PR No. 382
PRESS RELEASE
Foreign Minister Qureshi Urges Commonwealth to Support “Credible” Elections
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010The Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, led Pakistan delegation to the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers’ Meeting (CFAMM) held today at the UN Headquarters. The Commonwealth Ministers reflected on the issues flagged at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Port of Spain in November 2009, says a press release received heretoday from New York.
In his remarks at the occasion, Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined that holding elections and credible elections were two different things. He stressed the importance of promoting credible elections in the Commonwealth fraternity. The Foreign Minister added that the key question was how the institutions that conducted and supervised elections could be strengthened.
While thanking the Commonwealth for standing by Pakistan in coping with the aftermath of the floods, the Foreign Minister said that it was important to study the linkage of Climate Change with exacerbation of the magnitude of natural disasters. He also stressed the importance of developing early warning mechanisms and augmenting resources available for dealing with the fallout of such disasters.
**MJI/Ahmad**
PR No. 383
PRESS RELEASE
Mohammadiyah donates 214 million Indo Rupees (IDR) for flood affectees
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Prominent Indonesian religious organization, Mohammadiyah on Tuesday donated an amount of 214 million IDR for the flood victims in Pakistan, says a press release received heretoday from Indonesia.
In response to Ambassador Sanaullah’s appeal for assistance last month, a number of Indonesian organizations pledged aid to flood victims. Among others Mohammadiyah Chairman, Mr. Din Syamsuddin pledged 100 million IDR, simultaneously launching a country wide campaign to collect funds. Consequently, Mohammadiyah collected a total sum of 214 million IDR in relief assistance to flood affectees in Pakistan, far surpassing the pledged target.
Dr. Anwar Abbas, Deputy Treasurer, Mohammadiyah handed over the cash donation of 214 million IDR to Mirza Salman Babar Beg, Charge d’ Affaires at a ceremony held in the Pakistan Mission on Tuesday. Dr. Abbas was accompanied on the occasion by Khairul Muttaqin, President Director of Mohammadiah’s Zakat Agency and Syafrudin Anhar, Head of Mohammadiyah’s Economic Commission.
Charge d’ Affairs, Mirza Salman Babar offered his profound gratitude to Mohammadiyah for the goodwill gesture and praised its continued efforts to raise funds for victims of flood devastation in Pakistan. He also thanked the government and people of Indonesia for their assistance to flood affectees.
Mohammadiyah is the second largest socio-religious reformist organization in Indonesia that maintains a country wide chain of educational institutions. It also actively undertakes charity work for welfare purposes.
Indonesian government and organizations have so far provided more than 4.4 million USD in relief assistance to Pakistan’s flood affectees.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 384
PRESS RELEASE
Ambassador of Indonesia presents cheque to the Prime Minister
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Mr. Ishak Latuconsina, Ambassador of Indonesia called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his Chamber at the National Assembly here this afternoon to deliver a cheque of US $ 1.73 million from the Indonesian government towards Prime Minister’s Flood relief Fund 2010. The Ambassador while conveying the President and government of Indonesia’s sympathies and commensuration on the colossal loss of lives and properties in the recent devastating floods, assured the Prime Minister of his country’s complete solidarity with the government and people pf Pakistan in their this hour of trial.
The Ambassador informed the Prime Minister that his government had previously supplied relief goods worth US $ One million on August 6th for the flood affectees and had dispatched two teams to Charsada affected areas to provide medical care to the flood victims of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. Indonesia, he added, will continue assisting Pakistan in the future for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude on the generous contribution in cash and kind of the brotherly people and leadership of Indonesia to help the people in distress in Pakistan. He stated that the Government of Pakistan had already embarked on early recovery phase in the flood affected areas and has faced with a gigantic task of reconstruction. The assistance from friendly countries like Indonesia, at this juncture is indeed a source of solace for the government and people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister asked the Ambassador to convey his personal thanks and regards to President Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yodhoyono for his kind gesture of support.
