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PR.
No. 58. Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal has sought US commodity assistance in the form of wheat to meet shortfall in agriculture production this year. He was talking to the USDA Secretary Mr. Shaefer at a sideline meeting at International Food Conference in Rome, says a message received here. The Minister told the USDA Secretary that Pakistan’s immediate concern was the shortage of wheat because of shortfall in agriculture production by a couple of million tons and US may cooperate in providing commodity assistance in the form of wheat either through World Food Programe for Pakistan or bilaterally. Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal said that Pakistan was looking forward to have a close collaboration with USDA in the immediate and mid-term future in agricultural sector. He said that US could help Pakistan in Bybrid Seeds technology, strengthening of dairy and poultry sector, improvement of canals and water channels, construction of new dams, food processing technology and increasing storage capacity. In a meeting with DG FAO, the Minister said agriculture is the leading sector of Pakistan’s economy and it intends a firm partnership with the Food & Agriculture Organization to address issues related to agri-production, value addition, on–farm water management and climate change. He said that Pakistan would continue support FAO as the chair of G-77 and China and as member of its Finance Committee. Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal informed that Pakistan had played a positive role in the last FAO Conference to ensure that the Food & Agriculture Organization gets the requisite budge to deliver on its mandate. He expressed concern over continuing Pakistan’s under representation in FAO Staff after the retirement of a Pakistani official serving as Assistant Director General FAO. EH/st.
PR. No. 59. The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Ms. Anne W. Patterson called on the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira here today. During the meeting Pakistan-U.S. relations and regional situation came under discussion. Views were exchanged on the ongoing composite dialogue between India and Pakistan including the resolution of Kashmir issue. Matters relating to regional cooperation in the wake of W.T.O. were also discussed. The U.S. Ambassador assured support of her government to the development and uplift of Pakistan and elimination of poverty in the country. She expressed satisfaction over the ongoing rehabilitation work in AJK and expressed her government’s resolve to support educational initiatives in all parts of the country as well as in AJK and the Northern Areas. Mr. Kaira thanked the government of the United States for its generous support in relief and rehabilitation work in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster. The Minister informed about his government’s vision of Information Technology and Telecommunications sector and how improving access and connectivity was being seen by his government as an instrument of breaking down parochial taboos and barriers. The ambassador also appreciated the efforts the government in the development of IT sector in Pakistan. She assured the Minister that the U.S. government extended its fullest cooperation to the government of Pakistan. Secretary Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Mr. Salman Siddique was also present during the meeting. AK/AR.
PR. No. 60. A meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Government Assurances was held at the Parliament House today under the Chairmanship of Senator Ch. Mohammad Anwar Bhinder. It considered various assurances given by different Ministers from time to time at the Floor of the House in matters of public importance. The assurances considered in today’s meeting included those provided by the former Ministers for Religious Affairs, Water and Power, Communications, and Health. While considering the assurance given by Mr. Ejaz-ul-Haq (former) Minister for Religious Affairs regarding appointment of Chairman & Central Zakat Council and Zakat Councils in various Districts of the country in six weeks in response to the call Attention notice given by Senator Ch. Muhammad Anwar Bhinder on 20-8-2007, the Committee was informed that the President has already appointed Mr. Justice M. Javed Buttar, Judge, Supreme Court of the Pakistan as the Chairman of Central Zakat Council and a notification has already been issued in this regard. Whereas the district Zakat and Ushr committees are supposed to be established by the Provincial Zakat Councils and the appointment of the Chairman DZC is made by the Provincial Zakat Council concerned. In the similar context, it was mentioned that the appointment against 17 vacant posts shall be notified by the Govt. of Balochistan once the minutes are approved