PR No. 365
PRESS RELEASE
GB MINISTER CALLS ON ENGR. SHAUKAT ULLAH
Islamabad: September 27, 2010Ministry of Information Technology is making all out efforts to promote information technology in Gilgit-Baltistan on order to bring it at par with development projects launched in other parts of the Country.
This was sated by Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology, Engr. Shaukat Ullah in a meeting with Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Minister Finance, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) who called on him here today.Both the dignitaries discussed existing and newly proposed IT projects in the province.
The Parliamentary Secretary assured the Finance Minister that Federal Government would focus on IT projects in Gilgit-Baltistan and will provide full assistance.
The Parliamentary Secretary also condoled the death of Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Dr. Shama Khalid and offered Fateh.
PR No. 366
PRESS RELEASE
CMU donates 20,000 Yuan for flood relief
Islamabad; September 27, 2010A delegation from International School of Capital Medical University (CMU) Beijing, donated an amount of RMB 20,000 for the Prime Minister’s flood relief fund at the Pakistani Embassy here today, says a press release received here today.
The delegation was led by its Dean, Prof. Dong Zhe and comprised Assistant Dean, Ms. Zhao; Director Student Affairs, Ms. Tina and Director Overseas Student Affairs, Dr Khayyam Masood. The amount was collected through donations by students and faculty members of CMU.
CMU ranks among the top academic medical institutions in China and is considered as one of the key municipal universities in Beijing. More than 100 Pakistani students are studying Medicine in CMU.
The University provides excellent international exchange programs. It has partnerships and agreements with many universities and institutions in more than 20 countries and regions, supporting activities such as faculty and student exchange programs, joint education and joint research projects.
Having more than 1,000 professors, over 2,000 associate professors and a total number of 9,000 enrolled students, the University is well known for its strong competence in the scientific research.
PR No. 367
Press Release
Government Promoting Mega Forestry Project Through-Out Country
Environmental Challenges Can Be Managed Through Behavioral Change
Formulation of Forest Policy is land Mark Achievement of Environment Ministry
……….Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi
Islamabad, September 27, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that forest management is community based sector and enhancement of this sector is need of time for sustainable development. He told that Ministry of Environment is providing all possible funds for mega project of forests and promotion of social forestry. Environment Minister added that climate change and environmental degradation are major threats for whole world and Pakistan is playing its due role to face this challenge. He mentioned that behavioral change is important to over-come environmental issues. He expressed these views while addressing in book launching ceremony of eminent scientist, researcher, environmentalist, forester and educationist, Dr. G.M. Kattak titled “In Pursuit of Excellence” here today.
Environment Minister said that Ministry of Environment is working for policy and strategy formulation however enforcement process always remains in the domain of provinces. He told that previously we had no forest policy. Ministry has formulated forest policy with consultation of all stakeholders and submitted in Cabinet for approval. Federal Minster also told that forestry sector has its due importance and government is utilizing all possible resources to enhance this sector. Ministry of Environment is providing maximum assistance to the provincial governments for promotion of mega forestry project. He informed the audience that global warming and climate change are threats for all of us. Ministry of Environment is committed to face this challenge and all serious efforts are being taken to aware the community about importance of environment and its impacts on social life.
Federal Minister while addressing said that Dr. G.M. Khttak is the only scientist in the discipline of forestry who has been admitted as a fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He said that the book titled “In Pursuit of Excellence” written by Dr. Khattak reflects the selfless effort in developing environmental, educational and specially forestry institutions in Pakistan. This book is the reflection of his broad vision. He also said that the vision and hope for future, that he has provided, will guide towards professional, prosperous and meaningful life. The Minister lauded the role of Dr. Khttak in research, forest and education sector. He declared him as the asset of the country. He urged to get benefit from his research work. He also asked to translate that book in Urdu as well so that common man also may get benefit from it. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi underlined
that government is committed to make our country clean and green. He assured all possible assistance and cooperation for environmental sustainability.
