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PR No. 185
PRESS RELEASE
Allocation for hospitals raised by 50 percent
Salary of contractual staff raised by 40 percent
Islamabad: , March 16, 2010The Central Zakat Council has increased by 50 per cent the allocations for Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) Rawalpindi, DHQ Hospital Khuzdar and Fatima Jinnah Hospital, Quetta.
The council also nominated five hospitals - Mayo Hospital, Lahore; Chandka Medical College, Larkana; Sandmen Provincial Hospital, Quetta; Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), Islamabad - for treating hepatitis patients.
Each of the hospitals would get Rs20 million for this purpose. The council also decided that the hospitals would be advised not to take any user charges from deserving patients.
This was stated during the 101st meeting of the Central Zakat Council held in the ministry of Zakat and Ushr with Secretary/Administrator General Zakat Khalid Idrees in the chair.
It was decided that budget allocations might be increased within the available fiscal space. The meeting was informed that the DHQ Hospital Pishin had been enlisted as national level health hospital with a Zakat grant of Rs1.5 million.The council decided to constitute committees to visit the 18 hospitals and submit reports regarding their applications for enlistment as national level health institution. It also considered the constitution of Islamabad Capital Territory District Zakat Committee.
It also considered the constitution of Islamabad Capital territory district Zakat Committee. The council further decided to allow 40 percent salary increase for Zakat paid staff working on contractual basis.
PR No. 186
PRESS RELEASE
IQBAL AHMED DESIGNATED AS SPOKESMAN OF THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTION.
Islamabad: March 16, 2010Iqbal Ahmed, Additional Secretary-1(BS-21) has been designated as spokesman of the Ministry of Industries and Production, says a notification issued by the Ministry here today. His contact numbers are as under:-
PH (Office) : 051-9211365
Mobile : 0300-8891019
Residence : 051-2271520
Office Fax No : 051-9208293, 051-9205130,
E-mail : iqbalahmadraja@ hotmail.com
It is pertinent to mention here that Iqbal Ahmed belongs to DMG group. He has served most part of his service in Sindh and Punjab provinces on key posts very successfully. He has served as Deputy Commissioner in Districts Badin, Sukkur and Hyderabad in Sindh and Commissioner Faisalabad in Punjab. He remained Provincial Secretary Cooperatives, Forest, Labour & Human Resource and Population Planning Lahore in Punjab. Moreover he had been Chairman Pakistan Text Book Board Lahore. At Centre, Iqbal Ahmed has also served as Executive Director General, Board of Investment (BOI), and Additional Secretary, Population Planning, Islamabad. He assumed charged of the post of Additional Secretary-1 in this Ministry on 21-12-2009.
This supersedes this Ministry’s Notification of dated: 24-02-2010.
PR No. 187
PRESS RELEASE
ARMY WELFARE TRUST (AWT) KEEN TO PARTICIPATE IN PRIVATISATION PROCESS
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Army Welfare Trust (AWT), a big business group having tremendous liquidity is keenly interested to participate in the Privatisation Program on Public Private partnership (PPP) and to play its role. Lt. General (Retd) Imtiaz Hussain Managing Director Army Welfare Trust stated during a meeting with Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation here today.
Both sides reached to an understanding to resolve the long due outstanding all the issues pending for more than couple of the decades in an amicable manner for the betterment of the government.
Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation lauded the interest shown by AWT for participating in the Privatisation activity and expressed his gratitude for amicably resolving the pending issues. The privatisation process was being carried forward in an open, fair and transparent manner while providing level playing field to domestic and foreign investment groups, he said.
He further stated that currently the government was passing through the phase of restructuring of eight major entities for improving the efficiency and to get maximum output to add value to these national assets prior to taking them to the market. Mr. Shahab Khawaja Federal Secretary ministry of Privatisation was also present during the meeting.
