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PR No. 18 President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms and all its members on the laying of 18th constitutional amendment bill in the parliament today. Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President in a message said that for the tabling of the amendment bill, credit goes to all the political parties for showing maturity and rising above partisan politics for the larger national interest. The President said that he was immensely pleased with the working of the CRC and its Chairman Raza Rabbani. Farhatullah Babar said, ‘President hopes that the Parliament will soon adopt the bill.’ **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 19 Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Matters relating to security situation and recently concluded strategic dialogue with the United States were discussed during the meeting. Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Finance Advisor, also joined the meeting. **FU/Ahmad**
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No. 20 President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to inaugurate on 4th April, 2010 first gas fired rental power plant of 51MW at Naudero, District Larkana. The rental contract of Walter Power International’s said RPP was earlier signed on 4th June, 2009. The plant is technically designed to operate on gas turbine generating units with 92% power availability factor. The plant has been assured 12mmcfd gas for five year through PEPCO’s Generation Company – II, and an SSGC gas transmission pipeline has been linked to the said RPP besides laying of 132 KV transmission line to connect the power so generated to national grid. ECC in its earlier meeting held on 21.08.2009 approved the said project followed by tariff approval from NEPRA within the prescribed period. Walter Power International’s 51 MW Rental Power Plant Naudero - 1 has been completed at a cost of US $ 91.65 millions. This project shall not only give a boost to PEPCO’s power generation output, but shall also be a major source of economic development of the area, particularly in industrial and commercial sector. This plant soon shall be upgraded by addition of another 50 MW, which would help improve power shortage in sizeable areas of Sindh province. It is understood that energization of a total of 101MW of power soon shall lead to attaining another milestone towards the electric power sufficiency of the country – a goal which is on the high priority list of this government. The plant is to be run on natural gas and its construction has been completed over a record period of six months after completion of contract obligations by PEPCO. The plant not only is capable to supply power for over 250 medium sized industries but also would ensure creation of over 100 jobs for technical, skilled and un-skilled personnel of the area. What could satisfy the people of the area is that it would meet 2500 agri tubewell’s power need which are designed to irrigate 75000 acres of land that produces 1.2 million tones of wheat and rice besides ensuring stable power to over 1000 average sized villages in the area. It certainly would strengthen an industrial estate based power availability from this Plant which not only would create additional jobs but would help kickstart economic activity in the area that is presently underdeveloped and needs government’s special attention along with an attractive incentive package. It is hoped that all Rental Power Plants in the country duly approved by the Cabinet and endorsed by Asian Development Banks audit report will finally achieve the same level of efficiency as IPPs and the Government may, as a policy, consider converting them into IPPs if they meet the efficiency, affordability and availability criteria. As per approved policy, these Rental Power Plants will be injecting additional power to PEPCO system and our national grid through overseas investment, while the government would continue to look forward to new investors to come and invest in the power sector.
PR No. 21 President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday telephoned leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Mohammed Nawaz Sharif and congratulated him over the tabling of the 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Parliament.
The President said that the Pakistan Peoples Party and he will continue to work with him with a spirit of reconciliation and mutual accommodation, and also with all the political parties for the solidarity and good of the country. President Zardari hoped that the 18th constitutional amendment will soon be passed by the Parliament. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 22 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while welcoming the US economic assistance Package passed under the Kerry Lugar Bill, has underlined the need for its expeditious disbursement so that the people of the regions effected by Pakistan’s campaign against militancy and terrorism, can see tangible results in terms of rebuilding the infrastructure and socio-economic development of their areas The Prime Minister was talking to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who alongwith US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. Prime Minister commended Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s contributions as the co-founder and co-Chairperson of Pakistan Caucus at the Capitol Hill and her ceaseless efforts in removing the misgivings and misperceptions on both sides to bring Pakistan and US ever closer. Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the successful conclusion of Fourth Round of Pakistan-USA Strategic Dialogue held last month and hoped that this process would be carried forward by visible results of bilateral cooperation through high visibility projects in energy, education, health, agriculture, water and infrastructure development fields. He emphasized the imperative of the economic relief to the people of Pakistan for retaining their overwhelming support in the ongoing campaign against the terrorism and hoped that US Government, with the help of Congress, would be able to provide enhanced trade concessions to Pakistan. He pointed out that long delayed passage of ROZ Bill had hindered the efforts for creating job opportunities for the youths of FATA areas, and the US Congress should help Pakistan by early passage of this Bill for redressing the situation. The Prime Minister stated that his government wanted to develop a long term sustainable strategic partnership with the US and the commendable roles of President Obama, his Administration as well as of Friends of Pakistan like Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee were crucial to take the existing cordial relations to the new heights. The Prime Minister underscored the fact that despite unmatched and unparalleled human sacrifices suffered and the economic cost born by Pakistan in war against terrorism, his government had remained steadfast and will keep resolutely pursuing the common goal of eradicating this menace. But the international community, and in particular the US, must step forward whole heartedly to help Pakistan win this war. Pakistan did not discriminate between good and bad militants and its policy was quite clear in allowing only those elements back in the mainstream fold who are willing to lay down their arms and denounce terrorism. He said that Pakistan considers stability and security of Afghanistan as its own and had repeatedly expressed its willingness to help Afghanistan in building capacity of its Police, Army and civil bureaucrats as well as its other institutions through technical assistance. