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PR No. 42 We observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day each year on 5th February to reiterate our political, moral and diplomatic support for the just and legitimate struggle of your Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the realization of their right to self determination. This right is enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN Resolutions. Kashmir Solidarity Day is also an occasion to pay tributes to the brave people of Jammu and Kashmir for their heroic sacrifices and for their steadfast resolve to realize their justice aspirations. I wish to reassure my Kashmiri brethren that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for full respect for their fundamental rights. Pakistan would persist in its efforts for seeking a peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute. We are of the firm belief that the Kashmiris should be associated with the Dialogue process. Ultimately, Kashmiris would be the final arbiters of their destiny. I reiterate to your Kashmiri brothers and sisters our pledge that they have our full moral, diplomatic and political support. We shall stand always with them in their just struggle. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR No. 43 The people of Pakistan observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day on 5th February every year to demonstrate their unequivocal support for the valiant struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to achieve their legitimate right to self determination in accordance with the UN Resolutions. It is a reaffirmation of our firm resolve to stand by our Kashmiri brethren in their endeavour to decide their own fate. The Kashmiri struggle spans over more than six decades. Generations of Kashmiris have grown up in Indian Occupied Kashmir in the shadow of oppression and violence perpetrated by the Indian occupation forces. They have lost their homes, friends and families. Yet they have not lost hope and have remained steadfast in their quest for their inalienable right of self determination. Today, as we observe the Kashmir Solidarity Day, our hearts go out to the families of more than ninety thousand Kashmiris who have scarified their lives in upholding the ideals of freedom and liberty. We pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people. The sacrifices will not go in vain. Pakistan assures the Kashmiri people of its firm resolve to work steadfastly for the realization of their fundamental rights. It is our hope and expectation that the international community would also play its role in bringing an end to repression, violence and human rights violations of the Kashmiri people. I reassure our Kashmiri brothers and sisters of Pakistan’s continued and unflinching moral, diplomatic and political support for their just cause. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR No. 44 Kashmir Issue is keeping hostage teeming millions of the South Asia Billions of dollars spent by the countries of the sub continent to enhance the firepower of their war machines can be better utilized for ameliorating the lot of their peoples, whose vast majority is living below the poverty line. The Kashmir dispute cropped up because of the adamancy of the Indian leadership, who forcibly occupied the State of Jammu & Kashmir. Similarly, India, realised from its commitments to hold plebiscite in the State, envisaged in the United Nations Resolutions on Kashmir. Despite all machinations, dilatory tactics and state terrorism employed by the India for the last 62 years to shelve the Kashmir issue under the carpet, the Kashmiris have kept the issue alive. The un-precedented sacrifices rendered by them, will ever be remembered in the annals of history. The peaceful processions by over million Kashmiris against the allocation of land for Amarnath Shrine, chanting the slogan of “Azadi”, have demonstrated that the freedom movement against that Indian occupation of the State is broad based. The Parliamentary Kashmir Committee, representing the whole nation, is with the Kashmiri people and will continue its support to their just struggle for the right to self determination. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR No. 45 It is now over six decades that the people of occupied Kashmir have been subjected to the worst kind of human rights violations and denial of their fundamental human rights. The Kashmir Solidarity Day failing on 5th February is observed every year to mark the struggle of the Kashmiris for their right of self-determination and to remember the countless sacrifices of those Kashmiris who had laid down their lives in the struggle to attain their right of self-determination in accordance with the UN Security Council’s resolutions. Resolution of the UN Security Council call for holding plebiscite in Jammu & Kashmir to determine the wishes of the people of Kashmir as to which country i.e. Indian or Pakistan they wanted to join. Initially India, which had approached the UN Security Council made a commitment to abide by the Security Council’s Resolutions and full co-operation for holding of a plebiscite. The first Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru repeated the Indian promise many a times but later reneged. Since they the Indian occupation forces have been rughlessly