|
-
PR
No. 84 Advisor to Prime Minister and former Attorney General, Sardar Latif Khan Khosa called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here this morning.
PR No. 85 Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has taken stern action against the mismanagements in Hajj arrangements in Saudi Arabia which caused serious trouble to Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. He called an explanation of the Director General, Directorate of Hajj, Jedda, Rao Shakeel Ahmad who was responsible to provide due facilities to the Hajis in Makka and Madina during Hajj season 2009. The Minister also directed the Secretary, Religious Affairs to set up a high level inquiry to probe the case thoroughly and take strong action against those who are involved in the irregularities occurred during current Hajj season. The Minister made these directives on his arrival from United Kingdom Sunday night. The Minister was on his personal visit to London for his treatment. He will again visit U.K in March for his final medical checkup. The Minister also strongly condemned the Target Killings of Karachi as well as the terrorist acts on the “Day of Ashur” in Karachi. He said that he will soon visit Karachi to meet the Elites, Ulema and Mashaikh of the Metropoltan and would pursue them to play their role for removing of misunderstandings in order to restore harmony amongst various segments of the society. He also stressed the need for unity amongst various sects to combat the wave of terrorism in the city of Karachi with collective efforts. He also condemned the on-going terrorist activities in the country and viewed that the people of the country have realized the true face of the mischief mongers who are out to disturb the peaceful situation of the country. He said that the activities of the terrorists are totally un-islamic rather earning bad name to Islam. He once again urged the people to be united to foil the nefarious designs of the terrorists. He was of the view that the terrorist are killing the children of poor by preparing them as suicide attackers to target innocent people which is highly deplorable. The Minister concluded that government was heading in right direction to finish the terrorists’ ugly game and hoped that the day was not for away when peace and harmony would prevail in the country. **AJM/Ahmad**
PR No. 86 Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the death of the mother of Governor Baluchistan Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Sindh Food Minister Nadir Khan Magsi and MNA Amir Magsi who passed away in Karachi after protracted illness. While expressing his sympathies with members of the bereaved family, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, in his condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
PR No. 87 Hungarian Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Istvan Darvasi called on Federal Minister for Environment, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi today in Ministry of Environment. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere in which matters pertaining to mutual interest specially related to environment came under discussion. Meanwhile Environment Minister, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi talking to Hungarian Ambassador said that environmental changes are adversely affecting our country that needs special considerations. He further said that global climate changes are the major threat to the whole world and there is need to focus on this core issue. Federal Minister further said that present government is committed to make necessary arrangements to face this change. Moreover, there is a need to create mass awareness and different campaigns are being launched in this regard. He told the details of different projects, action plans and activities which are underway. One such event was of setting Guinness World Record (GWR) by planting maximum number of trees in a single day, in a barren island near Keti Bundar, 150 km south-east of Karachi. Federal Minister told the Ambassador that there is dire need of modern technology and sufficient funds to meet these challenges. Hungarian Ambassador said that Pakistan and Hungry are enjoying cordial relations and these relations would further strengthen in future. He further said that Pakistan is full of potential which needs to be utilized properly. During the meeting, it was agreed to cooperate and coordinate with each other and to explore opportunities in environment sector. Federal Secretary, Kamran Lashari was also present in the meeting. **AM/Ahmad**
PR
No. 88 Senior leader of Awami National Party (ANP) and Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour Monday visited the grave of renowned politician Khan Abdul Wali Khan at Charsadda and laid floral wreath in connection Khan’s 93rd birthday. Today, the nation is celebrating 93rd birthday of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, born in 1917, who formed National Awami Party in 1968 and was elected its first President. Bilour offered Fateha at Wali Khan’s grave for the forgiveness of latter’s soul and also visited the great leader’s residence in Charsadda. Minister for Railways cut the cake of his birthday along with his family members and lauded the services and achievements of Khan Abdul Wali Khan. He said the late leader rendered great sacrifices for strengthening of democracy, independence of judiciary and freedom of expression in the country. The minister said that Khan Abdul Wali Khan proved himself as a great leader during the British rule, adding that “he was a great politician, writer and historian.” He became active in politics in early age and joined the Khudai Khidmatgar movement. Bilour said the respected politician in his later years contributed to Pakistan’s third Constitution, led protests for the restoration of democracy in 1960s and 1980s. The minister said Wali Khan was arrested and charged with under the Frontier Crimes Regulations in 1942, in the peak of crackdown against the Quit India Movement. During the martial law crackdown against East Pakistan, the then National Awami Party under Wali Khan was a only political party that protested the military operation. **NA/Ahmad**