PR No. 188
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today called upon the U.S. to assist Pakistan in civilian nuclear technology to help the country overcome its energy crisis, on the one hand, and bridge the trust deficit between the two countries on the other.
This he said during a meeting with Director of US National Intelligence Mr. Dennis C. Blair who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr today.
Mr. Neil H. Joeck, National Intelligence Officer for South Asia National Intelligence Council, US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson and Mr. Jonathan D. Bank, Regional Affairs Counselor, were also present during the meeting. The Pakistani side included Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, Secretary General to the President Mr. Salman Faruqui, Senator Sughra Imam and senior officials.
Briefing the media Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President said that provision of civilian nuclear technology would go a long way in addressing misperception about the U.S. in Pakistan.
The President also called upon the US administration for early transfer of drone technology to Pakistan for its effective use by our own security forces and for its wider public acceptability. US drone attacks on our soils, the President said, not only infringe upon Pak sovereignty but also undermine the national consensus against the war on militancy, Mr. Babar informed.
The President also expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals and called for its review as it had created resentment in the country and led to doubts and misgivings among the people of Pakistan.
The President emphasized the need to expedite ROZ legislation in order to give local people hope for the better through creation of job and other economic opportunities. We need to create opportunities for the people to prevent them falling in trap of the militants, the President stressed.
He said that Pakistan has 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, but with our limited resources our security forces have achieved remarkable success against militants, the President remarked.
Mr. Babar said that the President stressed upon the need for working on counter-terrorism strategy within the agreed parameters and creating an effective intelligence sharing mechanism between the two countries.
The President, during the meeting, also called upon the US to strengthen and enhance counter terrorism capabilities of the Pak security apparatus through provision of timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment.
Discussing the regional situation, the President said that Pakistan has legitimate interests in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and welcomes international assistance for this cause.
Mr. Dennis Blair appreciated the Pakistan Government and its security forces for their struggle against militancy and reiterated the US administration commitment to work closely with the Government of Pakistan in this regard.
PR No. 189
PRESS RELEASE
PROTECTION OF FOREST IS NEED OF THE DAY: AFRIDI
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Federal Minister of Environment, Government Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that National Forest Programme is a mile stone towards achievement of the vision 2030 and the physical targets of forestry sector. He said that the protection of forest is the need of the day. He expressed these views while presiding over a ceremony regarding launching of National Forest Programme here today.
Mr. Afridi said that National Forest Programme has been developed jointly by the Ministry of Environment’s Forestry Wing and WWF Pakistan. Mr. Afridi applauded the efforts of WWF in the development of this programme and mentioned that protection of forest is the need of the day. He also mentioned that some of the major causes of the current disasters and climate change at different parts of the country especially in the north are mainly due to degradation of forests. It is a challenge to us to enhance the forest cover of Pakistan and conserve our natural forests. He emphasized that we shall not look at forest as a source of timber and revenue rather we should give more attention to forest protection because of its services as watershed, carbon sink, protection from natural disasters and soil erosion control, etc. Our water reservoirs are getting silted up because of the deforestation in the catchments which ultimately is resulting in reduction in water storage capacity which affects the power production and availability of water for irrigation. All this is linked with the livelihood of the local and well as downstream communities. The Minister also highlighted the need to promote alternate livelihood options for the local communities so that they become less dependent on natural forests.
Mr. Afridi also mentioned that this programme will support the implementation of the National Forest Policy which is in its final stage of approval. The policy will ensure sustainable management of National Forest and Establishment of New Plantation all over the country.
Earlier, Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Deputy Director General WWF-Pakistan mentioned in his presentation that the National Forest Programme has been developed through rigorous consultations at provincial and federal levels and this programme has been endorsed by Chief Conservators of the Provincial and Territorial Forest Departments as well as the Inspector General of Forests, Government of Pakistan. It contains various long, medium and short-term actions to be taken at various levels of government and non-government sectors.
