PR. No. 388
Government to facilitate investors in housing projects: kakar
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Federal Minister for Housing & Works Rahmatullah Kakar has said that the government would facilitate the local and foreign investors and extend full cooperation to participate in the housing projects.
He expressed these views while chairing a meeting here today to review progress on the housing projects undertaken by the Pakistan Housing Authority and Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation in various places in the country.
The Minister said that it was the first time in the history of country that the housing sector has taken to a tremendous boost and foreign and local multinational companies were keen to invest in the construction of one million housing units under Prime Minister’s housing for all program.
The Minister said that four thousands flats were being constructed in I-16 sector and I-11 sectors, Islamabad on 31 acres of land acquired from CDA which would double the government’s efforts in fast achieving the goal for shelter to all.
Mr. Kakar said that Balochistan Government was issuing an NOC in next few days for the land acquired by Pakistan Housing Authority and it would provide housing facilities to the needy, government employees and general public mitigating their sufferings to great extent.
The Minister said that it was national obligation upon our construction engineers and experts to acquaint themselves with the emerging cost effective technologies to be utilized in the Prime Minister’s Housing Projects in the country.
The Minister urged upon the PHA and FGEHF to intensify their efforts for launching mere housing projects with a view to speedy accomplishment of housing for all programme. He said that construction of one million housing units would net only provide housing facility for the shelterless, needy, government employees and general public but also generate socio-economic uplift activities in the country.
The meeting expressed satisfaction ever the progress on construction of he using units in various places being undertaken by PHA and FGEHF and asked them to gear up their efforts in order to provide relief to the shelterless people as quickly as possible.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Housing and Works Raja Muhammad Abbas and heads of PHA and FGEHF besides senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Works and concerned departments.
**MN/Ahmad**
PR. No. 389
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Pakistan Navy is in the process of acquiring Oliver Hazard Perry Class Ships from USA. First of these ships (USS McINERNEY (FFG-8) will be handed over to Pakistan Navy on 31 August 2010 at Naval Station Mayport USA. The ship will be named PNS ALAMGIR (F-260). This will be third ship in Pakistan Navy to bear this name. Ambassador of Pakistan to USA H.E Husain Haqqani will be chief guest on the occasion, says a press release received here today from Washington DC.
Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigates are being operated by many navies in the world to undertake a number of maritime operations at sea. These ships are most suited for conducting Maritime Security Operations, which have become the prime concern of the nations. PNS ALAMGIR will augment Maritime Security Operations in the Arabian and the adjoining seas. It will also provide strength to the Pakistan Navy Surface Fleet.
Crew of the ship has already arrived in USA and is being trained at Naval Station Mayport. Captain Naveed Ashraf T.Bt TI(M) will be the first Commanding Officer of PNS ALAMGIR (F-260).
PR. No. 390
PRESS RELEASE
Khursheed Shah advised opponents to stop political games
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah said that it is not the time of playing political games but to actively take part in providing every possible help to the ill fated flood affected people and minimize their miseries.
In a statement, Minister described the news reports as biased and fabricated, adding that his political opponents are maligning him to score campaigns against him to misguide the people of the area. The impression given in the press is that the politicians and cabinet ministers squabbled over making breach in the side canals in a bid to protect major towns from the advancing floods.
As reported in the press, the Minister is accused of flouting the orders of the Chief Minister by refusing to allow the breach in the Ali Wahan Canal which compel the Army to intervene.
The factual position is that the Minister is actively busy in relief activities in flood affected area and thoroughly monitoring the distribution of relief goods among flood affected people in his constituency, the Minister pledged that he would be present in the area to pull his all efforts for providing every possible help to the flood affected people in his area.
PR. No. 391
PRESS RELEASE
MD. PAK SUZUKI HAND OVER 25 VANS AND TENTS FOR FLOOD RELIEF
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the government has the will, resolve and ability to overcome the challenging situation emerged due to unprecedented floods across the country. He mentioned that our past track record of dealing with such situation like rehabilitating over two million IDPs speaks itself regarding our capacity. He added that national spirit is high and the people are coming out in larger number to help their countrymen in this hour of trial.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Hirofumi Nagao, MD Pak-Suzuki who called on him alongwith a delegation to handover Suzuki Vans alongwith tents for the flood affectees, at PM’s House here this afternoon.
