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PR.
NO. 318 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani attended a dinner hosted by the Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower and Chief Whip, Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah in Islamabad on Thursday evening.
JUI (F) Chief Maulana
Fazal-ur-Rehman, PML (N) leader Mr.
Ahsan Iqbal,
Chief Minister
Sindh Syed Qaim Ali
Shah, former Chief Minister Baluchistan Jam Muhammad Yousuf,
Chairman Senate,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Federal Ministers and
Members of Parliament
belonging to all political parties also attended the dinner.
PR.
NO. 319 Islamabad April 24, 2009. Pakistan is to apply for support from the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization to introduce free vaccination for children against Pneumococcus, a disease that is fatal causing 26,000 deaths among its infected cases annually in Pakistan, the Federal Secretary Health, Khushnood Akhtar Lashari was informed while chairing a meeting of the National Inter-agency co-ordination committee meeting held here today. There was a high burden of the disease in the country with over 600,000 cases annually and Pakistan being a country eligible to get support for the new vaccine from the alliance under a co-financing agreement remarked the Secretary Health while addressing the participants that included the country chief of Pakistan’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, Dr. Altaf Bosan and heads and representatives of all international partner agencies and Governments supporting the Government of Pakistan in the health sector. This vaccine will not only save thousands of lives but would also substantially contribute to taking us closer to attainment of the Millennium Development Goals related to child survival remarked lashari. The Government of Pakistan was committed to taking forward immunization as it recognizes it as a cornerstone of our vision in the health sector. We also recognize that we need to improve both routine and supplementary immunization in terms of coverage alongside adding on new vaccines as we continue to move forward in providing our children safety net taking in to account the disease burden of different infections that our children fall prey to, he added. Expressing his deep appreciation for the support of the international partners, lashari said we have a common commitment to improving the lot of the mother and child in Pakistan by providing them protection from disease and disability and I wish to acknowledge at the excellent support we have been receiving from our partners and that their support has meant that more and new vaccines were available to save lives from disease and disability and the system was more equipped to effectively deliver these vaccines and services to those who needed them. Earlier, National Manager of the Expanded Programme on Immunization, Dr. Altaf Bosan made a detailed prersentation on the initiatives taken by the programme to reach more children and mothers through immunization. He informed that EPI has introduced the new Hib vaccine in 2008 in its childhood immunization schedule under co-financing agreement with GAVI. The program has switched from Tetravalent (DPT-HepB) to pentavalent (DPT-HepB-Hib) vaccine which is now introduced all over the country. Considering the high disease burden due to pneumococcus the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) also recommended inclusion of this new vaccine in the routine immunization schedule. He said GAVI provided invaluable support for first phase of HSS for 2008 – 2009. A total of US$16,879,000 was received for activities to be implemented during 2008. Beside Ministry of Health, other key implementing partners are UNICEF and WHO. One of the important activities with this support is to train LHWs on EPI. Under WHO’s responsibility approximately 18,000 LHWs in 38 districts are now undergoing intensive 6 months training course on EPI with this support. Dr. Bosan presented the annual progress report of the Expanded Programme on Immunization which was reviewed in the meeting and satisfaction was voiced by the chair and partner agencies. Dr. Bosan informed that as part of global effort, Pakistan is committed to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus by 2010. Vaccination drives in this regard have been launched in a phased manner in the country he said. Although a number of districts have been covered still 16 million more women are to be reached in 36 high-risk districts and 36 intermediate risk districts with an estimated cost of US$30 million. Dr. Bosan made a passionate appeal to partners to come forward with support in this regard to enable Pakistan reach the goal of eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus by the year 2010. Representatives from partner agencies expressed their fullest support to immunization as a strategy for disease prevention and control reiterating their commitment to continue supporting the Government of Pakistan both financially and technically to reduce maternal and child morality in the country. ** DKK/Ahmad**
PR.