Dr. G.M. Khttak said that keeping in view of Modern World, there is need to improve forestry sector. He urged social workers, civil society and stakeholders to play pivotal role for healthy environment of our country. Through sustainable management system, our environmental specially forestry sector can be improved at right direction Dr. Khattak addeds. He also urged for projection of forestry sector. He said that people from all walks of life should come forward and involve themselves for this noble cause.
Earlier, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmed, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Dr. Qasim Secretary P.A.S, Ashiq Ahmed Khan, Abdul Aleem Chaudhry, Mian Riaz Ul Haq and I.G (Forest) Syed Mehmood Nasir expressed their views and highlighted several aspects of Dr. G.M. Khttak and his book.
PR No. 368
PRESS RELEASE
PM CHAIRS HIGH LEVEL MEETING TO REVIEW CABINET DECISION
Islamabad September 27, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Railways to restructure Pakistan Railways on modern and commercial lines to make it a viable financial entity. He said the root causes of operational inefficiency could be addressed by dualization as well as improvement of the railway track, enhancement of goods transportation and improvement in passengers’ service.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress of implementation of Cabinet decision on Restructuring of Railways’ recommendations at the Ministry here this afternoon, the Prime Minister stressed upon the need of changing mindset of the Ministry and Railways officials to enhance operation efficiency through good governance and to make Railways a profit earning entity. He asked the Minister for Railways and the Finance Minister to work out a long term approach to improve operation efficiency and financial viability.
The Prime Minster, in his opening remarks, has observed that in the twenty-first century, Pakistan needs a railway system that is cheap, efficient, reliable and secure mode of communication for million of passengers and movement of goods. He urged Pakistan Railways to reclaim its old glory to become a preferred mean of traveling for the common man. To achieve this goal, he added, Pakistan Railways must under-go a total transformation. He observed that Pakistan Railways needs infrastructure and rolling stocks that are modern, faster, safer and reliable, however, at the same time Pakistan Railways being a public service utility should adopt service delivery and customer satisfaction as its guiding motto.
The Prime Minister has said the Ministry of Railways is one of the most important Ministries of the Federal Government and Pakistan Railways is a historical asset as well as a strategic entity which played an important role in socio-economic development of the country, he added. He observed that it provided the much needed communication lines for transportation of people and goods across the country.
The Prime Minister mentioned that Pakistan Railway was once the cheapest and the most reliable mode of transport but today Pakistan Railways is a liability rather than an asset. He said the Government could not afford to throw good money after the bad money as the Government is facing serious financial management challenges like rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood affected areas and security related expenditures. He assured that the Government would, however, like to do as much as
it can to revive Pakistan Railways yet Pakistan Railways should first put up a genuinely self-help effort and display performance improvement to qualify for financial assistance from GOP.
The Prime Minister said last year the Federal Cabinet set up the Cabinet Committee on Restructuring of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to ensure good governance and reduce their losses and Pakistan Railways was one of the SOEs selected for the first phase of restructuring. “Much time has passed and I have yet to see tangible results on ground”, he observed.
The Prime Minister urged the Cabinet Committee on Restructuring to finalize the re-structuring proposals and place them before the Cabinet at the earliest. He instructed that the re-structuring proposals should have a clear and doable road-map with timelines and measurable targets and performance benchmarks. He directed the Ministry that in the meanwhile, the Pakistan Railways should put its house in order and begin work on improving management and bringing operational efficiency by utilizing the resources available in the organization. He also instructed that Pakistan Railways must focus on reducing operating costs while introducing innovation to increase internal earnings. At the same time, he added, it must also focus on better management and utilization of
non-core assets to fund operational capacities.The Prime Minister said safety and security should receive the priority it deserves. He has pointed out that there are hundreds of un-manned Railway Crossings across the country which is a permanent public hazard. He regretted that many precious lives had been lost in the past including those of innocent school children. He directed Pakistan Railways to take immediate steps for putting up gates at the un-manned railway crossings.
The Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilor apprised the Prime Minister of the steps taken to implement the Cabinet decisions. He also mentioned that due to shortage of locomotive, Pakistan Railways is facing serious problems and difficulties.
The Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister of State for Railways Mr. Afzal Sindhu and the concerned senior officials attended the meeting.
PR No. 369
PRESS RELEASE
PM and Army Chief meet the President
Islamabad: September 27, 2010A meeting was held in the Presidency today presided over by President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, and attended by the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and the Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani.
Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting that lasted for over 90 minutes reviewed the current situation obtaining in the country.
The meeting expressed resolve to defend and protect the democratic process and to resolve all issues in accordance with the Constitution, he said.
The meeting also reviewed flood relief measures in the country and the ongoing fight against militancy.
Security situation in the country and the region also came under discussion in the meeting, he said.
PR No. 370
PRESS RELEASE
CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL IN BERLIN DONATE FOR PAKISTANI CHILDREN
AFFECTED BY FLOODS
Islamabad: September 27, 2010Children of a Public Primary School in Berlin have contributed donation of Euro 437 for the children affected by unprecedented floods in Pakistan, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Berlin here today.
In a simple ceremony held in the premises of the E.O. Plauen School located at Kreuzberg, Berlin, the collected money was handed over to the Head of Chancery, Embassy of Pakistan, Mr. Khayyam Akbar for depositing in the Prime Minister’s Flood Releif Fund here today. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Khayyam Akbar thanked the children and the management of the school for showing their concern for the flood victims in Pakistan. He said that the contribution made by these little kids would always be remembered by the people of Pakistan.
PR No. 371
PRESS RELEASE
FINANCE MINISTER STRESSES TO IMPROVE TAX-GDP RATIO
Islamabad: September 27, 2010The Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Division, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said that the government is striving hard to improve the Tax-GDP ratio and urged the Chief Commissioners Revenue to work hard in this direction. He was addressing the Chief Commissioners’ Conference in Islamabad, which was organized by the Federal Bureau of Revenue today, to deliberate upon the strategy to meet the assigned revenue collection target for the 1st & 2nd quarters of the 2010-2011 and for the overall target.
The Minister said that the government, despite financial constraints has done a lot for the revenue generating officers and staff by doubling their pay and many allowances, and now the time has come for them to repay what the nation has given to them. He urged upon the revenue Commissioners to apprise him of their valuable suggestion if they have, and the problems in the way of generating revenue and achieving the earmarked targets. In this regard the minister also mentioned that the government has setup three task forces, for the improvement of Income tax, Sales tax and Custom Duty whose reports shall be finalized soon.
The Minister also stressed upon the participants of the conference to expeditely resolve the outstanding reward cases.
Later the Federal Minister chaired the meeting of the National Logistics Board in which he was briefed about the restructuring plan and the overall performance of NLC by its Chairman.
PR No. 372
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN CONSORTIUM COMPANY TO SET UP 200 MW WIND POWER PROJECT
Islamabad: September 27, 2010A foreign consortium company of Canada and China M/s Bradford Power has expressed has given a commitment to set up a wind Power Project of 200 MW in Pakistan with and estimated investment of 500 million US dollars.
This was said by Mr. Rafid E Louis of M/S Bradford Power, (Pvt) Ltd while talking to the Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf A delegati9on of M/s Bradford called on him here today. Secretary Water and Power, Shahid Rafi and representatives of AEDB and PPIB were also present.
Mr. Rafid E. Louis informed the Minister that M/s Bradford Power (Pvt.) Ltd. is a special purpose company established by A-Power, P.R. China and Monteva Holding Inc., Canada for setting up wind power projects in Pakistan as independent power producer and the said project will be completed in two years in Sindh province. M/s Bradford Power (Pvt.) Ltd. would also look forward different investment mechanisms in conventional & non-conventional energy resources in Pakistan other than wind like Public Private Partnership, EPC contracting, equipment supplier etc. However, their current focus is wind, for which they have already committed financing and are deploying all their efforts.
