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PR
No. 253 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 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. 254 Government of Pakistan has notified February 27, 2010 (Saturday) as Closed Holiday on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)
PR
No. 255 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in the war against terrorism can best be supported by the West through expanding trade opportunities and joint-ventures in order to strengthen our economy. He said the war on terror is roughly costing around US $ 10 billion to this country in accumulative terms beside the social impact. He added economic development and creation of jobs opportunities can engage a large number of youth in healthy and constructive activities. The Prime Minister was talking to the Italian Vice Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Guiseppe Vegas who called on him at PM’s House here thoday. The Prime Minister said that one window operation and investment friendly terms are incentives for foreign investors to explore opportunities. He said the prospects for investment in oil and gas, power, infrastructure, and mining sectors are open for public-private partnership as well as joint ventures and Pakistan would welcome Italian firms and expertise. While acknowledging Italy’s support for GSP plus status to Pakistan the Prime Minister expressed confidence that Italy would pursue the same in the upcoming EU Summit in April this year. The opening up of trade prospects for Pakistan in Europe would not only help in our economic stability but also our efforts to end the menace of extremism and terrorism, he added. The Prime Minister thanked the government and people of Italy for their assistance given for earthquake affectees. He also thanked the assistance of US $ 10 million for the burn centre and restoration of city wall around Multan and declaring Multan and Rome as sister cities, both being one of the oldest cities of the world. While recalling his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Mr. Barceloni in Beging, the Prime Minister re-extended the invitation to him to visit Pakistan. The Italian Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. Guiseppe Vegas lauded Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in war against terrorism and acknowledged with grief the human sacrifices made by the security forces and the people. The contribution being made by Pakistan, he said, would undoubtedly help make the world a safe place, to live. Mr. Guiseppe Vegas appreciated the idea of public-private partnership and joint-ventures and expressed hope it would attract the Italian companies to invest in Pakistan. Mr. Guiseppe Vegas said that Italy and Pakistan are long-time economic and trade partners, a relationship which has prospects in future as well. He assured economic collaboration and support to encourage Pakistan’s trade with EU. Besides the areas defined he also expressed interest in the maritime, agriculture, mining and fisheries sectors and mentioned there is great potential and scope in these fields. Mr. Guiseppe Vegas talking about Multan said this city is much more than the city wall alone and requires more attention to restore its historical and archeological value. He proposed that international institutions need to be engaged in the conservation efforts and Italy can also extend help in this regard. The meeting was attended by Mr. Shaukat Fayyaz Tarin, Minister for Finance, Mr. Saleem Mandiviwala, Chairman Board of Investment, Secretary Economic Affairs, Mr. Vicenzo Prati Ambassador of Italy and senior officials.
PR No.
256 Secretary General, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, Drs. Wardyatmo here on Friday expressed the hope that both Pakistan and Indonesia would witness gradual growth in bilateral tourism in future. He claimed that each year four million Indonesians went abroad for tourism only. He said this in a meeting with Ambassador Sanaullah while exploring new avenues to deepen already friendly relations between Indonesia and Pakistan. Both sides further discussed the need to finalize the comprehensive work plan submitted by Pakistan in 2005 to promote cultural exchanges between both countries. The Ambassador emphasized that Pakistan and Indonesia shared culture and religion emanating from ancient civilizations. Pakistan presented an excellent destination for Indonesian tourists interested in snow clad mountains, green villages built on frozen glaciers, Buddhist and Hindu relics and vibrant Islamic art and cuisine. In this context, he mentioned Lahore as the cultural heart of Pakistan, northern areas of Pakistan as heavenly spots on earth, deserts in Sindh as nature robed in twilight and Karachi as a glamorous business and fashion hub of Pakistan. Drs. Wardyatmo said that a direct flight with Pakistan could be useful to encourage tourists. He was briefed about the available flights and told that commercial viability of a direct flight would have to be studied in the light of the existing and future projections of tourists. If similar study is available, it could be sent to national airline in Pakistan to consider inclusion of Jakarta in its flight operations covering Malaysia. **SJ/Ahmad**
Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar has said that due to rising cost of War against Terror the PSDP allocation for the next financial year might have to be curtailed. She was talking to Mr. Giuseppe Vegas, Italian Deputy Minister for Economy and Finance, who called on her in Islamabad here this morning. Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira also attended the meeting. The Minister of State said Pakistan has sacrificed the most in the war against terror as our casualties are more than the total number of casualties of all the NATO forces combined. She emphasized that according to conservative estimates Pakistan’s cost, both direct and indirect, in the war against terror has been around $35 billion during the last three years. She said in these challenging times Pakistan expected preferential treatment for its produce in the European market, whereas in reality the Pakistani businessmen have to pay 8% to 14% more tariff while selling their goods in the EU markets. Ms. Khar thanked the Italian government for providing swift humanitarian assistance for the dislocated persons of NWFP and FATA. She also appreciated the fact that despite Italy’s own financial constraints the country has provided assistance to Pakistan through the debt swap arrangement. She expressed satisfaction over the re-activation of the Joint Economic Commission in 2006 and hoped that its second meeting would be held in Islamabad later this year. Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira said that Pakistan values its excellent bilateral relations with Italy and expressed the confidence that they would further strengthen in future. He thanked the Italian government for their assistance for the victims of Hunza landslide. The Ministers invited Italian investment in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy including Oil & Gas, Banking and Power Generation & Distribution as well as small industries sector including leather, marble and gems. They sought enhanced Italian support in Olive plantation and production in Pakistan as well. The meeting also discussed the possibility of providing scholarships and training facilities to the Pakistani students and professionals. Mr. Vegas said his government would encourage Italian businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan to take benefit of its growing market. He also showed interest in initiating various development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in the Tourism sector. Mr. Vegas was accompanied by Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Vincenzo Prati and Prof. Luciano Maiani, President Italian National Research Council. Secretary EAD was also present during the meeting. **DG/Ahmad**
PR No.
258 The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in consultation with the National University of Science & Technology (NUST), held a five-day training programme on “Emergency Preparedness and Response” for the staff members of NUST. The training was aimed to create a cluster of master trainers at the university level. The main objective of the training was to build the capacity of the key staff in disaster risk management through enhancing their knowledge and skills in preparedness and response. The intensive training focused on both theory and hands-on exercises for response. The 16 Master Trainers who were trained through this exercise learnt key skills in evacuation planning, first aid, fire fighting and basic search and rescue. The participants showed keen interest and actively involved themselves throughout the entire course. They displayed their newly learnt skills in a simulation/drill conducted at the end of the training. A joint simulation, at the end of the training course, involving the participants and a specialized Urban Search and Rescue team of CDA, raised by the NDMA, highlighted the importance of the working together strategy of the first responders with the specialist team in a disaster situation. **CMI/Ahmad**
PR No. 259
PRESS
RELEASE The Ambassadors of Kyrgyz and Czech Republics separately called on Federal Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, and discussed matters of bilateral importance. In his meeting with the ambassador of Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Bektur Asanov, the Minister informed him that Pakistan attached greater significance to its ties with Kyrgyzstan as the two countries enjoyed excellent relations in all areas of mutual interest, besides having commonalty of views on regional and international issues. He said that both countries have enormous potential to increase cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, culture and defence and it was essential to capitalize on the opportunities existing between the two countries. The meeting emphasized the need to exchange defence delegation so as to promote military-to-military cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador of Czech Republic to Pakistan, Mr. Pavol Sepelak, also called on the Minister and exchanged views on the various aspects of bilateral cooperation particularly defence. The Minister briefed the envoy about the potential of defence industry of Pakistan. The meeting underscored the need to promote and expand defence cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries. The forthcoming visit of the Defence Minister of Czech Republic to Pakistan also came under discussions and it was hoped that the visit would help to promote defence ties between the two countries. **AM/Ahmad**
PR No.
