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PR
NO. 24 The Federal Public Service Commission in discharge of its statutory functions has conducted Professional/Screening written examination from 22nd June to 1st July 2009 at 45 Centers established in 9 cities for recruitment to 720 posts pertaining to 36 Cases (105 categories) as detailed in FPSC’s Consolidated Advertisement No. 19 dated 28-09-2008, Advt. No. 20 dated 12-10-2008 and Advt. No. 21dated 26-10-2008. For this examination 34255 candidates were registered and called to appear in Professional/Screening written tests. To redress the queries of candidates particularly of IDPs, a Control Room was established in FPSC (HQ) Islamabad, from where a number of candidates were guided to locate destination of their Examination Centers.
The examination was held in a very peaceful atmosphere at all
Centers. The Members and Senior Officers of the Commission visited the
Examination Centers during the period to monitor and to ensure the smooth
conduct of exam. The Provincial Governments, WAPDA, Postal authorities
and Federal/Provincial Educational Institutions cooperated fully in
successful completion of the Examination. The result of this written
examination would be announced in due course of time. The candidates are
advised to remain in touch with FPSC Website htt://www.fpsc.gov.pk, for
latest updates and other public announcements issued by FPSC from time to
time.
PR
NO. 25 The Government of Pakistan signed two agreements with the World Bank amounting to US$ 134.68 million for financing projects in different sectors, namely: Third Partnership for Polio Eradication Project (US$ 74.68 million) & Social Safety Nets Technical Assistance Project (US$ 60 million) today in Economic Affairs Division (EAD), says a Press Release issued by the EAD. The overall objectives of these projects are to help the Government of Pakistan in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of sectors like Health & Social Welfare. The terms and conditions for the Education Sector Credits will remain as per the World Bank standard i.e. maturity period of the credit is 35 years having a grace period of 10 years. Government of Pakistan has to pay service charges @ 0.75% and commitment charges @ 0.5% per annum. The agreements were signed by Mr. Farrakh Qayyum, Secretary, EAD on behalf of the Government of Pakistan and Mr. Yusupha B. Crookes, Country Director on behalf of the World Bank. The projects details are: Third Partnership for Polio Eradication Project (US$ 74.68 million): The objective of the project is to assist the Recipient in its efforts under its Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) to eradicate polio from its territory. The project consists of: Procurement, supply and use of OPV for the purpose of immunizing children under five (5) years of age under the Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs). Social Safety Nets Technical Assistance Project (US$ 60 million): The objective of the project is to enhance the operation and management of a nationwide effective and transparent safety net system for the poor within the territory of the Recipient. The project consists of the following parts: Part 1: Establishment a National Targeting System (US$ 34.6 million) Part 2: Strengthening Safety Net Program Operations (US$ 12.9 million) Part 3: Enhancing the Safety Net Program Management, Accountability and Evaluation (US$ 10.7 million) Part 4: Developing the Social protection Policy and Strategy Monitoring (US$ 1.7 million) FJ/gm.
Ambassador of Kenya H.E Mishi Masika Mwatsashu called on the Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim in his office today. The Minister expressed that Kenya and Pakistan are trading partners and both should see maximum opportunities to explore potential trade. The ambassador appreciated the efforts being made by government of Pakistan to organize exhibitions and trade fairs in Kenya . Pakistan imports mainly tea from Kenya , constituting 55% of total consumption of tea in Pakistan , and exports mainly rice there. It was proposed that Pakistan could learn from Kenyan expertise of producing flowers, which is a big source of income for them. Pakistan has a fertile terrain, suitable for producing flowers and the Kenyan experience in this field would help Pakistan to a larger extent. Once the technology of growing flowers is transferred, Pakistan can earn a handsome amount of foreign reserves through export of flowers. The Ambassador showed interest in importing pharmaceuticals and surgical instruments from Pakistan . The Ambassador of Iran H.E Masha Allah Shakeri also called on Makhdoom Amin Fahim. The Ambassador stated that after kinnow, Pakistani mango is also gaining ground in the Iranian market. Both the sides agreed to address and resolve all the issues which are hampering trade between the two countries. The Ambassador offered to assist Pakistan in power sector. The Ambassador of Romania also called on the Minister, and formally invited him from his Romanian counterpart side to visit Romania. SH/gm.
