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PR. No. 274. Federal Minister for Finance, Syed Naveed Qamar called on the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in his office. The Minister of Finance was accompanied by high ranking delegation and Ambassador of Pakistan Shafkat Saeed. The Iranian President stated that Joint Economic Commission was the proper forum to optimize bilateral economic relations and suggested that the scope of JEC should be enhanced to include all possible sectors with main emphasis on energy, technology transfer, culture and health etc. He said that Pakistan should benefit from the expertise that Iran has achieved in certain sectors and likewise. He said with lot of warmth that progress of Pakistan is dear to Iran and Iran remains grateful to Pakistan for its support that it had extended to Iran . On IPI, the Iranian President said that we will witness the finalization of gas pipeline project in very near future. He also cautioned that both countries must remain vigilant and not allow their enemies to spoil the bilateral relations. He asked the Minister for Finance to convey his good wishes and greetings to the President, Prime Minister and people of Pakistan On his part, the Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar said that Pakistan considered Iran as its true brotherly neighbor and informed that the on-going Joint Economic Commission is expected to proceed and further enhance cooperation in all possible sectors. He also informed Iranian President that during his two day stay in Tehran he held very important and useful meetings with the Iranian Ministers of Interior, Commerce, Finance, Petroleum and that he would soon call on Minister for Energy. The Minister informed that Pakistan has always supported Iran in all international and regional forum and that Pakistan would continue to do so. The President of Iran conveyed his deep sorrow and offered his condolences on the tragic death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and asked the Minister of Finance to convey his condolences to Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, Co-Chairman, Pakistan Peoples Party. Later in the evening, the Ambassador of Pakistan hosted reception in honor of the visiting Minister for Finance. It was attended by Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Sheikh Attar, diplomats, senior Iranian officials, media representatives and a cross section of Pakistani community. SS/AR.
PR. No. 275. The 17TH Session of Iran-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission (JEC) concluded yesterday in Tehran. Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar led Pakistan’s delegation in the meeting while Iranian side was led by Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. Four documents of cooperation were signed at the conclusion of the JEC meeting including MoU of 17th Session of Joint Economic Commission between Pakistan and Iran, MoU between Iran Chamber of Commerce and Industries and Mines and Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Agreement between the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran on International Transport of Passengers and Goods by Road; and an MoU between Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV), Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) and Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs while speaking on the occasion said that Pak-Iran Joint Economic Commission is a useful institutional framework to regulate the economic relations and identify new areas of cooperation. Referring to changing global economic trends the Minister highlighted that Pakistan and Iran needed to take positive steps towards greater economic integration. Both countries also need to take initiatives in order to open up their economies and explore possibilities of enhancing trade, the Minister added. He said “we look forward to starting the bus service between the two countries by the middle of August which will facilitate travel of zaireen and other visitors”. The Minister highlighted the investment friendly environment in Pakistan which had facilitated foreign direct investment of over US $ 4 billion in the country during 2007-08. He appreciated Iran’s cooperation in the power sector projects of Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki in his speech commended the recent economic and industrial achievements of Pakistan and underlined that the potential of economic cooperation between the two countries was far more than the present volume of trade between them which is US $ 500 million annually. He said the leadership of the two countries is determined to increase the level of bilateral trade up to US $ one billion in the near future. The Iranian Foreign Minister said that the two countries were cooperating on the gas pipeline project and expressed hope that Gas Pipeline will benefit not only our two countries but other countries in the region as well. The Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar expressed hope that the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries will be more than US $ 1 billion annually by the next session of the JEC. He underscored that the present democratic government in Pakistan was devising policies of good governance in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who presented the ultimate sacrifice by laying here life for the cause of democracy and socio economic development of the people of Pakistan. The Iranian Minister expressed sympathies on behalf of government and people of Iran on the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The signing ceremony of the agreements/MoUs was attended by the Ambassador of Pakistan Shafkat Saeed and senior officials from both countries. SS/AR.