crushing any voice, raised by the Kashmiris calling for resolution of the issue by holding of the plebiscite. The struggle of people of Jammu and Kashmir for the attainment of right of self-determination continued unabated for six decades but since the last 03 decades, the struggle for their rights got momentum and the people of the Valley have accelerated movements against the tyrannical occupation forces. Attention of the international Community needs to be focused on the atrocities being inflicted on the innocent men, women and children and should no longer be kept a guarded secret.. The international observers, the world press and the leaders from every country especially the super powers must not actively redirect their attention at the six decades old simmering problem which begs for a just solution, so that the Kashmiris could live with dignity and honour. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR No. 46 The Government and people of Pakistan fully extend their unflinching support on this day of solidarity with our Kashmiris brethren in continuous struggle for their right of self-determination. We also attribute honor and remember the countless sacrifices of those Kashmiris who were martyred in their struggle for self-determination as enshrined in the UN Security Council’s resolutions and calls for long awaited holding plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir to determine the wishes of the people of Kashmir to join India or Pakistan. The Kashmiris of the Occupied Kashmir over a period of six decades have been subjected to worst kind of human rights violation and denial of their fundamental rights. The peaceful movements of the oppressed people applaud for implementation of a just solution of the UN Security Council while the Indian Occupation forces have ruthlessly been crushing any voice raised by the Kashmiris for holding of plebiscite. I, on behalf of Government and people of Pakistan, urge the International Community to take cognizance of the atrocities being inflicted upon innocent men, women and children by the remaining forces in the occupied Kashmir. We, once again reiterate our expectation on the international observers, the international print and electronic media, and the leaders of the super powers to step forward in their long outstanding commitment to find ways and means for the just solution and pave way for the plebiscite in Kashmir where Kashmiris could live with dignity and honour. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR No. 47 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue remains unchanged and the government will continue extending its political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir. The Prime Minister said this while talking to the President AJK, Raja Zulqarnian Khan and Prime Minister AJK, Raja Muhammad Farooq Khan, who called on him at the PM’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said the whole nation is united on the Kashmir issue and Pakistan wants its early resolution according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people as it is imperative for lasting peace in the region. President of AJ& K, Raja Zulqarnain Khan appreciated Prime Minister Gilani’s endevours in raising the issue of Kashmir at every forum and thanked the government and people of Pakistan for the support towards their Kashmiri brethren. Prime Minister AJ&K, Raja Farooq Haider also thanked the Prime Minister for taking personal interest and the government of Pakistan’s active assistance for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the earthquake affected areas. They apprised the Prime Minister of the preparations being done in connection with the Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed tomorrow i.e. February 5. Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Secretary Finance and Chief Secretary AJ&K were also present during the meeting.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
Kashmir Solidarity Day is observed on 5th February each year across Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir and all those countries where Pakistani/Kashmiri Community live. On this day we express solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir in their freedom struggle and their right to plebiscite as enshrined in the United Nation resolutions. We also condemn Indian aggression on the held part, its illegal occupation, its tyrannical rule and atrocities against innocent people. People of Jammu & Kashmir, sixty one years ago were promised by the International Community the right to determine their destiny through the UN resolutions. This commitment despite every effort by the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the government of Pakistan remains unfulfilled. Today global and durable peace is dependent on the settlement of this longfastering issue which can, not only guarantee durable peace in the region but also open up enormous possibilities for mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Pakistan. What we need to do is to persuade the International Community to use their good offices to take practical and immediate steps asking India not only to end the cessation of all forms of human rights violation in the occupied Kashmir but through sincere dialogue help implement the UN resolutions. **DO/Ahmad** NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
