PR No. 298
PRESS RELEASE
Future of FATA is in Hands of its Young Generation….Afridi
Islamabad July 27, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that future of FATA is in hands of its young generation. He also said that people of FATA are committed to impart education to their children so that they may play their important role for the development of Pakistan. He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of FATA who met him in his office here today.
Federal Minister underlined that male and female literacy ratio is much lower in FATA then in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other provinces of Pakistan. He said that this is a challenge that we must overcome. He expressed his confidence in young generation of FATA to get education and play their role in development of Pakistan. He mentioned that our young and educated generation can play vital role to highlight real image to FATA and Pakistan.
Environment Minister added that FATA has come onto the world map with reference to rising militancy and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes due to insurgency and military operations. On this occasion, several aspects of different projects and programs organized by UN Agencies also came under discussion. He recognized the support of USAID for displaced students and their parents in IDP camps and lauded the ongoing support in improving school facilities and teacher training which is instrumental in efforts to raise the standard of education in FATA. Federal Minister emphasized that all possible efforts would be used for the development of FATA, however people of FATA has to share their role in this regard.
Environment Minister also shared his views about initiatives related to environment taken in FATA. He mentioned that global warming and climate change is the major threat for us. This is a big challenge yet, people of FATA has to come forward and take part in our efforts for healthy environment. Different projects in FATA related to environment also came under discussion.
Delegation lauded the efforts rendered by the Federal Minister for the betterment of FATA. Delegates expressed their views and gave suggestions and ideas in this context. They shared their issues and concerns of FATA on this occasion.
PR No. 299
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan unanimously elected on the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development
Islamabad : July 27, 2010Pakistan was unanimously elected on the 9-member Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) for a period of two years today during the 36th annual General Conference. Murtaza Solangi, Director General, Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation represented Pakistan in the conference. Laos proposed Pakistan to be elected on the prestigious board while Bangladesh and Nepal endorsed Pakistan. Since no country contested against Pakistan, the country was elected unanimously on the executive board, says a press release received from here today.
Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation was also elected unanimously on the Administrative Council of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) last year in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Speaking in the General Conference, after the election, Director General, PBC, Murtaza Solangi said the unanimous election of Pakistan was recognition of Pakistan in the comity of nations as a respectable member after the restoration of democracy in 2008.
AIBD was established by UNESCO in 1977 as a UN project initially with 13 member countries. Funding came from voluntary Members’ contribution, UNESCO and international communities.
Since its inception, training has been AIBD’s main mandate. More than 25,000 broadcasters and media professionals have benefitted from various training programmes over the years. Some 1,500 broadcasters from 50 countries are currently being retrained through AIBD programmes each year. Pakistan has been a beneficiary of many of the training programs in the fields of radio and television. The opportunities will grow for Pakistan after its election on the Executive Board of the organization.
AIBD now has 43 full members in 26 Member Countries, 74 Affiliate Members and 48 International Partners. AIBD has close cooperation with several Broadcasting Unions/ Associations. Among them are the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA) and the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association (CBA).
UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - being permanent members of AIBD’s Executive Board - play a key role in planning and executing many of the Institute’s developmental activities. The Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung has also supported AIBD activities since its inception in 1977.
PR No. 300
PRESS RELEASE
PM meeting with AMbassador of Tajkistan
Islamabad: July 27, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while mentioning the historic and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan has urged the need to further enhance the existing cooperation between the two countries corresponding to its true potential.
The Prime Minister was talking to Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Zubaydov Zubaydullo, who called on him at Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today.
The Prime Minister stated that the existing transit trade agreement with Afghanistan has the mandate to extend this facility to Central Asian States. This trade facility, therefore, he added, can be utilized for enhancing the business links between the two countries. He said that the government would look into the possibility of a reciprocal arrangement under which land should be offered to the Tajik side at Gwadar and Peshawar Exclusive Free Zones in return for land to Pakistan in the Punjkoi Free Zone in Tajikistan. He apprised that the Tajik Government should officially propose the arrangements to be considered by the relevant authorities of Government of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister specially mentioned the recent visit of Pakistan’s delegation headed by Mr. Saleem Mandviwala, Chairman, BOI to attend Pakistan-Tajik Business Forum in Dushanbe from July 15 – 18
The Prime Minister hoped that the on-going feasibility study on supply of electricity from Tajikistan to Pakistan under CASA 1000 Initiative will be expanded. He added that in the Energy Review Meeting scheduled for later in the afternoon, he would urge the concerned Ministers and Chief Ministers to fast track the project.
