PR. No. 328
PRESS RELEASE
SCO Secretary General expresses deep condolences and solidarity with flood victims of Pakistan
Islamabad: August 25, 2010Secretary General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Mr. Muratbek Imanaliev has expressed deep condolences, on his own behalf as well as on behalf of SCO member countries, for the flood affectees of Pakistan, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
He said this during a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Masood Khan, who called on him here this morning.
Mr. Imanaliev hails from Kyrgyzstan and is a former Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs and professor at the American University of Central Asia, expressed deep condolences.
Regarding it a terrible tragedy he said that SCO states stand by the people of Pakistan and are ready to provide any assistance that may be required.
Ambassador Masood Khan told the SCO Secretary General that the full fury and devastation in the flood affected areas is slowly unfolding and full Damage Needs Assessment will be completed once the waters recede. Right now we are trying to rescue and feed people and to prevent epidemics, he added.
Ambassador Masood Khan thanked him for the support provided by SCO.
During the meeting Ambassador Masood Khan reiterated Pakistan’s keen desire to become a full member of the SCO, explaining that Pakistan is a natural constituent of the geographic footprint of the Organization.
Mr. Imanaliev welcomed Pakistan’s aspirations to become a full member and said that Islamabad will be fully engaged by SCO in this regards once internal formalities were complete.
SCO has six full members including China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, while Pakistan, along with Iran, India and Mongolia, has Observer status in the organization.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR. No. 329
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 25, 2010The Second Session of the Pakistan-Turkmenistan Joint Governmental Commission was held in Islamabad on 24-25 August, 2010.The Pakistan delegation was led by Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Turkmenistan delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Vice Premier/Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the discussion, delegates from both countries presented various proposals to enhance cooperation in the fields of Trade, Energy, Agriculture & Livestock, Science & Technology, Education, Health, Sports and Tourism. Following main decisions were taken in the meeting:
Formation of Joint Working Groups in the areas of Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Science & Technology and & Power sectors for identifying areas of mutual cooperation and making concrete proposals to enhance the level of cooperation between the two countries in these areas.
Pakistan side handed over draft of MoU on cooperation between Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) of Turkmenistan and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for participation in Trade Fairs, Expo and Exhibitions in both countries.
The two sides underlined necessity to accelerate efforts for TAPI gas pipeline project in order to begin construction of this gas pipeline on priority. Turkmenistan side informed that they have initiated to organize the Steering committee meeting of the TAPI gas pipeline project on 15-17 September, 2010 in Ashgabat which will approve and initial the texts of relevant Agreements and multilateral documents by all the four countries, i.e. Turkmenistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India.
Pakistan side also presented proposal for bilateral cooperation for import of gas from Turkmenistan.
Turkmenistan also offered export of at least 1000 MW electricity to Pakistan. A Joint Working Group between relevant organization has been established which will start deliberations on this subject.
Both sides agreed to establish academic links between renowned educational and research institutions of their countries.
Both sides also discussed the prospects of future cooperation for export of medicines and surgical equipment from Pakistan. Pakistan side proposed that shipment in bulk can be repacked in Turkmenistan according to the Turkmenistan’s norms and specifications.
Both sides identified their focal points for exchange of information in areas of mutual interest of Science and Technology. Meetings of experts will be held soon to prepare a Programme of Cooperation.
Both sides agreed to prepare by the end of 2010 the draft of the Cultural exchange Program between two countries for 2011-2013.
Pakistan side presented a draft Agreement on collaboration between “Associated Press of Pakistan” (APP) and Turkmenistan’s news Agency “Turkmen State News”.
The leader of the Turkmen delegation also made official calls upon President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources and discussed matters of mutual interest and regional importance.
**SH/Ahmad**
PR. No. 330
PRESS RELEASE
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan calls on the Prime Minister
Islamabad: August 25, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that Pakistan fully supports Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project and would like this project to materialize without further delay in order to meet Pakistan’s growing shortages of energy. He expressed the hope that the pending issues relating to security of the gas pipeline in Afghanistan, guarantees for steady supply of the gas, required financing for the project and other technical matters would be resolved expeditiously through the meetings of Technical Working Group and the Steering Committee.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr Rashid Meredov, Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan who called on him in the Prime Minister’s House here today.
