PR. No. 312 PRESS RELEASE MEETING OF OIC CONTACT GROUP ON JAMMU AND KASHMIR Islamabad  23 September 2010 The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on the sidelines of the 65th Session of the UN General Assemblyin New York, today. Chaired by OIC Secretary General Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Foreign Minister of Turkey and senior representatives from Saudi Arabia and Niger. Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir also attended the meeting, says a press release received here today. In his remarks, the Secretary General expressed OIC’s strong solidarity with the Kashmir cause. Taking note of the ongoing peaceful movement for freedom in Indian Occupied Kashmir, he called for an end to human rights violations. The Secretary General also stressed the need for resumption of the dialogue process between Pakistan and India to achieve a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue. In his address, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed appreciation to OIC for the strong and consistent support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for the right to self determination. He focused on the peaceful and non-violent struggle of the Kashmiri people and underlined Pakistan’s diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmir cause. Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Attique Ahmad Khan dwelt on the sacrifices rendered by the Kashmiri people. He urged India to reciprocate Pakistan’s sincere efforts to resolve the Kashmir issue. In his statement, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, representing the True Representatives of the Kashmiri People, gave an update on the ongoing situation in Indian occupied Kashmir. He stressed that the Kashmiri leadership including Syed Ali Gilani, Mir Waiz Omar Farooq and Yasin Malik remain under house arrest in Indian occupied Kashmir. As such, Mir Waiz Omar Faooq could not come to New York to attend today’s meeting of the Contact Group. He emphasized that need for continued support of the international community to the peaceful and unarmed struggle of the Kashmiri people. Later, the True Representative presented a Memorandum on Kashmir to the OIC Secretary General. PR. No. 313 PRESS RELEASE QUADRILATERAL MEETING OF AFGHANISTAN, PAKISTAN, TAJIS\KISTAN AND RUSSIAN FEDERATION Islamabad 23 September 2010. The Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and the Russian Federation met in New York today, on the sidelines of the 65th United Nations General Assembly Session. It was a follow up meeting to the Quadrilateral Summit held in Sochi (Russia) in August 2010, says a press release received here today. The Foreign Ministers reviewed implementation of the Sochi declaration with regards to trans-regional economic projects, counter-narcotics efforts and fight against terrorism. The Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Tajikistan and the Russian Federation congratulated Afghanistan for successful holding of parliamentary elections on 19 September 2010. They also reiterated support for President Hamid Karzai’s initiatives of reconciliation and reintegration. The Foreign Ministers agreed to consolidate regional cooperation including with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. They also underlined the need for adequate preparations for the Quadrilateral Summit, scheduled to be held next year. The Foreign Ministers also expressed sympathies with Pakistan on precious loss of lives and wide-spread devastations caused by flash floods in the country. PR. No. 314 PRESS RELEASE UFC GROUP MEETING Islamabad, September 23, 2010:- The Uniting for Consensus (Ufc) Group held a high-level meeting in New York to take stock of the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council, says a press release received here today. The Group took note of the results achieved during the 64th Session of the General Assembly that has shown, once again, the need for flexibility and compromise to achieve a comprehensive reform that would render the Security Council more equitable, democratic and accountable. It underlined the flexibility shown by Uniting for Consensus, the only Group that has moved forward from its original position by proposing a new negotiating platform during the intergovernmental negotiations. The Group, recalling with appreciation the leadership of the President of the 64th General Assembly and convinced that the impartial role of the President is crucial in building confidence among Member States, expressed its commitment to maintain a continuous dialogue and work closely with the new President, H.E. Mr. Joseph Deiss. The Group highlighted unanimously the fact that the United Nations General Assembly is the only legitimate forum to decide the reform of the Security Council and, in this context, remains committed to finding a comprehensive negotiated solution which will enjoy the widest possible support of the membership. Finally, the Group reaffirmed its commitment to the other important and interrelated components of the United Nations reform process, particularly the revitalization of the General Assembly. PR. No. 315 PRESS RELEASE Malaysian Palm Oil Industry Donates RM 1.4 Million for the Flood Victims of Pakistan Islamabad 23 September, 2010 The Malaysian Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, Tan Sri Bernad Dompok formally notified of an amount worth RM 1.4 million equal to Rs. 39.20 million to the High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid, in a ceremony held in Putrajaya, yesterday. The amount will be used for providing palm oil based products like ghee to the flood victims in Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister Palm Oil Industries, high officials of the Ministry of Plantation and representative of fund contributing companies, says a press release received here today. The Malaysian Minister while speaking on the occasion said that Malaysia enjoys cordial and brotherly relations with Pakistan and at this time of need, Malaysia stands should to shoulder with its Pakistani brothers and sisters to assist them in alleviating the sufferings of the twenty million flood affectees. He hoped that the situation will soon become normal to enable the affected people to resume their normal lives.   