PR No. 89 Federal Minister for Defence, Chaudary Ahmad Mukhtar, has said that Pakistan is strongly committed to eliminate terrorism and the Armed Forces of Pakistan have succeeded in destroying its infrastructure. He stated this while talking to Mrs Elke Hoff, Member of the German Federal Parliament, who called on him in Ministry of Defence today. The Minister briefed the Member of German Parliament about the counter-terror efforts made by Pakistan. He said that the security forces of the country, with the support of the whole nation, had successfully defeated the terrorists in Swat and South Waziristan Agency and now they were on the run. He said that terrorism was posing a grave threat to the peace and stability of the entire world and the international community needed to focus its efforts on addressing the fundamental causes of terrorism by providing employment opportunities and undertaking development projects in the terror-hit areas of Pakistan. He informed the Member of German Parliament that the International community was also required to strengthen the counter-terrorism capacity of Pakistan, both in terms of equipment and finance, so as to effectively eradicate the menace of terrorism and extremism. Mrs. Elke Hoff was highly appreciative of the contribution and successes made by the Armed Forces of Pakistan against the war on terror. She said that Pakistan’s role was crucial to defeat and eliminate the terrorist elements. The meeting also exchanged views on the existing level on defence cooperation. It emphasized the need to further broaden and promote defence cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries. The meeting was also attended by the German Ambassador to Pakistan. Earlier, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani, also called on the Minister. Talking to the Chief Minister, the Minister said that the present government accorded utmost priority to the socio-economic development of Balochistan. He said that the speedy implementation of the Balochistan Package was the foremost priority of the government and all efforts would be made to reach its benefits to the people of Balochistan. The Chief Minister informed the Minister about the lack of night landing facilities at Quetta Airport. He also apprised the Minister about the problems being faced by the people of Balochistan particularly Quetta, Zoab and Dalbadin while traveling to other parts of the country. He said that PIA needed to start a night coach service to Quetta. Similarly, the number of PIA flights to Zoab and Dalbadin need to be increased from the existing one to twice a week. The Minister assured him that the concerned quarters would be directed to arrange the night landing facilities at Quetta Airport as well as to consider the demand for increasing the number of flights on priority basis. **AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 90 Meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was held under the Chairperson of Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, in the Parliament House today. The meeting discussed the agenda and ways to run the proceedings of 18th 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 29th Jan, 2010. The meeting also decided that the sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday will be held in evening commencing from 04 p.m. while the sessions on Tuesday and Friday will be held in morning commencing from 10 a.m. The meeting offered Fateha for the victims of the blasts in Karachi, Lahore and Laki Marwat. The meeting also offered Fateha for the husband of MNA Tehmina Daultana. The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Dr. Zaheer-u-Din Babar Awan, Minister for Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources and Privatization, MNAs Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Mrs. Tehmina Daultana, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mrs. Jamila Gillani, Mr. Shaukat Ullah and Mufti Ajmal. **MT/Ahmad**
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has underscored the imperative of bridging the existing trust deficit between Pakistan and the United States in the interest of long term strategic partnership between the two countries. The Prime Minister was talking to the US delegation led by Senator Carl Levin, Chairman of Armed Services Committee which called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister reassured the US of his government’ sincere efforts to build upon the traditional cordial bilateral ties spanned over a period of 60 years. He however urged the US for early disbursement of the long overdue payments under Coalition Support Fund to Pakistan, provision of Drone technology to Pakistan, sharing of credible and actionable intelligence with Pakistan and removal of Pakistan from the list of those countries for the citizens of which US has recently introduced new screening measures, adding that this will significantly improve its public image among the people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister regretted on the pursuit insinuation emanating from the US about Pakistan’s sincerity in the war against terror and asked as to which other country of the world had made more sacrifices than Pakistan in the campaign to eradicate the common enemy of terrorism. Prime Minister refuted the misperceptions about existence of Quetta Shoora or the Afghan Taliban leadership in Pakistan and reiterated Pakistan’s desire to fence its border with Afghanistan in case US can persuade Afghan Government to do so. He urged the US and other major powers to use their influence on India to help resolving the Kashmir and other disputes to enable Pakistan to exclusively focus on its western border. The Prime Minister termed the military campaign only share 10% of the solution and added that the remaining 90% rest in the development of infrastructure, provision of jobs and education, health and other civic amenities to the people of FATA and other affected regions. He hoped that the US and international community will fulfill their commitments to support Pakistan for the capacity building of its law enforcement agencies and undertake the required development in the areas in order to address the root causes of militancy. Senator Carl Levin appreciated Pakistan’s critical and vital role as the front line state against terrorism and lauded the remarkable successes achieved by the Pakistan’s armed forces in Malakand and South Waziristan. He also appreciated the resolve and commitment of the present government in its campaign against terrorism. He said he was himself more optimistic than ever that Pakistan-US ties were destined to progress from strength to strength. He assured the Prime Minister that reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund would be fast tracked. He also assured the Prime Minister of his support for increased market access to Pakistan’s exports to US markets and stated that bipartisan consultations will be organized to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Other members of the delegation included Senator Franken and Ms. Anne W. Patterson, US Ambassador in Pakistan. Senator Sughra Imam, Secretaries Finance, Defence and Foreign Affairs also present in the meeting.
