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PR.No.191. In a ceremony held at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, Mrs. Le Aimei, wife of the Chinese Foreign Minister received a cheque of RMB 25,000/- (Rs. 232,000) from Mrs. Taranum S. Bashir, wife of the Ambassador of Pakistan to China. The cheque was presented by the children of Pakistan Embassy College Beijing as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the tragic earthquake that hit South Western China on 12 May 2008. While talking to Mrs. Le Aimei on this occasion, Madam Taranum S. Bashir stated that the entire Pakistani nation shared the grief and suffering of the affected people of South Western China. Madam Bashir informed Madam Le Aimei that the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have also visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad to express solidarity with the victims of the earthquake. Madam Le Aimei, while thanking Madam Taranum Bashir and the children of Pakistan Embassy College for the donation, noted that the sympathy and support extended by the children of Pakistan Embassy College was a manifestation of all weather Pakistan China friendship. In addition to today’s cheque, earlier the diplomats and officials of the Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing have donated an amount of RMB 10,000/- (92,000/-) to the relief efforts. Pakistan has already sent two plane-load of relief goods to the earthquake stricken areas. These planes carried 310 tents, 500 blankets, 4 tons of medicines, 2000 bottles of mineral water and 1000 plastic mats. Two more planes carrying 480 tents will arrive in Chengdu tomorrow. Pakistan is among few countries whose offer of medical assistance has been accepted by the Chinese Government for the disaster hit areas. The Chinese Government has already agreed to accept a mobile hospital with doctors and paramedical staff from Pakistan for the earthquake victims.
SMA/AZC
The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development under the Chairmanship of Senator Saeed Ahmed Hashmi will be held tomorrow, May 21, in the Committee Room, Parliament House, Islamabad. Committee will review the contents of Pakistan Social Development Programme (PSDP) 2007-08 and its progress till 31st March, 2008. Committee will also review the issue of salaries and period of personnels employed on contract as consultants/advisors or any other capacity working in the Planning Commission. The members of the Committee are Senator Anisa Zeb TahirKheli, Senator Lt. Gen. ® Javed Ashraf, Senator Mrs. Kalsoom Perveen, Senator Mir Israrullah Khan, Senator Muhammad Amjad Abbas, Senator Mrs. Gulshan Saeed, Senator Dr. Mrs. Gulshan Saeed, Senator Dr. Mrs. Kauser Firsdaus, Senator Hafiz Rashid Ahmad, Senator Abdur Rahim Khan Mandokhail, Senator Dr. Zaheer ud din Babar Awan. QAM/Ahmad
PR.No.193. Mr. Zaiviji Ismail, Chairman Shell Company Pakistan, called on President Pervez Musharraf here today. While talking to the President, Mr. Zaiviji Ismail said that Shell is a major player in the energy sector in Pakistan and will continue to fully support the country with all its resources. He also pledged to utilize additional resources for exploration of oil and gas in Pakistan. Greatly appreciating the leadership provided by President Pervez Musharraf he declared that in the four years he had been in Pakistan, he had found the workforce of the country to be highly intelligent, resourceful and productive which favourably compared to most workforces in the world and this he said gave him a lot of optimism to further invest in Pakistan. -**Ahmad**-
PRNo.194. The Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Health, and Women Development Ms. Sherry Rehman who is leading delegation to the World Health Assembly at Geneva met her counterparts of India, Afghanistan and Iran on the sidelines of the Assembly . In her meeting with the Indian Minister for Health H.E. Mr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Ms Rehman expressed sympathies over the tragic loss of lives during the recent bomb blast in Jaipur. Both the ministers agreed to cooperate in the fields of primary healthcare, telemedicine, pharmaceutical research, and vaccine production. Keeping in view the similar epidemiological/disease profile in both countries, they agreed to further strengthen collaboration in the health sector through subsequent meetings. The Pakistani and Indian sides during the meeting identified key areas including: exchange of information and expertise for polio eradication, emergency preparedness and disaster management, integrated disease surveillance, encouraging participation of experts in conferences and seminars, and exchange of experience and expertise in health sector success stories e.g. Lady Health Workers Programme in Pakistan. Indian Minister for Health accepted Ms Sherry Rehman’s invitation to visit Pakistan. Dr. Faiz Ullah Kakar, Deputy Minister