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No. 132 Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Mr. Shafkat Saeed yesterday visited the international textile fair, Texworld being held in Paris from 8-11 February, 2010. The Ambassador was received by the President of the Fair, Mr. Michel Scherpe and with him he later discussed various issues related to promotion of exports of textile products from Pakistan. Mr. Scherpe suggested that interaction with designers was important for successful marketing in Europe and also that organic and eco-friendly products has a future in this region, says a press release received here today. The Ambassador later visited the fair and met Dr. Mirza Ikhtair Baig, Federal Advisor on Textile and Pakistani exhibitors and discussed with them various aspects of the endeavours to boost export of Pakistani textiles to the value added market of France and Europe. Texworld offers the latest trends from the world of garment textiles and is the market place for discovering handmade and industrial textiles. Around 650 exhibitors are participating in the fair. Pakistani companies are regularly participate in this event. This year 27 Pakistani companies exhibited their products and there was also a national pavilion under the aegis of TDAP.
PR No. 133 The Government of Japan has extended a grant of Yen 480,000,000 (US $ 5.4 million) for the program” Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System” in Pakistan . Today. Mr. Sibtain Fazal Halim Secretary, Economic Affairs Division and H.E.Mr. Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan in Pakistan signed the Exchange of Note on behalf of their respective Governments. The Grant Agreement was witnessed by the Head of Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA). Under the Clean Energy Initiative, two on-grid solar power generation systems (100 KW each) will be installed under Grant-aid from the Government of Japan through JICA, one at Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and other at roof of Planning Commission’s building. The project will promote clean energy utilization and will help achieve emission reduction by installing the new system which will be connected to the national grid. The system is expected to reduce the gas emission, by replacing the part of electric power generated by fossil fuel and contribute to the climate change policy of Pakistan . This project is first of its kind in the country, which would set precedent as a role model of defining procedures and strategy at the level for on-grid solar power generation and are expected to prove an effective measure to overcome the energy shortage, emphasizing on solar power, for which there is big scope with relatively less investment. Mr.Chihiro Atsumi said that Japan is concerned about the challenges caused by the climate change in Pakistan , such as receding glaciers and lack of rain fall. During the Copenhagen conference held last month, Japan has committed to reduce the carbon emission, and Pakistan and Japan will try to utilize the solar energy to achieve this goal. Secretary EAD, said that Government of Japan has deep and diversified relations with Pakistan , Japan is the biggest donor partner of Pakistan and continued its support in Education, Health, Energy, Environment and Disaster management. Japan has also helped in capacity building and institution building in Pakistan . Pakistan engineering Council, Chairperson Ms.Rukhsana Zubari said that the launch of this project and the awareness created through media can lead to the solutions of energy problems. This system is economically viable and will also help in income generation, she added.
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No. 134 The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan is pursuing a policy for peaceful coexistence with its neighbours and will maintain minimum credible deterrence for ensuring stability in the region. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majid who called on him at the PM’s House this morning. General Tariq Majid briefed the Prime Minister about the matters of national security.
PR No. 135 Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has strongly condemned the current wave of terrorist acts with special reference to the bomb blasts in Chehlum procession of Shia community in Karachi, which caused loss of precious lives of innocent people. He termed this act as conspiracy against religion Islam, adding that Islam is religion of peace and tolerance. He deplored that the enemies of Islam were bent upon to damage the face of Islam in the name of Jehad. He viewed that the similarity in the terrorist acts on the occasion of Ashore and the recent twin blasts in Chehlum procession in Karachi reveal the real story that it was aimed at creating clash between the two Muslim Sects.He however opined that patriotic citizens had recognized the real faces of these anti-Islam elements. He hoped that the people of the country would foil the nefarious designs of such elements. The Minister said this while talking to a group of Shia religious leaders who met him under the leadership of Alamo Mushtaq Hussain Jafree, Chairman Almi Amn Ittehad Council here thursday. Mr. Ikramullah Jan, Director General, M/O Religious Affairs and senior officers of the Ministry were also present on this occasion. The Minister assured the delegation that the government is fully committed to fight against the militants and hoped that with the cooperation and moral support of general public, the government would succeed in eliminating terrorism from the country. He also appealed to the ulemas to come forward and join hands with the government for achieving this sacred cause. Allama Mushtaq Jafree lauded the present government for launching the military operation against the terrorists in tribal areas and hoped that this operation would continue till revival of government writ in these areas. He also assured the Minister of his full cooperation in this regard.