PR No. 92 Federal Minister for States and Frontier Region (SAFRON), Mr.Najmuddin Khan has said that his Ministry would extend all possible support to the Baluchistan Government for rehabilitation of Afghan Refugees, settled in the Province. He said that the Baluchistan Package, announced by the Prime Minister would be implemented in letters and spirits.. He said that M/O SAFRON has a vital role in this respect and would strengthen the Baluchistan Levy to enable the provincial govt to cope with 1.7 million Afghan Refugees. He said this while talking to Chief Minister, Baluchistan, who called on him here today. Provincial Minister for Finance, Baluchistan and senior officials of Federal and Provincial governments were present in the meeting. The minister informed the Chief Minister that the Federal government has decided to upgrade the existing system of Baluchistan Levy and a summary for creation of 3000 posts of Levy has been sent for Cabinet approval. He also assured the C.M that Federal Govt would provide financial support for infrastructure development as well as provision of Education and Health facilities with supply of Drinking water for 1.7 million Afghan Refugees. The repatriation of Afghan Refugees to Afghanistan was also came under discussion. The Minister said that due to the worst law and order situation of Afghanistan, the date of repatriation which was 31-12-2009, would be extended with the support of UNHCR and Afghan Government. Federal Government would provide every possible support to Baluchistan government to facilitate the Afghan Refugees in all respect and to pave way for their return to home honorably. After the meeting, the Minister while talking to a group of media men emphasized that the govt is all set to send back 03 million unregistered Afghan Refugees to their homeland. He informed that 90,000 Identity Cards of illegal Refugees have been canceled and the process would be continued till return of all refugees, he added. In a reply to a question about the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Malakand Division, the Minister said that sufficient funds have been allocated in this regards. He added that construction of two Universities- one Benazir University and second Swat Universities have been announced by the present government. He said that Prime Minister has also announced the holding of Cabinet meeting in Malakand. A 4- member ulemas’ delegation led by Mufti Ferozuddin Hazarvi, Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh also met with the Minister and discussed in detail the prevailing situation. They extended full support and assured the Minister for revival of peace in the country. They appreciated the role of present govt to tackle the situation prudently.
PR No. 93 Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, other Hon’ble Judges, Registrar and the staff of the Supreme Court have expressed deep sorrow and grief on the sad demise of the Wife of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday. They have extended their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to members of the bereaved family of departed soul. Meanwhile, a formal condolence meeting of Hon’ble Chief Justice, Hon’ble Judges and Registrar was also held in Supreme Court today to condole the demise and offered “Fateha” for the departed soul. They prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His blessings on the departed soul and to give patience to the bereaved family members to bear this loss with equanimity (Ameen).
PR No. 94 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while lauding Denmark enhanced development assistance to Pakistan towards rapid development in the terror affected areas especially for the reconstruction of 473 destroyed schools in NWFP and FATA, has called for a more economic cooperation between the two countries in multi-dimensional fields. The Prime Minister was talking to Ms. Ulla Toernaes, Danish Minister for Development Cooperation, who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister thanked the government of Denmark for its continued support for Pakistan’s quest for GPS plus facilities and Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. Prime Minister noted that European Union is reviewing its GSP Plus facilities in April this year and hoped that Denmark will continue extending its support to Pakistan’s case for greater market access to its products to the European markets. The Prime Minister apprised the Danish Minister of his government various initiatives undertaken in the areas of poverty alleviation, health and education sectors. He asked the Denmark government to channelize its assistance through Pakistan institutions to ensure its maximum utilization. The Prime Minister said that unlike Denmark, most of the countries had failed to deliver on their pledges of economic assistance made at the Donors Conference in Tokyo, and hoped that Friends of Democratic Pakistan will be more forthcoming to assist Pakistan at this critical juncture in implementing the Malakand development strategy as well as in reconstruction phase of other terror affected areas. While commending Denmark for being the leading producer of wind energy and wind turbines in the world, the Prime Minister underscored the need for increased cooperation between Pakistan Alternate Energy Development Board and Danish companies to help Pakistan to overcome its energy shortages. The Denmark Minister for Development Cooperation assured the Prime Minister of her government’s continued support in the development of militancy affected areas especially in education and other social sectors. She stated that her government would help Pakistan in its efforts for the reconstruction phase of the affected area and asked for a comprehensive briefing in this regard. The Prime Minister said that she would be thoroughly briefed on that account in her scheduled meeting with the Finance Minister later in the day. The Danish Minister also reiterated her country’s complete support for Pakistan in the European Union even in the future and agreed with the Prime Minister for the need to establish bilateral economic development mechanism on permanent basis. Mr. Anders C. Hougaard, Ambassador of Denmark, in Pakistan. Senator Sughra Imam, Secretaries Finance and EAD were also present in the meeting.
PR
No. 95 The Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry underlined the need of cooperation between Bench and Bar to ensure the speedy and expeditious justice to litigant parties, said the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry while addressing the delegation of Islamabad Bar Association headed by its President Mr. Syed Wajid Ali Gillani and other office bearers. The delegation called on his lordship today (11-01-2010) in Supreme Court Building, Islamabad. He further added that they must utilize all energies to bring a revolution in judicial system and leave no stone unturned to address the legal needs of litigant parties and plead their cases to redress their grievances. The delegation paid tributes to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry for his lordships untiring efforts to dream up a New Judicial Policy 2009 and its implementation to ensure justice at the door steps of public at large. The delegation assured of full support to assist and cooperate Bench in dispensation of justice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
