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PR No. 125 Islamabad: January 14, 2010 A meeting of the Committee of Federal Cabinet to review reinstatement process of sacked employees of National Highway Authority (NHA) under the Chairmanship of Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah was held here today The Committee was told that 261 employees of NHA have been reinstated out of 480 employees who have contacted for their reinstatement. The case of reinstatement of the rest of sacked employees in being reviewed by the Department. The Federal Minister Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah said on this occasion that the present government would honour its commitment for reinstatement of sacked employees. He directed the authorities concerned to speed up the process of reinstatement of the remaining sacked employees. He also directed to reinstate all those employees who were working on Daily Wages, contract and temporary basis sacked during 1996 to 1998. He further said that the reinstated employees should be paid pays and allowances equal to regular employees of their department. Federal Minister for Communication, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, Minister of State for Communication Ch. Imtiaz Safdar Waraich, Chairman NHA, Secretary M/o. Communication, Secretary M/o Labour and Manpower and other high officials of NHA and M/o Labour and Manpower also attended the meeting. **MSG/Ahmad**
PR No. 126 Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House here this afternoon and exchanged views on the legislative business of the ongoing Senate session. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 127 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that uplift and development of underdeveloped regions of the country is the top priority of the government. The improvement in the quality of life of the people of such regions, he added, would help them to come back into the main stream of national life. The Prime Minister expressed these views while chairing a meeting to review the progress on the on-going development projects in Southern Punjab, at the PM’s House here this morning. The Prime Minister said that Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, development efforts in FATA, reconstruction work in Malakand, infrastructural improvements in Sindh and uplift of Gilgit-Baltistan are some of the measure undertaken by the Federal Government in the same direction to address the problems of the people living in these regions. The Southern Punjab, he added, also requires attention with emphasis on coordinated efforts by taking all stake holders including the elected representatives of the people of the area as well as the provincial governments into confidence. Earlier the Prime Minister was also briefed about the upcoming schemes for the next PSDP including those related to infrastructural sector. Projects relating to the health and education sectors focusing on upgradation of primary health care facilities and educational institutions were also discussed. The meeting was attended by concerned federal secretaries, Chairman NHA, MD PEPCO, Vice Chancellor Bahauddin Zakariya University and DG Civil Aviation Authority. **PMCO/Ahmad**
PR No. 128 Minister of State (MOS)/ Chairman, Board of Investment (BOI) Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla is leading a delegation to Uzbekistan to explore the possibilities of joint collaboration with the major business houses of Uzbekistan. This visit is taken in the context of side line meeting of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Mr. Mirziyocv Shavkat during 8th Session of the Council of Heads of Governments of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) held in Beijing (12-15 October 2009). Various possibilities for increasing economic and commercial cooperation were reviewed. The two prime Ministers agreed to optimize utilization of existing bilateral channels and arrangements and to set a roadmap for further strengthening of such bilateral cooperation especially in the fields of textiles, pharmaceuticals and leather products. The visit of the MOS/ Chairman, BOI is in line to for further strengthening of bilateral relations and is leading a delegation of Pakistani businessmen in textiles, pharmaceuticals and leather sector. Uzbekistan’s economy was estimated at US$ 71.84 billion and its per capita income at US$ 2,600 in the year 2008. Though intense and deep rooted friendly relations have existed between the two countries. The data on trade and investment relations indicate that investment and trade levels have remained rather low. The visit of the Pakistani businessmen / investors delegation headed by MOS / Chairman BOI will provide an opportunity to review and establish strengthened arrangements for consolidation and further expansion of economic ties between the two countries. Pakistan has signed Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Bilateral Investment with Uzbekistan. During 2007-08, our exports were worth US $ 2.82 million and imports US$ 18.21 million. The delegation currently visiting Uzbekistan will result in furthering the bilateral economic relations between the countries. **sma/Ahmad**
PR No. 129 Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Parliamentary Committees on National Security and Constitutional Reforms called on the Madam Speaer, Dr. Fehmida Mirza in her chamber in the Parliament House today and briefed her about the proceedings of the meetings of Parliamentary Committees on Constitutional Reforms and National Security. Briefing the Madam Speaker about the progress made by the Constitutional Reforms Committee, he said that the committee was heading towards the completion of its work with tremendous speed, adding that the committee is holding meetings regularly and the process of consultations is on to reach consensus on all issues of national importance. He expressed hope that the task will be accomplished very soon. He also apprised the Madam Speaker about the proceedings and progress regarding the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. He said that the committee has finalized its recommendations with consensus of the representatives of all political parties that will be communicated to the government very soon. The Madam Speaker expressed satisfaction over pace of the proceedings and work both of the committees. **MT/Ahmad**
Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that diamer-basha dam will open a new era of economic development and prosperity in Pakistan. He said this while presiding over a meeting of Federal Ministers constituted by the Prime Minister on diamer-basha dam project held here today. Federal Minister, Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah, Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, Pir Aftab Shah Jillani, Secretary Ministry of Water and Power, Adviser Ministry of Water and Power, Additional Secretary Water and Power, Chairman Wapda, Member Wapda, representatives of Planning Commission, Kashmir Affairs and other senior officials of Ministry and Wapda attended the meeting. The Minister for Water and power, Raja Pervez Ashraf said that after completion, the dam will generate a cheaper electricity of 4500 MW with a live storage capacity of 6.4 million acres feet to irrigate thousands of acres land. He said that the life of Terbela dam will extend about 35 years after completion of basha dam. He said that the physical construction of the dam will be started this year as per the given time frame and the Asian Development Bank has assured financing of this important project. The Minister said that the government is also working on various other hydel power projects to reduce dependence on thermal power and to generate cheaper and clean electricity to meet the future electricity needs. He also asked Wapda to implement the resettlement plan without any delay. Later, the Chairman Wapda briefed the meeting on the current status of the dam and its allied matters relating to land acquisition, upgradation of KKH and resettlement plan. He also informed the meeting that diamer basha will be the highest roller compacted concrete dam of the world having height of 272 meters. **MY/Ahmad**
PR No. 131 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that civil society, corporate sector and philanthropists should come forward to help the government in its relief and rehabilitation effort for the victims of the recent land-sliding in Attabad, Hunza. The minister was talking to Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, Telenor Pakistan ’s Chief Strategy Officer & VP Corporate Affairs, who called on him here today to present a cheque of Rs. 2 million for the affectees of land-sliding in Attabad, Hunza. The minister said that the land-sliding occurred in a remote area where relief and rescue effort through normal land route was very difficult. However, the government provided relief in the area through air and land routes, he added. The minister said that relief goods were airlifted from Islamabad and other areas for the stranded people of the area. He said that the government also announced a relief package to help them rehabilitate as early as possible. The minister appreciated the contribution of Telenor Pakistan and said that other segments of the society should also come forward to help the people of the area in this difficult time as there is still a need to augment the government’s rescue efforts for the area. Mr. Aamir Ibrahim, said that Telenor Pakistan has stood by its Pakistani brethren at all times of need and has always contributed towards the relief efforts, financially and through its network and human resource. “Being the first and one of the largest mobile operators in the Gilgit-Baltistan, the area holds special significance for us which is demonstrated through our constant engagement in cultural, economic and social activities for the region”, he added. He expressed the resolve to continue playing a role in the socio-economic development of the country. The meeting was also attended by Telenor Pakistan ’s officials Qazi Muhammad Idris, Affan Haider and Areej Aurangzeb Khan.
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No. 132 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira has reiterated the government’s resolve towards promoting free media in the country and has said that it is also the responsibility of the media to carry out balanced reporting with responsibility and precision. The minister was addressing the inter-provincial conference of Information ministers held here today. The Minister said that the ministry and its allied departments, as well as the provincial information setups, are always available to help and coordinate with the media to help it achieve its true potential. Talking about the government’s initiatives of promoting understanding and capacity building of media people, the minister said that media courses for districts correspondents are being launched. He said that work on Shaheed Bhutto Media University is going on and it will be inaugurated very soon. The minister said that the ongoing war on terror is the crucial for the survival of Pakistan and it is the government’s resolve to continue till the menace of terrorism is eradicated from the Pakistani society. He said that media’s role becomes extremely important as people need to be informed and educated to win this war completely. The minister said that radio coverage and programming needs to be enhanced and improved as it is a more effective means of communication and information in the mountainous terrain. Punjab ’s Information Minister Chaudhary Abdul Ghafoor appreciated the initiative of the federal minister for Information and Broadcasting and termed this conference a historical event. He said that there exists no communication gap between the provincial and federal governments. He said that not one but ten universities should be established in the name of Shaheed Bhutto. He added that it was Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who said that we will make nuclear weapons, even if we had to eat grass. Speaking about the media scenario in Pakistan , Ch. Abdul Ghafoor said that the decisions that need to be made in the parliament should not be made on media. NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that there is a need to enhance the existing synergy between the provincial and federal information setups to ensure the same message is disseminated to the people. The meeting stressed the need to work in a synchronized manner and work closely to bridge gaps in the media effort, if any. The meeting was attended by Punjab ’s Information Minister Chaudhary Abdul Ghafoor, NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri, Director General ISPR Maj. Gen. Ather Abbas and senior officials of the federal and provincial information ministries and related departments.