NO. 320 Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jillani, Federal Minister for Sports stressed upon the ICC to reconsider their decision and hold cricket world cup matches in Pakistan. The Minister for Sports was talking to Mr. Haroon Logart, Chief Executive, International Cricket Council (ICC) in his office today in Dubai. The Minister for Sports asked the CEO ICC to stick to their earlier decision for holding cricket matches of world cup in Pakistan. He said Pakistan is playing its key role in war against terrorism and the terrorists want to defame Pakistan. The Minister for Sports said that the decision of ICC for not holding cricket matches in Pakistan has very negative impact as it will serve the purpose of terrorists. He said we stand with the world at large against war on terrorism. He said the cricket lovers in Pakistan are highly disappointed and he assured the CEO to provide fool proof security measures to the touring cricket players as well as during matches. The Minister for Sports said that terrorism was an international problem and the people of Pakistan were peace loving while abhorring violence. He said that ICC should support cricket loving people of Pakistan in their war against terrorism. Mr. Haroon Logart assured the Minister for Sports that he would take the matter to the next Governing Board of ICC to give second thought for hosting world cup matches in Pakistan. **MN/Ahmad**
PR.
NO. 321 Mr. JEAN-CHRISTOPHE DONNELLIER, Director General for International Relations of the Ministry of Economy of France accompanied by a delegation, including French Ambassador in Pakistan and Minister Counselor for Economic called on Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom M. Amin Fahim and his team in the Ministry of Commerce. The Minister after welcoming the delegation apprised them on the law and order situation and the relating concerns faced by Pakistan and its heavy commitment to fight war against terror. The Minister underscored the importance of global economic support to Pakistan to successfully fight the menace of terrorism for which increased market access by the European Union is extremely important. The Minister further stated that Pakistan has been endeavoring to enter into an FTA (Free Trade Agreement), but as that would take a long period of time whereas Pakistan requires some urgent support of the European Union for its increased market access to meet the extra financial burden resulting from war on terror. The delegation was apprised that terrorism effected Northern Areas economy is linked heavily with trade as local transport for freight forwarding is substantially controlled by the people of northern areas. Therefore, greater access in trade will directly help those areas. The Minister acknowledged that European Union was the first Forum to offer increased market access in the year 2001 which helped the economy faster and Pakistan’s exports to the European Union increased by US$ 1.0 billion as a result of the facility of EU’s GSP (Generalized System Preferences) Drug Related Scheme. The Minister sought the support of French Government to Pakistan’s efforts for persuading the European Commission for increased market access in the short run and support for FTA soon. The French Director General of Ministry of Economy renewed assurance that they would support Pakistan’s efforts of start of FTA and promised to extend French Government’s support for any modification in the GSP Scheme or any other way out considered as short term solution for increased market access to Pakistan. The Minister thanked the French Delegation for their commitment of Euro 300 million in the recent meeting of Friends of Pakistan at Tokyo. Total trade between France and Pakistan remained US $ 856.5 for the year 2007-08. **SH/Ahmad**
PR.
NO. 322 External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) of Malaysia has set a target of US$10 billion in trade with Pakistan by 2015. The Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ahmad Shahizan Abd Samad said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (23rd April,2009) that as of last year, Malaysia had registered US$1.8 billion in trade with Pakistan. The High Commissioner said that after 52 years of bilateral relations, trade between both countries is however not significant. Despite the negative perception of Pakistan due to security issues, there are still specific sectors considered to being potentially lucrative for Malaysian businesses,” Ahmad Shahizan added. He said that potential areas for Malaysian businesses to source for opportunities are, palm oil, chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products, machinery and parts, processed food, textiles and clothing, natural rubber, wood products, iron, steel and metal products. Mr. Samad Shahizan said that in 2008, Malaysia’s total exports to Pakistan stood at US$ 1.8 billion, an increase of 33.04 percent from the US$ 1.3 billion the previous year. He said that major products exported include palm oil, chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products, machinery, appliances and parts, textiles and clothings, processed food and natural rubber. From January to February this year, Malaysia’s exports to Pakistan recorded an increase of 11.5 percent from the US$ 274.17 million during the same period in 2008. Ahmad Shahizan said that Malaysia, will be organising a marketing mission to Pakistan in the cities of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore from May 23-30 to promote Malaysian products and services as well as explore market opportunities. The objective of the mission is to cultivate direct business contacts between businessmen in the two countries and to take advantage of the Malaysia-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA). **QB/Ahmad**
PR.