PR
No. 49 The Government of Pakistan is taking all steps with the help of donor agencies to implement the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Program to the grass root level, said Dr.Ishfaq Ahmad, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission. He was called on by Dr. Nafees Sadiq, United Nations Secretary General’s special envoy for population and HIV/AIDS this morning. He highlighted the salient features of the program and said that all the quarters of the society should make integrated efforts to get the required results of the program. For this purpose we are going to make Planning Commission a knowledge base, added the Deputy Chairman. Dr. Nafees said that Pakistan is the member of 3i’s (Triple Impact Evaluation) organization. All the members of this organization are meant to pay money for the betterment of the developing countries, but Pakistan and Rwanda being developing countries are not paying anything. The idea behind it is to make this program specific for the help of developing countries. The government of Pakistan initiated National AIDS Control Program in 1986-87, with primary focus on HIV prevention in general public through media campaign and developing laboratory based HIV sentinel surveillance system. In 2003 government launched the Enhanced HIV/AIDS Control Project with financial support from World Bank. The project focused on provision of HIV prevention services to high risk groups, advocacy and behavior change communication campaign for HIV prevention among general public, Services to prevent HIV transmission through blood and capacity building program management and developing HIV surveillance system. The project played a significant role in building a coordinated and multi sectoral response against HIV in Pakistan . Several HIV prevention services have been delivered to high risk groups through public-private partnership, said the Deputy Chairman. While discussing the population program in Pakistan Dr. Nafees appreciated the work done by the Ministries of Health and Population. She endorsed the view of Deputy Chairman that integrated efforts are needed by both the ministries of Health and Education in collaboration of Provincial Health departments for HIV/AIDS advocacy and information. The services should also be enhanced to all the districts. According to a survey only 5% of the infected people got registered out of 100,000 cases. This epidemic can be controlled by educating our women folk specially, emphasized the Deputy Chairman. Women vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is higher than men due to multiple factors. Proper awareness and advocacy can help reduce Maternal Mortality rate and Infant mortality rate in Pakistan . Our birth rate is 1.78 and around 2.8 million children per annum are being added to it. Pakistan has highest TFR (Total Fertility Rate) in South Asia . It has direct affects on our economy and is one of the major causes of unemployment; law & order situation and poverty in Country. Deputy Chairman told that there are 3300 service outlets all over Pakistan working under Population Welfare Program. Rising population is crosscutting issue of the country, 100,000 lady health workers working in 14,000 rural health centers should be trained and utilized for the HIV/AIDS program as well, added the Deputy Chairman. Deputy Chairman reiterated the resolve of the government for the continuation of the projects of social safety network for the betterment of the country.
PR No. 50
President Asif Ali Zardari directed the government to immediately establish contact with the family of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and provide her with possible legal assistance in the U.S. Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President issued the direction soon after a jury in Manhatton in the US pronounced guilty verdict against the Pakistani scientist. He said that the President was concerned about the verdict and expressed the hope that justice will ultimately be done as the case passes through subsequent stages in the US Judicial system. Dr. Aafia Siddiqui had been charged for trying to kill an American soldier while in detention in a police station in Ghazni, Afghanistan. The lawyers of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui have already said that a review appeal would be filed after going through the detailed judgment. The jury also said that she did not commit the crime with pre-meditation. The President directed that the family of Dr. Affia Siddiqui should be assisted in the legal process by the concerned ministries of the government, the Spokesperson said.