The Minister exclaimed that the experience and expertise of M/s Bradford Power (Pvt.) Ltd. in renewable energy sector indicates that they are competent to quickly execute wind power projects. The Minister assured the delegation that they will be assisted at level for realizing their planned wind power projects in Pakistan. The Minister added that the Ministry of Water & Power would like to seek benefits from the experience and expertise of the company in other conventional & non-conventional energy resources in Pakistan. Mr. Ashraf said that Pakistan has great potential in the power sector and their investment in the wind power project will help to reduce the power tariff for consumers. He said that the government is now focusing on alternative energy projects to utilize the indigenous resources for cheaper energy generation.
Earlier, Mr. Rafid while giving detailed briefing to the meeting informed that both A-Power and Monteva have EPC experience of installing over 50 power plants including wind and solar power projects in China, Canada and USA. They also have experience of operating and managing wind power projects in different parts of the world. Moreover, they also manufacture wind turbines and solar panels. They are manufacturing wind turbines in China under license of some world renowned wind turbine manufacturers like GE, Nordex etc. They are planning to use their own manufactured wind turbines for their proposed wind power project in Pakistan. Mr. Rafid further informed that the principles of M/s Bradford Power (Pvt.) Ltd. have extensive experience in Power sector and their company has executed several projects in conventional resources like coal, thermal, hydel and other renewable like solar energy. ENDS
PR No. 373
PRESS RELEASE
PETROLEUM MINISTER NAVEED QAMAR ASKS OIL MARKETING COMPANIES TO BUILD UP STOCKS, URGES
FOR COMPLIANCE, CAUTIONS AGAINST COMPLACENCY
Islamabad: September 27, 2010The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar chaired a meeting with all the Oil Marketing Companies to devise a strategy to avert recurrence of petrol shortage in the country in future and to examine the causes that led to petrol shortage in some parts of the country.
The Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources conveyed Government of Pakistan’s serious concerns on petroleum shortage and difficulties faced by the general public. He advised that oil marketing companies (OMCs) should take all necessary measures to avert such a situation in the future.
The OMCs were of the view that shortages occurred due to washing away of approach roads and bridges leading to the country’s largest PARCO refinery because of floods. Further Indus and National Highways were also blocked at some places by flood water restricting oil supplies from Karachi to Upcountry especially PARCO fed area of Punjab. Shortage of storage capacity with new Oil Marketing Companies also contributed to these shortages.
The Minister emphasized upon building up storages by OMCs of 20 days of each product as per their liability under the license conditions. The Minister further directed the OMCs to build up stocks of all products prior to the forthcoming winter season i.e., by 31-10-2010 as CNG availability would possibly be less during winter. OGRA was also advised to take action against the OMCs who do not fulfill license conditions.
Chairman OGRA Mr. Tauqir Sadiq, Secretary Petroleum Imtiaz Kazi and Director General Oil Mr. Sabir Hussain were also present in the meeting.
PR No. 374
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: September 27, 2010Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that Pakistani people and the world donors have contributed in the first phase of rescue and relief for flood victims but the job is far from over as we still need to do a lot more for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the affected people.
The minister was talking to a delegation of Al-Imdaad foundation from South Africa that is presently working for flood relief in Pakistan in coordination with Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal. The delegation was led by Mr. Yacoob Ebrahim Vahed and included members of the foundation and South African media. Federal Minister for food & agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal and MD Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, Zamurrud Khan were also present.
Earlier the minister was briefed about the foundation’s activities with special focus on flood relief and rescue effort in Pakistan. The minister was told that the foundation working in southern Punjab and Sindh is distributing 330 tons of relief goods including packages for 2000 families in affectees of Muzaffargarh and upper Sindh.
Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan is facing a humanitarian crisis by greatest floods in the history of the region. He said that a crisis of this great magnitude needs even greater relief and rehabilitation effort. He thanked Al-Imdaad Foundation and other humanitarian organizations working in the flood affected areas for providing early rescue & relief to the people. But, he said, this was the first phase of the crisis that has been tackled with the help of our Pakistani brethren and the whole world while the second phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation will be started very soon for which government is utilizing all its resources and appeals to the world to share the burden.