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee profusedly lauded Prime Minister’s superb leadership in consensus building on important national initiatives and congratulated him on successfully taking along all the political stakeholders in the country, for presenting a consensus Constitutional Reforms Package in the Parliament. She assured the Prime Minister that she will continue to be the voice of Pakistan in the US Congress in bringing the two countries ever closer through every possible endeavour. Congresswoman Lee apprised the Prime Minister that she was working with the US Commerce Secretary for his visit to Pakistan alongwith a large US corporate leader delegation in the near future to bolster the bilateral economic cooperation through investment. Besides her Pakistan Caucus in the Congress was looking with the Congressional leadership to fast track the passage of ROZ Bill. She also informed the Prime Minister that she would soon again be visiting Pakistan along with Senator Tom Harkins who had special interest and expertise in development of agriculture sector to find the ways and means for assisting Pakistan in that field. She acknowledged Pakistan’s great human and material sacrifices and its pivotal role in the war against terror and assured the Prime Minister that President Obama and his administration as well as the US Congress were mindful of Pakistan’s urgent needs of economic and military assistance. She invited the Prime Minister to visit Capitol Hill during his forthcoming visit to Washington D.C. to meet the Congressional leaders and to address the members of the Foreign Relations Committee and Pakistan Caucus. Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor to Prime Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretaries Defence, Finance, Foreign Affairs and Interior also attended the meeting. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 23 Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim has felicitated all the elected representatives from the province of Khyber-pakhtoonkhwa on accepting their long standing demand of giving name to their province. The Federal Minister expressed these views, while talking to Asfandyar Wali Khan, leader of Awami National Party (ANP) on the floor of the house. Makhdoom Amin Fahim told Asfandyar that credit goes to all the political parties for showing maturity and tolerance for national cause. This shows that all contentious issues could be solved amicably through consensus, he added. Makhdoom Amin Fahim hoped that Parliament will soon endorse the bill. **SH/Ahmad**
PR No. 24 The Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza and the Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi have congratulated Hameed Haroon and Syed Sarmad Ali on their election for slots of President and General Secretary of the All Pakistan News Society (APNS), respectively. In their separate congratulatory messages to Mr. Hameed Haroon and Syed Sarmad Ali , the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker said that their election to the office of President and Secretary General of the APNS was an evidence of trust and confidence of the members of the general council of APNS reposed in them. They expressed the hope that newspapers and publication industry will progress under their guidance and would guide the Government to improve governance and formulating pro-people policies. They said that under the guidance of newly elected office bearers, cordial relations between the government and press would gain further momentum.
PR No. 25 Congresswoman Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. US ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Ahmed Khan and Senator Sughra Imam were also present during the meeting besides senior officials of both sides. Matters relating to war against militants, bilateral relations and situation in the region were discussed during the meeting. Briefing the media, Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee felicitated the President over tabling of 18th constitutional amendment bill before the Parliament and fulfilling his promises to democratize the basic law of the land. She also praised the successes of the security forces against the militants and appreciated the people of Pakistan for their struggle and role in supporting the Government against militants. She said that the heroism displayed by the people of Pakistan, especially the IDPs, was admirable. She said that United States would continue to provide all possible support to the people and the Government for stability and development of the region. President Zardari during the meeting said that the security forces and the people of Pakistan had made huge sacrifices in the war against terror. Pakistan had to suffer huge loss in term of financial as well as human resources. The international community should help rebuild war ravaged economy of Pakistan, he said. Pakistan needs to be given preferential market access so that we could support our economy greatly drained as a result of the war against militants, he remarked. Pakistan, he said, is looking for trade rather than aid. The President said that defeating the extremists on ground is one part of the battle; the complete success can only be achieved by changing the militant mindset through creation and provision of opportunities to the people. He said that both the countries need to cooperate in order to give local people hope through creation of jobs and other economic opportunities. The President said that both the countries need to forge a sustainable, durable and multifaceted strategic partnership for the peace and stability of the region. Discussing the regional situation, the President said that for complete elimination and neutralization of the threat of militancy, there was a strong need to focus on putting an end to drug trafficking. He said that strong and stable government in the neighbourly country is in the interest of Pakistan. Pakistan welcomes and supports the efforts of the international community for peace and stability in Afghanistan. Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee who is a senior member of the US Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chairwoman of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus said that United States is committed to help and support Pakistan for the stability of strengthening of its institutions. She said that recent enhancement of US assistance for the people of Pakistan is a clear manifestation that the United States looks for greater cooperation between the two countries and is committed to help the democratic Government for socio-economic uplift of the people of Pakistan.
