|
-
PR No. 155 Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the government has decided to appoint federal adjuster for recovery of outstanding dues from the federal and provincial departments in order to end the circular debt issue. He said this while talking to the newsmen after share certificate distributing ceremony to the employees of Pakistan State Oil under Benazir Employment Stock Option Scheme (BESOS). The Minister said that the Federal Cabinet and the ECC has approved appointment of Federal Adjuster in this respect. The Government has taken up the responsibility of Fata dues and would pay to the power company from its resources. The Minister said that 1200 MW power will be injected in the system from rental projects and 1000 MW from IPPs by July this year. He said that 350 MW will also be available in the next two week to be got by revamping of existing plants. The government has approved all the 14 recommendations of ADB under its audit report on rental power projects, said the minister while replying a question. He said that a committee has been set up to examine the contractual and legal deeds for 800 MW rental projects. To another question on energy saver, he said that 30 million energy saver will be distributed among the consumers free of cost to conserve energy. Earlier, in his address during the ceremony, he said that the BESOS is a brain child of the President Asif Ali Zardari to empower the workers. He said that the government is working on the welfare agenda of the people of Pakistan . He added that when the government took over it faces number of challenges like terrorism, economic crunch and other political issues. The government has taken on board all the political forces and started operation against terrorism with the support of people of Pakistan . It introduces Benazir Income Support Programme, resolved net hydel profit and gas royalty issues and gave a consensus based 7th NFC award to the nation. The democratic government will resolve all the problems of the masses and put the economy of the country on right path. He also congratulated the employees and management of the PSO for this scheme. Later, he distributed share certificates among the employees of different cadres. ENDS.
PR No. 156 Chairman Kashmir Parliamentary Committee, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman and Foreign Minster, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House this morning to discuss the whole gamut of Pakistan-India relations particularly Kashmir and Water disputes between the two countries. During the meeting it was decided that Foreign Secretary level talks between the two countries would be held on February 25, 2010 in New Delhi in which Pakistan side should raise all the core issues and impress upon India the need for the expeditious resolution through resumption of composite dialogue. The Prime Minister directed the Foreign Secretary, who was also present in the meeting, that his talks with his Indian counterpart should be result oriented and meaningful.
PR No. 157 The Officials of Ministry of IT&T briefed the prime minister’s advisor for IT& T Sardar Muhammad Latif Khosa about the performance of the Ministry of IT& T here on Friday. The Advisor directed the officials to accelerate the work and do it in high spirit. He said that there is immense scope in the field of IT &T and we need to exploit the opportunity. We need to take IT& T to new heights where it could be competitive with the international market. He also said that we need to change the mindset and make it service oriented to serve as the servants of the people. We need to work for the development of Pakistan and it is the top priority of Government of Pakistan, the advisor said
PR No. 158 While appreciating the efforts made by the Constitutional Reforms Committee of Parliament, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani hoped that the Committee would soon finalize its proposals which are acceptable to all the political forces of the country, while being a major step forward towards strengthening the democratic institutions. The Prime Minister expressed these views while talking to the Chairman of the Constitutional Reforms Committee, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that the restoration of 1973 constitution in its original form would be another milestone achievement of the government. He said the nation would soon hear good news in this regard. Minister of Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah; Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar and Advisor to PM on IT, Sardar Latif Khosa were also present on the occasion.
PR No. 159 The envoy of Czech Republic Mr. Pavol Sepelak and the Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan Mr. Petros Mavroidis held meeting with the Federal Minister for Privatisation Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan here today. Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan appraised the envoys regarding the endeavor being made by the Privatisation Commission for improving the management and the efficiencies of the State Owned Entities (SOEs) through reverse mergers. Elucidating the salient features of the steps being taken for value addition of SOEs, the Minister informed that major Investment houses were being engaged through an open and transparent process to induce more business opportunities in these entities, which would make the value of these assets much higher. PIA, OGDCL, PPL, SNGPL, SSGC, PSMC, Pakistan Railways, Postal services were among these entities, he said. He urged upon both the envoys to help in organizing access to the top management of major companies of their respective counties for generating maximum interest in Pakistan’s Privatisation Program. The envoy of Czech Republic to Pakistan Mr. Pavol Sepelak assured the Minister that all efforts would be made to strengthen the economic relations between the two countries. Major Czech companies operating in energy, power generation, power distribution, locomotives sectors would be approached to take part in Pakistan’s Privatisation Program. Mr. Petros Mavroidis Ambassador of Greece to Pakistan while supporting the idea suggested that access should be established with both the private and public sectors of both the countries in order to identify the areas of interest and to accelerate the economic interaction.
