|
PR No. 219 Pakistan has adopted a comprehensive strategy to increase, upgrade and strengthen its naval fleet to effectively face the challenges of terrorism, piracy on the high seas and incidents of illegal activities in the sea, says a press release received here from Malaysia today. This was stated by Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan, Admiral Noman Bashir while talking to journalists on the second day of Defence Services Asia (DSA. 2010) exhibition, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 19th to 21st April, 2010. The admiral who is heading the Pakistan delegation to the DSA-2010 said that as part of a comprehensive strategy, Pakistan navy was in the process of acquiring news ships, increasing its sea surveillance capability, improving and upgrading its submarine operations and strengthening its coastal patrolling capability. While elaborating, he said that that navy had already acquired two new frigates of F-22 type from China, the third vessel to be commissioned in two to three months time, and a fourth one being built in collaboration with Chinese ship builders at the Karachi shipyard. Besides, used ships could also be acquired with the objective to deploy them in the near future. Pakistan navy was also re-inforcing its naval aviation by acquiring long range maritime petrol aircrafts. Two USA build aircrafts had already been acquired, whereas, two more will arrive later. Their commissioning by Pakistan Navy will strengthen its capability to survey large area under its area of responsibility. He added that Pakistan Navy was pursuing a program to upgrade and modernize its exiting submarine fleet also. He said that Pakistan was contributing significantly towards what he termed as energy corridor in the Gulf for supply of oil from the gulf countries to Pakistan and to the rest of the world. While replying to a question, Admiral said Pakistan could share with Malaysian training expertise related to submarines as Pakistan had a rich experience in submarine operations side of more than four decades. Besides, Pakistan and Malaysia could also enhance cooperation in joint exercises. He said Pakistan was also pursuing indigenization of defence-related equipment. He said Pakistan navy was currently commanding multinational coalition Naval Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) established to monitor, inspect, board, and stop suspect shipping to counter terrorism, human trafficking and smuggling of illegal drugs in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and North Indian Sea. The CTF consists of ships from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States.
PR No. 220 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan desires in peace and stability in the region and looks forward to establish friendly bilateral relations with all the countries of the region. The Prime Minister was talking to Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Federal Minister for Population Welfare who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said Pakistan is trying to solve the regional issues through dialogue as stability will usher in prosperity in the region. Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan apprised the Prime Minister of her recent visit to India and her meetings with leaders of major political parties of India especially with Ms. Sonia Gandhi. Ms. Sonia send her felicitations to President, Prime Minister and people of Pakistan on passage of 18th Amendment. She cherished sacrifices of the Bhutto family for democracy. She appreciated the reconciliatory policy of the Prime Minister to bring political stability in the country. In her meetings with parliamentarians, the formation of Friendship Forum especially the Women Parliament Forum was discussed to bring both countries closer. The Indian leaders stressed the need of people to people contact and free bilateral trade. They also discussed the proposals for socio-cultural heritage exchange through ministries and youth of both the countries. While reciprocating the goodwill gesture of the Indian politicians, the Prime Minister hoped early resumption of the bilateral dialogue between the two countries. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 221 Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek, has underlined the need for strengthening bilateral and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and Indonesia, keeping in view the close political relations between the two countries. He expressed these views while talking to Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Ishak Latuconisina who paid a courtesy visit to him, here today. The Chairman Senate congratulated Indonesian Government and people for holding free and fair elections in 2007 which further strengthened democracy in Indonesia. Pakistan was a member of International Observer Group during these elections. Mr. Farooq H. Naek called for the closer parliamentary interaction between the two countries to benefit from each other’s experiences. The Chairman Senate also lauded the Indonesian Government and people for establishing ‘Mali Democracy Forum’ and hoped that it would help all the countries of the South East Asian Region and Pakistan in strengthening the democratic institutions and promoting democratic values. Farooq H. Naek also underscored the significance of further enhancing trade relations between the two countries to increase quantum of trade in accordance with friendship agreement between Indonesia and Pakistan signed in 2007 as the trade relations did not commensurate with the close political relations between the two countries. H.E. Mr. Ishak Latuconisina, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia congratulated to the Chairman Senate, the Government and people of Pakistan on the passage of historic Eighteenth Amendment Bill and termed it as a landmark achievement of the political leadership of Pakistan which would further consolidate the democratic system in the country. The Ambassador also conveyed warm greetings and thanks of the Speaker of the Lower House of the Indonesian Assembly for