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PR. No. 89. Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that 1500 MW additional power has been added in the national grid and due to this load shedding has been ended from the major industrial and agricultural sectors from today. He also said that load shedding from the domestic consumers will also be reduced due to improvement in the hydel generation and will be completely eliminated from the next year. He said this while talking to the newsmen after the inaugural session of the 2nd Japan-SAARC Symposium: “Energy and Connectivity” held in the Institute of Strategic Studies here today. He said that 1500 MW has been added in the system by upgrading and enhancing the existing generation capacity of GENCOs and IPPs. He said that the uninterrupted power supply to the textile and agricultural sectors will boost the exports and agriculture outputs, respectively. Mr. Ashraf said that the government is fully determined to eliminate the menace of load shedding by adopting rationale policy and setting up of new power plants on fast track basis to minimize the miseries of the people. He said infrastructure is being developed for importing 1000 MW from Iran. Replying to a question on energy conservation, he said that 400 MW are being received through conservation. He again asked the traders to implement the conservation plan, approved by the government as national service. The Minister was of the view that the government accorded one of the highest priorities to its power sector and stressed the need that all segments of the power sector require huge investment to meet the growing demand of the economy and invited private sector to come forward to join hands with the government to invest in energy sector as such massive investment cannot be met from the government resources alone, he added. Addressing the inaugural session, the Minister informed the participants that the government’s strategy for the power sector builds on implementation of its “Action Plan” that includes harnessing its indigenous hydroelectric and coal resources, and implementation of wide-ranging power sector reforms. He further informed that the short term measures (2008-2011) should add generation capacity of 7,067 MW. The medium term plan (2011-2020) focuses on maximizing coal based power generation as well as mega hydel (15000 MW) projects. For the long term, he said that the government was moving ahead with power import projects at about 1000 MW each from Iran and Tajikistan. It has also been planned to provide requisite resources for putting up additional nuclear power generation capability in cooperation with China to achieve a medium term target of additional 3,000 MW in long term, he added. The Minister informed that being a member of SAARC, ECO, and SCO, Pakistan was fully committed for cross-border energy cooperation and to promote cooperation with other countries and take immediate strategic measures to enhance energy security in the region. The discussion in this symposium would indeed develop useful inputs for promoting cooperation in energy sector in the region, he concluded. Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan H.E Mr. Seiji Kojima also spoke on this occasion. AJM/AR.
PR. No. 90. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that a stable Afghanistan is in the best interest of both Afghanistan and Pakistan as neither country can grow and prosper without peace in the region. The Prime Minister said this while talking to an eight-member delegation of Afghan parliamentarians led by Syed Hamid Gailani, First Deputy Speaker of Meshrano Jirga, the Upper House of Afghan Parliament, which called on him at the PM’s House this morning. The delegation is visiting Pakistan as part of the first parliamentary dialogue initiated between the two countries. The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches high priority to its relations with Afghanistan and wants to strengthen the broadbased, close and cooperative relationship existing between the two countries. Our ties are rooted in shared faith, culture, history and heritage and Pakistan is keen to increase people to people contact between the two countries, the Prime Minister said. He said the parliamentary dialogue between the two countries augurs well for strengthening the relationship between the two brotherly countries. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan believes that a holistic approach needs to be adopted to combat terrorism and extremism as it has been proved that force alone is not enough to deal with this menace. Pakistan, he said, wants to address the root causes of terrorism by accelerating the process of economic development and at the same time entering into a dialogue with the elements who have joined the mainstream politics after laying down arms. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is conscious that a stable and economically growing Afghanistan will help facilitate the repatriation of the over three million Afghan refugees who are residing in Pakistan. Pakistan wants that they return in a phased, dignified and honourable manner to their homeland, he added. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is also keen to prevent illegal cross-border movement on the Pak-Afghan border and to achieve this objective has over 900 check posts all along the porous border. He expressed the hope that the installation of biometric system will help prevent illegal movements. The Prime Minister said that the visits of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior to Afghanistan within the last one week reflect the importance Pakistan attaches to its relationship with Afghanistan. He said that President Hamid Karzai was the first leader to felicitate him on his election as the unanimously elected Prime Minister of the country. He said President Hamid Karzai was one of the first leaders whom he met recently in Sharm el Sheikh. Leader of Afghan delegation Syed Hamid Gailani said that Afghanistan and Pakistan enjoy a unique and extraordinary relationship which will be preserved and promoted at all costs. He said that we are keenly looking forward to the Prime Minister’s address to the Afghan Parliament to which President Hamid Karzai has invited him during their recent meeting in Sharm el Sheikh. They also appreciated the special gesture of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in allowing export of wheat from Pakistan to Afghanistan despite its shortage in Pakistan. Other members of the Afghan delegation included Senators Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, Chairman, International Affairs Committee, Dr. Ab Walio Amadzai, Dy. Chiarman, International Affairs Committee, Mohammad Omar Samim, Member International Affairs Committee, Mohammad Omar Shirzad, Chairman Provincial Council Committee, Taib Zahid, Haji Kharo Jan, Safar Mohammad Kakar and Dy Head of Mission, Embassy of Afghanistan. Mr. Jan Mohammad Jamali, Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and KANA and other senior officials also attended the meeting. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 91. The spokesman of the Ministry of Interior has rebutted a news item attributed to Mr. A. Rehman Mallik Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior that Swat Peace deal has been scrapped. It is clarified that Mr. Malik was only referring to the continued violent activities of militants and never said that Swat Peace deal has been annulled. It is clarified that the Swat Peace deal was inked by the Provincial Government of NWFP. The statement attributed to Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Advisor to the Prime Minister is devoid of any truth. MA/AR.
