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PR.No.148. A six member delegation from Guardian Council of Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Ayatullah Ahmed Janati, head of the Guardian Council arrived Islamabad, this morning on a five day visit to Pakistan on invitation of council of Islamic Ideology, Pakistan. The Guardian Council of Islamic Republic of Iran, with the status of senate is authorized to examine all Parliamentary decisions as to their consistency with the tenets of Islam and constitutional laws. During its stay in Pakistan, the delegation would interact with scholars and the experts in Islamic Economics’ Laws at Islamabad and Lahore to discuss contemporary challenges being faced by the Muslim Ummah. Delegation will also call on the Presidents, Prime Minister, Chairman, Senate and Speaker, National Assembly. Tomorrow the delegation will visit Senate of Pakistan Secretariat and call on Chairman Senate, Muhammad Mian Soomoro to discuss issues of mutual interest. ***QAM/AZC**
PR.No.149. Under Section 10 of the Travel Agency Act, 1976, the license No. ID-1050 of M/S Ghandhara Tours, Abbas Town-Olding Skardu, Baltastan is hereby cancelled with immediate effect says a cancellation letter No. DTS-29(1115)/2005 issued by Department of Tourist Services on 13.05.2008. The Agency is also required to close its office, remove the signboard and return the license immediately. **SMA/AZC**
PR.No.150. The President has been pleased to appoint Mr. Salman Taseer as the Governor of the Province of the Punjab, says a press note issued by Cabinet Division here today. **SMA/AZC**
In terms of the rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973 read with serial number 1A of the Schedule-VA of the said Rules, the Prime Minister has been pleased to appoint Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs with the status of Minister of State, with immediate effect, says a notification issued by Cabinet Division. **SMA/AZC**
The Government of Pakistan has sent 23 thousand kgs relief goods containing tents, medicines, plastic mats and bottles of mineral water for the Chinese earthquake affectees. Two special PAF C130 Aircrafts carrying the relief goods left here this morning for China. Federal Minister for Narcotics Control and Food & Agriculture, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Luo Zhao Hui, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Farooq Ahmad Khan and Senior Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present on the occasion. Talking to the Chinese Ambassador, the Minister said that the government and people of Pakistan were deeply shocked at the severe earthquake which hit Sichuan province of China on 12th May, 2008, resulting in loss of more than 20,000 valuable lives and heavy damaged to property. He said that the loss of lives and property was colossal leaving daunting challenge of relief and rehabilitation for Chinese government. The Minister said that Pakistan is grateful to the Government of China for accepting our offer of relief goods dispatched to China as a token of our feel for the Chinese bothers. He said Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has also offered dispatch of a medical mission if so desired by China. The Minister, on behalf of the Prime Minister and people of Pakistan, expressed deep sympathy with the earthquake affected families and prayed for success of the Chinese Government in their relief and rehabilitation efforts. EH/AZC
PR.No.153. The Special Education Centers are opened for the education and training of the children with special needs and the buildings of special education centers should be got vacated from all organization who have occupied these buildings. This was stated by the Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education, Muhammad Khan Hotti, while visited the office of the Directorate General of Special Education in Islamabad on Friday. The Minister advised that keeping in view the problems of Special Persons new centers/projects are being established shortly, particularly in the rural areas. He also emphasized on career planning of staff of the Directorate General of Special Education. The Federal Minster visited all sections of Directorate General of Special Education. Mr. Khalid Naeem, Director General briefed about the working of DGSE and introduced the Minister with professional and Administrative staff. The Minister met with the staff and appreciated the working atmosphere. On the issue of strengthen of Special Education, the Minister suggested to hold a brain storming session with ex-Ministers/Secretaries/Director Generals and Directors to share their experience and expertise. SG/AZC
PR.No.154. Federal Minister for Narcotics Control and Food and Agriculture, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that the government is committed to work for the uplift of women in general and vulnerable women in particular. He expressed these views while addressing at the one day workshop on Disseminating of Gender Constraints for Female Service Providers in Health Sector held here today. The Minister said that former Prime Minister Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had introduced the Lady Health visitors programme which has now a force of 97, 000 LHV and 3527 Lady Health Supervisors throughout the country. He said that it was PPP’s tenure that the first women bank, police stations were created and computer literacy programmes were initiated for girl students. He said that the stability of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) programme requires gender friendly human resource policies programming. This is the mandate of national gender reform action plan (GRAP) as well, the Minister added. The Minister appreciated the cooperation extended by UNICEF and CIDA for undertaking the study and bringing all partners together on the vital issue of National Maternal Newborn and Child Health Care in collaboration with M/O Health and M/O Women Development. He urged upon other donor agencies to come forward and extend all out cooperation for undertaking Women Uplift Programme in the country. He asked the M/O Health to share the draft health policy with M/O Women Development to make it more women friendly. Country Representative of UNISEF, Mr. Martin Mogwanja and Mr. John Moore of CIDA lauded the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for uplift of women and assured continued support for the progress of women in education, health and other sectors. EH/AZC