PR No. 51 Environment and Economics are closely related things and the phenomenon of climate change has given it a new dimension, said Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Dr.Ishfaq Ahmad at launching ceremony of Center for Environment Economics and Climate Change at PIDE.He further added that modern communication system has made the world a global village. Deputy Chairman appreciated the efforts of PIDE (Pakistan Institute of Development Economics) in launching first ever institute of this kind. He termed it the dire need of today’s Pakistan . He highlighted the importance of correct and accurate data in conducting research on these critical issues of environmental degradation and climate change. He further emphasized that in-depth analysis based on accurate data is helpful in efficient policy formulation. He put emphasis on strengthening the linkages with reputed international institutions of learning and research. Dr.Rashid Amjad,VC PIDE in his inaugural remarks highlighted the need for a center for capacity building and research. He explained how rapidly the climate is changing globally and its impact on world economy. He said it is the right time to take steps in right direction to save resources for the future. Dr.Ghulam Rasool for Department of Meteorology said that a significant rise in temperature has been recorded in last century, resulting in receding of the glaciers.Siachin glacier is the fastest depleting glacier in the region after Batura and Baltoro glaciers. According to IPCC 2007 report the tracks of Western distributaries are rapidly shifting northward which will result in snow decline on HKH region. Dr.Shamsulmulk, former Chairman WAPDA stressed on the strengthening of the institutions to deal with critical environmental and water related issues. Mr.Shafqat Kakakhel member committee of advisors to Minister for Environment explained in detail the expected adverse effects of rapid climate change on flora and fauna of the country. He was of the view that efficient integration of environmental imperatives is needed at level of decision makers to fight these problems. Dr.Mohsin Iqbal from GCISC highglighted the importance of water security, food security and energy security likely to be in danger due to rise in temperature. The meeting was attended by members of Planning Commission, Faculty and Students from PIDE
PR No. 52 A delegation of DAEWOO Engineering Company of Korea lead by the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Yang-Kyung Cho called on the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM House this afternoon and discussed possibilities of his company’s participation in hydel power projects. The Prime Minister said Pakistan had formulated business friendly policies and a lot of foreign companies had shown their keen interest to participate in the developmental projects. The government, he added, is focused on infrastructure and energy sectors, since these are essential to generate economic activities and open up opportunities for the prosperity of the common men. He observed that the economy had been stabilized and we were expecting in the near future acceleration in the pace of economic growth. Located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, Pakistan offers a promising regional hub and market for nurturing intra and inter-regional trade and investment, he added. The Vice Chairman and CEO of the DAEWOO Engineering Company expressed his company’s keen interest in participating in the hydel power and infrastructure building projects of Pakistan. The conducive atmosphere and incentives being given by government, he mentioned, are a great attraction for major foreign companies. He informed that his meetings with the officials of NHA, WAPDA and Railways have been very fruitful. The meeting was attended by the Chairman, Board of Investment, Secretary Ministry of Water and Power, Secretary, BOI and other senior officials of the Water and Power.
PR No. 53 The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, which met at the Parliament House today, showed its serious reservations on the composition of Board of Directors of Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). The Members of the Committee unanimously decided to write to Prime Minister regarding unrealistic composition in which employees of the TCP have been nominated as members of Board of Directors. Prime Minister would be requested to remove this anomaly and persons of sound reputation and professionalism from other sectors should be appointed as members of Board of Directors of TCP. This will ensure transparency and across the board oversight of the functions/ performance of TCP, it was observed. The Committee also showed serious concerns about import of substandard wheat from Ukraine and constituted a Sub-Committee under the Convener-Ship of Senator Haji Ghulam Ali and Senator Haroon Khan, Senator Semeen Siddiqui and Senator Abdul Raziq as its members. The Sub-Committee will review the report of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on the issue of import of wheat from Ukraine. The Committee also observed that delayed decision of the government in case of import of sugar has caused serious crises in the country. Earlier, Chairman TCP gave a comprehensive briefing on the role, functions, orgenogram, and business activities of TCP. Committee was apprised that TCP is mandated to only import/export for the government. In this regard, government specified the commodity, quantity, quality and time frame. However, all procurements are undertaken strictly as per PPRA rules, 2004. Committee was also apprised on recent business undertaken during 2008-09. The Committee appreciated the role and efforts made by the TCP in a most transparent manners. The meeting was attended besides its Chairman Senator Ilyas Ahmed Bilour by Senators Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi, Ahmed Ali, Haroon Khan, Semeen Siddiqui, Haji Ghulam Ali, Abdul Raziq and Islamuddin Sheikh as its members besides senior officials of the Ministry.