PR No. 136 Under the directions of the Federal Commerce Minister, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, the Ministry of Commerce has accelerated efforts for improving Pakistan ’s exports in the field of Horticulture. In this regards, Pakistan Horticulture Development Company ‘s (PHDEC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Bashir met with Dutch horticulture authorities at Amsterdam, and discussed technical assistance for the horticulture industry of Pakistan. The Dutch authorities agreed to start free of charge consultancy program for Matli Flora farms in first phase. The delegation also visited the flora facility center of Holland to look over the modern technologies being used there. Various ways and means were discussed to increase production of mangoes, kinnows and dates in Pakistan .
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No. 137 Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani stressed to generate harmony among all the provinces so that they can be agreed on sensitive national issues. He said that the Inter-Provincial Coordination is a forum provided by the incumbent government for resolving provincial problems with the dialogue and mutual understanding and national spirit. This was stated by the Federal Minister during the chairing a Meeting on construction of Power Project on Chashma Jhelum Link Canal which was held in Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Islamabad today. This Meeting was held on the directions of the Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani in order to have an understanding of the issue particularly stance of the Sindh Province which had certain reservations on Construction of Power Project on Chashma Jhelum Link Canal. All representatives expressed their views with the core of their heart to generate a consensus on the project. Federal Minister has asked all the four provinces and to send their view points, reservations, suggestions or any other information which may be relevant to the proposed project. The meeting was attended by the Secretary, IPC, Mr. Ahmad Mahmood Zahid, Senior Joint Secretary Mr. Muhammad Anwar Khan, Secretary Water & Power Mr. Shahid Rafi, Chief Planning & Development Division Mr. Naseer Ahmed Gilani, Vice Chairman NEPRA Mr. Ghiasuddin Ahmed, Chairman IRSA Mr. Aman Gul Khattak, Secretary Irrigation and Power Department, Punjab Maj. ® Azam Suleman Khan and other Senior Officers of the Federal and Provincial Governments.
PR No. 138 A delegation of PPP members Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Azad Jammu & Kashmir called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency on Thursday afternoon. The delegation included Chaudhry Mohammad Yasin, Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, Mr. Latif Akbar and Mr. Ghulam Sadiq. MNAs Ms Rukhsana Bangash and Ms Fauzia Habib and PPP MPA Nargis Faiz Malik were also present during the meeting. The President while talking to the delegation inquired about the status of various developmental projects in Azad Kashmir including reconstruction of Earthquake- hit areas, Mangla Dam rising, rehabilitation of Mangla Dam affectees and the development of new Mirpur city. The President said that the government gives priority to the development of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and advised for early completion of all developmental projects in AJK. The delegation reposed full confidence in the leadership of the party and thanked the President for his keen personal interest in development projects in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
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No. 139 Federal Minister for Environment, Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that it is a matter of pride that Ministry of Environment is giving high priority to address the drinking water and sanitation related issues and Government is committed to give quality life to the citizens of Pakistan . He expressed these views while addressing the one day Stakeholders Consultative Workshop for Development of Management Information System (MIS) for Water and Sanitation in Pakistan and Launch of Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) website organized by Ministry of Environment with support of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) here today. Federal Minister said in his address that establishment of MIS for water and sanitation sector in Pakistan and launching of WATSAN website are major initiatives of Ministry towards creating enabling environment for these sectors. He said these initiatives would enable us for meeting the millennium development goals. Formulating the approval of National Drinking Water Policy 2009 and National Sanitation Policy 2007, the Ministry has provided a framework towards addressing the issues. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi further mentioned that Pakistan is a front-line state coming to grips with the serious concerns of climate change. Thus there are serious threats to water availability. These anticipated water shortages have adverse implication on safe drinking water sources. He added that the picture of sanitation sector in Pakistan is also not very encouraging. However, he assured that development of a Management Information System for the water and sanitation sector at the National level will be a major landmark and help us towards better planning and decision making, with the ultimate objective, to increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation across Pakistan . He also said that the Ministry will administer MIS at the Water and Sanitation Directorate, which will soon be established. Federal Minister while highlighting WATSAN website said that the basic purpose of launching this website is to provide a reliable source of information containing all the water and sanitation related policies and documents. He hoped that through this website government, civil society, organizations, planners, researchers, students and general masses would be able to