Talking about the road links between Pakistan and Tajikistan through Wakhan strip, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan has already consented to the idea and negotiations are in progress with Afghanistan in this regard. He urged the Tajik side to take up this issue as well with the Afghan Government to either be part of the project or allow Pakistan and Tajikistan to construct the road.
The Prime Minster said the presence of Sufi Saint Syed Hamdani’s shrine in Tajikistan is a strong spiritual bond between the two countries.
The Prime Minister informed the Tajik Ambassador that Government of Pakistan was also extending scholarships to the Tajik students for learning Urdu at NUML, Islamabad and had reserved 10 seats for Tajik nationals in the fields of IT. He further asked that government nonetheless would look into the possibility of increasing the number of scholarships for Tajik students.
The Prime Minister stated that CDA had already earmarked a peace of land in the New Diplomatic Enclave for the Tajik Embassy and was ready to issue a formal offer letter in that regard as soon as the Tajik side also agreed to offer a suitable piece of land for Pakistani embassy in Dushanbe.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is keenly looking forward for the upcoming visit of President of Tajikistan this year. He while accepting the invitation of the Prime Minister of Tajikistan for official visit, said that the details and date shall be decided by the Foreign Ministries of both the countries at the earliest.
The Tajik Ambassador applauded Prime Minister’s leadership and consensus making qualities to lead the country towards peace and prosperity and sought his government’s support for further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
He apprised the Prime Minister of various proposals and initiatives being undertaken by him to bring the two countries ever closer in trade, economic and cultural fields.
The Prime Minister assured him of his government’s full support for materialization of all the possible undertakings.
PR No. 301
PRESS RELEASE
GOVT FULLY COMMITTED FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LABOURERS SYED KHURSHEED SHAN
Islamabad: 27th July, 2010Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah has said that the present democratic government is fully committed to look after the rights of the labourers in the country. He said that the PPP is fully aware of the problems of the labour community, adding that the PPP has declared the labours as its constituency. He was of the view that the PPP was pursuing the vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to provide all due rights to the labourers at their doorsteps and to achieve this end all available resources were being mobilized.
He said this in a meeting with the delegation of the leaders of various Trade Unions and Federations, led by Chaudhry Manzoor, In-Charge of peoples Labour Bureau here Tuesday . Senior Officials of the Ministry were present on this occasion.
The representatives of the Labour Unions informed the Minister about the confusion created due to the shifting of affairs of Labours to the Provinces after passage of 18th amendment bill which caused abandonment of concurrent list. They showed great concern and apprised the Minister about the problem to register them at provincial level. They stressed the need to make legislation for centralized system for the trade unions working on federal level. They also put their demands to the Minister for announcement of raise in pay/pension and financial package for labours. The leaders of the labour Unions also demanded for making viable labour policy and holding of referendum in state run organization including Railway.
Minister listened the reservations and demands of the leaders of labour patiently and assured them of his full cooperation. He informed the labour leaders that the government was planning to make a law for creation of Federal Pension Fund to give protection to the pension and other benefits to the labourers. He said the proposed draft bill will shortly be brought in the National Assembly. He asked the leaders to submit their proposals enabling the government to look into the problems of the labourers.
PR No. 302
PRESS RELEASE
Opening Statement of the Prime Minister at the Energy Summit Review Meeting
Islamabad: July 27, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the present government has added 1708 MW to the national grid while addititional 2000 MW are planned to be added during the current year.
In his opening remarks at the energy review meeting here this afternoon at PM Secretariat, the Prime Minister has stated that government of Pakistan is making strenuous efforts to bridge the gap between demand and supply, yet there are several challenges which have to be tackled with the well thought out national approach.
The Prime Minister has appreciated the public and provincial governments’ cooperation for participating in the efforts of power conservation in national interest. He has acknowledged that both the Federal and the Provincial governments have shown high commitment in implementing the conservation measures. He thanked the Chief Ministers and their respective teams for demonstrating such support and commitment.