260 Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo expressed deep grief and sorrow over the incident of Chilas and loss of life on Friday. He directed the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and IG Gilgit-Baltistan to reach the place of incident and show sympathy with the relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident. He also directed them to provide compensation of rupees 5 lac each for the dead ones and 1 lac each for the wounded in the incident and initiate judicial inquiry of the incident. The culprits should be brought to justice, he said. The Minister also directed to remove the DC and SP of the district Chilas immediately. He further said that a meeting on compensation package for the Bhasha-Diamer affectees will be held on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 in Islamabad and hopefully the decision on compensation package would be taken that day. **AZ/Ahmad**
PR No.
261 President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the PPP would continue its forward march to strengthen democracy and state institutions and put Pakistan back on the track of socio- economic progress. He said that the economy was showing signs of improvement and the nation was on its way to overcome its difficulties. This he said while addressing a meeting of the office bearers and party workers of the PPP of Chakwal district in the Presidency today. Those who attended the meeting included Tehsil Presidents and other office bearers of the Party of Chakwal district. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minster for water and Power, Ms Farzana Raja, Chairman BISP, Ms Mahreen Anwar Raja, MOS for Parliamentary affairs, Senator Faisal Raza Abdi, and MNAs Ms Fauzia Habib and Ms. Farahnaz Ispahani were also present. The President said that the PPP knows the value of democracy because it had made huge sacrifices for it and it will protect and strengthen democracy at all cost. The President said that the PPP being the largest political force in the country will seek to take a collective decision on the nature of Local Bodies polls with coalition partners in all the provinces. The President said that year 2010 is local bodies election year and asked the Party workers to gear themselves for the forthcoming local bodies elections. The President said that local bodies is a provincial subject but we aim at bringing all the provinces to a common approach. The President on this occasion directed Raja Pervaz Asharaf for finalizing the list of candidates for local bodies election in the near few weeks so that the party is fully prepared when the elections to the local bodies are held. “PPP was the only formidable political force with its roots in all the provinces and will continue to be a force to be reckoned in the future” the President said and asked the party workers to reach out to the people of their respective constituencies and work diligently for resolving their problems to further penetrate the roots of the party among the common people of the society. He said that he will hold meetings more frequently with the party workers. The participants spoke about the Party organization and the forthcoming local bodies elections and raised issues relating to the development projects in their areas. The President assured that their concerns relating to the development projects would be forwarded to the government for early redressal. **FU/Ahmad**
PR
No. 262 Skilling Pakistan and employment for all is still a dream and NAVTEC is leaving no stone unturned in transforming it into reality. International assistance and collaboration, in this regard, is of paramoment significance in achieving the gigantic task. This was stated by Mr. Aziz Ahmed Bilour, Executive Director NAVTEC while addressing the participants of the third meeting of the International Development Partners Working Group (IDPWG) at NAVTEC Headquarter here today. The participants hailed from European Union, UNDP, ADB, UNESCO, GTZ, ILO, AusAID, British Council, JICA, Swiss Development Corporation and Royal Netherland Embassy. Executive Director, NAVTEC further apprised the meeting that Pakistan has 100 millions young men and women under the age of 25 and It is NAVTEC’S endeavor to provide them relevant skills for gainful employment otherwise it can result in unpleasant consequences. So for NAVTEC has succeeded in providing technical and vocational training to nearly one lac youth which is now making healthy and positive contribution in economic uplift of the country. The representatives of International Organizations appreciated the achievements which NAVTEC has made in such a shot span of time and assured their fullest cooperation in enhancing the performance of NAVTEC into the areas like National Qualifications framework, Registration & Accreditation, competency Based training, Centres of Excellence, skills of women and training of workers in informal sector in future. It was also decided that a quarterly meeting of the IDPWG will be held to review progress of the on-going projects with NAVTEC.