the Chairman PZC. The chair ruled that Senator Kamran Murtaza would be deputed to sort out the issue with the quarters concerned in Balochistan and Senator Shuja-ul-Mulk would expedite the things in FATA, in coordination from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. While considering another assurance given by Mr. Liaqat Ali Jatoi (former) Minister for Water and Power regarding generation of electricity through solar energy for those villages of Sindh and Balochistan for which electrification is not available, the Ministry submitted that all the 4 projects were to be completed in a period of 30 months starting form July 2006. AEDB was assigned the implementation task. However, in spite of the numerous reminders and interventions from the office of the Prime Minister merely an amount of Rs. 100 million was sanctioned by the Ministry of Finance in the month of May 2007 against our demand of Rs. 544 millions. The tender opening date, it said was postponed 3 times due to uncertainty about the availability of financial resources. The Chaired ruled that the Ministry of Finance be asked to provide necessary funds without delay to complete the projects on priority basis. The members said that energy crisis is assuming an alarming proportion as such it is necessary to expedite our search for alternative sources of energy like coal, sunlight and wind. While considering the assurance given by Mr. Muhammad Shamim Siddiqui (former) Minister for Communications regarding reconstruction of Nowshera-Peshawar Section of N-5 by June, 2007 in response to supplementary Q.No.58 raised by Senator Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan on 18-1-2007, the Ministry concerned submitted that shortage of bitumen is proving to be a major hurdle in completion of the project. A number of Senators expressed their surprise over the fact that despite an acute shortage in the country, bitumen is continued to be exported to Afghanistan. They proposed a complete ban on its export but the Chair ruled that the point of view of Ministry of Commerce, Petroleum and NR be taken alongwith NHA before recommending this proposal. While considering the assurance given by Leader of the House in the Senate on behalf of Minister for Health regarding extension of Federal Government Services Hospital (Polyclinic), Islamabad and provision of MRI & CT Scan machines in the Hospital on a point raised by Ch. Muhammad Anwar Bhinder on 5-5-2008, the Committee observed that non-availability of this basic facility in one of the major hospitals of the Federal Capital is creating serious problems for the patients majority of whom belongs to middle and lower income groups. The Ministry concerned submitted that the proposal of shifting/reconstruction and relocation of the hospital is under serious consideration as the present premises do not have that much space. The Committee recommended that shifting of Argentina Park may be taken up on priority basis and the hospital be extended to the premises of park. It also constituted a 4 - member Sub-Committed to be headed by Senator Talha Mehmood including Senators Muhammad Anwar Bhinder, Gulshan Saeed and Javed Ali Shah as the members to workout the details with CDA and Ministry of Health as early as possible. While considering the progress taken place so far on the Resolution passed by the Senate of Pakistan in its sitting held on 15th March, 2006, for issuance of notification regarding extending the facilities to the retiring Senators, the mover of the resolution and other members of the Committee observed that precedent is available indicating that such facilities remain available to legislators for their life time. They cited the example of UK and India in this connection. They said that most of the facilities like passports, use of lounges at the airports and medical facilities are non monetary in nature. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs informed that the notification has been prepared however input from a few stakeholders is being awaited. The Chair constituted a 2 - member Sub-Committee including Senator Liaquat Ali Bangulzai, the Mover and Senator Talha Mehmood to expedite the things. The observed that if the Ministries concerned do not fulfill the assurances provided by their respective Ministers on Floor of the House, it constitutes a serious breach of privilege. Therefore, they must pursue the things earnestly and take them to their logical end. ‘We are public representatives and are here to guard their interests’, he added. The meeting was attended among others by Senators Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Syed Javed Ali Shah, Mrs. Gulshan Saeed, Liaquat Ali Bangulzai, Muhammad Talha Mahmood and the mover Dr. Khalid Mehmood Soomro, besides senior officials of the Ministries concerned. Secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin was also present on the occasion. QAM/ar.
