PR. No. 310
PRESS RELEASE
GEORGE GALLOWAY ON PERCEPTION OF PAKISTANI FLOODS
Islamabad; 24th August, 2010I’ve been pondering why that fundraising is so slow, and why the Pakistan government appears to be taking the blame for a simply unprecedented, at least since Noah, water-borne disaster. An area the size of the whole of England is under water. That which the poor had, in terms of huts schools clinics roads and bridges, has been simply swept away. Everything from simple diahorrea to hepatitis even cholera is now cutting a swathe particularly through the children. Desperate doctors appeal for help on our news bulletins sometimes breaking down in the face of the Everest of problems they are trying to scale. Just a few miles away in Afghanistan there is a trillion dollars worth of military hardware - planes and helicopters, bridge-building equipment, and software - soldiers - from dozens of countries yet a mere fraction of the treasure being deployed to kill people is being given to save millions of flood victims, says a press release received here today from London.
Has nobody even calculated the self-interested point that being seen to be going all-out to save Pakistani Muslims might just help the balance of opinion in the Muslim world now risen in a general revolt throughout the area?
Even the Americans in the Vietnam War grasped, if did not practice, the need to win hearts and minds.
I declare an interest. I have been closely involved with Pakistan for more than thirty years. I put a motion through Dundee District Council in the seventies to appeal for the life of the country’s leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, murdered by the west’s favourite hangman General Zia al Huq. For more than twenty-five years I was a close friend of his daughter Benazir, the first woman leader of a Muslim country, until she herself was murdered, and by the same people too. Now there seems like a wish to politically murder her widower the country’s now president Asif Zardari using the floods as an excuse. In fact though the UN chief Ban Ki Moon described the floods as a “slow Tsunami” less than three thousand people have been killed in Pakistan compared to hundreds of thousands killed in the Tsunami and in the Haitian earthquake for that matter. Coverage of those disasters never lingered on the imperfections of their political leaders and its hard to believe that had nothing to do with the level of charitable giving, and governmental aid.
If the world doesn’t get its finger out the fragile democracy in Pakistan - which for half its life has been under brute military dictatorship with the consequent swelling of Islamist fundamentalism - will be swept away too. And after that, I promise you, comes the deluge. Please, contact the DEC Appeal and give generously, now.
**DO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 311
PRESS RELEASE
MALAYSIANS DONATE CASH AND GOODS OF RS. 10.2 MILLION FOR THE FLOOD VICTIMS OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad; 24th August, 2010Malaysians from all walks of life have been actively participating in providing humanitarian assistance to the flood victims in Pakistan. The Malaysians have so far donated Rs. 6.2 million in the “Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010; a local manufacturing firm had donated Biscuits worth of Rs. 1.4 million, whereas, Pakistani Community in Malaysia, had sent Rs. 1.7 million in cash and relief goods of 4900 kg for the flood affected people, says a press release received here today.
Mr. Chin Hock, the Group Managing Director of Julie’s Perfect Food Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd handed over one thousand cartons containing 4032 Kg biscuits of Rs. 1.35 million and a cheque of Rs. 81,000/- to the High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today.
In addition, various relief organizations and companies have also been active to collect funds for the flood victims.
Earlier, Media Prime Berhad (MPB), the biggest and richest media conglomerate of Malaysia in partnership with New Straits Times Press (NSTP), a coveted newspaper of Malaysia and UNICEF had launched the “Pakistan Disaster Relief Fund’. The funds will be channeled to the flood affected persons specially women, children and elderly through UNICEF.
The Malaysian government pledged a donation of US$1 million and the Association of Spouses of Ministers and Deputy Ministers BAKTI has sent relief goods worth Rs. 46 million by two Royal Malaysian Air Force aircraft.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Mercy Malaysia, Global Peace Mission, Malaysia, Malaysian Relief Agency and various other relief agencies have opened bank accounts to collect funds for the flood victims.
PR. No. 312
PRESS RELEASE
PHA ACQUIRES 15 ACRES LAND FROM CDA IN I-12 SECTOR FOR FLATS : KAKAR
Islamabad 24th August, 2010Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rahmatullah Kakar has said that Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) has acquired 15 acres of land from Capital Development Authority (CDA) in which more than two thousand flats would be constructed for the shelterless people of Islamabad.. It would be the second mega project after I-16 Sector.