He said that RM. 1.4 million donation was proposed to be  used to provide venaspati ghee packs to the flood victims through the distributing network of relief and aid agencies. He further informed that  relief goods in the form of palm oil based products have so far reached  thirty eight thousand flood affected families. He said that deeply moved by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) had established a fund with initial contribution of  RM 0.7 million and the other companies including Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, FELDA Holding Berhad, Sime Darby Berhad, IOI Corporation, Wilmar, Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co and many other had contributed generously to reach the figure of  RM 1.4 Million. The High Commissioner thanked the Malaysian Minister for this substantial donation of palm oil based products and said that since the unprecedented floods hit Pakistan, the Malaysian government and people of Malaysia have contributed both in Cash and Kind as well as sent teams of volunteers to help the flood affectee. He said that as floods recede Pakistan would be focusing on reconstruction and rehabilitation phase which was an equally enormous and daunting challenge and would require the help of international community including Malaysia. He urged the Malaysian construction and housing sector to come forward and help government of Pakistan in rebuilding of roads, highways,  bridges, schools, hospital, and rebuilding and construction of two (2) million houses which have been destroyed due to devastating floods. Pakistan is one of Malaysia’s traditional export destinations for palm oil and palm based products. In 2009, Pakistan  with an import of RM 4.24 billion worth of palm oil and palm oil based products was the third largest importing country from Malaysia. PR. No. 316 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, 23 September 2010 Prime 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. PR. No. 317 PRESS RELEASE BILL CLINTON ANNOUNCED CGI INITIATIVES FOR PAKISTAN Islamabad, 23 September 2010 President Bill Clinton in the opening Plenary of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) announced an initiative for Pakistan to assist those affected by the monsoon flood disaster in Pakistan, says a press release received here today. 2.         The initiative would include provision of clean drinking water, food and medical facilities to the flood affected people. The CGI would work out modalities in collaboration with its partner agencies for the implementation of the initiative. 3.         The international agencies that would work with CGI include Kashf Foundation that would work for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of communities affected by the 2010 floods in Pakistan through clean drinking water projects and rebuilding livelihoods. A specific fund has been created for the purpose with an amount of $ 28.98 million. 4.         Concern Worldwide US in collaboration with CGI would provide food security and self-reliance, agricultural support for small farmers, transitional shelter, income generation projects, water, sanitation, hygiene services and infrastructure projects. The total amount earmarked for this project is $ 16.45 million. 5.         Similarly, Google Inc. has donated $ 1 million for flood relief efforts as well as in-kind technology support.  Google would also assist in the relief efforts by publishing updated imagery, news videos and ways to donate. 6.         ACS Energy Advisors LLC would deliver water to Pakistan in conjunction with World Water and Solar Technologies would bring solar powered water purification and energy generation to the flood affected areas. It would also provide installed, sustainable infrastructure for the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected areas. An amount of $ 23.6 million has been allocated for the purpose. 7.         CGI is already engaged in two other projects in Pakistan in close collaboration with Dangote Group for an estimated value of $ 2.0 million in food relief and with Save the Children for a total value of $ 25 million in health, nutrition, food, shelter and child protection. PR. No. 318 PRESS RELEASE MOIP OPENLY INVITES ALL TO GIVE INPUTS/FEEDBACK ON REVISED DRAFT OF INDUSTRIAL POLICY Islamabad: September 23, 2010 Ministry of Industries and Production has requested all stake holders as well as the general public to give inputs/feedback on the policy as well as sectoral proposals, contained in the Revised Draft of Industrial Policy document, so that the same may be considered for incorporation in the final document. The Revised Draft of Industrial Policy has been placed on the website www.moip.gov.pk of the Ministry of Industries and Production.  The comments of all stake holding Federal as well as Provincial governments’ Ministries, Departments & Corporations and other interested parties have been solicited which can be emailed on ind.policy@moip.gov.pk whereas hard copy can be sent to Joint Secretary, Policy & Planning, Ministry of Industries & Production Islamabad.  Based on these feedbacks, the next draft is to be finalized. An Inception Report was presented in May, 2010 which was followed by a series of consultative meetings that took place all over the country with Trade Associations, Chambers and Sectoral Experts.  