Commenting on the magnitude of floods damages, the Prime Minister said that no nation can alone withstand of such a big catastrophe single handedly. He said that this calamity is the biggest in the history of Pakistan destroying one fifth of the cultivable land of the country and wiping out infrastructure worth billions of dollars. He said that the world community has also taken laudable steps in assisting Pakistan yet more help would be required in the next phase of rehabilitation.
The Prime Minister said that government is devising a comprehensive strategy for rehabilitation of the flood affectees in collaboration with all stakeholders, particularly the provincial governments. He further said that the government is contemplating to offer cash compensation to the affectees for rebuilding their damaged or destroyed house.
Mr. Mr. Hirofumi Nagao apprised the Prime Minister about various initiatives taken by the Pak-Suzuki in collaboration with vendor and dealer association to help the flood affectees. He said that every possible step would be taken for the welfare of the affected population.
The Prime Minister appreciated the gesture of solidarity by Pak-Suzuki with the flood affectees to mitigate their sufferings.
Later Mr. Hirofumi Nagao handed over keys of 25 Suzuki Vans along with 75 tents to the Prime Minister for the flood affectees in a simple yet graceful ceremony.
The Vans are contributed by the Suzuki Vendor and Dealers association while the tents are donated by the employees of the Pak-Suzuki.
PR. No. 392
PRESS RELEASE
SAHIBZADA MEHBOOB SULTAN, MNA CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has urged all the parliamentarians to focus on the relief activities in their respective constituencies. The process of rehabilitation of the flood affectees will start soon after recession of the flood waters, he added.
The Prime Minister was talking to Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan, MNA who called on him at Prime Minister House this morning. The Prime Minister assured that rescue and relief activities will continue till the complete recession of water.
Sahibzad Mehboob Sultan apprised the Prime Minister of the details of relief activities being conducted in his constituency. He also told that the people were generously contributing in cash and kind to help their brethren in flood hit areas.
PR. No. 393
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistani bridge team competes for championship in China
Islamabad; 31 August 2010A 12-member squad of Pakistani bridge players has arrived in Ningbo, a city in south western China, for participating in the First Asia Cup Bridge Championship, which commenced today, says a press release received here today.
The Pakistani squad, led by senior bridge player, Rashid ul Ghazi, comprising six men and six women, will compete for the championship which lasts till the 5th of September.
PR. No. 394
PRESS RELEASE
Indonesian Minister for People’s Welfare Laksono says aid for Pakistan
amounts to 3.3 Million U.S. Dollars
Islamabad 31st August, 2010Indonesia’s Minister of Coordination for People’s Welfare, Agung Laksono has said cash assistance of 2 million dollars out of the total aid package of 3.3 million USD would be delivered to Pakistan on September 1, says a press release received here today.
Giving the details to media today he said the relief assistance worth 3.3 million dollars was being provided in two phases.”A sum of 1.3 million dollars was provided in early August in the form of logistics and medicines. The second cache of assistance, two million dollars in cash will be delivered on Wednesday (1 / 9). Delivery of cash assistance will be accompanied by medical and Indonesian military (TNI) personnel”, he said.A 45-member team consisting of medical and army personnel as well as representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) was being sent to Pakistan to take part in the relief efforts.
“Delivery of this assistance is in accordance with the instructions by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono”, the Minister added. He said the assistance showed Indonesia’s concern for the people of Pakistan who were victims of the flood.
Ambassador of Pakistan to Indonesia and ASEAN, Mr. Sanaullah along with senior Indonesian officials will see off the first batch of the 45 member Indonesian aid team leaving for Pakistan Wednesday morning.
PR. No. 395
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN, PAKISTAN KUWAIT INVESTMENT CO LTD CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has lauded the kind gesture of International Community which came forth with assistance in cash and kind to help the flood affectees in Pakistan. He further added that government was mobilizing all available resources for the relief and rescue of the people. Damages caused by the unprecedented floods, he said, was beyond our resources, therefore, assistance of International Community was vital for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affectees.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Mr Saleh Ali Muraikhi, Chairman, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning and presented a cheque of Rs 25 million for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund.