Presiding over a meeting to review the update progress on Prime Minister’s Housing project the Minister said that it was national obligation upon our construction engineers and experts to acquaint themselves with the emerging cost effective technologies to be utilized in the Prime Minister’s Housing Projects in the country.
Mr. Kakar said that Balochistan Government was issuing an NOC in next few days for the land acquired by Pakistan Housing Authority and it would provide housing facilities to the needy, government employees and general public mitigating their sufferings to great extent.
The Minister said that two thousand flats were being constructed in I-16 Sector Islamabad on 16 acres of land acquired from CDA which would double the government’s efforts in fast achieving the goal for shelter to all.
The Minister urged upon the PHA and FGEHF to intensify their efforts for launching more housing projects with a view to speedy accomplishment of housing for all programe. He said that construction of one million housing units would not only provide housing facility for the shelterless, needy, government employees and general public but also generate socio-economic uplift activities in the country.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the progesss on construction of housing units in various places being undertaken by PHA and FEEHF and asked them to gear up their efforts in order to provide relief to the shelterless people as quickly as possible.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Housing and Works Raja Mohammad Abbas and heads of PHA and FGEHF besides senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Works and concerned departments.
PR. No. 313
PRESS RELEASE
OPENING STATEMENT OF PRIME MINISTER SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI AT THE REVIEW OF HEALTH
SITUATION IN THE FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS
Islamabad: 24 August 2010“Pakistan and its people are experiencing the worst natural calamity of its history. Perhaps one of the most profound in the history of the world.
The devastation of the flood has not been confined to one area. It has destroyed lives, property, livestock, crops and infrastructure in the 4 Provinces including Gilgit–Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and it is still on-going.
The flood has affected approximately 20 million people to date, damaged more than a million houses, causing 1534 deaths and injuring 2062 people.
I have visited myself the areas affected by the floods in all regions and provinces, and have seen first hand the hardships people are putting up with. I admire their fortitude and endurance. Not only are they faced with the difficulties of daily living, but are dangerously exposed to health hazards.
As human misery continues to mount, we are seriously concerned with spread of epidemic diseases. There is likelihood of water borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea and dysentery, especially in children who are already weak and vulnerable to disease. I am told that over 3.5 million children are at risk from deadly water-borne diseases. Besides, acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and malnutrition are spreading in many flood affected regions.
Unfortunately, our Health System has come under great stress due to the devastation of floods. It has damaged more than 200 health facilities. About 35,000 Lady Health Workers, out of a total of 100,000 throughout the country, have been displaced. Doctors, nurses, Lady Health Visitors, and paramedical staff have also been dislocated in the affected areas.
National and international NOGs are helping us in provision of basic medical services. Various countries and organizations have sent medical supplies, personnel, and equipment to assist in our efforts to provide health cover to the affected people. But the difficult living conditions and limited access to clean drinking water have put the lives of millions at risk.
The magnitude of the destruction due to these floods is not only colossal but multi dimensional. We must understand that no government in any
country can respond to such enormous health needs on its own. International agencies, organizations, civil society and private sector will have to pool their resources for the purpose.
I have been monitoring the evolving health situation in the affected areas, and have directed the Federal Ministry of Health to take all measures necessary to prevent outbreaks of diseases among the people. To date, more than 200 tons of medicines have been supplied by the Federal Government for 2.2 million affectees.
We have also provided 42106 hygiene kits including women hygiene kits, as it is estimated that more than 500,000 mothers will give birth in the next 6 months in the affected areas. Reproductive health kits for 35,000 population for three months have been given to the provinces in this regard. More than 2.5 million aqua tablets have been sent to the provinces to ensure safe drinking water. Since stagnant water may lead to cases of malaria, nets for 300,000 people along with anti-malaria tablets have provided. Field hospitals are being set up to ensure adequate health service.
The purpose of today’s meeting is to formulate a reliable and organized coordination mechanism for extending medical facilities and treatment to the people suffering from various diseases in the flood affected areas.
