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PR
No. 64 The Senate House Business Advisory Committee comprising heads of Parliamentary parties represented in the Senate met this morning at the Parliament House under the Chairmanship of the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek to discuss modalities of the 60th session beginning today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman expressed his delight and profound satisfaction over the introduction of 18th Amendment in the Parliament, being a historic consensus document symbolizing the sovereignty of the Parliament. He also reiterated the resolve to run the House with consensus of opinion in line with the glorious democratic traditions and values. It was proposed that the Parliamentary leaders may be given 15–20 minutes and others Senators 10–15 minutes, to speak on the subject respectively. Matters relating to the agenda of the current session and legislative business also came under discussion, specifically debate on Presidential address and unfinished agenda of previous session. The meeting was attended by Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Wasim Sajjad and Senators Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Maulana Gul Naseeb, Col. ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Abdul Rahim Mandokhel, Haji Muhammad Adeel, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Moula Baksh Chandio, Islam Uddin Shaikh, Prof. Khursheed Ahmed, Dr. Abdul Malik and Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, besides Secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin. **RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 65 Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rehmatullah Kakar has underscored the need to ensure the implementation of building code which could save from human and material colossal loss in wake of natural calamities. Addressing at the inaugural session of one-day international seminar on “Enforcement of Pakistan Building Code- 2007” here today, the Minister said that the government was taking cognizant measures to ensure the implementation of seismic code in letter and spirit. The Minister said that the earthquake of October 08, 2005 caused one of the worst disasters in the history of Pakistan. There was a colossal loss of life due to collapse of buildings, houses, schools, offices, hospitals – all types of buildings came down and more than 70,000 people were perished. The Minister said the October 08, 2005 disaster was a wake-up call for the Government and people of Pakistan. This realization crystallized one of the prime tasks for carrying out earthquake disaster management in Pakistan. Accordingly, Ministry of Housing & Works in collaboration with NESPAK prepared realistic estimates of seismic hazard in different regions of the country based on which Building Code of Pakistan (Seismic Provisions) – 2007 has been formulated and approved by the Federal Cabinet for adoption through out Pakistan. The Minister said what is needed now is the effective implementation and enforcement of this Code and the Provincial governments have to launch the masses awareness programme in this regard, he said. All the organizations, like development authorities and Tehsil municipal administrations in the country have to work closely in their area to design and construct buildings that are earthquake-resistant. He observed that with dedicated efforts of experts, professionals, provincial and local governments, we will reach a stage where earthquakes do not cause disasters to the scale witnessed by us on October 08, 2005. The Minister said that this seminar would help the participants to exchange their expertise and ideas and formulate recommendations in this regard. Secretary Housing, Raja Muhammad Abbas said in order to ensure effective implementation/enforcement of building code of Pakistan – 2007 in all parts of the country, the Prime Minister and Ministry of Housing and Works had advised all the Provincial governments to create awareness of the urgency/importance of observing the guidelines/provisions of Pakistan building Code 2007 among architects builders, insurance companies and general public and also prepare effective mechanism for its implementation enforcement in letter and spirit. The National Housing Authority M/o. Housing & Works has organized this international seminar in collaboration with the National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) which is being attended by the experts, architects builders insurance companies of the public and private Sectors from home and abroad. DG, NHA Syed Turab Haider Zaidi in his welcome address highlighted the salient features of the seminar on implementation of building code. **MN/Ahmad**
Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa has said Information Technology facilities will be provided to the NWFP equal to the other provinces of the country. He also conceded to set up an IT Park in the province which will be inaugurated very soon. The Advisor to the Prime Minister, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa was talking to a 3- member delegation of NWFP government headed by Minister for Science Technology and Information Technology, Muhammad Ayub Khan called on him here on Tuesday. The Advisor also accepted the invitation extended by the provincial minister to attend the Inter-provincial Ministerial Conference to be held at Kalam very soon and observed this conference will send a positive message to the world that the area has been restored to peace and normalcy has turned. The delegation requested the Advisor that federal government has already started to establish basic IT Infrastructure Setup through Universal Services Fund in the province but it has ignored the Malakand region, which should be included on priority basis. After the IT