PR No. 328
PRESS RELEASE
PM telephoned to CM PKP
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani made a telephone call to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, Amir Haider Hoti and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives and property in different parts of the province due to heavy floods.
The Prime Minister informed him that he has already instructed Chairman National Disaster Management Authority to ensure relief to the affected population in coordination with the provincial government.
The Prime Minister also asked the Chief Minister to convey his condolences to the families whose dear ones lost lives in the floods. The government, he added, would do everything possible to help the affected families and meet their needs.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 329
PRESS RELEASE
Prime Minister concerned over water accumulation in different parts of Islamabad
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani rang up the Chairman CDA and expressed his concern over the choked drainage system in different parts of the capital resulting in water accumulation and traffic jams. He directed him to personally visit different parts of the city and ensure that CDA staff is working to clear the drainage system. The CDA staff, he said, should be seen on the roads and adjoining areas working to ease the difficulties of the people.
The Prime Minister also directed the Chairman to coordinate with the head of Islamabad Traffic Police to ensure that CDA staff and traffic police officials work in harmony to clear the traffic jams caused due to water accumulation in and around the capital. He specially asked him to send CDA teams in the outskirts of the city to drain out the accumulated water in different areas, into the ravines. The people of the areas, he added, should be helped in case they are facing difficulties.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 330
PRESS RELEASE
Ambassador of Denmark in Pakistan pays a farewell call on the President
Islamabad: July 29, 2010The outgoing Ambassador of Denmark in Pakistan Mr. Anders C. Hougaard paid a farewell call on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Thursday.
The President while talking to the outgoing envoy said that Pakistan values its cordial and friendly relations with Denmark and desires to further enhance bilateral cooperation in all fields especially in the economic, commercial and trade and investment between the two countries.
The President hailed the valuable contributions of the ambassador in further consolidating and cementing the already existing close bilateral relations between the two counties. The President wished him every success in his future assignments.
The outgoing ambassador thanked the President and the government for the support extended to him during his stay in Pakistan.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 331
PRESS RELEASE
British High Commissioner to Pakistan calls on the President
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan Thursday called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 332
PRESS RELEASE
Prime Minister calls on the President
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr Thursday afternoon.
Briefing the media about the meeting the Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the tragic incident of air crash atop Margalla hills and Current situation in the country were discussed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister briefed the President about the constitution of an inquiry committee to probe into the incident of Air crash and the search and rescue measures being undertaken by various organizations of the government.
The President while expressing his deep grief and sorrow over the awful incident of air crash said that the incident had saddened the entire nation. The President urged for early completion of the probe to ascertain the real causes of the incident that resulted in heavy loss of precious human lives.
The President said that the report of the inquiry committee should be made public so that the people know as to what really led to the tragic incident, Farhatullah Babar said. The President also asked for taking all possible steps to facilitate the heirs of the victims.
The President said that the entire nation is in a state of mourning over the sad demise of all 152 people on board, including five children, two infants among them, and 29 women. On Wednesday the day of the tragedy, special prayers were offered at the meetings in the Presidency of participants of the interfaith conference with President Asif Ali Zardari. Widespread condolence messages are pouring in form world leaders. President Hamid Karzai called President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday to convey his and Afghan people condolences.
The Spokesperson said that media accounts and footage of some aspects of the tragedy were grisly enough to invoke deepest sympathy even among the coldest observers. The hopes and aspirations of six members of ‘ youth Parliament’ of Misha Dawood, a dedicated footballer hoping to earn a name after scoring a hat trick in the first National Women Club Championship and of newly wed couple on way to Murree for honeymoon were dashed as they and all the 152 on board perished in the tragedy. The President and Prime Minister also prayed for the victims and all those touched by the tragedy.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 333
PRESS RELEASE
ACTING SPEAKER, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONDOLES DEATH OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT MEMBERS.
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Faisal Karim Kundi Acting Speaker, National Assembly and Patron-in-Chief of Young Parliamentarian Forum has condoled the sad demise of Prime Minister Hassan Javed Khan and other 5-Members of the Youth Parliament who died in an air crash on Wednesday in Islamabad.
In his condolence message, Faisal Karim Kundi termed it a great loss to the nation and families of the deceased. He said that whole the nation was standing by the bereaved families at this juncture of agony and distress. He prayed to Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant patience to the families to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
Paying rich tribute to the deceased members of the Youth Parliament, Acting Speaker said that Members of Youth Parliament were precious asset of the country. He said that they contributed a lot during the deliberations in the Youth Parliament on various issues concerning to youth in the country.