The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan and Turkmenistan had all along enjoyed cordial, fraternal ties based on the common culture and history. He called for building up on these solid foundations to expand the cooperation between the two countries in various fields, specially oil and gas, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, science and technology and education. He said that it was gratifying to note that the Second meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission formed in 1994 had been very useful for bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and in identifying ways and means to strengthen the ties in these areas. He hoped that the Joint Ministerial Commission’s meetings would be held on a regular basis and the Joint Working Group being formed for cooperation in various areas would be instrumental in promoting cooperation in their respective fields.
Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Mr Rashid Meredov conveyed the best wishes and gratitude of his President to the Prime Minister alongwith sincere condolences and sympathies of the government and people of Turkmenistan to their Pakistani counterparts in later’s hour of trial while facing the catastrophic consequences of flood in the country. He said that his government was considering provision of appropriate humanitarian assistance to Pakistan which would soon be delivered on his return to Ashgabat. The Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister described his interaction with Pakistani leadership and discussions during the Joint Ministerial Commission as very constructive and positive. He apprised the Prime Minister that his government had informed to convene the 11th Session of Steering Committee’s meeting in middle of September to discuss the modalities and prepare the ground for a Summit in Ashgabat in December 2010 of the countries involved in Tapi gas pipeline project. He said his government attached highest priority to the progress of Tapi and was coordinating with all the countries concerned for its early materialization. He thanked the Government of Pakistan for providing military and civilian training facilities to the Turkmen officials and expressed his government’s readiness to expand this cooperation as well as cooperation in the fields of oil and gas, electricity, agriculture, science and technology and education.
The Prime Minister asked the Turkmen Prime Minister / Foreign Minister to convey his gratitude and thanks to the government and people of Turkmenistan for their expression of condolences and sympathies on the colossal devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. He further assured that his government would lend its full support to convene the proposed Steering Committee’s meeting in September and will participate in the Summit meeting on Tapi Gas Pipeline Project in Ashgabat in December.
Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Secretaries Foreign Affairs and Petroleum, Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Mr Sapar Berdiniyazov and senior officers also attended the meeting.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR. No. 331
PRESS RELEASE
Korean Companies donate for Flood Affectees
Outgoing Ambassador of Republic of Korea calls on the Prime Minister
Islamabad: August 25, 2010Mr Shun Un, outgoing Ambassador of Republic of Korea paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Prime Minister and his government for extending their complete support to him in carrying out his Ambassadorial functions in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister commended Ambassador Shun Un’s relentless efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation during his tenure as Ambassador. The Prime Minister particularly acknowledged the fact that the Ambassador was able to engage the major Korean companies in investment and joint venture projects in Pakistan’s hydal & thermal power generation, water & sanitation, road & infrastructure, transportation and petro-chemical sectors. He also asked the Ambassador to convey his government’s thanks to his wife who in her capacity as President of International Foreign Women Association in Islamabad had remained involved in promotion of cultural cooperation between the two countries and in the charity work.
The Prime Minister hoped that Ambassador Shun Un would continue to contribute towards strengthening of Republic of Korea and Pakistan’s ties in his future official and personal capacities. On this occasion, representatives of Korean private sector and business community including executives of Samsung, Poongasan, Lotte (PPTA), Doosan Heavy Industries, LG Electronics, POSCO, K-Water, Sambu Construction, Sammi-Daewoo Express, Daewoo Services Ltd and an NGO Good Neighbours jointly presented a cheque of US $ 936,000 to the Prime Minister for his Flood Relief Fund.
Ambassador Shun Un while apprising the Prime Minister that the government of Republic of Korea had already contributed $ 01 million for the relief and rescue efforts of flood affectees in Pakistan stated that the government and private sector of Korea were planning to make further contributions towards this noble cause.