PR. No. 61. The Government has announced to declare year 2009 as “Year of Environment”. In this regard score of steps are announced by the government including the issuance of commemorative stamps on environment and holding of International Conferences, exhibitions and launching national programmes for protection and conservation of environment in line with the National Environment Policy, National Energy Conservation Policy and National Sanitation policy. This was announced by the Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi while addressing a mega event held here to mark the World Environment Day-2008. Federal Minister for Environment said, concrete steps would be ensured for implementation of these policies to offset the huge cost of environmental degradation recently estimated by the World Bank to the tune of Rs.365 billion per annum or 1 billion per day that accounts for 6% of GDP. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that the World Environment Day focuses on a dedicated theme selected to highlight issues of critical importance for the protection of our environment that is a very positive move adding that “World Environment Day provides us with an opportunity to protect and preserve the environment in which we live, the air we breath, the water we drink, the land we occupy, cultivate and enjoy, also shaping our culture and traditions. There should be a realization that ultimately, we are a product of environment”. “This year’s theme, “Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy” has been selected to focus on the pressing challenge of carbon emissions reduction to catalyze action on climate change. Global weather and climate change is now regarded as “the greatest challenge facing the world”. The average global temperature is increasing, mainly as a result of increase in concentration of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere”, Afridi added. Quoting a recent report issued by United Nations Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that recent UN report predicts a global temperature rise of 2– 4.5 0C as almost inevitable in the 21st Century, which will lead to associated changes in precipitation, glacier melt, sea level rise, increase in the frequency of floods, droughts, cyclones etc. Minister for Environment apprised that Pakistan signed United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2005. Being signatory to the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol, Pakistan is actively participating with global community in addressing the climate change issues. “Government of Pakistan is cognizant of its responsibilities and has taken appropriate measures to protect the environment and decrease energy footprint. To achieve this goal, the government has framed National Environment and Energy Conservation Policies to promote measures leading to reduction in carbon emissions and achieving low carbon economy” He added more. -2- Elaborating further Afridi said, Agricultural productivity has been affected by the changes in land and water regimes. Dry lands areas in arid and semi-arid regions have become most vulnerable which has put the country’s food security at risk. Earlier speaking at the occasion Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment highlighted the serious issue of energy conservation. “Ministry of Environment realizing this need, has formulated National Environment policy and National Energy Conservation Policy which recommends measures for addressing critical environmental issues and achieving sustainable development in the country. The Government is vigorously working to tap the renewable energy resources like wind and solar energy but the high cost of renewable energy and lack of resources are main hurdles.” Ishtiaq said Briefing the audience about the Ministry’s progress Additional secretary Environment was of the view that “We are promoting various energy efficiency measures in the industrial, commercial, governmental and domestic sectors. Under the Kyoto Protocol Pakistan established CDM Operational Strategy and Designated National Authority (DNA) to promote carbon reduction projects on market based mechanism”. Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan said, “Pakistan like other developing countries contribute very little to greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere compared to that of the industrialized countries. However, tragically, the developing countries bear a disproportionate burden of the adverse impacts of climate change.” Additional Secretary Environment expressed his hopes for positive future for the country with respect to environment saying the global conventions recognizing this fact has adopted the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 which binds the developed countries to reduce the carbon emissions below 5 % of 1990’s level by the year 2012 as well as to provide financial and technical assistance to developing country Parties to offset the climate change impacts in their respective countries. The progress however in this regard is very slow. On this occasion, UN representative Mr. Martin Mogwanja read out the massage of UN Secretary General for the World Environment Day 2008. The representative of CDA, IUCN, and Environmental NGOs also spoke on occasion.
