|
-
PR No. 191 Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rehmatullah Kakar said that the government has made at the housing sector attractive for the local and foreign investors unprecedented in the history of the country. He observed these views while presiding over a high level meeting of the heads of the attached organizations of the Ministry to review the pace of the ongoing developmental activities under the Prime Minister Housing programme here today. The Minister said that boosting of housing sectors would that only bring great impact an our economic stability but also help generate new employment opportunities for the youths of the country. He said that housing activity is already linked with the development of 97 construction industries and it will also involve living trade and commercial activities throughout the country Mr. Kakar said that under the Prime Minister’s Housing Programme one million housing units would be constructed for the needy poor government employees Mediamen and general public on affordable Cost. He said that stringent measures have been taken to check the quality of the construction on material and international standard. The Minister said that on the sites of the housing projects, all basic facilities would be provided to the inhabitants so that they would feel confrontation houses/flats. The Minister said that speedy accomplishing of the housing projects would overcome increasing as well as shelter problem socio-economic uplift throughout the country on the upgrading living standard of the people.
PR
No. 192 President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the convergence of Pak-U.S. interests, at present, call for greater cooperation and enhanced level of trust between the two countries. This he said during a meeting with the US delegation comprising of Senator Claire Conner McCaskill and Senator Jeff Merkley. Congressmen Barron Hill and Michael Turner were also present along with US ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson. Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Ahmed Khan, Senator Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir and other senior officials were also present at the meeting. The President, during the meeting, said that Pakistan looked towards the international community—the developed world especially—for strategic political and economic support to overcome the problems in the wake of fight against militancy. The international community owes to help us in overcoming our present difficulties so that we could play our due role at international as well as regional level most effectively. President Zardari said that history bears witness to the fact that Pakistan always had to pay a heavy price in neutralizing the threats endangering the world peace and safe future of our generations. The region was unfortunately abandoned in the past but this time we hope that the international community would not repeat the same mistake. The President said that Pakistan had suffered a huge loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy in addition to the colossal and unquantifiable cost in terms of social and human losses which had almost crippled the nation’s economy. While discussing current situation in Afghanistan, the President said that Pakistan is committed to work with Afghanistan and the international community for the restoration of peace and stability in the country. He said that dialogue and national reconciliation process in Afghanistan needed to be Afghan driven. The President appreciated the US leadership for their interest and active partnership with Pakistan, however, he urged the US administration to review its various policies that undermine the trust between the people of the two countries. The President said that Pakistan welcomed US declarations of support to Pakistan’s security and stability and economic development and emphasized that the continued support must be based on mutual respect and trust. The President emphasized the need for democratic stability in Pakistan which he said could be ensured by pursuing a well structured economic development agenda in which the international community had a great role to play. Senator Claire McCaskill thanked the President for meeting the delegation and said that the United States appreciates the role being played by the security agencies and the people of Pakistan and the sacrifices made in fighting the menace of terrorism and would continue to assist Pakistan.
PR
No. 193 A two-day Envoy’s Conference was inaugurated by Foreign Minister, Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi here today. Pakistan’s Envoys, from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, UK and senior officials from Pakistan are attending the conference, says a press release received from Brussels here today. Brussels was chosen for the conference as it houses the headquarters of both the EU and NATO. Most importantly, this is where international economic, political and security policies are harmonized among the European countries as well as with the USA. Brussels is also the seat of Trans-Atlantic Cooperation and Coordination. Pakistan is accorded significant importance by the European Union. Relations between the EU and Pakistan have improved considerably over the years, particularly after the formation of the current democratic government in Pakistan. The summit level engagement between Pakistan and the EU since last year reflects the importance that EU attaches to its relations with a democratic Pakistan. The EU and NATO have emerged as important partners in our joint fight against international terrorism. Pakistan is seen as a pivotal country for the establishment of peace and security in South Asia and beyond. Pakistan’s commitment against war on terrorism, sacrifices made by the valiant Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan in this war are acknowledged by the European Union. The summit level engagement between Pakistan and the EU, third generation cooperation agreement, the joint economic commission and political dialogue between the two have taken the EU-Pakistan relations to new heights. The European Union is the largest trading partner of Pakistan and its development assistance too has increased significantly. The Envoy’s Conference will focus on further enhancing EU- Pakistan cooperation, including economic and strategic cooperation as well as coordination on important regional and global issues. It will also take stalk of Pakistan’s strengths besides identifying areas needing improvement in order to benefit from the extraordinary opportunities offered by the world’s biggest common market. The conference will also help prepare Pakistan’s envoys in European capitals to promote Pakistan’s vital political, strategic and economic interests in the European Union and the member states.
