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PR.No.76. Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that depletion of the ozone layer is a cause of gave concern for the entire world as it is a potential threat to the sustained life on earth. He said that the Government of Pakistan is fully conscious of the threats posed due to depletion of ozone layer and is committed to fulfill its international obligations to overcome this challenge. He expressed these views while addressing a seminar organized by the Ministry of Environment, here today to commemorate the achievements made through the historic Montreal Protocol. The seminar, among others, was also attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Mr. Arif Allauddin, Country Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait and representatives from the relevant sectors. The Minister said that the problems of ozone depletion have emanated as a result of years of rapid industrial growth without adequate safeguards for the environment. He said that the Ministry of Environment is making all out efforts to address the challenges of environmental degradation, however, the government alone cannot accomplish this task without active participation of the general public and stakeholders. The minister said that environmental problems are no longer confined to the countries which may have been primarily responsible for causing them. Their affects are far reaching as they transcend all borders and boundaries without any discrimination between the developed and the developing world. The Minister said that it is heartening that the Parties to the Montreal Protocol have collectively phased out 95% of ozone depleting substances the World over and the remaining 5% will be phased out by 1st January, 2010 which is the deadline under the provision of the Protocol. Speaking on the occasion, the Assistant Resident Rep. Mr. Arif Allaudin appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Environment for its vision and efforts to mitigate the affects of ozone depletion. He assured that UNDP would continue to support the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to face out ozone depleting substances and congratulated on signing of the extension of Montreal Protocol Project for next phase. Country Representative, UNIDO, Ms. Shadia Yousif Bakhait said that Pakistan has made remarkable achievements and progress for phasing out the use and consumption of ozone depleting substances in the country. UNEP has awarded Montreal Protocol Certificate of Recognition to the Government and National Ozone Office of Pakistan for its contribution towards the global efforts to protect the ozone layer. It is pertinent to mention that one of the most serious health affects of the over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet-B radiation due to fragile ozone layer is skin cancer. Currently, 66,000 deaths have been estimated annually from skin cancer. Every year, around 130,000 new cases cancer are diagnosed. Children are at particular risk from the conditions related to over-exposure to UV-B radiation. Furthermore, recent scientific research also indicates that UV radiation is much more damaging to the eye and vision than it was suspected earlier. Globally, in 2006, more than 161 million people were visually impaired, of whom, 124 million had low vision and 37 million were blind – with cataract as major cause. In view of the serious threats to life on earth, 191 countries of the world have joined together by signing the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and are committed to phase out the use of various Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to ensure sustained life on the earth planet. Pakistan signed the Protocol in 1992 and has significantly contributed in the international efforts to make the world ozone friendly. It is worth mentioning that the Montreal Protocol controls are expected to prevent about 2.5 million cases of skin cancer and 129 million cases of cataract by 2050.
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PR.No.77. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan’s defence doctrine is based on maintaining minimum credible deterrence for safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country while ensuring peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief of Air Staff; Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmad who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that in order to strengthen the defence of aerial frontiers of the country, the government would continue to focus upon improving its indigenous capabilities as well as entering into more joint ventures with other countries to ensure provision of latest equipment for PAF. He said the government would provide all necessary resources for the upgradation of PAF’s professional capabilities. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has always played an important role in the defence of the country, in addition to rendering support to civil administration in relief and rehabilitation efforts during natural calamities. Air Chief Marshal Tanveer Mehmood apprised the Prime Minister about various initiatives taken by the PAF to optimize its effectiveness and efficiency. He also apprised the Prime Minister about the ongoing up-graduation and modernization initiatives. **AZC**