The Prime Minister thanked the Ambassador Shun Un as well as the representatives of Korean companies for their gesture and hoped that they would continue to mobilize resources keeping in view the magnitude and scale of calamity.
PR. No. 332
Press Release
THE ROLE OF MEDIA IS VITAL
TO AWARE AND EDUCATE THE MASSES ABOUT ENVIRONMENT: AFRIDI
Islamabad August 25, 2010Ministry of Environment attaches great importance to encourage environmental education, training and public awareness programs in the country. Ministry of environment is supporting the journalists working on environmental issues. Government is utilizing all available resources to aware and educate the general public about environmental issues. Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said this while chairing a meeting to review environmental education, training and public awareness matters here today.
Federal Minister said that Environmental education has been recognized as an important priority of the Environment Ministry and has been dealt with both under the National Conservation Strategy (NCS) and the National Environmental Action Plan of the Government of Pakistan. He also highlighted that the Ministry of Environment in partnership with key stakeholders is spearheading efforts aimed at incorporating environmental education concepts in schools curriculums.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that there is not much evidence of due attention being paid to awareness raising or focusing on the need to adopt climate change coping mechanisms. Ministry of Environment has involved the media as an important stakeholder in the efforts of environmental preservation, he added. Minister also said that keeping in view the importance of media to raise awareness at different segments of the society, the Ministry of Environment is supporting the linkages among the journalists working on environmental issues. He told that Ministry of Environment has introduced Environment Journalist Awards and Environment Journalist Forum which shows our commitment to aware the people by using most important Print and Electronic Medias.
Earlier, detailed presentation was given to the Federal Minister in which it was observed that in Pakistan, through a mix of public-private partnerships, activities in the domain of environmental education, training and public are being organized on a continuous basis like Green Schools Club. Moreover, most of these activities are part of larger programs and action plans initiated by the Ministry of Environment to engender a more sustainable development path. It was also highlighted that some of the activities of the Ministry include organizing workshops, Seminars and observing specific international days like Earth Day, World Environment Day etc. Moreover, it was further mentioned that Ministry of Environment is making use of print and electronic media in airing environmental messages as well.
Meeting was attended by Secretary Environment Javed Malik and other high officials of the Environment Ministry.
PR. No. 333
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN PTA PRESENTED A CHEQUE OF RS.654,468 TO PM
Islamabad: August 25, 2010Dr. Muhammad Yaseen, Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in Prime Minister’s House this afternoon and presented him a cheque of Rs 654,468/- for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister appreciated the kind gesture of the employees of PTA who contributed one day’s salary to help their distressed brethren in flood hit areas.
The Prime Minister urged Chairman, PTA to ensure the reconstruction of telecommunication infrastructure in the flood hit areas to strengthen the relief activities.
Chairman PTA apprised the Prime Minister of the damage caused to telecomm infrastructure in flood affected areas and also various ways devised by PTA for early reconstruction of the network.
PR. No. 334
PRESS RELEASE
China announces US$ 9 million additional flood relief assistance
Medical team, tents consignment being sent to Pakistan
Beijing; 25 August 2010China today announced that it has increased its flood relief assistance for Pakistan by additional US$ 9 million, says a press release received here today.
China’s Vice Minister for Commerce, Mr. Chong Quan, in a meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador in Beijing, Mr. Masood Khan, said that in view of the close brotherly ties between Pakistan and China and the continuing serious flood situation China has decided to double the assistance and provide additional RMB 60 million (US$ 9 million approx.).
China has already contributed relief worth US$ 10 million. In the recent weeks six aircraft sorties have delivered tents, blankets, generators, water purifiers, food items, bottled drinking water and medicines to flood affected areas in Pakistan.
“This assistance would be used to dispatch tents”, he said, adding that responding to Pakistan’s dire needs for shelter China would provide 10,000 tents.
Vice Minister Quan also told Ambassador Khan that a medical team comprising doctors and nurses would leave for Pakistan in a next couple of days to help Pakistan fight disease in the affected areas and stem epidemics in the relief camps.