The launching ceremony was attended by Mr. Muhammad Javed Malik Federal Secretary for Environment, Mr. Kamran Ali Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Dr. Shahzad Jehangir, Inspector General of Forest and Mr. Ali Hassan Habib Director General WWF Pakistan. Representatives of provincial and territorial forest departments also attended the ceremony.
PR No. 190
PRESS RELEASE
Conserving water through the High Efficiency Irrigation System is the only solution to overcome
the water shortage facing the country. Nazar M. Gondal
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that improving the agricultural practices and introducing technology into farming is the only solution in the face of the growing water scarcity in the country. He said that irrigation system needs to be put on the modern lines and the introduction of sprinklers and drip irrigation system is no more an option but rather a compulsion.
The minister was chairing a meeting to revise the project, “Water Conservation and Productivity Enhancement through the High Efficiency”.
The minister said that Pakistan is facing water shortages and could not afford to continue with the status quo as the country heavily depends on the agriculture sector. The minister stressed that the provinces need to be practically involved so that there are no reservations regarding the project. “ We shall decide about the fate of any project after taking all the provinces on board. We are a democratic force and we do not decide things unilaterally”, added the minister.
The revised project demands a contribution of only Rs.5000 per acre from the farmers to install drip irrigation system. The provincial share would be 20% while the rest is to be contributed by the federal government. A final draft of the revised PC-1 will be prepared in a week time and the project would be launched in the near future after approval from the required government quarters.
The federal minister categorically stated that the concerns, if any, of the provinces would be duly addressed and resolved well before launching the project. He said that the project demands hundred percent commitment and loyalty of purpose from all the people related to it as conserving water is an importantly crucial issue.
Chairman PARC, Dr. Zafar Altaf, Additional Secretary Minfa Tauqeer Faiq, Dr.Shakeel, D.G water management Tahir Anwar and other officials of the miknistry attended the meeting.
PR No. 191
PRESS RELEASE
Farooq Saeed for balanced growth of textile sector
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Government is determined to resolve the grievances of the textile industry for the balanced growth of the sector and in this regard all stakeholders would be taken into confidence.
This was stated by the Minister for Textile Industry Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan here on Tuesday, while addressing a press conference.
“Ministry is committed for balanced growth of the entire textiles value chain and textiles policy 2009-2014 is a testimony to this claim, where all sub-sectors have been included for the development of this vital sector of national economy”, he said.
The minister said that to protect the local textile industry, the government has curtailed export quota of yarn at 35 million kg as against 50 million kg.
Rana Saeed said that government is closely monitoring the export of yarn adding that violation of quota would never be tolerated as it was harming the local industry as well as national economy.
He said that government has fulfill its promises to provide un-interrupted supply of gas, electricity and reduced markup rate to promote the textile industry of the country.
Due to the measures of the government, he said that spinning sector was largely benefitted and yarn export was increased up 50 percent as compare to figures of last two years.
The minister said that increasing trend of yarn export created shortage of the commodity in the local market and led huge problems for local textile manufacturers.
Meanwhile, he said that the prices of the yarn in international market was not increased comparatively.
In their successive meetings, both National Assembly and Senate’s Standing Committees on Textiles took notice of the crisis and recommended to the government strong measures to curb the exports of yarn, he added.
Rana Farooq said that value added yarn fetching a price more than US$ 3.5 per kg would be allowed over and above the quota to only those units which would be registered with the Ministry of Textiles Industry as value added exporters and within the limits of assessed capacities.
State Bank of Pakistan will provide export refinance facility for import of 2 million bales of cotton and domestic sales of yarn by spinning mills will attract 10 percent income tax for the period March 1, 2010 to June 30, 2010, he added.
The above measures clearly indicate that an objective and unbiased view of the crisis was taken by the Ministry and mitigating measures were adopted to lessen the difficulty of the spinning sector, as well.
He was of the view that Textiles Policy has also extended the benefit of reduced mark-up cost to the spinning sector, for which a sum of Rs.5 billion has been allocated.