PR. No. 92. A delegation of the External Relations Committee of the Meshrano Jirga of Afghanistan headed by Sayed Hamed Gailani, First Deputy Speaker of the Meshrano Jirga, called on Chairman Senate Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro at the Parliament House today and discussed with him matters relating to the on-going first ever dialogue between the Parliamentarians of Pakistan and Afghanistan organized under the aegis of Hans Siddel Foundation of Germany. Mr. Gailani said that the on-going dialogue would help tremendously in removing misunderstandings and straightening the relations between the two countries. ‘Failure is not an option’ and ‘the Parliamentarians of both sides would have to ensure that their respective governments respect the wishes and aspirations of the elected representatives’, he observed. He expressed the confidence that the dialogue would help in obtaining first hand appreciation of the ground realities and to know each others point of view alongwith sensitivities and intricacies attached to them. The Chairman Senate, welcoming the Afghan Legislators, said that the destinies of the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked together. He observed that frequent interaction between the parliamentarians would not only help overcome the many challenges but would also benefit their two peoples to lead a better, peaceful and prosperous life. ‘Peace, tranquility and stability are our common desires and therefore we must seek common approaches that may lead to the cherished destination’, he added. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, who was also present on the occasion, informed the delegation that Mr. Soomro led Pakistan delegation to the recently concluded Berlin Conference wherein he had very useful discussion with Afghan leaders. Paying compliments to Chairman Senate, Mr. Mushahid said that Mr. Soomro also had the unique honour of holding one of the most fair and transparent elections in Pakistan during his stint as the Caretaker Prime Minister. Senators Mr. Tahir Hussain Mashhadi and Mrs. Saadia Abbasi were also present on the occasion besides Mr. Muhammad Alam Ezedayr, Chairman, External Relations Committee of Meshrano Jirga and Secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin. QAM/AR.
PR. No. 93. Gas utility Companies, namely Sui Northern Gas Company Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL), are providing natural gas under license from Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) which determines revenue requirements of these two gas utility companies for a given financial year, and advise the Federal Government (GOP), the prescribed price of natural gas for each category of retail consumers. In the instant case, OGRA after going through the process of soliciting comments of general public and all stakeholders through public notice and convening public hearing determined and forwarded the revenue requirement of both gas utility companies for 2008-09 to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources allowing an increase of 29.0% to SNGPL and 26.7% to SSGCL. Under OGRA Ordinance 2002, Government of Pakistan is to fix consumer prices and advise OGRA for its notification in the official gazette. While fixing the gas sale price for different categories of consumers, the Federal Government ensures uniformity of prices across the country and reasonability of tariff for all other categories of consumers. Currently, Government of Pakistan is in the process of evaluating the OGRA’s recommendations and will announce its decision in due course of time. However, at the moment, it would be premature to speculate about increase in consumer gas prices. Fasih/ ar.
PR. No. 94. Pakistan Medical Mission in China donated medicines, relief stores and food items to Health Administration of Longnan City, Gansu Province. Chief of Health Bureau Longnan City, Mr. Zu Ji Zhou took over the relief stores from head of Pakistan Medical Mission, Doctor Habib ur Rehman in a ceremony held in Longnan city. Pakistan Medical Mission in China has completed its assignment of providing emergency relief to victims of 12 May earthquake. Pakistani Doctors during their stay treated thousands of patients after the establishment of Pakistani Hospital. The treatment included major surgeries of bone fracture, medication, ultra sound, X-rays and intensive care cases. Various Chinese dignitaries during their visit to Pakistani Hospital lauded the efforts of the Pakistani doctors and paramedics for providing relief to the needy. Chinese President, Mr Hu Jintao also visited Pakistan Medical Mission in Longnan and lauded the efforts of Pakistani Medical Mission. He appreciated and thanked the Government of Pakistan for the timely assistance. This medical mission was sent to China by NDMA on the instructions of federal government on 27 th of May.