PR No. 334
PRESS RELEASE
NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER EXPRESS GRIEF OVER THE LOSS OF LIVES DUE TO FLOOD AND HEAVY RAINS.
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives and property in different part of the country due to heavy rains and floods.
In their statement, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt sympathies with the families effected by flood and said that whole nation would stand by them at this juncture of distress and agony. They called upon federal and provincial governments to take all possible measures to rescue the trapped people in floodwater and provide relief goods to the affected.
They asked the philanthropist and volunteers to extend maximum assistance to affected people and support the government agencies in rescue activities. They also asked people living along the river banks and low-lying areas to shift to safer places. They prayed to Almighty Allah for the eternal peace of deceased and grant of patience and fortitude to the bereaved families.
PR No. 335
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF SENATE CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the whole nation is mourning the loss of precious lives in the plane crash and of many others who died in the flood affected areas. He urged that all the political parties should join hands to mitigate the suffering of the people due to these natural calamities.
The Prime Minister expressed these views during a meeting with the Chairman Senate Mr.Farooq H Naek and Deputy Chairman Senate Mr. Jan Muhammad Jamali who called on him at Prime Minister Secretariat this morning.
While appreciating the role of the Senate, the Prime Minister said since Senate represents the upper house of Parliament having equal representation of all provinces; therefore, it should lead in giving a message of unity to all the political forces to formulate policies which provide relief to the people at large.
Chairman Senate and Deputy Chairman Senate apprised the Prime Minister of the working of Senate. They also informed the Prime minister that the session was called off after the tragic incident of the plane crash. They also discussed political situation of the country with the Prime Minister.
PR No. 336
PRESS RELEASE
OUTGOING WHO REPRESENTATIVE CALLS ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the valuable inputs and cooperation of Dr. Khalif Bile Muhammad as country representative of World Health Organization in the up-gradation of health care system in Pakistan. He also acknowledged the helpful role of Dr. Bile during rescue operation in earthquake affected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Prime Minister while talking to Dr. Bile who came for a farewell call at PM Secretariat this morning said that his Government is striving hard to improve health care system in Pakistan. He further said the provision of efficient healthcare facility is top priority with our government and we look forward to WHO guidance in health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, provision of technical support as well as in monitoring and assessing health trends.
As an acknowledgement of his dedication and expertise, the Prime Minister offered him to join as an honorary Advisor of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Center (HEPR).
Dr. Bile thanked the Prime Minister for his support and accepted to join as an honorary Advisor on HEPR. He expressed his deep gratitude for the Government and the people of Pakistan and assured that he would continue to serve Pakistani people in his new capacity as well.
PR No. 337
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ACCORDS HIS ASSENT TO ISLAMABAD HIGH COURT BILL, 2010
Islamabad: July 29, 2010
President Asif Ali Zardari has accorded his assent to Islamabad High Court Bill, 2010, for establishment of a High Court for Islamabad Capital Territory.
The assent was accorded during a signing ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Federal Minister for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan, Attorney General of Pakistan Justice ® Maulvi Anwar-ul-Haq and Secretary Law Division Mr. Muhammad Masood Chishti ware also present on the occasion of signing of the Bill.
The Bill was passed by the National Assembly on 10th May 2010 and the Senate on 13th May 2010 with Amendment. The Bill was again passed by the National Assembly on 30th June 2010 without any amendment, in terms of clause (2) of Article 70 of the Constitution.
PR No. 338
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN, GREAT UNION PARTY OF TURKEY (BBP) CONDOLES WITH PAKISTAN
Islamabad: July 29, 2010
H.E. Mr. Yalcin Topcu, Chairman, Great Union Party of the Republic of Turkey today visited Pakistan’s Embassy in Ankara and condoled over the tragic incident of air crash incident in Islamabad where 152 people lost their lives,says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan Ankara, Turkey here today.
Recording his remarks in the visitor’s book, Mr. Yalcin Topcu said the people of Turkey are saddened about the incident and conveyed his feelings of sympathy to the families of victims and the people of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey H.E. Mr. Tariq Azizuddin thanked the dignitary for his visit. He said Pakistan and Turkey are one nation living in two states whose hearts beat together. Visits like this further strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship, he said.
PR No. 339
PRESS RELEASE
AFRIDI ANNOUNCES CDM JOURNALIST AWARD
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, Federal Minister for Environment has said that Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has tremendous incentives and financial benefits for the industrial sector in Pakistan and we are keeping on board entrepreneurs to over come the global issue of Environment degradation. He expressed this while presiding consultative meeting of media persons here today.
