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PR No. 1
PRESS RELEASE
Technical Support and incentives to farmers and comprehensive strategy for
forestry sector is need of time…….Afridi
Islamabad; March 01 , 2010
Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi
has said that global community is today well aware of vital economic,
social and environmental functions of forests. In
Pakistan, too, forestry
is no more considered a subject of Forest Departments but people of all
walks of life have their active share in forestry development. He
expressed these views while addressing on the occasion of launching Golden
Jubilee Spring Tree Planting Drive 2010 in sector G-13 Islamabad today.
Federal Minister was Chief Guest of the ceremony which was organized by
CDA.
Federal Minister further said that slow progress of past tree
planting campaigns and investments in Forestry Sector, are a matter of
concern for us. He said we have to evaluate the ground position and plan
for the future accordingly. We are a low forest cover country where
large-scale expansion of forests is constrained by harsh climate, poor
soil conditions and shortage of water. Secondly, our demand for industry,
construction and energy are increasing substantially which are out pacing
our domestic sources he added. He also said that over exploitation of
forest resources has created this predicament which needs to be addressed
through comprehensive strategy and programs of forestry sector. He said
that global warming and environmental change is major threat for us and
our common lives specially agriculture sector is being affected a lot.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that this is matter of pleasure
for me to know that our farmers and rural communities and common citizens
are proactively promoting tree cover on their lands and this trend should
continue until at least 5% of total farmlands are brought under tree
cover. He also said that our target of expanding forest cover to 6 % by
2015 can be achieved through full participation from all walks of life. He
said that government is pursuing comprehensive policies, plans and
programs with the involvement of all stakeholders including farmers, local
communities, forest owners and right holders, civil society organizations,
private sector companies and students to increase forest cover in
Pakistan. At the end
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that Ministry of Environment is always ready
to cooperate and coordinate in all efforts of CDA.
Federal Minister also appreciated the efforts of Capital
Development Authority (CDA) for taking actions and doing important
arrangements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) target of
6.0% forest cover by 2015. He also lauded the role played by CDA towards a
green Pakistan. He
highlighted the role of CDA employees specially gardeners during the
address. Chairman CDA, Imtiaz Inayat Ellahi also addressed on this
occasion. He told that CDA has assigned the target of planting 0.4 million
plants under this drive and 0.1 million plants will be distributed free
among residents in each sector of Islamabad.
Federal Minister launched the Golden Jubilee Tree Plantation
Drive 2010 by planting Olive tree in sector G-13,
Islamabad. Earlier
Federal Minister visited different stalls arranged on this occasion by
different organizations. He also shared his views with media persons
answered their questions.
Secretary, Ministry of Environment Javed Malik, high
officials and staff of Ministry of Environment, School Children of
different Schools of Islamabad, general public, President Islamabad
Chamber of Commerce and Employees of CDA were also present on this
occasion.
**MS/Ahmad**
PR No.
2
PRESS RELEASE
Barclays Bank offers to cooperate in construction of one million houses:
Kakar
Islamabad; March 01 , 2010
Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Rehmatullah Kakar said
on Sunday that Barclays Bank has offered to extend financial cooperation
in construction of one million housing units under Prime Minister Housing
Programme.
Presiding over a meeting to review the progress on housing
projects, the Minister revealed that he held fruitful discussion with the
senior Malaysian officials and Chief Executives of multinational
construction companies and investors on cooperation in
Pakistan’s housing
projects during his visit to Kuala Lumpur. They evinced keen interest and offered to participate in the housing
schemes in Pakistan.
He said that Asia Pacific Conference on Housing and Urban
Development (APCHCD) held in
Tehran, has stressed for
boosting ties in the housing projects among the member states and termed
it a vital field for strengthening of economy.
The Minister said that Asia-Pacific countries have suggested
to regularize the Katchi Abadies by construction of housing units for them
at the proper places where all basic amenities of life be available for
the people. He said that the Barclays Bank has also offered to extend
financial assistance to the employees of Grade-15 and above for the
construction of houses/flats under Prime Minister’s Housing Programme.