for Health of Afghanistan also called on the Minister for Health Ms. Sherry Rehman. Dr. Kakar thanked the Government of Pakistan for building Jinnah Hospital in Afghanistan. He desired for more assistance from Pakistan in terms of training for the health workers in managing mental health, and training of nurses, paramedics and midwives. Both the ministers also discussed the modalities of a joint proposal to be submitted to the Global Fund (GFATM) for Tuberculosis control. This proposal will be the first of its kind of joint collaboration in fighting the disease. Ms Rehman assured that Pakistan will be pleased to provide every possible assistance for the health sector of Afghanistan. She invited a delegation from Ministry of Health, Afghanistan to visit Pakistan in near future to finalize the details of the assistance required. Iranian Minister for Health and Medical Education H.E. Mr. Kamran Baqeri-Lankarani also met Ms Sherry Rehman and discussed matters of joint collaboration in the health sector. Both the ministers agreed on cooperation in disaster management and vaccine production. They agreed to learn from each other’s experiences in order to further improve health sectors in their respective countries. Ms Rehman accepted and thanked the Iranian government for offering to establish a workshop for artificial limbs in Islamabad. Dr. Hussain A. Geaizary, Regional Director of Easter Mediterranean of WHO also called on the Minister for Health. She thanked the WHO for its assistance for uplift of health sector in Pakistan. The Minister reiterated that the Government of Pakistan is committed to eradicate polio. Dr. Geaizary assured that the WHO will continue to provide assistance to achieve the goal of polio eradication. AK/AZC
PR. No. 195. The Senate Standing Committee on Women Development, which met at the Parliament House today under the Chairpersonship of Senator Tahira Latif, recommended that more funds be allocated to the Ministry of Women Development and Establishment Division to expand and successfully manage projects / schemes aiming at welfare of women in the country. It also recommended that women, who form half of the country’s population not only be imparted profitable skills like sewing, knitting, embroidery, beautification, cooking etc. but arrangements be also made for marketing of products being produced by women thereby completely eliminating the role of middle man. The meeting was convened in connection with detailed presentation on the Projects / Schemes aiming at the welfare of women running under the control of the Establishment Division. The Committee also expressed its concern over the management of Government-owned women hostels all over the country and strongly recommended that these facilities be restricted to the women Government employees only and those residing in these hostels presently from the private sector be shifted to other places gradually. Describing the amount of scholarship being provided to the children / ward of Government servants by the Establishment Division through its Staff Welfare Organization (SWO) as being too meager, it recommended substantial increase in these scholarships and provision of necessary funds with enhanced allocation in this head. However, it desired that these be confined to children of Government servants from BPS-01 to 19 only. Earlier, the Chairperson of the Committee observed that a serious effort is needed to overcome the social, educational and economic backwardness of women and to bring them into the mainstream of national life. Senator Razina Alam Khan opined that the vocational training centers being run by the Establishment Division be confined to imparting skills to government servants only. Similarly, as the Government is providing books free of cost up to Matric level, therefore, the SWO and ED should try to provide uniform and stationery instead of books to students. The Members of the Senate Committee directed the Establishment Division to ensure that the 10% quota for employment of women to all posts be implemented across the board. Earlier, the DG, SWO informed that over Rs. 64 millions were disbursed this year for award of stipend and textbooks among 67231 students. He said that a multipurpose community center is being planned in I-8 Markaz Islamabad for which a plot of land measuring 4000 yards has already been purchased. He also informed that 40 rooms are being added to the existing Hostel for Women in G-7/1, Islamabad. Similarly, another hostel is being planned for women in G-7/3, Islamabad. The meeting was attended, among others, by Senators Mrs. Razina Alam Khan, Ms. Sabina Rauf, Dr. Mrs. Kausar Firdous, Ms. Fauzia Fakhur-uz-Zaman, Bibi Yasmeen Shah, Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry and Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Laghari besides the Secretary M/o Women Development, DG, SWO and other senior officials of the Establishment Division. SM/AZC
PR.