PR.No.78. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is committed to redressing the grievances of the people of Balochistan and reiterated that steps are being taken in this direction to improve the situation. The Prime Minister said this during a meeting with the Governor Balochistan, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and Chief Minister, Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raeesani who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that a new strategy is being formulated in consultation with representatives of the provincial government for dealing with the issue of law and order in the province. The objective, he said, is to bring all the people under the mainstream of national activities in the spirit of reconciliation. The political forces in the province, he said, will have to play a significant role in this regard as it would improve the security and protection of the citizens. The Governor and Chief Minister Balochistan, besides law and order, also briefed the Prime Minister about the supply situation of wheat and Atta in Balochistan. The government’s decision of providing 100,000 tons of additional wheat to the province for meeting its requirements was also appreciated by the entire population of the province. The Prime Minister said that the government is keeping a close watch on the wheat situation all over the country and would provide more wheat to Balochistan, if required. He directed that provincial government in coordination with law enforcement agencies should take steps for controlling smuggling of wheat across the border. **AZC**
PR.No.79. A detailed security briefing was given on Balochistan to the Prime Minister by the army. This was sequel to an earlier briefing given on FATA’s security situation on April 2, 2008. The army presented a full spectrum security analysis of the situation including efforts undertaken to stabilize situation in Balochistan. Chief of Army Staff underlined the significance of development works initiated by the Government with the assistance of the Army and Frontier Corps to improve upon the living conditions of the people in the Province. The Prime Minister thanked the Army Chief for a comprehensive presentation and emphasized the need to synergize the efforts of all elements of national power towards attainment of peace and progress in Balochistan; through a comprehensive strategy based on political engagement, economic development and use of minimum force if at all required. The meeting was also attended by the Governor Balochistan, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Chief Minister, Balochistan, Nawab Aslam Raeesani, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Secretary Interior, IG Balochistan and other senior officials. **AZC**
PR.No.80. The Advisor on Interior to the Prime Minister Mr. A. Rehman Malik has taken a serious notice of the complaints from general public against the behavior of the law enforcement agencies officials. These complaints have persisted for a very long time and in order to rectify them, it is decided to establish a “Public Behaviour Section” in all training centers of law enforcement agencies including police. The purpose of this section would be to train law enforcement officers in using polite language and showing courtesy whenever dealing with any common man in offices and especially in police stations. The officials and staff of all police stations should also be trained in handling of the accused. The brutality, sometimes demonstrated in police stations creates more criminals, rather than nab criminals. The output of the trained staff in public behaviour should also be monitored to find out efficacy of the system. Polite but firm handling should be rewarded. So therefore the Adviser/Minister Mr. A. Rehman Malik has desired compliance of following directives:- The practice of detaining people in police custody without legal formalities should be abandoned forthwith. This practice has been continued for a long time with negative fallouts. Entry into private premises by police and law enforcement agencies personnel should be done only when accompanied by a Magistrate or warrant of arrest/warrant of search. Even while in company of the Magistrate, courtesy and politeness should be shown to the owners of premises. While dealing with the general public politeness and courtesy should be demonstrated all the time. Any violation of the above directives will render the SHO and police officer concerned liable for severe disciplinary action. A polite language and attitude towards public is to be adopted in the offices as well as in the sites like roads and public places etc. Also the Officers/staff of all Police Stations are being taught that how the public is to be handled respectfully and how the culprits/accused is to be dealt. The staff getting the training should act in their fields very decently. **MM/AZC**
PR.No.81. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that all the provincial governments and other concerned organizations should be taken on board and consulted on the report of the National Commission for Government Reforms. Accordingly, he added, the recommendations would be debated in the National Assembly so as to achieve the desired result of good governance and better delivery of services to the common man. The Prime Minister said while chairing a high level meeting in which Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Chairman of the National Commission for Government Reforms presented the interim report along with recommendations, here at the Prime Minister’s House today. The Prime Minister said that reforms in any sector need to target the common people who should benefit from the change. Redressing the grievances and minimizing the difficulties of the people is our ultimate goal which needs to be kept in view while formulating these reforms, he added. The Prime Minister also underlined the need of changing the Thana culture by making it people-friendly with focus on resolving the problems of