The Minister said that the next Asia-Pacific conference on
Housing and Urban Development will be held in the next June to oversee the
implementation status of the recommendations of the APCHUD meetings.
**MN/Ahmad**
PR No.
3
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Prime Minister Syed
Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that with the
construction of Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal thousands acres of barren
lands would come under cultivation bringing prosperity to the most
backward areas of NWFP and ensuring self-sufficiency and
food security in the country.
He was talking to Deputy Speaker
National Assembly, Mr. Faisal Karim
Kundi who called on him at PM’s House here
this morning.
The Prime Minister said that people have given mandate to the
government as they expected change in their living standards through
formulation of welfare oriented policies and their timely implementation.
He added that the Parliamentarians are
under heavy responsibility to facilitate the government through their
suggestions and monitoring.
The Prime Minister lauded the role of Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi
for his running the business of the National Assembly in an impartial
manner in absence of the Speaker.
The Prime Minister also asked the Deputy Speaker National
Assembly to personally visit Dera Ismail Khan
and utilize his influence in creating harmony amongst various sectarian
groups.
The Deputy Speaker informed the Prime Minister on the status
of various development projects of his constituency. He also informed
about the law and order situation of Dera Ismail Khan.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No.
4
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Prime Minister Syed
Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the
Ministry of Petroleum and OGDC to submit a detailed report on outstanding
rent payable to the owners of the gas fields at Sui within a week and
clear it without any delay. He also directed that a new rent agreement
should be negotiated with the owners keeping in view the principal of
parity with other gas fields of the country.
The Prime Minister issued these directions in a meeting with
Leader of the Jamhoori Watan Party, Nawab Talal
Akbar Bugti, who called on him along with a delegation of notables
from Balochistan at PM’s House here this
morning.
The Prime Minister said his government is according top
priority for development of backward regions. He further said that
reconciliation with all the political forces in every part of the country
is essential to channelize the political energies for economic development
and prosperity of the common man.
The Prime Minister said that development of Balochistan is
high on the agenda of the Federal government
and all necessary measures would be taken in that direction to mitigate
the sufferings of the people of the province. He expressed the hope that
Agahz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan would go a long way in building trust amongst
the leadership and people of Balochistan and a step to bringing the
province at par with other areas of the country. He said that he is
personally monitoring the implementation of the
Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan to ensure the timely actions on various
initiatives undertaken by the government.
The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the
initiatives undertaken would prove a milestone in the socio-economic
development of Balochistan.
Mr. Talal Akbar Bugti apprised the Prime Minister on various
matters relating to the Province. He lauded the role of the Prime Minister
for his personal interest in the development of Balochistan.
The meeting was also attended by Acting MD, OGDC,
representative of Ministry of Petroleum and other senior government
officials.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No.
5
PRESS RELEASE
New Zealand
can help us in dairy development, milk & wool processing
and farm mechanization: Muhammad Gondal
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad
Gondal has said that there is a great
potential for New
Zealand and
Pakistan
to work together and benefit form each other’s talents. The minister
stressed that New Zealand can help Pakistan in developing the dairy sector
and value addition to milk and all other
milk related products.
The federal minister asked for the investment of the
private sector of
New Zealand that is
specialized in milk processing and value addition. He urged that the
New Zealand government
should facilitate the interaction of the private
sectors of both the countries so that
Pakistan
can enhance its farming machinery on the
modern lines. The minister added that
Baluchistan
produces a lot of sheep wool, which needs
New Zealand’s
technology to be processed and refined.
Mr. Gondal said that
New Zealand should offer
scholarships to Pakistani students in specializing in agriculture so that
the country can put agriculture on the modern lines. He said that
technical and scientific assistance from that country could greatly
enhance the agriculture practices in
Pakistan. Brain
Sanders, the
New Zealand ambassador
called on the federal minister at his office in
Islamabad
and assured of his country’s help in all the possible ways.