PR. No. 276. The Federal Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Syed Naveed Qamar held a meeting with the Iranian Commerce Minister, Masood Mir Kazemi in Tehran on Saturday. During the meeting they exchanged views on promotion of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries. The Federal Minister told the Iranian official that Pakistan Commerce Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar will visit Tehran to attend the next session of the Joint Trade Committee. The Iranian Commerce Minister referring to the import of rice from Pakistan said Iran was interested in dealing with major Pakistani exporters of rice. The Federal Minister assured the Iranian Commerce Minister that Iranian businessmen will be facilitated to import rice from Pakistan. Both the sides agreed to follow up earlier agreements in order to ensure promotion of trade between the two countries. The Federal Minister also called on his Iranian counterpart Mr. Samsami and discussed ways of enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries. While thanking Iranian Minister for hosting 17th JEC, the Minister for Finance Syed Naveed Qamar expressed hope that the current session of the Joint Economic Commission will help in identifying new areas of cooperation. He also expressed hope that this session will be able to follow up all previous decisions. On his part, Mr. Samsami said that both the countries enjoy many commonalities and informed that there is a realization in Iran that volume of bilateral trade is too low and does not reflect the existing potential. Both the sides agreed that a serious effort should be made to identify the bottlenecks and new avenues for cooperation should be explored. The Iranian Minister informed that Iran was ready to explore cooperation in several fields including energy, power plant, dams, railways etc. It was also agreed that an early establishment of Pakistan-Iran Joint Investment Company will also facilitate bilateral trade. Both sides also noted with satisfaction the recent operationalization of the ECO Trade and Development Bank (ECO TDB). The two sides also noted with satisfaction the ongoing cooperation between Iran and Pakistan in different multilateral forums and emphasized that they would continue with the on-going cooperation. Later in the evening, the Ambassador of Pakistan hosted reception in honor of the visiting Minister for Finance. It was attended by Iranian Foreign Minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Sheikh Attar, diplomats, senior Iranian officials, media representatives and a cross section of Pakistani community. SS/AR.
PR. No. 277. Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Kazmi has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of mother-in-law of Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi, cousin of Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Khursheed Ahmed Shah and brother of the Chief of Awami National Party Asfandyar Wali Khan. In separate condolence messages, the Advisor has prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss. DKK/AR.
PR. No. 278. A delegation of Anjman-i-Tulba-i-Islam led by its President Syed Rashid Gerdezi called on Advisor to Prime Minister on Religious Affairs Hamid Saeed Kazmi here today. Talking to the delegation, Kazmi said that the student played an important role for the establishment of Pakistan. Similarly the students of this time should play their role for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan. He urged the students to work for peace and harmony so that the educational institutions should become places of peace. The leader of the delegation Syed Rashid Gardezi said that their mission is to spread the teaching of saints at the level of college and universities. So that hatred and prejudices should be abolished and Pakistan should be presented as a model nation in the world. The Advisor to Prime Minister assured the delegation of his full support and cooperation for the solution of their problems. DKK/AR.
PR. No. 279. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has appreciated the efforts being made by the civilian law enforcement agencies to establish writ of the government in tribal areas and the adjoining areas of Peshawar. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mr. Rehman Malik Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior who briefed the Prime Minister this morning on the targeted actions being taken by the Frontier Constabulary, Levies and Khassadars against law breakers. The Adviser informed the Prime Minister that the action has been taken by the civilian law enforcement agencies although army is available as and when required.
The Advisor also informed the Prime Minister that the writ of the
government has been reinforced in these area and the people there have
appreciated the action taken against the law breakers and assured their
full cooperation in restoring peace and order in the area.The Advisor to
Prime Minister on National Security Mr. Mahmud Durrani was also present in
the meeting.
