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PR. No. 163. In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has been pleased to prorogue the Senate on the conclusion of its sitting on Wednesday, the 18th June, 2008, says a notification issued by Senate Secretariat here on 18.6.2008. MA/AR.
PR. No. 164. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majeed and Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lt. General (Retd.) Khalid Ahmad Kidwai called on Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at the PM’s House this morning and gave him an update on Pakistan’s strategic programmes. Maj. General (Retd) Mahmud Ali Durrani, Advisor on National Security also attended the meeting. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 165. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor to Prime Minister/Federal Minister for Industries and Production has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Akhtar Ali Wario , a former Punjab minister and a political leader from Sialkot. He paid rich tributes to the services rendered by the late minister as a political leader and a social worker. He said that late Akhtar Ali Wario was a personal friend and a good human being. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has offered heartfelt condolences to the family members of late Akhtar Ali Wario. He prayed that God Almighty may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the members of bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Ali Umar Rajoka/AR.
PR. No. 166. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that China is our strategic partner and time-tested friend as these relations are based on mutual trust and unanimity of views on important regional and international issues. These close relations, he said, are strongly supplemented and supported by the people of both the countries. The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation of M/s CETC International Company headed by its President Mr. Yan Lijin here at the Prime Minister’s House today. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and China enjoy a broad-based relationship as the two countries are actively cooperating in political, diplomatic, social, economic and defense fields. Pakistan accords highest priority to its close relations with China and desires to further expand it in all sectors. The Prime Minister further said that China is emerging as a significant exporter of capital and investing in many countries and Pakistan is keen to offer its economic potential for investment in the infrastructure, energy, oil exploration, mining, agriculture and other important sectors. The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution made by CETC in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy and called upon the need for promoting educational and cultural exchange programs for the youth in order to enhance people to people contacts as well as sharing best practices of each other. The Prime Minister also welcomed the interest shown by the CETC to invest in Pakistan in various sectors including energy, power, mining, public security, mechanized agriculture and setting up of National Electronic Complex. He called upon the need to tap the economic potential to further enhance the trade prospects. The Prime Minister said that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China has a strategic importance for Pakistan. FTA, he said, has economic and political significance. It will open new avenues to enhance trade between Pakistan and China which will further strengthen bilateral ties, he added. The President of M/s CETC International Mr. Yan Lijin felicitated the Prime Minister on assuming his office and offered his full support for the economic development of Pakistan. He discussed future cooperation and investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said that CETC is keen to invest in the energy sector, Thar coal mining, setting up of power plants, cooperation in public security and investment in setting up of National Electronic Complex in Pakistan (NECOP). Mr. Yan Lijin informed the Prime Minister that CETC is the largest state-owned enterprise, specializing in the field of defense electronics, information technology, public security, space, transportation, energy and education. He apprised the Prime Minister that CETC is a renowned defense electronics manufacture in the world and has established a deep and broad-based collaboration with Pakistan in all such fields. He said that CETC is proud of making a contribution towards the modernization and digitization of Pakistan industries. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security Mr. Mahmud Ali Durrani, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Defense Production Lt General (Retd.) Shahid Siddique Tirmizi and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 167. A high level meeting under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Mohammad Ali Afridi, to review the arrangements in connection with the celebrations of World Population Day in the Ministry of Population Welfare was held here today. The conveners of various committees constituted for the World Population Day activities briefed the Additional Secretary about the progress and details of arrangements in this regard. They also suggested various proposals and activities to convey the message of World Population Day at grassroots level effectively. The Additional Secretary appreciated the suggestions and directed the Conveners of various committees in expedite the arrangements with reference to this day in fool-proof manner. The next meeting in this connection will be held on 25th June to finalize the preparations and arrangements with reference to World Population Day. The Secretary, MoPW will review the arrangements and Federal Minister for Population Welfare, Mir Humayun Aziz Kurd will chair the meeting. SA/AR.