PR. No. 62. If Pakistan wants to be competitive in international market we will have to enhance the efficiency and productivity of all sectors of the economy. This was said by Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo Advisor to Prime Minister/Minister for Industries and Production in a meeting with Mr. Shigeo Takenaka, Secretary General, Asian Productivity (APO) who called on him here today. Meeting was also attended by Mr. Shahab Khawaja Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production and Mr. Tariq Bajwa Chief NPO (National Productivity Organization). Minan Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo further said that Government has tasked the NPO-Pakistan to lead the productivity movement in Pakistan and we look forward to the APO to provide full support to our productivity movement through NPO- Pakistan. He also thanked the Secretary General for the support and co-operation NPO has already extended to boost productivity of different sectors in Pakistan. Mr. Wattoo specifically asked the Secretary General APO to assist Pakistan in enhancing the productivity of our energy sector as Pakistan is faced with energy shortfall. Mr. Takenaka said that Pakistan had been a very active member of APO and he was very pleased to visit this country. He further said APO was co-operating with NPO to implement its projects in the agricultural sector to improve productivity of this very important sector. The secretary General remarked that there was a real room for improvement and expansion in Pakistan and APO will continue to work with NPO to improve productivity of different sectors of Pakistan economy. AU/NR
PR. No. 63. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that democratic government accords high priority to the development of infrastructure and provision of basic facilities of life to the people at their doorstep. The Prime Minister was talking to Mr.Hanif Abbasi, MNA of PML(N) who called on him in Prime Minister’s Chamber in Parliament House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the democratic governments both at the centre and provincial level are confronted with a lot of challenges and expressed the resolve to address these issues on priority basis. He specifically mentioned the crisis of food and energy which require focused approach to mitigate the sufferings of the people. The Prime Minister said the government is adopting both short and long term measures for socio-economic development particularly the underdeveloped areas of the country. In this regard, he said that various initiatives are being taken to accelerate economic activities which will create more job opportunities thus alleviating poverty and improving the living standards of the people. The Prime Minister said that both PPP and PML(N) are committed to resolving the problems being faced by the people to bring about qualitative change in their lives. Mr.Hanif Abbasi apprised the Prime Minister of the ongoing development projects in his constituency and the problems being faced by the people of his area. DSG/nr
PR. No. 64. The Islamabad based ambassador of Japan HE Seiji Kojima today called on Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Nawabzada Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti at his office. He remained with the Minister for some time and discussed matters of mutual importance with him. The Minister informed the ambassador that he was personally pursuing each and every project initiated for the welfare of the poor people and his ministry was trying to reach the poorest of the poor. He said that the government despite its economic constrains was trying to eliminate the sufferings of the poor and disable people of the country. To alleviate the problems of these hapless people, the poorest and the disable, the federal minister welcomed the assistant of friendly countries. Mr.Hoti also appreciated the assistance of the government and the people of Japan particularly in the field of education, Special Education and social welfare and hope that the friendly country of Japan will continue such help. The Minister assured that such assistant would be utilized for the welfare of the poorest of the poor. The Japanese Ambassador assured that his country will continue to assist the government and people. JG/NR
PR. No. 65. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor/Federal Minister for Industries and Production has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of Sardar Abdul Ghafar Khan, former member Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly and brother of former president of Azad Kashmir Sardar Muhammad Abdul Qayyum. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has termed the sad demise of Sardar Abdul Ghafar Khan a great loss to his family and the people of Azad Kashmir. He has also prayed that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace. Ali Umar/nr
PR. No. 66. Islamabad June 05, 2008. A pre-bid meeting of the pre-qualified bidders for the acquisition of minimum of 90% shares of Hazara Phosphate Fertilizers (Private) Limited (HPFL) together with management control on ‘as is, where is’ basis was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Ahmed Jawad Secretary Privatisation Commission here today. Six pre-qualified parties participated in the pre-bid moot who have already carried out their independent due diligence of the transaction including (i) Afzal Motors (Pvt.) Limited, (ii) Consortium of Akbar Brothers, (iii) Consortium of Khawaja Bashir Ahmed Group, (iv) Consortium of Kissan Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited, (v) Pak American Fertilizers Limited and (vi) Warble (Pvt.) Limited. The pre-bid moot was conducted to create better understanding of the transaction and the bidding process and to respond to the queries of the potential bidders. The transaction manager and PC officials replied to the points raised during the meeting. The PC had invited EOIs from prospective investors i.e. companies or consortia engaged in manufacturing or engineering business who can demonstrate the ability to own and efficiently manage and operate the Company. The plant is located at Haripur (NWFP) – 