the people. He said that the government is promoting e-government system for ensuring fast delivery of government business and restoring people’s confidence on the elected government in addition to ensuring general public’s access to information. While talking on provincial autonomy, the Prime Minister said that he has already announced the abolition of concurrent list within one year and expressed the confidence that this would lead towards resolving the problems of the people at the local level. The Prime Minister also called for the inclusion of jail reforms in the report for addressing the problems being confronted by the inmates. He also underlined the need for the replacement of centuries old Patwari system by using modern technology and learning from the experiences of the developed world aimed at facilitating the masses and eradicating corruption. The Prime Minister said that the government is also focusing on improving the social services across the country and would extend all possible resources for the provision of education and health to the people. The reforms, he said, also need to focus on better management of the social sector both administratively and professionally. Earlier, in his presentation, Dr. Ishrat Hussain briefed the Prime Minister about the salient features and recommendations of the report. The interim report presented to the Prime Minister claimed that it would bring change in governance besides improving the efficiency of the government servants towards resolving people’s problems. The Prime Minister in his remarks said that since parliament is the supreme forum for making policy decisions, therefore, the report should be thoroughly deliberated upon in the National Assembly after due consultation with all the four provinces. The final approval of the recommendations, he added, would later be given by the Federal Cabinet. **AZC**
PR.No.82. Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour has said that the present Government would follow welfare-oriented policies and work for the betterment of the employees of Local Government and general public in the country. He was talking to a 5-member delegation of All Pakistan Local Government Workers Federation led by its Central President, Malik Muhammad HaseebKhan, which called on him in his office here today. The Federal Minister said that the Government would take all necessary measures to provide social protection and make all out efforts to revamp the service structure of the local bodies employees. Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour told the delegation that he will hold a meeting with Prime Minister and discuss all the matters regarding welfare of the workers and employees of Local Government throughout the country. The Minister said that all the institutions of the local government should be self-sufficient. He appreciated Octroi tax and said that it is useful for revenue generation. The Minister assured the delegation of his full cooperation. Earlier, the delegation apprized the Minister for review of their salaries and pension and other related privileges. The delegation welcomed the decision of the Prime Minister to abolish National Industrial Ordinance, 2002. FK/ank
PR.No.83. The Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that government is committed to providing an enabling environment for the accelerated growth of IT Human Resource and industry. Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira was talking to Mr. Humayun Bashir, the Country General Manager of International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation who called on him at his chamber in the parliament house here today. Enumerating various initiatives taken by IBM the CGM said that IBM has been doing business in Pakistan directly or in collaboration with some ten different partners since its inception 56 years ago. He said that it was IBM that set up the first IT Centre in Larkana which was a direct initiative of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed back in 1993 -94. IBM has invested USD 0.8 Million in a one Million dollar total investment of setting up a Linux Lab at NUST (National University of Science and Technology Rawalpindi).IBM has embarked upon yet another initiative of facilitating early learning for pre-school children under its “Kids Smart Initiative” by providing modular furniture with embedded computers in attractive colors in several schools in Sindh. It was IBM which brought in specialist Trauma doctors from Harvard Medical School USA to train a large pool of Pakistani Doctors in effective trauma management. Mr. Kaira appreciated IBM’S efforts and offered all possible support in furthering such initiatives. He reiterated that the ways and means of accelerating further growth in industry ,if deemed necessary will be taken up with the concerned offices at the highest levels. Asifur Rehman/ank