No. 196. The Speaker NA Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Islam was a religion of peace and tolerance that abhorred terrorism and extremism in all it forms and manifestation and it was the responsibility of religious scholars to play their role to remove the misperceptions found in the west about Islam. She was speaking to the delegation of the Guardian Council Islamic Republic of Iran, headed by Ayatullah Ahmed Jannati, that called on the Speaker in the Parliament House today. The Speaker said that the Muslim Ummah was confronting challenges that can be resolved through forging unity among the muslim countries. She said that there were misperceptions in the western countries about Islam and urged religious scholars and media to play their role to dispel the misperception of west. The Speaker said that Iran and Pakistan were bonded in the eternal ties of religion, culture and history and there was commonality of views and perceptions of both the countries on all regional global issues. She said that Pakistan believed in peaceful resolution of international problems and wanted peace in Iraq and Afghanistan, as it was essential for peace and prosperity in the region. The speaker said that the new parliament in Pakistan was facing challenges like energy shortages inflation and rampant poverty in the country for which it needed time and support of friendly countries like Iran. She underlined the need for early start and rapid completion of the IPI Gas Pipeline Project. She also underlined the need for enhancing investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. The speaker stressed enhanced exchange of parliamentary delegations for strengthening ties between the two countries. The Leader of Iranian Delegation Ayatullah Jannati said that Iran appreciated Pakistan’s stance on issues in the region including Iran’s Nuclear stance. He congratulated Madam Speaker for restoration of democratic process in Pakistan and prayed for its strength and continuity. He appreciated Madam’s election as Ist woman speaker of Muslim World and termed it a blessing for Pakistan and Muslim Ummah. Paying tributes to late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he said that her assassination was an irreparable loss to Pakistan and the Muslim World. The Ambassador of Greece H.E Petros Mavroidis also called on the Speaker National Assembly. Talking to the Ambassador the Speaker said that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Greece and wanted to expand ties by expanding economic cooperation between the two countries. She said, she will reactivate the Pakistan Greece Parliamentary Friendship Committee so that interaction between the Parliamentarians of the countries was enhanced for the strengthening of relations between the two countries. The Speaker apprised the Ambassador about the problems of the nascent democracy and the expectations people were having from it and expressed her resolve that the new Parliament was committed to peoples’ prosperity and will come upto their expectations. She underlined the need for support of democratic countries for the strength and continuity of democratic institutions in Pakistan. The Ambassador congratulated the Madam Speaker on her election as a 1st woman Speaker of Pakistan and the Muslim World and appreciated the return of true democracy in Pakistan. He said that 75000/- Pakistanis working in Greece were playing very constructive role in the economic development of Greece. He assured his Government support to the strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan. MT/AZC
UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. Daniel Toole called on Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan in his office in Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Mr. Toole is a member of the UNICEF Global Management Team and was the Chair of the UN framework Team for Early Warning and Preventive Action from2004-2006. Mr. Toole discussed with Chairman NDMA issues relating to natural and man-made emergencies, disasters, early warning and response system in Pakistan. Role of UNICEF in Oct, 2005 earthquake was also discussed. CI/AZC
His Excellency Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Mr Lou Zha hui called on Lt Gen ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority in his office in Prime Minister’s Secretariat and discussed post earth quake situation in China. Chairman NDMA shared experience of Pakistan in post earth quake situation with His Excellency and presented him the book “ Lessons Learned From 8/10”.This book is a detailed report on management of Oct,8-2005 earthquake in Pakistan. His Excellency also discussed logistical aspects of donation of 10,000 tents from Pakistan for the earthquake affected people of China. Chairman NDMA assured His Excellency of the complete cooperation and sharing of experience of National Disaster Management Authority with China in managing the post earth quake situation. CI/AZC
PR.
