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PR
No.18 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. **AS/Ahmad**
PR No.19 Malik Asrar Hussain, a BS-21 officer of District Management Group, presently posted under the government of Sindh, is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation under Ministry of Industries and Production with immediate effect and until further orders, says a notification no. PF. (317)/E-5(DMG) dated: 01-03-2010 issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division Islamabad here today. Another notification issued later by the Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division with same number and date says that Malik Asrar Hussain will also exercise the powers of Managing Director, Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation, with immediate effect and until further orders. **MAB/Ahmad**
With the approval of the Competent Authority, Ministry of Industries and Production has reconstituted the Board of Directors of Pakistan Steel Mills Corporation. According to notification no.11 (11)/01-PR-111-Steel, of the Ministry dated:01-03-2010, the new Board of Directors of PSM comprises Additional Secretary-11, Ministry of Industries and Production Islamabad as Director of the Board, Additional Secretary (Development/Expenditure. Admn), Finance Division Islamabad as Director, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Engineering Development Board(EDB) as Director, Member (Customs) Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) Islamabad as Director, Chief Executive Officer(CEO), Pakistan Steel Karachi as Director, Chairman State Engineering Corporation(SEC) Islamabad as Director, Mr. Senator Gul Muhammad Lot, Chief Executive, Mehran Spices Industries Ltd, Karachi as Director, Mr. Fazalullah Qureshi, Ex-Secretary, Planning and Development Division Islamabad as Director, Mr.Suhail P. Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, Thal Engineering Ltd Karachi as Director, Haji Muhammad Javed, President, Employer’s Federation of Pakistan, Karachi as Director, Engr Daroo Khan, Vice President, CE Daroo Khan & Brothers Trading Co. Baluchistan, Quetta and Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Ex-President, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore. **MAB/Ahmad**
PR No.21 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has advised the President for appointment of 05 District and Session Judges as Judges of the Accountability Courts; three in Karachi, one each in Lahore and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. **PMCO/Ahmad**
PR No.22 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the government accords high priority to socio-economic development of Balochistan to usher in a new era of peace, progress and prosperity in the province. He hoped that the fast track development will bring the resource rich province at par with other developed region of the country. The Prime Minister directed the concerned Ministry for early release of funds for the projects under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan. As regards CDWP meetings, he assured that Balochistan would be given priority. The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raisani at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said the people of the province would benefit from their resource under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan. He further said the government has already taken a number of solid steps to implement the three-pronged strategy of constitutional, administrative and financial measures as charted in the Aghaz-e-Haqooq. He urged the provincial government and the public representatives to monitor the progress ensuring timely completion of the work of those projects meant to address the longstanding grievances of the people of Balochistan. The Prime Minister asked the Chief Minister to send the concerned provincial ministers to visit various development projects relevant to their portfolios not only to monitor the progress but suggest measures to speed up the implementation. He further said that the MNAs and MPAs of Balochistan also need to visit the projects in their respective areas. The Prime Minister asked the Chief Minister to visit the mega projects along with media teams to review the progress of work. He also mentioned that he would visit Balochistan at an appropriate time to see the progress on Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan and also the federal government projects. The Chief Minister appreciated Prime Minister’s keen interest and endeavours towards development of his province. He expressed his confidence that measures taken under the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan would bear fruit and it will ameliorate the condition of the people of Balochistan. Provincial Minister for Finance Mir Muhammad Asim Kurd and Provincial Minister for Health Haji Ainullah Shams were also present on the occasion. **PMCO/Ahmad**
PR No.23 Pakistan and Australia reiterated their desire to intensify efforts to further expand and promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy and defence. This was discussed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, and the visiting Australian National Security Advisor, Mr.Dancan Lewis, who called on him here today. The meeting exchanged views on different subjects including Pakistan’s anti-terror contribution, defence cooperation, and the security environment of the region with special reference to Afghanistan. Talking to the Australian National Security Advisor, the Minister said that Pakistan had been successfully waging war against the menace of terrorism and had defeated the terrorist elements in the districts of Malakand Division and other Tribal Areas with greater public support. He said that Pakistan’s economic, social and industrial sectors suffered colossal losses due to suicide bombings and spending on the anti-terror operations. He said that the friendly countries were required to support Pakistan in meeting its economic and security needs. Mr. Lewis said that his country was conscious of Pakistan efforts and sacrifices and deeply acknowledged its counter-terrorism efforts. He informed the Minister that his country had strategic interest in this part of the region and wanted to strengthen and promote closer economic, military and defence relationship with Pakistan. He stressed the need for promoting closer defence collaboration and high level of defence exchanges for the mutual benefits of the two sides. The meeting also discussed the security situation of Afghanistan. The Minister said that Pakistan wanted to see durable peace and stability in Afghanistan. He termed the Afghan national process of reconciliation and reintegration as a good start. **AM/Ahmad**