Federal Secretary Environment Javed Malik, Additional Secretary Kamran Ali Qureshi, Joint Secretary Saqib Aleem, CDM Expert Syed Amjad also other high officials of the Ministry were present on this occasion.
Federal Minister for Environment said that Ministry of Environment being the focal point for Climate Change and as the Designated National Authority (DNA) for CDM in Pakistan has undertaken a number of initiatives to promote carbon finance in country and Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has approved national operational strategy for the CDM which shows our firm commitment to tackle the issue in a proficient manner. He informed that 26 CDM projects had so far been commenced in Pakistan and twenty five projects has been approved which are expected to attract foreign direct investment of approximately 742 million US$ and green house gases reduction of 4 million tons of Carbon Dioxide per year. In addition, one hundred and twenty five CDM projects are in pipeline at various development stages and expected benefits from 125 CDM projects in the form of foreign direct investment would be around 2046 million US$ and GHSs reduction of 28.53 million tons CO2 eq/year, he added.
The Minister reiterated that the concept and potential of CDM was required to be further publicized while stakeholders should also be made aware of the mechanism and procedures through which they can initiate CDM projects.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that Ministry of Environment has chalked out a plan to hold a series of dissemination workshops regarding CDM potential and opportunities at the Federal and Provincial level, these workshops will also be conducted in key cities such as Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gilgit and Muzaffarabad. He also announced initiation of a CDM journalist award for such media persons on extraordinary contributions in this specific area.
Earlier Secretary Environment Javed Malik highlighted the aims and objectives of this consultative meeting. CDM Expert, Mr. Amjad Hussain gave detailed presentation about the Clean Development Mechanism.
PR No. 340
PRESS RELEASE
BEHAVIORAL CHANGE IS NEED OF TIME TO FACE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES….AFRIDI
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Water is our most valuable natural resource. It is essential to all basic human needs including food, sanitation, health, energy and shelter. He said that its proper management is the most pressing challenge for all of us. Without water we have not society, no economy no culture and no life. He told that without clean and safe water, human health gets severely impacted due to water related diseases. He expressed these views while addressing in an International conference on “Safe Water for Safe Life” organized by an NGO “Helping Hand” here today.
Environment Minister said that the Government of Pakistan recognizing the importance of provision of safe drinking water as crucial to human health that has launched a project of delivery of safe drinking water through installation of water filtration plants at every level. The Major reason for launching this project was to arrest the huge cost of Rs. 112 billion per annum being incurred due to diseases and illness. He said that Ministry of Environment has now formulated National Drinking Water Policy to provide adequate quantity of safe drinking water to the entire population. Pakistan is one of the few countries of the world having national level policy on the issue of drinking water.
Mr. Afridi assured renewed commitment of the Government of Pakistan to the aims and objectives of the National Drinking Policy as well as to raise its profile by developing concrete strategies, plans, programs and actions at all levels. He also assured that Ministry of Environment will take concrete measures to support every initiative related to clean drinking water. He urged all stakeholders to join hands with the Ministry of Environment to accomplish this noble task. He hoped that International experiences shared in this conference will be very helpful and recommendation will lay the foundation for achieving the goal of provision of “Safe Water for Safe Life”. He assured all possible cooperation and coordination of the Ministry of Environment. He highlighted several issues related to environmental degradation and global warming and their impacts on our social lives. He emphasized that there is the need to change the behaviors to face environmental challenges.
Director Environment Javed Ali Khan and an number of other high officials of Ministry of Environment and Helping Hand (an NGO) participated in this conference.
PR No. 341
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER CANCELS HIS VISIT TO GUJRANWALA IN THE WAKE OF FLOOD SITUATION
Islamabad, July 29, 2010In wake of heavy rains and escalating flood situation Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has cancelled his scheduled visit to Gujranwala tomorrow.
The Prime Minister is constantly in touch with all the federal and provincial authorities and is personally monitoring the flood situation.
Earlier after his visit to PIMS hospital he personally drove through different areas of the federal capital to observe the situation after heavy down pour.
He issued instructions to CDA management to depute officials in different parts of the city and make efforts to drain out the accumulated water. He further directed that people in the outskirts and low lying sectors be helped.
PR No. 342
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI GRIEVED OVER LOSS OF LIVES IN FLOODS
CALLS FOR SPEEDING UP RELIEF WORK
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Co-Chairman PPP President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and property due to floods in Khyber Pukhtunkhwah as well as in some other parts of the country.
The current wave of flash floods caused by torrential and incessant rains for the past three days has caused the death of more than 120 people, washing of hundreds of mud houses in rural areas and displacement of tens of thousand people in several districts of Khyber Pukhtunkhwah. Deaths and widespread destruction of property has been reported in Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Swabi, Dir and other district of the province.
