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No. 204 Atlas Power Plant of 225MW which recently been inaugurated at Sheikhupura by PM Gilani on August 16, 2009 has been designed to comprise 11 four-stroke diesel gensets and one steam turbo-generator. NESPAK as premier National Engineering Organization working under the administrative purview of M/o Water and Power has provided technical support system consisting of environmental impact assessment, geotechnical, geological, seismic, hydrological studies as well as electrical resistivity, topographic surveys and construction supervision. Mr. Irfan-ul-Haq, Chief Engineer, is the Project Manager from NESPAK for all technical operations of the Atlas Power Plant who has been designated as focal point for a set of engineering support system for power generation. NESPAK is also providing consultancy services to the Planning and Development Department, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) for identification of various construction material sources in AJ&K and preparation of the Composite Schedule of Rates (CSR). The Pilot phase of construction material sources study covering Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts and Interim Composite Schedule of Rates for the entire AJ&K state have been completed. The findings and recommendations of the pilot study and CSR for implementation in public works were recently presented to Sardar Muahmmad Yaqoob Khan, the Prime Minister of AJ&K by Mr. Basit Masud, General Manager GT&GE Division and Mr. Khalid Iqbal Khan, Chief Engineer Construction Management Division of NESPAK. The AJ&K Prime Minister has appreciated the work done by NESPAK. The study of construction materials sources for the remaining districts and preparation of technical specifications for highways and buildings are also part of the project scheduled to be completed by June 2010. NESPAK has been awarded master plan, detailed design and resident construction supervision of buildings and infrastructure works of Benazir Bhutto Cadet College at District Khanpur during end of 2009. The college will be spread over an area of 100 hectares and will comprise academic blocks, administration block, hostels, mess, hospitals, mosque, outdoor & indoor sports and allied facilities for 300 students. Estimated cost of the project is Rs. 450 million. Mr. Jamshaid Iqbal, Principal Architect has been designated as Project Manager to ensure timely completion of the construction project as per designing and engineering blue print.
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No. 205 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stated that any further delay in undertaking the much needed reconstruction phase through Malakand Strategy to rebuild the damaged schools, hospitals, bridges and other infrastructure will accentuate socio-economic problems of the militancy affected populace. It was, therefore, imperative he said to bridge the trust gap between Pakistan and US to facilitate fast tracking of development in the militancy affected areas, as it could have implications for the success of war against terror. The Prime Minister was talking to Senator John Kerry, Chairman of US Senate, Foreign Relations Committee, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister appreciated the support behind passage of Kerry Lugar Bill but hoped that the re-appropriated funds under this legislation would be channelised through the established government mechanisms of Pakistan. He also emphasized on besides immediate resumption of Coalition Support Fund to release the pressure on country’s budget and enabling Pakistan to continue with its planed PSDP. The Prime Minister suggested that in order to improve perceptions attached to the US image in the country, Pakistan should be delisted from amongst the countries whose nationals have been designated for special screenings at the US Airports, Dr Afia Siddiqui should be repatriated back to Pakistan and both countries through enhanced intelligence sharing and defence cooperation should agree at a joint strategy under which the Drone technology would be transferred to Pakistan. It would help create conducive environment for Pakistan to take the ownership of the use of drones for taking out militants and terrorists in its territory. The Prime Minister re-emphasized that his country was completely sincere in fostering strong multi-faceted long term strategic partnership with US and his government had already proposed resumption of strategic dialogue in the first half of 2010. He hoped that the next session of Strategic Dialogue which was being scheduled will be held in removing minor irritants in the relationship. While dilating on Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship and his government’s strong desire for a stable, peaceful and strong Afghanistan in the interest of overall peace in the region, the Prime Minister said that despite the expiry of deadline for the return of around 3.5 million Afghan refugees, he had allowed them to stay in deference to Afghan Government’s wishes. He nonetheless highlighted the fact that around 45,000 Afghans were crossing over the border on the daily basis and were thus making impossible for his government to restrict the movements of militants and drug traffickers between the two countries. While referring to India-Pakistan relations, the Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to resolve all the core issues between the two countries through peaceful means and composite dialogue. He said that Pakistan stood by the Joint Declaration issued after his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in Sherm el Sheikh and has been all along being calling for resumption of dialogue but unfortunately it was the Indian side which had not found it feasible. He said Pakistan had made progress in bringing the perpetrators of Mumbai incident to justice and was determined not to allow use of its soil for any terrorist activity against any of its neighbour. The Prime Minister condoled loss of lives in the recent terrorist incident in Poona and