PR. No. 168. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani joined the Opposition MNAs over lunch in their lobby in the National Assembly this afternoon. Leader of the Opposition Ch. Pervaiz Elahi and PML (Q) MNAs Mr. Raza Hayat Haraj, Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, Ms. Doonya Aziz, Ms. Shahnaz Shaikh, Engr. Amir Muqam, Ms. Zobaida Jalal and Mr. Waqas Shaikh were also present on the occasion. Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Whip Mr. Khurshid Shah also attended the lunch. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 169. The Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s longstanding and broadbased relations with the European Union and underlined that Pakistan is keen to further augment these ties especially in the economic, security and counter terrorism areas. The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Jan De Kok the Ambassador of European Union who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is looking for increased and early access to the European Union markets in order to accelerate the process of economic development in the country. The Prime Minister said the newly elected government is keen to improve the country’s economy because we are conscious that without a stable and growing economy it is not possible to strengthen the nascent democratic institutions that are in place almost after a decade. The Prime Minister said that democracy has been introduced in the country after a long and hard struggle and after making many sacrifices including the life of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Prime Minister expressed the hope now that the democratic and progressive governments have been formed in the country, the European Union would extend its help and assistance especially in the social sectors of the economy. The Prime Minister also appreciated the role of the EU’s observers in monitoring the general elections in Pakistan and their valuable observations made by them in their report. The Prime Minister underlined Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism and extremism as it is in Pakistan’s own national interest and not because it serves objectives of another country. We are however trying to addressing the root causes of terrorism by accelerating economic activity, generating jobs and by initiating political dialogue with the elements who have joined the mainstream political activity after laying down arms. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan is keen to have a stable Afghanistan in its neighbourhood as it will help promote economic cooperation in the region. A stable and economically growing Afghanistan will also help facilitate early repatriation of over three million Afghan refugees who still reside in Pakistan, he added. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the European Union will help Pakistan in the repatriation of the refugees with honour and dignity. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has taken all possible measures to prevent illegal cross border movement by installing biometric system and by setting up over 900 posts on our long and difficult border with Afghanistan to achieve this objective. The Prime Minister said the presence of such a large number of refugees in Pakistan makes it difficult to control cross border movements as some of the refugee camps have become havens for the extremists. Mr. Jan De Kok expressed the EU’s strong solidarity with Pakistan and its priority to tackle poverty and uplift of the social sectors in Pakistan. He also underlined the EU’s commitment to the well being and prosperity of Pakistan as well as to strengthening democratic institutions. He termed the EU and Pakistan as partners in the fight against terrorism and that the European Union will do all to assist Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Mr. Mahmood Ali Durrani, National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 170. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the UNDP is an important development partner of Pakistan which has over the years played a significant role in reducing poverty and promoting human development of all segments of the society especially focusing on the poor and the underprivileged. The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Fikret Akcura who presented him a letter from the UN Secretary General Mr. BAN Ki-moon, designating him as the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system’s operational activities for development in Pakistan. The Prime Minister felicitated Mr. Akcura on his posting to Pakistan and assured him that his government extend full cooperation to him in achieving the objectives pertaining to Pakistan. The Prime Minister said that the top two priorities of new government are improving the security and law and order situation and accelerating the pace of economic development in the country. He said Pakistan wants the UN and its various agencies to help Pakistan in achieving its objectives especially in the social sectors. He said Pakistan is especially looking for the UN’s help in controlling the growing menace of hepatitis in the country. The Prime Minister said he is committed to combating this disease and has included it as part of the Prime Minister’s initiatives on the various problems facing the country. The Prime Minister also sought UN’s help in the early and honourable repatriation of the over 3 million Afghan refugees in the country. Pakistan has been looking after the Afghan refugees for a long time and wants the UN to share the responsibility of catering to the needs of the refugees, the Prime Minister said. Mr. Akcura assured the Prime Minister that the UNDP recognizes all that Pakistan has done to help Afghanistan and also its role in fighting terrorism. He said Pakistan’s strategic position is well recognized and every country has a stake in it. He said the international community need to come forward to help Pakistan tackle the problems being faced by it. He said that UNDP is committed to help the new government in alleviating poverty and improve the healthcare. He said UNDP would be keen to help Pakistan in Prime Minister’s campaign against hepatitis. The National Security Adviser Mr. Mehmood Ali Durrani and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar also attended the meeting.