PR No.24 Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that Pakistan will soon have a National Rangeland Policy that would prove to be a milestone in the history of Rangelands Development in Pakistan. He said that rangelands are historically livelihood contributor, particularly in mountains regions where livestock shares more than 70% of annual rural household income, and animals derive as high as 90% of their feed from rangelands. “The role of rangelands in environmental conservation is rather more vital and important. Their existence and health would remain critical for conserving biodiversity in Pakistan. Degrading rangelands mean gradual loss of key climax plant species”, added the minister. Mr. Gondal appreciated the joint efforts of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), Ministry of Environment and International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and the participants of the workshop from the regional countries China, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan. Mr. Zafar Altaf, chairman PARC, Secretary Ministry of Food & Agriculture, Zia ur Rehman and Director Programmes ICI MOD, Brend Degroot and Dr. Shahzad Jehangir from the Ministry of Environment also addressed the gathering. The two-day workshop will conclude by tomorrow (March 3) afternoon after detailed technical sessions from the experts and scientists of the regional countries. **MS/Ahmad**
The Privatisation Program includes 58 State Owned Entities duly approved by Council of Common Interests (CCI). Among these 23 entities are on the active agenda and are being dealt on fast track basis. Mr. Shahab Khawaja Federal Secretary Ministry of Privatisation stated here today while addressing a group of senior civil officers participating in the 92nd National Management Course. He said that realizing the responsibility; the government has established regulatory bodies like OGRA, NEPRA and PEMRA in order to establish such mechanism, which could stop the monopolization. In this regard the role of Competitive Commission has become very important and it has become very aggressive while courts have also started intervening to discourage the monopolies, he added. Elucidating the salient features of Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS), Mr. Shahab Khawaja said that it empower the employees for having stakes in the respective entities and to work harder for the growth and progress of their companies. 500,000 employees of 80 entities were being given 12 % of GoP shares free of cost and would also get share in the dividend, he further informed. Earlier, briefing the officers on the Role of Privatisation, Agha Waqar Javed Advisor Privatisation Commission that the Government’s policy of privatisation is predicated on the principle of reducing direct participation in commercial activities. With privatisation the Government’s role will shift from engaging into commercial activity to regulation and to ensure equity and economic justice, he said. He further stated that Privatisation essentially helped the economy to move from State control to private control, Financial repression to financial liberalization, Monopolistic or oligopolistic markets to competitive markets, Rent seeking to profit seeking management practices and Inefficient state owned companies into efficient private enterprise. All this helps in the diversion of public (monetary and human) resources towards social sectors like health, education and infrastructure. It also allows Government to concentrate on pressing issues relating to security, justice, social welfare, foreign policy and the like, he added. The session was concluded on Q & A. **TP/Ahmad**
PR No.26 The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has authorized the District Returning Officer, Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers appointed for Bye-Election in Constituency No. PB-25 Jaffarabad-I (Old Nasirabad-I) and the Presiding Officers appointed for each Polling Station of the said Constituency, to exercise the powers of a Magistrate of the First Class under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) on the 10th March, 2010, the day appointed for polling for Bye-Election, in respect of the offences punishable under section 80, section 82A, section 83, section 84, section 85, section 86 and section 87 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and to take cognizance of any such offence under any of the clauses of sub-section (1) of section 190 of the said Code of Criminal Procedure and to try any such offence in a summary way in accordance with the provisions of the said Code, relating to summary trials. **AC/Ahmad**
PR No.27 The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has published the name of candidate returned to the National Assembly of Pakistan as a result of Bye-Election from the under mentioned Constituency:
**AC/Ahmad**
The Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has decided that Poll for Bye-Elections in Constituencies No. NA-123 Lahore-VI, PP-82 Jhang-X and PP-284 Bahawalnagar-VIII shall be held from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM, without any interval, on the 10th March, 2010. **AC/Ahmad**
PR