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No. 133 Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Pakistan was committed to fight and eradicate terrorism from the region and has rendered all possible sacrifices in this regard. He said this while talking to a 4-member delegation from EU Countries on “Support of Electoral Reforms in Pakistan ” that called on him in the Parliament House today. The Deputy Speaker said that lack of amenities; education and opportunities were the root causes of terrorism that needed to be eliminated to end extremism and terrorism from Pakistan . He said that the democratic setup in Pakistan has initiated steps to overcome its economic problems and expedite the pace of progress in the country. He said that the return and rehabilitation of the IDPs, announcement of Balochistan package and the NFC Award and holding of election in Gilgit and Baltistan shows the commitment of the democratic government to resolve all issues of the national importance and get the country out of problems. He also apprised the delegation about the working of National Assembly Standing Committees and their contribution in legislation. Head of the EU delegation on Support of Electoral Reforms in Pakistan , Michael Meyer, said that basic purpose of his organization was to assist Pakistan ’s parliament, to strengthen democracy here and to streamline the election reforms process in Pakistan . He assured the Deputy Speaker of provision of resources for streamlining the working of parliament in Pakistan .
PR No. 134 A meeting was chaired by Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jillani, Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) on 14th January, 2009. Issues relating to Allocation of Water for territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Allocation of Water for drinking purposes to Rawalpindi/Islamabad were discussed. Secretary Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination and Senior Officers from Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination, Water and Power and Capital Development Authority attended the said meeting. The representatives of Ministry of Water and Power and Capital Development Authority updated the progress on these issues. It was decided to review further progress of these issues soon on the measures to be initiated by Ministry of Water and Power with Provincial Government of Punjab either by Ministry of Water and Power itself or jointly by Minister for Water and Power and Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination.
PR No. 135 This is with reference to a news item appearing in the section of press on Thursday 14th January, 2010 under the caption of “Government throws good money after bad” . The news is not based on facts, is mischievous, misleading and appears to be a figment of imagination of the correspondent, in most parts. The Ministry of Railways, would like to bring out the factual position on all the major issues raised by the worthy correspondent as given below. i) Firstly, it is incorrect to say that the total amount of the loan with the China signed on 14.12.2009 is about Rs. 21 billion. In fact, two different loan agreements were signed on the said date. One for the procurement of 75 locomotives and the other for purchase of 202 coaches worth US $ 89.37 million and 114.28 million respectively. If converted into Pak Rupees the total amount of both the loans comes to Rs. 17.3 billion on current foreign exchange rate and not Rs. 21 billion. Also in dollar terms the amount of two loans come to $ (203.65) million and not $ 240 million. ii) It is incorrect to state that the interest on these loans is libor plus 5.6 %. Factually, the loans are at libor plus 2.2 % (220 basis point). The terms and conditions of these loans by Exim Bank China are the cheapest available to Pakistan Railways. Many other projects in Pakistan have been financed by Exim Bank China on similar rates. iii) The 4 member delegation who visited China returned as per their flight schedule in accordance with the availability of flights. After signing the loan on 14.12.2009, the delegation also held discussions with Insurance Company Sinsore and with other Chinese suppliers. The wives of two members accompanied their husbands on their own expenses and not a single penny was charged to the Government exchequer. The news therefore is misleading to say the least. iv) At present the foreign debt of Railways is Rs. 20.7 billion and not Rs. 65 billion as stated by the author to misguide the subscribers of such illustrious newspaper. Even if the over draft of Rs. 35 billion, accumulated over the years is included, the final figure does not come to Rs. 65 billion. Pakistan Railways is not a Bankrupt state run organization as the value of its assets is more than its expenses and liabilities. It would be wrong to say that Pakistan Railways is a bankrupt state organization. Similarly, Pakistan Railways is not loosing Rs. 1.5 billion per month but in fact is meeting its revenue targets this year and has also earned 20 % more revenue last year i.e. 2008-09 over 2007-08 in freight business. Pakistan Railways is a Public Service Organization and has to run its operation on non remunerative sectors to provide service to the people of Pakistan, regardless of the revenue earned on these sectors. The correspondent therefore should have seen expenditure on passenger trains in the perspective of public service and not to highlight something which amounts to making an attempt to deprive service to the poor sections of the society and backward areas of the country. As regards ECNEC conditions, the author has once again made statement without verifying facts. The procurement of 202 coaches was finalized only after approval by the Finance Minister