Welcoming the Chief Ministers, Federal & Provincial Ministers and other participants in the meeting convened to review implementation of the Energy Summit decisions and evaluate the desirability of their continuity beyond 31st July 2010, the Prime Minister has observed that the crisis has imposed heavy costs on economy and people have to endure long hours of load-shedding. As you know, he added, the country has been in the grip of a persistent energy crisis since the last several years.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the Energy Summit was held in April this year to evolve national consensus and mobilize public support for the future energy roadmap of this country, particularly the conservation measures to provide immediate relief in the situation. He said the Summit was a major success for the political leadership of this country. For the first time ever national consensus was achieved on the national energy roadmap, he added. Subsequently, he said that the Energy Summit decisions were reviewed on 10th May 2010 and it was decided to reinforce their implementation to ensure immediate relief in energy situation in the country.
The Prime Minister has pointed out that there are still gaps in implementation of some conservation measures. Notwithstanding these gaps, he added, impact of the conservation measures has been impressive. He has observed that the situation this year is better than the last year. He pointed out that about 1500 Mega Watts electricity is reportedly being saved per day. He has mentioned that saving due to Saturday closure is reportedly 500 MW which has provided the much needed relief to industry, agriculture and household consumers. He has further said that in financial terms, the government is saving about US $ 150 billion in operating costs.
The Prime Minister has apprised the meeting that recently the government of Pakistan has jointly evolved an energy roadmap to eliminate load shedding in the country which will be presented to the Inter-Ministerial Committee of FODP in October this year for funding and technical support of the international community. He said that government of Pakistan is making strenuous efforts to bridge the gap between demand and supply, yet there are several challenges which have to be tackled with the well thought out national approach.
The Prime Minister said the government is making all-out efforts to bridge the gap between demand and supply. He appreciated that the approval of Diamir Bhasha Dam by the Council of Common Interest is a milestone. He pointed out that the Dam will provide 4500 MW of power, in addition to the much needed water storage capacity for agriculture.
The Prime Minister said the government has announced a Vision Statement for the power sector which envisages addition of 20000 MW by 2020. He further said that the new vision depends heavily on use of indigenous fuel resources like coal, hydel, gas and renewables. He hoped that the World Bank will come out strongly in support of this Vision with a higher financial outlay. He informed the participants that the Government have been given the understanding that the World Bank has agreed to provide support for coal-based power projects. He asked the Ministry of Water and Power to provide necessary support for infrastructure development in Thar Coal area.
PR No. 303
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan to import tea and export fruits to Argentina. A group of Argentinean
agriculture scientists to arrive soon and help the local experts in diverse areas.
Nazar M. Gondal
Islamabad July 27, 2010Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that Pakistan would import tea from Argentine and the required formalities in this regard will be processed soon.
The minister was holding a detailed meeting with H.E. Mr. Rodolfo J. Marin Saravia, ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan.
“Pakistan is interested to export fruits like mangoes, kinnow, apples and dates to Argentine and the Quarantine requirements as desired by the Argentinean government are finalized and approved by the cabinet. The agreement (MoU) in this regard would be signed soon that would pave the way for Pakistani fruits to get access to the Argentinean markets. We are seriously considering importing tea from Argentine to strengthen the bilateral trade between the two countries”, said the minister.
The minister said that Pakistan can benefit from the tea production experience and technical information of Argentine. He added that a delegation of the Argentinean agricultural scientists would visit Pakistan in the coming months to help and assist the local experts in the agriculture sector.
The visiting ambassador said that his country is eager in the transfer of knowledge to Pakistan. He added that Argentine is already collaborating with the government of the Punjab in various fields. “The government of the Punjab and a province of Argentine will sign an agreement to jointly work on sugar”, said the ambassador.
Mr. Gondal urged the visiting ambassador that Pakistan has a huge potential in the agriculture and dairy sector and the private sector of Argentine must invest in it. “We must encourage and facilitate the private sectors to enhance the trade relationship which would be a win-win situation for both the countries”, said the minister.
The meeting was attended by the secretary and joint secretary and other officials of the ministry.
