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PR No. 235 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has hoped that as agreed during US Secretary of State’s visit to Pakistan in October last year, the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US would be scheduled expeditiously to discuss agreed components during the first half of 2010. He underlined the imperative of the strategic dialogue for building trust to remove the misperceptions or misgivings prevalent on both sides. He was talking to Ambassador Holbrooke, Special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan who alongwith a delegation called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this morning. On having been briefed by Ambassador Holbrooke and his team on the “Operation Mushtarik”, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that Pakistan’s concerns on account of spillover of refugees and militants from Helmand into Balochistan and NWFP will be kept in view by the US and ISAF forces and there would be enhanced coordination and cooperation with Pakistan armed forces in this regard. The Prime Minister welcomed the launching of mobile phone network with the cooperation of telecom companies of Pakistan through the IT Division to reach out the general public for dispelling the negative propaganda of the militants and projecting a true picture of peace loving religion of Islam. He also appreciated introduction of mobile banking system to disrupt the illicit financing of the groups involved in insurgencies. The Prime Minister particularly stressed the need for fast tracking of dialogue on energy sector to mitigate the power shortage in the country. He hoped that the projects, identified in the US strategy for regional stabilization on Pakistan and Afghanistan, for helping Pakistan to overcome the present power shortages would be implemented on priority basis. He note with concern that the delay in disbursement of CSF and the release of the appropriated amount under the Kerry-Lugar Bill to Pakistan were adversely affecting Pakistan’s overall economy. Talking on Pakistan-India relations and the forthcoming Foreign Secretary level talks, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is committed to peace in the region and in this context his government is making sincere efforts for resumption of the Composite Dialogue Process with India but regretted that the vibes emanating from the other side have not been encouraging. The relations between India and Pakistan, he added, should not become hostage to the activities of terrorists which is the common enemy. He stressed upon the need that for lasting peace in the region, both countries must address core issues including Kashmir and water disputes. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke who had arrived in Pakistan after visiting Kabul briefed the Prime Minister on the Afghan political situation and US, ISAF and Afghan forces operation against militants and terrorists in Helmand province. He underscored the desired of his government to wok in coordination with the government and armed forces to defeat their common enemy in and outside Pakistan. Ambassador Holbrooke acknowledged the need for immediate resumption of reimbursement of Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan as now those irritants like visa issues have been removed and promised to fast track release of funds approved under Kerry Lugar Bill. Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, Minister for Finance Mr. Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Senator Sughra Imam, US Ambassador Ms. Anne W. Patterson, cretaries Foreign Affairs, Interior, Acting Defence Secretary and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
PR No. 236 A delegation of the US Council on Foreign Relations, headed by Former US Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage called on Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Deputy Convener of MQM, Dr. Farooq Sattar, here today. The other members of the US delegation included senior Fellow for India, Pakistan and South Asia, Daniel Markey and former Advisor on National Security, Samuel Richard Berger. During the meeting, Pak-US relations, role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism and matters of bilateral interest came under discussion. Both the sides stressed on the need of strengthening the people-to-people contacts and exchange of parliamentary delegations between the two countries. Dr. Farooq Sattar said that for establishing long-term relations between the two countries, it is imperative that the US government remove the irritants, such as return of Aafia Siddiqui to Pakistan and curbing the discriminatory treatments to the Pakistanis at the US airports and other entry points. He said that the US assistance for socio-economic development of Pakistan is appreciable; however, the US should also provide substantial financial support for the development of education, health, energy and other social sectors in Pakistan. He also stressed upon the need for the solution of the problems of overseas Pakistani community in the US. The US delegation appreciated the role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism and said that US-Pak relations would be further strengthened on long-term basis.
PR No. 237 Mr. Richard L. Armitage, President of Armitage International and former US Deputy Secretary of State, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Matters relating to war on terror, Pak-US relations, mutual cooperation and regional situation were discussed during the meeting. The President during the meeting underscored the importance of Pakistan as an important regional player in South Asia that could play an effective role for the stability, peace and prosperity of the region. Pakistan welcomes all efforts and is eager to assist international community in this regard, he said. President Zardari said that Pakistan has played a leading role in securing the world from the menace of terrorism and its people have made great sacrifices in this cause and added that United States and Pakistan need to work further to remove all irritants that vitiate cordial equation and create mistrust between the two countries. The President said that timely assistance in the needed areas by the international community—US especially—would help to alleviate difficulties of the people who have suffered grievously in the war against militancy. He said that Pakistan has a major role to play as an important regional player and can facilitate the objective of peace, stability and prosperity of the region. He said that a peaceful, economically stable and vibrant Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and we would gladly play our due role in this regard. While talking about Pak-India relations, the President said that for the prosperity of the region, it is imperative that Pakistan and India—the two leading and important players of the region—bridge the gap and return to negotiating tables for resolution of their mutual issues meaningfully. Mr. Richard L. Armitage, during the meeting, thanked the President for meeting and appreciated the efforts of Pakistan against militants.