expressed his government readiness to enhance cooperation in intelligence fields with India to ward out the possibility of any such untoward incident which could only further the agenda of terrorists. He, however, impressed that the Indian government should realize that continuing impassive in negotiations between the two countries would only benefit the militants and terrorists who were holding the bilateral relations between the two countries hostage. Senator John Kerry said that US has great understanding of difficulties Pakistan is facing and appreciates the human and economic sacrifices made by Pakistan in the process. He agreed with the Prime Minister on the need of fast tracking the development process and hoped that both sides will soon agree on identification of the high visible projects to be undertaken with the US assistance. He welcomed the Prime Minister’s proposal for setting up a Liver Transplant Facility in Pakistan and modern hospitals and Trauma Centres in the militancy affected areas and for giving priority to strengthen Pakistan’s energy sector for overcoming the power shortages in the country. While welcoming the Foreign Secretaries level talks between Pakistan and India he said that there is tremendous potential for utilizing this opportunity for the good of the people of the two countries. Senator Kerry expressed the willingness of the US government for facilitating the resumption of the dialogue process in which all the core issues including Kashmir and water disputes can be discussed and resolved by both sides, peacefully.
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No. 206 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Parliament represents the will of the people therefore the elected representatives carry heavy responsibly to steer the nation out of difficulties by judicious utilization of their abilities. He added that democratic dispensation calls for accommodation of different opinion and on the basis of their synthesis take decisions for the greater welfare of the people. He was talking to a delegation comprised of Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentarians who called on him at his Parliament House Chamber here this afternoon. Commenting on the role of elected representatives, the Prime Minister said that personal preferences must be sacrificed for larger public interest. He said that institutions are strengthened when the people working in the institutions comes with the mission of public service. He added that the legislative suggestions by political opponent serving the interest of the state would be taken up with an open mind. The Prime Minister asked the Ministers to personally monitor the implementation of public policies concerning their Ministries and Departments. He urged them to enhance the level of coordination among various ministries. The delegation included, Chief Whip and Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah, Minister for Communications, Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr. Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Minister for Food and Agricultur, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Defense Production. Mr. Abdul Qayum Jatoi, Chairperson BISP, Ms. Farzana Raja, MOS, Interior Tasneem Ahmed Qureshi, MOS Housing, Mr. Tariq Anees, MOS Communication, Mr. Imtiaz Safdar Warrich, MOS Information and Broadcasting, Syed Sumsam Ali Bokhari and MNAs including Rana Farooq Saeed, Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Chan and Ms. Raheela Baloch, Mr. Khurram Manzoor Watto, Minister of Education for Balochistan, Mr. Tahir Mehmood and MPA Syed Nazim Hussain Shah .
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No. 207 US Senator John F. Kerry today called on President Asif Ali Zardari in the Presidency. He was accompanied with the US Ambassador in Islamabad Ms. Anne W. Patterson and senior officials of the Embassy in Islamabad and US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Minister for Defence Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar, Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Malik Ammad Ahmed Khan, Secretary General Mr. Salman Faruqui, Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir and other senior officials were also present during the meeting. Matters relating to Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, bilateral relations, fight against militancy and terrorism and regional situation were discussed during the meeting. Talking to Senator Kerry, President Asif Ali Zardari thanked the US leadership for supporting democracy in Pakistan and appreciated his efforts for the economic assistance package. The President said that Pakistan looked forward to engage more closely with the United States on the bilateral political track including strategic dialogue. While appreciating US economic assistance package, the President stressed the need for channeling it through the Government in accordance with our priorities and programmes to ensure transparency, accountability and efficacy in terms of results. The President also called for early ROZs legislation and softening of counter productive labour provision. Pakistan looked forward to enhancement of area as well as product coverage in the ROZs scheme, the President said. He said that ROZs should not be seen as trade concession measures but an effective instrument to quell militancy and extremism and part of strategic political and economic support framework. The President also asked the US Senator to use his influence for timely reimbursement of nearly 1.5 billion dollars on account of CSF to Pakistan. Talking about regional issues, the President said that Pakistan desires stability in the region and welcomes efforts by the international community in this regard. Senator Kerry thanked the President for meeting him and assured that U.S. would continue to provide all possible assistance to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan in strengthening democracy, rule of law, sustainable economic development and its capability to effectively take on militants.