He also pointed out that during the last two years spinning industry had exported 527 million kg each year.
Despite the imposition of the quota during current financial year, he said that total yarn exports will amount to 614 million kg, which will represent an increase of about 17 percent.
PR No. 192
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has termed immediate development of the areas cleared from the militants as crucial to retain the national consensus and public support in sustaining the campaign against terror. He said that damage need assessment of these areas has already been undertaken with identification of viable and doable projects of development. The International community he added should come forward whole heartedly to help Pakistan in undertaking the implementation of these projects.
He was talking to Admiral Dennis C. Blair, US Director of National Intelligence who called on him at the Prime Minister House this afternoon.
While dilating on the forthcoming Pakistan-US strategic dialogue, the Prime Minister under-scored the need for concrete and visible signs of implementation on the commitments in sectors already identified. He stated that the success of strategic dialogue would be greatly beneficial for bridging the trust deficit and address the misperception about Pakistan-US relations. He underlined the significance of increased market access for Pakistani exporters through sustaining trade agreement and by granting Pakistan textile product special dispensation to help generate new jobs for the people. He also highlighted the need of honouring the pledges made in Tokyo last year to accelerate the pace of rebuilding and development of Swat, Malakand, and FATA regions. He expressed the hope that US would fast track the projects being undertaken in the energy sector of Pakistan to ease the power shortage in the country, directly impacting the economy.
Referring to President Karzai’s recent visit to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that peace and stability of Afghanistan was intrinsically linked to peace in Pakistan and hence his government would fully support Afghan Government’s strategy for reconciliation. He however, said that greater coordination in these efforts was a pre-requisite for the success of the strategy. The Prime Minister also stated that Pakistan would like to have better relations with India by addressing the core-issues between the two countries in the interest of bringing the war against terror to its logical conclusion.
The Director of US National Intelligence expressed his satisfaction over agreed cooperation and coordination between the two countries in the intelligence sharing field through which Pakistan and the allied forces had gained remarkable successes in the recent past. He was very satisfied with his Pakistani counterpart and the cooperation in this field was likely to grow even in the future. Mr. Blair said that he was optimistically looking forward to the strategic dialogue between the two countries and had received the working papers from Pakistan. He stressed that both sides should adopt realistic approach in the next termed dialogue to achieve the desired results. He agreed that last three rounds of strategic dialogue had not helped much in addressing the crucial issues and it was time that both sides proceeded with the dialogue aiming at achieving concrete results. He also agreed with the Prime Minister that the development phase of areas cleared from militants was vital for the success of sustaining campaign against terror and assured him that US would support the Government of Pakistan in the everyway possible towards that end.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 193
PRESS RELEASE
ECONOMY HAS MOVED SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS MACROECONOMIC STABILITY: SYED NAVEED QAMAR
Islamabad, March 16, 2010The Federal Minster of Petroleum and Natural Resources, Syed Naveed Qamar chaired the inaugural ceremony of the 25th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists (PSDE) here today.
The Minister while addressing the participants on the occasion said that the theme of this year’s Meeting “Investing in People” captured the most pressing need and challenge the country faced and was also at the heart of our Government’s and our Party’s economic philosophy.
Syed Naveed Qamar said that it was indeed a privilege and honor to address the Annual Conference - the distinguished gathering of economists and social scientists - of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists that had become one of the leading events on the calendar of meetings where experts from various disciplines discuss cutting edge issues that confront developing economies in general and Pakistan’s economy in particular.
He said “I am very happy that this meeting as in the past is being attended by internationally acclaimed economists and academics from both within and outside the country. I am especially heartened to see that students of economics from all over Pakistan have been especially invited to attend this meeting. Their overwhelming presence negates all doomsday scenarios and shows their faith in the economy. ”He said “As you are aware that when I took over as Finance Minister our government had inherited a very fragile economy. The economy was overburdened but we managed to take critical decisions leading to a turnaround towards macro-economic stability. Over the past two years we have tried to grapple with this difficult situation. There were difficult choices to be made and our government gave priority to restoring macroeconomic stability rather than short-run political expediency, ”he added.