A strategy is called for, which combines communicable disease prevention and control, provision of medicines, environmental cleanliness and medical team support for essential services.
We have learnt in disaster management that there should be no parallel structures at the government levels. It is essential to avoid duplication. A proper feedback system must be activated from the district to the Provincial and Federal level.
I would urge that NDMA should coordinate all relief measures, and the National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Network (NHEPRN) of the Ministry of Health should be the focal point for the health initiatives in emergencies. Similar focal points of the provincial governments should coordinate their efforts in this regard with NHEPRN for a comprehensive coordinated, effective and prompt response. I would soon visit NHEPRN to personally see its working.
The Ministry of Health is also advised to take on board without prejudice, different NGOs and International Health Organizations operating in the health sector in different flood affected areas, with a view to maximizing the impact, to coordinate and utilize the efforts better in a more organized manner.
Similarly it is desirable that an effective early warning disease monitoring system should be in place at the Tehsil, District and Provincial levels.
I would also like to stress upon the need for special arrangements for expecting mothers and maternity cases in the flood affected areas and it needs to be ensured that nobody suffers due to the lack of medical facilities and attendant.
We all know that such disasters leave behind many tales of miseries and sorrows, which have adverse affects on the minds and well being of the affected people and they are traumatized. Provisions therefore are essential for psychological counseling for the vulnerable populations, specially women and children.
I would request from this forum that the UNICEF and other agencies and NGOs who have expertise in medical rehabilitation may come forward to facilitate in the framing of a coordinated policy for medical rehabilitation.
In the end I must express my debt of gratitude to all our international partners in this hour of need. UNICEF, WHO, Office for Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA) and other UN Agencies have done exemplary work and shown tremendous spirit, supplemented by invaluable services rendered by the development partners and various NGOs and CBOs.
I can assure the world and my countrymen that together we shall also surmount this tremendous challenge, with unity, commitment and the will to share in the sufferings of those who are at risk and are vulnerable.”
PR. No. 314
PRESS RELEASE
USAGE OF CFC ELIMINATED TO SAVE OZONE LAYER
SAVE THE EARTH WHILE UTILIZING ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY GASES
Islamabad August 24, 2010Pakistan is playing its important role to save Ozone Layer from harmful impacts of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and conversion of concerned industries into Ozone –friendly technology. Usage of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) has been eliminated while a comprehensive plan has been chalked out to phase-out Hydro Chlorofluorocarbon to save Ozone. These views are expressed by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ozone Cell Mr. Abid Ali, while chairing a meeting here today. Meeting was attended by National Project Manager Ozone Cell Asif Khan, Technical Officer Noor-ul-Hadi, Programme Manager of Multilateral Environmental Assessments (MEAs) Project Syed Zaheer ud Din Gilani and other concerned officers.
Joint Secretary said that Ozone Layer, which is so essential for life on earth, is unfortunately being depleted due to a few man-made chemicals. He added that in light of Montreal Protocol, with cooperation and coordination of UN, several departments/organizations, Ozone Depleting Substances are being controlled. He urged that it is our collective responsibility to provide healthy future by saving Ozone Layer. Joint Secretary underlined that mass awareness strategies are being practically made through effective involvement of all stakeholders, students and public/private organizations. He told that several meetings, seminars and activities are being arranged to develop real concept of healthy environment. He assured that Pakistan is going a long way to achieve this objective to pave the way to phase out ODS from Pakistan.
PR. No. 315
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT’S MEETING WITH GENERAL JAMES MATTIS
Islamabad 24th August, 2010General James Mattis, Commander United States Central Command, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
General James Mattis was accompanied with US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson, Vice Admiral Mike LeFever and Rear Admiral (S) Kevin Sweeney. From Pak side, Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Defence Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Mr. Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary, Lt. Gen ® Syed Athar Ali, Secretary Defence and Mr. Hussain Haqqani, Pak Ambassador in US, were present besides Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar.
Matters related to flood situation in Pakistan, regional security situation, fight against militancy, US strategy in Afghanistan and matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
General James Mattis expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of nearly 1500 precious lives due to the unprecedented devastating floods that has rendered a huge number of people homeless and has caused colossal infrastructural damages. He said that the government and the people of United States stand besides Pakistani people and its government at this critical hour of need and would continue to provide all possible assistance to the people in distress.
Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the President appreciated the US financial and logistics support and the humanitarian aid to the flood affected victims. He said that the extent of the damage was so great that it urgently calls for massive international assistance for not only rebuilding the lost infrastructure but also to reinstate millions of homeless people who are the worst sufferer of the catastrophe. The President said that the recent situation needs to be taken into account keeping in view that Pakistan was fighting battle against militancy when the calamity hit its people. He said that our economy that was struggling to stabilize in backdrop of war against militancy can not sustain the entire burden of this unprecedented disaster and misfortune without active and timely international assistance.
The President said that one of the great challenges besides rehabilitation and reconstruction was to preclude and neutralise extremist elements taking advantage of the prevailing situation. He said that past experience shows that the extremist forces manipulated distress for advancing their motives. The President said that to cater to the needs of population that has been rendered homeless and was residing in tents facing the extremes of weather was a gigantic task and Pakistan Government needs massive assistance from international community to successfully overcome the challenge.
The President also stressed upon early reimbursement of outstanding amount of CSF arrears and creation of economic opportunities for the people through ROZs.
Discussing war against militancy, the President said that the civilian and military leadership of the country was determined to pursue the struggle against militancy at every cost and in every circumstance. He said that at present the strategic focus of the Government was to take measures so that extremists could not misuse the prevailing situation to advance their agenda.
About US policy in Afghanistan, the President reiterated the commitment of the Government to fully support every effort for bringing stability and peace in Afghanistan. The President said that peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan. The President said that Pakistan has always called upon the coalition partners to accord priority to combat drug threat which was the major source of funding of militants. He said that an integrated approach ranging from promoting alternative livelihood and agriculture development to eradication of drugs needs to be adopted by the international community to counter militancy.
The President said that Pakistan attaches great importance to regional cooperation for the development of the region. He said that well established and multifaceted economic and commercial relations as well as energy and infrastructure connectivity in the region promises development of the region in turn resulting in an improved security situation.
General James Mattis thanked the President for meeting and said that United States greatly appreciates the struggle of Pak armed forces against the militants and the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan in this regard. He said that the US would continue to assist democratic Government of Pakistan in its struggle to overcome the present challenges and would assist Pakistan in mobilising the support of international community. General James reiterated long term commitment to strategic partnership with Pakistan including creating economic opportunities for the people of Pakistan.
PR. No. 316
PRESS RELEASE
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO REHABILITATE FLOOD AFFECTEES IN DIR, KOHISTAN ETC…..NAJMUDDIN KHAN
Islamabad 24th August, 2010Steps are being taken for rehabilitation of flood affectees in Dir, Kohistan etc. this was stated by Federal Minister for SAFRON, Najmuddin Khan while meeting with Mr. Pascal Cullat, Head of ICRC in his office today.
Federal Minister was present in his constituency for almost last
30-days. Who came last night and started very important meeting with International Organization engaged to work in flood effected areas to help out needy there.
In to-days meeting Mr. Najmuddin Khan informed Mr. Pascal Cullat about the problems like communication food, shelter, water, health etc.
He also stressed on the need of hydropower plant and recovery of agriculture in these areas as long term strategy there.
Federal Minister told that total infrastructure has been destroyed and Government of Pakistan is committed to provide all possible help to the people and rehabilitate them in there areas again. He also informed that Government has started to assess the flood losses. Process would be completed shortly.
PR. No. 317
PRESS RELEASE
KAZMI DISPATCHES 21 TRUCKS OF FLOOD RELIEF GOODS TO VARIOUS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi on Tuesday dispatched 21 trucks of relief items to different flood affected areas of the country.
The relief consignment containing 9,500 cartons was donated by World Islamic Call Society and World Islamic People’s Leadership of Libya, which was consisted of flour, rice, cooking oil, dates and pulses.
The trucks were sent to different calamity‑hit areas including Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Swat, Kohistan, Mardan, Khawaza Khela and Akora Khattak.
Addressing the send‑off ceremony, the Minister thanked Libya for extending generous support to the flood‑affected people of Pakistan, adding that it is natural that no Muslim can sit idle after seeing their brethren in trouble, quoting a saying of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) that All Muslims are like a body and whenever one part of it feels pain, the others suffer too.