PR No. 160 High Commissioner of Kenya Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Friday and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. The President appreciated the support of the Kenyan Government in granting the facility of Visa on arrival to Pakistani national at Kenyan International airports, resolving the issue of increase in import duty on Pakistani rice and the awarding of Kenyan Passport project to NADRA, which possess the state of the art technology. The President urged for further enhancing the trade and economic relations by negotiating and finalizing the Free Trade Agreement, avoidance of double taxation agreement and Bilateral Investment treaty between the two countries. The Kenyan High Commissioner Mrs Mishi Masika Mwatsahu thanked the President for granting her audience and hoped for increased bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields.
PR No. 161 Outstanding sportswomen Ms Naseem Hamid and Ms Sarah Nasir, who brought laurels to Pakistan by winning gold medals in Athletics and karate respectively for the first time in quarter of a century were today invited to the Presidency by President Asif Ali Zardari and awarded them with cheques of Rupees one million each. Respective coaches of Athletics and Karate Mr. Maqsood Ahmad and Mohammad Riaz were also invited. The President felicitated and awarded the respective coaches with Cheques of Rs. 1 lac each. The President felicitated Naseem Hameed, South Asia’s fastest women player and Sarah Nasir, the gold medal winner in Karate and said that the nation is proud of them for their tremendous achievement in 11th SAF games. The President while paying a glowing tribute to the national flag hoisters at Dhaka said that their glaring achievement will act as a role model for other women and would boost the morale of other sportswomen of the country to excel in the field of sports. On the occasion the President advised the government to devise a policy framework whereby distinguished sportswomen above a certain threshold were also sent abroad for training and coaching to further improve their skills for competing in international sports events. The same policy should also apply to the coaches, he said. The President said other Pakistani winners of gold medals in SAF games and their respective coaches would also be appropriately rewarded. The President also advised that the outstanding sportswomen could be made sports ambassadors. The cheques distribution ceremony was attended among others by Mir Ajaz Hussain Jakhrani, minister for sports, Lt Gen® Syed Arif Hassan, President Olympic Association.
PR
No. 162 A meeting was held here today in the committee room of the Ministry to review sugar production, stocks and price position. Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani presided over the meeting. Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Federal Secretary Food and Agriculture, Provincial Secretaries for Agriculture and Industries of the four Provinces, Additional Secretary Commerce, Additional Secretary Industries and Production, Additional Secretary Finance, Senior Officials from State Bank of Pakistan and Federal Board of Revenue, MD Utility Stores Corporation, Chairman TCP, and Cane Commissioners from Islamabad, Lahore, Sindh and NWFP attended this meeting. The meeting was informed that 23 lacs ton sugar has been produced so far. The total estimated consumption throughout the country this year is 42 lacs ton. To meet the shortfall of 11 lacs ton, Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has been tasked to import 5 lacs ton sugar in next month i.e. March. While the Pakistan government is negotiating with the Dubai government for import of another 7 lacs tons sugar. It has been decided unanimously in the meeting and the Federal Minister for I&P has directed the Provincial governments to depute its representatives on each and every sugar Mill to monitor its production on daily basis. This is responsibility of the Provincial governments to adopt an effective and transparent mechanism to check, How much daily production is of each sugar Mill, Who is buying this, Where this sugar is being stocked. The Provincial governments must ensure that there is no hoarding. The Provincial governments must root out this hoarding menace. The governments ensure that Sugar Mills in their respective provinces must maintain 15% to 20% stocks of their production to meet emergency. The Interior Ministry has been asked to take stringent measures to check smuggling of sugar at Khokhrapar, Torkham and Chamman borders. A letter has been written to Interior Ministry in this regard. The Board has decided that Utility Stores Corporation would continue to sell sugar @Rs.45/-kg at its outlets. MAB