The Pakistani Ambassador thanked China for this timely gesture. He condoled with the Chinese government and people over loss of life and massive devastation in the vast territories in China which have been hit by floods and mudslides in the recent weeks.
Thanking Pakistan for its sympathy with the victims of floods in China, Vice Minister Quan said that China fully understands Pakistan’s plight and sufferings because it too has faced serious disasters in 2010 including floods, mudslides and earthquake.
“When we look at the people in Pakistan, we feel as if this calamity had struck us directly” he said.
PR. No. 335
PRESS RELEASE
Federal Minister of Petroleum Naveed Qamar—Turkmen Delegation meetng 25-08-2010
Islamabad 25th August, 2010The Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar has underlined the need for fast tracking Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas pipeline Project and putting in place effective institutional mechanism for bilateral and multilateral progress on the matter.
Syed Naveed Qamar made these remarks while talking to H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Minister for Foreign Affairs who was heading the delegation from Turkmenistan that called on him here today.
Syed Naveed Qamar congratulating his counterpart on the huge discovery of natural gas in Turkmenistan said that both the countries could benefit from each other’s resources and technical expertise to a great extent. The Minister assuring assistance from his side said that Pakistan was fully committed to early implementation of the TAPI project and considered that the collective and bilateral matters must be streamlined on priority basis to foster progress and prosperity between the two countries.
The two sides reviewed the status of signing of the Heads of Agreement (HoA) and negotiations on the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) between Pakistan and Turkmenistan and also discussed possibly early commencement of the 11th Steering Committee meeting and holding the same in Ashgabat.
Mr. Rashid Meredov said that he looked forward to further cooperation in the energy sector between the two brotherly countries and expediting the projects underway.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Petroleum and Natural Reources Mr. Kamran Lashari and Mr. Hilal A. Raza M.D. Inter State Gas Systems Ltd. among others.
PR. No. 336
PRESS RELEASE
MR. RASHID OVEZGELDIEVICH MEREDOV
CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad 25th August, 2010
President Asif Ali Zardari today called for taking up the TAPI ((Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline project on an urgent basis calling also for an urgent meeting of the TAPI steering committee to address issues involved in the pipeline project.
This he said during his meeting with Mr. Rashid Ovezgeldievich Meredov, Vice Premier and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
From Turkmenistan side, Mr. Nury Muhammedov, Chairman of State Concern, Mr. Taganov Palvan, Chairman Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ambassador Mr. Sapar Berdiniyazov, Mr. Mergen Shaliyev, Deputy Minister for Economy & Development, Mr. Veliglych Mammedov, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Jepbarberdi Atayev, Deputy Minister for Energy & Industries were present besides other senior officials.
The Pak side included Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Nawabzada Malik Ammad Khan, MOS for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kamran Lashari, Secretary Petroleum, Mr. Sibtain Fazal Haleem, secretary Economic Affair Division, Mr. Asif Bajwa, Acting Secretary Finance and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar along with other senior officials of Foreign Ministry.
The President said that early completion of regional connectivity projects was not only a key to the development of the region but would also promote mutual relationship among the countries.
He said that the industrial and infrastructural development hinges upon energy and the ever growing energy needs of the region could only be fulfilled if the available resources are fully utilised for maximum mutual advantage of the countries. He said that the early completion of gas connectivity projects would not only cater to energy requirements of the regional countries but would also improve the standards through creation of employment, economic opportunities besides infrastructure and industrial development.
The President said that Pakistan has a vision of establishing energy and trade corridors with the Central Asian Republics and Turkmenistan being an exporter of gascan play a major role in promoting energy cooperation in the region.
Discussing bilateral relations, the President stressed upon the need to boost mutual trade relations and said that the Central Asian Republic could take advantage of geostrategic location of Pakistan and boost their trade with the international community.
The President said that there was a need to further promote mutual exchanges through relaxation of visa regimes. Strict visa regime was hampering establishment of viable air links and trade, he noted.