He recalled that Libya had also expressed solidarity with Pakistan in 2005 when a large scale earthquake completely devastated different parts of Kashmir and the then NWFP, besides severely jolting a number of adjoining areas. At that time, Libya was also at forefront along with other countries in carrying out rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities, he lauded.
He said both the Muslim countries are enjoying good friendly relations, and hoped that this would be further strengthened in future.
Representative of World Islamic Call Society Munir Abdul Jawad, JUI‑F chief Maulana Fazl‑ur‑Rehman, Federal Minister for Zakat and Ushr Noorul Haq Qadri, PML‑N’s Raja Zafarul Haq, Senators Naimatullah Kakar and Maulana Gul Naseeb were also present on the occasion.
PR. No. 318
PRESS RELEASE
MR.KHURRAM JEHANGIR WATTOO MNA AND MS.RUBINA SHAHEEN WATTOO MPA CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has reiterated the three pronged strategy of his Government to tackle the problem of devastating floods in the country. The process of rescue and relief are in progress and as soon as the rivers subside, the rehabilitation and reconstruction activities would be started, added the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister urged all the parliamentarians to focus on the relief activities and personally monitor the relief works in their respective constituencies. The elected representatives are the only hope of the distressed people in flood affected areas, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr.khurram Jehangir Wattoo MNA and Ms.Rubina Shaheen Wattoo MPA who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat this morning.
Both the parliamentarians apprised the Prime Minister of the issues regarding their constituencies. Prime Minister enquired about the health of Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo and prayed for his early recovery.
PR. No. 319
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER FOR INTERIOR CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has urged upon the consolidated efforts of all the political parties for rehabilitation of the flood-affectees. He also urged the International Community to help Pakistan in this difficult time.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister for Interior Mr. Rehman Malik who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat to apprise him of his recent visit to Iran.
The Prime Minister hailed the kind gesture of the President and people of Iran and their concern for the distressed people in flood affected areas.
The Minister for Interior also conveyed condolences of the Government of Iran and people of Iran to the Government and people of Pakistan. He informed the Prime Minister that Government of Iran has promised $ 10 million and 265 tons of relief goods alongwith medical teams to work in flood hit areas.
Minister of Interior further informed that Iranian Government has asked the Interior Minister of Iran to visit Pakistan to assess the needs of the people in the flood affected areas and accordingly arrange tents, medicines and food items for the distressed people.
PR. No. 320
PRESS RELEASE
MEHREEN ANWAR RAJA CALLS ON THE PM ALONG WITH ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE PAKISTAN STEEL MILL.
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has urged all the state entities to come forward and play their due role honestly, timely and effectively for the rehabilitation of the distressed people in flood hit areas. Sufferings of the flood affected people, he added, can be mitigated through better coordination among various organizations of the state machinery.
The Prime Minister was talking to Ms. Mahreen Anwar Raja, Minister of State for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs who called on him along with Mr. Imtiaz A.K. Lodhi Acting Chief Executive Pakistan Steel Mill, Mr. Shamshad Ahmad Qureshi Chairman CBA Pakistan Steel Mill and advocate Mahar Nadeem Akhtar at Prime Minister’s House to present a cheque of Rs 15.5 million (Rs 01 crore 55 lacs) for Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister appreciated the kind gesture of the employees of Pakistan Steel Mill who contributed one day salary to help their brethren in the flood hit areas.
Acting Chief Executive apprised the Prime Minister of the working of Pakistan Steel Mill and also discussed various steps taken to enhance productivity of the Steel Mill.
Chairman CBA Pakistan Steel Mill requested the Prime Minister to visit the Pakistan Steel Mill. The Prime Minister assured him that he will visit the Steel Mill soon along with Finance Minister and Ms. Mahreen Anwar Raja.
PR. No. 321
PRESS RELEASE
MEETING ON IMPACTS OF FLOODS ON FOOD &AGRICULTURE IN THE PRESIDENCY
Islamabad, 24 August 2010A meeting on the impact of floods on food and agriculture in the Presidency today decided to encourage farmers to sow canola in the flood affected areas early next month by assisting them with seed, inputs and land preparation to make optimal utilization of the land before the Rabi wheat season in November this year.