The President has been grieved to learn about the loss of lives and damage to property due to floods particularly in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwah province, Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said.
The President who has been in touch with relevant authorities monitoring the floods has called for reports on the steps already taken and those proposed to be taken to alleviate the sufferings of the flood affected people.
Presidency also took serious note of the reports that some people were marooned in flood waters and had been complaining about inadequacy of relief measures. It asked the provincial government and other relevant agencies to immediately look into these reports and redress grievances of the victims.
The Co Chairman also directed the Party organisations to be vigilant and organise rescue and relief missions and set up emergency medical and relief centres to help alleviate the sufferings of the flood affected people. The President also asked senior Party leadership to personally monitor the situation and submit reports to him.
The President also telephone Thursday night Chief Minister of Pukhtunkhwah Haider Khan Hoti and inquired about the relief rehabilitation measures.
PR No. 343
PRESS RELEASE
PM CONTACTS CM KHYBER PAKHTOONHAWA AGAIN TO ASSURES SUPPORT
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani again rang up the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa about half an hour ago to inquire about the latest flood situation in the province. He assured him complete support from the Federal Government to minimize the difficulties of flood affected people.
The Prime Minister informed the Chief Minister that he has directed the Pakistan Navy to immediately send teams and equipment to Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa from Karachi to save the people trapped in the flood water. The Navel teams he mentioned would supplement the relief efforts being carried out by National Disaster Management Authority and the Provincial Government. The Prime Minister also called upon the elected representatives to assess the needs of their respective areas and communicate the same to the concerned federal and provincial authorities.
PR No. 343
PRESS RELEASE
PM CONTACTS CM KHYBER PAKHTOONHAWA AGAIN TO ASSURES SUPPORT
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani again rang up the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa about half an hour ago to inquire about the latest flood situation in the province. He assured him complete support from the Federal Government to minimize the difficulties of flood affected people.
The Prime Minister informed the Chief Minister that he has directed the Pakistan Navy to immediately send teams and equipment to Khyber Pakhtoonkhawa from Karachi to save the people trapped in the flood water. The Navel teams he mentioned would supplement the relief efforts being carried out by National Disaster Management Authority and the Provincial Government. The Prime Minister also called upon the elected representatives to assess the needs of their respective areas and communicate the same to the concerned federal and provincial authorities.
PR No. 344
PRESS RELEASE
KAIRA CONDOLES DEATH OF PROJECT DIRECTOR SMBB MEDIA UNIVERSITY KILLED IN MARGALLAH PLANE CRASH.
Islamabad, July 29, 2010Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed deep sorrow over the sad demise of Project Director Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Media University Project Mr. Farooq Khan who was killed in the Margalla Hills plane crash yesterday.
The minister talked to the brother of Mr. Farooq Khan who reached islamabad to collect his dead body. The minister said that the services of Mr. Farooq Khan for establishing the SMBBMU project can never be forgotten. He said that late Mr. Farooq Khan single handedly steered the project and worked tirelessly to design and initiate the media courses and trainings for journalists at the university.
He minister praised the intellectual acumen and management capabilities of late Mr. Farooq khan and said that he rendered laudable services for the project.
The minister said that the whole ministry of Information & Broadcasting is aggrieved by the sad demise of Mr. Farooq Khan. The vacuum created after the death of Mr. Farooq Khan can never be filled and the university will always remember his contribution, he said.
The minister praised to Almighty Allah to grant jannat-ul-Firdous to the departed soul and give fortitude to the family to bear this irreparable loss
PR No. 345
PRESS RELEASE
PM DIRECTS CHAIRMAN NDMA TO FACILITATE THE PLANE CRASH VICTIM’S FAMILIES
Islamabad: 29 July 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to facilitate the traveling arrangements of the families of Plane crash victims in returning back their home cities/towns.
Any family member of the Plane Crash victim who has any problem with regard to his traveling arrangement can contact Chairman, NDMA Gen. Nadeem on Mobile No. 0333-5567612.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF JULY 30, 2010
PR No. 346
PRESS RELEASE
PM GREETS MOROCCO COUNTERPART ON NATIONAL DAY
Islamabad: July 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco Mr.Abbas El Fassi on their national day falling on July 30.
In his message of greetings, the Prime Minister said’ On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure in conveying to your Excellency our warmest felicitations on the national day of the Kingdom of Morocco.
The relations between Pakistan and Morocco are rooted in the eternal bond of Islamic brotherhood and characterized by shared perceptions of all global and regional issues.
I avail myself of the opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency’s health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Morocco.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF JULY 30, 2010