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PR. No. 228. “Iodine Deficiency Disorder is a serious concern and the government is taking legislative measures and making key institutional interventions to protect our children from falling victim to the Disorder,” said the Federal Minister for Health Ms Sherry Rehman while talking to a delegation of UNICEF which called on her here in Islamabad. The Minister informed the delegation that a legislation, ensuring production, storage, sale and distribution of iodized salt in the country has been already been prepared by the Ministry of Health. “’The Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Act 2008’ is a stakeholder-driven legislation and will be presented in the parliament as soon as it is approved by the Cabinet.” Ms Rehman said that the Nutrition Wing of the Ministry of Health, with the support of its partners, has launched a Universal Salt Iodization project in 65 districts of Pakistan. “Through this project, the salt producers are facilitated to produce iodised salt. The results are encouraging and the iodised salt production has increased from 17 per cent to 70 per cent in these districts. In the next phase, the program will be extended to 16 more districts where incidence of iodine deficiency is high.” The Federal Minister was informed that around three million children are born unprotected of mental impairment every year in Pakistan. “The government is aware of the significance of the Universal Salt Iodization in controlling the Iodine Deficiency Disorders. We are therefore determined to pursue the USI both at the legislative and institutional levels to ensure our children are protected from preventable brain damages.” The Minister thanked the UNICEF delegation for their proactive support in this initiative and assured of the commitment of the government in elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders from the country. “The Government of Pakistan, the UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) will work in collaboration with each other towards the target of total elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders from Pakistan.” EW/AR.
PR. No. 229. Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Mohammad Khan Jamali have expressed their deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Sangeen Wali Khan, younger brother of Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan, President, Awami National Party. Mr. Sangeen Wali Khan breathed his last early this morning. In their separate messages of condolence to ANP Chief, Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan they prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed soul and grant perseverance to the members of the bereaved family to bear the great loss with fortitude. They have also sympathized with the workers of the Awami National Party over this great loss. SM/AR.
PR. No. 230. The Prime Minister has been pleased to decide that Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis shall cease to hold the additional charge of the Portfolio of Religious Affairs & Zakat and Ushr with immediate effect, says a notification issued by Cabinet Division here on 25.6.2008.
PR. No. 231. Government is committed to recover the missing persons and all necessary steps will be taken in this regard. This was said by Federal Law Minister Farooq H.Naek in a meeting with relatives of missing persons who called on him here today. Mrs. Amna Masood Janjua Chairperson Defense of Human Rights was also present in the meeting. The Law Minister asked the delegation to furnish a complete list of their missing relatives and all their particulars – names, professions, dates of missing and court proceedings. He also asked them to submit all the Supreme Court judgments about their missing relatives so that the case of missing persons is pursued in an organized way. The Minister also told the delegation that Government is introducing legal reforms to provide speedy and cheap justice especially to poor segment of society. For this purpose, Government is planning to set up Public Defender’s Offices all over the country to provide free legal aid to the poor, said the Minister.# AUR/AR.