that clearance of PEPRA is not required. In this regard action has been taken in accordance with section 5 of PEPRA Rules., which deals with the Agreements and Foreign Governments international agencies etc. b) The Railways have already submitted business and restructuring plan to Government for approval after obtaining comments of all the stakeholders including Provincial Government. Therefore it is incorrect to say that the conditions of ECNEC were not met. c) The issues regarding ownership of land has already been resolved with Provincial Governments in two different meetings of Railway Minister with the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Sindh. While, with the provinces of Balochistan and NWFP, the matter already stands resolved. It is, therefore, misleading to say that this condition was not adhered to before executing the project in any case. In any case the project is yet to be executed as the agreement of 202 coaches have yet to take effect. The emergency relief measures approved by the Finance Minister are subject to stringent review of Railways existing structure and financial needs. Any promised amount will first have to be analyzed by the Economic Advisor of Ministry of Finance and it is only after, that funds will be made available to Railways. x) It is also incorrect to state that Pakistan Railways have signed contract agreement for 60 locomotives. One wonders as to how and where the author has got this figure from. The loan agreement was signed for 75 locomotives on competitive prices and on very soft terms. It is also again factually incorrect that 92 coaches would be in CBU conditions. The correspondent may like to review his facts. xi) As regards the prices of the coaches, these were finalized by a high level committee constituted by the Planning Commission to rationalize the scope and cost of coaches. The committee included a representative of Planning Commission. The comments of Planning Commission quoted by the author were made before the constitution of the committee. Clearly, the project was approved by the ECNEC after the Planning Commission was satisfied with the prices. xii) Pakistan Railways has not been able to repair held up locomotives due to financial constraints in the past. However Pakistan Railways is going to complete a project of rehabilitation of 36 locomotives during this year. Simultaneously offers have also been invited for repairs of Japanese locomotives. Even after repair of these locomotives the gap between the demand and supply would still continue, which is being filled through procurement of 75 locomotives and from China and 150 locomotives from USA. Pakistan Railways has also a plan to carry out the repairs of locomotives from the original manufactures for which Expression of Interest have been invited from the suppliers of locomotives to Pakistan Railways. In an attempt to launch libelous campaign, the correspondent has conveniently imagined on his own that some decisive push from the highest level in the Government has made it possible for Pakistan Railways to secure the loans. Such assertions without any basis can at best be termed as mischievous and misleading. Pakistan Railways is presently under transition from a typical Government department to a profit earning state run entity. The financial and restructuring plan made by Pakistan Railways can not be completed unless new locomotives, coaches and wagons are added to its depleted infrastructure and rolling stock. It is a matter of record that the neglect of the last 20 years towards resource allocation and investment in Pakistan Railways has led to the present operational and financial crises. Procurement of locomotives, coaches and wagons are therefore a step in the right direction. No enterprises can run on commercial basis while performing public service without assistance of the Government. In the end one would expect that the correspondent should have taken the view of Pakistan Railways before going to the print or electronic media. Such stories could only result in stoppage of investment, so critically required by Pakistan Railways.
PR No. 136 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the Railway authorities to install manned safety gate within 48 hours at Mian Chunnu railway crossing where innocent people lost lives two days ago. The Prime Minister further directed the Ministry of Railways to submit a report within 10 days about all the Railway crossings which do not have safety gates and could result in any unfortunate incident.
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No. 137 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani appreciated the role of MQM leadership in facilitating the efforts to bring about peace in Karachi. He also lauded the political sagacity of the Chief Minister Sindh in helping to normalize the political atmosphere. The Prime Minister was talking to a Deputy Convener of MQM, Dr. Farooq Sattar and Minister for Port and Shipping, Mr. Babar Khan Ghori who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening. The Prime Minister emphasized upon the need to strengthen the democratic culture which demands patience and tolerance from all the political forces in the larger national interest. The Prime Minister said peace and stability greatly helps economic activities and promotes efforts towards good governance, which is a shared responsibility of all the institutions of the state ranging from local to provincial to federal level. Both Dr. Farooq sttar and Mr. Babar Khan Ghori appreciated the re conciliatory intervention of the Prime Minister in helping the process to bring peace and normalcy in Karachi. They assured complete cooperation to strengthen the democratic process which is prerequisite for peace and harmony in the society.