Infrastructure Setup is established in the province the NWFP IT department will facilitate and provide the different IT based services in the region including computerization of judicial, police system and computerization of other departments as especially recommended by the Federal Cabinet for good Governance Plan, the delegation informed the Advisor. The delegation also told that education system in the NWFP has been completely collapsed due to worst terrorism activities and there is an urgent need for rehabilitation in ICT-education sector. “A separate project for 5000 University students of Malakand region should be launched through ICT Research and Development Fund, the delegation demanded. The delegation also demanded the re-initiation of Computer Labs Project in Government Schools in the province, which was started by Pakistan Computer Bureau and abandoned later on. The delegation informed the Advisor that NWFP Government has taken an initiative through establishment of IT Excellent Center in Peshawar for capacity building of unemployed IT graduates and demanded for complete sponsorship to advance the scope of the project. The Advisor to PM assured the delegation to help the provincial government to meet the challenges in different areas where communication system, infrastructure and other sectors have been badly hit by terrorism. Member Information Technology, Tariq Badshah, Member Telecom, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhatti, Secretary Ministry of Science Technology and Information Technology, NWFP, Amjid Shahid Afridi also attended the meeting. **MA/Ahmad**
Federal minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that the government is open to introduce the latest agriculture technologies for the treatment of the brackish underground water in certain areas of the country. The minister was holding a meeting with the delegates of Magnetic Technologies (UAE), here at Islamabad. Mr. Gondal urged that there is about 6 million of saline land available in Pakistan. He added that making such a huge amount of land cultivable would definitely bring about a very positive change in the agricultural sector of the country. The minister urged the visiting delegates to provide at least two devices for testing purposes so that the results are observed before entering into any deal with the company. The company claims that Magnetic Technologies Corner (MTC) of Dubai, UAE is presently operative in more than 25 countries in the world. MTC Magnetic Solutions (MMS) unit is an inline device designed to pass water through a magnetic field of high gauss strength. Magnetic treatment of water elevates the pH that has the effect of reducing corrosion tendencies. MMS changes around 18 properties of water, thus making it active and potent to ensure improvement in productivity and efficiency. The minister added that the economy of the country is directly related to agriculture and no progress is possible without development in the agricultural sector. He said if the results of the testing units are productive, the government would promote the technology by even providing subsidy to the farmers. He also directed the technical experts to make suggestions after evaluating the results of the units. The visiting delegation included CEO of the company Junaid Khouri, Director International Operations Farid Uddin and Sales Manager Ibtisam. Secretary, Additional Secretaries and other officials of the ministry also attended the meeting. **MS/Ahmad**
PR No. 68 President Asif Ali Zardari is the first President in the history of the country who willingly and voluntarily parted with his powers to strengthen the Parliament. This was stated by the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek in a reception hosted by him in the honour of Constitutional Reforms Committee here today. “During his very fist address to the Joint Session of the Parliament, the President had urged the Prime Minister and the Speaker to form a Parliamentary Committee to purge the Constitution of 1973 of amendments brought in by the dictators to restore its original and pure form. President Asif Ali Zardari again urged the Parliament to accelerate the work of constitutional reforms in his second address to the Joint Session of the Parliament. Thank God, the constitutional reforms package has already been introduced in the form of 18th Amendment in the Parliament before his third address to the Joint Session”, Farooq H. Naek said. Chairman Senate also said that 18th Amendment would be a consensus document after 1973 Constitution which is exactly in line with the vision and programme of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he added. Farooq H. Naek also lauded the efforts of Mian Raza Rabbani and each Member of the Committee who made this historic document possible by rising above the party affiliations and political interests to ensure the sovereignty of people of Pakistan through their representative Parliament. Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Constitutional Reforms Committee, also spoke on the occasion and thanked each and every Member of the Committee for their commitment and hard work
. PR
No. 69 “President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has fulfilled all his promises to the nation and has honored his pledge to restore the supremacy of Parliament”, says Minister of State for Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. Mehreen Anwar Raja while talking to the media, here today. She said strengthening parliament has been the corner stone of our political philosophy. 18th Amendment would restore provincial rights. Parliamentary sovereignty and would serve the cause of democracy. Furthermore, she expressed that we believe in reconciliation and not confrontation and the Government will cope up with all the problems in a befitting manner.