Thereafter a draft was presented at the Sukkur, Hyderabad, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Lahore and Gujranwala Chambers.  The last presentation on Draft Industrial Policy was made in Islamabad on 12-08-2010. It is pertinent to mention here that Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani had set up a thirty four member ‘Task Force’ and ‘Core Group’ which included representatives from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Federal &, Provincial Governments, Academia and Sectoral Experts.  The Core Group is working on the Industrial Policy document in active consultation with stake-holders.  PR. No. 319 PRESS RELEASE CM BALOCHISTAN CALLS ON PRESIDENT Islamabad, 23 September 2010: Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani, Chief Minister Balochistan, today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Matters relating to relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees were discussed during the meeting along with the developmental projects, law and order and the political situation in the province. PR. No. 320 PRESS RELEASE CM BALOCHISTAN CALLS ON PM Islamabad:   September 23, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has ensured the equitable distribution of funds among provinces for upcoming phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation. He emphasized upon the joint efforts of the Federal and Provincial governments to deal with this onerous task. The scale of devastation he added, was huge and beyond the capacity of Government, but the government was committed to utilize all available resources for the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase. The Prime Minister expressed the views talking to Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raeesani, Chief Minister Balochistan in his meeting here at the Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said that development of Balochistan is directly linked to the progress and prosperity of the country. The strategic location of the province could serve as a hub for economic activities for ensuring a better quality of life to the people of Balochistan, he added. The Prime Minister told the Chief Minister that keeping in view the. Flood situation in Balochistan he has already directed the Chairman, NHA to restore immediately roads and bridges infrastructure on top priority basis in Balochistan to help people return to their homes. The Prime Minister also issued instructions for dispatching of more field hospitals and mobile medical teams in the flood battered areas of Balochistan to carry out medical activities. The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities for convening of the ECNEC meeting for thrashing out outstanding issues regarding development projects in Balochistan immediately. The Chief Minister eulogized the Prime Minister for his statesmanship as manifested by unanimous passage of 18th amendment, signing of 7th NFC Award and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balouchistan initiative. These measures of the Prime Minister, he said, has won the hearts of the Balochi people and we are greatly indebted to the Prime Minister in this regard. PR. No. 321 PRESS RELEASE Sardar M Jaffer Khan Leghari calls on the PM Islamabad: September 23, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has asked the parliamentarians to visit the flood hit areas regularly to redress the sufferings of the flood affectees. The forthcoming phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction, he added, needs substantial resources to bring normalcy in the flood affected areas and requires the vigilance of the elected representatives to ensure transparency. The Prime Minister was talking to Sardar Muhammad Jaffar Khan Leghari MNA and Mrs.Meena Leghari who called on him at his chamber in Parliament House today.  The Prime Minister urged the public representatives to keep constant vigilance during the relief activities so that people could receive maximum help. He said that although the magnitude of the calamity is huge but due to timely response the human loss has been minimized to a great extent. Sardar Jaffar Leghari apprised the Prime Minister of relief activities in his constituency and discussed the measures taken for the upcoming phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation.     PR. No. 322 PRESS RELEASE Mukhtar urges EU to grant trade concessions to Pakistan. Islamabad , the 23rd  Sept, 2010. Federal Minister for Defence , Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, has urged the members of European Union (EU) to assist Pakistan in overcoming its economic challenges by granting it trade access to their markets of Pakistani products. He said that the trade concessions by the EU would help to stabilize Pakistan ’s economy which had been badly devastated by the recent flood. He stated this during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan , Mr.Adam Thomson, who called on him in Ministry of Defence today. The Minister said that the world community needed to understand Pakistan ’s difficulties and generously help it in the rehabilitation and reconstruction process of the flood affected areas. The British High Commissioner said that his country was conscious of the economic difficulties of Pakistan and the immense miseries brought by the recent devastating flood. He said that Pakistan deserved a great amount of assistance by the International Community to overcome its economic problems. Mr. Adam Thomson informed the minister that his country had committed more assistance for the flood victims of Pakistan than any other disaster in history and would continue to support Pakistan in this difficult time. He further stated that the UK foreign minister has been holding meetings with the Foreign Ministers of European Union and actively advocating for Pakistan to grant it more trade