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PR No. 231
RESS RELEASE
Pak-Saudi governments agree to COMBAT terrorism collectively
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010The Government of Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to fight war on terror with collective efforts in order to revive the true and soft image of Islam in the World. Both the countries have decided to launch a comprehensive campaign for educating the masses about the real essence of Islam by adopting radical measures through joint working group of both Muslim countries. Exchange of Ulema and religious scholars was decided between the two countries to promote the interaction of people of the both brotherly countries.
This was decided in a meeting of 3-member delegation of kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by H.E. Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Al Ammar, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Minister of State for Religious Affairs, Ms. Shagufta Jumani here today.
Welcoming the Saudi delegation, the Minister of State expressed her pleasure of the visit of KSA’s Dy. Minister and informed that the people of Pakistan have close attachments with the people of Saudi Arabia, adding that Pakistanis considered Saudi Arabia as their second home. She also lauded the role of Saudi government for providing special facilities to the Pakistani Hajj Pilgrims during the Hajj operation.
She also condemned the current wave of terrorism and informed the delegation that the present government is fully determined to eliminate the terrorists and sought the Saudi support to fight collectively the war on terror. She apprised the delegation that having multi-ethnic society, Pakistan is facing a great challenge and suggested for collective effort to take the prevailing extremism prudently and exchange of academics and other religious scholars between the two countries.
The Dy. Minister of KSA thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and expressed his pleasure to visit Pakistan and conveyed a goodwill message of Harmain Sharifain for the people of Pakistan. He agreed with suggestions of Pakistan for exchange of Ulema and Scholars and hoped that with joint collaboration and pragmatic approach the menace of extremism could be handled. He appreciated the role of Pakistan and stressed the need that the Muslim Ummah should come forward to get rid off extremism. He said that Saudi Government is aware of the situation, adding that we have no need to take dictation of any outsider but to deal the situation under own circumstances.
The under process Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries was also came under discussion. The Saudi side proposed that a training programme for the religious scholars and preachers should be launched through joint venture in order to mould the public opinion. He emphasized that the curriculum of the primary education particularly in Seminaries should be devised in line with the modern techniques. He suggested that open dialogue, Seminars and Workshop should be held between working groups to promote the interaction as well as maintain close liaison between the two countries.
Secretary M/O Religious Affairs, Agha Sarwar Raza Qazalbash was also present on this occasion and thanked the Saudi Government for extending its support and facilities to the Pakistani Hujjaj. He stressed for holding of frequent meetings and exchange of delegation to overview the sensitive areas. He informed that the present government was monitoring the activities of the madrassas and expressed hope that in collaboration with Saudi Government the condition of the madrassas would be improved.
PR No. 232
PRESS RELEASE
Rawalpindi: 19TH March, 2010Pakistan and Turkey have reiterated their desire to further increase and promote defence collaboration for the mutual benefits of the two brotherly countries. This was discussed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, and the visiting Turkish Defence delegation, led by Mr.Lutfi VAROGLU, Head of International Cooperation Department for bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, which called on him here today. The meeting exchanged views on various aspects of defence cooperation and underlined the need for promoting more robust cooperation in the area of defence production.
While talking to the Turkish defence delegation, the Minister said that Pakistan and Turkey enjoyed exceptionally good relationship which needed to be further expanded in the areas of trade, economy and defence. He briefed the delegation about the Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts as well as the internal and external security challenges being confronted by the country. He said that it was essential to promote closer cooperation in the area of defence production by the two sides so as to overcome the security challenge faced by the two countries. The meeting expressed satisfaction were the existing level of cooperation and emphasized the need for promoting long term relationship for the mutual advantages of the two sides. The meeting also agreed to increase naval cooperation between the two countries.
**AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 233
PRESS RELEASE
CABINET COMMITTEE ON ENERGY CRISIS REVIEWS POWER SITUATION
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy Crisis ( CCEC ) was held here today under the Chairmanship of the Federal Minister for Water & Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf to discuss the current power situation and related matters.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Shahid Rafi, Secretary Water & Power, Riaz Ahmed Khan, Advisor Water & Power, Salman Siddique, Secretary Finance, Additional Secretary Ministry of Petroleum, Additional Secretary Ministry of Water and Power, MD Pepco, MD PSO, MD KESC and other senior officials of the Ministry of Water & Power, Pepco and SNGPL.
