PR. No. 342
PRESS RELEASE
China dispatches medical team to Pakistan
Islamabad; 26th August, 2010In continuation with the flood relief assistance being provided by China to Pakistan, a medical team comprising 60 doctors and paramedics, has left for Islamabad this morning. The team is also taking along a mobile hospital for providing immediate relief to the people, says a press release received here today from Beijing, China.
At a ceremony held at the Beijing international airport this morning Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Masood Khan and diplomats from Pakistan Embassy bid farewell to the team and wished them success. “We welcome you,” he said.
While addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Masood Khan said the Chinese team’s mission is heroic. He said the “Government and people of Pakistan, are deeply moved by this friendly and humanitarian gesture.”
As millions of displaced persons have moved into temporary shelters and relief camps, the biggest danger is the spread of disease and epidemics, he said.
Ambassador Masood Khan said this “Mission, going to Pakistan today will stem disease, save lives, heal wounds, and thus rekindle new hopes.”
He said the “People of China are our dear brothers and sisters. They are so near to our heart. This Chinese Mission is going to Pakistan even as China itself fights the bitter consequences of floods and mudslides.”
The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Sun Weidong, Deputy Director General (Asia), of Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Earlier, the Ambassador met the Deputy Chief of China’s Earthquake Authority, Mr. Zhao He Ping.
During the meeting the Ambassador thanked China for providing timely relief to Pakistan in this time of difficulty.
He said women and children are most vulnerable under these circumstances and appreciated that female doctors have also been included in the medical team. He said the government of Pakistan is grateful that a similar Chinese medical team dispatched to the earthquake affected areas in 2005 left all their equipment including their mobile hospital in Pakistan while returning.
Mr. Ping informed the Ambassador that in 2005 the medical team stayed in Pakistan for one month. This time the duration of their stay would depend on the actual situation, he added.
**DG/Ahmad**
PR. No. 343
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan’s High Commissioner Presents Credentials to the Malaysian King
Islamabad; 26th August, 2010Pakistan’s new High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. Masood Khalid presented his credentials to the Malaysia King, Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Xll, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Ibni Al-Marhum Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail at the Royal palace at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, today (26th August, 2010).
While presenting the letter of credence, Mr. Masood Khalid conveyed greetings of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Malaysian King. Mr. Masood Khalid had assumed the charge of High Commissioner for Pakistan in Malaysia on 11th of this month.
The High Commissioner briefed the King about the unprecedented floods in Pakistan which had displaced 20 million people and had destroyed over one million houses and standing crops worth billion of Dollars and thanked the King for Malaysian contributions to alleviate the sufferings of the flood victims.
The King expressed his concern over the flood situation in Pakistan, and hoped that the floods will soon recede and integrated efforts will be made by the international community together with Pakistan government to provide relief to the affected people and help in the reconstruction and restoration process.
The High Commissioner while apprising the King of the development policies and priorities of the present government said that Pakistan’s economy was following a stable upward trajectory, but had received a jolt due to unprecedented floods.
The High Commissioner highlighted the facilities and incentives being offered to foreign investors in Pakistan. He stated that Malaysian investors could find Pakistan an attractive destination for relocating labour intensive small and medium industries.
Mr. Masood Khalid said that Malaysia and Pakistan can complement each other’s competencies to jointly capture more than US$ one trillion dollar Halal market, besides, forging closer ties in Islamic finance and Banking for mutual benefit.
The King expressed satisfaction over the progress in bilateral relations and emphasized that existing close ties could be further broadened through enhanced trade and economic cooperation.
The King appreciated the contribution made by Pakistani expatriate community in Malaysia’s economic development.
The King assured Malaysia’s full cooperation and support in the discharge of duties by the new High Commissioner, says a press release received here today from Malaysia.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR. No. 344
PRESS RELEASE
OFFICE BEARERS OF PAKISTAN SOCIAL CENTRE SHARJAH CALL ON PM
Islamabad; 26th August, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani appreciated the kind gesture displayed by the Pakistani expatiates in Sharjah to mitigate the sufferings of their brethren in various flood hit areas of Pakistan. He said, unprecedented flood has caused colossal damage to crops, roads infrastructure and economy, and the role of Pakistani diaspora is commendable in helping out the government of Pakistan in this difficult time.
The Prime Minister was talking to the office bearers of Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah, led by Ch. Zafar Iqbal who called on him at PM’s House this morning to present a cheque of Rs.5 million for PM’s Flood Relief Fund.
General Secretary of the Pakistan Social Centre Sharja apprised the Prime Minister of the contributions made by Pakistani expatriates in Sharjah. He told the Prime Minister that the centre has also donated 50,000 Dinars for PM’s Flood Relief Fund to Pakistani Counselate in Sharjah.
The Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah was collecting tents, food items, blankets and medicines for the flood affectees which will reach Pakistan Shortly. Haji M. Nawaz. Ch. Rashid, Cultural Secretary Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah and Ch. Sohail Zafar, district President PPP Jhelum were also present in the meeting.
PR. No. 345
PRESS RELEASE
Minister for Textile Industry presented a cheque of Rs.29 million for the Prime Minister’s fund for the flood affectees
Islamabad: August 26, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the people of Pakistan are experiencing the worst natural calamity since its inception as the devastation of the floods has not been confined to one particular area. He appreciated the spirit of the people and different non-governmental organizations which are helping their brethren in the flood affected areas.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during meeting with the Minister for Textile Industry Mr. Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan at PM’s House here this morning. The Minister presented a cheque of Rs.29 million for the Prime Minister’s fund for the flood affectees on behalf of the Textile Sector.
The Minister for Textile Industry informed the Prime Minister that the Textile Sector is also donating relief goods including tents, food items and other necessary equipments to the flood affectees. He further apprised that one million bottles of clean drinking water have been contributed for the relief items in which twenty thousand bottles have already been distributed in Kotri and Sukkar.
The Prime Minister said that the NDMA has been directed to speed up the relief work and make sure that distribution of the relief goods is done equitably and reach the flood affectees at the earliest.
The Prime Minister thanked the Textile Sector for their generous contribution towards rendering the sufferings of the flood affectees and supplementing the government’s efforts.
PR. No. 346
PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA SHOULD HIGHLIGHT PRIORITY AREAS FOR ASSISTANCE OF FLOOD AFFECTEEs ------- YASMEEN REHMAN
Islamabad 26th August, 2010“Its the primary objective of media to highlight the priority areas for assistance of the flood affectees instead of embarking upon negative reporting”, says Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman while chairing a Flood Relief Coordination meeting with NGOs/CBOs at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Crisis Centre for Women, here today in Islamabad.
The Meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Women Development, UNIFEM, Aurat Foundation, WAT, ROZEN, SHARP, WORD, MASHAL, SPARC, SAHIL and SANGI, etc.
The Advisor took a serious note of the missing kinds and girls in various areas including Jaffarabad, Multan, and Mansehra. She instructed all the NGOs to provide all the data regarding women trafficking. While replying to a query raised by an NGO SPARC regarding rehabilitation and settlement of flood affected children, the Advisor offered that they should be either accommodated in Sweet Homes of Bait-ul-Maal or in the Benazir Bhutto Crisis Centre, Rawalpindi.
She announced that in case of this emergency flood situation, Crisis Centre Rawalpindi will start offering its services to the flood affected girls and kids despite the fact that this centre has not yet been inaugurated.
Mrs. Yasmeen informed that regarding 35,000 expected deliverys, Ministry of Women Development will work in closer coordination with the Ministry of Health for proper vaccination of mothers and infants. She emphasized upon the role of lady health visitors apart from the lady paramedics.
The Advisor requested UNIFEM to provide assistance and guidance for an aerial spray so as to avoid diseases and epidemics in the flood affected areas.
“Women Aid Trust” NGO apprised the Advisor of the fact that instead of food supply they will start working upon the agenda of providing material and cost for construction of homes to the affectees. They assured that the affectees by themselves will construct their homes and NGO will supply the required material and cost. Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman appreciated the steps/efforts taken by the NGOs for providing every possible assistance to the affectees. (SNA)
PR. No. 347
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad August 26, 2010An Islamic Development Bank (IDB) mission headed by Mr. Ahmad
Saleh is visiting the Islamic republic of Pakistan to participate in the relief efforts and to discuss upcoming recovery projects for the victims of the recent floods. The mission met with government officials in EAD, NDMA, WAPDA and others. Its worth mentioning that IDB has a cumulative commitment of US $ 5.7 billion in projects and trade related financing activities in various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, transport, social sector including health and education and industry. The board of executive directors of IDB has recently approved US$ 1.2 million grant for the immediate relief efforts. The mission discussed the three year program between IDB and the Islamic republic of Pakistan.
