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PR. No. 188. Federal Minister for Water & Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf has stressed upon all concerned for joint and collaborative efforts in order to pass forthcoming flood season safely. He stated that Federal Government shall provide all possible resources for implementation of flood management measures. The Minister also advised Pakistan Meteorological Department for assisting Irrigation Departments of NWFP and Balochistan in the provision of early warning system with a view to address the issues of flash floods and small reaction time besides extending the system to Northern Areas and FATA. He said this while presiding over 43rd annual inter-provincial meeting to review the protection arrangements to be taken during flood season, here today. Adviser, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Power and representatives of Provincial Governments, Federal Flood Commission, Met Department, Provincial Relief Commissioners, PCIW, Wapda, Pak. Army, Planning Commission, Railways, Water and Power, NDMA, Northern Areas, FATA, Wasa Rawalpindi and other attended. The Minister directed that coordination meetings with Provinces should be held frequently preferably on quarterly basis to ensure timely implementation of important flood protection decisions. The Minister further directed for simplification of procedures relating to flood relief and rescue and for formulation of consensus based policy on allocations of federal allocation. The Minister also directed timely removal of encroachments from Lai Nullah with a view to avoid life and property loss. Earlier, Representatives of Provincial Irrigation Departments informed the meeting that work on all emergent flood protection works were in progress and they were expected to be completed before the start of flood season. Further to that all the provinces had taken all the precautionary and preparatory measures to combat any eventuality in the event of very high floods. Pakistan Meteorological Department informed that it has been able to complete major improvements in the flood forecasting sector through up-gradation of weather radars of Lahore and Sialkot besides installation of a new state of the art weather radar system at Mangla to monitor river Jhelum catchments and these radars will be in operation during the forthcoming flood season. He further informed that this year Normal to above Normal rains are expected and for that all emphasis should be on better coordination among the agencies concerned so that any flood like situation is averted amicably. Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (PCIW) informed the meeting that adequate arrangements have been made with India for receipt of advance flood flow data from India relating to eastern rivers during the flood season. The meeting was further informed that Flood Warning Cell, Lahore and provincial warning cells would become operational from the start of the flood season and shall work on round-the-clock basis. Chairman National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. General ® Farooq Ahmed Khan especially stressed better coordinated role of Federal Flood Commission in the scrutiny and implementation of flood protection works in the Provinces and Federal line agencies side by side the improvements in the Flood Forecasting & Warning System. **AJM/Ahmad**
PR. No. 189. The aspirations and opinions of the local people will be taken into account while making amendments into FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) act. This was said by Federal Law Minister Farooq H. Naek in a meeting with Governor NWFP Owais Ahmad Ghani who called on him here today. The Minister and the Governor discussed the FCR in detail and exchanged opinions on making amendments into it. They also discussed the various development projects being undertaken in FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas). The current situation in FATA also came under discussion. The Minister said that he will himself visit the area to have the first hand knowledge and view situation on ground so that FCR may be amended according to the wishes of the local people. Introduction of Shariat Laws in the former Malakand Division and Sawat also came under discussion during the meeting. The Law Minister said that views of the local people will be taken in to account while implementing any law or policy and he will himself visit these areas to ascertain the situation on ground. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 190. M/O Religious Affairs and Zakat & Ushr while reviewing the existing Ziarat Policy on visits to Muslim shrines in India, has brought following changes in the policy, in the public interest with immediate effect. “The condition of repeating visit by a Zair has been curtailed from 36 months to 18 months. The other terms and conditions of the Policy remain the same.” **Ahmad**
PR. No. 191. The annual Urs of Hazrat Amir Khusro (RA) is being held from October 17-23, 2008 at Delhi, India. The interested Zaireen may address the applications to Section Officer (Ziarat), Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr, Islamabad on the Newly computerized Application Forms alongwith a bank draft /Postal Order of Rs.100/- (non-refundable), not later than June 30, 2008. Ballot, if required, will be held on 31st July, 2008, in Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat & Ushr Islamabad. The Forms can be obtained free of cost from office of the Director Hajj in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Ministry of Religious Affairs Islamabad. Other details and instructions regarding the Urs are available on the Application Form and on the official website www.mora.gog.pk as well. Applications on old forms will not be entertained. MSG/Ahmad**
PR. No. 192. Director General Strategic Planning Division, Lt. General (Retd.) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai called on President Pervez Musharraf here today and gave him an update on Pakistan’s strategic programmes. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 193. The Federal Board of Revenue and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to promote cooperation and organize mutual assistance against illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials. Member (Customs), FBR, Mr. Mahmood Alam and Member Executive, PNRA, Mr. Shakil-ur-Rehman singed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations. Secretary General, Revenue Division/Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue, Mr. M. Abdullah Yusuf and Chairman PNRA, Mr. Jamshed Azim Hashmi were present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, FBR Chairman said that Pakistan Customs was engaged in combating commercial fraud, counterfeiting drug trafficking, money laundering, electronic crime and smuggling of arms. In addition to these challenges, the growing threat of international terrorism has, now, emerged as a major concern for Customs Administrations which includes potential threat of smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials, he added. “This is a common threat to all