The Minister for Water and Power while addressing the meeting said that the government is taking all possible measures to reduce the gap between demand and supply. He said that new IPPs and rental power plants will add to generation which will bring down the duration of load shedding in peak summer.
The meeting also observed that the load shedding will come down after increase in the water inflows into the dams that would result in additional hydel power generation as presently the reservoir were empty and hydel generation was at its lowest.
The committee directed PSO to enhance KESC’s credit line for supply of 2000 MT furnace oil on daily basis. The CCEC also directed PSO to continue the regular fuel supply to IPPs and GENCOs. KESC was directed to ensure maximum power generation to limit the load shedding. KESC informed that there was no load shedding for industrial sector in Karachi.
The MD Pepco gave a detailed briefing to the committee on the current power situation and said that due to remedial measures additional power will be injected in the national grid by peak summer after complete rehabilitation of some of the existing thermal power units besides commissioning of some IPPs.
The CCEC reviewed the demand and supply situation of electricity as well as oil and gas position for power generation. The committee observed that the power situation would improve by mid April as a result of measures being taken by the government and also because anticipated increase in hydel generation.
Earlier, the Managing Director, PSO informed the meeting that the oil supply to the power units will further improve as adequate oil supplies had already been procured and supply line had considerably improved. A number of financial measures were also decided to maintain adequate oil and gas supplies to this sector.
**TA/Ahmad**
PR No. 234
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said transparent and timely disbursement of funds of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has proved an effective measure of the Government to provide relief to the helpless and poor people of the society.
While talking to the Ministers and MNAs who called on him at the PM’s Chamber in the Parliament House this morning, the Prime Minister said that effectiveness of the Benazir Income Support Programme has been acclaimed in the World Forums, and now international bodies are considering to replicate the programme in other poverty stricken regions of the world.
The Prime Minister directed to ensure equitable distribution of funds only to the deserving persons and priority be accorded to widows and helpless women. The Prime Minister said the government is discharging its responsibility of looking after the poor segments of the society as an obligation of its mandate.
The Prime Minister said the government has initiated a number of development projects particularly in the backward regions of the country to ameliorate the living standard of the people and accelerate the economic activity and potential of those areas. He further said due to the essential expenditure on account of campaign against the saboteurs and terrorists, the government could not launch many other projects to address unemployment and energy needs. However, he said, after restoring the law and order situation which has already substantially improved, additional resources will be made available to support development activities at larger scale.
Ministers and Members of the Parliament appreciated the Prime Minister’s keen interest in the uplift of backward areas and pro-poor economic policies. They also apprised the Prime Minister of progress on projects concerning their respective Ministries and constituencies.
Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization, Mian Raza Rabbani, Advisor to Prime Minister, Ms. Farzana Raja, Chairperson, BISP, Mr. Hamidullh Jan Afridi, Minister for Environment, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khan, Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Advisor to PM on Finance, Nawabzada Ghanzanfar Ali Gul, Political Advisor to Prime Minister, Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Dr. Arbab Alamagir, Minister for Communication, Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir, MNA, Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower, Mr. Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Food and Agriculture attended the call on.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 235
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that appointment of an experienced economist as Advisor will extend a fresh impetus to the management of Pakistan’s economy. He expressed confidence that the induction of an economist in the Cabinet will help to calibrate the policies for boosting the economic growth.
While welcoming the new Finance Advisor Mr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh who called on him this morning at the PM’s House, the Prime Minister said that his appointment at this juncture will send a strong signal to the investors, business and trade circles about the government’s commitment to economic reforms, financial management and growth that is beneficial for all.
The Prime Minister said the management of economy be focused to create economic opportunities and employment which would help improve the quality of life of common man. He further said the government through stringent measures had been able to check the downward trend of the economy and bring about stability. The need now is to prioritize the specific areas contributing towards sustainable economic growth, he added.
The Prime Minister asked the Economic Advisor to monitor the fundings of the special initiatives of the government for the poor like Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Waslla-e-Haq Programme. The management of circular debt of energy sector is also a matter of immediate concern to help ease the power shortage situation in the country, he added.
Thanking the Prime Minister for reposing his confidence, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh assured to implement the government’s economic agenda in accordance with the priorities determined by the government.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 236
PRESS RELEASE
SINDH WOMEN MPAs MEET PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the government has taken a number of legal and financial initiatives to empower women and to enhance their active and meaningful participation in the formulation and implementation of policies for the development and progress of the country.