Syed Naveed Qamar said that the Prime Minister had recently pointed out that with the Grace of God and support of the people and our friends, the government had achieved our short-term economic goals which the Government had set for itself. Elaborating on them, he said first and foremost, the economy had moved significantly towards macroeconomic stability in terms of key economic variables especially balance of payments and the fiscal deficit. “We are now moving decisively to revive economic growth and bringing inflation further down. We are committed to ensuring a stable macroeconomic environment. ”he maintained. Second, by taking significant steps to provide incentives to farmers,our policies have brought economic prosperity to our farmers and the rural population, where the bulk of the people live. Third, given our commitment to improve economic conditions of the poor people of Pakistan, the government launched for the first time in Pakistan’s history a major direct income support programme for the vulnerable and those most in need. This is reflected in a eight-fold increase in resources earmarked for social protection over the past two years. The Benazir Income Support Programme is the leading programme, under which Rs. 70 billion have been earmarked for 2009-10. Fourth, there are distinct signs of recovery in the large scale manufacturing sector. We are however taking steps to overcome energy shortages through fast track energy projects. We are pushing for exploitation of coal reserves. We have pushed exploration and given out a record number of exploration blocks, picked up both domestically and internationally. The shortages will be mitigated through imports till such time that we find more reserves. We hope to bring people from alienated areas to the mainstream, that will allow people to go these areas. He said that the conference is an opportune moment as we were in the process of finalizing a package on constitutional and issues of federation were being addressed head on, he added.
The function was also attended by Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Dr Rashid Amjad, President, Pakistan Society of Development Economists, and Dr. G. M. Arif, Secretary Pakistan Society of Development Economists. PSDE is a forum where leading professional economists, other social scientists, and policy-makers can exchange ideas on vital economic and social issues facing Pakistan.
AR/wh
PR No. 194
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari, taking notice of the media reports about the plight of Mst. Taj Bibi, widow of late Lal Muhammad Pathan, Tamgah-e-Imtiaz has instructed the concerned departments to resolve the transfer of pension issue on priority basis. A cheque worth Rs. 50,000 has also been sent to the widow to enable her to tide over till the pension issue is resolved.
Late Lal Muhammad Pathan, Tamgah-e-Imtiaz, hailing from Mirpur Khas was a renowned artist and expired in May 2009. He had served as Drawing teacher (BS-17) Government Comprehensive School Mirpur Khas. He had established a private Art Gallery in Tharparkar Museum, Gulistan-e-Baldia Mirpur Khas. He left three sons and four daughters behind him.
District Coordination Officer Mirpur Khas has also been directed to take up the issue and report the progress immediately.
SAK/wh
PR No. 195
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT WILL BEAR ALL EXPENSES ON THE TREATMENT OF CONJOINED TWINS.
Islamabad, March 16, 2010The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali along with Mr. Zamurd Khan, Managing Director Pakistan Bait ul Maal and MNA Rubina Qaim Khani visited PIMs to inquire about the health of conjoined twins. On this occasion she assured the parents of the twins the full support of the government and stated that the government will bear all the expenses on the operation and treatment of the conjoined twins. She stated that the Bait ul Maal has provided Rs.50,000 to the father of twins and Rs. 600000 to PIMs for the treatment of the baby girls.
Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali said that a team of physicians has been formed at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences to treat the twins. Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali stated on the occasion that the present government is fully committed to resolve the miseries of people and will do its utmost to bring prosperity in the country.
She specially appreciated the Managing Director Pakistan Bait ul Maal Mr. Zamurd Khan for his keen interest in the matter and for providing assistance and support to the family of the twin girls.
