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PR No. 245
Press release
PML-N asked to adopt clear cut stance on NWFP renaming issue
Islamabad: 21st March, 2010Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour Sunday said that instead of using delaying tactics, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz should adopt a clear cut stance on renaming of North West Frontier Province, expressing the desire that it should be “Pukhtoonkhwa.”
“The PML-N needs to come up with a clear mindset in renaming of NWFP province. Awami National Party will be obliged to Mian Nawaz Sharif if he agrees on Pukhtoonkhwa,” said the railways minister talking to the newsmen here.
He said three names are being mulled over for the province including Pukhtoonkhwa, Pukhtoonistan and Afghania, adding that in word Pakistan, named by Chaudhry Rehmat Ali, ‘A’ represents Afghania.
The minister was of the view that the PML-N leadership has no reservations on Pukhtoonkhwa but some of the party leaders are misguiding them in this regard, even that all of the MNAs of Muslim League-Nawaz support ANP’s stance.
“We want to put “Pukhtoonkhwa” on Pakistan’s map,” otherwise it may hurt the sentiments of the people.
To a question, the minister said basically, Karachi belongs to Sindhis and Pukhtoons have gone there just for bread-earning.
Reiterating the party’s stance over Kalabagh Dam, he said it would sink five districts of Pukhtoonkhwa and bring a drought in Sindh, hoping that Punjab province would never take advantage of the situation.
He said Punjab draws 12,000 cusecs water from Sindh River at Jinnah Barrage, 21,000 cusecs from Chashma Barrage and 12,000 cusecs from Taunsa Barrage that irrigates around 4,500,000 acres of land.
He said Pukhtoonkhwa contributes 21,000 cusecs of water at Khairabad point in Indus River but since last 63 years, it receives even less than half of its share in Dera Ismail Khan, adding that if it is given, it may irrigate 1,100,000 acres of land.
Categorically rejecting any minus-one formula, Bilour said President Asif Ali Zardari has been democratically elected with heavy majority and said the anti-democratic forces must not initiate any move aimed at toppling the PPP-led coalition government as democracy has been revived through innumerous sacrifices.
He lauded positivism of first ever unanimously elected Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and said if the previous rulers too had adopted such course of reconciliation, the country could have easily been saved from Martial Law.
To a question, he said, “I don’t think Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif could give a statement, asking Taliban to spare Punjab province from suicide attacks but if he did so, I oppose that.”
The railways minister said the ongoing war against terrorism is being fought for country’s survival and supremacy of the Constitution.
The railways minister said Taliban’s repeated threats could not deter the determination of Awami National Party.
He said whole political leadership had consensus on 1973 constitution including Maulana Mufti Mehmood, Maulana Shah Ahmed Noorani and Jamaat-e Islami had signed it when Maulana Maudoodi was alive.
Commenting on the performance of his ministry, he said since he took charge of the ministry, he decreased five percent of the fares despite increase in fuel prices and mentioned to the insufficient budget for railways.
The railways minister said there is acute shortage of locomotives, adding that the sector was neglected in each political tenure but “this government is striving to make it a profitable entity and put it on track of prosperity.”
“During last 22 years, the ministry purchased 120 locomotives and many of those are lying out of order and require repair. If the government continues extending cooperation, the railway’s position may be recovered remarkably within two-year time,” the minister added.
PR No. 246
PRESS RELEASE
NAVEED QAMAR INAUGURATES PPL PUBLIC WELFARE HOSPITAL, SUI AND DISTRIBUTES BESOS CERTIFICATES AMONG
COMPANY EMPLOYEES
DERA BUGTI AGENCY,SUI : 21st March, 2010Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (MPNR) Syed Naveed Qamar performed the groundbreaking of the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) Public Welfare Hospital, Sui and distributed shares among employees under the Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS) at Sui Gas Field (SGF). Besides PPL’s management, staff and workers, the event was attended by MPNR, provincial and local government officials, area notables and national and local media.
The hospital is PPL’s latest Corporate Social Responsibility initiative at its bannerflag field. Located in Sui Town on land given by the Government of Balochistan (GoB), the facility will cater to the fast-growing local population. PPL will construct and furnish the hospital and provide the necessary medical equipment. Besides basic administrative infrastructure and fully trained doctors, nurses and paramedics, the facility will comprise an emergency and segregated male and female in-patient wards, consulting clinics, operation theatres and recovery rooms and laboratory, radiology, obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatric services.
The construction of the hospital is expected to take 18 months. On completion, PPL will hand over the administration, management and maintenance of the hospital to GoB but will continue to provide financial assistance for provision of free medicines and services of seven to ten specialists. The hospital will have an independent Board of Governors that will include representatives from the provincial and local governments and PPL, who will be further notified by the GoB.
Under BESOS, some 2,700 PPL employees have been allocated 12 percent shares based on length of service from the government’s holding of 78.40 percent. The company has already disbursed a bonus and two dividends under the scheme among its employees.
On arrival at SFG, the nation’s largest natural gas field, the federal minister was given an overview comprising the current production levels, ongoing and future drilling activities to enhance reserve replacement of hydrocarbons and the company’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility and development initiatives for the local population.
Following the presentation, Qamar was driven to the site of the hospital for the groundbreaking, after which he presented (BESOS) certificates among PPL staff and workers.
Speaking on the occasion, Qamar highlighted the efforts of the government to facilitate the Exploration and Production (E&P) sector to ensure a safe energy future for the country. He added that BESOS was part of the same effort as it would encourage stake and ownership of employees in state-owned enterprises, resulting in improved performance. Qamar also urged E&P companies to discharge their social responsibilities for sustainable development, particularly in disadvantaged areas of the country.
In his address, MD and CEO PPL Khalid Rahman reiterated his company’s resolve to discharge its CSR responsibilities equitably and transparently, especially in its operational areas. The company’s extensive CSR portfolio is ample evidence of its commitment to positive social change and development, he added. Khalid Rahman also lauded the efforts of the MPNR in facilitating the E&P sector. He also thanked the minister for implementing BESOS and hoped it would not only increase employee goodwill and stake in the company but also result in improved performance.
PR No. 247
PRESS RELEASE
DEFENCE MINISTER LEAVES FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Islamabad: 21st March, 2010Federal Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, will be leaving for United States of America tomorrow (Monday) to attend the 4th session of Pak-US strategic dialogue schedule to be held in Washington DC on 24-25 March.
AM/wh