get maximum information. He also hoped for a very productive outcome aiming at defining the way forward for developing and managing the MIS for water and sanitation. At the end Hon. Minister appreciated the efforts made by Ministry of Environment support of UNICEF to give access to valuable information gateway and knowledge management pool of water, sanitation and hygiene sector in Pakistan . At the end Federal Minister for Environment inaugurated the WATSAN website. Earlier Director General (Environment) Javed Ali Khan, representative of UNICEF Ms. Pirkko Heinen and President FINCON, Shahid Yousuf expressed their point of views in their addresses and highlighted important aspects regarding MIS and WATSAN website. Secretary Environment Mr. Javed Malik in his closing remarks at the workshop said that the annual quantified loss due to environmental degradation in monetized terms to Pakistan accounts for Rs. 112 billion per annum because of lack of water and sanitation facilities. This highlights the urgency to address the sector. He said this is compounded with the fact that Pakistan is being categorized as water stressed country. Therefore, the development of a MIS at National level is a timely intervention of Ministry for Environment. However, it is prudent to have similar MIS at provincial and regional/district levels thus making full use of the system. It is a proven fact that a fully functional MIS is an effective tool for efficient planning and policy making. He thanked the UNICEF for its longstanding partnership with the Ministry in this regard. He reaffirmed Government of Pakistan’s commitment to help improve the lives of those without access to safe water and sanitation facilities, this concerted effort of an MIS development will ensure better planning and rational decision making and permit long term gains towards meeting Millennium Development Goals. At the end Secretary hoped that the recommendations of today’s workshop would enable in finalizing our future course of action.
PR No. 140
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while assuring continued legislative, political and economic support to the National Commission on the Status of Women hoped that the Commission would effectively resolve issues concerning women population as envisioned by our great leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed towards their empowerment. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to the delegation of National Commission on the Status of Women, which called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister lauded the role of the Women Commission in highlighting issues concerning women and also appreciated their active role in the formulation and passage of “Protection against Harassment of the Women at work place” Bill recently passed by the Parliament. The Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that the members of the Commission is a blend of seasoned and experienced women who have worked for the women’s rights and represent all parts of the country including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. He called upon the Women Commission to establish regular interaction with various human rights organizations in order to seek their inputs. Assuring provision of requisite funds as well as enhancement of the budget, he asked the Commission to establish provincial offices to broaden their outreach in addressing the problems of the women. The Prime Minister said that the Women represents 51% of the population and can play a leading role not only for women welfare but also for the overall development of the country. He said that women share equal rights and cannot be discriminated on the basis of gender. Their contribution in developing the family which is the basic unit of a society is acknowledged by all. The Prime Minister said the Commission should also focus on women economic empowerment enabling them to make positive contribution in national affairs. The elected women also hold a responsible role in highlighting issues which concerns women, he added. The Prime Minister said that the women of the country should benefit from the Benazir Income Support Programme and asked the Commission to help create awareness particularly among those living in rural areas to benefit from various programmes being offered by the government. He said that he would meet the Commission again after one month to review the progress and decisions taken. The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for his support in making the Commission autonomous. The Chairperson of the Commission requested the Prime Minister to grace the International Conference on Women in Islamabad on 8th March on the International Women Day which the Prime Minister accepted. The members of the Commission apprised the Prime Minister about the continuous struggle of various women organizations against the trend of extremism specifically those which negatively impact the women rights. The Commission requested the Prime Minister for necessary action to expedite the cases regarding violence against women which are being delayed at investigation stage. They apprised the Prime Minister that the Commission has initiated a major research work on various issues of concerns to the women population. Earlier, the Chairperson of the Commission apprised the Prime Minister on the composition of the Women Commission and introduced the members. She mentioned that the Commission is a statutory body and has an independent status. The Commission, she said, has been formed to study, deliberate and make recommendations in a democratic manner, real issues regarding majority of women population. The Commission, she added, also intends to bring out a news letter based on the research being conducted. The meeting was attended by Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on social sectors. The members of the delegation included Mrs. Anis Haroon, Mrs. Fauzia Saeed, Mrs. Nasreen Azhar, Mrs. Rasheeda Anwar, Mrs.Bushra Ali, Mrs. Misbah Momin and Mrs. Romana Tanvir.