PR No. 238 Mr. Joe Kaman, Advisor to President of Kenya, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed during the meeting. The President appreciated the support of the Kenyan Government for facility of visa on entry , resolving the issue of increase in import duty on Pakistani rice and the awarding of Kenyan Passport project to NADRA. The President said that the Government is keen to explore new avenues for strengthening of economic and trade relations between the two countries and further cementing the bilateral relations. Mr. Joe Kaman thanked the President for meeting and conveyed best wishes of the Kenyan government and the people for their Pakistani counterparts.
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No. 239 Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Pir Aftab Hussain Jilani presided over a meeting about consideration of monitoring mechanism for implementation of Balochistan package here today. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has assigned the task a implementation of the Balochistan package to the Establishment Division at its Secretariat. It was mutually agreed in the meeting that Establishment Division will continue to monitor the implementation of Balochistan package and Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination will obtain necessary inputs data from the Establishment Division for certification by the Federal Minister for IPC at the end of financial years to both houses of parliament separately the amount of moneys spent for the implementation of the package. Secretary Establishment Division Ismail Qureshi, Secretary Inter Provincial Coordination Ahmed Mehmood Zahid, Chief Secretary Balochistan Ahmed Buksh Lehri, Senior Joint Secretary IPC Anwar Khan, Deputy Secretary IPC Mrs. Qurat-ul-Ain and other high officials of Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination were attending the meeting.
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No. 240 In continuation of the policy of building consensus on all matters of national importance, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani chaired a special meeting of the Chief Ministers and representatives of the Provincial Governments at PM’s Secretariat here today to evolve a joint strategy on the prevailing water, sugar and wheat situation. The Prime Minister in his remarks emphasized upon developing uniform policies on all issues concerning the common man. The welfare of the people, he said, is a joint responsibility of the Federal as well the Provincial Governments since collective wisdom and approach would ultimately prove beneficial for the country. The meeting was briefed in detail on the preliminary estimates of new wheat crop and the current stock position in the country. The meeting was informed that the statistics of wheat production this year are good and it is expected to reach near the estimated target. The government decision to keep 2.5 million tons of wheat as strategic reserves at national level was unanimously supported. The meeting decided that for the current season, the financial gap caused by the presence of strategic reserve of wheat shall be fulfilled by the Federal Government through credit facility to enable the provinces for timely purchase of the crop. The meeting also deliberated on the issue of logistics for keeping of fresh stocks and decided to upgrade the storage capacity. It was observed that even after maintaining the strategic reserves around one million ton of wheat would be surplus which could be exported. However, the decision in this regard will be taken by the end of April when the exact estimates of the new crop are available. While reviewing the current water situation in the country, it was felt in the meeting that as the water is the lifeline of Pakistan’s economy which is largely based on agriculture so efficient mechanism should be adopted to utilize this precious resource. The Prime Minister while recalling his announcements made on the occasion of his visit to Peshawar and at the floor of National Assembly regarding the Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal, urged the provinces to work out the modalities for its expeditious implementation. He added that this would greatly contribute towards the economic uplift of the people of most backward areas of NWFP and in turn to the overall economic betterment of the country. It was decided in the meeting that coordination between the Centre and Provinces and among the Provinces shall be enhanced to resolve matters relating to water availability in wake of reduced water flow from across the border and less rain fall. The meeting supported that 0.5 million tons of sugar will be maintained as strategic reserve to avoid any possibility of shortage. The TCP was directed to strictly follow the schedule for timely import of sugar starting from second week of March. The meeting expressed satisfaction over the production of sugarcane this year as well as government’s policy on sugar in which equal preference has been accorded to availability and affordability. Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom M Amin Faheem, Federal Minister for Finance Mr Shaukat Fayyaz Ahmad Tarin, Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture Mr Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Gijarani, Federal Minister for IPC Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf, Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister NWFP Amir Haider Khan Hoti, , Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Senior Minister Punjab Raja Riaz Ahmad, Provincial Minister for Food Punjab Mr Nadeem Kamran, Senior Advisor to CM Punjab Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan and other senior government officials participated in the meeting. Earlier, before the start of the meeting the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and NWFP met the Prime Minister in his office at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. The Chief Ministers appreciated the political sagacity of the Prime Minister in developing harmony and consensus over the appointment of Judges to superior courts. They lauded the Prime Minister’s policy of reconciliation and consultation to strengthen the democratic culture which would benefit the system in the long run.
