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PR.No.128. Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro has expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of thousands of precious human lives as a result of the devastating earthquake that hit the Sichuan province of China. In a message of condolence to Chairperson Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the Senate Chairman, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro said that he, his colleagues in the Senate and the people of Pakistan as ever before stand shoulder to shoulder with their Chinese brothers in this hours of trial and distress and fully share their grief. He expressed confidence that the people of China would overcome this adversity boldly adding that our sympathies are with the bereaved families and the victims of the natural calamity. SM/AR.
PR.No.129. Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower & Overseas Pakistanis has said that maximum opportunities would be explored in overseas especially Arab Countries to provide jobs to the Pakistani labour force. He expressed these views while talking in a briefing given to him by Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) here on Wednesday. The Minister was briefed that employment process for Pakistanis in South Korea, started after signing of MoU in June 2006 between both the countries adding 69 workers have been dispatched so far to Korea while 40 more would be dispatched on May 27, 2008. The Minister asked the OEC administration to open more training centers to teach Korean language to the workers at Hyderabad, Sukkur and Quetta so that maximum work force can qualify Korean language test for getting employment in Korea. Announcement for employment in Korea should also be made through advertisement in the print media published in local areas of the country, he added. The Minister was informed that OEC is facing hardships for finding opportunities in Arab Countries as most of the Pakistani workers prefer to make deal for employment there through private sector in Pakistan. The Minister directed to charge minimum fee for Korean language training for the poor workers who cannot afford heavy fee for the purpose after the OEC requested to increase the fee from Rs.3000 to Rs.7000. SG/AR.
PR.No.130. The Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to play a pro-active role in promoting the country’s trade and economic interests through economic diplomacy and stressed that the Foreign Service officers be trained to look after this aspect of foreign policy. He was talking to Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Bashir who paid a courtesy call on him in Islamabad. Mr. Soomro said that in today’s globalized world every thing revolves around economics, which is fast emerging as the dominant theme in politics as well. The Chairman Senate emphasized that there should be a direct linkage between our Missions abroad and the Chambers of Commerce and Industry back home. ‘The Embassies and Foreign Missions must explore new markets for Pakistani products abroad and the local manufacturers, businessmen and entrepreneurs should try to meet those demands by timely supplying quality goods’, he added. Mr. Soomro particularly called for activating the office of Commercial Counselors and Attachés, who should remain in contact with the private sectors in the countries of their posting. He said that public-private partnership is the new paradigm all over the world and we should also conform to this arrangement. Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro, recalling his visit to China last year, said that Sino-Pak ties are time tested and these would go from strength to strength in days to come. He said that Mr. Salman Bashir’s elevation, who was serving as Pakistan’s Ambassador to Beijing till recently, to the post of Foreign Secretary is a happy co-incidence as the out-going Foreign Secretary also served as Ambassador to China. He said there is still a great scope for further widening of our economic relations with that country. Mr. Soomro said that we have got very able and talented people in our foreign service. However, there is a need to re-orient them by periodically organizing refresher courses especially in economic and trade diplomacy. Mr. Salman Bashir informed the Chairman Senate that there are well-established institutes in China in almost each and every field, which are being manned by veterans of that particular field and they provide invaluable guidance and input to their government on the subject. By following the guidelines provided by these institutes, he said, China has revolutionalised its trade, commerce, industry and agriculture. The Chairman endorsed the idea of having such institutes in our country too so that the experience of the veterans would not go waste and remained in use for the country and the people. The Chairman Senate also observed that the Overseas Pakistanis could be a rich source of investment, which must be tapped. ‘Here comes the role of Foreign Office that should not only pass on timely information regarding import / export potential in every field but also indicate potential market as well as introduce the products’. The industrial fairs and exhibitions should also be utilized for this purpose, he added. He wished Mr. Salman Bashir, Foreign Secretary all success in his new assignment. SM/AR.
PR.No.131. Federal Minister for Narcotics Control and Women Development, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that stringent measures would be taken to curb drug trafficking and eliminate the menace of drug addiction. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting held here today to discuss measures to eliminate drug trafficking in the country. The Minister said that the government would extend all possible assistance to Anti Narcotics force in order to equip with latest technology and skills to make the country free from drug abuse. He said that promotion of healthy activities would not only save our younger generation from drug addiction but also add new dimension in their capabilities to face the future challenges in a befitting manner. He said that the government would launch masses drug abuse awareness program through print and electronic media throughout the country which could play an effective role to purge the civil society from drug menace. Director General, Anti Narcotics Force, Major General, Khalid Jaffery briefed the meeting about the steps to further improve the capabilities of the force enabling them to control the direct trafficking. He said that different healthy activities were being arranged for the younger generation to celebrate the international drug day next month which will include paintings, bodybuilding, competition, walk, National Youth Conference and Women Football Match. EH/AR.