PR. No. 232. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that people have given their mandate to moderate forces in the country and we have accepted to meet the various challenges facing the country by forming a broad based government in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of Pakistani Americans Public Affairs Committee and a delegation of prominent Pakistanis in the UK who called on him here in Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the two major priorities of his government are improving the law and order and security situation in the country and reviving the economy. He said the government is fully conscious that conducive conditions have to be created to accelerate the pace of economic development and to encourage domestic and foreign investment in the country. The Prime Minister said that the government has adopted three pronged strategy to deal with the threat of terrorism and extremism by initiating political dialogue with those elements who have joined the mainstream political activity after laying down arms, by accelerating economic uplift of these areas and by resorting to the military track if agreements are violated. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan cannot allow a handful of extremists to impose their version of Islam on the moderate majority especially when their version militates against Islam’s eternal message of peace, moderation, tolerance and universal brotherhood. The Prime Minister said his government is engaged in the process of strengthening democratic norms, establishing parliamentary supremacy and restoring the 1973 Constitution so that the democracy is not derailed in the future. The Prime Minister said that PPP is a truly federal party and his unanimous election being a non-Bhutto and a non-Sindhi is living proof of it. The Prime Minister asked the delegation leaders to help project the true and correct image of Islam and Pakistan and make sustained efforts to dispel the misperceptions about our faith and the country in the West by involving the Pakistan community. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is also in need of Foreign Direct Investment especially in power generation and construction of dams. He asked the delegation to familiarize the business communities in the US & UK with the investor-friendly policies of the government in order to encourage and promote foreign investment in Pakistan. The delegation leaders extended their warm felicitation to the Prime Minister on his election as the Prime Minister and the rebirth of democracy in Pakistan. They said that the Prime Minister carries the hopes and aspirations not only of the Pakistanis but of the entire Western world. They said that they were impressed by the policies of the elected government and would extend their full support to them in the policy-making and influential circles in the US and UK. The delegation comprised of Dr. Raza Bokhari, President PAK PAC, Mr. Pervez Lodhi, Mr. Farid Khan, Mr. Muhammad Irshad Khokhar and Dr. Shahid Tahir. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Nasim Ashraf, Chairman NCHD. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 233. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has agreed to the establishment of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Lahore and Multan with a view to encouraging participation of women entrepreneurs in the field of trade, commerce and business. The Prime Minister said that his government will encourage setting up of women chambers in important business centres of the country as it is in keeping with his government’s policy of empowering women. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of women entrepreneurs from Multan led by Ms Anila Iftikhar who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this morning. Ms Mehreen Razzaq, MNA also attended the meeting. The Prime Minister said that the government accords high priority to women empowerment and would take all possible measures to achieve this objective. The Prime Minister said that the government is keen to improve the status of the women in the society and is striving to bring about improvement in their lives through social, economic, political and legal empowerment. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of women entrepreneurs and their growing contributions in various sectors of the national economy. The Prime Minister asked the delegation to promote the Prime Minister’s ongoing programme of “one village one product” to encourage specialization of craft’s production in different parts of the country. The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of the various proposals for promoting women participation in the business activities of the country. The Prime Minister assured the delegation that their proposals would be given serious consideration. Other members of the delegation who attended the meeting included Begum Farrukh Mukhtiar, Ms. Romana Ahmed, Ms. Humaira Zahid, Mrs. Johra Jabeen and Mrs. Najma Iftikhar. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 234. Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar has expressed deep shock over the death of Sangeen Wali Khan, a younger brother of ANP Leader Asfand Yar Wali Khan. In his condolence message with the Asfand Yar Wali Khan and other members of the bereaved family, the Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His eternal blessings on the departed soul and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. AM/AR.
PR. No. 235. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is focussing on the provision of low-cost housing to the people to meet housing shortage in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan that called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to realising PPP’s vision of ‘Roti, Kapra and Makaan’ for ensuring the provision of these basic necessities of life to the people as was envisioned by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. The Prime Minister said the government is taking steps for solving the problems of the construction industry to ensure its seamless growth and progress. The Prime Minister formed a committee to look into the problems of the construction industry that includes Secretaries of the Ministries of Housing and Works and Finance, Chairman CBR and the Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers for formulating suggestions. The delegation informed the Prime Minister about the role and potential of the construction sector to improve the national economy through infrastructure development and employment generation. The representatives of the construction industry assured the Prime Minister that despite operational difficulties they would gear up their efforts to help the government translate its vision of housing for all into reality. The Chairman CBR, Secretary Housing, Secretary Planning Commission and senior government officials also attended the meeting. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 236. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Sangeen Khan, younger brother of Mr. Asfandyar Wali, Chairman Awami National Party. The Prime Minister telephoned Mr. Asfandyar Wali and expressed heart felt condolences and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in peace. He also prayed that may Almighty Allah grant courage and fortitude to all the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 237. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government recognises the importance of Northern Areas and will take concrete steps for the uplift and progress of people of this region. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Pir Syed Karam Ali Shah, former Chief Executive Northern Areas who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. Syed Karam Ali Shah apprised the Prime Minister of the various matters relating to the Northern Areas. The Prime Minister assured him that all issues relating to Northern Areas will be resolved on priority basis and the government will extend its full support in this regard. Later, Senator Israrullah Zehri, President BNP Awami, Chief of Jhalawan, also called on the Prime Minister and thanked him for taking personal interest in the development of Balochistan by announcing a special grant of Rs. 3 billion from his discretionary funds to help the province finalize its budget preparation. He also thanked the Prime Minister for providing funds worth Rs. 34 crore for the provision of natural gas to Sorab Town in district Kallat. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 238. Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Nawabzada Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has expressed grief and shock over the sad demise of Sangeen Wali Khan, younger brother of ANP Chief Asfandy Wali Khan, MNA. In a condolence message from USA, the Minister payed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and award courage to the bereaved family, and members/office bearers of Awami National Party and well wishers of the well known political family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. It is worth mentioning that the Minister is on a private visit to USA accompanying his ailing son for treatment there.