The Prime Minister thanked the government of Kuwait for supporting Pakistan in these hard times. He said both countries enjoy brotherly relations and has always stood by each other. The Chairman, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company Ltd said that the Company will play pivotal role in reconstruction of bridges and warehouses in flood ravaged areas in Pakistan.
Mr Saleh conveyed the concerns of his government to the Prime Minister regarding large scale of devastation of life and property. He assured on the behalf of government of Kuwait to extend every possible assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood affectees.
Mr Shamsul Hasan, Managing Director, Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company Ltd apprised the Prime Minister of various relief activities being conducted by their company and assured continuity of assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the flood affectees.
PR. No. 396
PRESS RELEASE
PALESTINIAN DELEGATION CALLS ON HEALTH MINISTER
Islamabad 31st August, 2010A delegation of Palestinian doctors led by H.E. Dr. Hazem Hussein Abu Shanab, the Ambassador of Palestine, called on the Federal Minister for Health Makhdoom Shahabuddin here today.
The Ambassador remained with the Minister for some time and discussed matters of mutual and bilateral interest with special reference to medical relief to the flood affected people in Pakistan. He offered all kinds of help to the flood affected people of Pakistan and said the people of Palestine will stand by the people of Pakistan in these hours of trial.
The Federal Health Minister thanked the Ambassador for his offer of support and said that people of Pakistan under the leadership of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Saheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto have always stood by the side of Palestinian people in their struggle against imperialism.
PR. No.397
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER CONTRADICTS ALLEGATIONS OF FLOUTING PM ORDERS AND DIVERSION OF WATER FLOW
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah has categorically denied the news reports, appearing in a section of the press in which impression was given that the Politicians and cabinet Minister squabbled over making breach in the side canals in a bid to protect major Sindh towns from the advancing floods and that the Minister had flouted the orders of the Chief Minister by refusing to allow the breach in the Ali Wahan Canal which compelled the Army to intervene, as reported in the press.
In a statement issued here today, the Minister described the reports as biased and fabricated, adding that his political opponents are maligning him to score political points through running malicious campaign against him to misguide the people of the area. He said that to see the rise of flood, he immediately consulted the water experts on the water flow in Sukkur Barrage who satisfied him that it would be normal and pose no danger to the Barrage.
Clarifying the factual position, the Minister said, he is actively busy in relief activities in flood affected area from morning to late in the night and thoroughly monitor the distribution of relief goods among flood stricken people in his constituency. He refuted all allegations, adding that he could not think about submerging his own people and their property on the cost of saving his own property. He advised the opponents to stop this ugly political game to malign others but to come forward to play their positive role, helping flood affected people in the need of hours who were badly affected by the natural calamity. It is not the time of playing political games but to take active part in providing every possible help to these ill-fated people to minimize their miseries, he maintained.
The Minister pledged once again that he would be present in the area to pull his all efforts for providing every possible help to the flood affected people in his area.
PR. No.398
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad 31st August, 2010ERRA Being Authority is Empowered to Hire and Fire its Employees in Accordance with the Terms and Conditions and Set Rule: Deputy Chairman ERRA Lt. Gen Muhammad Haroon Aslam
Having the mandate to reconstruct and rehabilitate what was destroyed after earthquake 2005 ERRA moves ahead completing over 6000 projects out of a total of 13,000 destroyed facilities. Talking about the current economic constraints, Deputy Chairman ERRA Lt Gen Haroon Aslam emphasized that ERRA having experience of nearly five years to handle natural disaster, having strong relations with NGO and international community has the will, expertise and backing of the government to complete the task that was assigned to it. He said while the country is facing worst flood situation unprecedented in past, the financial constraint is well understood but was confident that allocation of funds would materialize in coming days. Commending the role of media he said while mediaremains a critical eye to highlight what needs to be improved, however, perceptions about ERRA winding up are totally incorrect.