No. 199. The Federal Minister for privatization & Investment hosted a Corporate Dinner in honour of leading businessmen & entrepreneurs of Pakistan. The event was held at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad in the evening of 19th May, 2008. The Initiative to host this mega event was taken by the Board of Investment so as to enable in interaction between public and private sector representatives in an informal setting and to exchange views on the different economic Issues pertaining to Pakistan with a view to bringing in greater investment. The event from the private sector was attended by the CEOS and Managing Directors of renowned and prestigious firms belonging to almost all economic sectors like Telecom, Financial Business, Oil & Gas, power, Engineering, Services and Construction etc. From the ID&BOI, Maj. ® Iqbal Ahmad, Executive Director General and other senior officials welcomed the participants. The private sector participants Included Mr. Tore Johnsen (CEO Telenor), Mr. Clan Li (CEO CM pak), Mr. Trevor Clayton (MD Nestle Pakistan), Mr. Tariq Wajid (MD Sanofl Aventis), Mr. chen Jianbo (MD PCJCU, Mr. Farid Masood (MD KASEJ Limited), Mr. Mohsin Nathani (MD Barclavs), Dr. Georg Wacantel (GM OMV), Mr. Zaiviji Ismail (MD Sileli Pakistan). Anwar Saifullah Khan (Co-Chairman Staff Group), Mr. Giovanni Soramo (MD Metro cash & carry), Mr. Khalid Subhani, Member Board of Directors (Engro Group), Mr. Parvez Ghias (CEO Indus Motor), Mr. Waqar Malik (CEO ICI) and Mr. Qaisar Shareef (Country Manager P&G). Whilst the public sector participants included secretary MINFAL, Secretary Privatization, MD PPIB, Secretary, Industries, Acting secretary EAD. Chairman FBR etc. The Minister in his welcome address appreciated the commendable efforts of the leading Investors who have invested in Pakistan and are currently enjoying fair and reasonable returns on their investments. The Minister said, “Globally. governments have sought to generate growth and eliminate structural inefficiencies by eradicating Impediments and opening up economies to competition Private sector investment, Including FDI which has become the largest and fastest growing single component of capital Inflows for developing countries, has opened new prospects. By the same token, the government of Pakistan acknowledges the significance of private sector investment as part of Its dynamic policy for restructuring and revitalizing the national economy”. The Minister while recognizing the private sector as an engine for economic growth said, “The Government is conscious to make Pakistan both attractive and rewarding for investors. While referring to the high-priority issues, the Minister said that the government is implementing a strategic approach to the “sector-focusing first” on national trade corridor, which is linking Pakistan’s major ports in the south with its major cities and trade corridors to the north. The ports, roads and railway; along with corridor handle 95% of external trade and 65% of total land freight. The Minister informed that modernization of the trade corridor alone will require investment of about USD 1 billion per year over the medium-term. Thus, opening new venues for both individual and institutional investors to target Pakistan’s infrastructure sector as a potential investment opportunity. He further elaborated on the manifold economic challenges including the unprecedented surge in the International oil and food prices, he was of the view, “we are confident that we will meet the challenges keeping in view our will and commitment to bring progress and prosperity in our country. We will adopt the right policies in attainment of our objectives”, In his concluding remarks, the Minister said “The Government of Pakistan places high priority on the main role of private sector for industrialization and is playing a complementary role for developing infrastructure and institutional support, As a result of ID&BOI’s efforts to promote Pakistan as an Investor friendly country, there has been regular improvement in the inflow of FDI”. SMA/AZC
PR. No. 200. The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, which met at the Parliament House today under the Chairmanship of Senator Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi has expressed its dissatisfaction over the procedure adopted by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) while issuing new SIMS to the Mobile subscribers and has directed the Chairman PTA to ensure proper monitoring of business activities being carried out by the mobile companies and submit its report to the Committee. The Committee also took strong note of the issuance of SIMs by the cellular companies to the subscribers without proper verification from the NADRA and directed the PTA to properly investigate the matter and fix the responsibility. The Committee made these observations while having a briefing by PTA on its working and performance. The Members of the Committee pointed out that the rules framed under Pakistan Telecommunication Act are not comprehensive and require improvements. The Committee directed the PTA to submit the draft rules earlier proposed by it to the Govt. along with the relevant correspondence to the Committee at the earliest. The Committee decided to constitute a Sub-Committee with Senator Abdul Raziq Khan as Convenor with Senators Rehmat Ullah Kakar and Engr. Rashid Ahmed Khan as its members Earlier, Maj. Gen ® Shahzada Alam, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority gave a comprehensive presentation to the Committee on PTA’s organizational structure, functions and performance. He said that the organization was established with a view to create a fair regulatory regime to promote foreign investment, encourage competition, protect consumer interests and ensure high quality ICT services. He told the Committee that regulating the telecommunication system, creating fair competition promoting modernization, receind/disposing off applications for Radio Spectrum and submitting recommendations to the government for framing viable policies were some of the main functions assigned to