PR. No. 95. Minister for Housing and Works, Rehmatullah Kakar, called on the Ambassador of Kuwait His Excellency Aziz Al-dehani today, Sami-ul-Haq Khilji, Secretary Housing and Works and Tala Rasheed Miyan, Director General, National Housing Authority also accompanied the Minister. Rehmatullah Kakar thanked for strong support of Kuwait in economic and political issues of Pakistan as well as generous help for earthquake affected people. Kakar appreciated the achievements of Kuwait in construction, banking, Islamic financial services, banking mortgage, energy, health and education sectors. He also referred to increasing investment from Kuwait which touched to the figure of $83 million during last financial year. He briefed the Ambassador about Prime Minister’s Housing Programme and desired assistance from Kuwait in shape of investment by Kuwaiti companies, soft term credit and grant by Kuwait government. The Minister also informed about the international conference on investment in housing sector which will be held in last quarter of this year and desired that Kuwaiti companies may actively participate in the conference. His Excellency, the Ambassador, Aziz Al-dehani thanked the visit by the delegation of Ministry of Housing and Works lead by the Minister. He acknowledged Pakistan’s continued support to Kuwait. The Ambassador also briefed about on-going development projects in Pakistan with the financial assistance of Kuwait. He expressed that Kuwait desire stability in Pakistan and assured full support of Kuwait to Prime Minister’s Housing Programme as well as participant by Kuwaiti companies in planned investment conference. The meeting ended with exchange of vote of thanks and commitment to continue inter-action in future. ZU/ank.
PR. No. 96. Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that power sector in Pakistan has great potential and the foreign investment in the coal and hydel power generation will help to meet the country’s future requirements. He said this while talking to the Italian delegation, headed by Italian Ambassador, H. E. Vincenzo Prati who called on him here Tuesday. Secretary and the Adviser of the Ministry were also present in the meeting. The Minister informed the envoy that the government has liberal policies to attract foreign investment as the procedural requirements have been simplified and now there are no issues of tariff fixations, he added. The Minister said that Pakistan was facing severe power crisis and the government of the day is taking all short, medium and long term measures to combat the menace of the load shedding and various projects are being offered to the investors, consortium through open bidding. He said that hydel and coal is now the main focus of the government to generate cheaper electricity. An international Conference on Coal is also organized in Washington next month, where investors from all over the world will be invited to seek their investment in Thar Coal for power generation. He said that there were also projects based on Engineered, Procure, and Construct (EPC), and offered him that the Italian companies should invest in these power sector projects. Earlier, the Ambassador said that the Italian companies are interested in the power sector and transfer of technology projects in Pakistan. He said that the Italian is also keen to generate power through solid waste and some proposals will be submitted in this regard. He said that investment potential in the hydel and coal power generation will be considered and project details will be submitted to the investors. The Minister also welcomed the interest of the Italian companies in the power sector, particularly in the transfer of technology in various sectors, clean drinking water projects and technical training programmes. He asked the delegation to submit proposals for transfer of technology which will be considered with the consultation of the concerned ministry. AJM/ank
PR. No. 97. A meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly was held today in Parliament House. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, the Speaker National Assembly, presided over the meeting. The meeting discussed the agenda and ways to run the proceedings of Budget session of the National Assembly. The Representatives of all the parliamentary parties gave their proposals regarding business in the House. The meeting approved schedule for the budget session 2008. It was decided that the budget will be presented in the National Assembly at 06.30 pm tomorrow. It was agreed that general discussion on budget will start from 14th June, 2008 and the session will continue till June 30th, 2008. It was also decided that during the budget session the proceedings will commence from 10.00 am and will continue till 08.30 pm daily. The meeting agreed that all parliamentary parties will be given ample time for discussion on the budget. The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah Minister for Labour, Manpower, Overseas Pakistanis, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization and Investment, Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Minister for Law Justice and Human Rights, MNAs Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Mr. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Mr. Zahid Hamid, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Mr Abdul Mateen Khan and Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan. MT/ank
PR. No. 98. Federal Minister for Local Government & Rural Development Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour has said Pakistan has been continuously supporting the programmes of Centre on integrated Rural Development for Asia & Pacific (CIRDAP) in promoting rural development and has been participating actively in various CIRDAP activities. He was speaking as a Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the regional workshop on “participatory Techniques for Planning and Management of Rural Development Projects” organized by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development with collaboration of CIRDAP and Akhtar Hameed Khan National Centre for Rural Development & Municipal Administration and Common Wealth Association here today. Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said that Rural Development and poverty alleviation has been on top of the agenda of the governments in developing countries. Rural development has to be a holistic effort to uplift the poor and to assure them a decent living and confidence to shape their own future. He said that people’s participating in community development and poverty alleviation efforts is important. The Federal Minister said that participation, empowerment and inclusion have become the new development slogans. He said that collective decision making in the form of Jirga and Punchait etc has been bed-rock of our social life. However, complexities of modern day development process has made it a special subject of development economic. He said that efforts are needed to improve the capacity of local communities, institutions and their functionaries. He expressed the hope that the delegates will take part in the programme activities very devotedly to make the programme a success and get maximum benefits of the training programme. Secretary Local Government & Rural Development Mr. Muhammad Salim Khan Jhagra highlighted the significance and objective of the workshop Director General CIRDAP, Mr. Durga Prasad Paudyal also spoke on the occasion. FK/AR.