“We would like the agriculture research centers and
universities of both the countries to jointly work for the modernization
and mechanization of the farming sector in
Pakistan. New Zealand is
an excellent example of a modern agriculture country and can guide us in
the value addition of agricultural products”,
said the minister.
The minister said that a MoU is already drafted that
identifies the areas where both the countries can cooperate. The MoU has
already been witted by the Law Ministry and is to be shared with
New Zealand government
through the Foreign Office in the near
future.
The visiting diplomat said that his country wants to
specially focus on
Pakistan and
Afghanistan
and help the countries to the extent possible for that country. New
Zealand is a small country with a population of 4.4 millions only. The
country specialty includes value addition to the
dairy products and wool processing. Pakistan imports from the
country include dry milk, cheese, and etc. The minister thanked the
ambassador for his visit and asked him for frequent interaction so that
the proposals for mutual cooperation are truly materialized.
**MS/Ahmad**
PR No.
6
PRESS RELEASE
PASDEC MOVING VERY FAST IN MAKING ALL ITS PROJECTS OPERATIONAL
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Pakistan has enormous
reserves of Marble and Granite. There are over 70 types of natural color
Marble & Granite currently. According to an estimate of Pakistan Stone
Development Company (PASDEC), 297 billion tons of Marble and Granite
reserves are available in Pakistan. More than 1,225 Quarries and 2,000
Processing Units are operational in Pakistan.
A group of committed industry stakeholders agreed to form a
Strategy Working Group (SWOG) to address how the industry can reposition
itself through a better strategy. The SWOG has developed a strategy shared
and agreed to by the private sector and the Government of Pakistan. The
SWOG itself has become a recognized private sector led platform on which
all the key players in the value chain, including the public sector have
come together.
Based on the SWOG Strategy, Ministry of Industries and
Production, Government of Pakistan, has Established Pakistan Stone
Development Company (PASDEC) under the umbrella of Pakistan Industrial
Development Corporation (PIDC). PASDEC has made a plan to establish 10
Model Quarries, 20 Quarry Up-gradation, 2 Machinery Pools, 4 Common
Facility and Training Centers, 2 Warehouses and 7 Marble Cities throughout
the country. Out of which 3 Model Quarries at Khuzdar Chitral and Buner,
5 Quarry Up-gradation at Mastung-1, Mastung-2, Thatta, Buner and FATA, 2
Rental Machinery at Mastung and Buner, One Warehouse at Gaddani, 2
Machinery Pools at Gaddani and Risalpur, have become operational so far
during this government’s tenure. While one Warehouse at Risalpur and 2
Marble Cities at Risalpur and FATA are ready for inauguration.
**MAB/Ahmad**
PR
No.7
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor
Ahmad Wattoo chaired a high level meeting of cabinet committee on Diamer
Basha dam at Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan here on
Monday.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and
Broadcasting/Governor Gigit-Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister
for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Federal Minister for Labour and
Manpower, Khurseed Shah, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah,
Secretary Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, M. Ihtisham Khan, Secretary
Water and Power and other officials from Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The cabinet committee reviewed proposals and recommendations submitted by
the sub-committee on Diamer Basha dam constituted by the ministerial
committee. By and large cabinet committee showed satisfaction but on some
issues directed the subcommittee to make some further clarifications and
submit recommendations to cabinet committee in the next meeting on March
10, 2010.
PR
No.8
PRESS RELEASE
ARGENTINE’S HELP IS CRUCIAL IN MODERNIZING
FARM MACHINERY,
BI- PRODUCTS OF MILK AND IMPROVING THE BREED OF ANIMALS IN
PAKISTAN. ……NAZAR
MUHAMMAD
GONDAL
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said
that Argentine can help Pakistan to improve the production of the
agriculture related machinery like tractor, thresher, etc at home. The
Minister further said that there is a huge potential in the area of seeds
for both the countries to work jointly as Pakistan imports 80% of the seed
required domestically.