PR.No.155. The Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of eminent critic, Research Scholar and former Chairman of the Karachi University’s Urdu Department, Professor Dr. Syed Abul Khair Kashfi, who breathed his last in Karachi yesterday. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman eulogized the services rendered by late Dr. Kashfi particularly as a critic and research scholar par excellence and his pioneering role in promotion of Urdu language and literature. They offered their heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that Allah Almighty might rest the departed soul in eternal peace. SM/AZC
PR.No.156. Federal Minister for Water and Power and Tourism, Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to formulate a comprehensive strategy for development and improvement in the infrastructural facilities for the promotion of the tourism in the country. He also asked the PTDC to constitute a task force to chalk out a program with novel ideas to attract tourists in the country and submit its recommendation within 10 days. He said this while chairing a high level meeting here today. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Managing Director, PTDC and senior officials of the Ministry and PTDC were present in the meeting. Mr. Ashraf also directed to reconstitute the board of directors of the PTDC with major participation of private sector. He emphasized the need to devise a rationale mechanism and arrange guided tours to attract both domestic and foreign tourists in Pakistan. He was of the view that the PTDC should develop tourist facilities in areas which have tourism potential. He also directed the PTDC to prepare a plan for designing of a tourist village to be linked with the international tourism club and organizations to keep a close liaison with international tourists as well as to construct a Budgeted Hotel in the Federal Capital to generate tourist activities both domestically and internationally. Tourists village should have mini Disney Land for children, provincial pavilions and other recreations facilities through public private partnership. Earlier, the MD, PTDC gave a detailed briefing on the objectives and functions of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). He apprised the Minister that the vision of the PTDC was to promote and develop the tourist activities in the country and to make Pakistan as tourist friendly country to attract tourists both domestic and international. It was also informed that the arrangements are being finalized for a Day Tour with the diplomats and the tourist loving people. The Minister while appreciating the efforts of the PTDC urged for creating an enabling environment for Pakistan Tourism industry to provide world class facilities that commensurate with our rich cultural heritage with the private sector and protecting a soft image of the country as according to him Pakistan is a charming and beautiful country having great and rich culture and heritage with scenic sights, and through devising simple and viable planning, a large number of tourists could be attracted, he added. He opined that first we should develop the infrastructure and turn the existing motels as profit making to attract more tourists in this regard. He also said that revolutionary steps with collective efforts are required to promote tourism in the country. AJM/AZC
PR.No.157. The Speaker NA Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan values high its relations with Jordan and both the countries have unanimity of views and perceptions on the regional and global issues. She was talking to the Ambassador of Jordan H.E Dr. Saleh Ahmed Muhammad Al Jawaarneh, who call on the Speaker in the Parliament House today. The speaker said that the two brotherly countries have always had good relations and had always supported each other on various global forums. The speaker said that Pakistan and Jordon can benefit from each other by enhancing the level of cooperation in all sectors of the economy. She stressed the need to reactivate FTA for the benefit of the people both the countries. She also underlined the need for enhanced interaction between Parliamentarian of both the countries. The Speaker said that the new Parliament was confronting challenges of poverty unemployment energy shortage and inflation, which needed time and support of friendly countries to over come. The Ambassador of Jordan H.E Dr. Saleh Ahmed Muhammad Al Jawaarneh said that Jordan wanted to see Pakistan grow stronger and prosperous. He congratulated the Madam Speaker on behalf of the President of the Parliament of Jordan and on his own behalf. He said that Jordan was proud of Pakistan for having Ist woman Speaker of Muslim World. Later, Mr. Michael Hess, Assistant Administrator, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) called on the Speaker National Assembly. The Speaker appreciated the assistance extended by USAID under Legislative strengthening program for strengthening of democratic institutions, capacity building of legislators and the Secretarial staff. Dr. Fehmida Mirza termed the establishment of Parliamentary Institute for Legislative Services a landmark in the Parliamentary history of Pakistan and expressed hope that the Institute would cater research requirements of the legislators and enhance their legislative capabilities. Dr. Fehmida Mirza apprised the USAID Representative that the updating of Official Website of National Assembly was underway which would contain relevant information about National Assembly, Members, Debates and legislation carried out by National Assembly. Mr. Michael Hess apprised the Speaker about the necessary details of the Institute and assured her that USAID would extend its all-out support in that regard. MT/AZC