Lt Gen. Muhammad Haroon Aslam remains optimistic that Pakistan will overcome the present difficulties and ERRA will support the government by rationalization of human resource as per demand of work at hand.
Commenting on recent reports appearing in media regarding laying off large number of employees he said that it is a wrong impression that the Prime Minister had ordered this. ERRA being an authority is empowered to hire and fire its employees in accordance with the terms and conditions and set rules and can wind up contract of the employees of projects that are either complete or are near completion.
PR. No.399
PRESS RELEASE
Subject:Consultation on Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children of Flood Victims
Islamabad 31st August 2010:The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) organized a Consultation on “Separated, Unaccompanied and Missing Children of Flood Victims”, with the objective to design an effective identification and tracking system for their reunification. The Chairman NDMA, Gen. Nadeem Ahmed, announced that the NDMA has established a Gender and Child Cell (GCC) in Islamabad. The purpose of the Cell is to facilitate, both at policy and technical level, NDMA’s immediate, short and long term interventions for mainstreaming gender and child concerns in early recovery, rehabilitation and preparedness.
The floods of 2010 in Pakistan have posed the gravest humanitarian challenge for the country, affecting 75 districts. The official figure of the affected population is around 15 to 20 million in all provinces of Pakistan, including AJK and Gilgit - Baltistan. Some 52% are women and adding the number of children, approximately 65% fall in the vulnerable category. The prevailing socio-economic conditions along with the flood situation have exacerbated the living conditions of women, men, boys and girls residing in the flood-affected districts. The larger portions of the affected population are women and children and the enormity of the crisis has posed many challenges in addressing their needs.
The Chairman, NDMA appraised that the biggest number and most vulnerable of affected population is taking shelter on canal banks and embankments. Catering for their needs is most challenging, both in numbers and resources available. Additional direction for the needs of gender and children is required. He emphasized that quantifying the affected children is really important so that measures can be taken during the relief phase and then in the early recovery phase. He also added that we have the social responsibility to ensure that the vulnerable groups get their legal rights.
The consultation was attended by representatives of Ministry of Social Welfare and its provincial departments, UN agencies, International NGOs, NGOs and NADRA. The group deliberated on the improved ways to collate data, bridge the coordination mechanism and the missing support in terms of psychological, legal help and tracing and handing over of the children. Among the recommendations, referral systems and awareness-raising were agreed as the most immediate need.
PR. No.400
PRESS RELEASE
US$500000/- CASH FOR FLOOD VICTIMS BY IRANIAN COMMON MEN
Islamabad 31st August, 2010Owing to Ambassador M.B. Abbasi and his team’s dedicated and sincere calls for all-out and urgent aids for flood victims of Pakistan through appeals, pamphlets and press briefings an amount of 500000/- has been deposited to the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Relief Fund Account No.0107000073002) Meli Bank Iran, Noshirwan Branch. (0811) by the common Iranian people, says a press release received from Iran today.
This recent donation in cash, in fact is, other than the aid and efforts, which are being made by the Iranian government for the flood effectees of Pakistan through Iranian Red Crescent and other sources.
Furthermore, English and Persian newspapers are highlighting the relief efforts underway to provide aid to the flood affected people in Pakistan. The media also published appeals by prominent Iranian religious personalities to extend every help and assistance to the flood effectees in Pakistan.
PR. No.401
PRESS RELEASE
REJOINDER TO MISPERCEPTION ABOUT NON PROVISION OF FUNDS TO THE PROVINCES BY THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
Islamabad: August 31, 2010A Spokesman of the Federal Government has clarified the position with reference to news reports inferring non-provision of funds by the Federal Government to the Provinces for relief of flood-affectees.
Since the passing of the historic 18th Amendment in April 2010, a sizable amount of federal divisible pool has been allocated to the Provinces by the Federal Government, said the Spokesman. The Federal Government has already transferred a major part of the divisible pool to the Provinces during the current financial year starting from July 01, 2010.
The fiscal transfers made by the Finance Division till July 31, 2010 in favor of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa (KPK), Sindh and Balochistan are: Punjab Rs. 27.73 billion; Sindh Rs. 17.339 billion; KPK Rs.33.102 billion; and Balochistan Rs. 10.372 billion.