No.29 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan and Oman have always stood by each other at all times which is manifestation of our close brotherly and friendly relation. Being neighbors both countries have rights over each other giving rise to the expectations of the people. The Prime Minister was talking to a three members’ delegation from Oman led by Mr. Mohammed Nasser Al-Khasibi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, which is currently in Pakistan to attend the 6th Joint Ministerial Commission. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that there are tremendous opportunities of enhancing trade between Pakistan and Oman to bring it at a level which commensurate with the close brotherly and neighborly relations. He expressed confidence that the formation of Joint Business Council, agreed in recent talks, would contribute towards this objective. The Prime Minister emphasized that besides government to government and businessmen to businessmen contacts the relations between the two countries could be further consolidated through increasing people to people contacts. The Prime Minister said both countries also need to develop sea transportation between Oman and Pakistan through Gwadar. The maritime transportation, he added, would promote trade prospects, tourism and cultural links. He further said that Pakistan would increase the scholarships for Omani students under the Technical Assistance project. Pakistan, he said, could also extend training facilities to Omanis in various fields. While mentioning about Pakistan’s efforts on war against terror, the Prime Minister said that the areas destroyed during operations against militants require reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads and houses. In this context, he invited Oman to select the sector in which it could cooperate. He thanked the government and people of Oman for their earlier assistance for the IDPs. The Prime Minister congratulated the Sultan and people of Oman on the 40th anniversary of blessed renaissance of Sultan Qaboos. The Prime Minister accepted the invitation to visit Oman for which dates could be finalized through mutual diplomatic consultations. He conveyed his special regards to Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said and acknowledge with thanks for the gift of six ambulances for the IDPs besides humanitarian assistance of US $ 10 million. Mr. Mohammed Nasser, Secretary General of Ministry of Economy said that Oman greatly values the brotherly relationship with Pakistan and desire to work more closely at every level. He assured more support and assistance for the reconstruction of the militancy affected areas. The success of Pakistan-Oman Joint Investment Company, he added, has encouraged Omani business community for additional investment in Pakistan. He expressed confidence that the establishment of Joint Business Council would greatly facilitate trade and business opportunities. He agreed with the Prime Minister that more frequent visits of businessmen and people would further bring the two countries closer. The Omani Secretary General of Ministry of Economy apprised the Prime Minister of special assistance of US $ 10 million for the IDPs, as well as six ambulances. He also reiterated the invitation of the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said to the Prime Minister to visit Oman. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs and the Omani Ambassador in Pakistan, Mr. Mohammed Said Al-Lawati were also present on the occasion. **PMCO/Ahmad**
PR
No.30 Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo distributed cheques of financial assistance to the deserving Kashmiris (AJK) and Kashmiri migrants here on Tuesday. The Minister gave Rs. 10,000/- to each deserving family. The needy and deserving Kashmiris are selected for this financial assistance after a transparent procedure. The total number of Kashmiri, who are given assistance, was 55. The Federal Minister also gave check of Rs. 50 millions to the Vice Chancellor of University of Mirpur/Mirpur University of Science and Technology. **AZA/Ahmad**
PR
No.31 High Commissioner of New Zealand Mr. Brian Sauders called on Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi here today and discussed with him the matters of mutual interest especially collaboration and interaction in environment sector between two countries. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. Environment Minister talking to High commissioner of New Zealand said that environmental changes are adversely affecting our country that needs special consideration. He added that global warming and climate change are major threat for the whole world because the environment has no boundaries and there is need to focus on this core issue. He said that government is giving priority to environmental issues in Pakistan. He said that due to environmental effects, temperature is rising, glaciers are melting. Afridi added that matters related to storage of water and coastal areas etc. are threatening issues and Government is given priority to focus on these matters. He said that government is working to increase the forestation is country likewise so many mega projects especially in Northern Areas and Kashmir are underway. He told about forest, National drinking water and wetland policies. He said that environmental degradation level in Pakistan is high but resources are very limited. He added that within limited resources Mega Project of CNG Buses and Monitoring pollution level are underway. He added that we are dependent on United Nation and other donor agencies in this regard. He also shared the issues related to sanitation, health, water waste management in Pakistan and expressed his concerns in this contexts. Federal Minister told that with support from UNICEF and USAID, Pakistan Safe Drinking Water and Hygiene Promotion Project, the Ministry of Environment secure consultants with expertise in behavior change communication and strategy planning. He informed about his recent visit to Indonesia (Bali) and meeting with Executive Director of UNEP. He added that in different meetings and seminars, environmental issues were highlighted and they agreed on concerns of Pakistan and assured there possible cooperation. Issues related to Copenhagen and G-77 also came under discussion. Federal Minister also told the High Commissioner that there is dire need of modern technology and sufficient funds to meet these environmental challenges. New Zealand High Commissioner said on this