Mr. Rashid Ovezgeldievich Meredov thanked the President for meeting and expressed sympathies of his Government and people over the losses due to recent catastrophic floods. He said that Turkmenistan was keen for an early completion of ongoing regional projects which would further improve mutual relations between the two countries, meet the growing energy needs of Pakistan and would also create win-win situation for all the countries involved in the project. He appreciated the Government and the President’s keen interest in completion of connectivity projects.
PR. No. 337
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADOR OF KOREA PAYS FAREWELL CALL ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad 25th August, 2010The outgoing Ambassador of Korea in Pakistan Mr. Shin Un paid farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The President while talking to the outgoing envoy said that Pakistan values its cordial and friendly relations with Korea and desires to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields especially in the economic, commercial and trade and investment between the two countries.
The President appreciated valuable contributions of the Ambassador in further consolidating and cementing the existing close bilateral ties between the two counties. The President wished him every success in his future assignments.
The outgoing Ambassador thanked the President and the Government for the support extended to him during his stay in Pakistan.
PR. No. 338
PRESS RELEASE
TURKISH PRESIDENT TELEPHONES PRESIDENT ZARDARI
Islamabad 25th August, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today had a telephonic conversation with the Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul.
The Turkish President expressed his heart-felt sympathies over the loss of approximately 1500 precious lives and colossal damage to the infrastructure as a result of recent devastating floods. He said that Turkish people can feel the sufferings of their Pakistani friends in distress. He said that Turkey would continue to provide all possible support to Pakistan.
President Asif Ali Zardari thanked the Turkish President for Turkey’s humanitarian and logistic support for the people of Pakistan. He said that Turkey has always been there to support and help Pakistan in the hour of need. The President recalling the great services of the Turkish workers during earthquake 2005 in relief and rehabilitation efforts said that the people of Pakistan greatly appreciate the assistance and the humanitarian efforts of the Turkish people for them. He also thanked his Turkish counterpart for calling upon Turks to generously support Pakistani friends and also to plead Pakistani case on the platform of United Nations.
PR. No. 339
PRESS RELEASE
MS. FARZANA RAJA TERMED THE POST-FLOOD CHALLENGE MUCH BIGGER THAN TSUNAMI.
APPRAISED WORLD BANK DELEGATION ABOUT RELIEF EFFORTS BEING DONE
BY BISP, APPRECIATED WB’S SUPPORT
Islamabad 25th August, 2010Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Ms. Farzana Raja has said that the recent devastating flood in Pakistan has posed a bigger challenge of rescue and rehabilitation than Tsunami. Hence, she said, it requires an equally proportionate response from the world community.
She said this during a meeting with the World Bank delegation headed by their Country Director Mr. Rachid Benmessaoud at BISP Secretariat. MS. Mansoora Rashid, Sector Manager, Social Protection South Asia region was also present at the meeting. Ms. Farzana Raja appreciated Mr. Rachid for his special visit and apprised him of the adverse impact of the unprecedented floods on the people of Pakistan, especially on BISP’s beneficiaries, who belongs to most vulnerable segments of the society.
MS. Farzana Raja elaborated the situation further and said that more than six million flood affected individuals are already registered by virtue of being part of BISP’s beneficiaries’ family and identifying them to provide immediate relief is relatively an easy task. She informed the delegation that that BISP has announced Rs. 12000 per family Livelihood Cash Grant for flood affected beneficiaries, which will be distributed in three monthly grant of Rs 4000/ month.
The Chairperson of BISP said that the first installment of almost Rs.3.9 billion has already been dispatched and disbursement of it would start from 30th August. She further highlighted that cash grant is absolutely imperative for helping the victims to relocate themselves before any rehabilitation or recovery operation could start.
Mr. Rachid appreciated the efforts made by BISP for reaching out to its flood affected beneficiaries. He was of the view that a coordinated response is absolutely necessary to meet the challenges posed by this extraordinary emergency. “The real challenge is what could be done quickly to start a meaningful response”, said Mr. Rachid and stated that a fuller response from the Bank could only be possible after the completion of damage assessment survey.