The minister also pointed out that all aid—in kind and in cash—is being distributed in a purely transparent manner and all the details of the aid would be placed on a website that will be launched in 2-3 days. He said that these details would be accessible for anyone, anywhere so that the transparency of aid distribution can be maintained.
The minister urged the need to provide necessary items for re-starting agriculture in the flood hit areas so that normal economic activity may be restored soon. The affected area is Pakistan’s food basket and it’d be beneficial for the people and the government if agriculture is resumed there, he added. The minister said that the first installment of Rs. 20000 each, being given to the people, would provide the initial impetus for economic activity in the areas and the government would further augment this with Rs. 100,000 each for houses reconstruction to every household.
He appreciated the foundation for undertaking relief activities in some of the most severely affected areas but where very little relief work has been carried out. He assured the foundation of every help from the government in this regard.
PR No. 375
PRESS RELEASE
HAJJ FLIGHT OPERATION TO START FROM OCTOBER 11, 2010
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010Ministry of Religious Affairs has issued Hajj Flight Schedule and announced that one-month pre-Hajj flight operation would start from 11th October 2010 to take a round 80,000 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for performing the most cherished and religious obligation under the government scheme. The inaugural flight PK 2101 would take off from Peshawar at 2025 hrs to carry 327 pilgrims to Jedda, Saudi arabia, while regular flights from other cities of the country would start from October 12.
The first flight from Islamabad PK-1603 carrying 468 pilgrims would leave for the holy land at 4:25am on October 13, 2010. Pakistan International Airlines and Saudi Airlines would operate 240 flights to complete the first phase within 30 days. Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Sialkot and Multan would be used as international gateways for Hajj flights to Jeddah and Madina and vice versa, while Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and Sukkur would be used as feeder airports unless airlines operate small aircraft from these stations, according to the Hajj policy 2010.The PIA has requested the pilgrims to clearly write their complete names, address on their suitcases so that they could easily be identified during the travel. Each pilgrim would be allowed free baggage up to 32Kg and hand carry not exceeding 7Kg. Excess baggage if any would be charged from passenger at the rate of 15 Saudi Riyals per Kg. Each Haji would be allowed a 10-litre Aab-e-Zamzam bottle on their return. The Ministry of Religious Affairs has also launched a mobile SMS service to facilitate the intending pilgrims in getting information about their flights. Intending pilgrims would have to end a text message at 2121 by simply writing HF(space)(first six digits of Hajj application number) to get information about their flight schedule. Ministry has put the flight schedule on its website (www.hajjinfo.org.pk).
PR No. 376
PRESS RELEASE
HIGH COMMISSIONER EXPRESSES GRATITUDE OVER BRITISH SUPPORT TO
PAKISTAN FLOOD VICTIMS LABOUR LEADERS VOW TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING
PAKISTAN
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010
“British government’s commitment of £134.5 million and it’s people’s contributions to Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) to the tune of £ 57 million for the relief of flood victims of Pakistan is a reflection of affection and strong bond that transcends the governments to the people’s levels”said High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan at the reception hosted by him for the delegates of Labour Party Annual Meeting at Manchester, yesterday says a press drelease received from High Commission of Pakistan, London here today.The reception was attended by a large number of leaders of Labour Party including Chairman Foreign Relations Select Committee , Mike Gapes MP, Kieth Vaz MP , Baroness Smith , Yasmin Qureshi, MP , Shabana Mehmood, MP, Sadiq Khan , MP, Paul Blomfield, MP and Richard Howitt, MEP, Cllr. Mushtaq Lashari Cllr , Zahida Abbas Noori, Mr. Afzal Khan and Ms. Mariyam Khan .
The High Commissioner appreciated the UK leadership for championing Pakistan’s cause in the EU summit for grant of market access to Pakistani products to the EU markets, for which Labour Party Government had played a vital role. He added that “ this support will go a long way in further consolidating relations between the two countries and we are deeply indebted to the UK’s leadership across the board for their unified support in this connection”
While praising the supportive role of Labour Party the High Commissioner said that five of the newly elected Members of British Parliament of Pakistani origin belong to the Labour Party which reflects Party’s diversity and popularity amongst the Pakistani Diaspora. The High Commissioner congratulated Mr Ed Miliband MP, on his own behalf and on behalf of the leadership in Pakistan, on his election as Labour Party Leader.