Mr. Gondal stated that the bilateral trade between Pakistan and
Argentina
does not reflect the true potential that actually exists. “Expanding the
existing trade and economic relations between the two countries is a
desirable goal which must be given priority. Argentina must import Basmati
rice and facilitate its trade to other neighboring countries”, added the
minister.
The Foreign Secretary, Victorio Maria Jose Taccetti, headed the Argentina
delegation. The ambassador of the country to
Pakistan,
Rodolf Martin, was also part of the visiting team. PARC Chairman, D.G
NAPHIS, and other officials of the Ministry also attended the meeting.
The Federal Minister asked the visiting team to help Pakistan in getting
self-sufficiency in the sector of energy as the country faces a severe
shortage in this area. He said that
Argentina
could provide assistance in wind and solar energy to Pakistan.
The visiting team assured of Argentina’s maximum help in the relevant
field. The Foreign Secretary requested the honorable minister to visit his
country soon.
PR No.9
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Prime
Minister Syed
Yusuf Raza Gilani
has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to improve collection,
broaden tax base and net the tax evaders to generate extra resources are
essentially required to meet the commitment of the democratically elected
political government to provide relief to the people from current wave of
inflation, meet power and gas shortage, availability of basic amenities of
food, education, health and ensure welfare of the people to eliminate
poverty.
He expressed these views
in his opening remarks during the presentation at FBR.
The Prime Minister said
that Country’s requirements have progressively increased manifold during
the last two years in a more pronounced manner due to extra expenditure on
war on terror and resettlement of the
IDPs. He said that reliance on own
resources compared to external borrowing is always the most preferred
option, therefore, FBR needs to play more proactive role in increasing
revenue through better tax collection and enlarging existing tax base.
The Prime Minister said
that
Pakistan is currently at the lowest ebb of tax to GDP ratio in the region and
this agenda requires priority by the FBR to adjust its direction towards
achieving higher tax to GDP ratio.
Highlighting the
importance of FBR the Prime Minister said if we are able to increase our
own revenues, it would reduce our dependence on foreign assistance which
sometimes attached to strings. He said that in order to ensure
availability of resources, FBR has to play the most pivotal role.
The Prime Minister
appreciated FBR for achieving higher revenue each year over the previous
period and for its own growth pattern.
The Prime Minister
expressed the hope that FBR’s recent restructuring and creation of new
cadre of Inland Revenue
Service (IRS) will go through smoothly and will ensure
desired plan of achieving higher growth in revenue.
The Prime Minister urged
the FBR to simplify tax procedures, laws and systems to an extent that the
tax should be seen as friendly regime.
In the Presentation the
Chairman FBR, Mr. Suhail Ahmed highlighted the various organizational and
functional attributes of the department. Dilating upon the reason for low
tax to GDP ratio, he said that the narrow tax base, exclusion of large
number of services, agriculture sector, exemption of capital gains from,
taxation, low compliance, large undocumented
informal sector of economy and
weak audit are the main areas that needs policy formulation.
He further informed the
Prime Minister that keeping in view the directions from the government the
FBR is working on improving tax to GDP ratio to 15% from the existing 8.8%
in the next five years. He said that in this regard certain measures are
recommended which includes the broadening of the tax base, tax compliance,
improving the tax administration, settling the issues of smuggling and
under-invoicing, proper documentation of economy and reduction in
tax exemptions,
increasing. In order to develop trust between the public and government,
the simplification of rules and procedures, changed management and
capacity building, will greatly help.
Minister of
State
for Finance and Economic Affairs, Ms.
Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary
Finance Division, Members of the FBR and other senior government officials
were present during the presentation.
PR
No.10
PRESS RELEASE
MINISTER OF STATE / CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF INVESTMENT VISIT TO
TURKEY WITH
BUSINESS DELEGATION
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Mr. Saleem H.
Mandviwalla,
Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment is leading a business
delegation to Turkey to explore the possibilities of joint collaboration
with the major business houses of Turkey from 01st March, 2010
to 4th March, 2010.