PR
No. 194 A delegation comprising of MNAs belonging to FATA called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The delegation included Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi, Mr. Jawad Hussain, Mohammad Kamran Khan, Mr. Shaukat ullah and Mr. Zaffar Beg Bhittani. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the Presidency. Matters relating to developmental issues, political reforms, the ongoing fight against militancy, rehabilitation of IDPs and law and order situation in tribal areas came under discussion during the meeting. The President said that the democratic government is committed to the uplift and political and economic emancipation of the Tribal people. He added that the people of tribal areas would be brought at par with the people of other parts of the country in terms of development. Referring to the fight against militancy the President said that through education, social and political reforms and giving people ownership in mega development projects, the Government is aiming to change the militant mindset. The President also said that it is the government’s moral, political and administrative responsibility to provide every possible help and support to the displaced people who have rendered huge sacrifices in the war against militancy. The members of the delegation thanked the President for his keen interest in the uplift of FATA. SAK/wh
PR
No. 195 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the elected representatives of the people should come forward in contributing towards the reconciliatory process initiated by the government which would augment the smooth functioning of democratic process. He added that government would continue taking all the democratic forces of the country on board in formulating national policies. The Prime Minister was talking to Parliamentarians who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this evening. The Prime Minister said that the process of reconciliation has helped a lot in resolving a number of issues and contributed positively towards the overall prosperity of the country. He said that the masses expect much from the elected representatives therefore improvement in the service delivery must be the focus of our policies. Highlighting the important role of the Parliamentarians, the Prime Minister said that they can point any weakness in the implementation of government policies which could further enhance the efficiency in timely execution of various projects. He asked them to adopt a people friendly approach and concentrate on early completion of various development projects in their respective areas. The Parliamentarians apprised the PM on various matters pertaining to their constituencies. The delegation included, Minister for Environment Mr. Hameedullah Jan Afridi and MNAs Mr. Abdul Waseem, Mr. Abdul Qadir Khanzada, Mr. Ferozuddin and Ms. Bushra Gohar. PMMO/wh
PR
No. 196 President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the FATA Secretariat to step up work on finalizing the post operation strategy for Tribal Areas to usher in a new era of socio-economic development. This he said during a meeting on the working on FATA Secretariat in the Presidency today. Those who attended the meeting included among others Mr. Muhammad Riffat Pasha, Secretary SAFRON, Mr. Javaid Iqbal, Chief Secretary NWFP, Mr. Habib ullah Khan, Additional Chief Secretary FATA and Mr. Abid Majeed, Secretary Administration FATA. President Asif Ali Zardari said that the post operation strategy must focus on empowering poor and women and create stakeholders in the mega developmental projects to be undertaken in the Tribal Areas. The President said that BISP Card had been accepted by the international community as a reliable index for identifying poor and asked for completing the poverty survey at the earliest so as to attract foreign assistance for uplift of the poor in FATA. President Zardari also directed that the developmental plan should include installation of solar pumps and provision of solar cookers in the Tribal Areas. The provision of solar driven devices will release creative energies of poor people, on one hand, and reduce pressure on trees besides empowering women, on the other. Additional Chief Secretary FATA giving presentation said that the utilization of developmental funds had substantially increased during last two years. SAK/wh
NOT
TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 16TH
FEBRUARY, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the General Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea, Chairman, National Defence Commission and Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Marshal Kim Jong IL, on his birth day falling on February 16. In his message, the Prime Minister said: “I wish to convey sincere and warm greetings on the propitious occasion of Your Excellency’s Sixty Eight birthday. The people of Pakistan also share my feelings of delight. I hope that useful friendly relations between our two countries would continue to grow in future. May I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency’s health and happiness and progress and prosperity to the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 16TH FEBRUARY, 2010
NOT
TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 16TH
FEBRUARY, 2010 Islamabad: February 15, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania, Mr. Audrius Kubilius, on their national day falling on February 16. In his message, the Prime Minister said: “on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend our heartiest felicitations to you, and to the Government and people of the Republic of Lithuania, on the auspicious occasion of Lithuania’s national day on 16 February. I look forward to working with you to enhance and strengthen our existing close and friendly relations. I also avail myself of the opportunity to wish continued progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the Republic of Lithuania. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 16TH FEBRUARY, 2010
PR
No. 199 Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, Federal Minister for Industries & Production Chaired a meeting with the officials of Pakistan Steel Mills Karachi at PIDC(Pakistan Industrial Developmental Corporation Karachi, today. He said that Pakistan Steel Mills is one of the biggest mega industrial Unit in the country and cater the need of other industries that play significant role in the economic growth of the country. He added that the present Government would regularize all the contract employees/and Daily Wages Employees of Pakistan Steel. The Government has initiated a bailout package for Pakistan Steel to come out from financial crises for this the Banks of the country will be taken on the board. On the occasion Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, Federal Secretary for Industries, Dr Rasul Bux Phulpoto Managing Director Pakistan Steel and the delegates from the labour union were present. DPRK/wh
PR