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No. 208 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that a balanced and indiscriminate US approach in this region could help improve US image and misgivings in Pakistan. Furthermore, US assistance to Pakistan he said should be need based and in projects which are immediately required to have a direct impact on the lives of the people in Pakistan. He added that his 3-Ds policy (Deterrence, Dialogue & Development) which has now been universally recognized has reached the stage of development of militancy affected areas and Pakistan hope that important countries like US would help in carrying out the reconstruction and development work in those areas on priority basis. He was talking to Ambassador Richard Armitage who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister welcomed the high level contacts between the two countries at political, parliamentary, military and economic level and stressed the need for their continuity in order to put the strategic ties at a higher plane. While talking about the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister stressed that Pakistan would like a stable and peaceful Afghanistan with established institutions to help its progress and prosperity. In this context, Pakistan is willing to offer training and capacity building assistance for the Afghan National Army and Police. While acknowledging the sacrifices both in terms of men and material Mr. Richard Armitage said that US desires for a long term stable and consistent relations with Pakistan. Mr. Richard Armitage former Deputy Secretary of State and Mr Samuel Berger, former National Security Advisor also acknowledged that their have been ups and downs in the 60 years old friendly relations between the two countries but the time had come when these relations should be at a steady path. Secretary Defence and Acting Secretary Finance were also present in the meeting.
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No. 209 The ambassador of Italy in Islamabad Vincenzo Pratis Tuesday assured the government of Pakistan to extend all possible cooperation for improvement of rail infrastructure and up-gradation of railway stations. He gave this assurance in a meeting with Minister for Railway Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, whom he called on here, and discussed matters of mutual interests. Both sides resolved to explore all avenues for future cooperation in infrastructural development and investment in other sectors. During the meeting, Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour urged Italian government to bring investment for improvement of rail infrastructure and upgrade railway stations across the country. In response, the ambassador assured the railways minister that Italy would make investment in both sectors. In this connection, both the dignitaries are also likely to meet again shortly for further deliberation on the matter so that the plans may be materialized as soon as possible. Secretary/Chairman of Railways Sami-ul-Haq Khilji was also present on the occasion.
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No. 210 The 2nd Pakistan-Australia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) Meeting was held in the Ministry of Commerce today. The Meeting was held back to back with the political consultations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Meeting was held after a gap of almost 4 years which is a welcome step. The Australian side was led by their First Assistant Secretary Ms Deborah Stokes while Pakistani side was led by Mr. Himayatullah Khan SJS (FT-I). Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad was also present during the Meeting. Both sides deliberated on various issues of mutual interest, including Agriculture Cooperation, Double Taxation Agreement, Investment Cooperation, Capacity building and developing institutional linkages between both countries. Pakistani side underscored the need for market access in the Australian Market. Both sides deliberated on ways to provide Market Access to Pakistan ’s core export interests. Pakistan also highlighted the need for early Import Risk Analysis by the Australians to enable export of fruits and seafood, specially mangoes, citrus fruit, apples, dates and shrimps to Australian Market. The meeting also discussed proposal of signing Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. The conclusion of this Agreement would send positive signals to the business community. Australia has been providing different training and educational opportunities for Pakistani nationals in the recent past. In this meeting also, both sides discussed the need for developing educational linkages in technical as well as other fields. Both sides were confident that in the upcoming years the bilateral trade and economic relations would further be strengthened. It was also felt that there is a need to re activate the Pak-Australia Joint Business Council in order to promote trade and investment between two countries. Two sides will take appropriate steps in this direction too. Both sides agreed to hold the JTC meeting on a yearly basis. The third meeting of JTC will be held in Australia in 2011; the exact dates will be mutually agreed. It is hoped that the outcomes of the 2nd JTC Meeting would be helpful in enhancing bilateral trade and economic relations.