PR No. 142 Pakistan, with the assistance of International Community would bring education sector at par with the developed world, stated Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali today, while talking to a US delegation led by Ambassador Ms Robin Raphel, Chief Coordinator for non – military assistance to Pakistan. Ms. Shehnaz said that Government has increased the budget allocation for the education sector which will be brought up to 5% of the GDP. Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali enlightened the delegates on the purpose and functioning of the Education Task Force (ETF) that aims to turn the government resolve to provide education to all primary age children into reality. The “Education Task Force”, Ms. Shahnaz said, “Serves as a catalyst to both private and public schools by triggering innovative ideas and strategies”. Moreover, Education Task Force primarily focuses on elementary education. According to Ms. Shahnaz, ETF adopts a performance- oriented policy aimed at quality assurance with maximum outreach purpose even to far-flung areas of Pakistan. She added that ETF is meant to come up with effective strategies through data collection and its analysis coupled with the empirical evidence. In this way, ETF, not only provides basic policy input but also envisages proper policy implementation mechanism. ETF is surely going to help and support the National Education Policy in achieving its goals. During the course of discussion, the ambassador Robin Raphel asked Ms. Shahnaz about the problems faced by the education sector of the country. Ms. Shahnaz briefed the ambassador that lack of resources, absence of infrastructure, training-deficient teachers and the prevalent poverty situation of the country pose real challenges to the education sector. Further, she asked the delegates to come up with more investment and assistance in order to ameliorate the education sector of Pakistan. The ambassador Robin Raphel agreed in principle with Ms. Shahnaz on enhancing the level of cooperation and assistance between Pakistan and USA. The ambassador held that the problems in public sector must be removed while prioritizing the focus on marginalized sectors and areas especially FATA and Balochistan. Furthermore, she was appreciative of the problems and challenges faced by the education sector of Pakistan. She stressed the need to focus on all the four provinces of Pakistan with specific priorities. For Punjab, the ambassador, proposed the allocation of more student scholarship and for Balochistan, she suggested for the infrastructure development. The Secretary education, who was also present in the meeting, stated that the government is focused to bridge the gap between the public and the private education sectors. He held that ensuring a healthy competition between the public and the private education sectors is the hallmark of the new education policy. Besides, the National Education policy puts special emphasis on teacher’s training programme. In the end, Mr. Shahnaz thanked the Ambassador and other members of the delegation for showing great interest in the education sector of Pakistan. She encouraged the delegates for more talks to come up with a solid cooperative mechanism.