No. 200 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Pakistan has its own distinct culture which has roots in history. He emphasized that our culture and traditions ought to be projected in a manner to reflect the true image of our society. The Prime Minister was talking to the delegation of Senate Standing Committee on Tourism and Culture alongwith the representatives of the Pakistan Film Industry here at PM’s Chamber in the Parliament House. The Prime Minister asked the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee to bring all the stakeholders on board to develop recommendations for promotion of tourism, cultural heritage, revival of the Pakistan Cinema as well as the performing arts. The government, he said would extend all possible support and assistance for this purpose. He observed that immense potential and talent is available in all fields but need to be utilized to produce the best results. Earlier, the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Culture and Tourism Senator Nelofar Bukhar apprised the Prime Minister of the highlights of the committee’s recommendations to highlight tourism and culture. PMMO/wh
PR
No. 201 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the support and assistance pledged to Pakistan by the US and major allies does not commensurate with the sacrifices, commitment and contribution made by Pakistan in the war against terror, to make the world a safer place. The Prime Minister regretted that even the pledges made by the allies at the Donors Conference in Tokyo last year are yet to be fulfilled, which has resulted in serious implications for his country’s economy. He urged the US to take the lead in fast tracking the reimbursement of long delayed Coalition Support Fund and expedite the release of the assistance already appropriated under the Kerry Loogar Bill, for Pakistan. He was talking to US Congressional delegation led by Senator Claire McCaskill, also comprising Senator Jeff Merkley and Congressman Barron Hill, who called on him at his Parliament’s Chamber, this evening. On the issue of building image of the US amongst the Pakistani people, the Prime Minister councelled that the US should remove the irritants like special screening measures against Pakistan nationals at its airports, repatriation of Dr Afia Siddiqui back to Pakistan on humanitarian grounds and the US undertaking of the high visibility projects in Pakistan’s energy, education, health and infrastructure sectors, as the proof of its sincerity in long term strategic partnership with his country. The Prime Minister, while dilating on the successful military operations undertaken by Pakistan Armed Forces in Malakand and Waziristan at the cost of unparallel human sacrifices, underscored the need for immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected areas. This, he added, is part of his government’s strategy in order to retain the present level of overwhelming support of Pakistani people towards government’s policy against militancy and terrorism. The Prime Minister stated that it was imperative for the success of Pakistan’s war against terror, to address the root causes of militancy and that was why his government had always been requesting for higher trade rather than aid from its major allies and partners, like the USA. Greater access to US and other major markets to Pakistan’s products was the only way to generate higher employment and thus address the poverty in militancy affected areas and country at large. He urged the US to start negotiations for Free Trade Agreement and pass the RoZ Bill from the Congress to help Pakistan on that front. Senator McCaskill expressed the gratitude of US people for the friendship of Pakistan and stated that she and the members of her delegation was here to underline the fact that US attached great importance to the long term strategic relationship with Pakistan. She lamented the fact that there had been certain occasions in the past when Pakistan was left alone by the US to fend for itself. She nevertheless wanted to assure the people of Pakistan that US would not repeat such mistake again and would always stand by them. She commended Pakistan’s Armed Forces and people for their resolute campaign against terrorism at great human and economic cost. She also conveyed her delegation’s condolences to the families whose dear ones had been martyred in the process. Senator McCaskill stated that being the member of Senate Armed Services Committee, she herself had been very proactive to ensure correct and transparent spending of the US tax payers money. She was, however, glad to know that the Government of Pakistan had amicably resolved the issue for issuance of visa to Auditors and Comptrollers. She said that with the issue behind them, reimbursement of Coalition Support Fund to Pakistan would resume in the near future. The members of the US Congressional delegation also stressed the need for increased interaction and people to people contacts between the two countries to address the misperceptions and misgivings about each other, in both the countries. Minister for Interior Senator A. Rehman Malik, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Senator Sughra Imam, Secretaries Defence, Foreign Affairs and Acting Secretary Finance were also present in the meeting. PMCO/wh
PR
No. 202 The Turkish President Abdullah Gul called President Asif Ali Zardari on the telephone tonight. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the region. It may be mentioned that Turkish President returned to Istanbul after completing a week long trip to the region. FU/wh
PR
No. 203 President Asif Ali Zardari has said that being the government imposed huge responsibilities on the PPP and it was our duty to remain calm and not over react to political provocations. “We will continue our forward march and complete the term, no mater what the provocation”, he said, adding “let there be no doubt or mistake about it”. There will be no mid term elections, he said. The President was addressing the combined meeting of Senate and National Assembly Parliamentary Party meetings of the PPP in the Presidency which was also attended by the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani. “Actions speak louder then words and let us prove to the world that through actions we rose to the expectations of the people”, the President asked the Parliamentary Party members. The President said that the PPP knows the value of democracy because it had made huge sacrifices for it and it will protect democracy at all cost. Spokesperson to the President former senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President also declared 2010 as the year for local bodies election. The President said that the PPP will seek to take a collective decision on the nature of Local Bodies polls with coalition partners in all the provinces. He said that the economy was showing signs of improvement and the nation was on its way to overcome its difficulties. FU/wh
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