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No. 241 Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has severely condemned the killing of Ashiq Ali Mangi, a journalist of a Sindhi TV Channel “Mehran TV” who was shot dead yesterday by unidentified armed bike-riders when he was on his way to Press Club. He expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the death of the journalist. While expressing his sympathies with members of the bereaved family, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani, in his condolence message, prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and shower His blessings. May Allah grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
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No. 242 The Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, presided over the 12th meeting of the Board of Governors of Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan here today. The Minister welcomed the new members of the Board and said with the induction of new members the Board now had representation of all the provinces and it also represented both academic and technological sector. The Minister directed that a Committee may be constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary Petroleum & Natural Resources to work out the feasibility of substitution of diesel with ethanol. The study should be conducted on a fast track basis and may be completed in two months. In this context, further studies for using of pure ethanol buses may also be explored to evaluate and assess its suitability. The Board also approved the proposal of HDIP for seeking technical assistance from World Bank to establish necessary facilities for enhancing the production of gas from unconventional and tight gas reservoirs. The proposal to obtain ISO certification for the laboratories of HDIP was also approved for obtaining the accreditation of its labs. Syed Naveed Qamar also appreciated the progress made by HDIP regarding various technical activities and satisfactory implementation of various ongoing and PSDP projects. Director General HDIP Mr. Hilal A. Raza thanked all members of the Board for attending the Board meeting. The meeting was attended by the Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Mr. Kamran Lashari Financial Adviser Dr. Nadeem Shafiq Malik, Director General Policy Wing, Mr. M. Naeem Malik, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Resources, Chief (Fuels) Energy Wing, Planning & Development Division Mr. Arshad Maqsood Malik, Ms. Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson, Pakistan Engineering Council, Dr. Shahina Tariq, Associate Professor, Bahria University, Dr. Akhtar Muhammad Kassi, Meritorious Professor Department of Geology, University of Balochistan, Quetta and Dr. Imdad Ali Brohi, Professor, Centre for Pure and Applied Geology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.
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No. 243 A seven-member delegation of Haibib Bank Officers Federation led by its Secretary General M A Saeed called on Federal Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Khursheed Shah in his office here today. The delegation who met the Minister comprised of Muhammad Farooq Raja , President from Lahore, Naveed-ur-Rehman, Chief Coordinator from Karachi , Zain-ul-Abdin from Quetta, Akhtar Adil from Islamabad and Iqbal Hussain Kazmi. Coordinator from Karachi. The delegation told the Federal Minister that payment of shares to officers of Habib Bank Limited under Benazir Stock Employees Schemes (BSOS) may be ensured and Ordinance 27-B may be abolished as there is a lot of resentment among the officers of the Habib Bank. The Federal Minister assured the delegation that the present government will redress the grievances of Habib Bank Employees and especially Ordinance 27-B would soon be abolished which is an arbitrary law. The law has forced Bank Employees to work more than 8 hours without availing any overtime. He said that the present government is following a judicious policy to provide job of opportunities and protection to their service. Khursheed Ahmed Shah said that the present government has already abolished black law of Ordinance 2-A and Ordinance 2000.The Federal Minister said that approximately one lack employees of various Banks have been regularized with the new measures taken by the present government and about nine thousand sacked employees of various departments have been reinstated. He further said that the government is enacting such laws under which over time should be paid to these employees.