The meeting presided over by the President was attended among others by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd, Minister for livestock, Rana M. Farooq Saeed Khan, Minister for Textiles, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, federal secretaries of the relevant ministries, Chairman PARC, Mr. Zaka Ashraf Chairman ZTBL and others besides Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar. The Provincial Governments were represented by Provincial Agricultural secretaries.
Briefing journalists Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting also decided on another incentive to the farmers by increasing the purchase price of canola from Rs.1600 to Rs.1800 per 40 Kg. The Solvent plant association has already assured to purchase the crop at Rs. 1800 per 40 Kg. Canola cultivation will not only relieve pressure on the foreign exchange needed for import of edible oil but also improve fertility of the soil, the meeting was informed.
The meeting was further informed that canola crop will be followed by cotton in February. The President advised the government to make provision for the free supply of seed to canola growers to make them going early next month when it is time to grow canola, Farhatullah Babar said.
President also directed Ministry of Food & Agriculture to assess agricultural losses including loss of stored seeds and other agricultural commodities due to current floods and to suggest measures so that the losses during Kharif crop could be compensated by the coming Rabi crop.
The President during the meeting said that farmers of the affected areas should be provided maximum help in seeds procurement and other input for their crops. The President asked the President ZTBL to work out a scheme of providing financial assistance to the farmers of the affected areas so that they are able to grow their crops again and could compensate their losses.
The President also directed Ministry of Food & Agriculture to facilitate farmers and purchase their stored seeds for sowing purposes. He said that the indigenous seeds need to be accorded priority while sowing whereas imported seeds be used for consumption purposes only so as to avoid the delays due to quarantine issues involved in using imported wheat seed.
The President said that medical services for the people and the animals affected by the floods must be ensured by the relevant departments through mobilization of voluntary doctors and veterinarians and paramedical staff and lady health workers.
The President said that besides assessing agricultural losses, industrial and losses in the manufacturing capacity must also be determined and measures be suggested to restore capacity. He said that there was a need to set up a task force for suggesting measures in order to expedite restoration of infrastructure and deployment of international companies with cheap and long-term financing.
The President also directed the PARC to carry out a study on the impact of climatic change in causing the recent unprecedented flood, Farhatullah Babar said.
PR. No. 322
PRESS RELEASE
CHINESE AMBASSADOR MR. LIU JIAN CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Chinese Ambassador Mr. Liu Jian called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Matters pertaining to flood situation in Pakistan, Chinese assistance for the flood affected people and the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
The President thanked the Chinese Government for their support for the flood affected people of the country. He said that the people and the Government of Pakistan greatly appreciate the feelings of the Chinese people and their generous support for the affectees of the unprecedented floods in Pak history.
He said that the Pakistan Government greatly appreciates China’s assistance for the Pakistanis stranded on the northern side of Atta abad Lake and for catering to their needs.
The President said that the Government would welcome technical assistance and the Chinese companies interested in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure and would facilitate them in all possible manners.
The Ambassador Mr. Liu Jian thanked the President for meeting and assured Chinese Government’s all out and continued support for the people of Pakistan.
PR. No. 323
PRESS RELEASE
$ 8 MILLION RAISED FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES THROUGH TELETHONE
Islamabad: 24th August 2010A special live transmission on state owned Kuwait Television here on fund raising for the flood victims in Pakistan has managed to raise $ 8 million in just two days. The campaign was organized by the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) where at least 5 million US dollars were raised only on the second day of the campaign. The leading contributors were Kuwait Finance House (KFH) and the Joint Kuwait Relief Committee which donated & 2 million and $ 2.5 million respectively. The campaign was part of the greater effort to mobilize general public here to increase their participation in the fund rising, says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan, Kuwait, here today.
Meanwhile, the royal family has also announced to present a $ 5 million donation to victims of the devastating floods that swept several parts of Pakistan. According to an official statement issued here, the donation was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the victims of the floods. In another development, the Petrochemical Company , EQUATE also announced donating 100,000 US dollars for the affected population.
