct is same for all the media
operating in the country.
He congratulated the new license holders and other existing
Pakistani companies for investing in the viable media industry and said
that, Government expect them to be more responsible for their role in
media for improving the environment. He also congratulated Chairman PEMRA
Mr. Iftikhar Rashid for his hard work and efforts to bring media to this
steady growth.
Secretary Information Mr. Anwar Mahmood also addressed
during the occasion, saying that ‘ generally Private channels have come up
the expectation’ and this is the transition phase of media development in
the country and Ministry is working to bridge the training gaps’ he hoped
that this phase would soon be matured. He called the growth of private
media channels in the country a challenge for PTV itself.
Chairman PEMRA Mr. Iftikhar Rashid in his opening remarks
said that, Media freedom must be taken up with the meaning of ‘what is
ought to be said’, Government believes in media freedom and will continue
to facilitate all license holders.
Those who received the award include Mr. Wasim Ur Rehman CEO
Sabz Baat, Mr.Asif Aziz Zuberi CEO Aaj TV, Mian Amer Mahmood CEO Dunya TV,
Mr. Zahoor Ahmed CEO Royal TV, Mr. Sultan Ali Lakhani , CEO Express News,
Wuddod Qureshi, from Jinnah TV, Mr. Muhammad Athar Qazi, CEO KTN and
Kashish , Mr. Ghulam Nabi Morai CEO Mehran TV, Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Sidhu
CEO Punjab TV and Star Asia and Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah Rizvi from Dharti
TV.
The Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting Syed
Anwar Mahmmod, Chairman PEMRA Mr. Iftikhar Rashid, other senior officials
of the Ministry and the License awardees attended the event.
**Ahmad**
PR.No.205
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT IS LAUNCHING SCHEME TO ISSUE CARDS TO THE LOW
INCOME PEOPLE ONLY
Islamabad: January
23, 2008
In order to facilitate the poor of the poorest, the
government has decided to launch a scheme of issuing cards to the low
income people in order to facilitate them to get subsidized essential food
items from the Utility Stores at discount price. This is a poverty driven
measure, the Prime Minister said and the issuance of such cards would
strictly be aimed at targeting and facilitating low income people who can
not afford to buy essential commodities from the open market.
The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting to review the
performance of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) here at the Prime
Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister Constituted a Committee to collect the
relevant data of the low income people from all across the country from
all the concerned departments including Baitul Mal, Social Welfare
Department, Zakat & Ushr Department, NADRA, provincial governments as well
as the local governments so that the scheme could be launched on February
8, 2008.
The committee constituted would collect data, eligibility
criteria and all the other modalities within ten days so that the scheme
could be launched on scheduled date.
With the launching of this scheme, the Prime Minister said
the poor segment of society will be highly benefited and will be
facilitated to get essential food items including wheat, edible oil, rice,
sugar and pulses at affordable price which would be much less in price
compared to the open market.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the proposal by the
USC to
provide clean drinking water to the people at their outlets at a minimal
price which at present is very high in the open market.
The Prime Minister also directed USC to expand their network
all across the country, particularly in the rural areas to cater for the
need for low income people and ensure availability of essential
commodities at affordable price. He also called upon the need to involve
provincial government for their active participation in this poverty
driven measure. While talking on the issue of development of new
warehouses, the Prime Minister said that the network of storage places
should spread over all the four provinces to meet the demand of the people
at time of need in the shortest possible time.
The Prime Minister also asked MINFAL to evolve standard
operating procedure to ensure the availability of wheat and wheat flour as
well as to ensure stability in prices. In this regard, he said that
storage places should be monitored regularly with the cooperation of other
agencies as well as provincial food departments to ensure that declared
storage places are being utilized properly besides monitoring the stock
movement.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the performance of
Utility Stores Corporation (USC) said that it is the biggest network of
retail business in the country, therefore, Utility Stores Corporation
should start introducing their own product branding as well as ensuring
quality and standardization of their products.
Earlier, in his presentation, the Secretary Industries
briefed the meeting about the various initiatives undertaken by the
USC to
provide essential food items to the general public at affordable price.
The meeting was informed that USC was started in 1971 with only 20 outlets
now it has expanded to 4500 retail outlets in the country. The meeting was
further apprised that during 2006-07 a subsidy of Rs. 9882 million was
provided on the essential food items including wheat, rice, sugar, edible
oil and pulses.
The meeting was informed that an expansion plan is underway
to modernize the existing stores as well as to increase the number of
outlets to 6000 in the near future.
The meeting was attended by the Federal Minister for
Industries & Production, Mr. Salman Taseer, Deputy Chairman Planning
Commission, Dr. Mohammad Akram Sheikh and other concerned officials.
DSG/ank
PR.No.206
PRESS RELEASE
INDEPENDENT AND RESPONSIBLE MEDIA ESSENTIAL TO STRENGTHEN SOCIO-POLITICAL
& ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
Islamabad: January
23, 2008
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro said that the
government believes that independent and responsible media is essential to
strengthen the socio-political and economic activities of the country. The
media, he said, will have to play its due role during the forthcoming
general elections to help create conducive atmosphere in which people can
exercise their right of vote in a peaceful manner.