concessions. The meeting also exchanged views on Pakistan ’s anti-terror efforts and the security situation of the region. It also emphasized the need for promoting greater understanding and strengthening the existing Pak-UK Defence Cooperation Forum for the mutual advantages of the two countries. PR. No. 323 PRESS RELEASE BISP WOULD OFFER LIFE AND HEALTH INSURANCE TO ITS BENEFICIARIES  SOON: MS. FARZANA RAJA  Islamabad 23 September, 2010  Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Farzana Raja has said that BISP is committed to materialize the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for uplifting the life of poor and downtrodden segments of the society. In this connection, she said, life insurance facility would be offered to the beneficiaries of the BISP soon and later health insurance in the next phase of the programme. Ms. Farzana Raja said this while talking to a delegation of the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan headed Mr. Shahid Aziz Siddiqui, Chairman of the corporation. The delegation presented a detailed briefing of its various suggestions in regard with proposed life insurance plan for the registered families with BISP. Its worth mentioning here that the visit of the delegation was part of the efforts of the BISP to introduce life insurance facility for its beneficiaries. The facility would be offered as extension of the services of the BISP to its registered families besides monthly income support being provided to them. The delegation informed MS. Farzana Raja that the experts of the corporation are working on various procedures and modalities of the life insurance plan and details of it would be finalized in short span of time. The summery comprising final plan related to life and health insurance would be sent for the approval of President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief Patron, and the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Executive Patron of the BISP.  MS. Farzana Raja directed the members of the delegation to prepare final suggestion on fast track so that the facilities of life and health insurance could be offered to its beneficiaries as soon as possible. PR. No. 324 PRESS RELEASE Prime Minister condoles death of journalist Abdul Akhyar Islamabad:   September 23, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his grief and sorrow over the death of veteran journalist Mr. Abdul Akhyar. Appreciating the services of late journalist, Prime Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rested the departed soul in eternal peace. PR. No. 325 PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT THANKS CHINA FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE Islamabad, September 23, 2010 President Asif Ali Zardari has thanked Premier Wen Jiabao and Chinese Government and people for their generous assistance of additional US $200 million for the flood affectees. Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the President while appreciating the gesture said that the additional assistance was yet another demonstration of the strong bonds between China and Pakistan and how the Chinese leaders and people cared for the people of Pakistan. It may be recalled that after the Attabad incident and recent floods, President Zardari had urged the Chinese leadership for assistance in the relief and rehabilitation of the stranded population. The Chinese government also provided medical, food and other supplies to the effected people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the flood affectees in other areas of Pakistan. PR. No. 326 PRESS RELEASE AMBASSADOR OF BOSINA CALLS ON CHAIRMAN SENATE Islamabad, September 23, 2010  The Chairman Senate Mr Farooq H Naek has said that Pakistan & Bosnia-Herzegovina enjoy very special   relations which are bound by deep sentiments of fraternity which transcends all levels from leadership to the peoples of the two     countries; Bosnian cause was close to the hearts of Pakistanis and the sense of affection has since gotten deeper. These excellent relations would further strengthened in the days to come. He was talking to the Ambassador of Bosnia, Mr. Armin Limo who called on him at the Parliament House this afternoon. The Chairman observed that the present low level of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Bosnia does not reflect the closeness of relations between the two countries despite the fact that a bilateral trade agreement providing the institutional mechanism exists, he expressed the hope that two friendly countries will be able to increase bilateral economic and commercial cooperation through the exchange of trade and business delegations. While apprising the Ambassador on the  damage and devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan,  the Chairman said it is the biggest human  tragedy in the history of Pakistan  we are an agrarian society, floods have left the entire agriculture sector in shambles, live stock have been equally devastated, additionally, more than 01 million tons of wheat stores in warehouses have been swept away, more than 17 million acres of agriculture land had been submerge, standing crops worth billion of dollar have been destroyed and livestock have been equally devastated. The Chairman said that the victims of this immense tragedy need solidarity, concrete help and assistance from the world community; he appealed the international community to come forward and help Pakistan. He also appreciated the visit of the Bosnian President to Pakistan’s Embassy in Sarajevo for the condolence on the destruction of flood and termed it as a gesture of solidarity and sympathy with Pakistan. While talking about the terrorism the Chairman said that terrorisms is  the common enemy of the mankind which needs to be tackled by unified strategy and joint action on part of the nations most