PR. No. 324
PRESS RELEASE
PAK COMMUNITY IN KUWAIT PLEDGES RS. 7 MILLION FOR FLOOD AFFECTEES
Islamabad: 24th August 2010The Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait Mr. Iftekhar Aziz has called upon the 150,000 expatriates living in Kuwait to come forward and support the flood relief efforts in Pakistan. He said this during his meetings with various representatives of the community. The Ambassador said that Pakistan was passing through one of its most grave challenges and asked the Pakistan community to contribute generously to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. As an initial response, the community representatives pledged financial assistance worth KD 23,000 (approximately Rs. 7 million) , says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan, Kuwait, here today.
The Ambassador urged the community members to make immediate contacts with individuals and organizations in order to spread the message as far as possible. He also briefed them about the flood situation and the kind of items immediately required for the displaced population. The Ambassador said the floods had pushed Pakistan back by decades by causing unprecedented damage to life, property and state infrastructure. He appreciated community’s role in the past in assisting their brothers in times of need, especially during the 2005 earthquake, and urged them to once again come forward and extend their utmost support to the flood victims.
The Ambassador also informed that Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait was opening a separate flood relief bank account to facilitate the potential donors and organizations in Kuwait. He said that cash donations could also be deposited at the Embassy.
PR. No. 325
PRESS RELEASE
GERMAN SUPPORT FOR PREFERENTIAL ACCESS TO EU MARKET
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany Mr. Shahid Kamal has welcomed German support for preferential access to the EU market for Pakistani exports. He stated that Pakistan appreciated German support in its efforts to strengthen its economic ties with the EU highlighting that preferential access to EU market was vital to help revive the economy that has been badly hit by recent floods, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Berlin (Germany) here today.
German Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle in a letter addressed to Ms. Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and to Mr. Karel De Gucht, EU Trade Commissioner has advocated the need for easier access to the EU market for products from Pakistan.
In his letter, the German Foreign Minister has called on the EU to do “everything possible to mitigate the impact of the disastrous floods in Pakistan on the country’s economic and social development”. He stressed that the people in Pakistan must be given the chance to make the most of their country’s economic potential and through self-sustaining growth to build a brighter economic future. The Foreign Minister underlined that both in terms of the cohesion of Pakistan’s society and in security policy terms this is a goal of crucial importance.
PR. No. 326
PRESS RELEASE
COMMANDER US CENTRAL COMMAND CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 24th August 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan and its people are experiencing the worst natural calamity of its history and the flood has affected approximately 20 million people, washed away standing crops and livestock worth billions of dollars, damaged schools, hospitals and infrastructure. He said the devastation of the flood has not been confined to one area rather the calamity hit all the four Provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The Prime Minister, while talking to Gen. James Mattie, Commander US Central Command and his delegation who called on him here this afternoon at the Prime Minister Secretariat, thanked the US Administration for prompt humanitarian assistance in the flood relief operations. He also appreciated the US support in highlighting the enormity of the calamity at the international forums.
The Prime Minister said that the public support in war against terror is equally important and can only be kept intact if the international community help the Government of Pakistan to undertake the emergent measures to provide relief to the ordinary people and to undertake reconstruction projects in the flood affected areas. He apprehended that any slackness in this context may provide an opportunity to the extremists to promote their destructive agenda by exploiting public miseries.
Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction over the progress of Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue and hoped that the ongoing negotiation would produce some tangible results and further cement our close ties.
The Prime Minister termed it as gratifying that the intelligence sharing between Pakistan and US had substantially increased in the recent past and both sides were fully cooperating in war against terror and for restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan is providing all necessary cooperation to Karzai Administration to bring about stability in the worn torn country.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s keen desire to have good neighbourly relations with India through peaceful resolution of all the outstanding issues between the two countries including the core issue of Kashmir as well as the water dispute. He underlined the fact that Pakistan had all along strived for restoration of composite dialogue with India in the larger interest of peace in this region and world at large.
Gen James Mattie, in his response, noted with satisfaction that both countries enjoy very cordial relations. He appreciated Pakistan’s crucial role and sacrifices in the fight against terror. He extolled the role of Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies which had suffered more than 4000 casualties in their quest to defeat the menace of terrorism and commended Pakistan for resolutely playing a pivotal role in the war against terror despite these unparalleled sacrifices.