SA/wh
PR No. 196
PRESS RELEASE
THREE FSC JUDGES APPOINTED
Islamabad, March 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today appointed three Judges of the Federal Shariat Court for a period of three years with effect from the date they take the oath of their offices. The newly appointed Federal Shariat Court Judges are:-
Mr. Muhammad Ismail Bhutto,
Mr. Habib Ullah Shakir
Malik Mumtaz Hussain Mehfooz
Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the appointments have been made on the advice of the Prime Minister and under Article 203 C of the Constitution.
The President today also appointed Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Mian as Member, Federal Public Service Commission in place of Syed Tariq Ali Bokhari, on the advice of the Prime Minister.
SAK/wh
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 17 MARCH, 2010.
PR No. 197
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of Ireland, Mr. Brian Cowen on their national day (St. Patrick’s Day) falling on March 17, 2010.
In his message the Prime Minister said: “It is my great pleasure to convey on my own behalf and on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, our cordial and sincere felicitations to the Government and people of Ireland on the auspicious occasion of St. Patrik’s Day.
Pakistan and Ireland enjoy close friendly relations, marked by warmth and mutually beneficial cooperation. Pakistan looks forward to further strengthening and promoting its ties with Ireland.
Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your health and happiness and the continued progress and prosperity of Ireland”.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 17 MARCH, 2010.
PR No. 198
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that his government is taking all possible steps to bring less developed areas at par with the other parts of the country.
The Prime Minister was talking to Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Aslam Raeesani who called on him here at PM house this evening.
The Prime Minister said that Balochistan has the potential to develop with appropriate utilization of opportunities and resources.
Nawab Aslam Raeesani hailed the government’s concern for the need of the province and expressed confidence that the Aaghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package would help to bring about the desired socio-economic changes in the province.
The Prime Minister told Chief Minister Balochistan that he has already asked the Finance Ministry to release the requisite funds for the timely completion of development projects in Balochistan.
The Prime Minister said that his government believes in the provincial autonomy and further added that the Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reforms (PCCR) will soon complete its tasks and give recommendations acceptable to all the political forces in the country.
Mir Muhammad Asim Kurd, Minister for Finance Balochistan and Mir Sadiq Ali Umrani, Minister for C&W Balochistan also attended the meeting.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 199
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari today asked the Minister for minorities to set up a special help line in the ministry of Minorities with an extension to the Presidency for emergency calls from members of the Minority communities subjected to violence.
The President said this during a meeting with Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Minister for Minorities who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday.
The President also inquired about the progress made in forming interfaith committees and the establishment of skills development centers for minority communities.
FU/wh
PR No. 200
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that the government would follow the policy of reconciliation essential to comprehend the political culture emerging out of coalition between political parties both in the government as well as opposition.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief Minister of Punjab and President PML (N), Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Mr. Ishaq Dar who called on him at PM’s House here this evening.
While condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Lahore and Mingora, both leaders expressed their firm resolve to fight this menace in all its forms and manifestations. The courage shown by the people of Pakistan to combat terrorism is the motivating force in confronting the evil designs of the terrorists, they added.
The Chief Minister Punjab apprised the Prime Minister on the current security situation in the province and steps being taken for further improving the security of the citizens.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 201
PRESS RELEASE
NAVEED QAMAR TERMS PAK-IRAN GAS PIPELINE AGREEMENT SIGNING ‘A HISTORIC MILESTONE’
Islamabad, March 16, 2010Pakistan and Iran signed the Heads of Agreement (HOA) and (Operational Agreement)OA in Istanbul, Turkey which was earlier finalized and initialed by ISGS and NIOC. The two documents are part of the Conditions Precedents to be finalized in order to make the GSPA effective.
The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar expressing jubilation has termed the signing a historic achievement and a milestone towards meeting the energy needs of the country. He expressed the hope that physical work would start soon enabling the gas into the system by the timeline.
The Heads of Agreement deal with the transporting the Indian gas volume through the Pakistani territory if and when India decides to join the project.