affected by the menace. On the occasion, the Ambassador on behalf of his government and people of Bosnia expressed deep sadness at the tragic loss and suffering that Pakistan has been experiencing as a result of devastating floods .He offered heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their precious lives and deep sympathy to those who have been affected. He assured full support of his government for the people and government of Pakistan in meeting the challenge. The Chairman also appreciated the efforts of the Ambassador to further strengthen the bilateral relation between the two friendly countries. PR. No. 327 PRESS RELEASE TRAINING  SHIP COMMISSIONED IN PAKISTAN NAVY Islamabad, September 23, 2010 Commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy Training Ship RAHNAWARD , a Brig type sailing vessel procured  from the  UK   took place  at William and Albert Docks in the city of Hull,  today, High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK  Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training and Personal) Rear Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah SI(M), were guests of honour at the  ceremony, says a press release received from High Commission of Pakistan, London here today.   Addressing the ceremony, the High Commissioner said that this historic induction of Pakistan Navy Ship RAH NAWARD (meaning swift  mover)  is an important addition for training of personnel in Pakistan Navy adding that “the Challenges in the maritime domain have increased manifold during recent years and the prime concern of the nations today is the safety and security of international maritime traffic which can only be accomplished by maintaining effective naval forces through well motivated and skilled crew”  he said that the  commissioning of  PNS RAH NAWARD would certainly make a positive contribution in shaping professional acumen of Pakistan Navy personnel. Referring to multifaceted bonds  between Pakistan and the United Kingdom the High Commissioner  said that the  acquisition of the Tall Ship is yet another true manifestation of trust and mutual cooperation between the two  countries enjoying  friendly and cordial relations  entrenched in history. He extended heartiest congratulations to Commander Jamal Alam, the Commanding officer and his crew on commissioning of the ship saying that “ I am confident that with your diligent cadence and enthusiasm, you will take the ship proudly to Pakistan”.  Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Training and Personal) Rear Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah SI(M), and other dignitaries including Consul  General Bradford,  Mr Tariq Iqbal Soomro and Cdre S R Baum (Naval Regional Commander) were also present on the occasion. Earlier in his welcome speech, Pakistan Navy Overseer Captain Adnan Khaliq PN apprised the audience that the training institutions of Pakistan Navy have always endeavoured to impart educational, professional, moral and physical training to officers and men in a befitting manner and this Tall ship would certainly add value and finesse to theory by practical application which would be easier to comprehend and more lasting. He further stated that the contract for procurement of a tall ship Prince William held with Tall Ship Youth Trust (TSYT) was finally concluded on 20 July 2010. The entire process of induction culminated in a record time of two months. It also shows the vigorous efforts put in by management and the PN team. PNS RAH NAWARD is a magnificent 59.6 meters long Brig Type sailing vessel which gives an impressive look whether heeling under the wind or cruising through the calms of distant shores. PNS RAH NAWARD while crowned with ten square-rigged sails is also equipped with a full outfit of modern machinery for main propulsion. Later, the Chief Guest took walk rounds of the ship, where he was briefed about the features of the ship. He praised the highest level of workman ship, commitment and dedication of PN crew. PR. No. 328 PRESS RELEASE CEC MEETING IN PRESIDENCY Islamabad, September 23, 2010 President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Government of Pakistan Peoples Party has the mandate of the people and has many achievements to its credit during first half of its tenure and declared amidst thunderous applause of Party’s CEC that the Government will complete its term despite obstacles, difficulties, challenges and machinations.. This he said while addressing meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the Party at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The meeting that lasted for about four hours was attended by Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and over forty members of the Party’s highest body. Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar while briefing the media said that the President asked the Party workers and the office bearers to be proud of achievements of the Government that ranged from NFC Award to Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan Package, from giving the workers shares in the industrial units to the 18th Constitutional Amendment and from pursuing the policy of reconciliation to taking the militants head on. Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying that the Party was committed to defend democracy, protect the Constitution and uphold the supremacy of the Parliament. The President said that the Government was concentrating on relief and rehabilitation of the flood affected people and revival of the economy damaged by the devastating floods. He said that he had proposed to the Government to levy one time flood tax on urban properties in order to create resources for rebuilding and reconstructing the damaged infrastructure.   