MP Yasmin Qureshi , MP Shabana Mehmood and MP Mohammad Sadiq and MP Katherine shared their experience of their recent visit to Pakistan where they were able to see the enormity of devastation caused by the floods pointing out that the colossal damage calls for matching response from the entire world . MP Sadiq Khan particularly highlighted the significance of enhancing trade opportunities for Pakistan.
Chairman Foreign Relations Select Committee Mike Gapes MP, said that he visited Pakistan last year in connection with work of his committee and was cognizant of the problems faced by Pakistan but the devastation by flood is unforeseen which requires unforeseen response and support. He added that the Foreign Relations Select Committee would continue to monitor the situation with a view to foster all the possible help.
Kieth Vaz MP said that the MPS of Pakistani origin have made a huge contribution in British politics, he praised High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan for defending Pakistan’s point of view on media saying that he stands where a modern age diplomat should be”.
Baroness Smith in her address referred to warm and cordial relations between Pakistan and the UK saying that due to flood situation this year is particularly difficult for Pakistan and we stand by the people of Pakistan for rendering all the possible support she added .
PR No. 377
PRESS RELEASE
FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI CALLS FOR NAM VISION FOR NEW MULTILATERALISM
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, led Pakistan delegation to the Ministerial-level Non Aligned Movement Coordinating Bureau (NAM CoB) meeting held today at the UN Headquarters. The meeting’s theme was “The Non-Aligned Movement, half a century of achievements - our common vision for the future”, says a press release received from Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations, New York, here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Foreign Minister praised the rich history of NAM and its accomplishments like presenting an alternative world based on the founding principles of NAM like mutual respect for sovereignty; mutual non-interference in internal affairs; equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.
The Foreign Minister underlined the need for NAM to play its due role to ensure that the egalitarianism of today’s world is commensurate with its interdependence. Foreign Minister Qureshi proposed that NAM should establish an Ad Hoc Working Group to formulate a vision statement for the Movement on “New Multilateralism” to usher in a truly democratic world order.
Pakistan also supported adoption of a declaration on Palestine reiterating NAM’s principled support to the Palestinian cause.
PR No. 378
PRESS RELEASE
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER CALLS ON PRESIDENT
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Bilateral relations were discussed during meeting.
PR No. 379
PRESS RELEASE
HIGH COMMISSIONER EXPRESSES GRATITUDE OVER BRITISH SUPPORT TO PAKISTAN FLOOD VICTIMS LABOUR LEADERS VOW
TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING PAKISTAN
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010“British government’s commitment of £134.5 million and it’s people’s contributions to Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) to the tune of £ 57 million for the relief of flood victims of Pakistan is a reflection of affection and strong bond that transcends the governments to the people’s levels” said High Commissioner for Pakistan to the UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan at the reception hosted by him for the delegates of Labour Party Annual Meeting at Manchester , yesterday, says a press release received from London here today.
The reception was attended by a large number of leaders of Labour Party including Chairman Foreign Relations Select Committee , Mike Gapes MP, Kieth Vaz MP , Baroness Smith , Yasmin Qureshi, MP , Shabana Mehmood, MP, Sadiq Khan , MP, Paul Blomfield, MP and Richard Howitt, MEP, Cllr. Mushtaq Lashari Cllr , Zahida Abbas Noori, Mr. Afzal Khan and Ms. Mariyam Khan .
The High Commissioner appreciated the UK leadership for championing Pakistan’s cause in the EU summit for grant of market access to Pakistani products to the EU markets, for which Labour Party Government had played a vital role. He added that “ this support will go a long way in further consolidating relations between the two countries and we are deeply indebted to the UK’s leadership across the board for their unified support in this connection”
While praising the supportive role of Labour Party the High Commissioner said that five of the newly elected Members of British Parliament of Pakistani origin belong to the Labour Party which reflects Party’s diversity and popularity amongst the Pakistani Diaspora. The High Commissioner congratulated Mr Ed Miliband MP, on his own behalf and on behalf of the leadership in Pakistan, on his election as Labour Party Leader.