PR No. 244 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira has assured the affectees of Diamer-Bhasha Dam project that all their genuine compensation demands would be accepted by the government. Responding to today’s sad incident of two deaths and two injuries during a protest at Chilas, he gave this assurance while talking to APP here today. The Governor Gilgit-Baltistan ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident and assured the people that strict action would be taken against the responsible for the incident. He termed the incident sad and said that arson of government’s property is a serious offence and the peaceful people of the area should refrain from any such activity. He said that law enforcement agencies and authorities are present at the venue and no one would be allowed to damage or arson the government’s property. He said that the government realizes the genuine concerns of the people of the area and they should rest assured that these genuine demands would be entertained. He said that all matters need to be resolved through dialogue. The people friendly government of PPP and allied parties understands the concerns of the people affected from the project and would ensure proper compensation to them, he added. The Governor said that Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a mega project of great national and local importance and upon completion would benefit the country as well as the area. He said the project would lead to creation of jobs and auxiliary business opportunities for the people of the area leading to their socio-economic development.
PR No. 245 339 employees out of 513 from Pakistan International Air Lines (PIA) and State Life Insurance Corporation sacked (during 1996-98) have been reinstated. Federal Minister for Labour, and Manpower, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah while presiding over the meeting, MD, PIA and MD State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan has briefed the Sub-Committee of the Federal Cabinet regarding reinstatement of sacked employees. M.D,., PIA. Capt. M. Ejaz Haroon informed the meeting that 169 out of 305 sacked employees have been reinstated whereas the rest of the sacked employees have not contacted the Committee so far. M. D. State Life Insurance Corporation told the Committee that 170 out of 208 sacked employees from State Life have been reinstated whereas 38 sacked employees have not contacted the Committee so far. The Federal Minister on this occasion said that no injustice will be made to any province as for as recruitment in various departments of the Federal Government is concerned and that due share under approved quota in the Federal Government Departments may be given to the people of Balochistan in particular. Federal Minister, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Syed Naveed Qamar, Rehmatullah Kakar and Ghulam Ahmed Bilour also attend the meeting.
PR No. 246
U.S. Special Representative for
Afghanistan
and
Pakistan,
Ambassador Richard
Holbrooke called on
President Asif Ali Zardari at
Aiwan-e-Sadr
today. Ms. Anne W. Patterson and other senior US officials were also
present during the meeting. The President urged the visiting delegation that the US assistance to Pakistan be channeled through the government in order to ensure transparency and accountability in its utilization. He hoped that ROZs legislation be expedited and counter productive labour provision be softened. The President also emphasized on early reimbursement of arrears of CSF of over 1.5 billion dollars which was rising every month. Talking about war against terror and its implications for the people of Pakistan, the President said that the Government had undertaken an elaborate program for the rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced persons at a cost of $2.5 billion. It is shared responsibility of the international community to augment our efforts in this regard by providing necessary assistance, the President remarked. Farhatullah Babar said that the President underlined the need to work further for enhancing the level of trust between the people of both the countries and urged the US administration to review the new screening policy and take out from the list of countries whose citizens are proposed to be subjected to new screening regime. He also shared the concerns of the people of Pakistan about Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. He said that while Pakistan would provide her legal assistance as the case passes through subsequent stages in the judicial system, the US government may look at the possibility of her repatriation to Pakistan under the Prisoners Exchange Agreement. The President also said that Pakistan is committed to the peace and stability of the region and would welcome efforts for restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The President said that Afghanistan had remained a war theatre for long and now it is time for the international community to synergize their efforts for restoration of peace, stability and prosperity of a war torn country. Pakistan would complement Coalition’s effort in this regard and would provide all assistance for capacity building of the Afghan institutions. Ambassador Richard Holbrooke thanked the President for meeting the delegation and said that the government and the people of United States highly appreciate the sacrifices made by the people, the armed forces and other civilian law enforcing agencies of Pakistan in the war against militants. He said that US would continue to support Pakistan and would provide all possible assistance in strengthening of democracy, security, socio-economic development and welfare of the people of Pakistan. He said that United Stated valued Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in the region.
PR No. 247 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives and destruction of property caused by avalanche that hit the village Saheri in Kohistan today. The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies to the victims’ families and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls. The Prime Minister directed the concerned authorities to speed up rescue operation for safe evacuation of the trapped people in that village and extend them all possible relief and assistance. The Prime Minister further directed the provincial government to provide best possible medical facilities to the injured.