The President said that the Government was focussing on garnering maximum international support for the flood affected people and for the revival of the country’s economy however, we also have to generate indigenous resources in order to have credibility with the international donors. The President said that the Government was deeply conscious of the fact that the success of the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction operation depended also on the trust of the donors, both the international and the local, that their donations were being properly utilized along with the complete confidence of the flood victims that that every penny meant for them was being spent on them. With this in mind plans had been devised to ensure that complete web based information was available to everyone on the one hand and all the stakeholders, including the provinces, were on board in the relief efforts on the other, he said. The President stressed that access to complete information was key to transparency which in turn was the key to good governance and eliminating corruption and mismanagement. The President also urged the members of the Committee to reach out to the affected people and complement Government’s efforts for their rehabilitation and ensuring transparency of the entire process. About the organization of the Party, the President said the beginning with Balochistan, the Party would be reorganized to make it more responsive to the current political challenges and rise to the expectations of the people. PR. No. 329 PRESS RELEASE MINISTRY PROPOSES STERN ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO INVOLVED IN IRREGULARITIES IN HAJJ AFFAIRS Islamabad, September 23rd, 2010 Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani has expressed great concern on the observations of Standing Committee of Religious Affairs of both Houses about the irregularities in the hiring process of buildings for Hujjaj during current hajj season in Saudi Arabia and directed Ministry of Religious Affairs to take stern action against the responsible officers/officials. Ministry of Religious Affairs has prepared a summery in this respect which would be presented personally by the Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Kazmi to the Prime Minister to grant approval of taking disciplinary action against those responsible who are involved in these irregularities. Hiring Review Committee, headed by the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs has also expressed great concern and assured the concerned Standing Committees that action against those responsible of these irregularities would be taken according to law and regulations. Ministry of Religious Affairs has also expressed great concern over the decision of General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arab that during first ten days of return flights, 50 per cent reduction has been made by GACA and other Airlines. Due to additional expenditure for extended stay in Saudi Arabia, the Government of Pakistan appealed Saudi Government to review the decision as hujjaj will face financial hardship due to extended stay, specially Pakistani hujjaj who are already become victims of natural calamity of devastating flood would face extra burden due to overstay in Saudi Arabia.         PR. No. 330 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, September 23rd, 2010 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Climate Change has reached to such an alarming level that causes loss of biodiversity and land degradation have become a threat to the sustainable development and survival of living organisms on this plnet. He also said that with increasing temperatures, sea level rise, rapid glacier melting, monsoon variability and unpredictable rainfall and floods have become the most important issues of this century. He told that the Clean Development Mechanism CDM had been the main instrument to reduce the emissions of harmful gases. Afridi mentioned that REDD is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands. He expressed these views while sharing his views in closing session of training workshop on Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Climate change mitigation, adaptation and REDD here today. Environment Minister said that global community have responded to these threats to life on earth and had reached an agreement under the umbrella of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC in 1992. There have been further developments since1992 and Kyoto Protocol was a landmark achievement to reduce the emission of Green House Gases. He added that  Forestry had largely remained aloof from the CDM mechanism though the contribution of forests to carbon emissions was substantial. However the scenario changed after the realization of the role of forests in the carbon cycle was recognized, he told. Federal Minister said that forests not only sequester carbon but also by curbing deforestation through Reduced Emission from deforestation and Degradation REDD approximately 20 % percent of global carbon emissions can be reduced. There have been tremendous developments in REDD since this realization. Unfortunately Pakistan has been a bit late in joining the global efforts under REDD.  