PR.No.158. Government will not tolerate counterfeit drug manufacturers and quackery to play with the health and lives of innocent people. This was stated by Ms Sherry Rehman, Minister for Health. She urged the provincial governments to take stern action uncertified medical practitioners and bring them to book. She was talking to a delegation of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) here in Islamabad. The minister told that the government would formulate a comprehensive National Health Policy after consultation with all stakeholders and PMA has already been included in the Task Force formed for this purpose. She said that all efforts would be made to increase health expenditure over the next five years to make healthcare facilities not only accessible but also affordable to the poor. She said a Task Force on health policy has already been formed and is actively working on the formulation of Health Policy for the country. The aim of the policy is to strengthen the existing systems and create linkages between preventive and curative referrals. The members of PMA delegation appreciated the government’s plan to formulate a comprehensive health policy and apprised the minister on the issues of health care, hospital waste disposal and pollution. EW/AZC
PR.No.159. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan has expressed grief over the sad demise of Sheikh Saad Abdulah Al-Sabaha former Amir of Kuwait. In her condolence message to Jassem Al-Kharafi, the Speaker Majlis Umma (National Assembly of Kuwait) the Speaker said that she was shocked to hear the sad news of the demise of Sheikh Saad Abdullah Al-Sabaha. While paying rich tribute to late Amir for his struggles for unity Muslim Ummah the Speaker said that he was icon of unity of Muslim Ummah. He played pivotal role for unity, progress and economic development of the Muslim countries. She said that Kuwait under his guidance achieved the strength that was envied by many countries of the World. She said the personality of late Amir played vital role in the politics of Middle East that would be remembered in the annals of history. She said that his death created a vacuum that is difficult to be filled. “It is an irreparable loss to Kuwait as well as Pakistan”. The message said. The Speaker prayed that May Almighty Allah rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and to the bereaved family and people of Kuwait to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude and equanimity (Aameen). EW/AZC
PR.No.160. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is committed to maintaining a minimum credible deterrence through conventional and strategic capabilities as Pakistan has a major role to play for peace and stability in the region. The Prime Minister was talking to Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majeed and Lt. General ® Khalid Ahmad Kidwai, DG, Strategic Planning Division (SPD), who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that impregnable defence can only be achieved through economic sovereignty, smooth political process, good neighbourliness, friendly international environment and good governance. The Prime Minister lauded the role of the Armed Forces both in maintaining external security and making valuable services during national calamities. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and does not harbour aggressive design against any country. We, however believe that peace is achieved through strength and not weakness. In this context, he added that government would continue to provide all necessary support to further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to meet the defence need of the country. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee apprised the Prime Minister of the performance and professional activities of the three armed services i.e Army, Air force and Navy. He also updated the Prime Minister about the ongoing up-gradation programmes in the defence sector. The Director General, SPD briefed the Prime Minister about the strategic assets and various projects undertaken by the Division to make the defence of Pakistan impregnable. DSG/ank.
PR.No.161. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has disposed off 122 cases whereas 156 new cases have been instituted during the period from Saturday 10th May, 2008 to Friday 16th May 2008. The backlog in the apex Court on 9th May 2008 was 15717 cases. As 156 new cases were instituted during the period from Saturday 10th May 2008 to Friday 16th May 2008, the progressive total of pending cases as on 16th May 20089 comes to 15873 cases. Out of these, 122 cases were disposed off during the period from Monday 12th May 2008 to Friday 16th May 2008; the backlog on 16th May 2008 remains 15751 cases. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has also issued the Final Cause List for the week commencing from 19th May 2008 to 23rd May 2008. The Honourable Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar constituted six benches to hear cases fixed in the said final Cause List. However, Suo Moto Case NO. 1 of 2008 (Contempt of court Notice to Geo TV etc.) is not included in the Final Cause List as the same was adjourned to a date in office. MFR/ank.