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No. 248 The second round of Pakistan-Canada Bilateral Consultations was held in Ottawa on 17 February 2010. The Pakistan delegation was led by Ms. Attiya Mahmood, Additional Secretary (Americas) and included Pakistan High Commissioner in Canada, Mr. Akbar Zeb and High Commission representatives. The Canadian was side led by Mr. Ken Sunquist, Assistant Deputy Minister (Asia and Africa) along with an inter-ministerial team, says a press release received from Pakistan High Commission, Ottawa here today. The process of bilateral consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries was initiated during the visit of former Foreign Minister of Canada Mr. Peter MacKay to Pakistan in January 2007. The meeting afforded an opportunity to assess the existing state of bilateral relations and to exchange views on issues of regional and international importance. Both sides expressed the shared desire to strengthen bilateral relations in diverse fields and to promote mutual understanding on regional and international issues. The Canadian side termed Pakistan as an extremely important country, with which they desired to build a relationship on a long-term basis. The Canadian side recognized the contributions of Canadians of Pakistani origin in the socio-economic development of Canada and in promoting lasting partnership between the two countries. They also expressed support for strengthening democratic institutions in Pakistan and in assisting Pakistan to counter extremism and terrorism. The Pakistan side briefed the Canadian side on a number of issues including Pakistan’s determined fight against countering extremism and terrorism, regional stability and security and also on the concrete measures adopted by Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations with Canada. Both sides agreed to hold regular bilateral consultations and to promote visits at the political level as well as by parliamentarians. Canada also affirmed its support to Pakistan under the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP) process. Both sides underscored the importance they attached to building a broad-based and long-term relationship marked by close cooperation in diverse fields.
PR No. 249 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of warm greetings to President of Turkmenistan, Mr. Berdimuhammedov Gurbanguli on the occasion of Flag Day of Turkmenistan falling on February 19. In his message to the President of Turkmenistan, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said: “On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Excellency and the Government and people of Turkmenistan, our heartiest greetings on the occasion of Flag Day of Turkmenistan. We are happy to see that the economic reforms introduced under your sagacious leadership have opened up new avenues of progress and development in Turkmenistan. The status of permanent neutrality implemented judiciously, has contributed towards peace and stability in the region. Pakistan and Turkmenistan enjoy cordial and friendly relations and I am sure that this friendship will continue to develop with collective efforts of our two sides. I avail myself of this opportunity to convey our best wishes for Your Excellency’s health and happiness and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Turkmenistan.(End) NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, AND TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY, 19, 2010.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is making headway in introducing various new initiatives for alleviation of poverty and making the poorest of the poor section of society financially independent, said Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Farzana Raja. Talking to a delegation of AusAID visiting the BISP Secretariat on Thursday, Farzana Raja said through the Waseela-e-Haq scheme BISP is giving a loan of Rs.300,000 to deserving families selected through a computerized draw. This loan will allow the lucky families to start their own business and escape the trap of poverty. She said various other initiatives were in the pipeline, which included health insurance for BISP beneficiaries and technical training for one member of the family. Through these initiatives BISP aims to bring financial independence, health and employment opportunities to the neglected section of the society which is reeling under the burden of inflation, healthcare bills and unemployment. The AusAID delegation appreciated BISP’s performance and said it has made great achievements in a very short time. The delegation said AusAID seeks to identify possible areas of cooperation with BISP and was already in touch with BISP’s development partners, such as USAID and World Bank. AusAID is looking into ways and means to support BISP. The delegation informed Farzana Raja that AusAID will soon send a social protection specialist to BISP to look into technical details of cooperation. The AusAID delegation included AusAID’s Rural Development Adviser Mr. Ian Kershaw, AusAID Consultant Mr. David Swete Kelly, ACIAR Research Programme Manager Les Baxter and Shoaib Tayyab, Senior Programme Manager, Australian High Commission, Islamabad
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No. 251 US Congressional delegation led by Representative Adam Schiff, member House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Thursday. Other members of the delegation included Representatives Rush Holt, Mike Thompson and Jackie Speier and senior officials of the US embassy. The meting was also attended by Madam Faryal Talpur, Malik Ammad Ahmad Khan, MOS for foreign affairs, Senator sughra imam, Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA and other high officials. Matters regarding Pak- US bilateral relations, reimbursements of coalition support fund arrears, fight against militancy and terrorism, the new US screening regime and security situation in the region were discussed during the meeting. The President said that Pakistan looked forward to engage more closely with the United States and the international community for strategic political and economic support to overcome the problems in the wake of fight against militancy. “Pakistan’s economy had suffered a huge loss of over 35 billion dollars during the last eight years as a result of the fight against militancy and terrorism” the President said and added that Pakistan needs a Marshall Plan for overcoming economic problems. 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 expressed reservations over the new screening regime for Pakistani nationals saying that it had generated resentment in the country and called for its review.
