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No. 119 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the government has been pursuing a policy of reconciliation and consultation with all the political forces to evolve consensus policies to address issues of national importance. He observed that confrontation in political arena only harms larger public interests; therefore, Pakistan Peoples Party government is determined to take along coalition partners as well as the opposition on board while taking decisions on major issues. Talking to Syeda Abida Hussain who called on him at PM’s House this morning, the Prime Minister urged upon all the veteran politicians to play an active role in promotion of democratic values and culture in the country. Syeda Abida Hussain appreciated the Prime Minister’s positive role in building understanding with the coalition partners and opposition parties. She also discussed party matters during the meeting.
PR No. 120 The meeting of Zonal/District Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for sighting the crescent of Rabi-ul-Awal 1431 Hijri will be held on Sunday the 14th February 2010 (29th Safar 1431 Hijri) in the evening at their respective Headquarters. Chairman, Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will chair the meeting of Sindh Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee at Pakistan Meteorological Department, Camp Office Met Complex, Main University Road, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Karachi whereas the other members of Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will join the meetings of their respective provincial/District Committee. The Zonal Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, ICT will hold its meeting in the Building of Ministry of Religious Affairs, Near GPO, Islamabad. All information about the position of crescent will be conveyed to the Chairman,Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Cell # 0300-9285203, for final announcement on T.V and Radio. The Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will announce the decision of crescent sighting on the basis of information received to this end.
PR No. 121 “United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will provide 2.75 million US dollars for Population Welfare Programmes during 2010”, says Federal Minister for Population Welfare Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan here today after the signing ceremony between Ministry of Population Welfare and UNFPA. The country representative of UNFPA Mr. Daniel B. Baker and Mr. Nayyar Agha, Secretary, Ministry of Population Welfare signed the Annual Work Plan 2010 which is in line with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) objectives. Dr. Firdous thanked the country representative of UNFPA for their continuous efforts and revealed that the fund will be utilized for implementation of Reproductive Health and Family Planning Activities during 2010 throughout Pakistan. She also said that the major activities of Annual Plan 2010 include; training, integrated quality Primary Health Care/ Reproductive Health/ Family Planning services through Mobile Service Units in remote areas, advocacy and community awareness, procurement of contraceptives, improved management system for programme delivery, support to demographic and population studies and support for Public Private Sector Organizations (PPSO) on population and development issues. The activities of the said plan would be jointly implemented by Ministry of Population Welfare/ Provincial Population Welfare Departments and UNFPA at federal, provincial and district levels, she further added.
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No. 122 Federal Minister for Population Welfare Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan inaugurated the “Resource Centre” here today in the Ministry of Population Welfare “F” Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad. The purpose of opening up this Resource Centre is to save the money and to hold/ conduct all seminars, conferences/ workshops and activities relating to Population Welfare Programmes here in the Ministry of Population Welfare.
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No. 123 The signing Ceremony of Articles of Agreement for establishment of ECO reinsurance Company was held today. The Ceremony was attended by the delegates representing Iran, Pakistan and Turkey. The authorized delegates H.E. Mr. Dr. Javad Farshbaf Maherian from Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Ayaz Hussain M. Gad, Executive Director, Pakistan Reinsurance Company Limited and H.E Mr. Mustafa Babur Hizlan, the Ambassador of Republic of Turkey to Pakistan signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments. Mr. Zafar Mahmood, Secretary Commerce inaugurated the Ceremony. In his welcome address, the Secretary Commerce, underscored the need for intensifying cooperation among the ECO member states in areas of insurance, banking and finance. The Secretary Commerce hoped that the Company will fulfill the aims and goals of serving the insurance sectors of the ECO Region. It will on the one hand decrease the outflow of Reinsurance Business from the ECO Region and on the other hand under the present environment of liberalization will enhance the Reinsurance Business beyond the ECO Region. The three countries had concluded establishment of “ECO Reinsurance Company” in May 2007. After having completed the internal procedures by the three founding members of ECO, the draft Articles of Agreement for establishment of the Company to be headquartered in Karachi, Pakistan were signed in the ceremony. The Company may initially establish liaison offices in Iran, Turkey and then in other countries in accordance with decision of the Board. The ECO Reinsurance Company shall supplement the existing reinsurance services; promote growth of the underwriting and retention capacities and support the economic development in the region. SH/wh