occasion that Pakistan and New Zealand are enjoying cordial relations and these relations would further grow in future. He also share the environmental issues of new Zealand. He expressed his desire to enhance cooperation in environment, agriculture and livestock sectors. It was also agreed to share the experiences, research based knowledge and investment possibilities between two countries. He offered to visit New Zealand and have meetings with concern authorities of New Zealand which will be useful for enhancing cooperation in related fields. New Zealand High Commissioner offered Pakistan to join Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases where several Countries of the world are part of this alliance. Federal Minister appreciated his efforts to enhance cooperation between two countries and said that Ministry of Environment is ready to provide all possible assistance at every level. Federal Secretary Mr. Jawed Malik and Addl. Secretary Mr. Kamran Ali Qureshi were also present in this occasion. **MAS/Ahmad**
A 7 member investors’ delegation from Iran’s Fraz Aab and Germany’s Centy Company headed by Dr. Hossein Pouya consultant called on the Minister of State for Industries & Production, Dr. Ayat Ullah Durrani here today. The Fraz Aab and Centy is a joint venture Company. German and Iranian investors showed their willingness for investment in construction of JHAL MAGSI DAM and also other proposed dams in Balochistan. The delegation told the State Minister that they have visited the site and made necessary survey for construction of aforementioned dam. The delegation informed Dr. Ayat Ullah Durrani that they also had a meeting with high officials of WAPDA prior to this meeting and they have also welcomed and appreciated the delegation’s plans for construction of dams. So their meeting with WAPDA proved very useful and productive. The delegation further said that apart from JHAL MAGSI DAM, they were ready for huge investment in other mega projects of power and energy generation as well as installation of other heavy industry in Balochistan and other parts of the country with private and public partnership. The Minister of State Dr Ayatullah Durrani welcomed the investor’s delegation and appreciated their plans for such a major investment of foreign exchange in the industrial sector of Pakistan particularly in Balochistan. The Minister said that there are Himalayan opportunities for foreign investors in Pakistan’s Balochistan province for their beneficial business since the operation of Gwadar Port. So the foreign investors have shown their keen interest and see their bright future in Balochistan in various industrial sectors. The government of Pakistan and Provincial government particularly welcomes foreign investors’ move and would extend them every kind of cooperation, assistance and encouragement, the State Minister added. **MAB/Ahmad**
A Dyslexia’ patient exhibited a collection of 21 art pieces at the National Institute of Special Education here today featuring the ideas based on calligraphy, visualization of nature and landscapes.
The 15-year old patient, Mohammed Hamza is self taught who
prepared Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah inaugurated the event and appreciated the skills of the patient saying, “It was a great show that portrayed talent and efforts of a special person which is an example for the entire community of special persons.” He said the government was endeavoring to provide all the basic facilities to the special persons across the country and for this purpose various initiatives were being taken by the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education. He said, “there was need to recognize such talent on national level in order to make special persons as useful citizens of the country,” adding said a bill supporting the patients of Dyslexia would also be moved in the Parliament soon to facilitate these persons at maximum. He also said that 2 percent quota for disabled persons should be observed in letter and spirit in all the Ministries/Divisions and other government departments.
PR No.34 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of veteran journalist and senior columnist, Mr. Sultan Ahmed who died in Karachi. In a message, the Minister said, “I am deeply grieved to learn about the sad demise of late Sultan Ahmed who rendered valuable services to the nation in the field of journalism. His style of writing, objectivity, and honest opinions earned him a name in journalism which will long be remembered by his colleagues in the field of journalism”. The Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to grant eternal peace to the soul of Mr. Sultan Ahmed and to grant his family the courage and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
PR No.35 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that there is need to enhance technical cooperation in the field of media between Pakistan and Turkey and both the countries should benefit from the media experiences of the other country. The Minister said this while talking to Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan, H.E. M. Babür Hizlan who called on him here today. Talking to the Ambassador, the Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey are two countries bound together with the ties of history, geography, religion and culture. He said that people of Pakistan have very special place in their hearts for their Turkish brethren. He said that Pakistan has made great achievement in the field of media and has a very open and media friendly environment. “The freedom enjoyed by media in Pakistan is exemplary and other countries can benefit from Pakistan’s media experience”, he added. The Minister underlined the need to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of media and communication. The Ambassador appreciated the media environment in Pakistan and praised the media friendly policies of the government. He agreed with the need of enhancing the cooperation in media field. The Ambassador said that the Turkish President would soon visit Pakistan and hoped that this visit would further strengthen the ties of friendship between the two countries.