PR No. 26 On the occasion of the state visit of H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Acknowledging the deep bonds of friendship and goodwill that exist between the peoples and Governments of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey. Recognizing that their relationship stems from shared roots in history and heritage; as well as cultural, linguistic, historical and civilizational commonalities. Recalling the valuable mutual support extended by the peoples and Governments of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey on national causes and issues of common concern. Underscoring that this support has been a manifestation of their close friendly relations, and historic affinities, and reaffirming their desire to continue this support. Appreciating Turkey’s special role in promoting peace, security and development in the region, as well as acting as a bridge between the East and the West. Reiterating their shared desire to build on their geo-economic advantages to advance their genuine special relationship to unprecedented levels. Recalling the visit by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan in October 2009, and the adoption during the visit of the Joint Political Declaration on Intensified Cooperation and Establishment of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC.) The Parties hereby: Agree to accord high priority to further enhancement of multi-faceted and broad based cooperation through among other means, increased connectivity, promotion of bilateral trade and investment and further expansion of people to people contacts and exchanges. Connectivity, Trade and Finance Agree to collaborate closely to upgrade and operationalize road, air and rail connectivity. Agree to commence periodic cargo train service between the two countries, beginning August 2010. Express satisfaction in this regard at the ratification and entry into force of the bilateral Road Transport Agreement, which will allow transporters from either country access to territories of Turkey and Pakistan. Note with satisfaction the growth in bilateral trade, and reaffirm their desire to achieve the target of $ 2 billon trade volume by the year 2012, through among other means, early finalization of a strategic economic cooperation framework, as well as fast tracked trade facilitation and promotion measures, including early implementation of the Agreement on Abolition of Visas for Businessmen. The two sides will enter into bilateral preferential trade arrangements, unleashing free market opportunities in both countries. Agree further to coordinate positions and work closely with a view to ensuring earliest possible implementation of the ECO Trade Agreement, to which both countries are signatories. Welcome the holding of two Sessions of Pakistan-Turkey CEOs Forum during the current visit of President Abdullah Gül to Pakistan; Agree to utilize the Forum as a special purpose vehicle to encourage win-win partnerships among their respective corporate sectors. Agree to promote cooperation in the financial sector by, inter alia, encouraging Turkish and Pakistani commercial banks and financial institutions to open branches in the two countries. Agree also to work jointly for further expansion and consolidation of ECO Trade and Development Bank. Energy, Tourism and Development Welcome the signing of the memoranda of understanding in the fields of planning, agriculture and investments; Decide to ensure early implementation of the Agreements, with a view to benefiting fully from each other’s experience and expertise in the field of development. Agree to formulate a Plan of Action on Cooperation in the field of Energy including cooperation in the area of new and renewable energy. Agree to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, with particular emphasis on development of Pakistan’s tourism sector. Agree to finalize the Protocol on the Establishment of the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) Office in Islamabad at the earliest. Security and Military Cooperation Agree to continue to broaden and deepen security cooperation in their campaigns against terrorism and extremism, illicit arms trafficking, as well as counter narcotics and human smuggling. In line with the existing Military Cooperation Agreements, agree to further intensify ongoing cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan in the area of military training and education, as well as promotion of trade and partnerships in the field of defence production and procurement. Cultural and Educational Cooperation; People to People Exchanges The two sides will continue to promote exchanges of cultural delegations and troupes, organization of cultural events, and examine the possibility of establishing cultural centres. Agree to further enhance educational scholarships. Agree to encourage and enhance exchanges among parliamentarians, academia, journalists, think tanks and opinion makers in respective countries. International and Regional Forums Agree to maintain close contacts and consultations on all issues of mutual interest, and to deepen mutual support at international and regional forums, including the United Nations, OIC and ECO. Agree to follow up the outcomes of the Trilateral Summit process between Pakistan, Turkey and Afghanistan. Agree to implement as a matter of priority, various initiatives set out in the Istanbul Statement on Friendship and Cooperation in the Heart of Asia of 26 January 2010, in particular the Minds Platform that would bring together selected members of academia, media, and think-tanks.(End)