PR No. 54 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan held a meeting with Speaker of the Iranain Majlis-e-shoora Dr. Ali Larijani, in Tehran today. During the meeting the entire range of bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed particularly the need to remove impediments to trade, implementation of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). They also stressed for more frequent contacts between Parliamentarians of both the countries, business communities and visa facilitation for the businessmen of both the countries, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan, Tehan, Iran, here today. Dr. Fehmida Mirza emphasized the need for greater cooperation in energy, electricity, transport and communication sectors for mutual benefits of both the countries. The Speaker underlined the need for early completion of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project to meet the energy requirements of Pakistan. The speaker also expressed the need for increase of contacts between the Parliamentarians and political leadership of the two countries. Dr. Fehmida Mirza stressed for enhancing the interaction between women parliamentarians of Pakistan and Iran. The Speaker highlighted the efforts of the government of Pakistan to eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country. She said that Pakistan was fighting against the terrorism to secure the whole region and world. She said that the Government was committed to eliminate the terrorism and entire nation is united to curb the menace of extremism. She said that the Parliament had also passed unanimous resolutions in this regard. She apprised her Iranian counterpart about the formation and functioning of the National Assembly and its standing committees. Dr. Larijani, Speaker Majlis-e-Shooray Islam Iran appreciated the role of Pakistan and assured Madam Speaker Iran’s support to Pakistan’s efforts in this regard. The two sides also reviewed the regional situation and in this context emphasized the need for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan. Later on, Dr. Ali Larijani hosted a banquet in honour of the Speaker. Leading a 10-memebr delegation, the Speaker arrived in Tehran on Wednesday evening on a 6-day visit. This was her first official visit to Iran.
PR No. 55 Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi presided over the Inter provincial/ Inter-ministerial meeting regarding Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2010 here today. Meeting was attended by the Federal Secretaries of Defense, Defense Production, Interior, Education, Healthy, Provincial Secretaries of Forest, Wildlife, Fisheries and Environment from four provinces, AJ & K, Gilgit Baltistan and representatives of different agencies. During the meeting progress of Monsoon Tree Planting Campaign 2009 was reviewed in detail. Representatives from four provinces including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan and other agencies briefed about progress and achieved targets of tree planting campaign 2009. Different view points on related issues were shared regarding campaign 2009. Moreover, Spring Tree Planting campaign 2010 was highlighted in the meeting. All provinces including AJK and Gilgit Baltistan and other agencies indicated their targets for planting trees in year 2010. Furthermore, participants of the meeting expressed their concerns and problems faced by them. Participants also gave proposals and recommendations to achieve their targets for success of this campaign. It was also observed that Prime Minister of Pakistan has declared 18th July, as National Tree Planting Day. The objective of celebrating NTPD is to address deforestation and associated environmental problems being faced by the nation. The provincial/local governments will make necessary arrangements to make the campaign successful. Moreover, Mr. Usman, Coordinator, President Mass Afforestation Programme, gave detailed presentation on PMAP and briefed about progress and future plan of action. Federal Minister Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, on this occasion said that Pakistan is facing environmental problems so, concrete measures are needed to be taken. He said that different projects and plans should be initiated. He urged that there is dire need to increase forests in the country. He said the environmental issues can not be ignored at all and we are committed to face this big challenge but support from all provinces and other agencies is required in this regard. He appreciated the proposals and recommendations given by participants of the meeting and assured them that their concerns would be given due consideration. He also assured that full cooperation and coordination would be provided by the Ministry. Federal Minister also announced to give one million plants to National High Way Authority. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi also said that to get good results of Campaign 2010 involvement of all segments of society have to be ensured. He also said that successive results can be achieved by inducing a culture and sense of ownership among the public for forest conservation and trees cultivation through an extensive but systematic and organized campaign involving Print and Electronic media.
PR No. 56 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan and Well Communication Co. Ltd, Government of Korea on the Investment and Promotion of Energy Efficiency Products in Pakistan was held here today. Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi presided over the ceremony. It is important to mention here that Ministry of Environment and Korean company; Well Communication Co. Ltd, wish to establish and develop close relationship for the promotion of energy efficiency products, chiefly LED light, Solar Panel, and Wind Mill blade as the environment friendly future lighting solution and energy efficiency investment in Pakistan. According to MoU, keeping in view the growing trend of reduction in energy consumption, Ministry of Environment and Korean company; Well Communication Co. Ltd. Mutually agreed to cooperate and assist each other for establishing local manufacturing capacity and retrofitting existing streetlights with LED lighting solutions in both public and private sectors. The investor company would also explore local market for solar panel manufacturing alongside wind mill blades production for promoting alternative energy in Pakistan. Ministry of Environment and Korean company; Well Communication Co. Ltd will make their best efforts to promote this partnership as a joint venture. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Farid Ullah Khan, M.D (ENERCON), Ministry of Environment and Dae Woo, Kim, Chairman/CEO, Wells Communication Co. Ltd. Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Kamran Lashari, Joint Secretary Ministry of Environment and other members of Korean company were present in the MoU signing ceremony. After MoU signing ceremony, Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that we welcome our Korean friends. He said that Global Warming is a major threat for whole world and at this stage, we acknowledge the initiatives taken by Korean company. He said we hope through this MoU, progressive activities would be generated and fruitful results would come out. Federal Minister ensured that all possible support would be provided by Government of Pakistan.