The Prime Minister said that his government greatly values Pakistan’s cordial ties with Indonesia based on historical and religious bonds. Pakistan is keen to further strengthen these fraternal relations and existing bilateral cooperation in diverse fields for which his government will continue striving towards that end.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 385
PRESS RELEASE
Group of MNAs called on Prime Minister
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that it is the priority of the Government of Pakistan Peoples’ Party to bring all the less developed areas at par with the developed regions of the country. For this purpose, he added, Government has allocated substantial development funds. But due to devastating floods, the Government has to curtail Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to divert a large chunk of funds for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood affectees. He assured that after completion of the relief and rescue operation, the Government will review allocations and Fata development projects will be given priority.
The Prime Minister was talking to a group of MNAs belonging to FATA who called on him at his chamber in Parliament House this afternoon.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of FATA parliamentarians for the support of democratic process in the country. MNAs thanked the Prime Minister for his keen interest in the uplift of FATA to bring the region at par with other areas. They also apprised him of status of various development projects in FATA and also told him about the relief activities taken up by FATA parliamentarians for the flood afectees.
Mr. Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Minister for Environment, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Minister for Zakat and Ushar, Mr. Abdul Razaq, MNA, Mr. Bilal Rahman MNA, Mr. Shaukatullah, MNA and Mr. Jawad Hussain, MNA were present in the meeting.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 386
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan and Azerbaijan to expand Military ties
Rawalpindi, September 28th, 2010Pakistan and Azerbaijan agreed to enhance and expand the scope of cooperation in military fields. Both countries have underlined the need for promoting closer collaboration and enhanced interaction between the Armed Forces of the two countries. This was discussed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Ch.Ahmed Mukhtar, and the visiting Commander of Azerbaijan Navy, Vice Admiral Shahin Sultanov, who called on him in Ministry of Defence today. The meeting exchanged views on a number of subjects including bilateral defence cooperation, Pakistan ’s anti-terror efforts, the rehabilitation of flood victims and the security environment of the region.
The Minister briefed the Commander of Azerbaijan Navy about the sacrifices and gains made by the security forces of Pakistan against the war on terror. He said that the social and economic and infrastructure of Pakistan suffered a lot at the hands of terrorists and the recent devastating floods further increased the economic difficulties of the country. He said that the world community needed to understand Pakistan ’s security and economic challenges and stand by it at this difficult time by assisting it in its efforts of economic development and the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in the wake of destructive floods.
The meeting also discussed the security situation of the region with special reference to Afghanistan . The Minister said that Pakistan wanted to see peace and stability in Afghanistan because a stable and peaceful Afghanistan was in the economic and security interest of the entire region. Vice Admiral Shahin Sultanov informed the Minister that his country highly valued its ties with Pakistan and keen to expand and promote with it military and economic relations. He also briefed the Minister about his meetings held with the Military leadership of Pakistan and termed them as highly fruitful, saying these meeting would help to boost the military cooperation between the two countries. He informed that the political leadership of Azerbaijan fully supported Pakistan ’s stance on Kashmir issue. He also thanked Pakistan for offering scholarships and training courses to the military personnel of the Azerbaijan.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 387
PRESS RELEASE
Owner of Sheraton Hotel, President PPP of AJK and an MNA present cheques to the Prime Minister for Flood Relief Fund
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the gesture and the spirit of the local and foreign organizations to help distressed people in the flood hit areas. The generous contributions, he added enabled the government of Pakistan to handle the first phase of relief and rescue successfully. He expressed the hope that same spirit will continue for the upcoming phases of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
The Prime Minister observed that the scale of devastation caused by the floods was huge and the completion of this onerous task was only possible with the joint efforts of people belonging to all walks of life. He expressed his satisfaction over the gradual return of the flood affectees to their homes in certain parts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Punjab thus leading to normalization of life over there.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Mr. Sikandar Mehmood, Representative of Arabian Sea Enterprises and owner of Sheraton Hotel, Ch. Abdul Majeed, the President Pakistan Peoples’ Party Azad Kashmir and Ms. Shamshad Bachani, MNA who called on him separately at his Chamber in the Parliament House here today, to present cheques for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