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NO. 27 Senior Minister Punjab, Raja Riaz Ahmad called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here today. EH/gm.
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NO. 28 Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and Advisor to PM on Petroleum, Dr. Asim Hussain called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House this morning. The Prime Minister was briefed that the government is ensuring un-interrupted supply of oil and gas to power plants so that power shortage in the country can be met. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar informed the Prime Minister that the circular debt of independent power plants would be cleared during the current month. EH/gm.
PR NO. 29 Pakistan Electric Power Company has chalked out a vibrant communication strategy for its stake holders, particularly the electricity consumers to apprise them of the latest happenings and developments emanating in the energy sector with regard to electricity generation and distribution. PEPCO has established a well organized institutional set up which is functioning to execute multi pronged media strategy encompassing media networking, information access, crises management, media briefings and communication with the consumers. Maximum information is disseminated through all forms of media (print, electronic, web, display) about current electricity and load situation and energy conservation. Regular media releases are being issued on daily basis in this regard. MD PEPCO and other concerned high ranking officers appear on various TV channels to enunciate PEPCO’s policies and efforts on various important issues. Electricity shut down and maintenance schedules, billing and other procedural information, tender notices, job opportunities and other items of interest are displayed in news papers and TV channels. PEPCO and all of its distribution companies have their web sites operative on which latest information is uploaded for consumer’s convenient access. During all sorts of crises, load management, power disruptions, immediate response is given to inform the public about the situation. PEPCO has also activated an information center to monitor and document all sorts of information regarding latest data and incidents about electricity generation sources and distribution channels and infrastructure. PEPCO has also launched a massive media campaign to educate consumers about implementing energy discipline and motivating them to conserve energy, through print display ads, public service messages, TVCs and other BTL techniques. According to the latest load situation, total electricity demand went up to 15663 MW on 01 July 2009 and a deficit of 2506 MW was managed as compared to the 3961 MW last year on the same date. Efforts are being made by PEPCO teams and WAPDA authorities to restore electricity generation from Mangla power house too. Although PEPCO / WAPDA authorities are determined to complete it in shortest possible time but it may take a few days more. Electricity export to KESC was 670 MW on 01 July 2009 which was 610 MW on the same date last year. NJ/gm. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 4TH JULY, 2009
PR NO. 30 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the President of United States of America, Mr. Barack H. Obama on their Independence Day falling on 4th July. In his message, the Prime Minister said: “on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to convey to you our heartiest felicitations on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day of the United States of America. The long-standing ties between Pakistan and the United States are based on shared values and common perceptions about peace, freedom and development around the world. We are committed to building a strong, multifaceted and enduring partnership with the United States, to the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples. I look forward to working with you to realize the vision of a closer Pakistan-U.S. relationship as well as to advance the shared goals of peace, stability and development in the region and on the international plane.
Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest
consideration.”
PR NO. 31 Mrs. Khadija Haq Chairperson, Mahbub-ul-Haq Human Development Center, along with Dr. Ishrat Hussian, former Governor State Bank of Pakistan, and Mr. Sartaj Aziz, former Finance Minister will call on President Asif Ali Zardari on Moday and brief him on Center’s newly launched annual report on “Technology and Human Development in South Asia 2008”. President has appreciated the contents of the report as has been reported in the media today. A copy of the report will be presented to the President on this occasion. The report was formally launched on 2nd July 2009 in a ceremony at National Library in Islamabad and was widely attended by intellectuals, academia and policy makers.
PR NO. 32 President of Think Tank International Dr. Ammar Turabi called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House here today. On this occasion, the Prime Minister condoled with Dr, Ammar Turabi on the sad demise of his mother Begum Allama Rashid Turabi and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. The Prime Minister praised the invaluable contribution of Begum Allama Rashid Turabi in the field of education, literature and social services. The Prime Minister also lauded the religious services of Turabi’s family.