75 km from Islamabad. The factory is situated on 57 acres of developed land and includes plant, housing and ancillary facilities. Expression of Interest (EOI) was advertised in November 2007. Eleven (11) parties submitted EoIs out of which nine (9) parties submitted the Statement of Qualification documents (SOQs) National Fertilizer Corporation of Pakistan (Private) Limited (NFC) owns Hazara Phosphate Fertilizers (Private) Limited. HPFL is a state owned private limited company, registered under the Companies Ordinance 1984. The authorized share capital of the company is Rs.200 million divided into 20 million ordinary shares of Rs.10 each whereas the issued, subscribed and paid up capital of the company is Rs.191.432 million comprising 19.143 million ordinary shares of Rs.10 each. National Fertilizer Marketing Limited (NFML) is currently carrying out marketing of the product of HPFL. The Purchaser shall, however, be free to market the product using its own arrangement. The Government of Pakistan in order to encourage use of Phosphatic Fertilizers is currently providing a subsidy of Rs. 204 per bag effective from 1st July 2007. To improve the profitability of HPFL, Government of Pakistan and Government of NWFP are endeavoring to make available local phosphate rock as raw material through enabling environments for the private sector mining companies. Tahir Parwaz/nr
PR. No. 67. The Minister for Environment, Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi inaugurated the installation of Solar Geyser at ENERCON building here today to boost the Government’s efforts for Energy Conservation. The Solar Geyser is a pioneer effort of Energy Conservation Centre (ENERCON) in public private partnership for conservation of the energy. The cost of the Geyser is Rs.15000 to Rs.25000, which has a capacity of 35 gallons. Talking to journalists, the Minister said that most of the Pakistani households rely on natural gas boosted geysers to heat water. This creates Green House Gas emissions that are changing the climate. He said that Pakistan is blessed with abundant sunshine to meet water heating needs. The Minister said that with the introduction of the solar geyser, the energy required to heat water may be reduced upto 80% resulting in huge savings on water heating bills and major cuts in households green house gas emissions. He added that a solar geyser can pay back its cost in 2/3 years through the savings on the gas and electricity bills. The Minister said that massive adaptation of the solar geysers is a success story of the ENERCON as a result of mass awareness campaign for using the energy efficient equipments and thereby conserving the energy. DKK/nr
PR. No. 68. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani called the UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nayan this afternoon and condoled with him the tragic demise of his brother Sheikh Nasser Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who died in a helicopter accident on June 3. The Prime Minister said that the people, the government of Pakistan and he personally felt deeply grieved by this tragic loss. He said that we pray to Allah Almighty that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace and He may grant his family the fortitude to bear this loss. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan thanked the Prime Minister for his kind gesture. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to further promote the fraternal and brotherly relations between their two countries. DSG/nr
PR. No. 69. Chairing a pre-budget Parliamentary Party meeting of PPP MNAs here at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that PPP government is committed to giving a people-friendly and pro-development budget to the nation with a view to providing relief to the poorest of the poor. The Prime Minister said that government is conscious of the economic challenges facing the country and is alive to the expectations of the masses. He said that the PPP is steadfast in its commitments to bring about a qualitative improvement in the lives of the weaker and vulnerable segments of the society by providing them with the basic necessities of life at their doorstep. The Prime Minister called upon the members of the party to play a proactive role in redressing the grievances of the masses by keeping close contact with the people by holding open Kutcheries to asses their aspirations. He said that the upcoming budget will be the first major step towards redeeming the various pledges made by the Party and Shaheed Mohatrama Benazir Bhutto. While elaborating government’s priorities, the Prime Minister stressed the need to incorporate measures which helps in addressing the challenges being faced by the country. He said that boosting of agriculture and manufacturing growth, overcoming energy and water shortages, developing human resources as well as providing relief to the lowest income groups are the real objectives to be adopted in the budget. The Prime Minister appreciated the valuable suggestions by the parliamentarians to make the budget responsive to the needs of the people. He said that their proposals would help in making the budget realistic and in keeping with the aspirations of the people. The parliamentarians said that the Prime Minister’s decision to regularize the low income contractual government employees was timely, courageous and fulfillment of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto pledge to the people. Overall political situation of the country was also discussed at length and parliamentarians expressed full confidence in the leadership of the Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. The meeting was attended by PPP Parliamentarians and Federal Ministers including Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Mrs Frayal Talpur, Ms. Sherry Rehman, Syed Khurshid Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Mian Manzoor Watoo, , Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Ch Qamar uz Zaman Kaira, Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureshi besides other MNAs from all parts of the country. DSG/wh
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