PR. No. 239. A meeting of the committee comprising Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Secretary Interior Kamal Shah and Secretary Law NWFP Farooq Sarwar was hold under the chairmanship of Federal Law Minister Farooq H.Naek here today. The committee discussed ways and means to provide speedy justice in accordance with demands of people of Sawat and suggest appropriate measures and necessary amendments in relevant existing laws to achieve the objectives of speedy justice. The committee also discussed fixing of time frame for quick disposal of cases, and to increase the number of judges and to make necessary amendments in this regard in Criminal Procedure Code and other relevant laws as well as Aiwan-e-Adal regulations. Ali Umar Rajoka
PR. No. 240. Ms. Zorica McCarthy, Australian High Commissioner met Finance Minister here today. Finance Minister briefed the Ambassador on his recent hectic engagements with Pre-Budget preparations and passage of Budget from the Parliament for fiscal year 2008-09. After restoration of democracy in Pakistan, the country is geared to strengthening its parliamentary institutions to attain development goals/agenda of the present government. The Australian High Commissioner appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing budget development issues which principally are annual feature. Australia and Pakistan share global perceptions on a variety of political and economic issues, and would like to continue to strengthen their relationship to the benefit of the people of both the countries in times to come, it was agreed. Ms. Zorica McCarthy presented her overview of global economic scenario and briefed the Finance Minister on Australia’s economic issues with regard to inflation, banking industry’s interest rate, exports and other development subjects. Finance Minister stressed enhanced cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture, land utilization and learning from each other’s expertise and new techniques in agro-based development projects. Australian High Commissioner identified development projects in less developed areas of Pakistan wherein Australia could offer support to Pakistan . It was agreed that experts from both sides could work out details of any possible cooperation between two friendly countries, focusing health, education, communication, utilization of arid land, water scarcity and agri development. In the end, Finance Minister briefed the Australian High Commissioner on development features of Benazir Income Support Programme designed to help uplift poor sections of the society against price hike. Pakistan would identify investment specific opportunity zones to encourage foreign investment in the country in order to maximize economic development, Finance Minister concluded.