PR.No.84. Ambassador of Argentina to Pakistan , H.E Rodolfo Martin Saravia called on Federal Minister for Water and Power and Tourism, Raja Pervez Ashraf here today and discussed matters of mutual interest especially investment possibilities in water, power and tourism sectors to further strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. The Minister welcomed the Ambassador and informed about the current energy situation of Pakistan . He said that the new political government of Pakistan is fully determined to facilitate the foreign investors and remove all bottlenecks to promote investment in the water and power sector. He said that today Pakistan is facing great challenges especially in power sector and need about 4000 to 6000 MW additional power per day to meet the growing demand of electricity. He said that the country is now focusing on hydel and coal power generation and run of river projects. The power sector in Pakistan has great potential and the investment in this sector will be welcomed. The Ambassador said that they were aware of the energy crisis world over and informed the Minister that his country had great experience in hydel and thermal power generation particularly in construction of dams and offered that his government would provide any possible assistance to Pakistan in this regard. He also offered to invest in the Basha Dam and technical expertise for dam. He also said that the Argentinean investors are also keen in power projects in Chitral and NWFP. The envoy said that they are also looking possibilities of investment in the areas near Basha dam in tourism point of view. The developed area with all facilities near the dam, Chitral and other beautiful sites will attract the tourist from all over the world. The envoy invited the Minister to visit Argentina to meet the investors and discuss with them the potential investment sectors who are keen to put their money in Pakistan . The Minister appreciated the interest of the Argentina in the Basha dam and in the tourism sector. He said that their proposal will be welcomed and stated that all the required information will be provided and assured to extend full cooperation in this regard. While discussing the tourism sector, he said that the government is planning to take effective measures to promote tourism in the country and there is proposal to set up budgeted hotels and motels in the potential sites for the tourists. He said that joint ventures projects to promote tourism will also be welcomed. He said that a plan is also being chalked out to arrange a Day Tour with diplomats and investors to apprise them about the tourism potential in Pakistan . AJM/ank
PR.No.85. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is paying special attention to the development of underdeveloped areas of the country and is taking steps for the provision of basic necessities of life to the people. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a group of Senators belonging to JUI representing all the four provinces which called on him at the PM’s House this evening. The Prime Minister said the country is facing power shortage and other problems because of the delayed policy decisions of the previous government. He said the government is taking both long and short term measures for meeting these crises. He said the government believes in the policy of national reconciliation in order to confront the challenges which the nation is currently facing. The Senators congratulated the Prime Minister on obtaining the unanimous vote of confidence of the National Assembly. They apprised the Prime Minister of various matters relating to their areas particularly the construction of roads and provision of gas and clean drinking water. They thanked the Prime Minister for providing additional funds worth Rs. 10 million to each Senator and said that this will help improve the provision of basic facilities of life and infrastructure development in all parts of the country. Mr. Raza Rabbani, Leader of the House in Senate also attended the meeting. DSG/ank
PR.No.86. The Canadian High Commissioner David B. Collins called on Madam Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza in the Parliament House, today. Talking to the Ambassador Madam Speaker said that Pakistan values high its relations with Canada and desires to further strengthen it. Madam Speaker said that in Pakistan the real democracy has been restored after a prolong struggle and needed to be supported by all the progressive and democratic countries of the world. She said that the new Parliament was representing the progressive forces in the country that shows the majority of our country’s population was progressive, liberal and tolerant. She said that the unopposed election of Prime Minister, the election of the Speaker with big majority, appointment of the Leader of the Opposition within a month time and the timely formation of the N.A Standing Committees evinced the desire of the parliamentarian for strengthening democratic institutions and it also gave a very positive message to the people. She said that people were having great expectations from the new Parliament and it was committed to fulfill their expectations. The Speaker apprised the Ambassador that the coalition Government followed the policy of reconciliation and was taking all the political forces along with it. The Speaker said that poverty, illiteracy and unemployment were the major problems, the people of the country were confronting. She said that enhanced cooperation with friendly countries like Canada in the economic field will help Pakistan in its programme relating to poverty alleviation and jobs provision. She appreciated the assistance by Canada given for the development in various sectors, specially during the earthquake of Oct, 2005. The Speaker also apprised the Ambassador about the working of Parliament and its Standing Committees. H.E. David B. Collins assured the Madam Speaker of his government’s economic assistance and support for strengthening democracy in Pakistan. He expressed his desire for the new parliament to complete its constitutional tenure. He also congratulated Madam Speaker for her election as first women speaker of Pakistan and Muslim World. The Ambassador of Iran Mashallah Shakri also called on the Speaker, in the Parliament House today. Talking to the Ambassador the Speaker said that Pakistan values high its relations with Iran and both the countries have unanimity of views on all regional and global issues. The Speaker said that relations between the two fraternal countries were based on the strong bonds of religion, history and common cultural heritage. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Muslim world was confronting great challenges which could be faced successfully through forging unity amongst the Muslim countries. She underlined the need for strengthening and enhanced role of the OIC. The Speaker said that greater exchange of Parliamentary delegations was necessary to further strengthening relations between Iran and Pakistan. She also stressed the need for enhanced exchange businessmen, intellectuals and students delegations for increasing people to people contact. She said that it was encouraging that both the countries were aspiring for other to prosper and progress. The Speaker said that energy shortage was the main problem confronting the new government and expressed optimism that the mega gas pipelines project between Pakistan, Iran and India will bring prosperity in the region. She also underlined the need for early convening of the meeting of the Ministerial Joint Economic Committee for increasing the volume of the trade between the two coutries. The Ambassador of Iran H.E. Mashallah Shakri said that enhanced cooperation between Iran and Pakistan will have greater impact on unity and solidarity of Islamic world. He said that Pakistan was a brotherly muslim country and Iran has always supported it on all regional and international forums. “Pakistan’s strength was Iran’s strength”, he said. The Ambassador congratulated Madam Speaker on her election as the first women Speaker of Pakistan and Islamic World and extended her, invitation to visit Iran. MT/wh
PR.No.87. Ms Sherry Rehman, Federal Minister for health, information and broadcasting ,has directed the ministry of Health to revisit the National Program for Prevention And Control Of Hepatitis In Pakistan by shifting the paradigm and focusing more on the expansion of treatment facilities to the deserving patients. She said this while addressing the follow up briefing after the inquiry she had ordered a few days back. The inquiry was ordered by the minister after the appearance of some reports in the newspapers about some flaws in the programme. The Minister was informed by the National Program Manager, Dr. Sharif Ahmad Khan that estimated prevalence of Hepatitis B and C is 3-4% (6 million infections) and 5-6(7.5 million infections) respectively. However, a comprehensive survey in this regard has just been concluded by the Ministry of Health and its results will be made public very soon. This is a first survey of its kind in Asia. She was further told that all distinct five types of hepatitis viruses from A to E are prevalent in the country. But the overall social and economic impact of chronic hepatitis B and C are devastating. The performance of the National Program for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis was also presented. The program was launched in august 2005 .It has two aspects of prevention and treatment. Since its launch around 23,000 patients have been treated and 2, 85,630 have been vaccinated under this programme. The Minister said that the scope of this programme needs to be expanded and with the help of Provincial and District governments qualified pathologists and physicians will be appointed in all district headquarter hospitals. Logistic and human resource system, particularly cold chain arrangements for the vaccines will be improved .she also appealed the donors, philanthropists and civil society organisations to come forward and help the government in this cause. EW/wh
PR.No.88. The Federal Minister for Education Professor Ahsan Iqbal participated in a Conference of the Ministers of Education and Culture Affairs of the Lander (provinces) in the Federal Public of Germany in Bonn. The Conference was organized to discuss German Education System and the roles and powers of the states (provinces) and the Federal Ministry. A special presentation was given on the different streams leading to different educational carriers i.e. vocational, middle level professional and tertiary educations existing in Germany. The conference also focused on over all German School System, administration and roles/powers of the different levels, quality management, quality assurance, curriculum development and inter-state coordination. The Minister met with Mr. Kurt Schmitz Temming, Vice Managing Director of Rihne-Sieg Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bonn, Germany. During the meeting special presentation was given to the Minister on German technical and vocational education system and the role played by Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Minister also visited Hardtberg Gymnasium (Grammar School for Grade 5 to 12 for talented students) where the Principal of the School briefed him about administration, staffing, teaching material, involvement of parents, library and computer equipment. Later the Minister visited a primary school (Grade 1 – 4) where he was briefed about the administration, staffing, learning material, and involvement of parents in the learning process of the Children in the German system. AR/wh
PR.No.89. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani directed for the despatch of relief goods and Field Hospital for cyclone affectees of Myanmar. Two C-130 with relief goods containing tents, plastic sheets, adequate medicines and water purification tablets etc will be dispatched by Sunday morning and thirty bedded Army Field Hospital will be ready to be dispatched by Monday morning. National Disaster Management Authority is coordinating its move and dispatch as per Prime Minister Order. NS/wh |