Mr. Sikandar Mehmood condoled with the Prime Minister over the huge loss of life and property due to devastating foods and apprised him of the details of flood relief activities undertaken up the by Arabian Sea Enterprises. He presented a cheque of Rs. 7.5 million for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Funds. Ch. Majeed presented a cheque of Rs. 1.4 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund and also apprised him of the efforts of PPP Azad Kashmir office bearers for the relilef of flood affected people. Ms. Shamshad Bachani MNA donated emerald studded crown for the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund, which she was presented by the people of Tando Allah Yar in recognition of her services for the uplift of her constituency.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 388
PRESS RELEASE
Fund RAISING DINNER organized by the Embassy
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010To supplement the efforts of the people and Government of Pakistan in its fund raising campaign, on 27th September 2010, the Embassy of Pakistan in Hanoi, Vietnam, arranged a Gala Dinner for the people effected by the floods in Pakistan at a local five star hotel in Hanoi. The event was attended by Ambassadors and their spouses, other members of the diplomatic corps and members of the Pakistani community. The event commenced with the address of Ambassador Shahid M G Kiani who spoke at length on the devastation caused by the floods, the efforts being made by the Government of Pakistan and the international community to assist those who have braved the national calamity with great patience and dignity. Later a short documentary film about the flood in Pakistan and the destruction that it had caused to the national economy was shown. Mr Steve Jackson, a British Journalist based in Hanoi also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the sufferings of the flood affectees. As a show of support to the Embassy’s efforts in this noble cause, Vietnam’s National Orchestra also which sent four violinists and cellists , who performed on complimentary basis, during the dinner and with their upbeat tunes enlivened the spirit of hope and optimism. The management of Melia Hotel where the function was held also announced to give half of their fee for the dinner for the flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The Embassy of Pakistan with the assistance and advise of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will donate the amount so collected during the fund raising dinner to the district administration of Layyah for the purchase of books and related items of two primary government schools, says a press release received heretoday from Hanoi-Vietnam.
**AK/Ahmad**
PR No. 389
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mr. Fateh Yab Ali Khan, prominent political figure who expired the other day. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the services of late Fateh Yab Ali Khan for the cause of democracy and rights of the under privileged. He also participated in movement for restoration of democracy and led the Mazdoor Kissan Party.
The Prime Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss with patience and courage.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 390
PRESS RELEASE
Ministers call on the Prime Minister
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that all the Ministries and departments need to adopt modern governance techniques to bring operational efficiency. He urged the Ministers to monitor the functioning of their respective ministries and ensure efficient delivery of public service.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Shahid Hussain Bhutto, Minister for Youth Affairs and Mr. Ayatullah Durrani, Minister of State for Industries who called on him at his Chamber in Parliament House this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has highest ratio of youth in the population compared to other countries. This huge resource is an asset for the country. He urged the Minister for Youth Affairs to design policies and programmes for youth to utilize their potential for nation building.
The Prime Minister asked the Ministers to focus on the development works undertaken by their ministries. The relief phase, he said, was over and next phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affected people was about to start. Therefore Ministers’ active participation is required for the successful completion of the upcoming phases.
The Ministers apprised the Prime Minister of development schemes of their ministries in the flood ravaged areas and also told him about the steps taken up for the upcoming phases of reconstruction and rehabilitation.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 391
PRESS RELEASE
CABINET COMMITTEE DELIBERATES ON LDI- 3G SPECTRUM LICENSES & PTCL PROPERTY ISSUES
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010The first round of the Cabinet’s Ministerial Committee meeting constituted by the Federal Cabinet for examining the matters concerning the Share Purchase Agreement on Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) with M/s Etisalat and auction of 3G Spectrum and LDI licenses held here today. Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation is the convener of the Committee.