PR No. 70 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that usage of polythene bags has to stop for vast interest of society. He further said that all segments of society have to play their due role to establish clean and healthy environment of the country. He expressed these views while chairing a meeting with Polythene Bags Manufactures/Users for promotion of degradable polythene shopping bags here today. Environment Minister said that imposing ban on production and marketing of Polythene bags is not the only solution of the issue. He said that approximately 800,000 people are depending on this industry in Pakistan. We don’t want to un-employ the people who are engaged with this industry, however, we desire to come on a point with consultation of all stakeholders so that an environment friendly initiative may be taken. He told that government has included a subject in syllabus about environment up-to intermediate level. Moreover, Green Clubs and Journalists Environmental Forum have been also established. Likewise, Green Journalist Award has also been initiated, Afridi told. He also said that Ministry of Environment is also focusing on awareness campaigns with involvement of media regarding environmental issues. Different tree plantation campaigns are also being launched with participation of students, NGOs, other organizations and general public, he added. Mr. Afridi told that Ministry of Environment has taken their matter with FBR to give relief by reducing custom duty from 6 to 0%. President Secretariat also instructed FBR to consider reduction of duty in next budget 2010-11. He told that government is initiating recommendations for zero rating tax on wood and CNG busses as well. He said that Ministry of Environment has limited resources, yet, all possible resources would be utilized to manage environment related issues. He said that provincial governments have also to play their due role in this regard. Minister said that polythene bags are harmful for environment. He said that in urban areas about 55 billion bags are consumed each year in the country. It takes hundreds of years for Polythene bags to break down. The Polythene bag produces harmful gases. He said that other hazards are choking of underground sanitation systems and nallahs that eventually caused surface accumulation of waste water and create health issues. It also degrades soil fertility and reduces the growth of plants. Minister for Environment urged that in light of these facts mutual cooperation and coordination of all stakeholders, manufacturers and Users is need of the time. Afridi said that government wants a clean, green and pollution free Pakistan. It was also observed during the meeting that these industries have no proper registration with the concerned departments or membership with Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Moreover, Polythene Bags Manufacturers Association exists in the big cities but they don’t have membership of all the production units. During the meeting it was decided that all products of the Polythene Bags Manufacturers would be submitted in concerned department of Ministry of Environment. These samples would be sent for examination in different laboratories. Final decisions including legislation and standards would be made in light of results, with consultation of all stakeholders, manufacturers and Users of Polythene Bags. Earlier, Asif Shuja Khan, Director General Pak EPA gives presentation on introduction of degradable Polythene bags. Mr. Kafeel Sheikh, CEO K Group of Companies gave presentation on OXo-Bio degradable Polythene Technology. Dr. Munir Qayyum, CE Agri Packaging (Pvt) Ltd also give presentation on Photodegradable Polythene Technology. On this occasion Mr. Hilal Zafar Mir, Sr. Marketing Executive, McDonald’s, Mr. Rehan Afzal, Project Manager, Utility Stores Cooperation of Pakistan, Mr. Simon Kim, Good Neighbor Corporation, etc Mr. Jawed Ali Khan, Director General (Env) and other officials of Ministry of Environment were present.