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No. 124 Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has said that it was the prime duty of Ulemas to come forward for unity of the nation for promotion of inter-faith harmony in the country. He said that today country was passing through a critical situation, adding that Ulema has a vital role to shelve their differences for restoration of peace. He was of the view that his Ministry would play positive role without any discrimination and avoid any biased attitude toward any sect in the country. He said this while talking to a 20-members delegation of Ulemas led by Fazal Jamil Rizvi, president of Tanzeem-ul-Madaris Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan NWFP here today. The Minister said that Islam teaches peace and tolerance, adding that this lesson was spread by all Mystics all over the world. He stressed Ulemas to convey this message to the people in order to discourage extremism for restoration of peace in the society. The leader of Ulema’s delegation Fazal Jamil Rizvi presented some demands to the minister. He demanded regular inclusion of Ulemas of his organization in the Annual Seerat Conference, Ruet-e-Hilal Committees and membership in Council of Islamic Ideology as well as reward to position holders of the students of his organization, and release of Prime Minister’s special funds to the madaris, working under his organization. Minister listened his demands patiently and assured the delegation that their genuine demands would be resolved. He informed the delegation about the government policy and said that his ministry will follow the policy, laid down for the enlistment of members in Council of Islamic Ideology and Ruet-e-Hilal Committees and added that every group or sect would be provided its due share in these organizations as per policy. He also extended his support to forward Ministry’s recommendations for release of Prime Minister special fund to the seminaries, under the control of his organization. The delegation thanked the Minister for extending his support and cooperation in this regard. AJM/wh
Kashmiri leaders from UK, EU called on Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo at his office on Wednesday. Raja Najabat Hussain, Chariman Jammu Kashmir Self Determination Movement (UK/Europe), Salar Ahmad Chisti, Muslim Conference (UK), Dr Z.U. Khan, Advisor to President AJK, Raja Husham Chattar, Chairman Youth wing JKSDM(UK) and Ch Mohammad Akram from UK met the Minister. The Kashmiri leaders invited the Minister to visit UK in support of Pakistani candidates in the May Elections of UK and the Minister accepted the invitation to visit UK. AZA/wh
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No. 126 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has condemned the bomb attack on Khasadar Force today at Jamrud in which a number of security personnel embraced martyrdom. He further said such cowardly act could neither demoralize the spirit of our brave security forces nor the Nation’s resolve to wipe out terrorism from our country. The Prime Minister directed the provincial government to provide best medically care to the injured and compensate the bereaved families who have lost their dear ones. While condoling with the bereaved families, the Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in paradise and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear this loss with equanimity. PMMO/wh
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No. 127 The Federal Cabinet met here today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. A presentation was made to the Cabinet by the Ministry of Finance on the Budget Strategy. The Cabinet was informed that In the past two years, Pakistan has weathered a threatening economic and fiscal situation characterized by declining rate of economic growth. But the Government has been successful in bringing under control fiscal deficit which stood close to 8% of GDP in 2007-08 to around 5% of GDP for 2009-10 budget. The fiscal policy shall continue to be driven by the strategy of reduction of overall fiscal deficit which will allow additional fiscal space to be utilized for the developmental spending in the medium to long term. Overall deficit of the national economy shall be reduced from existing -5.3% of GDP (as per revised budged estimates for 2009-10) to -2.3% of the GDP by 2012-13. The Cabinet approved indicative budget ceilings for recurrent and developmental budget. Indicative budget ceiling for current financial year includes Rs. 5,827 billion under total broad recurrent budget heads. Similarly, Rs. 6,226 billion, Rs. 6,410 billion and Rs. 6,666 billion are forecasted in the same heads for the years 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 respectively. Micro economic perspective of the economy was also presented. The main points are:- The 9-point agenda approved by the government last year while taking measures to improve macro-economic activities in the country presents higher spending priorities for social protection, energy, agriculture, health and education. The stock market has been generally upbeat. The external position is showing signs of improvement. The increased remittances and decrease in import bill have resulted in narrow current account deficit. However, increase in exports is a major challenge that needs to be addressed. The tax to GDP ratio is considerably less than required and is hampering public sector investment to spur growth. However, the Government will introduce Value-Added-Tax (VAT) from 1 July 2010 which is estimated to result in an increase of tax revenue by around 2.4% of GDP over the medium-term. The electricity supply and circular debt problem further exacerbated pressures on growth and debt management, however, this issue is currently being resolved. In order to strengthen fiscal discipline, improve allocation of scarce public resources in line with Government priorities and enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the use of public resources by federal ministries, the Cabinet approved Budget Strategy Paper 1 (2010-2013) prepared by the Finance Division. The Cabinet was apprised of the salient features of the Medium Term Budget which include are:- i. The Federal Government will continue the process of fiscal consolidation. The overall Fiscal Deficit for the Government (Federal + Provinces) is estimated at 4.2% of GDP (at market prices) for 2010-11 reducing to 2.3% of GDP (at market prices) by 2012-13. ii. Rigorous efforts are needed to increase FBR Revenue to GDP (at market prices) ratio from the current 9.3% to 12.1% by 2012-13). These efforts include revenue policy measures (e.g. introduction of VAT) and reform measures. iii. The National Finance Commission (NFC) Award has increased provincial share of revenue to 57.5% by 2012-13. This percentage excludes Straight Transfers and transfer to NWFP on account of war on terror. The Federal Government has also reduced the collection charges to 1% of tax revenue collected by the Federal Board of Revenue. iv. The interest on domestic and external debt will continue to absorb between 4.0% and 3.8% of GDP (at market prices) over the medium-term. v. The Grants for war on terror will also be increased to tackle the militancy. vi. The cost of running of the Federal Government will increase gradually. This excludes the effect of increase in pay / monetisation of allowances which may be recommended by the Pay and Pension Committee. However, austerity measures are being taken (including merging of Ministries) to contain this expenditure. vii. The Federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) will increase from 1.7% of GDP (revised budget 2009-10) to 2.3% of GDP by 2012-13. For the Provinces the PSDP will increase from the existing 1.3% of GDP (original budget 2009-10) to 2.0% of GDP by 2012-13. viii. The Constitutional Reforms Committee will present its finding in March 2010 related to constitutional amendments incorporating a list of functions that can be transferred to provinces. This will effect the federal recurrent and development budgets as some of the functions may be transferred to the provinces. ix. The government will provide relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction support to Internally Displaced Persons. x. The Benazir Income Support Programme will be further rolled out to target the poor and needy. xi. The Pay and Pension Committee will recommend measures to be adapted to reform pay and pensions of the Government personnel. However, till the recommendations, the Pensions and Running of the Federal Government budget is estimated to increase at the rate above the projected inflation rate.
x. Budget Management reforms are being initiated to increase medium-term fiscal space and improve efficiency and effectiveness in Government spending. The Secretary Food and Agriculture also made a presentation to the Cabinet on the wheat and sugar situation in the country. The Cabinet was informed that sufficient wheat reserves were available in the country to maintain food security. Despite delayed rains, the wheat production targets are not likely to cause much problem as there will not be much difference between the target and the wheat production due to the fact that the increase in wheat production in the irrigated areas would overcome the less production target in the barani areas. In addition, the wheat reserves already available would be more than enough to meet the requirements. The Cabinet was also informed that the policy of the government to increase wheat support price at Rs 950/- per 40/- kg has resulted in putting more areas under wheat cultivation and served as an incentive to the farmers. The Finance Minister informed the Cabinet that in view of the international prices of sugar and the past experience, the ECC of the Cabinet has already directed the TCP to import adequate stock of sugar to meet any eventuality. The Prime Minister took note of the satisfactory position of wheat and sugar stocks in the country and directed the Finance Minister to also devise a strategy to provide relief to the people in gas and electricity. The Cabinet ratified the decisions of the ECC meeting held on 26th January 2010. Cabinet granted approval, in principle, of the draft MoU between the National Defence University of Pakistan and Naseer Higher Military Academy Egypt in the field of Academic Research and Cooperative Activities. The Cabinet granted approval for initiation of negotiations for the revision of Convention between Pakistan and Libya for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. Keeping in view the changing circumstances and adoption of various new techniques and modalities by the drug mafia in the trafficking of narcotic drugs countrywide and transnationally / internationally, the Cabinet set up a Committee to suggest amendments in the proposed Control of Narcotics Act, 2009.” The Cabinet granted approval for initiating negotiations on the draft agreement on promotion and protection of investment between Kenya and Pakistan. Kenya is the regional hub for trade and finance in East Africa and the proposed agreement shall further strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for signing and ratification of Bilateral Investment Treat with Germany. It