The Ministry of Information Technology deliberated on the issues of 3G Spectrum and LDI licenses and discussed the matter pertaining to PTCL’s real estate issue.
The Committee observed that the PTCL transaction was still open and the government intended to close the transaction amicably while resolving the issue pertaining to outstanding amount of US $ 800 million.
The Committee was informed that the GoP has used best endeavors to assist PTCL to settle property issue. The President and the Prime Minister have already directed the Privatisation Commission (PC) to amicably resolve the issue at the earliest, Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation informed the meeting.
The Committee will meet again on Thursday September 30, 2010 to finalize a report in this regard for submission to the Federal Cabinet. Senator Sardar Latif Khosa Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Information Technology, senior officials of Ministries of Finance, I.T and PC attended the meeting.
**TP/Ahmad**
PR No. 392
PRESS RELEASE
CEC ISSUES DIRECTIVE TO THE CHIEF SECRETARIES FOR ENSURING FREE, FAIR,
IMPARTIAL AND TRANSPARENT CONDUCT OF BYE-POLLS
Islamabad, September 28th, 2010The Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has issued Directives to the Chief Secretaries for ensuring free, fair, impartial and transparent conduct of bye-polls. It is in line with the decision taken by the Hon’ble CEC in a meeting held on 16th September, 2010 which was attended by Mr. Rehman Malik, Federal Minister for Interior, Rana Sanaullah, Law Minister, Punjab, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Information Minister, KPK, Secretary Interior, Chief Secretaries and Home Secretaries of all the four Provinces. It was decided with full consensus that if any Directive is issued by the ECP to ensure conduct of free, fair, and transparent election, the Federal as well as Provincial Governments will ensure full compliance of all such Directives and in case of any failure on part of any one, responsibility will be fixed and necessary action will be taken in accordance with the Constitution and law.
In separate letters issued to the Chief Secretaries, it has been highlighted that under Article 218(3) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan it is the duty of the Election Commission of Pakistan to organize and conduct an election and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law and that the corrupt practices are guarded against. Whereas, Article 220 of the Constitution envisages that it shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and in the Provinces to assist the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commission in the discharge of his or their functions. Following is the detail of Directives issued in this regard:
The executive authorities in the Federation and in the Provinces shall not use State resources anywhere in Pakistan for unfair advantage of a particular candidate or political party nor exercise undue influence affecting the interest of a candidate or party for participating in any election to be held hereinafter;
(ii) If any person in the service of Pakistan misuses his official position in any manner calculated to influence the results of the election, he may be tried by a Court of Sessions as contemplated under Section 95 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and, if found guilty of the offence, may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both under Section 92 of the Act;
iii) Bulk transfers/postings of the civil servants shall not be made after the issuance of Schedule of an election till the completion thereof;
(iv) Individual transfers/postings of civil servants shall also not be made after the issuance of Schedule of an election except under exceptional circumstances, in exigency of service and in public interest, with prior approval of the Election Commission.
(v) After the issuance of Schedule of an election, the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Federal Ministers, State Ministers, Advisors to the President and the Prime Minister, Provincial Ministers and Advisors to the Chief Ministers will neither visit the area of any constituency where an election is being held nor shall openly or in secret give any subscription or donation or make promise for giving such subscription or donation to any institution of a constituency, nor shall inaugurate, commit to undertake or announce any development project therein for the advancement of the campaign of a candidate of his choice and thereby influence the results of that election.
(vi) The Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Federal Ministers, State Ministers, Advisors to the President and the Prime Minister, Provincial Ministers and Advisors to the Chief Ministers or any person on their behalf shall not visit the Constituency or a polling station after the issuance of Schedule of an election till the completion of poll.
If any of the public office holders mentioned in para (v) and (vi) above is found to have misused his official position to influence the result of an election in any manner whatsoever, legal action shall be taken against such person in accordance with law under section 103A of the Representation of the People Act, 1976, relating to contempt proceedings.