PR
No. 71 Federal Cabinet in a special meeting, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here today, unanimously approved the proposed 18th Amendment Bill 2010 as placed before both the Houses of the Parliament by the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2010 will strengthen the federation and democracy. He further said that the Bill would serve as a landmark in the constitutional history of the country and that the people would long remember this achievement of their elected representatives. Earlier, Mr. Raza Rabbani, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms explained salient features of the Bill. He said that it was a unique piece of legislation in many ways. The most important feature is that an incumbent President himself has given away his powers to the Parliament and the people of Pakistan. Moreover, the Bill will seek to repeal LFO as well as 17th Amendment which were the symbols of dictatorial regime. He further said that the passage of the Bill will take the nation back to original Constitution of 1973. This legislation has enjoyed maximum wider consensus of political parties on the issue of provincial autonomy. He informed the Cabinet that the Federal Government will set up a committee to oversee the implementation and to provide guidance in framing the rules that shall be required for implementation of the provisions of the Bill.
P.R.
No. 72 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed for integration of prompt healthcare services in the disaster management strategy in order to provide prompt medical care to the disaster stricken people. She said that it was imperative to make the hospital safe heavens for disaster stricken people instead of becoming disaster zones themselves. She said this in her message on the World Health Day, being observed tomorrow. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that this day serves us an opportunity as a wakeup call for nations to be fully prepared for the emergencies. She said that when disaster strikes, well-prepared and functioning medical services are necessary in order to provide medical care to effectees. She said that disasters and natural calamities can take a terrible toll on human life and too can outbreak infectious disease. In case of any eventuality hospitals, clinics and other health facilities must react swiftly and efficiently. In case of their un-preparedness, these facilities instead of being safe havens could become disaster zones themselves. The Speaker National Assembly called upon the national and international Health Care Organizations, civil society organizations and individuals to join hands and collectively make health establishments in the country safe in wake of the law and order satiation in the country. She commended the role of United Nations, world Health Organization, national and international health partners for facilitating the government in organizing relief and rehabilitation work during the devastating Earthquake of 2005, 2008 and other human catastrophes. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the government was well cognizant of the fact and was giving due priority to the healthcare sector in the country. She said that government was intending to allocated substantial funds in the budget for the year 2009-2010 for providing hospitals with necessary equipments, medicines and paramedical staff to meet the special needs of the vulnerable population in the country especially in the rural.
P.R. No. 73 Meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was held under the Chairpersonship of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, in the Parliament House today. The meeting discussed the agenda and ways to run the proceedings of 21st session of the National Assembly. The Representatives of all the parliamentary parties gave their proposals regarding business in the House. It was decided that the current NA Session will continue till the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill. The meeting also decided that the Constitutional Amendment Bill will be formally moved in the National Assembly today and general discussion on the bill will continue till tomorrow. It was further decided that the House will take up the Bill, clause by clause from Thursday, onwards. The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, MNAs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Dr. Tahir Fazal Chaudhry, Ms. Jamila Gillani, Engr Shaukat Ullah, Dr. Abdul Qadir Khanzada, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur and Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada.
P.R.
No. 74 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the unity among political forces to chalk out a course for better future through 18th amendment bill is a victory for the will of the people. He was talking to a group of Parliamentarians who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon. The nation will see progress and prosperity through this unity of efforts and commitment by the political leadership. The Parliamentarians assured the Prime Minister complete support and expressed the confidence that the Bill would bring about political stability. The Parliamentarians included federal Minister for Population Welfare, Ms. Firdos Ashiq Awan, Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mr. Babar Khan Ghauri, Minister for Defense Production, Mr. Abdul Qayum Jatoi, MoS Information, Syed Samasam Bokhari, MoS, Ports and Shipping, Mr. Nabeel Gabol, Parliamentry Secretary Information, Mr. Azeem Daultana, MNAs, Ms. Sherry Rehman, Mr. Sher Muhammad Baloch and Mr. Muhammad Kamran Khan.
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