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PR
No. 271 Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad has said that Pakistan is looking for meaningful cooperation with Italy in various fields relevant for development, particularly science and technology, higher education and power generation. He said this while talking to Mr. Giuseppe Vegas, Italian vice Minister for Economy and Finance, who called on him in Islamabad here this morning. Renowned Physicist, Prof. Luciano Maiani, President Italian National Research Council, who has known Dr. Ishfaq since the days when he was DG of the European Nuclear Research Centre (Sern) accompanied him. Dr. Ishfaq said the existing MoU on scientific cooperation between Pakistan and Italy can be used as an instrument for increasing collaboration in those aspects of science which can contribute towards Pakistan’s development. He assured that the government of Pakistan would provide necessary assistance to Italian investors in this regard. He said that Pakistan needs increased trade opportunities with developed countries, particularly in the EU region, in order to improve its economy and for providing better employment prospects to the Pakistani youth. He told the Italian vice Minister that Planning Commission has laid down its long term development priorities in Vision 2030 and is currently focusing on short term goals by formulating a five-year plan in the light of this Vision and government’s nine-point development agenda. Planning Commission’s Member Science and Technology, Dr. Samar Mubarakmand and Member Energy, Mr. Pervez Butt were also present during the meeting. Dr. Samar Mubarakmand informed the visiting Minister that Thar area in Pakistan has one of the largest coal reserves in the world estimated at around 175 billion tonnes. He invited the Italian entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity by investing in the underground coal gasification projects. Mr. Vegas said that he is greatly encouraged by his meetings with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance and the Minister of State for Economic Affairs yesterday and said that his government would encourage Italian businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan to take benefit of its growing market. He said his government would soon commence a viable programme for the development of Pakistan through scientific and technological channel. Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Vincenzo Prati was also present during the meeting. **DG/Ahmad**
PR No. 272 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira has congratulated the newly elected office bearers of Media Workers Organization (MWO), including its president Kalim Shamim (Jang) and General Secretary Raja Jawed Khan (Dawn) who got elected unopposed. The Minister said that MWO is a major organization of Print and Electronic media workers from Rawalpindi and Islamabad and the organization should play its role for the welfare of media workers. He appreciated the efforts of MWO and hoped that the organization would continue to work for the betterment of the media workers. The Minister assured that every possible help and cooperation would be extended to MWO to help it accomplish its objectives. **SA/Ahmad**
PR No. 273 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani today visited the Khushab Nuclear Complex which houses some of the most prestigious nuclear facilities of Pakistan and plays a pivotal role in making Pakistan self-reliant in nuclear technology. He was received by CJCSC Gen Tariq Majeed, DGSPD Lt Gen (Retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai and Chairman PAEC Mr. Ansar Pervez. The Prime Minister was given a comprehensive briefing on various facilities of the Complex and future modernization plans. On the occasion the Prime Minister also approved projects aimed at further strengthening the strategic programme. After the briefing, the Prime Minister went around the facilities and witnessed various processes with keen interest. He expressed profound appreciation for the achievements of nuclear scientists, engineers and technicians working in Khushab Nuclear Complex and in particular acclaimed their commitment and resolve in strengthening national security. The Prime Minister announced one month bonus for all the employees of Khushab Nuclear Complex. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 274 Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary, Election Commission of Pakistan has said that the Election Commission has received complaints about the alleged use of fake ballot papers in the recent bye-election held in Mansehra on 28th January 2010. The Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, Justice ® Hamid Ali Mirza has taken serious view of the alleged phenomenon and warned that if the allegation of using fake ballot papers during polls for any constituency is proved against any candidate or any other person, stern action will be taken not only against such candidate or person entailing penal consequences in accordance with law but also against the Printing Press found involved in such alleged unauthorized printing of ballot papers which may result in the cancellation of Licence of such Printing Press. **AC/Ahmad**
PR No. 275 Federal Minister fro Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi has called for enlightened and objective inter-civilizational dialogue and discourse in order to create a greater tolerance of the diversities and peculiarities of the cultures, values and aspirations of each other. He said that Islam is a complete code of life in all respects i.e. socially, economically, ethically and politically. He was of the view that peace and Islam are derived from the same root. He said Islam is against terrorism, adding that the world can become abode of peace if the teachings of Islam are preached in its true spirit.. He made these observations while addressing to a seminar “Islam is a religion to Live For”, jointly organized by Iqbal Academy and International Islamic University here on Saturday where Grand Mufti Azam Bosnia, Dr. Mustafa Ceric delivered a special lecture on the subject. Dr. Fateh Muhammad Malik, Rector, Islamic University and other eminent scholars were also present on this occasion. The Federal Minister maintained that Islam establishes a wonderful harmony between demands of the soul and the demands of the body. Islam is a religion that organizes all aspects of life. It contains complete system of life and establishes a clear system of worship, civil rights, how to govern and how to make pace in the society, he added. The Minister also appreciated the people of Bosnia to face the genocide and barbarism courageously in Bosnia. He also paid great tribute