the Authority. Apprising the Senate body about the regulatory initiatives taken by the PTA, Shahzada Alam said that Zero fee system has been introduced for the registration of satellite services whereas the regulatory fees, levied initially @ 4% was first reduced to 1.5% and then to 0.5%. He further told the Committee that keeping in view the difficulties of the residents of the far flung areas, the Licence fee for VAS has been reduced to 50% as compared to other parts of the country. In reply to a question, Chairman PTA said that Pakistan was one of the fastest growing country in S.E Asia witnessing growth of mobile industry. He disclosed that cellular mobiles witnessed a tremendous growth during the last six years and that more than 90% population has been consulted so far. In 2003, 6.5 million mobile phones were in use in Pakistan which rose to 85.6 million in April this year. The Chairman told the Committee that PTCL spent Rs. 1.2 billion for upgrading and that approximately US $ 3.4 million are being spent by each module operator whereas the expenditures are equally shared by all mobile operators. Giving a brief overview of the issues/challenges being faced by the authority, the Committee was told that verification of the antecedents of mobile subscribers was in progress. He assured the Committee that Computerized National Identity Cards has been made mandatory for the issuance of SIM. The Members of the Committee expressed the view that the verification system being introduced by PTA was faulty and suggested various amendments for incorporation in the new procedure for issuance of SIMS in future. The meeting was attended, besides the Chairman of the Committee Senator Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi by Senators Abdul Raziq, Muhammad Abbas Komaili, Muhammad Ali Borhi, Engr. Rashid Ahmed Khan, Mrs. Rehana Yahaya Baloch, Mrs. Fauzia Fakhar-uz-Zaman, Ch. Muhammad Anwar Bhinder, Rehmat Ullah Kakar, Kamran Murtaza and Dr. Safdar Ali. Secretary Cabinet Division Mr. Ghias-ud-Din, Chairman PTA and senior functionaries of the Cabinet Division and the PTA were also present. SM/ank
PR.
No. 201. A 5-member delegation of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led by Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, Country Director of UNDP called on Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour here today and discussed the Gender Justice Project through Musalehat Anjuman with the Minister. Secretary Local Government & Rural Development Mr. Saleem Khan Jhagra and other senior officials of the Ministry were also present during the meeting. The delegation informed the Federal Minister that Pakistan is one of the leading country for one U.N. Reforms i.e. various programme areas including poverty alleviation, gender, governance, environment, crisis prevention etc. Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, head of delegation appreciated partnership of UNDP with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and expressed his desire that they would build upon the relationship set by the Gender Justice Project and Continuous support. Talking to the delegation, Federal Minister for Local Government & Rural Development, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour appreciated the support being extended by UNDP to the Ministry for Gender Justice Programme and urged the need for a working relationship to strengthen interaction between the Ministry and UNDP. The Minister informed the delegation that the Provinces may be facilitated for a policy dialogue on governance reforms. Secretary Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Saleem Khan Jhagra appreciated the efforts of the UNDP for a stable partnership with the Ministry which needs to be sustained and concerted efforts made for redressing rural poverty, Social Justice, improved quality of life as UNDP is playing a catalytic role. FK/ank
PR. No. 202. Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Nawabzada Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has appreciated the skills of the students of National Textile Institute Islamabad and assured that every effort would be made to encourage such activities. While visiting the 3rd annual art exhibition by the students of the said Institute at Islamabad Tuesday, the Minister also invited these students to share their skills with the training centers of the Social Welfare Ministry in various parts of the country. He specifically evinced keen interest in the works of an impaired girl and said that such trainings are vital for creating self-confidence among such children. The Minister said that the government would make every effort to give international exposure to such creativities and said that a representative of such students can be included in the delegations of the government to visit regional countries and exchange their skills with such students in the neighboring countries. The Minister visited various stalls whereby he enquired in detail about the hand-crafts and news designs of these students and recorded his appreciations in the various books kept for the purposes on this occasion. Vice Chanceller Sarhad University was also present on this occasion. The Minister proposed that efforts should be made to organize such exhibitions in big hotels of the country so that the foreigners can also see the creations of these students. He said that in case these students organize get together with the trainees of the centers run by the Ministry of Social Welfare, it would be better for both of them and his Ministry will encourage such endures. JG/ank