PR.No.162. Government of United States will provide financial assistance for implementation of judicial reforms which are being conceived by the Ministry of Law and Justice. This was said by Anne W. Patterson, US Ambassador to Pakistan who called on Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights here today. Minister apprised the Ambassador about the reforms which are going to be introduced to improve the judicial system in Pakistan. Ambassador shown interest in evening courts and public defender offices. She also enquired about the working of family courts. The Minister explained that family courts are intended to give relief to women and decide cases quickly. She was pleased to know that amendments are being made to give 20% of jobs to females in the judiciary. The Minister and the Ambassador discussed various issues of mutual concern especially the issues of terrorism and how to curb it. The issue of detainees also came under discussion. The Minister asserted that the government is committed that all detainees should be dealt in accordance with the law and nobody should be deprived of life and property except as provided under the law. Government believes in giving equal opportunities to every Pakistani whoever and wherever he is, said the Minister adding that all the detainees should be produced before the court. AUE/ank
PR.No.163. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government is committed to restoring the 1973 constitution and strengthening the parliamentary system to ensure smooth and seamless legislation in the Parliament. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mrs. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said that 1973 constitution is a sacred document which was unanimously passed by all the political parties to protect the rights of all the federating units. He said that he has already announced that concurrent list will be abolished within one year. This, he added would give more provincial autonomy and in this regard the government will soon start working on the necessary legislation. The Prime Minister said that the role of parliamentary committees is crucial in the legislative process and every effort would be made to further strengthen the functioning of the committees. He said that all important issues of national importance will be brought before the House and would be thoroughly discussed to seek input of all the political parties towards legislative process and national reconciliation. The Speaker apprised the Prime Minister of her recent visit to Cape Town to attend the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, where she got the opportunity to interact with her counterparts from all over the world. She said the democratic world is truly pleased with the return of democracy in Pakistan. Restoration of Pakistan membership in the Commonwealth was also discussed in the meeting. This, she added, reflects confidence of Commonwealth on the democratic government and would help in enhancing interaction among the member countries thus enabling Pakistan to play its effective role for the regional and international peace. DSG/ank
PR.No.164. Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Salman Taseer on oath taking as Governor of Punjab. In their separate congratulatory messages to Salman Taseer, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were extremely delighted over his appointment as Governor of Punjab. They said that it was evidence of trust and confidence of Government reposed in his ability and leadership. They expressed hope that under his dynamic leadership the province of Punjab would progress and prosperous and would become a role model for other provinces of the country. They wished and prayed for his success during his tenure. MT/ank
PR.No.165. The PPP government is committed to provide better working conditions to journalists and the setting up of a Victims’ Fund would be an important step in this direction. This was stated by ms sherry Rehman, Minister for Information and Broadcasting while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). The delegation met the Minister to apprise her of the issues of journalists and particularly of non-implementation of Seventh Wage Board Award. The delegation demanded that seventh wage board award which remained pending for the last seven years should be implemented. Ms Rehman assured the delegation of government’s complete support in this regard. She said “holding of Stakeholders Conference on Freedom of Information within six weeks of being in government shows the present government’s commitment towards freedom of media and wellbeing of journalists”. The delegation appreciated the minister for her efforts for the establishment of Victims Fund for journalists. When the issue of non-payment of salaries to some journalists was brought to the notice of the Minister by the delegation; the minister issued instructions to the Ministry of Information officials to take up the issue of non-payment of salaries of certain journalists with the relevant newspapers and ensure that salaries are paid in time. “No false cases will be registered against journalists in future and those fabricated cases which were registered by the previous government will be immediately withdrawn. We assure the journalist community our complete support and they are free to report and criticise the government without any fear”, was the response of the minister when the issue of fabricated case against journalists by the previous government was raised by the delegation. The delegation included Mr.Huma Ali,President PFUJ, Mr.Mazhar Abbas,General Secretary PFUJ, C.R.Shamsi,Fauzia Shahid and Kamal Azfar. Enaam Wazir/ank
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