PR
No. 163 The High Commissioner of Maldives Miss Aishath Shehnaz Adam, Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic HE Bektur Asanov and Royal Danish Ambassador HE Anders Hougaard called on the Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim in his office today separately. Secretary Commerce Zafar Mahmood and senior officers of the Ministry were also present on these occasions. While talking to the Maldivian High Commissioner, the Federal Minister underscored the need for enhanced trade with a proposal to constitute a Joint Trade Commission between the two countries. He also invited the High Commissioner to participate in the Expo Pakistan in the last week of this month. The Minister expressed that the trade volume between the two countries is not satisfactory, although exports from Pakistan have risen up from 2.5 million dollars to 5.6 million dollars during last couple of years. Pakistan ’s major exports are rice, fruit and pharmaceutical goods. The meeting also reviewed the progress on bilateral trade and cooperation of Commerce Minister’s visit of Maldives in November 2008. Tourism and fishing are the largest industries of Maldives ’ economy. The High Commissioner showed interest in Pakistan ’s surgical instruments. Ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic also called on the Commerce Minister. The Federal Minister informed the Ambassador that the trade volume between the two countries was meager despite of the fact that we enjoy brotherly relations. If our efforts are sincere, we could raise the trade volume four times in the coming three or four years, the Minister added. The Minister expressed that the current government is keen to establish better trade relations with the Central Asian Republics . The Ambassador proposed that bean could be imported from Kyrgyz, as it is being exported on a large scale. Pakistanis citrus fruits are very much popular in Kyrgyz Republic . The Danish Ambassador also called on the Minister. The Ambassador was pursued that Pakistan might be given preferential treatment in European markets, because of our war against terror.
PR
No. 164 The world community must recognize and extend its unqualified support to the Kashmiris epic struggle to achieve their inalienable right to self-determination. This was observed in a meeting held between the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek and a 5 – member delegation of ‘Jammu and Kashmir Self-determination Movement Europe’ headed by Raja Najabat Hussain. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman Senate said Pakistan has always accorded the highest priority to Kashmir cause, which remained the unfinished agenda of partition of Sub Continent. He reminded that even Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah referred to Kashmir as the ‘jugular vein’ of Pakistan. He re-affirmed the country’s strong political, moral and diplomatic support for the just cause of freedom of Kashmir. The head of delegation and the members lauded the PPP lead government in Pakistan which always gives highest priority to the aspiration of the people of Kashmir and added that whenever there is PPP Government in Pakistan, the Kashmiris struggle receives great impetus. Raja Najabat Husssain said on the occasion that the Kashmiris struggle for freedom derived its legitimacy from the UN Resolutions and it is also a fact of history that it was the Indian leadership which approached the world Body for resolution of the dispute. The Indian leadership, he said must honour its commitment to hold plebiscite in Kashmir, he added. He said that the people of Kashmir have made great sacrifices in their struggle for the achievement of self-determination and Kashmiris cannot be deprived off their legitimate rights through the force of bullets. The Chairman Senate added that Kashmir is not a border dispute between two countries but a matter of grant of one of the unalienable fundamental rights i.e. right to self-determination. He said the country would continue to make efforts for mobilizing political and diplomatic support for the just cause of Kashmir. He specifically stressed the need of unity among the Kashmiries and Pakistanis living abroad to make their voice audible in European capitals.