PR.No.132. Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani today visited General Headquarters and called on the Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Defence Minister Ahmed Mukhtar also accompanied the Prime Minister during visit. The Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing on the Army’s organization, and capabilities related to defence preparedness against external and internal threats. The briefing also included a strategic overview of the operational environment including full spectrum of threat. During the meeting, Prime Minister highly applauded Pakistan Army’s role in Defence of the country, in addition to rendering support to civil administration in relief and rehabilitation efforts during natural calamities. He said that Pakistan will continue to strengthen its minimum credible deterrence for safeguarding its territorial integrity, for ensuring peace and stability in the region. He said that the Government will provide all necessary resources to enable Pakistan Army to accomplish its sacred assigned mission. Earlier on arrival at General Headquarters, the Prime Minister was presented a guard of honour. He reviewed the parade and took salute from the smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. He was also introduced to Principal Staff Officers serving at General Headquarters. MA/AR.
PR.No.133. Federal Minister for SAFRON, Najmuddin Khan has briefed the Senators, belonging to FATA, regarding issues related to tribal areas like development projects, law & order situation and FCR. During the briefing, he informed the Senators that more than Seven Billion Rupees have been allocated for the development of FATA for 2007 and almost has been utilized. He further said that we have conveyed to the concerned quarters that FATA representatives (MNAs & Senators) and Ministry of SAFRON must be on board in utilization of Development funds in order to make it streamline and transparent for the welfare of the people of these remote areas. He also briefed the Senators regarding law & order situation and said that it was getting better day-by-day because the present Government believes in dialogue and political solution of the problems. The Minister assured that amendments in FCR and political reforms in FATA would be brought in consultation with FATA representatives and people. The Senators thanked the Minister for SAFRON for having briefing and said that it was the first time that Ministry of SAFRON has consulted FATA representatives and assured full support of every positive step of the government. The Senators expressed dissatisfaction over the utilization of funds in FATA and demanded that full detail of development schemes and utilization funds in FATA, may be provided by the quarter concerned to ascertain whether these funds are being used for the people or other way. They also demanded that industrial estate should be established within FATA and as well as Directorate for levies in order to stream line the system and structure of levies. They also decided that next meeting will be held soon to give practical shape to the proposals. As mentioned earlier, FATA Senators, including Senators Abdur Raziq, Eng. Rasheed Nasir Khan Afridi, Saleh Shah and Senator Hafeez Rasheed and other high level officers of M/o SAFRON held meeting with Mr. Najmuddin Khan, Minister for SAFRON. Zub/ar.
While chairing a high level meeting here today, Secretary Health Mr. Khushnood Akhtar Lashari reiterated the commitment that strict action will be taken against those involved in the spurious drugs trade. The meeting was convened on the directives of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior to eliminate trade of spurious drugs in the country. Representatives of law enforcement agencies, federal inspectors of drugs, provincial health departments, pharmaceutical industry, chambers of commerce & trade, pharmacy wholesale and retailer associations, and senior officials of the Ministry of Health attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that only 0.25 percent of drugs were found spurious out of over 29,000 drugs samples collected on an annual basis. The data collected over five year period show the same results. The meeting was told that the spurious drugs include adulterated allopathic drugs sold by Hakims and quakes. The meeting discussed in detail the coordination mechanism between drug inspectors, police and Federal Investigation Agency. Secretary Health constituted a committee with representation from all the stakeholders to give specific recommendations for further improving the drugs inspection and prosecution of violators of Drugs Act 1976. Mr. Lashari said that spurious drugs are a threat to the health of common people and cause irreversible harms. He directed the federal drugs inspectors to be vigilant in order to curb the menace of counterfeit and spurious drugs. No laxity on the part of drug inspectors shall be tolerated, he added. AbdulAkbar/nr
PR.No.135. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has hoped that the Federal Ministers belonging to Pakistan Muslim League (N) would rejoin the Cabinet. The Prime Minister has also appreciated the performance of PML-N Ministers. This was informed by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman while speaking at a joint press conference along with Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf. The press conference was called to brief the media about the decisions taken in the special cabinet to address the energy crisis Prime Minister has expressed deep shock over the loss of innocent lives in the bomb blasts in Indian city of Jaipur, told the Information Minister adding that the Prime Minister was also grieved over the destruction caused by earthquake in China. Prime Minister has told the cabinet that government would fulfill all the promises made to the people, she added.