The delegation is consist of 11 members of Public and Private Sectors from
different sectors i.e., power, alternate energy, housing, textile, light
engineering, manufacturing (sports goods & packaging), food, construction
and trading etc. The objective / purpose of the said visit is to create
more interaction between business partners / investors of the two
countries and appropriate lobbying for productive, broadening of economic
collaboration in these sectors. The visit is also aimed to promote
economic relations between the two friendly countries and to promote
Foreign Investment in various sectors of economy. During the visit
Pakistani delegation will meet with relevant public sector offices,
Chambers and businessmen representing sectors of textile, leather
products, construction, engineering, pharmaceutical, sports goods,
surgical instruments, livestock & dairy, food processing and industrial
chemicals.
In
this context on 1st March, 2010, Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla,
Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment alongwith delegates held
meetings with Presidents / CEOs of Karkey Karadeniz Electric, MIGROS
CEBECI Construction, Mavi Jeans and Darimod Leather.
Moreover, in order to have direct interaction with Turkish companies,
Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) of Turkey organized, Chief
Executive Officers Forum on
1st March, 2010.
During this forum MOS / Chairman, BOI highlighted the investment potential
prevailing in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
PR
No.11
PRESS RELEASE
SECOND ROUND OF PAKISTAN-ARGENTINA CONSULTATIONS
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Bilateral Political Consultations were held between Pakistan and Argentina
in Islamabad on 1 March 2010. The talks were led by the visiting Vice
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, Mr. Victorio Taccetti and
Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Mr. Salman Bashir, says a press release
received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
here today.
The two sides reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged
views on regional and international issues of common interest.
Pakistan
and Argentina enjoy friendly and cooperative relations. The two sides
agreed to take this relationship forward especially in the areas of
Science and Technology, Information Technology, Agriculture,
Bio-Technology, Food and Meat-Processing, Energy and Training in the
peace- keeping field.
They also attached importance to further intensifying parliamentary
linkages and high-level visits.
The two sides agreed to hold the next round of Consultations in Argentina
next year.
PR
No.12
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
The
Belgium Prime Minister, Mr.
Yves Leterme has invited Prime
Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani to join him as ‘Patron’ of the exhibition
“ a passage to Asia-2500 years of exchange between Asia and Europe” to
show case our cultural heritage.
The
exhibition shall be held on the occasion of 8th Asia Europe
Meeting (ASEM)
Summit in
Brussels
from 4-5 October, 2010.
Pakistan’s
participation in this exhibition will be witnessed by a large number of
European and Asian visitors and will help in projecting the soft image of
the country.( End).
PR
No.13
PRESS RELEASE
NOTIFICATION
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Malik Asrar
Hussain, a BS-21 Officer of District Management Group, presently posted as
Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation under Ministry
of Industries will also exercise the powers of Managing Director, Pakistan
Steel Mills Corporation, with immediate effect and until further orders,
says a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment
Division, here today.(End).
PR No.14
PRESS RELEASE
ARGENTINE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND AMBASSADOR CALLS ON FEDERAL MINISTER FOR
ENVIRONMENT
Islamabad; March
01, 2010
Argentine Foreign Secretary Mr. Victorio Taccetti and Ambassador of
Argentine Mr. Rodolfo Jose Martine-Saravia with a delegation called on
Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi in his office
here today.
During the meeting matters pertaining to mutual interest came under
discussion. The meeting was held in very healthy atmosphere. Foreign
Secretary of Argentine said that both the countries have good relations
and there is need to further strengthen the existing relationship of the
both countries. He said that there are many fields in which cooperation
can be enhanced. Our government desired to share its expertise with
Pakistan. He further said that the most important areas of cooperation are
agriculture, medical, pharmaceutical, CNG, CNG Buses and alternative
energies etc. He said that Argentina also has expertise and potential in
edible oil, iron, steel and chemicals etc. Argentine ranks first among CNG
users in the world and it is the major producer and exporter of CNG
cylinders, Car Kits, CNG stations, compressors and dispensers and we want
to share our expertise in these sectors he added. He told that some of our
companies are looking forward for investment in CNG sector of Pakistan.