Defence Minister Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Senator Sughra Imam, Secretary Foreign Affairs, US Ambassador Ms. Anne W Patterson and Pakistan Ambassador to US Mr. Hussain Haqqani, US Vice Admiral Mike Lefever, US Rear Admiral (S) Kevin Sweeney and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.
PR. No. 327
PRESS RELEASE
EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION CALL ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: August 24, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that through establishment of National Oversight Disaster Management Council, his Government is seeking to further strengthen its existing institutions and mechanisms for ensuring complete transparency in utilization of local and foreign assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood affectees as well as for the reconstruction phase in the flood affected areas.
He was talking to Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, this afternoon.
Prime Minister appreciated Mrs. Georgieva’s participation in the UNGA’s Special Plenary Session convened by the UN Secretary General on August 19th where she had announced further relief assistance of € 30 million for Pakistan on behalf of the EU. He welcomed her visit to Pakistan at this critical juncture to assess the situation created by the unprecedented floods, first hand, for sensitizing the EU community about Pakistan’s urgent needs and mobilization of their further assistance. While thanking the European Commission and the EU countries for their pledges of assistance made so far, he underlined the need for substantial increase in contributions of the EU countries, to make them commensurate with Pakistan’s current and future requirements.
He apprized the EU Commissioner in detail about the havoc wrecked by the floods in vast swathes of all the provinces of the country and of emergent need of tents, family packs of food and water, mobile clinics fitted with diagnostics equipments and medicines to quell the threat of epidemics in the affected areas. He stated that as the water starts receding, the flood affectees will have to be given cash compensation to buy the essential items of their daily life and help will have to be offered to the farmers under Early Agriculture Recovery Programme for buying pesticides, seeds, fertilizers and agricultural equipments to rehabilitate the severely damaged agriculture sector, on priority basis. He termed that task as onerous requiring billions of Rupees for which re-appropriation of Development expenditure and overall budget would have to be undertaken. His Government, however, is determined to turn this challenge into an opportunity for rebuilding the country, he added. He hoped that assistance from important countries like EU community would be forthcoming to help Pakistan overcome this challenge.
Prime Minister recalled that even after 2005 earthquake, the International Financial Institutions had accorded their third party validation to utilization of assistance for providing relief to the earthquake victims which was reflective of the fact that Pakistan had a sound and robust mechanism to keep a check and ensure transparency in spending the funds meant for the welfare of calamity victims, in place. He also sighted the return and rehabilitation of around 2.5 million Malakand IDPs, within a record short period of 90 days and reconstruction of terrorism affected infrastructure in Malakand and Swat, as yet another example, in this regard. Prime Minister added that the international donors, like in case of 2005 earthquake, would be able to undertake the rehabilitation and reconstruction projects themselves in the flood affected areas, and hand them over to Government of Pakistan, on completion.
The Prime Minister stated that despite the ravages of the floods and consequent need of the Government to divert its resources, his Government remains resolute and still attaches high priority to rooting out terrorism and extremism from Pakistan for the peace and stability in the country and in world at large.
Mrs. Kristalina Georgieva conveyed to the Prime Minister, sincere condolences and commiserations of European Commission President Borosso and the High Representative/Vice President of the EC Baroness Katherine Ashton, on the loss of precious lives and damage to the properties as well as physical and communication infrastructure caused by the floods in Pakistan. She informed the Prime Minister that European Union as well as its member countries had so far, announced Euro 220 million or around $ 300 million accounting for almost half of the total relief assistance pledged to Pakistan todate, for relief and rehabilitation of its flood affectees.
She stated that the EU would consider increasing the amount of its contribution for Pakistan after the Damage Need Assessment is completed by World Bank and Asian Development Bank, later this month. She assured the Prime Minister that the EU would stand by Pakistan in these difficult times and will also actively support Pakistan in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts by aligning itself with Pakistan’s priorities in the flood affected areas.
She appreciated the measures being undertaken by the Government of Pakistan to ensure transparency and agreed with the Prime Minister that Pakistan’s past track record on that front had been declared satisfactory by the World Bank and ADB.