PR NO.263 “The transfer of Provincial Population Welfare Programmes (PPWPs) alongwith the administrative and financial control from Federation to the provincial governments was a decision taken in April 2001.Consequently, PPWPs were handed over with its assets and liabilities to the provinces. Taking over and funding of these programmes was an unfinished agenda up till now, says Federal Minister for Population Welfare Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan while chairing the Inter-Provincial Review Meeting and holding a press briefing here today at the Resource Centre of Ministry of Population Welfare. The meeting and press briefing was co-chaired by the Finance Minister Mr. Shaukat Tareen and was attended by Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Provincial Ministers and Secretaries of Population Welfare Departments, and Provincial Ministers and Secretaries of Planning & Development Departments. All the Provincial Ministers were of the view that resources should commensurate with funding support and therefore, additional budget be provided to the provinces to run these programmes and it was endorsed by the Federal Minister for Population Welfare Dr. Fidous Ashjq Awan. Finance Minister committed that funding to the tune of Rs. 49 billion for the provincial population programmes for the ensuing 5 year plan (2010-2015) will be protected and thereafter the provinces would finance their respective population welfare programmes so as to reduce the burden on the federal exchequer. The Federal Minister for Population Welfare also revealed that provincialization of all the provincial population welfare programmes has not yet been done in letter any spirit and the funding of their programmes still continues to be from the federal PSDP. This has created a mess in planning & financial management and evaluation.
PR
No. 264 Mr. Justice ® Hamid Ali Mirza, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan has drawn attention of Contesting Candidates for Bye-Election in Constituency No. NA-55 Rawalpindi-VI to the provisions of Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976, which provide that no person shall convene, hold or attend any Public Meeting and no person shall promote or join in any procession within the area of the Constituency during a period of forty-eight hours ending at midnight following the conclusion of the Poll for an election in that Constituency. Any person who contravenes these provisions of law shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term, which may extend to six months or with fine, which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both. Accordingly, the election campaign for Bye-Election in aforesaid constituency shall come to an end with effect from the midnight falling between the 22nd and 23rd February, 2010. The Political Parties and the candidates are requested to follow the provisions of law and exercise self-restraint so that the Poll is held in an orderly and peaceful manner on the 24th February, 2010.
PR No. 265 Principal Sindh Madressatul Islam Dr. Mohammad Ali Sheikh called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Friday afternoon. The President said that Sindh Madressatul Islam is one of the oldest modern Muslim educational institutions in South Asia and have produced luminaries like Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. The President stressed for reviving the old glories of the institution.
The President hailed the efforts put in by Principal
Dr. Mohammad Ali
Sheikh
and his team in transforming the Sindh Madressatul Islam into an
institution of excellence.
PR No. 266 Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly has said that the bane of extremism and extremism had badly affected the country and particularly NWFP. He said that the government had successfully tackled the extremism and terrorism in the country, however, concerted efforts of the parliamentarians and the people of NWFP would be required to completely root out that menace. He said this while chairing a meeting of the members of the National Assembly from NWFP and FATA belonging to PPP in Parliament House, today. Faisal Karim Kundi said that NWFP especially the areas of adjoining the tribal areas had been badly affected by the terrorist activities by the miscreants intruding into settled areas from FATA. He said that the ongoing military action against the militants in FATA had affected the people who had to migrate to the settled areas. He said that relief and rehabilitation of those effectees was a huge task for the government, however with the support of local representatives, the government was able to proved relief to them. Faisal Karim Kundi called upon the MNAs to help the local administration for the rehabilitation of the IDPs in their respective areas. He also asked them to apprise people to be vigilant and obstruct any activity of the miscreants. The Deputy Speaker asked them to reorganize party in their respective areas so that PPP could perform well in the upcoming local bodies’ elections. He also asked them to initiate party membership drive in their areas. The Parliamentarians agreed with the concerns of the Deputy Speaker and assured them their support. They expressed satisfaction on the military action against the miscreants in the tribal areas. They asked for enhancing the funds for rehabilitation of IDPs and police force in the province. The Deputy Speaker assured them that the both issues have been taken up with the Prime Minister and he has very graciously acceded to the request for provision of funds for the purpose. He also informed them that Prime Minister has also assured the release of required funds for Chashma Uplift Irrigation System in the current financial year. He said that after the completion of that project, lacs of acres of land will be irrigated ushering in an era of prosperity in D.I Khan and its adjoining districts. The meeting was attended by MNAs Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Engr. Mohammad Tariq Khattak, Mr. Khan Zada Khan, Engr. Usman Khan Tarakai, Mr. Mahboob Ullah Jan, Mr. Najm-u-ddin, Malak Azmat Khan, Mr. Lal Muhammad Khan, Syed Akhunzada Chitan and Malik Mehrunnisa Afridi.