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No. 211 President Asif Ali Zardari has directed initiation of a pilot project for solar cookers and solar water heaters in the selected areas of the country and also to devise an easy financing scheme for providing it to the needy and the poor in off-grid areas. This he said during a presentation on alternate energy sources at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. The presentation was attended by Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Federal Minister for Water & Power, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Economic Affairs Division, Mr. Kamal Majidullah, SAPM, Mr. Salman Faruqui, Secretary General the President, Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary to the President, and other senior officials of the concerned ministries. The President directed to mobilize state resources to develop energy base of the country in order to overcome the energy shortages that is adversely affecting socio-economic development of Pakistan. The President said that being an energy deficient country, all the available sources must be utilized effectively to augment the existing capacity so that our reliance on conventional sources could be reduced. Chief Executive Officer Alternate Energy Sources Mr. Arif Allauddin while giving presentation said that manually charged devices and solar energy systems were the most suitable technology options for provision of energy services to remote, off-grid locations in places like NWFP and Balochistan which can be used for lighting, heating, cooking and water-pumping etc. He said that solar is the fastest growing energy technology in the world. As a result, price for producing energy through solar is on a continuous decline. Countries like India, China, USA, Spain, Turkey, Germany and the rest of EU are relying on solar energy for meeting their future energy needs. The participants were informed that World Bank is assisting AEDB in developing Agricultural Solar Water Pumping Program for Pakistan. AEDB has signed two MOUs with leading Chinese companies on Solar and other two are in pipeline. The President directed the relevant ministries to build on MOUs signed with China and other countries in transfer and management of solar technology.
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No. 212
While addressing the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected members of Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA) at the Federal Government College for Women F-7/2 he said that the present government and Pakistan People’s Party leadership has always shown profound commitment toward raising the standard of education in the country which is not mere a political slogan. Earlier, President FGCTA, Zahid Ali Shah highlighted the demands of the teachers and said that the teachers want the proper announcement and notification of the enhancement of college teachers’ grades on priority basis.
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No. 213 The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar graced the ceremony of signing of ten (10) Licences/Petroleum Concession Agreements with eight (8) E&P Companies here today. The total area of the ten (10) blocks being 17,789.77 Sq. Kms having minimum firm work commitment of US $ 52.6 Million. The licences/agreements were signed by Mr. Kamran Lashari, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mr. Mohammad Naeem Malik, Director General Petroleum Concessions, Mr. Guillermo Quintero, President, Middle East and Pakistan of BP Exploration & Production Inc, Mr. Paolo Giraudi, Managing Director, Eni Pakistan Limited (Eni), Mr. Ismail Zaivij, Managing Director, Shell Pakistan Ltd., Lt. Gen. (Retd) Mushtaq Hussain, Managing Director, Mari Gas Company Limited, Mr. Shah Mahboob Alam, Managing Director, Oil and Gas Company Limited, Mr. Anwar Moin, Chief Executive Officer, Orient Petroleum International Inc, (OPII), Mr. Khalid Rehman, Managing Director, PPL, Eng. Brig ®, Muhammad Saeed Baig, Director, Special Projects, Saita Pakistan Private Limited (Saita) and Mr. Athar M.Khan , Director Zaver Petroleum Corporation Limited (ZPCL). In his address on the occasion, Syed Naveed Qamar vowed to lend his full support to the upstream companies who had ventured into new vistas of exploration blocks. He said that he was privileged to be present at an event that marked “the start of a first step towards multi billion dollar investment in the upstream oil and gas sector in Pakistan.” “It augurs well that so many concessions are being signed today. More blocks would be given out than ever before this year,” he pledged. “This is at the forefront of our entire effort,” he maintained. Appreciating and encouraging the upstream companies, he expressed the optimism that going into uncharted areas might as well result in some major finds. “Your success is our success, your lack of it reflects poorly on us”. He said that Allah had blessed the country with indigenous hydrocarbon reserves and hoped that one day the country would become a net exporter of energy rather than a net energy importer. “we have always kept our minds and doors open and strive to making Pakistan self sufficient in energy resource,” he added. The signing ceremony was also attended by dignitaries including British High Commissioner, Pakistan, Ambassador Netherlands, Administrative Councilor Commissioner, Embassy of Italy, Head of Economic Affairs, Dutch Embassy, eminent professionals of the Ministry and the Industry.