Federal Minister said that we are keenly interested to invest in different
sectors especially in environment sector of Pakistan. We would welcome the
proposals in this regard. He told about the details of upcoming CNG Busses
project. He said that there is dire need of modern technology and
alternative energy resources because now a days Pakistan is facing crises
in energy sector. Federal Minister expressed his deep concerns over the
increasing global warming and climate change. He also expressed all
possible cooperation and coordination to promote investment activities. He
also hoped that bilateral relations would further grow in future. Hameed
Ullah Jan Afridi told about initiative taken by the Ministry of
Environment in Environment sector. During the meeting different issues
relating to Copenhagen
and G-77 also came under discussion.
Secretary Ministry of Environment Javed Malik and other high officials
were also present during the meeting.(End).
PR No.15
PRESS RELEASE
SAFE RECOVERY OF KIDNAPPED SIKHS FROM TRIBAL AREAS
Islamabad; March
01, 2010
The
recovery of kidnapped Sikhs from Tribal Areas is the living proof of
Government’s solidarity with its minorities. On the successful release of
Sikh from Talibans, the efforts of Pakistan Army and other security forces
are admirable. The protection of lives and properties of minorities and
their rights would be ensured. These views were expressed by Mr. Shahbaz
Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities while talking to the family
members of released Sikhs on telephone.
Mr.
Shahbaz Bhatti said that the notice of kidnapped Sikhs was taken at the
highest level and President of
Pakistan
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani had
directed the security agencies for the safe recovery of the kidnapped
Sikhs. Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti said that Pakistan Army is defeating the
terrorists with great courage and many soldiers have sacrificed their
lives in this fight against terrorism. He said that Government, Pakistan
Army and the whole nation are united in fight against terrorism and soon
we will get rid of Terrorists and make this country a cradle of peace.
Mr.
Shahbaz Bhatti said that protection of lives and properties of minorities
is the constitutional and moral duty of the Government and we are taking
all possible steps for the safety and prosperity of the minorities. He
said that we will not allow the terrorists to play with the lives of
innocent and peaceful citizens of
Pakistan.
The Sikh family also thanked the Government, President and Prime Minister
of Pakistan and Army Chief for their timely intervention and immediate
recovery of kidnapped Sikhs.(End)
PR
No.16
PRESS RELEASE
ELECTION COMMISSION OF
PAKISTAN
IS FULLY INDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS CONSTITUTIONAL BODY
Islamabad; March
01, 2010
Certain statements have been made in the media that the Election
Commission of Pakistan is under the Federal Government. Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad
Khan, Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan has clarified that the
Election Commission of Pakistan is an independent and autonomous
Constitutional Body entrusted with the sacred duty of conducting
transparent, free, fair and impartial elections to the National and
provincial Assemblies as well as to the office of the President and to
the Senate.
Under Article 220 of the Constitution, it is 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. The ECP under the guidance and directions of Chief
Election Commissioner performs its functions in accordance with the
Constitution and Election Laws independently and without any interference
of the executive, the Secretary added. The Secretary ECP has said that the
Election Commission is not under the control of the Federal Government or
any other authority for that matter. And further that under Article 215 of
the Constitution, the Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed even
by the President of Pakistan except in the manner prescribed in Article
209 of the Constitution. (End)
PR
No.17
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad; March 01, 2010
Spokesperson to the President former
Senator Farhatullah Babar has
contradicted reports aired on some channel that President Zardari will
hold a meeting on Wednesday on the issue of water sharing between
Sindh and
Punjab.
He
said that institutional mechanisms for discussing such issues are
available and functional and no meeting on the subject has been scheduled
in the Presidency.
Farhatullah Babar
said that the President will however hold a meeting in the second week of
March to review progress on the 13 small and mediums dams planned to be
built in all four provinces during the next three years.
President Zardari’s focus is on time line for completing the dams and on
the free distribution of state lands in command areas of the proposed dams
among the poor and needy women of the area, he said.(End).
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