countries including Pakistan which has grave implication to security,” Mr. Abdullah Yusuf said and added, “Both, FBR and PNRA, recognize the need to formalize cooperation and mutual assistance to meet the possible threat of smuggling of nuclear and radioactive materials through Pakistan .” As government department that controls and administers the international movement of goods, Pakistan Customs is in a unique position to contribute to the global trade supply chain security besides socio-economic development in Pakistan through revenue collection and trade facilitation. On the other hand, Mr. Yusuf said, PNRA has the technical expertise to equip and train Customs personnel for detection of radioactive and nuclear materials. Therefore, by signing this MOU, FBR and PNRA shall achieve cooperation to create an organizational framework which was needed to effectively combat the nuclear terrorism threat, he added. FBR Chairman was the opinion that this MOU shall enhance enforcement capabilities of Pakistan Customs for preventing, detecting and responding to illicit trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive materials. It is intended to provide the framework to ensure that their illicit trafficking is prevented. He informed that Pakistan Customs has prepared an implementation plan including a Pilot Project for enforcing provisions of this MOU. Pakistan Customs is committed to achieve the objectives of this MOU as a national responsibility, the Chairman added. Mr. Abdullah Yusuf assured that FBR shall undertake all necessary measures to provide adequate training to Customs personnel through PNRA for use of detection equipment so that all international entry and exit points are fully monitored at the earliest. He was confident that the MOU shall go a long way to bring security to this country and international community. PNRA Chairman, Mr. Jamshed Azim Hashmi, in his speech, said that both FBR and PNRA will cooperate with each other to meet international obligations to combat illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials. He assured all support to FBR to make the borders secured. The MOU, signed today, explains that the world today is facing a growing international threat of illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials which present a grave hazard to national and international security. The Government of Pakistan recognizes its international obligations to join global efforts to combat threat of illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials. Pakistan Customs is the primary enforcement agency at international entry and exit stations including international airports, dry ports among other Customs stations while PNRA is the national statutory nuclear regulatory authority in Pakistan entrusted with the task to regulate all aspects of application of ionizing radiations and nuclear energy in Pakistan, Therefore, the two organizations have entered into agreement for cooperation in joint measures for detection, and subsequent management, of radioactive and nuclear materials at strategic points. The necessary detection equipment has been procured by PNRA which shall be handed over to Pakistan Customs after training of the Customs personnel. This equipment shall be used by Pakistan Customs at sea ports, dry ports, airports and at any other Customs station at international border or for goods in transit or in transshipment or the goods en route throughout territory of Pakistan . Under this MOU, PNRA shall provide the Pakistan Customs training, technical assistance and maintenance facilities for radiation detection equipment and radiation protection, management of radioactive/contaminated consignments while both shall cooperate to manage radioactive sources/materials identified or seized/confiscated by the Pakistan Customs. It has been agreed that Pakistan Customs in association with PNRA shall run a pilot project at Islamabad International Airport for comprehensive enforcement model for Customs controls including monitoring/detection of radioactive/nuclear materials. This model shall be applied to all other international airports by the Pakistan Customs for effective and modern enforcement controls after completion of the pilot project. **HM/Ahmad**
PR. No. 194. According to a Press Release issued by the National Defence University, Islamabad, here today, the Eighth National Security Workshop has been rescheduled and will now be held from July 28, 2008 to August 30, 2008. NA/ank.
PR. No. 195. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has donated blood as mark of birth anniversary celebration of Benazir Bhutto in the dispensary of the Parliament House today. The Madam Speaker was also accompanied by MNAs Ms Shagufta Jumani, Ms Belam Hasnain, Ms. Yasmin Rehman, Mr. Abdul Qadir Patal and Syed Akhoon Zada Chattan, who also donated blood in the dispensary of the Parliament House. Speaking on the occasion the Speaker said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had strong belief in democratic norms and had always worked for democracy, strength of Pakistan and prosperity of its people for which she embraced martyrdom. She said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the torch bearer of women rights and always advocated for gender equality. She allocated quota for women in the services of Pakistan besides establishing women police stations and the First Women Bank in Pakistan during her Tenure as Prime Minister. The Speaker said that Shaheed Mohtarma loved Pakistan and its people and despite threats to her life, she came back to Pakistan . She further said that it was desire of the masses to see BB as Leader of the House but her sudden death shattered their dreams. She said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was the torch bearer of the democratic and social mission of Late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for which she made sacrifices. She said that the Martyrdom of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto has created a vacuum which is impossible to be filled. The Speaker said that it was the desire of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to see a strong and prosperous Pakistan where its inhabitants can lead a comfortable life. The Speaker said that the best way to celebrate the birth anniversary of BB was to donate blood and hold ceremonies of recitation of the Holy Quran for Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s soul. Dr. Fehmida Mirza has also placed a Register in her chamber in the Parliament House for registering remarks and tributes of the MNAs for the late BB on her birth anniversary. MT/ank
PR.
No. 196. Mrs. Fauzia Gilani, wife of Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended a Mehfil-e-Quran Khwani held at the PM’s House this evening in connection with the 55th birth anniversary of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Sheheed. A large number of women belonging to different walks of life were also present on the occasion. The Holy Quran was recited and special prayers were offered for the soul of the Shaheed Mohtarma at the gathering. DSG/wh
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