PR. No. 280. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan greatly values its relationship with the US and is keen to strengthen it covering diplomatic, political, economic, defence and security fields. We are desirous of a broad-based and long-term relationship focussing especially on bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, investment, science & technology, educational and cultural fields with a view to bringing the people of the two countries closer to each other, he said. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mr. Richard Boucher, Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said that he has no doubt that the victory of democratic and progressive forces in the country especially in the NWFP and Balochistan provinces and the formation of broad-based democratic governments at the Centre and in the provinces will further cement the close and cooperative relationship that exists between the two countries. The Prime Minister said that terrorism is a global phenomenon and a serious threat to humanity ruining global peace and economic development. He said it is often not realized that one incident of terrorism in Pakistan leads to flight of foreign capital from the country besides discouraging the flow of foreign investment. Similarly, it was a terrorist act that claimed the life of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. Pakistan is therefore fighting terrorism and extremism in its own national interest and not to serve the objectives of another country. He said that Pakistan is convinced that there is a need to address the factors that encourage terrorism. With this in view, the government in consultation with the coalition partners has adopted a three-pronged strategy to deal with terrorism by initiating political dialogue with those elements who have laid down arms and have joined mainstream political activity, accelerating the pace of economic development and reserving the right to use force if agreements are violated. We will however never negotiate with militants nor allow foreigners to use our soil against another country, he said. The Prime Minister said that government has received a lot of public support for the action being taken against the militants in tribal areas during the last couple of days. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is keen to see a stable and strong Afghanistan in its neighbourhood which is equally good for both Afghanistan and Pakistan. There can be no meaningful progress and development without stability in the region, the Prime Minister pointed out. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is making strenuous efforts to strengthen security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border including the installation of biometric system on entry points. He said Pakistan has also offered to fence the border. He said that there is a need for better monitoring of the border from the Afghanistan side as our side has 900 check posts compared to about 100 such posts on the Afghanistan side, which is inadequate. He said normalizing law, order and security situation in the country and revival of the economy are two top priorities of his government. He said that Pakistan is in need of increased economic assistance not only to stabilize democracy but also to fulfil our promise of providing better life to the people. Pakistan needs the help all the more urgently in view of the steep rise in the global prices of oil and food commodities. The Prime Minister also emphasized the need for early setting up of the Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZ) which will stimulate economic activity in the designated areas of NWFP and Balochistan and provide assured access to the US market for the goods produced in the tribal areas. The Prime Minister talked about his initiative on hepatitis which he said he plans to champion across the world. The Prime Minister recalled his useful meeting with President Bush at Sharm Al-Shaikh and said he looks forward to meeting the President in Washington towards the end of next month. Mr. Boucher said that United States has great interest in the success of democratic government and economic well being of the people of Pakistan. He said that US is ready to help resettle Afghan refugees in their country. The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Anne Patterson, Special Assistant to the US President Mr. Mark Webber. Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik, Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security, Mr. Mahmud Durrani, and Acting Secretary, Foreign Affairs. Later, talking to the US Congressional delegation led by Senator Cardin, the Prime Minister said that we want the US to help Pakistan rebuild its economy. Highlighting the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with the United States, the Prime Minister underscored the desire to deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields, including defence, trade, economy, energy and social sectors. He told the delegation that the government’s foremost priorities included fighting against extremism and terrorism in Pakistan’s own interest as well as rebuilding the economy. The Prime Minister also apprised the members of Congress of the three-pronged counter-terrorism strategy. He, further underlined the need for accelerating the ROZs initiative stressing that it would help expand economic opportunities and generate jobs. The Prime Minister also under-scored the vital interest Pakistan has in a stable Afghanistan. He apprised the delegation of the steps taken by Pakistan to strengthen security along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as well as for the upkeep of 3 million Afghan refugees. The Prime Minister stressed the need for the international community to support these efforts. The members of the Congressional delegation highlighted the strategic importance of the US relations with Pakistan and reciprocated the desire to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields. They affirmed US readiness to support Pakistan in its efforts to address the security issues and to achieve economic progress over the long term. They said that the US regards Pakistan as its important and strategic ally is keen to closely work with the democratic government to help it overcome its economic problems. They said that Pakistan is a lynchpin in the region and we want to expand our bilateral cooperation in all areas including trade, investment and security matters. The Congressional delegation included Senator Benjamin Cardin, Congressman Zach Wamp, Congressman Robert Aderholt, Congressman Mike McIntyre and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. The meeting was also attended by Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik, Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security, Mr. Mahmud Durrani, and Acting Secretary, Foreign Affai DSG/AR.