NO. 323
Chairman
Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(CJCSC), General Tariq Majeed called on
President Asif Ali Zardari here
today at the
Presidency and apprised the President about his recent
meeting with
Admiral
Mike Mullen, the chairman of the U.S.
Joint Chiefs of Staff.
He also briefed the
President about professional matters and operational preparedness of the
of armed forces.
PR.
NO. 324 British Special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Sir Sherard Cowper Coles called on President Asif Ali Zardari her today at Aiwan- e- Sadr and discussed matters pertaining to the regional security situation and Pakistan’s efforts to fight militancy and extremism. Secretary General to the President M. Salman Farouqui and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Senator A.Rehman Malik and Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir were also present during the meeting. British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley was also present. The President while reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to fight militancy in the region said that government would not succumb to any pressure by militants, however, process of dialogue should be initiated with those who lay down their arms, shun violence and do not challenge writ of the government. Military action is only one aspect of the solution, added The President said that we need a Marshall plan to help help Pakistan overcome its socio- economic problems as a result of the damages inflicted on it by the fight against militancy and extremism. Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles said that UK is keen to help Pakistan in its fight against militancy and his appointment as a special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan is in line with this policy. Talking to the UK High commissioner, President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed concern over Pakistani students’ arrest in Britain on the charges of terrorism and said that the fact that they have now been set free show that there were no credible evidence against them. He expressed the hope that the students will be allowed to complete their studies. The Pakistan High Commission in London would defend them, the president added.
PR. NO. 325 President Asif Ali Zardari has directed for a detailed briefing on the development of inland water ways and the proposed project on the exploitation of 370 billion tones of Thar Coal. The President was taking briefing on Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) from Planning Commission. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Asif Ahmad Ali and Members PC briefed the President about PSDP 2009-10. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamer Zaman Qaira , Secretary General to the President M. Salman Farouqi and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Senator A. Rehman Malik and other high officials were also present during the meeting. The President emphasized on completion of a pilot project for gasification of coal for power generation to meet the growing demand for Energy. The meeting was informed that the size of the Federal PSDP for the current financial year (Rs.337 billion ) had to be reduced to Rs. 219 billion due to adverse impact of disturbed law and order situation , war against terrorism, rising food prices and extraordinary surge in oil price which at one time had gone up to US $ 149 per barrel. The President while urging for speedy completion of mega projects said that heavy investment in development projects is imperative for the government to generate employment and economic activity in the country. A detail briefing will be held on these projects after President Visit to US.
PR.
NO. 326 The Federal Minister for Industry and Production Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo who is currently visiting Germany as a leader of Pakistani delegation at an industrial fair in Hannover, Germany met with Dr. Bernd Pfassendach, State Secretary of German Federal Ministry for Economy and Technology here today. The German State Secretary welcomed the Minister for Industries and Production in the Ministry of Economic and Technology and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of Donor Conference in Tokyo, says a press release received from Berlin here today. The Minister expressed his gratitude for the support of German Government in the Friends of Pakistan Conference. He explained the current political situation and Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism. He also informed the State Secretary about the participation of 41 firms at Hannover Industrial Fair and desired to increase the numbers in the coming years. The Minister raised the issues regarding granting of free market access to Pakistan in the EU markets, setting up a Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industries, prospects for German investment in Pakistan in the sectors of automobile, agriculture equipment, power generation, steel industries and fertilizers. They also discussed the proposal for setting up of Export Processing Zones and signing of bilateral investment treaty. The German State Secretary appreciated the focused approach of the Minister to take up the issue of granting free market access to Pakistan. He assured the Minister that the German Government will impress on German Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries to set up a Joint Chamber with Pakistan. He also appreciated the fact that the World Bank report on “Doing Business” has rated Pakistan as an attractive destination for setting of a business. Regarding bilateral treaty the State Secretary stated that Germany will be holding a Conference on Investment treaties in December 2009 in Frankfurt which is also the 50th anniversary of the investment treaty signed by Germany and Pakistan. He said that it would be of immense significance if