PR No. 138 UAE Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ambassador Ali Mohammed Al-Shamsi called on Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi today. They discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, the upcoming Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) Public-Private Partnership Conference at Dubai (26 January 2010), counterterrorism and efforts towards accelerating the process of reintegration and development in Afghanistan, says a press release received from the Office of the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here today. The Foreign Minister expressed his profound gratitude to the UAE Government, especially Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for taking the initiative of holding the Public Private Partnership Conference in Dubai, which, he said, would go a long way in assisting Pakistan in its socio-economic development. The Foreign Minister also greatly appreciated the UAE engagement in the reconstruction of Swat and Malakand. He underlined that the national consensus against terrorism and militancy would be difficult to hold if our efforts towards rehabilitating and reconstructing the affected areas failed to deliver. They also discussed Pakistan’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Foreign Minister said that there were plenty of opportunities for cooperation between the GCC and Pakistan, especially in the agriculture sector. It was proposed that interaction between Pakistan and the GCC be enhanced in the months ahead. On Afghanistan, the Special Representative expressed keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan with regard to the reintegration initiative as was discussed at the meeting of the Special Representatives at Abu Dhabi on January 12, 2010. The Foreign Minister particularly highlighted that Pakistan could play a very useful role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, given our contiguity and sharing of common culture and language with the country. The two agreed that there was huge potential in sectors like energy, agriculture and trade for collaboration and joint ventures. The Special Representative thanked the Foreign Minister for attending the recently-held Special Representatives meeting in Abu Dhabi. He assured the Foreign Minister that the UAE was exploring all possible avenues to make the Public-Private Partnership Conference a big success.
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No. 139 Speaker National Assembly Mrs. Fahmida Mirza called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in his Parliament House Chamber here this evening. The Prime Minister appreciated the Speaker for highlighting Pakistan’s principled stand on issues including Kashmir at various forums during her recent visit to India. The Speaker briefed the Prime Minister on her recent visit to India and meeting with the Speaker of Indian Lok Sabha. The Speaker also apprised the Prime Minister on the deliberations of the current session.
PR No. 140 Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi has said that continuity of democratic process was imperative for progress and prosperity of the country. He said this while addressing a seminar organized by PILDAT on “Civil Military Relations and Parliamentary Oversight of the Defence Sector” in Islamabad today. The Deputy Speaker said that the problems presently faced by the country was due to disruption of democratic process in past. He said that the working relations between civil Government and Armed Forces were exemplary and have no difference of opinion between the civil government and military establishment. He said that all the political forces were united on war against terrorism and had supported Armed Forces in Swat and Waziristan operations. He said that parliament has also passed unanimous resolutions in this regard. The Deputy Speaker appreciated the role of Armed Forces in war against terrorism and said that Pakistan Armed Forces rendered peerless sacrifices in war against terrorism and protect the lives of people without taking care of their own lives. He said that democratic institutions in the country were gaining strength and opposition was playing a vibrant and constructive role in the parliament. He said that Standing Committees were the best forum for accountability and transparency. He said that the government believed in supremacy of parliament was working for strengthening of the democratic institutions. He said that chairmanship of 18 National Assembly Standing Committees have been given to the opposition. He said that the Constitutional Reforms Committee meets regularly and was heading towards completion of its work. He expressed his optimism that the committee will complete its task very soon. He also appreciated the role of PILDAT for strengthening the democratic institutions in Pakistan. The other Speakers those who addressed the seminar were Senator S.M Zafar, MNAs. Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Ms. Robina Sadat Qaimkhani, Ms. Donya Aziz, Javed Jabbar, former Federal Minister for Information and Lt Gen. (Rtd) Moinuddin Haider.