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NO. 33 The Federal Investigation Agency has constituted an Advisory Committee on IPR Enforcement comprising of senior professional like Ms. Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, Mr. Kamal Ahmed, Country Manager, Microsoft Corporation Pakistan, Mr. Hasan Irfan Khan, Advocate, M/s Irfan & Irfan, Mr. Q.M. Shahed of Pakistan Tobacco Company, Mr. Ikram-ul-Majeed Sehgal, Security & Management Services, Mr. Muhammad Siddiquye, Collector Customs (Legal), as honorary members. Besides these honorary members, Syed Khalid Mehmood Bokhari, Director General IPO-Pakistan, also attended the meeting. The participants discussed current issues relating to the IPR Laws, Enforcement Actions, Challenges being confronted with and the mechanism to be adopted for effective enforcement of IPR Laws in Pakistan. The participants agreed on sharing of database, capacity building of investigators, Prosecutors/Judges, initiating a proposal for establishing Special Tribunals for speedy trial of IPR cases and mutual cooperation in crime fighting, in coordination with IPO-Pakistan. Four working Groups for the Policy Formulation, Awareness Campaign , Sharing of Database and identifying “Big Fish” involved in large scale IPR violations have been formed for submitting their reports in the next meeting. The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee, Chaired by Mr. Irfan Nadeem, Additional Director General FIA/Economic Crime Branch, was held here this afternoon at FIA, HQ, Islamabad. While FIA’s initiative of organizing a high level forum of IPR was appreciated, it was also decided to continue such meetings followed by Seminar/conferences as a part of awareness campaign. Earlier, the Addl. Director General ECW welcomed all the participants, followed by presentation by Mr. Shahid Nadeem Baloch, Director IPR on the performance of FIA and its future plans, which was highly appreciated. Mr. Muhamamd Siddique, Collector Customs (Legal) also made an informative presentation
PR
NO. 34 President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated President Obama on the US Independence day falling on July 4. In a letter to President Obama the President said, “It gives me great pleasure to convey to you and our American friends our warmest felicitations on the Independence Day of the United States of America. We in Pakistan rejoice on the great accomplishments of the American people and highly value the friendship and partnership that has been forged on the basis of shared vision, ideals and values. The democratic Pakistan of today looks forward to furthering our partnership for peace and for creating a global society free of want and intolerance and where every one could realize their dreams and utilize their potential for common good. Please accept, Mr. President, my best wishes for your personal health and happiness and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the United States of America”.
PR
NO. 35 Pakistan’s exports to UK have crossed US $ I billion mark in the first three quarters of this year for the first time in history. With the growth rate of 16.29 % during the period July 2008- April 2009 Pakistan has seen an all time high export to the UK ,which is one of Pakistan’s top three export markets in the world for the last four years i.e. from FY 2005-2006 through FY 2008- 2009. Due to dedicated efforts of Pakistan High Commission, UK remains among top three markets with balance of trade in favour of Pakistan. Exports from Pakistan to the UK were worth 1.03 billion during the entire financial year 2007-2008. The exports mainly constituted such item as textile yarn, rice and cereals ; fruit and vegetables and value added items like apparel and clothing accessories , power generating machinery and equipment. By diversifying products a huge potential of enhancing further exports can be exploited. Three new sectors with export potential to the UK are high quality periods replica furniture, health care items including pharmaceuticals , surgical and beauty care instruments, herbal medicines, hospital linen besides dairy and Halal meat products. In this context the commercial wing of Pakistan High Commission London has planned sector specific conferences. A conference for promotion of Healthcare sector is being organized from 21st – 23rd July 2009. As market access remains a crucial factor in expanding trade share Pakistan has insisted time and again for concessions and preferences such as GSP +. The surge in exports due to effect of award of GSP+ in the past is evident from the comparison of data of FY 2003-2004 with the successive years. . In UK there is great interest for trade with Pakistan which could be translated into growth of exports through greater outreach to importers and by rectifying misperceptions about Pakistan , as travel advisories by FCO and discreet policies of companies of not providing insurance cover to travel to Pakistan create reluctance among people to travel to Pakistan for business.