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No. 27 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has constituted a three members ministerial committee comprising Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Petroleum, Syed Naveed Qamar and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance, Dr. Hafeez Sheikh to examine and prepare a comprehensive report on the electricity load management within a week. The report, he directed be presented in the next meeting on the subject. The Prime Minister said while chairing a special meeting on Power Load Management situation here at PM’s House this evening. The Prime Minister said that this meeting has been convened in the context of rising demand of electricity during summer. The prolonged energy crisis he added is taking its toll both economically and socially. The Prime Minister said, soon after coming into power, the Government launched a crash program to address the energy crisis. He said that despite addition of new capacity the increasing demand is yet a challenge. The power generation plants which are on track for induction into system in coming months, he directed be expedited. As regards Rental Power Projects, the Prime Minister said these are expensive and have been undertaken as a stop-gap arrangement. Only the limited number of RPPs he said which were cleared by the Cabinet after ADB audit be implemented while ensuring complete transparency. The Prime Minister said specific timeliness for implementation of new IPPs be identified and strictly adhered to as un-announced load shedding imposes heavy costs especially on Students and Patients. The schedule of load management he added be announced in advance so that people can adjust their own programmes accordingly. Earlier the Prime Minister was briefed that load growth maintained upward movement adding to demand as poor hydrology and 40% less rainfall in the country reduced average hydel generation. He was informed that IPPs were delayed due to global financial melt down and security situation in the country. The Prime Minister was informed that under his direction process is underway for expediting the commissioning of 10 IPPs already contracted, addition of 8 Rental Power Plants (RPPs), and rehabilitation/replacement of existing de-rated generation plants of Public Sector. It was also mentioned that shortage of gas supply to generation plants forced to switch over to furnace oil which increased the cost of production. The cost of production it was added is higher than the cost being charged from consumers. The pending payments and non-payment of dues by four distribution companies supplying power to the provinces of Sindh, Balochistan, and NWFP has also been causing difficulties and adding to the circular debts.
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No. 28 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that economic sustainability; political stability and security concerns are inter-related and have a direct bearing on each other. The government he added is focused on all three sectors to ensure peace and prosperity for the people. The Prime Minister was talking to the World Bank delegation led by Ms Isabel Guerrero, Vice President, World Bank, South Asia Region which called on him in his chamber at Parliament House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said the economic pressures are mounting due to power shortage because the foreign companies which were engaged in various projects had delayed installation of plants due to security situation. This he added not only slowed down the economic growth but also gave rise to unemployment. The development budget, he said was also cut down to quite an extent to meet the needs of security. The Prime Minister appreciated the support being extended by World Bank in the shape of soft loans and funding of some projects in the social sector. He noted with satisfaction that the international community particularly USA and Friends of Democratic Pakistan have realized our difficulties and are forthcoming in their support in various sectors. The immediate needs he mentioned is the development and progress of areas affected by militancy and cleared by the security forces. The Prime Minister also highlighted the salient features of the progress made by Pakistan towards macroeconomic improvement in-spite of daunting challenges. The important steps include the passage of NEPRA Act to provide legal cover to automatic pass through of fuel price channels into consumer tariffs. The Prime Minister informed the delegation that VAT law has been introduced in the Federal as well as Provincial legislature and after its passage would prove helpful in generating revenues for reducing the financial pressure. Ms. Isabel Guerrero congratulated the Prime Minister on the political consensus in the Parliament for Constitutional Reforms. The political stability she said would definitely contribute towards the economic growth and development. She further mentioned that the World Bank is preparing a new strategy for assistance to Pakistan keeping in view the political and economic stability in the country. The World Bank she added is also preparing an Assessment Report to determine the needs of the areas affected by militancy and extremism. She also apprised that the World Bank has earmarked US $ 100 million for various development projects in the social sector for Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Dr.Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Secretary Finance and Secretary EAD
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