Federal Minister told the participants that Ministry of Environment has made substantial progress recently in brining REDD into our mainstream forestry. A REDD focal point and a Steering Committee has been established in the MoE. He underlined that Pakistan has also joined the Global REDD Partnership and our case for joining the UN REDD Program and the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership is also under process. Mr. Afridi told that Pakistan realizes that REDD is an effort to create a financial value for the carbon stored in forests, offering incentives for developing countries to reduce emissions from forested lands and invest in low-carbon paths to sustainable development. It also goes beyond deforestation and forest degradation, and includes the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks, he told. The Ministry of Environment appreciates the role of SDC and Inter cooperation IC in the field of Forestry and the interest shown by IC in trainings in CDM related to forestry and REDD are commendable. These interventions will contribute in conserving natural resources of Pakistan, with global benefits. He urged upon the participants to take keen interest in this training as a lot of resources and hard work have been spent on their design. He hoped that the participants of this training will act as resource persons to train the others in REDD. Federal Secretary Muhammad Javed Malik, Deputy Secretary Saqib Aleem, CDM Expert Seyed Amjad Hussain, Environmental Expert Dr. Carmenza, Program Coordinator Arjumand Nizami and several experts from all provinces and stakeholders were present in the workshop. PR. No. 331 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, September 23rd, 2010 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that government would encourage local and foreign investment in automobile sector. He urged for adopting euro standard in manufacturing all sort of engineering equipments and machinery so that the objectives of environmental purification could be achieved. He stated this while visiting Pak Suzuki Motor Company on Thursday. Federal Secretary Environment Muhammad Javed Malik, Director General Pak-EPA Asif Shujah Khan, Chief Executive Managing Director Hirofumi Nagao, Deputy Managing Director  Saoshi Ina, Director Production Mumtaz A, Shaikh, Jamil Ahmed Director Corporate Planning Division, Heaq of Public Relaions, Shafiq Ahmad Shakikh also present. Talking on the occasion, Hameed Ullah Jan said Pakistan has very conducive environment for investment especially in auto mobile sector and government encouraging all those who wants to establish their industrial units in the country. He said that it is endeavor of the Ministry of Environment to develop an environment-friendly culture in the country and every possible measures would be adopted to assist stake-holders in this regard. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi appreciated contributions of Pak-Suzuki Motor Company in industrial sector and praised the role of Japanese Government in industrial development and social sector. The Minister visited various production sections of the company and inquired about adopting necessary precautionary measures to save environment form industrial pollution. The Executives of Suzuki Company briefed about the company’s performance and achievements. They also mentioned various problems. PR. No. 332 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad, September 23rd, 2010 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi today visited MQM headquarter 90, and residence of MQM Chief Iltaf Hussain and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the assassination of famous and learned leader of MQM, Dr. Imran Farooq. Federal Minister for Port & Shipment Mr. Babar Ghori was also present on the occasion. Talking to the leaders of MQM, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said Dr. Imran Farooq was a leader of exceptional qualities who had dedicated his life for the cause of humanity and served he masses. The Minister Environment paid tributes to the social and political contributions of Dr. Imran Farooq and said that he was an able, dedicated and committed politician whose gab would never be fulfilled. He also prayed for the departed soul and said that Almighty Allah grant courage and strength to the members bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. He also conveyed his sympathies to MQM Chief Iltaf Hussain on assignation of his companion and prominent leader of MQM.  PR. No. 333 US AMBASSADOR CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER Islamabad, September 23rd, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the government is embarked upon raising resources to meet the challenge posed by the devastating floods. The response of the entire nation to help the flood affectees, he added, is encouraging and would serve to give confidence to the affectees in the forthcoming rehabilitation phase. Pakistan nevertheless, he said is looking forward to international support to supplement the efforts for restoration and reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure. He was talking to the US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Petterson who called on him at Prime Minister’s House today. The Prime Minister appreciated the assistance given by the US during the rescue and relief efforts and its supportive role at various international foras for flood affected population of Pakistan. The US Ambassador while acknowledging the efforts of the government and civil society of Pakistan in mitigating the sufferings of flood affectees mentioned that US would continue to extend every possible assistance to minimize the economic burden of the government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. PR. No. 334 CLARIFICATION MINISTRY OF FINANCE CLARIFIES NEWS ITEM Islamabad, September 23, 2010. The Ministry of Finance has clarified a news item headlined “ Politicization starts taking toll on national issues” dated September 15, 2010 with Islamabad dateline which claims that an internal inquiry was conducted for providing of divergent estimates of the impact of floods on the economy and Principal Economic Adviser was held responsible for the same. The Ministry states that the contents of the news items are not based on facts as no internal inquiry of any sort was conducted on this issue and nether the Economic Adviser or any other individual was held responsible for providing estimates to any agency or department outside the ministry.