Talking to a delegation of women MPAs from Sindh which called on him at his chamber in the Parliament House this afternoon, the Prime Minister urged them to play an active role in the development activities and monitor the progress of projects launched in their constituencies to ensure the quality as well as timely completion of the work.
Members of Sindh Provincial Assembly, Ms. Farzana Baloch, Ms. Rashida Panwer, Ms. Shamim Ara Panwer and Ms. Kalsoom Chandio commended the Prime Minister’s policies and concrete steps taken for the empowerment of women in economic, social and political fields. They also appreciated Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and Waseela-e-Haq programme to help the poor people particularly women folk. They requested the Prime Minister to take measures for early completion of infrastructure projects covering more than one constituencies to bring prosperity to every nook and corner of the country.
PR No. 237
PRESS RELEASE
AMBASSADOR OF ARGENTINE AND REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF GALILEO, S.A MEETS AFRIDI
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010Ambassador of Argentine Mr. Rodolfo J. Martine-Saravia and Regional Director of Galileo, S.A Mr. Juan Ojanguren met Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi her today.
During the meeting matters pertaining to mutual interest particularly “The project of CNG filling stations for busses in Pakistan” came under discussion. The meeting was held in very healthy atmosphere. Ambassador of Argentine said that his country is the world leader in CNG sector which possess modern technology and highly skilled expertise in this sector. He also mentioned that Argentine is a solution provider as well. On this occasion, different possibilities and views were shared about this project. He acknowledged the efforts made by the government of Pakistan for initiating this project. He informed that in term of latest technology 700 thousand US $ will be required for installation of one CNG station. Furthermore, in this project 40 stations would be required for 8000 busses. He hoped that under the Umbrella of government of Pakistan, mutual cooperation will be enhanced. He told that no other alternative technology is there but CNG and we have latest technology based compressors that are the best alternative fuel source of present time. He hoped that Pakistan will get maximum benefit from their technical based expertise.
Federal Minister for Environment said that Pakistan is world number one consumer of CNG. He told that Government of Pakistan has made this project and Cabinet of Pakistan, has given this responsibility to Ministry of Environment for initiating the project. He told that 8000 busses will be used according to this project. He said that mega fuel stations, equipped with modern machinery are required for this project. This will be the best addition of Mass Transit System. This project would be introduced in ten cities of Pakistan he added. Afridi further said that consultation process is under way so that maximum benefit may be achieved from Argentina for the fuel stations. He said that framework of this project has been iniciated and lands are being allotted for these stations. He hoped that through this project, people of Pakistan would be able to enjoy clean and cheap transportation facilities. He added that Government of Pakistan is committed to adopt Clean Energy System of Transportation in Pakistan. Environment Minister said that Government of Pakistan is funding while Argentina will provide modern technology based expertise for this project. Afridi highlighted that Pakistan and Argentine are enjoying cordial relations and these relations would further grow in future.
Federal Secretary Environment M. Javed Malik and M.D Enercon Farid Ullah Kan and other officials of the Ministry of Environment were also present during the meeting.
PR No. 238
CLARIFICATION
Islamabad: 19TH March, 2010A spokesman of the Cabinet Division, responding to the content of a news story published in a section of the press, has clarified the position regarding the allocation of Parliamentary Business to the newly appointed Advisers, under Article 93 of the Constitution.
It is clarified that Nawabzada Ghazanfar Ali Gul, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs has been assigned to look after the Parliamentary Business in respect of the Ministries/Divisions which have no Minister Incharge or Minister of State and are operating under direct supervision of the Prime Minister. It may be mentioned that currently the Culture, Women Development, Cabinet and Establishment Divisions are with the Prime Minister.
It is further clarified that Sardar Latif Ahmed Khan Khosa, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information Technology shall look after the business pertaining to Information Technology and Telecommunications Division whereas Sardar Asseff Ahmed Ali Adviser to the Prime Minister on Education will be responsible to respond to the Parliamentary Questions/Motions etc on Education. Moreover, Arbab Muhammad Zahir who was till recently Minister of State for Defence, has been re-designated as Minister of States for Narcotics Control and shall now be looking after the business regarding the Narcotics Control Division.
“There is nothing extra-ordinary, abnormal or un-constitutional in the allocation of different portfolios to the Cabinet members, Ministers of State, Advisers and Special Assistants to the Prime Minister”, the Spokesman added.