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No. 214 The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar chaired a meeting of the PAK ARAB REFINERY LTD (PARCO) Board of Directors here today. Operational matters were deliberated upon and recommendations for the way forward were presented as a result of the meeting. PARCO is a Joint Venture between Government of Pakistan and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
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No. 215 Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has directed the top bureaucracy of Gilgit-Baltistan to formulate an Electric Company in Gilgit-Baltistan and bring it under the ambit of Nepra. He was addressing a high level meeting of Gilgit-Baltistan, the meeting was attended by Secretary KA&GB, M Ihtisham Khan, Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Babar Yaqub Feteh Muhammad and other officials. Federal Minister directed the officials to invite Expression of Interest of Hydel Power projects and bidding should be open internationally. He was informed that ADB is doing the feasibility study of these projects. Consultation, detailed design and geological study of Hydel power projects, Naltar 5(14mg) and Naltar 3(16mg) are underway and these projects will be ready for international bidding by June this year after completing all formalities. Thak –Chilas, Thak-Shagar schemes will also be ready for the international bidding by the end of June. It was also decided in the meeting to contact the Civil Aviation Authority for expediting the process of flights Skardu-Katmandu and Gilgit-Kashgar for the tourists. The Minister directed the Chief Secretary to compose a tourism development company for boasting tourism in the area and to take steps for providing facilities of international standard there. He also directed for the composition of precious stone development authority within 30 days for persevering, processing, polishing and marketing of precious stones and minerals in the area. The step of the Government of Pakistan to provide biannual release of funds for Gilgit-Baltistan was highly appreciated. Healthcare, education and other institutions were also discussed and it was stressed that 7,000 vacancies in Gilgit-Baltistan should be filled as soon as possible. It was also told in the meeting that Northern Health Development Authority project with the collaboration of KFW will start working from March. The Prime Minister of Pakistan was thanked for providing transitional grant of 5 billion rupees to the area and it was decided to approach Ministry of Finance for early release of this grant. A request was made to Government of Pakistan that Gilgit-Baltistan should be exempted from any budgetary cut.
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No. 216 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated Mian Nawaz Sharif Quaid of PML (N) over telephone, upon the decision of the Lahore High Court, rejecting an application to disqualify his candidature to contest elections. The Prime Minister informed Mian Nawaz Sharif that the crisis emerging out of appointment of Judges Issue would soon be resolved amicably. The government, said is committed to honour the Charter of Democracy. The Leaders of both the parties, he added, had made great sacrifices and they would not let these go waste. He assured the PML (N) Quaid that both the major parties, the PPP and PML (N) will strive together to repeal the amendments made in the constitution by various dictatorial regimes. The government the Prime Minister said holds the judiciary in high esteem and will accept the decisions of the Courts in letter and spirit.
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No. 217 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the President of the Republic of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Nasheed, on their National Day falling on Ist Rabi-ul-Awwal, 16th February, 2010. In his message, the Prime Minister said that “I feel greatly pleased to convey on behalf of the government, the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf our warmest felicitations on the national day of the Republic of Maldives. Our two countries traditionally enjoy close and cooperative relationship. I am confident that Pakistan and Maldives would continue to work closely to further cement the wide ranging ties for mutual benefit of our two people”.
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No. 218 On the request of the United Nations/World Food Programme (WFP), the Prime Minister has approved sale of one hundred thousand metric tons of wheat to WFP from the available stocks of PASSCO for distribution to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other humanitarian assistance programmes, at an internationally competitive rate of US$ 276 per metric ton. The decision to sell the wheat to the WFP has been made keeping in view the sufficient wheat stocks available with the PASSCO, as well as, to accommodate the request of the WFP due to their humanitarian assistance operation.
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