PR No. 393
PRESS RELEASE
NA SPEAKER ASKS NDMA FOR DEVISING A WELL-COORDINATED POST DISASTER RECOVERY
PLAN FOR REHABILITATION OF FLOOD-EFFECTEES
Islamabad 28th September, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has asked the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to mobilize all segments of society for their support for complementing government’s efforts for rehabilitation of the flood-effected and restoration/rebuilding of infrastructure in the floods stricken areas. The Speaker also asked the NDMA to devise a well-coordinated post disaster recovery plan in coordination with provincial governments so that the flood-effected could be rehabilitated. She said this in a briefing by NDMA in Islamabad on floods to Women Members of the National Assembly.
The Speaker said that Pakistani nation is resilient and have always put up courageous face to the worst crisis in the country. She appreciated the support extended by people for their brethren in distress. She said that government realizes the difficulties being faced by those who lost their belongings and livelihoods and has endeavored for their early rehabilitation. She urged the international community, NGOs and philanthropists to supplement the efforts of the government. She appreciated the work done by NDMA in relief activities.
Earlier the Chairman NDMA Lt.Gen® Nadeem Ahmad briefed the Women MPs about the relief operation carried out by the NDMA in aid with Armed Forces, provincial governments, NGOs and philanthropists. He informed the MPs that taking cognizance of the magnitude of the disaster; NDMA mobilized the government resources and engaged itself in relief activities which included providing of shelter, food supplies and medicines to the flood effectees. He said that NMDA have been coordinating with all the agencies and organizations involved in relief activities and distribution of aid received from international community.
The Chairman NDMA while apprising the Women MPs about the post disaster early recovery strategy, said that NDMA has carried out assessment of the effected areas with coordination with the provincial governments and would focus on resource mobilization, provision of transitional shelter, restoration of farm based livelihood, community and governance infrastructure rebuilding and provision of health care. He said that it was virtually impossible for the government to extend support to huge size of population due to resource constraint however support of friendly countries and international community government would be able to rehabilitate people amicably. He also informed the MPs about the mechanism adopted for distribution of WATAN card to the flood effectees.
The Women MPs complemented NDMA for its efforts, however asked to also focus on mother and child health care, mother nutrition, controlling the spread of epidemics and creating awareness amongst masses to face the natural calamities in future.
PR No. 394
PRESS RELEASE
GENDER IN EMERGENCIES WORKSHOP AND ADVOCACY SEMINAR HELD IN ISLAMABAD
Islamabad, 28th September, 2010One day workshop and Advocacy Seminar was organized in Islamabad by UNICEF and National MNCH Programme addressing the issue of integrating gender in emergency situations. The basic objective of the workshop was to highlight the role of female healthcare providers and to look closely into the constraints faced by them while performing their duties. Dr. Rashid Jooma, Director General, Ministry of Health was the Chief Guest on the occasion and the event was also attended by Ms. Karen Allen, Deputy Representative, UNICEF and key representatives from other donor organizations, social development agencies, NGOs and policy makers.
Speaking on the occasion the Dr. Rashid Jooma, Director General, Ministry of Health. stressed the need for focusing all efforts on saving as many lives as possible by providing the most urgent and crucial health services to the most vulnerable population groups who are the most disadvantaged in the present flood emergency. He also said that in the current devastating floods women are the most affected as there is a great loss of privacy for them. He also extended his heartfelt thanks to UNICEF and other partners who are doing their best to save women and children from disease and death during the devastating floods.
Dr. Farooq Akhter, National Coordinator for National MNCH Programme, said that in crisis situations the health of women, children, girls, boys and men is impacted in different manners. He also said that in all emergencies, just like the current floods emergency, due to the cultural, social and biological factors the enhanced risk factor is faced by the women and particularly by the girls. Dr. Farooq said that gender issues of the female workforce in health sector are of critical importance and emphasized on the urgent need for integrating gender into health services to minimise the risk factors for women and girls.