PR. No. 171. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the new government is determined to establish rule of law and supremacy of the parliament in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a group of students and teachers from the Karachi University at his Chamber in the Parliament House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said we are focusing on strengthening all institutions of the state to ensure that democracy becomes sustainable and gets firmly embedded in our body-politic. The Prime Minister said the urgent priority of the new government is improving law and order situation in the country and stabilizing the economy for protecting the life and property of every citizen. The Prime Minister said that during the recent general elections people voted for the moderate and democratic forces in the country which proves that Pakistan is a mainstream and progressive country. The Prime Minister said the government has taken a new initiative in this year’s budget for controlling Hepatitis in the country. In addition, the government would pay special attention to check the spread of all water borne diseases, he said. The Prime Minister said that the government has planned to set up a Student Service Centre in every university which would facilitate students in job counseling. The Prime Minister also sought suggestions from the students regarding improvement in the education system including co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. The Prime Minister directed the Higher Education Commission to provide a generator to cater to the needs of computer labs of the Karachi University. The Prime Minister said that PPP manifesto focuses on improving the standard of education in the country, particularly by promoting research work in educational institutions. The students expressed deep sense of sorrow over the tragic assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and recalled her invaluable services in upholding the banner of democracy and uplift of the poor masses. Speaking on this occasion Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali said that the government considers youth as an important segment of the society and is taking various steps including a new internship programme under which sole eligibility would be a Masters degree. Under this programme, she said, every internee would get a stipend of Rs. 10,000 per month and their placement would be made in federal as well as provincial departments. In addition 100 students would be sent to China every year under the Youth Exchange Programme with China, she said. Mr. Haider Abbas Rizvi congratulated the Prime Minister of having the unique distinction of enjoying the confidence of entire House as illustrated by his unanimous election as Prime Minister. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali and MNA, Mr. Haider Abbas Rizvi also accompanied the Prime Minister. Secretary Youth Affairs, Secretary Education and Executive Director Higher Education Commission also attended the meeting.
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No. 172. Former Prime Minister Mr. Zafarullah Khan Jamali met Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani at his chamber in the Parliament House and discussed various matters pertaining to Balochistan. Mr. Jamali appreciated the concern and interest of the Prime Minister in the development of Balochistan and thanked him for taking several measures for the uplift of the province. The Prime Minister thanked Mr. Jamali for his visit and exchanging views on matters relating to Balochistan.
PR. No. 173. Following are the highlights of Finance Minister’s winding up speech in National Assembly:- The democratic government has faced challenging times while preparing the Fiscal Year Budget 2008-2009. The Government, however, has welcomed input from all stakeholders before reaching the existing final shape of the Federal Budget laid before the Parliament on June 11, 2008. It reflects Federal Government’s existing political and economic policy framework, focusing new direction of the economy. Current fiscal measures testify present government’s sincerity in resilience of country’s economy that largely is based on agriculture. Pakistan, despite all weaknesses of its existing economy in terms of structure and operations, has an absolutely strong economic base that ultimately shall lead us to success in domestic and international market both. Mere issuance of executive orders to reform the national economy, as referred by Opposition Leader in his winding up speech on behalf of the Opposition Benches, is neither practical nor possible. Instead, it needs a package of hard work that shall keep Pakistan’s national economy ship floating. From lowest GDP ratio in the region, we Inshallah shall move up to the highest ladder of growth ratios through putting in systematic economic reforms efforts. The rich in Pakistan’s society, as per Islamic principles, will have to share the burden of their poor fellow countrymen. Factually, the proposed taxation measures in the Finance Bill 2008-2009 aim to widen our revenue base. GOP concurrently shall keep into consideration that suggested taxation and subsidy measures do not kill the tax payers in all sectors of revenue generation. GOP has not decided to instantly withdraw subsidy from vital food items. It has decided to import 2.5 million tones of wheat to cater to existing domestic market food shortage. GOP shall subsidize its native farmers, bring the production price down through rationalizing subsidy on fertilizers, and other items of input necessary to increase crop yield. Specifically, items like fertilizers, pesticides, and others used by our native farmers as input to crop yield shall completely be tax free. Additionally, all tractors and agricultural implements’ import shall remain tax free. Prime Minister has directed that auctioning of small farmers small landholdings advertised in media be stopped. Physical harassment of farmers and small HBFC loanees by state agencies be also stopped. Banks accordingly have been advised to reform their recovery procedures in a manner that Lenders and Loanees reach a happy compromise for repayment of latter’s financial liabilities. Crop loans shall be insured against natural calamities and unforeseen setbacks. Finance Minister assured the House that Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) shall be designed in a manner that no external