PR No. 267 A 3-member EU Election Observation Mission headed by Mr. Michael Meyer-Resende called on Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, Islamabad today. While talking to the Delegation, the Speaker said that EU and Pakistan shares perception of various global issues and attaches high value to its strategic partnership in various fields. She appreciated the support of EU for supporting democracy in Pakistan. The Speaker said that the present democratic dispensation in the country strongly believes in continuation of the democratic process and vibrant democratic institutions in the country. She said that democracy in Pakistan had been established after an intense struggle and any attempt to derail it would be foiled by the progressive people of Pakistan. Madam Speaker said that the visible manifestation of the Government’s commitment for vibrant and sovereign democratic institutions was that the government had always taken the Parliament into confidence on all major issues. She said that the passage of unanimous resolution in the Parliament and subsequent constitution of Committee on National Security was an evidence of the Government’s commitment. She said that the National Security Committee which consists of all the political parties in the Parliament renders advice to the Government on all issues concerning with security of the country. She said that the present Parliament consists of progressive political forces who enthusiastically working for the betterment of the people and strengthening the democracy in the country. The Speaker said that the prevalent electoral regulations in Pakistan require massive reforms in order to make the electoral process more transparent and acceptable to all the stakeholders. She appreciated the support of European Union for strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan. She agreed that the recommendations of EU Election Observer Mission would improve the electoral process and democratic governance in Pakistan. The Head of the Election Observer Mission apprised the Madam Speaker about their consultations with the Election Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Leader of major Political Parties and Parliamentarians. He said that the EU had initiated a programme through which support will be extending to the Assemblies for electoral reforms and capacity building of the media reporting on elections. He was confident that implementation of the recommendation of Election Observer Mission would substantially contribute to peace and stability in Pakistan through improved general and local election processes.
PR
No. 268 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting of the Finance Committee of the National Assembly in the Parliament House, this afternoon. The Committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting of the Finance Committee. The Committee discussed and approved the up-gradation of the posts of various lower staff in the National Assembly Secretariat. The Committee was informed that LDCs, UDCs and Urdu Typists working in grade 5, 7 and 9, respectively were rendering their services since last ten years and had no promotional incentive. In order to give them promotional incentives, their posts needed to be upgraded to enhance their performance. The committee accorded approval to the proposal. The Committee also approved the creation of posts of Private Secretaries for the Chairmen Standing Committees. The Committee approved expenditures incurred on repairs of vehicles for the National Assembly Secretariat and Chairmen Standing Committees and maintenance of the Parliament House. Dr. Fehmida Mirza expressed satisfaction on the austerity measures adopted by the National Assembly Secretariat. She said that unnecessary expenditures were curtailed keeping in view of the financial satiation in the country. The Speaker directed to observe merit in recruitment in the Assembly Secretariat and initiate refresher/training courses for the capacity building of the staff. The meeting was attended by MNAs Fouzia Wahab, Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Mrs. Bushra Rehman, Begum Irhrat Ashraf, Mr. Iqbal Mohammad Ali Khan, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Mr. Istiqbal Khan, Engineer Khurrum Dastigir Khan, Malik Ibrar Ahmad, Secretary Ministry of Finance and Secretary and Additional Secretary of the National Assembly Secretariat.
PR
No. 269 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Friday night. Current situation was discussed during the meeting.
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No. 270
Those who attended the meeting included Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim, Mr. Nazer Muhammad Gondal, Mr. Qamer Zaman Kaira, senator Rehman Malik, Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervaz Ashraf, Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi, Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Ms Rukhsana Bangash, Ms Fauzia Habib and Spokesperson to the President former senator Farhatullah Babar. Briefing the journalists Spokesperson to the President former senator Farhatullah Babar said that the meeting reviewed in depth the developments of the last two days. It expressed satisfaction over the manner in which the matter of judges appointment was addressed and resolved. The spokesperson said that the meeting was of the unanimous view that a heavy political, democratic and economic agenda awaited the government for implementation. The meeting expressed the view that social and political stability was essential for the pursuit of the agenda before the government.
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