PR
No. 165 President of Palestine Mr. Mahmoud Abbas called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Friday evening. The two leaders exchange views on prevalent situation in Middle East, regional and international issues, bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest. The Palestinian President was accompanied by Dr. Riad N.A. Malki, Foreign Minister, Mr. Azzam N.M.Alahmad, Head of majority – Palestinian legislative Council, Mohammad A.M. Mustafa, President of Palestine investment fund and Palestinian ambassador in Pakistan Mr. Hazem Abushanab. Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Chairman Senate, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi Foreign Minister, Makdob Shahabuddin, Health Minster, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, MOS for Economic affairs, Mr. M. Salman Faruqui, Secetary General to the President, Mr. Salim H.Mandviwala, Cahirman Board of Investment and other senior officials also attended the meeting. President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan will continue to extend its unequivocal and unreserved support to the just cause of Palestinian people for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State of their own with Al-Quds as its capital. “Pakistan believes that peace will remain elusive in the Middle East unless the Palestinian problem is resolved” the President said. The President said that Pakistan favors an early settlement of the Palestinian – Israeli conflict on the basis of two- state solution and added that Pakistan supports all efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and acceptable to the Palestinian people. The President while condemning the brutal Israeli invasion of Gaza and its continued blockade said that Pakistan strongly oppose the construction of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian lands. He added that Pakistan is also opposed to all measures which could change the situation on ground including settlements, separation wall, excavations beneath the Al- Aqsa mosque and evictions of Palestinians from their homes, till a resettlement is reached. The President expressed concerns over the current stalemate and deadlock in the peace process which has implications for peace in the region and beyond.
The Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that all the developmental projects of the ministry in Baluchistan shall be completed on priority basis. He said that the federal government was ready and willing to help the people of Baluchistan in attaining social and economic prosperity. The Minister stated that his ministry would do all possible efforts to put an end to the backwardness of the province The Minister added that Chaghai Project is crucially important for the uplift of the people of the districts of Chaghai and Noshki in particular and the people of the province in general. “The focus should be on the availability of water for the purpose of agriculture and domestic consumption. Watercourses must be improved and latest practices like dripping and sprinkling must be introduced to modernize farming. The scope of the project must be increased to help the maximum number of the people. We are ready to help in all the possible ways”, added the minister. The Chaghai Water Management & Agriculture Development Project became effective in 2005 after signing an agreement with IDP. The total cost of the project is Rs.567.170 million. The bank is financing the project up to the extent Rs. 433.865 million and the federal government gives the remaining share. The Federal Minister was presiding over the Federal Steering Committee on Chaghai Project at the ministry in Islamabad. The secretary and additional secretary Minfa, Dr Akhtar Bhatti, representative of the Islamic Development Bank (IDP) Project Director (P.D) Asif Kakar, DCO Chaghai, and DCO Noshki, also attended the meeting Mr. Gondal appreciated the efforts and hard work of the present P.D who has completed 56 % of the work in just seven months.
PR
No. 167 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has called upon the US to honour the pledges of assistance made in Tokyo’s Donors Conference and under Kerry Lugar Bill and expedite reimbursement of mounting arrears of Coalition Support Fund to help Pakistan overcome its present economic difficulties and achieve the common objective of eliminating militancy and terrorism. He was talking to Mr. Neal Wolin, US Deputy Secretary of Treasury who alongwith his delegation called on the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that disbursement of US assistance must be routed through the established transparent official channels for its optimum use to revive the various sectors of the economy and reconstruction of the effected areas. He highlighted the passage of Money Laundering Bill by the National Assembly of Pakistan and said that it was likely to be passed by the Senate in the near future. In addition to this, Pakistan had strengthened its financial management unit, and both these measures will ensure increased transparency and sufficient oversight in utilization of the foreign assistance in the country, he added. The Prime Minister highlighted the fact that no war could be won without wholehearted support of the people and in case of Pakistan, the whole nation unanimously supported the Government campaign against terrorism. Unless the reconstruction process in the areas cleared by the security forces not initiated on fast track basis, it is apprehended that the public resolve may be weakened, he observed. Hence, it is all the more important that the donor’s countries assist Pakistan at this critical juncture by honouring their pledges on priority basis, he added. The Prime Minister also urged upon the US government to undertake development projects having concrete visibility to improve its image in Pakistan. He noted that after successful Malakand operation, the Damage Need Assessment (DNA) was undertaken and subsequently the Government of Pakistan