The Prime Minister was talking to a four member delegation of
Sukkar Press Club which met him here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat
this evening.
The Prime Minister said that the government would always
support the expansion and development of media simultaneously focusing on
improving facilities for the journalists.
The Prime Minister said that regional media has a significant
role to play in promoting harmony and understanding among people of
different regions of the country. Regional media, he said, has a direct
access to the common man at grass root level and it can help them to
comprehend the national issues in a positive prospective. It also has a
responsibility to explain the benefits of various policies which directly
affect the lives of common people, he added.
The members of the delegation expressed confidence that the
government would be able to maintain the desired discipline and atmosphere
before and during the general elections so that people can participate in
this democratic process. They assured complete support to government’s
effort to establish peace and harmony in the society.
The delegation also apprised the Prime Minister of the
problems of the journalists in Sindh and asked for assistance to
strengthen their representative organizations as well as the Press Clubs.
They also mentioned about the problems confronted by some of the
journalists during the recent riots in the province.
The Minister for Human Rights Mr. Ansar Barni was also
present in the meeting.
DSG/wh
PR.
No. 207
PRESS RELEASE
TEXTILE IS THE BACK BONE OF PAKISTAN ECONOMY AND
GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE ALL POSSIBLE SUPPORT TO THIS SECTOR TO IMPROVE ITS
COMPETITIVENESS
Islamabad, January 23, 2008
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro called upon all
the stakeholders of the textile sector to get together and prepare
proposals for improving the production and the quality of cotton to meet
the exact needs of the textile industry. The improvement in the quality
and quantity of cotton yield, he said, will strengthen the competitiveness
of the local industry and facilitate export of textile products.
The Prime Minister was talking to a seven member delegation
of All Pakistan Textile Manufacturing Association (APTMA) led by Mr. M. S.
Tariq Saud Acting Chairman of the Association, here at the Prime
Minister’s Secretariat this evening.
The Prime Minister asked the concerned organizations to focus
on areas and regions which can give optimum yield of cotton so that better
crop could be procured. Simultaneously, he said, the textile industry has
to be made more efficient to make it cost effective and profitable since
it is a valuable asset of the country.
The Prime Minister said that textile industry is the backbone
of our industrial sector and the government is committed to facilitate the
private sector to improve their competitiveness and productivity. He
emphasized the need to incorporate more innovation techniques as well as
research to enable the industry to grab a better share in the global
textile market.
The Prime Minister while appreciating the innovations and use
of new technology adopted by the textile industry expressed confidence
that the government initiative of “Clean Cotton Project” to develop the
indigenous cotton processing industry in line with the internationally
acceptable standards would bare fruit.
The Prime Minister asked all the concerned Ministries and
Organizations to prepare a long-term comprehensive plan to help all the
industries including the textile industry in meeting their energy needs
both for present as well as future expansion and modernization. He assured
the delegation of APTMA that the government would extended every possible
assistance to support the textile sector including the textile
manufacturing in increasing its out put. He asked the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Resources as well as the Ministry of Water and Power
to give preference to the textile industry in meeting their energy needs
as soon there is availability of gas and electricity in time to come.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of the problems
being faced by their industry and asked for its early resolution so that
textile industry which is the back bone of Pakistan economy could further
flourish and earn foreign exchange for the country. The delegation
appreciated the investment friendly policies of the government and its
persistent attention to expand and upgrade the textile sector in
Pakistan
. The delegation also thanked the Prime Minister for the support provided
by the government to the private sector.
DSG/ank
PR.
No. 208
PRESS RELEASE
SPOKESMAN REJECTS THE IFJ MISSION REPORT
Islamabad: January 23, 2008
Spokesman of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has
rejected the mission report of the International Federation of Journalists
(IFJ) and the South Asian Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) as contrary to
facts and not reflecting the proper context of the media freedom in
Pakistan.
Commenting on the IFJ report carried by a section of the
press, the spokesman said, the media in Pakistan enjoys unparalleled
freedom in the history of the country. All the newspapers are free to
report according to their editorial policy. All private TV and Radio
Channels are on air without any hindrance and are following the
internationally recognized code of conduct practiced all over the world,
the spokesman said.
As regards the withdrawal of two media laws, the spokesman
said that the issue was discussed by the Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting with the representative bodies of APNS, CPNE and PFUJ and it
was agreed that clauses of concern to the media in these laws would be
withdrawn. In return, the media bodies would furnish their nominations to
make the Press Council functional and also send their recommendations for
the required amendments to these laws. While the Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting has fulfilled its commitment and sent its recommendations
for the required amendments in the Newspapers, News Agencies, Books
Registration Ordinance, 2002 as amended on November 3, 2007, the response
of the media bodies is still awaited.
The spokesman further clarified that Director of the PID was
nominated by the Ministry to liaise with PFUJ, the judicial and police
officials for resolving the issue of FIRs against RIUJ/PFUJ. However, the
representatives of these bodies have not yet approached the officials
concerned in this regard. The Ministry would be more than happy to help
the journalists’ community but legal procedures have to be fulfilled, as
no citizen is above the law, the spokesman added. |