PR. No. 203. The Regional (Asia) Chief of UNICEF Mr.Danial Toole, along with a delegation today called on the Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Nawabzada Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti at his office. The Central Secretary Information of Awami National Party ex-senator Zahid Khan was also present on this occasion. They discussed a number of issues including the problems faced by the Poorest-of- the- poor segments of society particularly in view of the recent price hike of food stuffs in the country and the ways and means for ameliorating the lot of these needy people. The Minister informed the delegation about the details of National Plan of Action and policy for Children, National Child Protection Policy, and the activities of the Pakistan Baitul Mall and the efforts of the government to help the needy and destitutes. The delegation was informed that the government wanted to make the working of the Baitul Mall more and more transparent and participatory so that maximum results are achieved with the minimum resources available. In this regard, the Minister informed that he wanted to include public representatives and members of civil society on various committees on the advisory committees of the Pakistan Baitul-Mal. He said that the government wanted to effectively extend the operation of Baitul Mall to the remote backward areas. The Minister Informed that he knew the problems and difficulties of the people of the remote and backwards areas like the remote areas of Baluchistan, Frontier and Sindh and every effort would be made to reach them. He said that he wanted to adopt practical and practicable means for reaching the targeted groups of the welfare program of the government. The Minister felt that the recent increase of the prices of commodities of daily use, particularly the food stuffs has badly affected the lives of the poor and he wanted to provide them every possible help on this difficult occasion. The Unicef delegation appreciated the efforts of the Social welfare Minister for ameliorating the lot of the poor people and assured that their Organization will make every efforts to supplement the endeavor of the Pakistan Government. JG/ank
PR. No. 204. Deputy Speaker N.A Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Education was one of the priorities of the present Government and Govt has taken various initiatives for providing quality education and increasing literacy rate in the country. He said this while talking to Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman who called on him in Parliament House today. The Deputy Speaker said that Govt is committed to establish new education institutions in rural areas of the country so that maximum educational facilities could be provided to masses. He said that Gomal University was the only institution which was provided the Higher Education to the students of Northern Districts of NWFP. He said that due to increase in population and people’s increasing trend towards the Higher Education, there was a need to establish more higher educational institutions in the area. Dr. Atta- ur - Rehman informed the Deputy Speaker about the ongoing projects for Higher Education in NWFP and future policy of the HEC for establishment of new educational institutions in NWFP. He also briefed the Deputy Speaker about the salient features of new education policy. MT/ank
PR. No. 205. Apropos a news item appearing in section of the media wrongly suggesting that Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has been appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister on Science and Technology. It is hereby clarified that Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has been appointed Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production. His status is equal to that of the Federal Minister. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Watto has taken charge of the Ministry of industries and Production and also chaired a briefing on the working and functions of the Ministry of Industries and Production here today. Ali Umar/ank
PR. No. 206. Government is well aware of the importance of the industrial sector for the over all development and well being of the country and all the necessary steps will be taken to bring efficiency in the sector and increase its out put. This was stated by Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor to Prime Minister on Industries and Production. He said this while chairing a meeting with the officers of the Ministry of Industries and Production and the heads of its attached here today. Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Mr. Shahab Khawaja gave a detailed briefing to Mr. Wattoo about the structure, working and functions of the Ministry including an update on the ongoing projects of the Ministry. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo instructed the concerned officials to give him detailed briefing on the status of the various projects being undertaken by the Ministry so as to formulate a strategy to complete them on fast track basis. Mr. Wattoo especially instructed the Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production to convene an immediate meeting with Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) so as to use power generation capacity of the sugar mills as early as possible. After being appointed as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo visited the Ministry today, met senior officers of the Ministry and chaired a briefing on the Ministry. Ali Umar/ank
PR. No. 207. Minister for Health, Sherry Rehman Wednesday said new government in Pakistan accords top priority to strengthening key elements of health systems at all levels and it would soon announce a national health service.”A health policy task force has been constituted and we will soon come up with a comprehensive health systems framework,” she said while addressing the 61st World Health Assembly here, says a press release received from Geneva here today. The Minister said there is no doubt that well-functioning, accountable health systems are the key to achieve MDGs, and are central to improving the health of the people, adding that the govenrment is committed to providing essential healthcare interventions effectively,efficiently, and equitably. Highlighting the measures being adpoted by the new democratic govenrment in Pakistan to strategically reform the health sector, Sherry Rehman said new National Health Policy is under consideration. “This will provide an overall vision for public health development, based on the “Health for All” approach. We will pay critical attention to the