to the Mufti Azam Bosnia for the services rendered by him for spreading Islam in the region. Mufti Azam Dr. Mustafa Ceric in his special lecture highlighted the philosophy of Islam. He stressed the need for collective efforts to maintain the soft image of Islam. He viewed that Islam rejects discrimination and discourages superiority of any kind. He opined that there was no mediation between Allah and human being, adding that every Muslim has a direct contact with Allah, no matter how weak, poor or ignorant he is, he maintained. He advocated for reformation in Muslim Community to develop the tolerance, the main teaching of Islam for survival of the humanity. He emphasized for preaching of high level tolerance to follow the true teachings of Islam for betterment of humanity. He lauded the efforts of organizers and thanked them to invite him for delivering lecture in Pakistan. The Rector of IIUI and other scholars also spoke on this occasion and highlighted the teaching of islam in their speeches. **AJM/Ahmad**
PR No. 276 MR. GIUSEPPE VEGAS, Vice Minister for Economy and Finance, Italy lead 06 members Italian Delegation and called on Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment in the office of the Board of Investment, Islamabad. H.E. Mr. Vincenzo Prati, Ambassador of Italy in Islamabad also attended the meeting. Moreover, the meeting was also attended by the Secretary, Fisheries Department, Government of Balochistan and the representatives of Italian Development Corporation. The Vice Minister inaugurated the office of Italian Coordination in Board of Investment. The purpose of this office will be to explore the business opportunities in Pakistan with the help of Board of Investment and market them to Italian investors. This office will work as a bridge for contact between Pakistani and Italian businessmen. The Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment welcomed the Italian delegation and appreciated the Italian companies and businessmen in Pakistan. He highlighted the policy parameters of investment in Pakistan. While stressing so he underlined the policy which allows 100% foreign equity in the major sectors and full repatriation of profits and dividends in all the sectors. He welcomed the business interests of Italian side in Agriculture and Fisheries sectors of Pakistan. A detailed presentation was also made to the delegates on the investment climate and opportunities available in Pakistan. The delegation was pleased to know about the incentives offered to foreign investors in Pakistan. Vice Minister informed that Italian entrepreneurs are also interested in projects of Railways and Construction. He also emphasized to carry out joint research in fisheries sectors of coastal areas of Pakistan. Pakistani private sector emphasized on the export of Shrimps to Italy and Government of Balochistan informed that the water of Gawadar area is clean and environmentally friendly. The matter of ban on import of fisheries from Pakistan by European Union was also discussed and Vice Minister ensured that Italian Development Council will work closely with Pakistan side and cooperate to lift ban during the upcoming European Union Mission’s visit to Pakistan. Vice Minister proposed to form a Committee of Italian Embassy and Board of Investment for exploration of business proposals in Pakistan for Italian investors and its expeditious transfer to Italian side for proper matchmaking. Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment in the end thanked the members of the delegation for visiting Pakistan and assured the delegates that BOI being the facilitator will extend full support and cooperation for the implementation of their business proposals in Pakistan. The delegation reciprocated by appreciating BOI for holding a very productive discussion session for them. (End)
PR No. 277 The Government of Pakistan is expected to take a position next week on the statement of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which included Pakistan amongst the countries found to have strategic deficiencies in countering money laundering and terrorism financing. A team of GOP officials, currently attending the meetings of FATF in Abu Dhabi, would be back in the country of Monday (22nd February, 2010). A response would be prepared after necessary debriefing by the visiting team. It may, however, be noted that the GOP had introduced the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, 2010 which has already been passed by the National Assembly. The Bill also stands introduced in the Senate on 18th February, 2010. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs & Statistics is likely to take up consideration of the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, 2010 very shortly.(End)
PR No. 278 The NFC Secretariat, working in the Ministry of Finance, has completed the drafting of the Report of the 7th National Finance Commission. The NFC Secretariat has made significant improvements in the drafting of the report of 7th National Finance Commission compared to the earlier reports of NFCs established from time to time. The present report, apart from containing the core signed agreement between the federation and the provinces (as well as amongst the provinces), contains the past history of National Finance Commissions, record notes and minutes of deliberations of the 7th NFC as well as future action plan and mechanism for implementation/oversight. It is expected that the Summary for the Prime Minister, to obtain the Presidential assent to the NFC recommendations, would be submitted within the next week. It may be further noted that after the promulgation of the President’s Order, the Report of the Commission, together with an Explanatory Memorandum, giving details about actions taken thereon, shall be laid before the Parliament as provided under clause 5 of Article 160 of the Constitution. (End)
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TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 21ST
FEBRUARY, 2010 Prime Minister, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the King of Norway, His Majesty Herald V, on his Birth Day falling on February 21. In his message, the Prime Minister said “On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our warm felicitations on the auspicious occasion of Your Majesty’s birthday. I am confident that the relations of friendship and cooperation that so happily exist between our two countries will continue to flourish in the years ahead. I wish Your Majesty good health and happiness and continued progress and prosperity to the friendly people of the Kingdom of Norway.(End) NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 21ST FEBRUARY, 2010
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