PR No.36 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the democratic Government is leading a dynamic public diplomacy effort to articulate and project a strong Pakistan whose people have boundless potential. “Through creative messaging and innovative practices, we are trying to promote greater understanding between the democratic Government and our people on national issues to promote progressive attitudes, hope and courage,” said Mr. Kaira while inaugurating a three-day Pakistan-U.K. collaborative training course for government officials on “Strategic Communications, Public and Cultural Diplomacy” at the Information Service Academy here today. Highlighting the Information Ministry’s ongoing efforts, the Federal Minister said that the Ministry is playing a frontline role in conducting Pakistan’s public diplomacy at home and abroad. “But we can only achieve our objectives by working closely with our partners in the media, academia and civil society,” said Mr. Kaira. “Similarly, we need to work in close collaboration with our colleagues in the communications and public affairs departments of other strategic Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government.” Appreciating the U.K. Government for its training support, the Federal Minister said Pakistan and U.K. are partners in the war against terrorism, but there is a need to enhance ties in a diverse range of socio-political, economic and cultural sectors. “This collaborative training initiative will go a long way in cementing friendly relations between our two countries,” he said. Speaking on the occasion, the U.K. High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Adam Thomson, said that the U.K. is committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation with the democratic Government of Pakistan, including in the area of communications. Earlier, Secretary Information, Mr. Mansoor Suhail welcomed participants of the training, as well as U.K. Government trainers visiting from London to deliver the course. Comprising more than 60 participants from various federal and provincial ministries, and other civil and military departments, the three-day training is being held under the aegis of the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Media University Project of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
PR No.37 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over passing away of the renowned journalist/columnist Mr. Sultan Ahmed. In his message to the bereaved family, the Prime Minister conveyed them his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon the departed soul and give strength to his family members to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. The Prime Minister said that Mr. Sultan Ahmed was a prominent columnist of high repute and caliber who rendered invaluable services for the promotion of healthy journalism in the country.
PR
No.38 Syed Naveed Qamar, the Federal Petroleum Minister chaired a meeting of the subcommittee constituted by ECC with the mandate to revisit the subsidy on feed gas price for BMR investment(s) under Fertilizer Policy 2001. After threadbare discussion on current cross subsidy policy, fertilizer production/ availability and concerns of power, textile and other sectors, it was agreed that to ensure food security and affordability in the country, fertilizer sector should continue to get gas as per relevant Policies. It was also decided to finalize recommendations for consideration of the ECC of the Cabinet in its ensuing meeting. The meeting was also attended by Ministers for Food & Agriculture, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal and senior officers from the concerned ministries including Secretary Petroleum Kamran Lashari.
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TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 3, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, Mr. Boyko Borissov on their national day falling on March 3. In his message, the Prime Minister said: “On my own behalf and on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, I would like to convey warm greetings to Your Excellency, the government and the people of the Republic of Bulgaria on the auspicious occasion of their national day. Pakistan and Bulgaria enjoy close and cordial relations. I am confident that the existing friendly relations between the two countries will be strengthened further in the years ahead.. I would like to extend my best wises for Your Excellency’s health and happiness and the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Bulgaria.” NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 3, 2010
PR
No.40 Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House here this evening and discussed matters relating to national security.
PR
No.41 Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today gave a detailed briefing to the members of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Kashmir. Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Atiya Inayatullah and Khurram Dastagir Khan attended the briefing, says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Islamabad. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Jammu ndd Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The Foreign Minister also reiterated the Government’s resolve to continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people for realization of their right to self determination. The Chairman and Committee members exchanged views on various aspects of the Government’s policy on the Kashmir issue. The Committee members, while appreciating the useful briefing, expressed support for the efforts of the Government in advancing the just cause of the Kashmiri people. It was agreed that the Special Committee on Kashmir will be regularly briefed on this issue.
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