PR No. 143 National Assembly Standing Committee on House & Library has directed Deputy Commissioner Islamabad to verify the land purchased by the incumbent administration of National Assembly Employees Cooperative Housing Society. The Committee also expressed its displeasure over the unruly attitude of Administrator of NA Employees Cooperative Housing Society with the committee member and directed him to behave properly with the Members. The Committee met under the Chairmanship of Acting Speaker, Faisal Karim Kundi in Parliament House this afternoon. The Committee while discussing the report of Sub-Committee earlier constituted to probe into the reported mismanagement and financial irregularities in the National Assembly Secretariat Employees Cooperative Housing Society, directed the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad and Circle Registrar Cooperatives ICT to examine the purchase of land and the possession of the land with NA Secretariat Employees Cooperative Housing Society. Acting Speaker expressed his reservations on the decisions taken by the society administration regarding award of development contract to a contractor without getting, NOC and approval of the layout plan from CDA and without advertisement. The Acting Speaker questioned that why the management of the society gave Rs. 9 crore to the contractor without fulfilling the procedural requirements. The Administrator of the NA Employees Cooperative Housing Society informed the committee that all the procedural requirements in award of development contract and purchase of land were fulfilled and the contract was awarded after the approval of the general body of the society and circle registrar. The Committee out-rightly rejected the arguments of the Administrator and directed him to substantiate his claim with the documentary evidence in the next meeting of the committee. The Acting Speaker said that the funds with the society were the hard earned savings of the employees of the NA Secretariat and their savings would not be allowed to be misappropriated by anyone. He warned the present and the previous administration of the NA Employees Cooperative Housing Society that if any irregularity was revealed during the course of investigation they would be proceeded against, under the law. Later the construction of multi-purpose sports ground and dispensary in Parliament Lodges was also discussed. The Acting Speaker asked the CDA to expedite the process. The Acting Speaker also directed the CDA to address the complaints of the members of the parliament residing in the Parliament Lodges regarding maintenance, cleanliness and janitorial services. The meeting was attended by MNAs. Mrs. Belum Hasnain, Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarrar, Mr. Anjum Aqeel Khan, Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Mr. Shaukat Ullah, Mrs. Asiya Nasir and Noor Alam Khan and Secretary Cabinet Division, Officers of the National Assembly, CDA and ICT.
PR No. 144 Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo chaired a high level meeting to examine the progress of developmental projects of Azad Kashmir here on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Secretary Kashmir Affairs &Gilgit-Baltistan, M. Ihtisham Khan, Chief Secretary, Khalid Sultan, Joint Secretary AJK Council, Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary Tourism, Electricity, Hydel Power, Roads and other national building departments. The Minister examined the progress of hydel power projects, higher education, road infrastructure and how to boost tourism in the areas. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watto set a target for the officials of the Ministry of KA&GB and AJK government officials to prepare a feasibility report of tourism promotion at four spots of Azad Kashmir. He also directed the officials for creating opportunity of the public private partnership in Azad Kashmir beautiful resorts. The Federal Minister also stressed for the need of developing hydel power projects in the AJK which can produce almost 5,000 MW electricity and it may help in overcoming the electricity crisis in Pakistan. He also directed the officials to devise a comprehensive strategy and present it in the next meeting for the development of infrastructure and road network in AJK.
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No. 145 Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo expressed his condolences on the death of Capt® Muhammad Tariq to the former Minister AJK and vice President PPP AJK, Chaudhry Yaseen on Thursday. The Minister expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of the youth
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PR No. 146 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that women folk comprise more than 50% of the population of the country and their participation was imperative for the national development and prosperity. She said this in her message on the National Women Day being commemorating throughout Pakistan tomorrow. Madam Speaker said that women participation in public affairs was central to the functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against the oppression. She said that it was the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to empower women so that they could better contribute in the national development. In realization of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma, women have been sufficiently represented in the present parliament and opportunities were being provided to them for their enhanced role in the national development, she added. Madam Speaker said that the present democratic setup was committed to bring change in the laws to provide safe working environment for women. She said that the parliament has passed “Protection against the harassment at work place bill 2009 recently. This law would help reducing gender gap and enable women to contribute to the national development with more confidence, she said. The Madam Speaker said that the present government was committed to women emancipation and their empowerment and had taken numbers of steps to empower the women folk and ensuring their role in social, economic and political sphere of the life. She said that provision of basic health facilities and education to women was the top priority of the government and substantial fund has been allocated for this purpose in the current budget. She said that establishing of Women Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly was a significant achievement which has been formed with the objectives of protecting women rights and empowering them politically and economically.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the blast at Bannu. He ordered an immediate enquiry into the incident. He deplored the loss of lives in the blast. He also ordered the authorities to provide best medical facilities to the injured.
PR No. 148 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned bomb blasts at Bannu Police Line causing, loss of precious lives. In their separate messages, the Speaker and Acting Speaker said that it was a shameful act of terrorism, which reflected inhumane and callous nature of the perpetrators. They said that the elements involved in such cowardice act were the enemies of the country and humanity. They said that terrorist wanted to disrupt the peace in the country and create terror and fear amongst the people but they will not succeed in their nefarious design. They called upon the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the criminals involved in this act of terrorism and bring them to justice. The Speaker and Acting Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and sympathized with the bereaved families. They also wished speedy recovery to the injured.