The current financial year commenced from July 1, 2010, and so the Provinces would still have these funds. The second tranche will be released by the Federal Government after August 31, 2010.
The Federal Government is awaiting notifications of calamity-hit areas to be declared by the Provincial Governments as satellite survey of initial damages has been set in process. Provincial Governments have been asked by the Federal Government to notify the calamity-hit areas so that NADRA database could be used to assess the damage as it possesses data about 90% of the affected population.
As soon as the people requiring compensation are identified, the Federal Government would provide funds to the Provincial Governments on requirement basis. NADRA will issue temporary ID Cards to the people who have lost it in floods. On the basis of temporary NADRA cards, universal banking cards will be issued to the affectees to disburse money and maintain transparency.
The Spokesman said that the first phase of rescue and relief will continue till October 30th. Early recovery would start from August 25th to October 30th. Damage and needs assessment would be undertaken from August 30th to September 25. As a parallel activity, resource mobilization would start from September 30th to November 30th, while the final phase of post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction would commence on December 1st and it will continue till the last person is rehabilitated.
The Federal Government has announced to provide half of Rs.40 billion to the flood affectees in the first phase with Rs.20 billion each by the Federal Government and the Provinces. It has also been decided to initially provide Rs 20,000 to each affected family.
The Spokesman said that on the basis of suggestions put forth by PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif to assist flood victims, a Council would be set up with national consensus to distribute foreign aid among flood affectees. The Federal Government is awaiting nominations from the Provinces to set up the proposed Council.
PR. No.402
PRESS RELEASE
DANISH MINISTER FOR DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan greatly appreciates the support extended by the International Community however, speedy assistance is required in the forthcoming rehabilitation phase lest it leads to frustration among affectees. The affected population, he added would very soon require compensation to reconstruct their houses and the government would like to adopt the same effective and transparent strategy as it did to help the Malakand IDPs, for rebuilding their houses.
The Prime Minister was talking to Danish Minister for development cooperation, Mr. Soren Pind who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that it is encouraging that the whole nation is mobilized and supporting the endeavours to help the flood affectees requiring immediate relief. He said that the damage have been enormous but the will and determination of the people to face the challenge is equally strong.
The Prime Minister appreciated that the Danish Government had decided to further increase its support and assistance for the flood affectees in Pakistan and thus has become one of the major contributors in this context. He also lauded the friendly gesture of the Danish Government by sending Mr. Seron Pind and his delegation to Pakistan at this crucial juncture. He said that it was gratifying to note that the Denmark was also one of the leading European Countries to have helped Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake and for the rehabilitation of IDPs of Malakand and had fully stood by Pakistan in its quest for upgrading Pakistan-EU relations to Summit level. He also express his government gratitude for steadfast Danish support to Pakistan for giving increased access to EU markets for its products and hoped that Denmark would continue to lobby for Pakistan’s case in the EU.
Mr. Soren Pind while expressing the condolences and sympathies on the loss of lives and colossal destruction of property and infrastructure by the floods, stated that during the tour of flood affected areas this morning, he had realized that the affected people had lost almost everything and their rehabilitation would take a long time and heavy investment. He added that he was convinced that no country of the world can single handedly cope with the scale and magnitude of catastrophe and hence international community must come forward to help Pakistan in this difficult time. He said that Denmark on its part would try its utmost to help Pakistan in whatever way possible.
Mr. Christian Hougaar, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, MOS Economic Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Chairman NDMA and other senior government officials were also present in the meeting.
PR. No.403
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER FOR HEALTH CALLS ON THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that health needs of the flood affectees is the main concern of the government. Despite the fact that the health facilities came under great stress due to devastating floods, the government, he added is committed to providing the best possible medical facilities in the relief camps to hold back the outbreak of epidemics and water borne diseases.
The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Ministry of Health in reaching out to the flood affectees in different parts of the country. The Prime Minister was talking to Federal Minister for Health Makhdoom Shahabuddin, who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon.
Minister of Health apprised the Prime Minister of the working of National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Network (NHEPRN), the focal point for the health initiatives in any sort of emergencies.