political interference takes place. It shall be a totally computerized programme with least quantum of human intrusion. Finance Minister requested the Opposition to help GOP in making BISP a real success, adding that previous lessons learnt from Zakat Funds Distribution Programme and Pakistan Baitul Maal Funds Distribution Programme shall be benefited in order to keep the BISP a fool proof arrangement, making it a real success for tangible change in the life of poor households. Present government’s bold decision to present defence budget in Parliament for debate must be appreciated by all stakeholders along with MPs whose debates on defence budget in Parliament during recent days have been mature and responsible. They have upheld national security interest which sets a good example. Finance Minister hoped that during next fiscal year (2009-10) expenditure part of defence budget shall be presented in the Parliament through processing it via institutional forum of Parliamentary Standing Committees. Subsidies on oil and energy sectors shall not immediately be removed. Although these shall be phased out over a period of time in order to make it bearable for the people. All other levies/duties shall also be examined in consultation with all interest group holders for rationalization. 10.Philanthropic institutions shall be given tax exemption, enabling them to share the burden of the government in their policies and acts of social welfare and philanthropy. Approximately, six to ten Bills not strictly falling within the ambit of Money Bill shall be withdrawn from the Current Finance Bill 2008-09 when it is debated in the Parliament. The government shall provide subsidy on R&D activities in textile sector after examining the sectoral necessity that helps increase growth. Garment industries focusing enhanced exports shall especially be encouraged since it scales up our forex reserves. GOP deposits in scheduled commercial banks shall be rationalized after looking at merit-cum-need-basis over a prolonged period of time to reduce GOP’s external borrowings from other sectors. GOP shall take appropriate measures to turn existing power scarcity into a power prosperity for attaining the objective of shining Pakistan by prioritizing gas and power plants expansion – thus getting rid of existing load shedding. Establishment of mobile phones manufacturing units shall greatly be encouraged to reduce our import bill which ultimately is a burden on our national economy. The government shall encourage micro-finance network in every far flung area of the country by allocating a sizeable chunk of budgetary outlay in order to benefit the real poor. GOP shall institute multi pronged strategies like HR Training, Skills Development, Stipends Provision and availability of micro finance facility for poor farmers, labourers and the needy people of Pakistan. NJ/nr
PR. No. 174. The Ambassador of USA Ms. Annee W. Patterson called on the Federal Minister for Narcotics Control Mr. Nazar Mohammad Gondal here today and discussed matters pertaining to promoting anti-drug trafficking cooperation between the two countries. Secretary Narcotic Control Division Mr. K. B. Rind, DG Anti-Narcotics Force and senior officials of the Ministry of Narcotics Control also attended the meeting. The Minister informed the US envoy about the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to eliminate drug trafficking. He said that Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) was keeping a strong vigil on drug traffickers by employing sophisticated means which were bringing fruitful results in controlling narcotics trafficking. The Minister appreciated the US cooperation being extended to Pakistan for consolidating anti-drug measures. The US ambassador lauded the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for eliminating drug trafficking. He assured that US would extend all out cooperation to Pakistan in combating drug trafficking. EH/wh
PR. No. 175. The Speaker NA Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that the new democratic government was committed to provide maximum educational facilities and ensure availability of funds for enhancement of the literacy rate besides improving the quality of education in the country. She said this while talking to a delegation of student from Karachi University that called on her in the Parliament House this afternoon. The Madam Speaker said that no nation could progress and prosper without establishing a strong educational base especially in science and technology. The Speaker said that in today’s knowledge based global order and in the face of new emerging challenges, the acquisition of knowledge has become imperative. She said that those nations who have progressed in Science and Technology carry greater respect in the world community and if we want respectable place in the comity of nations, we must give priority to education. The Madam Speaker said that students were the future leaders of the country and the nation was having great expectations from them. She urged them to pay full attention to their studies and get mastery in their respective fields. Madam Speaker also told the delegation about the procedure of legislation and working of the NA. Head of the Students delegation of Karachi University appreciated the Madam Speaker’s initiation of displaying photographs relating to the creation of Pakistan as well as its constitutional history on the walls of the Parliament Galleries. The students while expressing their views said that photographs being displayed on the walls of the Parliament reflected the cultural, historical and constitutional development of the country and their visit to Parliament House enriched their knowledge and experience. MT/wh
PR. No. 176 The Presidential spokesman has termed as totally incorrect a news item appearing in a section of the media that the President had briefed journalists on Wednesday, June 18th in which he is reported to have said that the previous government was responsible for the economic problems that the country is facing today. The spokesman added that the President is of the view that “Never has the economy of Pakistan performed as well as it has done in the last 5 years i.e. upto mid 2007. The spokesman stated that it was unfortunate that such fictitious news items were being circulated in the media remarks being attributed to the President that he has never made.
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