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No. 141 Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a comprehensive social safety net which is providing financial assistance to the poorest of the poor section of the society, said Federal Minster/Chairperson BISP Frazana Raja. Addressing a roundtable seminar under the title of “BISP’s Technology based Governance for Poverty Alleviation and Women Empowerment” on Thursday , Farzana Raja said BISP focuses on the vulnerable section of the society and has brought about a social revolution in the country. She said BISP has up till now reached out to more than 2.6 million families across the country. She stressed BISP does not aim to foster dependency on handouts and was instead promoting a self-sufficiency strategy through vocational and technical training for a member of a family. Speaking at the seminar, Technical Advisor to BISP Francisco Ayla said BISP was running in a very transparent and effective way. He said the federal and other arms of the government were working in tandem to make BISP a success. Director General (Operations) of BISP Dr Mukhtar Ahmad gave a comprehensive briefing on the organisational structure and the working of the programme. Dr Mukhtar said BISP has a high-powered management and was working to move from general to targeted subsidies by providing financial assistance to the poor directly. The purpose of the roundtable seminar was to share with the representatives of the civil society, media and academia BISP’s experience of introducing technology based management systems and adoption of international best practices towards its mission to eradicate poverty and empower the women of Pakistan. Also attending the seminar were a World Bank delegation, Farzana Bari from Centre of Excellence and Gender Quaid-e-Azam University, DG Institute of Strategic Studies Tanvir Ahmed Khan, Chief Executive PILDAT Ahmad Bilal Mehboob, Dr Azra Khanum from Arid Agriculture University, Deputy Chairman Nadra Tariq Malik, Chief Executive of The Asia Foundation Gareth Aicken, Rector COMSATS Dr Junaid Zaidi and Special Advisor to Prime Minster on social sector Shahnaz Wazir Ali. The participants of the seminar appreciated government’s efforts for poverty alleviation and women empowerment and gave their valuable suggestions.
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No. 142 He said this while addressing a meeting of the business community in the Governor House in Lahore Wednesday evening. Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President described security and law and order as “the foremost issues that needed to be addressed for economic revival”. The President said that without ensuring security and restoring law and order neither the human resources could be productively employed nor resources utilized efficiently. The President said that a clear cut policy had been adopted to improve the security situation. This clear cut policy is evident from the way the militants had been driven out from Swat and Malakand and contained in South Waziristan Agency by our valiant armed forces backed by the people, the President informed the leading businessmen and entrepreneurs. Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying that the armed forces and civilian law enforcing agencies had made huge sacrifices and the nation was proud of what had been achieved thus far in this unconventional war which was being fought with the full support and backing of the people. The President said that it was a lesson of history that wars are won by peoples and nations when they stand solidly with their armed forces. This, the President said, was evident by the honors showered on our Shaheed and their families both by the nation and armed forces. It is also evident from the way the civil and military leaders have harmonized their perspectives on issues of national security in the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. Identifying the other elements of economic policy framework adopted by the government the President said these included adoption and new fuel policy based on bio-diesel, optimizing utilization of scarce water resources and reliance on public private partnership as engines of economic and industrial growth. The President said that the Chinese investors had shown great interest in investing in Pakistan within the frame work of private public partnership and our private entrepreneurs should explore ways and means of attracting the Chinese entrepreneurs to Pakistan. Referring to the problems to the textile sectors the President said that the Textile sector had vast potential to earn valuable foreign exchange through value addition in the textile and garments industry. The President said that he had already called for holding a special national seminar to examine the problems of the Textile sector and identify measures that need to be taken to exploit its full potential. The President said that task forces comprising of experts and government functionaries should also be set up in other areas of industry to identify their peculiar problems and suggest remedial measures. The President said that the government relied on trade and not on aid for overcoming its economic problems. The President said that the government was seeking greater access to international markets for Pakistani made products so as to boost industrial production in the country and thereby create additional jobs. He expressed the hope that the concept of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) will soon be translated into reality and drive the industrial engine in FATA and other areas of the country. President Asif Ali Zardari also asked the business community to make suggestions for rebuilding the national economy and infrastructure. The businessmen and industrialists who attended the meeting included Syed Yawar Ali, Gohar Ijaz, Shafqat Ilahi Shaikh, Samir Saigol, Shah Faisal Afridi, Shailh Muhammad Ramzan, Arif Saeed, Sarmad Amin, Khawar Rafiq, Ahmad Shaikh, Javed Iqbal, Nasim Saigol, Chaudhry Muhammad Jamal, Khawar Anwar Khawaja, Faisal Mukhtar, Mian Muhammad Hanif, Anjum Nisar, Iftikhar Ali Malik, Javed A Butt, Dr Shella Javed Akram, Muhammad Akbar Shaikh, Sheikh Abdullah, Muhammad Anjum, Waqar Malik, Hussain Daud and Amir Shirazi.