The Minister also apprised the Prime Minister of the delivery status of various drugs and medicine to the relief camps, as well as the working of the medical units. He also mentioned that the medical teams from friendly countries, NGOs, Red-Creasant and the volunteers have joined hands with Ministry of Health which has galvanized the relief activities of the Ministry of Health.
PR. No.404
PRESS RELEASE
DIRECTOR GENERAL UNESCO MEETS THE PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called for UNESCO’s increased role in establishing non-formal education centers in the flood affected areas of Pakistan and in providing training to teachers in the flood relief camps in various disciplines so that around 6 million children who have lost their classes could resume schooling in the just starting new academic year.
The Prime Minister emphasized that UNESCO should extend assistance to Pakistan in the post disaster phase by undertaking small and medium level projects in education, water management and preservation of world heritage sites.
He was talking to Ms. Irina Bokova the Director General of UNESCO who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon.
Prime Minister noted that UN Secretary General in his flash appeal for flood affected people of Pakistan last month has not included education, science, and cultural fields which are the purview of UNESCO. He said, his government would like UNESCO to issue a similar flash appeal which were called for in the case of Haiti earthquake last year for mobilizing assistance to Pakistan in these important sectors.
The Prime Minister appreciated the initiative taken by the Director General of UNESCO to sent a team of scientists to Pakistan last week to assess the damage caused by floods in the areas falling within the purview of his organization to help Pakistan in water resource management including managing hydro hazards, maintaining ground water resources for emergent situation, preventing land slides and capacity building of Pakistani institutions in these areas.
The Prime Minister said that his Government’s strategy was three pronged, in the first instance to rescue and provide relief to the flood victims which were already underway, secondly re-habilitation of the displaced persons in the floods by helping them rebuild their houses and thirdly, affected farmers to resume agriculture activity as well as to reconstruct the physical infrastructure including schools and colleges damaged or destroyed by the flood waters.
Prime Minister apprised the Director General that around 11000 schools have been destroyed or damaged and the other schools and colleges are being used as temporary shelters for the displaced people. The new school year has started and government will like to relocate the flood victims occupying the schools and rebuild the damage once to ensure that education of the children was not affected. He hoped that UNESCO will help Pakistan in every possible manner to achieve this goal.
Ms. Irina Bokova, Director General of UNESCO while briefing the Prime Minister on the measures already taken by her organization to help Pakistan, assured him that UNESCO will go by with the Government of Pakistan’s requirements and offer all the cooperation to meet those requirements within its means. She proposed establishment of a body which could coordinate with UNESCO, UNECEF and other organizations in facilitating the rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. She also promised that UNESCO would launch a fresh appeal along with UN Secretary General’s second appeal to assist Pakistan in September. She further said that in coordination with the Government of Pakistan in addition to 30 non-formal education centers already established in four provinces of Pakistan more would be established in the near future.
She recognized the importance of world heritage sites of Pakistan particularly Mohinjodaro. UNESCO, she said, have been helping even in the past and would send a team of UNESCO experts who will visit Pakistan soon to make an assessment of the damages to the archaeological sites.
Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali, Minister for Education, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jillani, Minister for Culture, and Mrs. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to Prime Minister were also present in the meeting.
PR. No.405
PRESS RELEASE
PETROLEUM MINISTRY CLARIFIES
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Reference to the news item titled “Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at odds with Centre,” published in the Express Tribune dated 31-08-10, it is clarified that the above referred news item is baseless and without any substance.
For sake of brevity it is clarified that prior to the Constitutional amendment the Director General Petroleum Concessions, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, used to award the blocks through open bidding for exploration and production of petroleum in Pakistan. The Provincial Governments were/are beneficiary of all the revenues received in the form of royalty, GDS, Social Welfare, Rent, Production Bonuses etc. So it is blatantly unfair to allege that Federal Government is taking any advantage. The Federal Government and especially the Directorate General of Petroleum Concession is more than willing to facilitate the provinces to develop the infrastructure to carry out the Oil and Gas exploration in their provinces. The federal Government will provide all requisite information to the Provinces to implement the amendment. For this purpose a legal council/firm is also being hired for making changes in the Act and relevant rules.