Pakistan has set up first time Pavilion with several exhibition stalls representing over 50 companies in the World’s largest Trade Fair, “Fruit Logistica” in Berlin. Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany Mr. Shahid A. Kamal inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion here today. He visited the stalls at the exhibition and met with Pakistani traders as well as officials of the Exhibition Management, Berlin, says a press release received from the Embassy of Berlin, here today. On this occasion the Ambassador said that the world’s leading exhibition provides great opportunity for promotion, development and marketing of fruits and vegetable products. He said that there was a need of more intensive interaction between farmers and exporters to upgrade quality of fruit and vegetable products. He said that there was a growing market for Pakistani fruits, especially mangoes and Pakistani traders should give due importance to fruit processing and packaging for longer perseverance. The Fruit Logistica Exhibition is held every year in Berlin. This year more than 120 countries are participating this world renowned fair. Around 58000 trade buyers are expected to visit 03-day trade fair this year.
PR No. 58 President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pakistan Peoples Party would continue to pursue its agenda of socio-economic development and will not be distracted from it under any circumstances. Addressing a meeting of the elected nazimeen, councilors and office bearers of the Party of Rawalpindi district in the Presidency today he said that the government was determined to pursue a larger agenda and not bogged down in petty political squabbling. Those who attended the meeting included among others Ms. Fauzia Habib, Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar. The President said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had given nuclear technology and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto gave the country missile technology and made strong the defences of Pakistan and at the same time embarked upon a massive socio-economic development program. He said that the present government had decided to make Pakistan a welfare driven state where the welfare of the poor and downtrodden masses was given precedence over every other thing. In this context, the President said, the government has launched Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to extricate the poor from below the poverty line, reinstated the sacked workers, gave 12 percent shares in state-run enterprises to the workers and devised plans to give state lands free of cost to poor women in the command areas of the twelve new dams that will be built in the country in the next three years. He said the Party had adopted policy of reconciliation as a conscious political decision for the sake of harmony and political stability so that the developmental agenda could be vigorously pursued. The President said that he will hold meetings more frequently with the workers. For this purpose a system was being devised to address corner meetings of the Party workers via satellite which will be launched soon from Rawalpindi, he said. He also assured the Party workers that the Development package for Rawalpindi announced by Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007 moments before her assassination would be implemented. A number of nazims and councilors spoke about the Party organizations in the area and also raised issues relating to the development projects in their areas. The President assured that their concerns relating to the development projects would be forwarded to the government for early redressal.
PR No. 59 MPA, Punjab Assembly, Ms. Maiza Hamid called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House here today and briefed him on various matters relating South Punjab particularly the ongoing development projects initiated by the government. Reiterating the government’s firm resolves to exploit all available resources for the welfare of the people, the Prime Minister said that the elected representatives should come forward to personally monitor these initiatives, so that the benefit may start reaching people. Ms. Maiza Hamid lauded the Prime Minister’s initiatives for the socio-economic uplift of the people of the South Punjab.