PR No. 149
Federal Minister for Education Sardar Assef Ahmad Ali has
said that we should throw out the policies which don’t ensure social and
economic securities for the people of
Pakistan.
PR No. 150 Federal Minister for Defense Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is aware of the regional security requirements and hence has adopted a rational policy of keeping minimum credible deterrence. He said that the requirements of the defense forces would be fulfilled on priority basis. He lauded the Pakistan’s defense establishment for their efforts to attain indigenousness in the production of international quality defense equipments. The Minister briefed the Prime Minister on various aspects of the national security.
PR No. 151 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that public representatives should regularly interact with the people of their respective constituencies and monitor progress of the development projects launched in their areas to ensure that people are satisfied with the quality and timely completion of the schemes. He was talking to Leader of the House in Senate Senator Seyd Nayyar Bukhari, Senators Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri and Muhammad Talha Mahmood and Senior Minister Raja Riaz Ahmed, who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber, here this evening. He said that the government would continue its policy of reconciliation and consultation with all the political forces to evolve consensus not only to address issues of national importance, but participate in development activities to bring about a change in the life of the people. Reiterating the government’s firm resolve to exploit all available resources for the welfare of the people, the Prime Minister said that the elected representatives can play a constructive role in the development process at grassroots level. The issues concerning the people would help prepare policies which could strengthen governance in the country, he added.
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No. 152 US National Security Advisor General James Jones Thursday called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency. General James Jones was accompanied with the US Ambassador in Islamabad Anne W. Petterson and other senior US officials. On the Pakistan side those who attended the meeting included Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and Pakistan’s Ambassador in the US Hussain Haqqani. Spokesperson to President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that security situation in the region, drone attacks, fight against militancy, rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons, strengthening of the law enforcing agencies, coalition support funds arrears, the new US screening procedures and Pakistan’s energy needs were discussed in the meeting. The President said that Pakistan welcomed US declarations of support to Pakistan’s security and stability and economic development and emphasized that the continued support must be based on mutual respect and trust. Tracing the history of militancy in the region, the President said that decades ago the international community chose to fight the rival ideology using the region as the battle ground. After defeating the rival ideology the international community abandoned the region and the militants it had nurtured resulting in a new wave of militancy in the region, the President remarked. He said that the dynamics of the situation led Pakistan to become a security driven state neglecting social and human uplift. The international community now owed it to Pakistan and to itself to help rebuild the country economically and socially, he said. Farhatullah Babar said that the President emphasized the need for democratic stability in Pakistan which he said could be ensured by pursuing a well structured economic development agenda in which the international community had a great role to play. In this context the President reiterated the call for allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods in the U.S. and European markets and the need for early adoption of legislation in the US on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (RoZs). The President said that Pakistan had suffered a huge loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy in addition to the colossal and unquantifiable cost in terms of social and human losses which had almost crippled the nation’s economy. He said that it was important that the pledges made at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum were fulfilled. Indeed Pakistan needed a Marshal Plan to overcome its economic problems compounded by the fight against militancy, the President said. The President also pointed out the delays in payments of arrears of Coalition Support Fund of over 1.5 billion dollars and called for early repayments of outstanding dues. The President also expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals and called for its review as it had created resentment in the country and led to doubts and misgivings among the people of Pakistan. About the drone attacks on Pakistani territory, the President said that it undermined the national consensus against the war on militancy and reiterated Pakistan’s call for transfer of done technology to it for use by its own security forces against the militants for wider public acceptability. Referring to the new Afghan strategy the President said that Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan. The US National Security advisor appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against extremism and militancy and assured continued strategic political and economic support to Pakistan to win this war.
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No. 153 Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has strongly condemned the blasts in Bannu today which resulted in the loss of precious lives. The Foreign Minister emphasized that terrorism will never be allowed to succeed in its nefarious designs. Such acts only strengthen our resolve to fight terrorism with more vitality. The Government and the people of Pakistan are determined to root out this menace. The Foreign Minister expressed his profound condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of those who sustained injuries in the blast.
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