The President emphasized the need for democratic
stability in
Pakistan The President emphasized the need for early adoption of legislation in the US on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (RoZs) to give the needed relief to the tribal people in their search for economic well being and social and political stability to counter forces of extremism and militancy. The President also called for timely reimbursement of nearly 1.5 billion dollars on account of CSF to Pakistan and allowing greater market access to Pakistani goods in the U.S and European markets and asked the congress delegation to play their role in this regard. Talking about regional issues, the President said that Pakistan desires stability in the region and welcomes efforts by the international community in this regard. Representative Adam Schiff thanked the President for meeting the delegation and said that US desires long term strategic partnership with Pakistan and would continue to support Pakistan in its fight against militancy as well as overcoming its economic problems.
PR
No. 252 Bridging perspective and promoting understanding on global security issues is vital to defeat the forces of militancy and terrorism, was the theme of the keynote speech of Foreign Minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the 7th Worldwide Security Conference under the aegis of East West Institute, here today, says a press release received from parep, Brussels, here today During his address, the Foreign Minister gave an overview of the challenges and threats faced by Pakistan and the strategy adopted to deal with them. Growing menace of international terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 made Pakistan a frontline state and posed threat to its internal and external security. Taliban were holding sway over areas of Pakistan’s tribal regions and Swat. Terrorist and suicide attacks on civilian population had disrupted normal life and the society was fragmented. The global financial meltdown hit Pakistan at a time when the economy was reeling from severe macroeconomic imbalances resulting from unprecedented hike in oil price and other commodities. Growing disparity between rich and poor, mismanagement of economy, double digit inflation, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, weak democratic institutions and lopsided development strategies, coupled with disharmony among provinces completes the picture of Pakistan as it was two years ago, the FM stated. The Foreign Minister said that despite these challenges the situation is looking up. Adopting a strategy of national reconciliation, the current democratic government has not only stabilized the political situation but gave political ownership to the fight against extremism. This was the key element in successful military operations in Swat, Malakand and North Waziristan. Within three months of the launch of operations in Swat, the writ of the government was restored, terrorists eliminated and the displaced persons rehabilitated, he informed the participants of the conference. However, these successes can only be sustained through development work, employment opportunities, restoration of business confidence, infrastructure development and provision of education. Rebuilding infrastructure in Swat alone would cost Pakistan around $ 2 billion, he emphasised. For the revival of the economy, Pakistan needs market access for its exports. Exports will create more industries, more employment and less terrorism. On Afghanistan, the Foreign Minister said that it is hoped that the London Conference, would lay the foundation for a lasting political solution to the Afghan conflict. Pakistan all along has strongly advocated political reconciliation and reintegration of all factions and ethnicities within Afghanistan as only that with the full support of the international community provide a unique opportunity to bring peace to this war ravaged land. All Afghans should have a stake in the stability and development of Afghanistan. Pakistan has assured full support to the Afghan government and the international community in this regard. A stable peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan also guarantees peace, stability and prosperity in Pakistan’s tribal regions and beyond. However, the Foreign Minister emphasized that the neutrality of Afghanistan must be ensured. No country should be allowed to go beyond its legitimate mandate in Afghanistan. Talking about relations with India, the Foreign Minister said that after more than a year of wasted opportunities, India has come round to resumption of dialogue. Pakistan has repeatedly impressed upon India that terrorism and extremism respect no boundaries and the only way to confront this menace is a more sustained and broad based cooperation between our two countries. Suspension of dialogue strengthens the very forces that the international community is committed to defeat. Pakistan considers resumption of dialogue a positive development and hopes that the process starts in all earnestness as there is a lot of grounds to cover to make up for lost time. Unresolved disputes, lack of trust and cooperation are major factors that have kept this region mired in hunger, deprivation, squalor and poverty. Peace and security in the region opens up the possibility of continental trade spanning the whole Eurasian landmass. Now that the reconciliation and reintegration process is about to be initiated in Afghanistan, and dialogue between India and Pakistan is to be resumed shortly, we have cause for optimism. Pakistan on its part would like to seize the moment and move forward in a sincere and purposeful manner. This sincerity and sense of purpose will be reciprocated by our interlocutors, he hopped.
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