PR No. 60 President Asif Ali Zardari today appointed Prof.Dr. Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai, as Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. The President has made the appointment on the recommendations of search committee of the Higher Education Commission as laid down in the procedure for appointment of Vice Chancellors. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai has done his Post Doctorate and PhD from Perugia Medical School Italy and University of Hull, UK respectively besides Msc in Bio Organic Chemistry and B.S in Biology and Chemistry. He has also to his credit 100 research publications in national and international journals. The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i- Azam University Prof. Dr. Muhammad Masoom Yasinzai is currently Vice Chancellor of University of Balochistan. He has also worked as Dean Research, Director Institute of Biotechnology and professor of Biotechnology, University of Balochistan. The search committee of the Higher Education Commission for appointment of Vice Chancellors comprised of Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, Chairman HEC, Mr. Abdur Rauf Chaudhry, Secretary Education, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, SAPM on social sector, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Chairman, Pay & Pension Committee, Dr. Khadija Haq, Chairperson of human Development Foundation, Mr. A. RAZZAK Dawood, Ex- Minister for commerce & industries and Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executuive Director, HEC. The President has welcomed the appointment of a senior academician from Balochistan as Vice Chancellor of the country’s premier university in the federal capital.
PR No. 61 Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raeesani called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House here today. The Prime Minister said that he is personally monitoring the implementation on the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan in order to ensure the timely accomplishing of various initiatives undertaken by the government. He added that the people of Balochistan would soon reap the fruits of the government endeavours. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the initiatives undertaken would prove a milestone in the socio-economic development of Balochistan. Chief Minister Balochistan informed the Prime Minister on the status of various development projects.
PR No. 62 Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e- Sadr on Thursday evening. Later the Prime Minister Syed Yusaf Raza Gilani also joined the meeting. They discussed issues relating to security situation in the country and the ongoing drive against extremism and militancy. The Chief of Army Staff also briefed the President about his recent visit to Brusseles and meetings with NATO’s commanders. The President later hosted dinner for them. The dinner was also attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.
PR No. 63
On
an invitation by the U.S. Senate, the Federal Minister for Minorities, Mr.
Shahbaz Bhatti, attended the 58th National Prayer Breakfast,
which was graced by President Barrack Obama, at Washington DC. During the
breakfast, the Minister used the opportunity to meet with the influential
people belonging to a wide range of social, political and economic life,
including U.S. Congressmen, entrepreneurs, social activists, journalists
and leading representatives of various countries, says a press release
received from the Embassy of Pakistan
In his discussions with the dignitaries, the Minister maintained that the democratically-elected government of Pakistan is fully engaged in empowering the minorities and integrating them into the social fabric. He emphasized that the issue of minorities cannot be de-linked from the deeper and wider issues of poverty, lack of economic and social development, and resource-based conflicts. The Minister underlined that in the Pakistani Constitution all minorities are equal before law and are free to practice their faith. In South Asia, Pakistan has a remarkable record in protecting and promoting entitlements of its minorities, he stressed. During his interaction with the U.S. and world leaders, the Minister emphasized the importance of interfaith harmony for broader rapprochement. The Minister also attended a dinner hosted by former Congressman Jim Slattery and International Luncheon hosted to honor members of the Diplomatic Corps in the U.S. in which he maintained that contrary to the image given by the Western media about the maltreatment of minorities in Pakistan, in fact, the minorities in Pakistan enjoy various privileges and rights. He maintained that the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, had a tolerant, liberal and democratic vision for Pakistan; the Pakistani nation believes in that vision and strives to pursue those noble ideals.
NOT
TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05,
2010 Today, the Government and the people of Pakistan are observing the Kashmir Solidarity Day. This is an occasion to reiterate our indefatigable support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their legitimate struggle for their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in UN Charter, and the relevant United Nations resolutions. The valiant and peaceful people of Jammu and Kashmir are continuing to suffer. Not only is the right to self-determination being denied to them, but they are also being subjected to violence and suppression. Thousands of Kashmiris have lost their lives and thousands are languishing in Indian jails. The grisly human rights violations by Indian forces in Indian-occupied Kashmir have been documented by well-known international human rights organizations. Fair and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is a sine qua non for a lasting and viable peace in South Asia. It is high time India realizes this fundamental fact and dispenses with its untenable and unjustified policy. To begin with, India should rescind the draconian laws long imposed in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan strongly believes that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved through dialogue. We invite India to engage in a sustained and result-oriented dialogue process in this regard. We also urge the international community to play its due role in securing for Kashmiris their right to self-determination. Pakistan will continue playing its constructive role towards resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF February 05, 2010
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