PR No. 304
PRESS RELEASE
YASMEEN REHMAN LAUDS EFFORTS OF CIVIL SOCIETY FOR MUCH NEEDED CHANGES IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010Advisor to the Prime Minister on Women Development Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman has appreciated the efforts/steps being taken by the Civil Society for the much needed changes to be made in the draft of the Domestic Violence Bill. She expressed these views while chairing a meeting of various Civil Society Organizations including Aurat Foundation, SUNGI, ROZEN, PODA, WORDS and NCSW, here today in the Ministry of Women Development, Islamabad.
It is pertinent to mention over here that the bill was passed by the National Assembly in August, 2009 as private member bill and was moved by Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman herself with PPP MNA Shakeela Khanum Rashid and PML-N MNA Chaudhry Mohammad Birjees Tahir as co-sponsors. The objective of the bill is to prevent the prevalent curse through quick criminal trails and a chain of protection committees and protection officers.
The participants of the meeting apprised the Advisor of the fact that emphasis should be laid on the criminalization of the Domestic Violence which is normally considered as punitive punishment. They criticized the clause which allows punishment of six months or a fine of Rs.50,000 to those who file false complaints.
All the participants belonging to prominent Civil Society Organizations and human rights activists recommended various changes to be made in the draft bill including the right of women to stay in the house and the abuser to leave, removing the burden of proof from the victim, strengthening of implementation and monitoring mechanism and correcting of medico-legal procedures and provision of free legal aid.(SNA)
PR No. 305
PRESS RELEASE
IMPLEMENTATION OF 18TH AMENDMENT REVIEWED
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the benefits of 18th Amendment Act could only be ensured through its timely implementation. He stressed that early implementation needs unanimous support of all the political parties as demonstrated during the passage of the Bill.
The Prime Minister was talking to Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the Parliament on 18th Amendment Act, here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
Earlier Senator Mian Raza Rabbani apprised the Prime Minister of the progress with regard to the implementation status of the 18th Amendment Bill.
Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources was also present in the meeting.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 306
PRESS RELEASE
PM MEETS CHIEF MINISTERS AND FEDERAL MINISTERS PRIOR TO THE ENERGY REVIEW MEETING
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called upon all the Chief Ministers to focus on effective utilization of available energy resources.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief Ministers of Sind, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat prior to the review meeting on the decisions of Energy Summit held in April 2010.
The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Ministers for their cooperation in the implementation of the measures taken for the conservation of energy. These measures, he added, helped in saving 1500 MW per day .This summer unlike the previous year, he added, the industry was provided uninterrupted power supply and in the same way the tube wells were provided 10 hours uninterrupted power supply in the rural areas. He further said that duration of the load shedding was restricted to four hours in residential areas.
The Prime Minister informed the Chief Ministers that the two days weekly off and closure of the markets at 8’o clock in the evening has helped in conserving significant amount of energy and the saved energy was diverted to the industry.
The Chief Ministers commended the political acumen of the Prime Minister and lauded his reconciliatory approach in building consensus on energy issues. They assured full support for implementation of measures on energy conservation which will be taken in the review meeting.
Raja Pervez Ashraf Minister for Water & Power and Mr.Naveed Qamar Minister for Petroleum and natural Resources were also present in the meeting.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 307
PRESS RELEASE
SINO-PAK FRIENDSHIP TO FLOURISH FURTHER- NAEK
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010The Acting President, Mr. Farooq H. Naek has said that the all-weather and time-tested relations between Pakistan and People’s Republic of China are not only a factor in promoting peace and stability in the region but also accelerating the process of economic development, providing cue to developing states which are inspired by the Chinese model.
He was talking to the new Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Liu Jian, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Parliament House this evening.
The Acting President said late Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was the principal architect of Sino-Pak Friendship, which continued during the successive regimes and finally witnessed greater consolidation during the two tenures of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed respectively. It has weathered many storms but continued proverbially and as a model of inter-state relations. He termed China’s economic development as phenomenal and exemplary, which is worth emulating by all countries especially the developing states. The two countries, he said have mutuality of perception in many fields and have stood by each other through thick and thin.
Welcoming the new Ambassador, he alluded to ties which are rooted deep in history. Mr. Farooq H. Naek expressed the confidence that the traditionally close and cordial relations would continue to flourish in the 21st Century as well to the mutual advantage of both sides. He also thanked the Ambassador for valuable support and assistance being provided to Pakistan by China in various fields adding that this would quicken the country’s transition to economic prosperity.