the new version of the said treaty could be signed before December 2009. Later the Minister also met with Dr. Eric Schweizer, President of Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is the second largest chamber in Germany. During the meeting the Minister proposed that Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pakistani Chambers of Commerce and Industries should sign Memorandum of Understanding to enhance mutual cooperation. He said this will help to improve trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries. He proposed that setting up a joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry will facilitate the traders and industrialists of both the countries. The Minister also briefed him about the policies of the government for the foreign investment. He informed him that the German investors can invest in power generation, manufacturing of engineering goods, auto industries, fertilizers, recycling and waste management. The Minister also invited Dr. Eric Schweizer to visit Pakistan in near future and sign MOU with various chambers of Commerce and Industries. The President of Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industries welcomed the proposal of setting of joint Chambers of Pakistan and Germany. He also appreciated the idea of signing of MOU between Chambers of Commerce and Industries of the two countries. He said that this will help the German investors to invest in Pakistan. He assured the Minster that Berlin Chamber of Commerce and Industries will support Pakistan in the Federation of German Chamber of Commerce for setting up a joint chamber and strengthening further cooperation.
PR.
NO. 327 Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira,Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas and Information and Broadcasing has ordered the Northern Areas government to immediately constitute a judicial commission to investigate the brutal killing of Syed Asad Zaidi,Deputy Speaker Northern Areas Legislative Assembly. Mr Kaira termed his assassination a conspiracy to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Areas and said that the government is fully determined to not only trace the perpetrators behind this heinous crime but would bring them to book. The Minister ,while paying rich tribute to the exemplary services Mr Zaidi ,announced a compensation of Rs 15 lac for the widow and children of late Syed Asad zaidi. “His murderers aimed to instil fear and incite confrontation through his brutal killing. The government stands by Syed Asad zaidi’s family. People should come forward and by strenghthening govt’s hands should show that such cowardly incidents will not deter their determination to purge the society of the extremism elements, “ the minister added.
PR.
NO. 328
The Honourable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry who is currently on a 3-day visit to Turkey at the invitation of the President of the Constitutional Court of Turkey Honourable Mr. Hashim KILIC attended the ceremonies marking the 47th anniversary of the establishment of the Turkish Constitutional Court and inauguration ceremony of the new Constitutional Court building in Oran District of Ankara this morning, says a press release received from Ankara here today. The ceremony was also attended by the President, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey besides the invited Presidents and Chief Justices of Constitutional Courts of other important countries. In his inaugural address the President of the Constitutional Court of Turkey spoke about the preservation of human dignity, the rule of law and the need for avoiding interference by the main pillars of government in each other affairs. In the afternoon the Honourable Chief Justice attended a Symposium on “Constitutional Complaint; Some Practices in the World” organized by the Constitutional Court of Turkey. On conclusion of the Symposium the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the President of the Constitutional Court of Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation between the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Turkey and the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The MoU envisages the desire of the apex courts of the two brotherly countries to launch bilateral cooperation programmes related to their working fields, to share knowledge and experiences and to strengthen their institutional capacities believing that it will provide an adequate framework for constitutional cooperation. The two highest judicial bodies agreed to carryout cooperation in; training activities, research, seminars, exchange of knowledge and experiences in other activities upon written agreement. Towards this end the two superior courts agreed to exchange delegations or experts at least once a year. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will provide yet another forum to the existing multifaceted cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey and will contribute to the further strengthening of the fraternal bonds of brotherhood between the two countries.
PR.
NO. 329 A high level meeting was held Friday night in the Presidency to review the security situation in Frontier province in the wake of the threat posed by the militants in Swat and adjoining areas. The meeting presided over by the President was attended by the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, the Army Chief and the President of the Awami National Party Mr. Asfandyar Wali Khan. In a statement spokesperson of the Presidency former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting took stock of the situation and reiterated that the government will neither compromise on enforcing writ of the state nor allow the militants and non state actors to establish their own parallel authority in any part of the country through use of force.
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