As per the HOA, Pakistan will have the right to charge the transit fee in return of the safe transit of Indian volume.HOA also addresses the Transportation Tariff part which has been agreed to be worked out in line with the International practices.
The second document signed today is the OA which deals with the operational aspects of the IPI.
After the signing of the above documents, the GoP will issue the Guarantee in order to make the GSPA effective.
The gas volume of 750MMcfd-1 bcfd is expected to be in the Pakistan system to meet the gas shortfall in the country by middle of 2015.
Mr. Kaseizadeh Advisor to Petroleum Minister and MD NIGEL signed from Iranian side, whereas Secretary Petroleum Kamran Lashari signed from Pakistan.
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PR No. 202
PRESS RELEASE
WEEKLONG PAKISTAN-INDONESIA PAINTING EXPOSITION INAUGURATED AT JAKARTA
Islamabad, March 16, 2010A weeklong exposition portraying fusion of Pakistani and Indonesian art commenced at the Pakistan Embassy Tuesday with Governor of Jakarta, Fauzi Bowo performing the inaugural ceremony, says a press release received from Jakarta here today.
Besides the local cultural elites, senior Indonesia officials, members of the diplomatic corps, Pakistani community based in Jakarta, art lovers and media representatives attended the opening ceremony and witnessed the paintings on display.
In his inaugural address on the occasion, the Chief Guest, Governor Fauzi Bowo said the exhibition was a very good initiative by the Embassy to promote cultural links between Pakistan and Indonesia. He said, Indonesia encouraged such ventures to introduce foreign cultures to Indonesian people as it believed that “in today’s globalised world, international cooperation can be effectively strengthened through cultural cooperation and understanding”. He also welcomed the idea of holding other exhibitions specially the one related to textile dyeing, an area where both Pakistan and Indonesia had expertise.
Earlier welcoming the Governor, Ambassador Sanaullah said the exposition was a humble attempt to weave a new dimension in Pakistan-Indonesia brotherly ties and furtherance of relations with the culturally robust ASEAN region. He unveiled plans about introducing the diverse Pakistani culture, enriched by centuries old pagan, Gandhara, Buddhist and Islamic Civilizations to Jakarta, a leading hub of art. He offered envoys of ASEAN countries to hold a joint photographic exhibition and a food festival. He said Pakistani artists like their Indonesian counterparts had benefitted from modern techniques but still maintained their Asian spirituality. He recited his poem “Truth” in appreciation of the artwork on display and said the paintings actually spoke for themselves and didn’t need any explaining to be done about them.
Governor Fauzi Bowo along with Ambassador Sanaullah, later went round various sections of the exhibition. He evinced keen interest in the artworks of Ayesha Khan, prominent Pakistani artist and Indonesian artists. Ayesha Khan has been a professional artist for more than 23 years now and is well versed in the use of water colours, oils, acrylics, pastels and graphic design. Her paintings drawn with both water colour and charcoal focus on people and landscape. Some of Ambassador Sanaullah’s paintings also featured at the exhibition. Mr. Lucitin from Romania, is taking part in the exposition as a special guest artist.
Among the Indonesian artists, master pieces of the past and present painting wizards including Irsam, Luthfi, Hidayat Ambon, Koempol, Pardolli Fadli, Very Apriyanto, Iton, Pugo Tujahjono, Xling, Iwan Suhaya and Saman were on display. From the paintings it was obvious that they all had inclination towards nature-painting and their immediate surroundings. Their artwork both in water coulour and oils seemingly drew inspiration from love of the land and affection for their soil. In all, the exhibition houses more than 150 pieces of artwork and it would continue till 22nd March at the Pakistan Embassy.
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PR No. 203
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 16, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday night held an interactive session with Party Parliamentarians in the Presidency.
Political situation was discussed during the meeting, which continued till midnight.
Federal Ministers, Ministers of state and PPP Parliamentarians attended the interactive meeting.
FU/wh