MP Yasmin Qureshi , MP Shabana Mehmood and MP Mohammad Sadiq and MP Katherine shared their experience of their recent visit to Pakistan where they were able to see the enormity of devastation caused by the floods pointing out that the colossal damage calls for matching response from the entire world . MP Sadiq Khan particularly highlighted the significance of enhancing trade opportunities for Pakistan.
Chairman Foreign Relations Select Committee Mike Gapes MP, said that he visited Pakistan last year in connection with work of his committee and was cognizant of the problems faced by Pakistan but the devastation by flood is unforeseen which requires unforeseen response and support. He added that the Foreign Relations Select Committee would continue to monitor the situation with a view to foster all the possible help.
Kieth Vaz MP said that the MPS of Pakistani origin have made a huge contribution in British politics, he praised High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan for defending Pakistan’s point of view on media saying that he stands where a modern age diplomat should be”.
Baroness Smith in her address referred to warm and cordial relations between Pakistan and the UK saying that due to flood situation this year is particularly difficult for Pakistan and we stand by the people of Pakistan for rendering all the possible support she added .
PR No. 380
PRESS RELEASE
PM INSTRUCTS PPP PARLIAMENTARIANS AND MEMBERS OF FEDERAL CABINET NOT TO COMMENT ON NRO CASE
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has issued strict instructions to all the members of the Federal Cabinet and Parliamentarians belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) not to issue any statement or comment on NRO case since it is subjudice in the Apex Court.
PR No381
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER CHAIR MEETING OF PPP PARLIAMENTARIANS
Islamabad, September 27th, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Monday reiterated that the democratic government will complete its mandated five year term and would continue to pursue the huge socio- economic development agenda which the party had promised with the people of the country during elections.
The President said this while addressing a meeting of the Party MNAs and Senators in the Presidency which was presided jointly by the President and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
Briefing the journalists about the meeting, the Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting discussed in length the current political situation in the country, reorganisation of the party and the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood affectees.
The President urged members and workers of his party to remain calm and avoid being provoked and continue treading the path of political reconciliation.” Being a sitting government, the PPP has huge responsibilities and it is our duty to remain calm and not to overreact on political provocations,” the spokesperson quoted the President as saying.
The President said that we will continue our forward march and complete the term, no mater what the machinations against us. The President said that the government is currently focusing on tackling the gigantic task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood victims besides creating economic opportunities for the people affected initially by the war on terror and now by the devastating floods. He urged all the political forces including opposition parties to complement government’s efforts to rehabilitate the flood victims and added that in current situation while the country was faced with numerous challenges, the country could ill afford politics of confrontation.
The President said: “The PPP knows the value of democracy because it has made huge sacrifices for it and it will protect democracy at all cost.” He added that the PPP led Government will face all the challenges with grace and composure and would rise to the expectations of the people. He said militancy, economic turnaround, poverty alleviation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of flood victims were the grave issues that stared us in the face. It calls for regrouping ourselves and focusing our energies to fight these challenges, he said.
The Spokesperson said that the President while addressing asked the Party parliamentarians to also gear themselves for the local bodies polls which he said will test the popularity of the Party at grass root levels.
The Spokesperson said that the President while referring to the achievements of the government during last two years asked the Parliamentarians to reach out to the masses with the success story of the government that includes restoration of the democratic constitution by removing from it the clauses inserted by dictatorship, Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), reinstatement of the sacked workers, giving 12 percent shares in state-run enterprises to the workers, plans to give state lands free of cost to poor women in the command areas of the new dams, NFC award, Gilgit-Baltistan reforms and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package.
The President then invited MNAs and Senators to express their views on any issue they considered crucial. Party parliamentarian spoke on host of issues including the current political situation. Party MNAs and senators reposed complete confidence in the leadership of the party and the government.
The meeting is still continuing.