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No. 143 Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs Division Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar in her meeting with French Minister of State for External Trade, Ms. Anne-Marie Idrac here today discussed various issues related to expanding economic partnership between the two countries, says a press Release received from The Embassy of Pakistan Paris, France, here today. Ms. Khar briefed the French Minister on the current economic situation in Pakistan and the steps being taken by the Government to further stabilize the economy. The Minister sought French cooperation for enhanced market access (GSP Plus) and underscored the importance of even playing field for Pakistani exports to EU market to sustain the growth momentum in the long run. She also highlighted major development projects undertaken by Pakistan and the need for assistance from France. During the meeting the Draft Joint Declaration on the Economic Partnership between Pakistan and France was also discussed and finalized. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Mr. Shafkat Saeed and French Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Daniel Jouanneau.
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No. 144 Minister of State for Finance and EAD Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar in her address to the members of MEDEF (Association of French Enterprise) here today briefed the participants on Pakistan’s financial, economic and internal political situation. She also explained various development programmes being carried out by the Pakistan Government and emphasized the need for increased economic and trade relations between Pakistan and France. MEDEF is the largest Association in France representing major multinational companies says a press Release received from The Embassy of Pakistan Paris, France, here today. Responding to various questions related to security issues in Pakistan the Minister highlighted Pakistan’s role in the war of terror. She specially mentioned the huge sacrifices being made by the innocent people of Pakistan along side their military to win this war not only for the peace and stability of the region but for the world at large. The President of MEDEF, Mr. Francois Perigot while welcoming the Minister expressed the desire of the French companies to expand their investments in Pakistan. Major French companies that attended the meeting included Alcatel, Alstom, Areva, ATE, CIS, EADS, Groupe Banque Mondiale, Geismar, Hologram, Lazard Freres, Relecom & Partners, Societe Générale, Thales, Total, UBAF, Veolia and Vinci. The meeting was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Mr. Shafkat Saeed and French Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Daniel Jouanneau.
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No. 145 Pakistan is fully committed to its international obligations towards the war on terror. Its army and air force are busy in law enforcement operations in the tribal areas whereas Pakistan Navy is participating in international maritime campaigns, says a press release received from the Pakistan High Commission, Singapore here today. This was stated by Mrs. Fauzia M Sana, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Singapore while addressing a select gathering of diplomats, Singapore Naval officers and Pakistani community, onboard Pakistan Naval ship Shamsheer here yesterday evening. The High commissioner said that Pakistan Navy has been a part of coalition Task Force since 2004 and it has the honour to command the force thrice. Pakistan has also the singular honour to be the first non-NATO country who has commanded. Pakistan Navy is hosting exercise AMAN bi-annually since 2007. Some thirty countries participate in this saga of “together for peace” exercise, she added. Mrs. Fauzia Sana appreciated Pakistan Navy’s significant role during Indian Ocean Tsunami. Two of its naval ships which were visiting Maldives during the catastrophe were the first to pick up the survivors numbering over 700. She thanked the guests for sparing their precious times to join her at the reception. The commanding officer Captain Neimatullah TI (M) PN in his address of welcome explained that PNS Shamsheer, the newly commissioned vessel was visiting Changi Naval Base Singapore on its way to Pakistan. The ship was commissioned on 19th December 2009 at Shanghai Shipyard and sailed for its maiden voyage to homeland on December 25, 2009. He explained that the ship derives its name from traditional Muslim sword Shamsheer used by Muslim warriors in battles and is a third ship to be so named in Pakistan Navy. Captain Neimatullah giving general characteristics of the Frigate said that it was a special type of saber with a 5-15 degrees curve from tip to tip. It is equipped with best available weapons and sensors onboard which make it an extremely versatile platform with tremendous fire power to effectively thwart possible threats at sea. Earlier the High Commissioner was given a tour of the ship. Captain Neimatullah elucidated that in modern navies, frigates are used to protect other warships and merchant-marine ships, especially as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces. The High Commissioner recorded her pride in the visitor’s book of the PNS Shamsheer.
PR
No. 146 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the wife of renowned columnist Mr Abdul Qadir Hasan. In his message to Mr. Abdul Qadir Hasan, the Prime Minister offered his heartfelt condolence and sincere sympathies. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower His blessings upon the departed soul and courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.
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