had taken the identified feasible projects to the Donors Conference which were awaiting required funding for implementation. The Prime Minister said his government focus was on trade and not the aid. While underlining the importance of greater market access for Pakistani products to the important world countries, he urged upon the US to use its influence with the European Union for grant of GSP Plus facilities and with Japan for facilitating increased exports of Pakistani goods. He also asked the US administration to resume negotiations on Bilateral Investment Treaty. The US Deputy Secretary of Treasury while commending the great sacrifices of the armed forces and people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism expressed the gratitude of his government for Pakistan’s steadfast and resolute commitment on this account. He assurede a the Prime Minister that US was absolutely committed to a long term strategic relationship with Pakistan and will fast track the financial assistance pledged to Pakistan. He appreciated Prime Minister’s proposal for his government’s undertaking important projects with high visibility in Pakistan and said that the US side will positively consider 9-Point programme discussed with him by the Finance Minister earlier in the day. He appreciated the fact that Government of Pakistan despite its peculiar difficulties had successfully moved ahead with the macro-economic requirements to stabilize the economy and had achieved relatively better growth than some other countries. Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmad Tarin, Minister for Finance, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam and Foreign Secretary were also present in the meeting. PR No. 168 The President of the State of Palestine, His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, paid an official visit to Pakistan on 12 February 2010. President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation were extended a warm welcome consistent with the fraternal cordial relations between the people of Pakistan and Palestine, says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here today. During his stay in Islamabad, the President of the State of Palestine held separate meetings with the President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. They exchanged views on the prevailing situation in the Middle East, regional and international issues, and matters of bilateral interest. The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan reaffirmed the steadfast support of Pakistan to the just cause of the Palestinian people. President Mahmoud Abbas conveyed gratitude to the leadership and people of Pakistan for their principled position on the issue of Palestine and for their unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their struggle for the realization of their inalienable national rights and for the establishment of an independent state of their own, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.
PR
No. 169 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan always has and will continue to take principled stance of unqualified support to the Palestinian people for their right to self-determination and Sovereign State. He said that Pakistan would persist its support, at all levels and fora, for safeguarding and promoting the legitimate aspirations of Palestinian people. The Prime Minister said this during a meeting with the Palestinian President, Mehmood Abbas, at the PM’s House this evening. The Prime Minister said that Palestine was an emotive issue for the Government and people of Pakistan and hence they follow the events in Middle East with great concern. The people of Pakistan desire for early resolution of the Palestine conflict in a just and fair manner. While pointing out that resolution of Palestine issue finds resonance in the just and peaceful struggle of Kashmiri people for self determination, he said that the peace will remain elusive in the Middle East and South Asia unless the Palestine and Kashmir disputes are resolved. The Prime Minister while highlighting fundamentals of Pakistan’s policy on Palestine said that Pakistan wants total withdrawal of Israel form all occupied Arab territories including Jerusalem, stoppage of all measures including construction of settlements, separation wall, excavation beneath the Al-Aqsa mosque and eviction of Palestinian from their homes which could change the situation on ground till a resettlement is reached, restitution of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people including their right to return to Palestine, early settlement of the Palestinian-Israel conflict on the basis of two state solution, establishment of an independent homeland for Palestinian with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital The Prime Minister expressed disappointment over the current stalemate in the peace process. He said the deadlock in the peace process has implications for peace in the region and beyond. He urged Israel to demonstrate its good faith and sincerity for talks by stopping its illegal activity of construction of settlement in the occupied lands The Prime Minister extended Pakistan full support to the peace efforts in the Middle East, including the Oslo Peace Accord, the Arab Peace Initiative and the UN Resolution 242 and 338. Welcoming Goldstone Commission Report on Gaza, he hoped that its recommendations would be implemented by the international community. He expressed Pakistan strong endorsement to the call for an end to economic sanctions against Palestinians. President of the State of Palestine, Mehmood Abbas apprised the Prime Minister of the current status of the efforts to resume peace talks and thanked him for Pakistan’s steadfast and unwavering support to the cause of Palestine. It was agreed that both sides should persist with their coordination at the international fora and consult each other on regular basis for fostering a common strategy in pursuit of realization of Palestine State.