PR
NO. 36
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has urged the US government for its support in working out a permanent solution with the government of Afghanistan to check uncontrolled, illegal crossings particularly of militants, terrorists and drug trafficking across the border with Pakistan. Referring to the US Secretary for Homeland Security’s initiative as Governor of Arizona about erecting a wall between the US and Mexico border, he said that a similar pattern of fencing between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be followed to stop infiltration and drug trafficking. He was talking to the US Secretary for Homeland Security, Ms. Janet Napilitano who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister underlined the fact that the international support to Pakistan for the displaced persons of Malakand Division so far has been inadequate. He said that Pakistan has made innumerable sacrifices in terms of life and material losses in the ongoing military operation. He urged the US and the international donors to deliver on their pledges made in Friends of Democratic Pakistan’s meeting in Tokyo. He also called for the immediate provision of military hardware including Cobra helicopters, technology transfer as well as financial assistance to build the capacity of Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies and their personnel to prepare them for the control of the affected areas after the military operation comes to a successful conclusion in Malakand division and Waziristan agencies. The Prime Minister asked the US Secretary for Homeland Security to facilitate PIA’s direct flights operations to the US destinations. Ms. Janet Napilitano said that the issue of PIA’s direct flights to the US would be resolved after due consideration in the near future. She also promised that the US would expedite disbursement of the pledged amount for IDPs and the financial assistance committed in Tokyo to help Pakistan’s immediate needs. Federal Minister for Defense Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Senator Sughra Imam and US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Patterson were present during the meeting.
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NO. 37
President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated Saeed Qureshi former Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society for his meritorious services in the humanitarian cause. In a letter to Saeed Ahmad Qureshi the President said, “I wish to congratulate you for rendering excellent services as Vice Chairman, Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and later as its Chairman. Your dedication and professionalism in the humanitarian cause, particularly during the 2005 earthquake have won respect and admiration. Your services for looking after the Internally Displaced Persons are also noteworthy. I hope that Pakistan will continue to benefit from your rich experience. I wish you prosperity and good health”.
PR
NO. 38 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed deep grief and shock over the helicopter crash incident in Orakazi Agency in which several security forces personnel embraced martyrdom. In his message to the bereaved families, the Prime Minister conveyed them his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his infinite blessings upon the departed souls and grant strength to their families to bear this immense loss with equanimity. The Prime Minister praised the valor and courage of the security forces to stamp out the menace of militancy and terrorism from the country. He paid rich tribute to the sacrifices made by them while fighting for the cause of the country. He expressed the government’s resolve to continue fight against these elements till a single militant remains in the country
PR
NO. 39 President Asif Ali Zardari Friday night kicked consultative process within the Party for constitutional reforms. A marathon brain storming session attended by the Party’s leading members constituting informal think tank was held late Friday night in the Presidency to deliberate on the issue of making the Constitution truly democratic, federal and parliamentary in character. The brain storming session was the first of its kind within the Party, outside the central executive committee and federal council, to discuss the proposed constitutional amendments with a view to developing consensus within the Party. Spokesperson former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that at the outset the Party’s Co Chairman President Asif Ali Zardari said that the Party was committed to uphold the principles laid down in the Charter of Democracy CoD signed in May 2006 and also to the principles enshrined in the Party’s manifesto. He said that the Party was bound to these principles not only through the CoD but also through his two addresses to the Parliament during the last year and a special letter written separately to the Prime Minister to expedite the process of constitutional reforms. The President said that the setting up of the Parliamentary Committee was a great leap forward towards the realization of the dream of ridding the Constitution of all anti democracy clauses introduced into it by dictatorial regimes. He said that the Party should make full use of this opportunity to hammer out reforms in the Parliament with the consensus and support of all other parties. The President said that after completing the consultative process within the Party we would be in a better position to talk with other parties. He said that internal consultative process within the Party should be completed within weeks and not months. Those who attended the meeting included Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, Khursheed Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Latif Khosa, Masood Kausar, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Rahimdad Khan, Zahir Ali Shah, Raja Riaz Ahmad, Makhdoom Shahbuddin, Mirbaz Khetran, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Chaudhry Manzoor, Mian Raza Rabbani, Afzal Sindhu, Bismillah Kakar, Pir Mazharul Haq, Ayaz Soomro, Sadiq Umrani, Rukhsana Bangash, Fouzia Habib and Farhatullah Babar. After the President’s opening remarks the floor was opened and all participants expressed their views. An announcement about the Party position on various constitutional proposals will be made by the central executive committee of the party after completion of internal deliberations within the next few weeks, the spokesperson said.
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