Karen Allen, Deputy Representative, UNICEF, lauded the efforts of the National MNCH Programme in organizing one day workshop on such an important issue and said that the well-being of the flood affected women and girls is UNICEF’s key priority and all efforts are being made to provide the health services to all women and especially to all pregnant and lactating women. She said that the community based healthcare providers are the backbone of the rural healthcare system saving lives of mothers and children and they are truly the role models for the young girls of their areas. She said that the active participation of the female workforce in all decision making and monitoring and evaluation is critically important as they are the main stakeholders in the process.
Dr. Arshed Chandio, Deputy National Coordinator, National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Healthcare, told the audience that female workforce in the health sector has a very pivotal role to serve the women and children of Pakistan especially in the rural settings. He also said that he takes pride in the fact that the National MNCH Programme and National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Healthcare have the biggest workforce in the healthcare sector that serves the community at their doorsteps therefore it is critically important to look into the constraints that hinder their performance and to leave no stone unturned to provide them the support they need to give their best to the community.
The one day workshop and the advocacy seminar on integrating gender into humanitarian work was organized in the backdrop of a study conducted by UNICEF termed “Gender Constraints of Female Health Care Providers” in 2007 – 08 with financial support from CIDA. ENDS.
PR No. 395
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER APPROVES IN PRINCIPLE THE ENERGY SECTOR REFORMS
Islamabad: September 28, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani approved in principle the energy sector reforms in order to improve the performance of the energy sector and establish it on a sustainable base. The country, he said, cannot afford to allow public sector enterprises to keep bleeding.
The Prime Minister accorded the approval in principle during a special meeting held in the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon to examine the proposed Power Sector Reforms.
Earlier, the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission explained the salient features of the proposed reforms and their possible impact. The presentation was prepared after broad consultation with energy experts, concerned ministries, business groups as well as donor agencies’ experts.
It was recognized that the reforms of the energy sector is of central importance for the revival of the economy and for maintaining fiscal discipline. It was observed that if a comprehensive reform plan is not pursued, the burden of PEPCO subsidies could surpass Rs. 225 billion during the financial year 2010-11, which would be grater than the budget of the entire civilian government.
The Prime Minister directed that besides structural reforms, such as unbundling of PEPCO, independence to DICSOs and improvement in management efficiency, the fuel mix should also be altered to provide more gas to the energy sector in order to lower the cost of electricity. He further directed that the provinces should also be taken on board regarding the Energy Reform Plan after its approval by the Cabinet. He also emphasized that the people be apprised of the facts through interaction to explain the logic of the reforms.
The meeting was attended by the Finance Minister, Minister for Water and Power and other members of the economic team.
PR No. 396
PRESS RELEASE
PROVINCIAL MINISTER’S MEETING WITH FINANCE MINISTER ON GST CONCLUDED SATISFACTORILY
Islamabad, Sept. 28, 2010.The two day meeting of the Federal Finance Minister with the Provincial Finance Ministers and their technical teams concluded satisfactorily here today. A record note on implementation of Reformed GST in the country was prepared by the participants, based on consensus. The record note would be shared with the Chief Ministers of the provinces by the participating teams.
The main outcomes of the two days deliberations were:-
Reformed GST should be implemented at the federal and at provincial level at the earliest. Legislation in this respect should be moved in the National Assembly and in the Provincial Assemblies.
Agreement was also reached on the treatment of services in the new legislation. The right of the provinces to levy General Sales Tax on services was completely recognized. It was also upheld that the provinces reserve the right to collect sales tax on services if they so desired.
As a result of the consultative process an understanding was arrived that such services where no cross provincial transactions were involved or no input adjustments/refunds were required would be treated as stand alone services which could be collected by the provinces at their level. Such services where cross provincial transactions as well as input adjustments/refunds were required would accrue directly to the provinces, however, there would be a single return and a single audit at the level of FBR.