However, Mr. Richid said that on initial basis the Bank is considering to import critical items required for the response. While appreciating the role of BISP in regard with poverty reduction and empowerment of women, Mr. Rachid said that “for Bank team BISP is not a project, it’s a passion’’. He added further ‘’we very much value this partnership and we are there for any kind of support required by BISP’’. He assured that the Bank would be very much willing to support new initiatives of BISP especially education in Pakistan.
Ms. Farzan Raja informed the delegation that BISP is working very hard to facilitate flood victims and any financial support from the bank in the emergency relief package for the flood victims would be a very welcome step.
Ends
PR. No. 340
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT’S MEETING WITH THE HEADS OF BANKS AND THE BANKING AND FINANCE SECTOR PROFESSIONALS
Islamabad 25th August, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today called upon the country’s banking and finance sector to use their great influence in the areas of their operations and participate in the flood relief and rehabilitation by sensitising the people and state agencies to the colossal damage and the ways to recover the lost ground. While we hope that the worst floods were caused by freak weather and will not recur, we should also keep in mind that it may have been caused by climatic change and have to brace ourselves for such disasters in the future as well, he said.
He said this while addressing the heads of banks and the banking and finance sector professionals who had been invited to the Presidency for a special emergent meeting on the flood relief and rehabilitation and the role the bankers can play in it.
Those who were present during the meeting included among others Mrs. Shafqat Sultana, President First Woman Bank, Syed Ali Raza, President NBP, Mr. R. A. Chughtai, President SME Bank, Mr. Muhammad Zaka Ashraf, President ZTBL, Mr. Rafiquddin Mehkari, President Askari Bank, Mr. S. M. Talib Rizvi, Group head Bank Alflah, Mr. R. Zakir Mahmood, President HBL, Mr. Abbas D. Habib, CE Bank Al-Habib, Mr. Atif R. Bokhari, President UBL, Mr. Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht, VP Citibank and Mr. Khalid Sherwani, President ABL.
The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Interior Minister, Syed Sumsam Ali Bokhari, Minister of State for Information, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Secretary Planning & Development, Secretary EAD and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar besides other senior officials of the concerned departments.
Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar briefing the media said that the President said that the banks should provide necessary financial services to farmers and small business to help them restore their businesses and urged them restore to play a role in the revival of economic activities in the devastated areas. A scheme should be devised to provide relief to the existing borrowers of devastated areas and at the same time make provision for fresh financing for the revival of economic activities.
President Zardari said that the country had to face great human and infrastructure losses due to the current unprecedented floods and around 75 districts were affected with an affected population of 15 million. He said that the 2.6 million acres of cultivated land was affected with a crop loss of Rs. 200 billion. The President said that the agriculture and housing were the most seriously impacted areas and the banks were saddled with the social responsibility of pressing into service their professional skills for addressing the issues in these two sectors. He said that the Government will provide free seed to farmers to grow canola early next month in the flood affected areas and also distribute the first instalment of Rs. 5000 of the relief assistance per family before the Eid. These are also the areas in which the banks can play a positive and constructive role for speedy implementation, he said.
Mr. Babar said that the President directed the House Building Finance Corporation (HBFC) that while providing financial services for the reconstruction of damaged housing sector, the Corporation should also undertake search for suitable technologies that enabled the rebuilt houses withstand earthquakes and floods. The President called for a separate briefing on rebuilding the destroyed dwelling units using modern technology to make them disaster proof.
In the interactive session that followed the heads of the country’s banks and financial institutions offered several suggestions about their role in mitigating the effects of calamity and assured the President that driven by their sense of social responsibility they will rise to the expectations of the nation.
PR. No. 341
PRESS RELEASE
PM VISITS HUSSAIN HAQQANI RESIDENCE TO CONDOLE HIS MOTHER’S DEATH
Islamabad 25th August, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited the residence of Mr. Hussain Haqqani, Pakistan’s Ambassador to USA this evening to condole the death of his mother who passed away few days ago.
The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with equanimity.
The Prime Minister stayed at the Ambassador’s home for some time.