PR. No. 348
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE FROM BOI FOR DONATOIN FROM KOREA TO FLOOD EFFECTIES
Islamabad August 26, 2010Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment, is paying a 2-day visit to Republic of Korea to apprise the Korean government and other private sectors of the devastation caused by the flood in Pakistan and to seek assistance from them. The Honorable Minister today met in the morning, the Korea Foundation for International Health care and briefed the president Mr. Kwan Su Han about the flood. The President of Korea foundation donated US $ 100,000/- worth of medicines for the flood affectees. Later at 1130 hours Vice President of the Korea Plant Services (KPS) visited the Embassy where he donated a cheque of US$ 40,000/- for the flood affectees. The KPS are at present engaged in providing service and maintenance for the Power Plant in Dharki in Pakistan . This account was collected by the workers of KPS.
2. The Minister later met the senior officers of the KP Chemical, a subsidiary of Lotte Group which has bought the ICI, PTA plant in Karachi and also investing US$ 500 million in Pakistan and has donated US$ 128,355/- to the Minister at a ceremony at their office. The donation have been deposited in the National Bank of Pakistan , Seoul Branch. The KP chemical has earlier donated an amount of US $ 117,000/- to the Prime Minister in Islamabad . It was unprecedented that the Korean employees of KP chemical also donated Rs. 1.1 million to the Pakistan people.
3. The Minister also met other Korean conglomerates such as SAMBU construction which is engaged in (Lowari tunnel) and Pohang Steel Company (POSCO) i.e. 4th largest steel maker of the world.
4. Mr. Shaukat Ali Mukadam, the Ambassador was also present on the occasion.
PR. No. 349
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRPERSON BISP CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad 26th August, 2010Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program Ms. Farzana Raja called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Chairman NADRA Mr. Ali Arshad Hakeem was also present during the meeting.
Ms. Farzana Raja briefed the President about various activities being undertaken on the platform of BISP for the flood affected people.
Ms. Farzana Raja informed the President that BISP will distribute under its Emergency Relief Program another 12000 rupees per family among over one million flood affected families who are living below the poverty line and are already registered with BISP. She said that the first instilment of Rs. 3.9 billion has already been released for distribution among the affected families at the rate of Rs. 4000 per family.
The President appreciated BISP for providing Emergency Relief Assistance to the poorest of the poor in addition to the provision of Rupees 20,000 per family made by the Government.
He said that the element of transparency and being technology based, the program has gained the confidence of the people in the country as well as that of international agencies.
The President directed Chairman NADRA and Chairperson BISP to coordinate finalizing the lists of flood affectees in different parts of the country who have to be provided financial support.
PR. No. 350
PRESS RELEASE
PM’S MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE TO HIS CHINESE COUNTERPART
Islamabad: August 26, 2010The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of condolence to his Chinese counterpart Mr. Wen Jiabao on tragic accident of the passenger airplane, causing loss of 42 lives in China.
In his message, the Prime Minister said:
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic accident of the passenger airplane causing loss of forty two lives, in China. The people of Pakistan share this moment of grief with their Chinese brothers and sisters, in equal measure.
May I extend, sincere condolences, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, to Government and the people of China as well as to the members of the bereaved families.
I avail myself of this opportunity to extend to your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
PR. No. 351
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 26, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today appreciating the international community for their support to meet challenge of the “slow motion Tsunami” has called for fast pace disbursement of the pledged funds so that the appropriate strategy for rehabilitation of the affectees could be pursued at the earliest.
He said this while his meeting with representatives of donor organizations and the Ambassadors of various countries at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
The ambassadors present during the meeting included among other Ms. Anne W. Patterson (US), Mr. Jan de Kok (EU), Dr. Michael Koch (Germany), Mr. Hans Christian (Belgium), Mr. Ishak Latuconsina (Indonesia), Mr. Mustafa Babur Hizlan (Turkey), Mr. Chihiro Atsumi (Japan), Mr. Liu Jian (China), Dr. Perter Tibber, Deputy High Commissioner UK, Mr. Masha Allah Shakeri (Iran), envoys of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Canada and the representatives of donors agencies including UNOCHA, UNDP, WFO, World Bank etc.
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Information Minister Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Water & Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Dr. Babar Awan, Interior Minister Senator A. Rehman Malik, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General to the President, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar were also present besides other senior officials.
The President said that the assistance by the international community was a short term measure to take control of the prevailing situation however the long-term remedy to compensate such stupendous loss consisted of allowing enhanced market access for Pak products, according preferential trade facilities, creating ROZs and more investments in the country. He said that the democratic Government has always preferred trade over temporary aid packages to recuperate the losses caused initially by war against militancy and now the devastating floods.
The President said the initial estimates of losses on account of unprecedented floods could be much higher then the reported. He said that no Government alone can handle such a gigantic task of relief and rehabilitation unless its efforts are complemented by the international community.
The President said that the Government was strictly following austerity drive and other measures besides cutting short development and current expenditures to generate and divert available resources for the flood affected people.