issues of accessibility, affordability and acceptability of health services by the general population,” she added. The Minister said the focus is being shifted to expand curative care to embrace preventive - from high-tech, cost intensive healthcare to Primary Health Care, and from investments in the urban to rural areas. She was of the opinion the health sector can play direct and significant role in achieving three goals - the reduction of child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis in addition to playing catalytic rolein the other areas. “We are also all aware that global health faces immense challenges and these warrant global attention. We all know that every year millions of people, most of them women and children, die needlessly of diseases that are treatable and preventable by simple and well-tested health interventions,” she said. Sherry Rehman also informed the Assembly that Pakistan’s National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Health Care is delivering basic health services at doorsteps to the under-privileged segment of the society through more than 95,000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs). She said they have proved themselves to be community change agents and are recognized as our flagship programme on public health delivery, adding that the health indicators in the areas served by LHWs show a significant improvement. The Minister said there has been a documented downswing in infant and maternal mortality rates. An increase in coverage of immunization and antenatal care, as well as use of contraceptives has also been documented. LHWs are the frontline workers for Polio eradication, and they play a critical role in delivering immunization and nutrition services as well as targeting controlling malaria and tuberculosis, she added. In view of the success of this program, the Minister said present government was increasing the number of Lady Health Workers to 200,000 in the next 5 years. She further informed the Assembly that a new comprehensive nationwide Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health Programme was being launched at a cost of $ 335 million to achieve the MDGs. She said the government was also trying its best to interrupt polio virus in the country, adding this eight polio cases have been reported so far. “Out of the four provinces and Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA), only one province continues to have a pocket of wild polio virus transmission. More than 100 districts of the country remain polio-free,” she added.This, she said, “gives us a hope that we will be able to interrupt the virus by the end of this year and in this regard we thank our partners and donors for their continuing support and assistance.” About Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Sherry Rehman said that the government’s investments are bearing fruit with impressive results at the intermediate outcome level.The TB Control Programme is being strengthened by implementing a national DOTS programme all over the country and based on the Roll back Malaria strategy, a national programme focusing on high risk districts,said the Minister. She said that Pakistan remains committed to challenges as they emerge.Recently cases of Avian flue in the North West of Pakistan were dealt with promptly and information was shared with the World Health Organization (WHO). This clearly demonstrates our commitment to deal efficiently with issues of global health importance,the Minister said. Over the last years Pakistan has moved from a low prevalence status in HIV/AIDS to a concentrated epidemic with HIV prevalence of more than 5 per centin injecting drug users (IDUs) in eight major cities. Total cases, as of December 31, 2007 of HIV and AIDS stand at 4047 and 455, respectively. To address this challenge, an Enhanced HIV/AIDS prevention and Control Program is being implemented all over the country,she told the Assembly. In view of the high prevalence of Viral Hepatitis in the country, we have launched a national programme for prevention and control of Hepatitis with a sizable budget. We are also planning to include non-communicable disease prevention, control and health promotion as a major program area as part of the forthcoming health policy. Thus, Pakistan will soon have an indigenously driven’MDG plus’ agenda. We are also planning to include non-communicable disease prevention, control and health promotion as a major programme area as part of the forthcoming health policy. Thus, Pakistan will soon have an indigenously driven ‘MDG plus’agenda,the Minister said. Sherry Rehman said we are all saddened by tragic loss of precious lives and property in natural disasters in Myanmar and China. Like the worst natural disaster in the history of Pakistan -the earthquake of 8th October 2005 – these disasters are yet another reminder reiterating the need to invest in Emergency Preparedness and Response,Sherry Rehman said. Pakistan has sent two planeloads of relief goods to China carrying consignments of tents, blankets, medicines and bottled water. A field hospital has also been offered to assist in relief efforts. Tomorrow, four planes carrying more tents will be dispatched to China. In addition, we have offered to 100,000 tents if the Chinese Government needs them. To Myanmar, we have sent two aircraft carrying relief goods including tents, mosquito nets,medicines, and tinned food. She further said that the developing world is beset with many social challenges and the present forecasts show very clearly that some of the MDG targets may not be met. “It is imperative that we take stock of the shortcomings and scale up efforts to make an effective contribution towards achieving these Goals. We must not let this opportunity slip; otherwise, the MDGs will become just another dream, as many others we once had,” the Minister said. “My delegation would like to convey our sincerest appreciation to all development partners, including WHO, for their valuable assistance to Pakistan in its endeavor to improve the health of its people, including the achievement of MDGs,she said. EW/ank |