PR. No. 241. In order to make the Privatisation Policy pro-workers, the workers of public sector entities will be given 10 % shares of their respective entities. Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Privatisation, Investment, Finance, Revenues & Economic Affairs announced while chairing a meeting of the Board of Privatisation Commission here today. Syed Naveed Qamar who is also chairman of the Privatisation Commission (PC) directed the PC that this decision should be implemented as soon as possible. He also formed a Committee to workout the modalities for the transfer of shares to the workers of State Owned Enterprises. The Minister further stated that the government was in the process to make the privatisation process as pro-worker and pro-people as possible and to transfer the benefits of privatisation to them in a transparent manner. The employees and the respective stakeholders of the State Owned Entities (SOEs) would be taken on board before initiating the process of privatisation of units already approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI), he added. The PC Board was briefed regarding the present status of various ongoing transactions and was informed that a Financial Advisor has been appointed for the divestment of Kot Addu Power Company (KAPCO) shares in the international market through Global Depository Receipts (GDR). The Board was further informed that a pre-qualification committee was finalizing its recommendations, for the pre-qualification of parties interested in acquiring SME Bank, which would be discussed in the next board meeting. The bid documents for the acquisition of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)’s 26 Motels / Restaurants through a competitive bidding process are being given final shape. The PC received Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from 36 investor(s), Consortium of Investors for PTDC’s Motels / Restaurants, which have been offered to promote tourism, improve the quality of services and foster competition. The PC board was informed that pre-qualification of the parties interested in acquiring National Power Construction Company (NPCC) was at an advanced stage and the due diligence of Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC) by the prospective bidders was in progress. The PC Board approved the Privatisation Program 2008-09, which includes Hazara Phosphate & Fertilizers Ltd, Heavy Electrical Complex (90 % shares), Jamshoro Power Company (51 %), Faisalabad Electric Supply Co. Ltd. (56 % shares), Printing Corporation of Pakistan (Assets), Pakistan Machine Tool Factory (90 % shares), Morafco Industries Limited (Assets), Sind Engineering Limited (assets), Lakhra Coal Mines Project, Khewra Salt Mines, Pakistan Steel Mills Corp; (10 % shares) through IPO and Services International Hotel. The Privatisation Program already approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI) will also be reviewed in due course of time in order to prepare a final list for future privatisation. The PC Board also formulated its recommendations for the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCOP) in order to reprioritise the Privatisation Program. The PC Board members’ senior representatives of the respective ministries/ departments and PC officials attended the meeting.
PR. No. 242. The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has reiterated his government’s resolve to promoting the telecom sector in Pakistan by improving the environment available to the sector and bridging the digital divide through ICT accessibility and scholarship programs for the youth of rural and far flung areas of the country. Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was addressing the gathering as chief guest at the Telecom Summit 2008 organized by the SAMENA ( South Asia Middle East North Africa) Telecommunications Council , which is a 25 country network of operators, regulatory bodies and telecom players with an international presence. Mr Kaira said that the telecom industry in Pakistan is fast growing and paying a lot in terms of revenue however, a natural consequence of the tremendous growth are challenges for operators, regulators and policy makers, which the government is committed to solving with full determination, he added. The minister informed that the ministry has undertaken review of the telecom policy. He said that the forthcoming telecom policy would be a single consolidated and uniform policy, ready hopefully by January next year, with fixed line, mobile broadband and USF policies combined together following a industry consultation with telecom operators, vendors, regulator and other stakeholders in the process. Ha said that the government will do everything possible to support and facilitate the sector. We don’t want to impose authority in any way and want to restrict to minimal intervention, he said. Appreciating the Summit, he said that the event organized by SAMENA has provided a platform and a unique opportunity for knowledge experience sharing, generating dialogue and identifying bottlenecks in important telecom and regulatory areas of the telecom sector. Mr. Thomas W. Wilson founder of the SAMENA Telecom Council, Dr. Muhammad Yasin (PTA), Mr Adil Rauf(Nortel),Mr. Tim Ward(Sonus),Mr Aamir Sardar (Nokia Siemens) also participated amongst others in the discussion on 3G ,wimax and future technologies. AK/nr
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No. 243. Advisor to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watto has expressed his deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Sangeen Wali Khan, younger brother of Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan, President, Awami National Party. In his message of condolence to ANP Chief, Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan he prayed to Allah Almighty to shower His blessings on the departed soul and grant perseverance to the members of the bereaved family to bear the great loss with fortitude. Ali Umar Rajoka/NR.
PR. No. 244. Federal Minister for Inforamtion & Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman has expressed her profound sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Sangeen Wali Khan, younger brother of Senator Asfandyar Wali Khan, President Awami National Party. In her condolence message to ANP Chief, Senator Asfandaryar Wali Khan she prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
PR. No. 245. Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman has expressed her profound sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Sultan Muhammad Sabir, Chief Editor Hiwad, Peshawar who was died in PIMS Islamabad today morning. In her condolence message she prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
PR. No. 246 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief over the sad demise of Mr. Sultan Muhammad Sabir, Chief Editor Hiwad, Peshawar who was died in PIMS Islamabad today morning. In his message the Prime Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude
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