He said that that the democratic government fully believes in transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds for judicious use of international donations on one hand and to ensure that each and every penny is spent for the relief and rehabilitation of the deserving persons.
The President also invited the foreign dignitaries to personally visit various flood affected areas and urged them to use their influences in sensitising their governments and their people about the magnitude of the devastation.
The President said Pakistani nation has a history of facing challenges and succeed. He expressed the hope that this time too the nation would overcome the challenge with courage and fortitude as it did during 2005 earthquake.
The participants put forth various suggestions and observations regarding relief and rehabilitation efforts for the flood affected victims and to prepare for any such challenges in the future.
PR. No. 352
PRESS RELEASE
GERMANY SUPPORTS PAKISTAN FOR GSP PLUS STATUS
Islamabad: August 26, 2010German Foreign Minister Mr. Guido Westerwelle has called on the European Union to grant Pakistan preferential access to enhance export of products from Pakistan in the EU market in order to mitigate the impact of the disastrous floods in Pakistan on the country’s economic and social development, says a press release received from the Embassy of Pakistan, Berline, (Germany), here today.
In a letter to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton, and to EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht, Mr. Westerwelle has stated that the “people in Pakistan must be given the chance to make the most of their country’s economic potential through self-sustaining growth to build a brighter economic future”.
The aim of the initiative is to give Pakistan preferential access to the EU market under the GSP plus Regulation.
PR. No. 353
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI SAYS BISP’S TIMELY INITIATIVES WOULD BE INSTRUMENTAL FOR
QUICK REHABILITATION OF THE FLOOD VICTIMSMS. FARZANA RAJA BRIEFED THE PRESIDENT REGARDING RELIEF EFFORTS BEING DONE
BY BISP AS EMERGENCY SUPPORT BASISIslamabad: August 26, 2010
President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has done a commendable job of providing the flood victim much need emergency relief across the country. He said this during a meeting with Federal Minister and BISP, Ms. Farzana Raja here on Thursday. The president also expressed his hope that BISP would continue its relentless efforts of helping poor and downtrodden segments of the society.
Earlier, MS. Farzana Raja briefed away the president regarding BISP’s emergency relief plan for the most vulnerable flood-affectees. She said that so far Rs.3.9 billion has already been dispatched and disbursement of it would start from 30th August. She said that this cash grant was imperative and crucial to enable these hapless victims to sustain till returning to normal rehabilitation.
MS. Farzana Raja informed the president Zardari further 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.
Despite these hectic relief efforts being provided by BISP to most vulnerable flood affectees, she said, the poverty census/survey would be continued as usual to achieve more reliable data of the downtrodden families in Pakistan to maintain an effective mechanism as a selection criteria to avail assistance under any social safety initiative in the future.
President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the timely initiatives of the BISP and said that these efforts would be highly instrumental in rehabilitation of the flood devastating flood victims across the country.
PR. No. 354
PRESS RELEASE
ISMAILI COMMUNITY DONATES RS. 600,000/- FOR FLOOD VICTIMS OF PAKISTAN
Islamabad: August 26, 2010Mr. Nayani Aslam, an eminent businessman from Islmaili Community in Brussels, has expressed deep condolences, on his own behalf as well as on behalf of Ismaili Community for the flood affectees of Pakistan. A delegation of Ismili business community headed by Mr. Nayani Aslam called on the Ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, Luxembourg and European Union, Mr. Jalil Abbas Jilani this afternoon and presented him a cheque of Rs. 600,000/- for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund as a contribution from Ismaili Community to help flood affectees in Pakistan, says a press release received ffrom the Embassy of Pakistan, Brussels, Belgium , here today.
Regarding it a terrible tragedy Mr. Nayani said that the Ismaili Community stands by the people of Pakistan and are ready to provide any assistance that may be required.
The Ambassador, Mr. Jalil Abbas thanked him for the support provided by his community. He appreciated the kind gesture of the Ismaili community in Brussels who made donations to help their distressed brethren in flood hit areas.
The Ambassador told him and other members of Ismaili community 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. The government of Pakistan is trying to rescue and feed people and to prevent epidemics and that all national resources had been mobilized for rescue and relief operations are in full swing. The relief and early recovery work has picked up in all the affected areas and the evolving situation is being monitored closely by all the government agencies, he added.
PR. No. 355
PRESS RELEASE
MAULANA FAZL-UR-RAHMAN CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad: August 26, 2010Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Flood situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, relief and rehabilitation efforts for the flood affected people, coalition matters and overall political situation was discussed during the meeting.
The meeting took place over Iftar-cum-dinner hosted by the President in honour of Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman.