PR No. 170 Pakistan is a responsible country and fully capable of keeping its nuclear weapons safe and secure and there was no question of their falling into the hands of rogue elements said Pakistan High Commissioner for UK Mr. Wajid Shamus Hasan while responding to a query on the occasion of his address to Royal Over-Seas League for Commonwealth Countries in Bournemouth , yesterday. He further said that the command and control system of Pakistan’s nuclear assets is impeccable and up to the mark. Further elaborating he added that Pakistan developed its nuclear programme in response to India’s atomic explosions in 1974, and it has served as deterrent and helped in preventing war between the two countries, says a press release received from the Pakistan High Commission, London here today. . High Commissioner was invited by the Bournemouth Chapter of the League to address its members in connection with its centennial celebrations. Addressing a well attended gathering on the topic ‘Current Situation in North of Pakistan’ Mr. Hasan said that the present problems in settled areas of North Western Frontier Province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) could be traced back to Soviet invasion of Afghanistan three decades ago. After giving an overview of political, geographical, economic and social background of these areas the High Commissioner discussed the root causes of current problems. He informed that the creation of Mujahidin by the Western countries with the objective to defeat Soviet Union and then abandoning of region by USA after withdrawal of Soviet forces led to creation of numerous problems in Pakistan. The influx of three million refugees along with infiltration of militants of various nationalities as well as inflow of drugs and weapons pulled northern regions of Pakistan into a situation which unleashed a cycle of ongoing problems. He said that religious extremism was never a problem in these areas but infiltration of large number of militants from various countries who had been fighting in Afghanistan against Soviet Union , through the porous border between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to rise of militancy and extremism in this region. The High Commissioner said that Pakistan has made huge sacrifices both in terms of human and material of resources in fight against terrorism resulting in immense pressure and strain on our internal security and economy. Underscoring the need for development in these areas the High Commissioner said that these problems can be tackled by adopting a multi faceted approach because banking only on military option was not an answer. He said that present government’s 3D strategy revolves around Development, Dialogue and Deterrence. He said that development of these areas was a pre requisite to wean away people of these areas from extremism and in this connection assistance was required from other countries as well. Expressing gratitude to the High Commissioner the Acting Chairman and Secretary of the Bourne mouth chapter of ROSL said that Pakistan occupies a significant position among commonwealth countries and it was important to project Pakistan’s point of view regarding current situation in Northern Region of Pakistan. Royal overseas League is a non - profit organization formed in 1910 to facilitate commonwealth countries through welfare, social and cultural projects.
PR No. 171 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and PML(N) Quaid, Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif in a meeting held at the PM’s House here this evening took stock of the current political, economic and security situation in the country. While reaffirming their firm commitment to strengthen the parliamentary system, both leaders agreed to work for political stability, sovereignty of parliament as well as for the resolution of the pending issues in accordance to the spirit of the Charter of Democracy. The Prime Minister said the nation will soon hear good news in this regard. The two leaders also emphasized the need for closer contacts among all the political forces to strengthen the democratic institutions. The Prime Minister reiterated his government firm resolves towards reconciliation process to forge political harmony. He said that it is the responsibility of all the state institutions to provide relief to the people and improve the quality of life of the common man. He said the government attaches high priority and importance to ensuring transparency and good governance at all levels. Both the leaders agreed that the two major political parties would work together for the rule of law, strengthening of state institutions and supremacy of parliament, which represents the will of the 170 million people of Pakistan. They also agreed that all institutions should work under the ambit of the constitution. Both the leaders agreed that present democratic system, earned through unprecedented struggle by all political parties and the people of Pakistan, would be protected and strengthened at all costs for the welfare of the people. Mian Nawaz Sharif, stressed for early implementation on Charter of Democracy by removing all undemocratic clauses in the constitution introduced during dictatorial regimes. He said that early action in this regard would pave way towards strengthening of democracy in the country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PR
No. 172 A spokesman of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken serious exception to the allegations leveled by Jang Group regarding ban on its advertisements. Commenting on the news reports telecast by TV channel of Jang Group, the spokesman said “it is incorrect to claim that ban has been imposed on release of government advertisements to the Jang Group. The Jang Group publications have carried a number of government advertisements even today”, the spokesman said. No ban has been imposed on release of government advertisements to this group, the spokesman said and added that the government believes in complete freedom of expression. |