PR. No. 281. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is keen to promote quality education in the country and welcomes the opening of schools by the private sector all over the country especially in rural areas. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Dr. Khalid Chaudhry, Chairman Board of Governors of the American International School System (AISS) in Lahore who called on him along with a delegation at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. Dr. Chaudhry informed the Prime Minister that they have already built the first school in Lahore in a record time of less than a year. This school is affiliated with the George Washington University and the New Jersey University, he said. He told the Prime Minister that they are in the process of planning their next school in Multan and have the necessary funds to finance it. The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the AISS in establishing quality schools in the country and offered his government’s full support in achieving the laudable objective. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 282. The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior met at the Parliament House under the Convenorship of Senator Sardar Mohammad Jamal Khan Laghari to discuss and review the report about spurious drugs constituted by the Sub-Committee under the Secretary Ministry of Health comprising representatives of Provincial health and police departments, Ministry of Law and Justice, FIA, Chemists and Pharmaceutical firms. The Members of the Sub-Committee were of the view that well coordinated efforts were required to root out the menace of spurious drugs as it is a crime against the society. They underlined the need for establishment of a coordination cell at federal and provincial levels comprising of the representatives of health department, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to check such incidents and take quick action against those involved in the spurious drugs business. It was pointed out that the performance of the drug inspectors was not up to the mark and there was a dire need to revamp the whole system and adopt a zero tolerance policy while taking action against the persons involved in the unethical business. It observed that a crack down is required to unearth those elements who play with the lives of the innocent people and that rigorous punishment should be awarded to those involved in this nefarious business. The Committee also called for making the drug courts fully functional to expedite the process of conviction. Senator Sardar Jamal Khan Laghari said that the blame game should be stopped and all of us should feel the responsibility to curb the menace. He said that people were facing threats to their lives due to availability of fake drugs in the market which can only be checked properly when coordinated efforts were made. He assured his all out support to the federal and provincial health departments, law enforcement agencies and all the other stake holders to chalk out such policies which could help check the crime appropriately. Earlier, the representatives of the federal and provincial health departments, law enforcement agencies gave their view point on the issue of spurious drugs. Secretary Ministry of Health Mr. Khushnood Lashari stated that the Committee which has been constituted by the Sub-Committee on Interior has held various meetings. He said that the Ministry of Health have held in depth discussions, with representatives from the four provincial health departments, FIA, Chemists and manufacturers on the issue of spurious drugs and soon a comprehensive report would be submitted to the Sub-Committee for further necessary action. The meeting was attended by Senators Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari and Bibi Yasmeen Shah. Secretary Ministry of Health, DG, FIA and senior officers of the provincial health departments, Law and Justice Division etc. were also present. QAM/AR.
PR. No. 283. Overseas Pakistani Foundation (OPF) have to remove all hurdles in implementation of development work in OPF Housing Schemes. This was stated by the Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower & Overseas Pakistani while chairing the meeting of the Board of Governors of Overseas Pakistani Foundation here today. The Federal Minister said that all possible measures should be adopted to initiate the development work in housing schemes of OPF in phase-v, Islamabad, Lahore and Chittarpari Mirpur, AJK. These housing schemes were delayed due to non-attention by the responsible people but we have promised with Overseas Pakistanis that development work will be done soon in these schemes. He said that more delay will not be born in this matter. Board of Governors has constituted a committee consisting on 5-members, to complete the housing schemes as early as possible. The Board also review the education system of OPF in detail and it was decided that fee of those students of OPF schools should be decreased whose parents are still working abroad. The Minister ordered to OPF to review the budget 2008-09 and should be presented in the next meeting of BOG held in August. 2008. Syed Munir Hussin, MD, OPF, Abdullah Yousuf, Chairman, FBR, Umer Khan Ali, Additional Secretary, M/O Foreign Affairs, Naeem Baig, Joint Secretary, Mian Gul Aurangzaib and other high officials of OPF were also present on the occasion. SG/AR.
PR. No. 284. The Federal Minister for Environment, Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has asked the Khushal Pakistan Program (KPP) to develop pilot project for setting up Environment Friendly Model Villages in different parts of the country including FATA and Northern Areas. Special emphases should be laid on Water Supply, Sanitation Sewerage System, Street Pavements, Waste Water Collection, Household Latrines, Electrification and Parks Development. He expressed these views while talking to Chief Executive Officer, Khushal Pakistan Fund, Mr. Arif Yaqoob, a member of the Working Group on International Year of Sanitation 2008, who called on him here on Monday. The Minister also reiterated for more active liaison and involvement of KPP with the Ministry of Environment and all the Federal and Provincial EPAs in order to achieve the MTDF Targets and MDGs commitments. In the meeting it was decided that the Khushal Pakistan Fund Programme will furnish the draft concept papers/draft MoU for future cooperation between the Ministry and the KPP especially in the context of the year of 2009 as a Year of Environment. The Federal Minister said that the Ministry has formulated comprehensive policies which provide broad guidelines to the Federal Government, Provincial Governments, Federally Administered Territories and the Local Governments for addressing environmental concerns, ensuring effective management of the environmental resources, conservation, restoration and effective management of environmental resources, capacity building of government agencies and other stakeholders. The Minister also stressed upon the importance of Public, Private, Civil Society Partnership to build strategic coordination with public sector and civil society organizations for effective environmental management through creation of enabling environment. DKK/ank
PR. No. 285. Governor Punjab Salman Taseer called on President Pervez Musharraf here today. He briefed the President about various aspects pertaining to the province and discussed the efforts that he had made to alleviate the difficulties being faced by the common man.The president expressed his appreciation of the measures being taken for solving the problems of the people.
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