The TOR of committee headed by the Additional Secretary (P&NR) is to expedite implementation of amendment in its true letter and spirit. The first meeting of the committee was held on 20-8-2010 with the objective to take the provinces on Board and to brief them about present activities of petroleum sector. It may be pointed out that the new constitutional provision provides that subject to the existing commitments and obligations, mineral oil and natural gas within the Province all the territorial waters adjacent thereto shall vest jointly and equally in that Province and the Federal Government. The constitutional provision nowhere provides for the exclusive control of Mineral Oil and natural gas by either the Federal Government or the provinces. It was, therefore, decided to constitute a separate Authority for award of concessional rights with the effective participation of each province. Mr Shumail Butt was present in the above said meeting and was handed over the initial draft bill for the establishment of the Authority. The meeting was called off with the understanding that the next meeting will be convened once the Provinces and especially the KP will provide its input on the Draft bill which is still awaited.
The provinces and especially the KP had already been provided with the names of the companies operating in the oil and gas exploration business in each province and companies have been advised through PPEPCA to provide their profiles to the provinces.
As regards the award of concessional right to the international company in Dera Ismail khan, it may be clarified that the petroleum right was awarded to the said company in May 2007. The agreement was, however, signed later in accordance with the Government’s commitment which is in line with the provision of the Constitutional amendment.
The representative of the Federal Government further clarified that all support and assistance would be provided to the provinces for their capacity building to handle exploration and production business in their provinces, if they so desire.
PR. No.406
PRESS RELEASE
23 GERMAN RELIEF AGENCIES ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN RELIEF WORK IN PAKISTAN
Islamabad, August 31, 2010Many German relief organizations are actively engaged in relief work in different flood-hit areas in Pakistan . So far over 80 aid workers representing 23 organizations are providing relief assistance. Relief personnel include doctors, paramedics, emergency relief volunteers who have traveled to Pakistan to participate in relief efforts, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Berlin, Germany, here today..
German relief organizations have received financial support from the German government and the German public for their relief activities. The German public has generously donated money for the flood victims. The German government provided over US$ 50 million through bilateral assistance and through the EU to assist the flood affected people.
A special fund raiser event “Help for Pakistan ” telecast by German T.V Channel ZDF, fetched over US$ 10 million donations from the German people in one night. Chancellor Angela Merkel attended this programme and appealed to the German people to help the flood affectees.
Pakistan Embassy in Berlin is in constant touch with government officials, relief organizations, corporate sector and leading philanthropic organizations of Germany for raising funds for the relief operations.
PR. No.407
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, August 31, 2010The Pakistan High Commission and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are working together in resolving the recent cricket crisis, says a press release received from London here today.
Immediately on coming to know of the visit of Scotland Yard to the hotel of Pakistan Cricket team, the High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan and other senior officers of the High Commission met the Chairman PCB, the Manager of the team and the players. Since then Pakistan High Commission is providing valuable support and guidance to PCB.
So far no case has been made against any player only investigations are being conducted by the Scotland Yard. There has been complete co-operation between the PCB, ECB and the investigators. The PCB has also appointed a leading solicitor to provide legal support to the PCB and the players. Pakistan High Commission is also in constant communication with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office. PCB is committed to ensure that every endeavour will be made to get to the bottom of the matter and will be working closely with the solicitor and the investigators.
The PCB has emphasised that there is no question of calling off the tour or dropping of any player from playing the matches. ECB officials too have committed to continue the tour and provide necessary facilities and security to Pakistani cricket team.
Since the matter is under investigation and no proof has yet been found media is advised not to speculate or insinuate against any individual including the PCB set up.
The Pakistan High Commissioner also dispelled all speculations aired by the media in Pakistan and the United Kingdom that the team is being recalled or any other action is being taken at this juncture when the investigations are in progress and as such there was no question of any FIA team being sent to London to investigate the matter.
Meanwhile HM Revenue and Customs have arrested two men and a woman on suspicion of money laundering. However, it has been clarified that these arrests have nothing to do with the cricket crisis.