PR.No.136. Cabinet has approved establishment of Fast Power Generation projects of 1200MW by the private sector through process of ICB which would help minimizing the menace of load shedding in the country. This was decided in a special Cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani which was held today to exclusively consider energy crisis in the country. In a joint briefing, the Federal Minster for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf alongwith Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Sherry Rehman informed the media men about the decisions of the special Cabinet meeting. He informed that the establishment of power generation projects of at least 1200 MW would be publicized for international competitive bidding which would consist of two packages i.e. new IPP projects with a cumulative capacity of 1000 MW and the second package would be a Rental Projects with cumulative capacity of 200 MW near Karachi. Giving details of the decision, the Minister apprised that the request for proposal will be issued on 20th May 2008 and sealed bids would be called upto July 15, 2008. The target of commercial operation date will be within 12 months from issuance of letter of support (LOS). He said that the opening bids would take place in the presence of Minister and Secretary Water and Power, Chairman Nepra, Chairman Wapda, MD PPIB and PEPCO as well as representatives of media to ensure transparency. He informed that the offered tariff will be bench marked against the latest NEPRA tariff determination for the technology/fuel combination. He further informed that the Cabinet has decided closure of commercial centers, Shopping plazas at 9:00 for ninety days which will result in saving of upto 500 MW during peak load. Industrial units will stagger their weekly holidays on different days of the week which will cause a saving of power of 150 MW, he informed. The Minister said the Cabinet has decided to stop use of air conditioners during 8.00 am to 11:00 am in Prime Minister House, Prime Minister Secretariat and all other government offices. He said that clocks would be forwarded by one hour from June 1, 2008 to utilize maximum day light so as to save energy. The Minister said that there will be complete ban on Neon signs and street lights will be reduced by 50%. Markets will be encouraged to observe weekly off on Fridays instead of Sunday, he added. He further informed that installation of 10 million energy saving bulb with 01 million Phase-1 in the next 3 months would be completed. He said that the Cabinet has also considered the proposal for the establishment of Pakistan Coal Board to accelerate decision making with a view to developing high potential coal mining and coal power generation on fast track. The Cabinet advised Ministry of Water and Power and government of Sindh to further discuss this matter and come up with a new proposal. The Minster informed that the Cabinet also discussed power sector’s financial issues and proposed solutions and constituted a committee comprising Mr. Naveed Qamar, Minister for Ports and Shipping, Dy. Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary Water & Power and Secretary Finance to submit a joint summary in the next meeting of ECC with a view to immediately resolving power sector’s financial issues, he added. The Minister was of the view that the decisions of the Cabinet to generate additional power on fast track basis would help to eliminate load shedding within 18 months instead of 3 years. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has hoped that the Federal Ministers belonging to Pakistan Muslim League (N) would rejoin the Cabinet. The Prime Minister has also appreciated the performance of PML-N Ministers. This was informed by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman while speaking at a joint press conference along with Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf. The press conference was called to brief the media about the decisions taken in the special cabinet to address the energy crisis Prime Minister has expressed deep shock over the loss of innocent lives in the bomb blasts in Indian city of Jaipur, told the Information Minister adding that the Prime Minister was also grieved over the destruction caused by earthquake in China. Prime Minister has told the cabinet that government would fulfill all the promises made to the people, she added. AJM/ank
PR.No.137. Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour has said that Almighty Allah has bestowed a unique status to Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ahle-Bait in the universe. We should follow teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and life of the Ahl-e-Bait. Speaking at the Hazrat Bibi Zainab conference organized by Al-Noor welfare Trust Imam Council in Islamabad Club here today, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour paid tributes to Hazrat Syeda Bibi Zainab and Ahl-e-Bait for their unique character, courage and righteousness in the entire universe who laid down their lives for the glory of Islam. The Federal Minister said that all the Muslims should follow the footsteps of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Ahl-e-Bait for the grandour and glory of Islam. He said that we should collectively work for the integrity, prosperity and development of country. Earlier, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Dr. Khalid Masood, Senator Allama Abbas Kumeli, Dr. Ghazanfar Mehdi, Allamma Iftikhar Hussain Naqvi and other speakers also addressed the conference and highlighted the role and character of Hazrat Bibi Zainab and paid tributes to Her. A collective Dua was also offered for the integrity, solidarity and prosperity of the country. FK/wh
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