PR. No. 99. Director General Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia & Pecific (CIRDAP) Mr. Durga Prasad Paudyal called on Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour in his office here today. Talking to the Federal Minister, the Director CIRDAP said that Inter-Ministerial CIRDAP’s special meeting of its governing Council will be held in New Delhi in the current month to discuss future organizational structure, role and expansion. The Director General CIRDAP said that there should be further collaboration between the Ministry of LG & RD and CIRDAP on capacity development and exchange of expertise on the role of National Centre for Rural Development (NCRD). The Director General invited the Federal Minister and Secretary Local Government & Rural Development to attend the inter-ministerial Conference in New Delhi in the current month of June to discuss Pakistan’s enhanced participation in CIRDAP. The Federal Minister welcomed the proposals of the Director General. He assured the CIRDAP head of Pakistan’s continued support to CIRDAP. Secretary LG & RD, Mr. Muhammad Saleem Khan Jhagra underlined the need for strengthening of relationship between NCRD and CIRDAP. Earlier, Ms. Faryal Talpur MNA and Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission Mr. Salaman Farooqi also called on Mr. Ghulam Ahmed Bilour. FK/ank
PR. No. 100. Pakistan’s delegation currently on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and led by Senator Asif Ali Zardari called on the Saudi Foreign Minister HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal at his office here today. The delegation included Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Commerce, Defence and Textile, Chairman, NRB Dr. Asim & Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom, Admiral Shahid Karimullah (Retd).says a press release received from Jeddah, here today. Welcoming the delegation, the Prince said that the relationship existing between the two countries have always been warm, cordial and brotherly and he reiterated the assurances made during the meeting with Khadimul-Haramain Al Sharifain, King Abdullah Bin Al Abdul Aziz. The Prince said that the King is aware of the problems Pakistan is facing these days and he will look into these for possible solution. In the light of OPEC’s meeting, the King will positively consider Pakistan’s request. Prince Saud said that a strong political will exists between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for enhancing the brotherly relations and bringing the two countries closer. He said that the Kingdom appreciates the sovereignty and strengths of Pakistan and will stand by Pakistan in all odds and difficulties. As a partner in the war against terror we will play our role, the Prince added. Senator Asif Ali Zardari thanked the Prince especially King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for the generous hospitality and cordial reception. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Ali Awndh Aseeri also attended the meeting It may be mentioned that during the meeting with the King, a proposal of forming a Small Group was approved for looking into the problems facing both the countries. It was decided that Prince Saud Al Faisal will represent the Kingdom whereas Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani or Senator Asif Ali Zardari will represent Pakistan.
PR. No. 101. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired a high level meeting late tonight and reviewed in detail the arrangements made to ensure that the long march remained peaceful and orderly and the normal life of the people is not disrupted. The meeting was attended by the federal ministers and coalition partners of the government. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure the security of the participants of the long march and the protection of the people in view of the high security situation warranted by the long march. The Prime Minister said that foolproof arrangements should be made to ensure safety of the diplomatic missions in the country. The meeting was briefed about the route and destination of the long march. The meeting was attended by Senator Mohammad Ishaque Dar, Maulana Fazal ur Rehamn, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Raja Mohammad Zafar ul Haq, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari, Ms. Sherry Rehman, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Advisor to PM on Interior, Mr. Hamidullah Jan Afridi, Minister for Environment, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for KANA, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour & Manpower, Mr. Farooq H. Naik, Minister for Law & Justice, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Minister for Local Government and Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power. DSG/wh
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