may be recalled that the first bilateral investment treaty of the world was signed between Pakistan and Germany after Second World War on 25th November 1959. To celebrate 50th anniversary of the first ever bilateral treaty in the world, the revised BIT was signed at Berlin on 1st December 2009 during the Prime Minister’s visit to Germany. In order to bring in line with present day best practices in collective welfare schemes for public sector employees such as group insurance and benevolent fund, the Cabinet approved draft Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2010 which shall be introduced in the Parliament. The Cabinet also directed the establishment Division to propose a comprehensive pension plan after having studied the Singapore model. The amendments will change the rates of subscription and grant towards Benevolent Fund so as to overcome likely financial difficulties of the Fund. The Cabinet also granted approval to amendments in the Articles of Agreement of International Monetary Fund (IMF). One amendment relates to reform of quotas and voice in the IMF based on variables such as GDP, openness, variability, and level of reserves. Second amendment relates to expansion of investment authority of the Fund to explore more predictable and suitable sources of income to finance the Fund’s diverse activities. The Cabinet was informed that the country would be able to come out of the IMF regime by the end of next financial year.
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No. 128 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan wants to maintain close friendly relations with USA and strengthen the strategic partnership in multidimensional sectors. The sentiments and expectations of the people of Pakistan, he added, need to be given due respect to help bridge the trust deficit and bring the people of both the countries closer. The Prime Minister was talking to the Ambassador of Pakistan in USA Mr. Hussain Haqqani who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here this afternoon. While appreciating the efforts of the Ambassador he stressed that efforts be made to improve the perceptions which influence the image of Pakistan among the people of USA. Earlier the Ambassador briefed the Prime Minister on progress with regards to reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund, the visa issues and the diplomatic/legal help extended to Dr. Afia Siddiqui during her trail. PMMO/wh
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No. 129 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Farooq Sattar, Minister for Ports and Shipping, Mr Babar Ghauri, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Environment Mr. Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Minister for Privatization Mr. Waqar Ahmed and Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Division Ms Hina Rabbani Khar called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s Secretariat here today and briefed him about the functioning of their respective Ministries. The Prime Minister said that the government accords high priority to ensure good governance in the Federal Ministries to achieve the goals and targets for the rapid socio-economic development in the country. PMMO/wh
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No. 130 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan and Iran enjoy excellent historic relations based on common religion, culture and heritage. The cooperation between the two countries is expanding in diverse fields with the passage of time to their mutual advantage. The Prime Minister expressed these views at a reception hosted by the Iranian Ambassador Mr. Mashallah Shakiri on the occasion of 31st Islamic Revolution Day of Iran. The Prime Minister said that Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project is in the process and all the agreements in this context are being finalized. He said that ECO Cargo train which has started recently among the three countries of Pakistan, Iran and Turkey would greatly boost the trade links and open up new vistas of cooperation in the region. The Prime Minister thanked the Iranian government for their multidimensional assistance in Balochistan. The Prime Minister conveyed his heartiest greetings and good wishes to the Iranian leadership and the people of Iran on the auspicious occasion of their National Day. On his arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly received by the Iranian Ambassador. The national anthems of both the countries were played by Iranian children and the Prime Minister also cut a cake to mark the celebrations. PMCO/wh NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH FEBRUARY, 2010
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No. 131 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, on their national day falling on February 11. In his message, the Prime Minister said that “on the auspicious occasion of the national day of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it gives me great pleasure to convey, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf our warmest felicitations and best wishes to Your Excellency, government and the fraternal people of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pakistan and Iran are bound together in the eternal bonds of history, culture and religion. It is my hope and determination to further strengthen these bonds through close and continued cooperation in diverse fields of the coming years. I take this opportunity to convey my sincere and best wishes for Your Excellency’s personal well being and for the continued progress of the brotherly country of Iran.” NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 11TH FEBRUARY, 2010
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