The Ambassador said that he considers Pakistan as his second home and observed that he would work for further consolidation and expansion of the existing warm and friendly relations. He also conveyed warm greetings of the Chinese leadership to Mr. Naek.
RAQ/wh
PR No. 308
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADORS CALL ON JAN JAMALI
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010The Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Dr. Eynulla Madatli paid a fair well call on Acting Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali at the Parliament House this afternoon and exchanged views with him on matters of bilateral interests with particular reference to expansion in trade, business and parliamentary relations between the Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Acting Chairman said Pakistan enjoys very warm and cordial relations with Azerbaijan, which will be strengthened further in the days to come. He emphasized the need to further expand and consolidate these relations into the cultural and economic fields. He disclosed that the Pak-Azeri Friendship Group would soon be formed in the Senate which would pave the way for exchange of Parliamentary Delegation between the two countries.
The Ambassador described his stay in Pakistan as being very fruitful and memorable. He expressed the confidence that that the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) would soon be activated to benefit both sides.
The meeting was later joined by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Pakistan Mr. Ihor Pasko. Matters relating to expansion of economic and trade ties also came under discussion and it was observed that the volume of trade must be increased between the two countries. A proposal to setup Pak-Ukrainian Friendship Group was also discussed and it was hoped to see light of the day soon.
The Ukrainian Ambassador said that his country could cooperate with Pakistan in mineral development and oil and gas drilling, which would help the country in overcoming its present power and energy problems. In this connection, it was proposed that a consortium of Pakistani, Azeri and Ukrainian companies may be established for promoting deep sea drilling. It was also observed that the Gawadar Port can provide much needed North – South transport corridor to Pakistan, China, Iran and Central Asia transporting goods and services.
The Acting Chairman Senate said that the private sectors of Pakistan and Ukraine especially their Chambers of Commerce must come into action for further consolidation of trade relations. Mr. Jamali assured that he would try to bring Senate Standing Committee on Commerce on Board in this matter and some of its honourable members may join the trade delegation to provide a major fillip to jump starting the trade and business relations between the two countries.
Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar Special Secretary Senate was also present on the occasion.
RAQ/wh
PR No. 309
PRESS RELEASE
ENERGY SUMMIT REVIEW CONFERENCE CHAIRED BY THE PM
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010The Energy Summit Review Conference chaired by the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani decided to continue with the conservative measures agreed upon in the first Energy Conference. It was also decided that strict implementation on conservative measures will be ensured at all levels.
As regards the outstanding payment of dues against the Provincial Governments, it was decided that the Ministerial Committee consisting of Ministers for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Water and Power, and Finance would hold separate meetings with the Chief Ministers of the four Provinces to resolve the matters urgently.
The Conference further decided that there will be no load shedding all the time of “Sehar” and “Iftar” during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister while concluding the Conference appreciated the role of all the Provincial Governments in the implementation of measures regarding conservation of energy. He also lauded the cooperative attitude and commitment of the Provincial Governments to resolve all relevant issues through discussion and dialogue.
The Prime Minister said that the challenge of energy shortage has to be faced collectively since it affects the entire country. It is a collective responsibility of the Federal and the Provincial Governments requiring joint efforts to overcome this issue.
Earlier all the Chief Ministers expressed their views on the decision taken in the first Energy Conference and matters relating to their respective provinces.
The Minister for Water and Power and the Minister for Petroleum & Natural Resources briefed the Conference on the present energy situation in the country.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 310
PRESS RELEASE
EXCISE AND TAXATION MINISTER OF PUNJAB CALLS ON THE PM
Islamabad the 27th July, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need for implementation of energy conservation measures both by the Federal and Provincial Governments in true letter and spirit. He appreciated the Punjab government for strict implementation of these measures.
The Prime Minister while talking to the Provincial Excise and Taxation Minister, Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon after the conclusion of the Energy Summit Review Meeting, asked the Punjab Minister to convey his appreciation to the Chief Minister of Punjab for effective implementing of the decisions of the Energy Conference .
Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman apprised the Prime Minister that the Punjab government is leading the rest of the country in implementation of energy conservation measures and will continue to extend full cooperation to the Federal Government in this regard.
PMMO/wh