inviting him to visit Pakistan. The Indonesian Speaker will visit Pakistan on a mutually convenient date towards the end of May or early June this year. **RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 222 Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali today chaired a meeting of Education Task Force to review its progress. The Federal Minister said that the task force should work to increase the capacity of the federal and provincial governments and to implement the education reforms as envisaged in the National Education Policy. The task force should support the federal and provincial ministries, and prioritize and identify clear goals for improving the education system, the Minister added. The Minister also said that the task force should also set targets for improvement and cascade them out through the system. The task force should steer the federal and provincial ministries in setting priorities and marking targets for bringing changes in school system and for garnering positive results, he added. Advisor to PM and Co-Chairperson of the Task Force Shahnaz Wazir Ali said that the task force has been entrusted the responsibility to improve education and we are devising an effective mechanism to ensure the up gradation of the education system to meet modern day requirements. **Aj/Ahmad**
PR No. 223 A meeting of the Privatisation Commission Board will be held under the chairmanship of Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation at Privatisation Commission Secretariat, Islamabad on Friday April 23, 2010 to formulate recommendations for Cabinet Committee On Privatisation (CCOP) and to review the status and progress of various ongoing and upcoming transactions. The meeting will also review the progress made for the implementation of Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS) and will discuss the schedule of the BESOS distribution certificates in the remaining entities. So far under BESOS more than 40,000 workers of eight entities have received 12 % GoP shares unit certificates. This scheme is effective from August 14, 2009. **TP/Ahmad**
PR
No. 224 Pakistan and Kuwait have reiterated their desire to further expand and consolidate their bilateral ties in the fields of trade, commerce and defence. This was agreed at a meeting between Federal Minister for Defence, Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar, and the Ambassador of Kuwait to Pakistan, Mr.Nawaf Abdul Aziz Al Enezi, who called on him, today. The meeting underlined the need for promoting closer collaboration between the Armed Forces of the two brotherly countries. Talking to the ambassador, the Minister said that Pakistan was proud of its relations with Kuwait which had always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. He told the envoy that relations between the two brotherly countries needed to be expanded and enhanced in the areas of trade, military and defence for the mutual benefits of the both sides. The Minister briefed the envoy about the anti-terror efforts made by Pakistan. He said that Pakistan had been playing a major role against the war on terror and had succeeded to a greater extent to eliminate the terrorist and extremist forces. The ambassador told the Minister that the entire world was highly appreciative of the efforts and role of Pakistan’s political and military leadership and its security forces against combating the menace of terrorism. The envoy expressed the hope that Pakistan would soon overcome the difficulties being faced by it. He assured the Minister that his country would fully support Pakistan to overcome its problems. The meeting also agreed to exchange military delegation and increase interaction between the Armed Forces of the two countries. It was also suggested to increase trade volume between the two sides. The envoy informed the Minister that his country was keen to recruit and hire the services of Pakistani doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. He sought the assistance of government of Pakistan to help and expedite the recruitment process.
PR No. 225 Mr. Hafeezullah Cheema Advisor to the Ministry of Labour and Manpower has said that the President has announced to give 4 bonuses to the workers of Ashraf Sugar Mills which shows commitment of people government, this he said while meeting with the delegation of labourers from Islamabad. He said that President showed close liaison with labourers that was the commitment of the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The Advisor said that in the last two years, many fronts were opened to remove the present government but with the support of poor people all attempts were foiled. He said that labourers are asset of the party and party has proud of them. Present government has implemented of 80 percent of its manifesto, he added. He said that various achievements are in the PPP government bank including Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, disclosing of a dictator without any NFC awards, any bloodshed and now 18th amendment. Mr. Hafeezullah said that new reforms have also been implemented. He said that this year Labour Day will be celebrated with the high enthusiasm. **NA/Ahmad**
PR No. 226 Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Ministry of Environment is mindful of the fact that among other stakeholders, the business community has to play a pivotal role in enabling Pakistan to overcome the sustainability challenges of the 21st Century. He also said that Environmental and sustainability reporting provides a useful framework for communicating the readiness, preparedness and commitment of business to overwhelming the sustainability challenges. He expressed these views while addressing in ACCA-WWF (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and World Wide Fund for Nature) Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards Distribution Ceremony here today. Mr. Afridi said that the challenging economic and business dynamics have made the business community subject to greater accountability. He said that in the current economic conditions, as capital becomes scarce, donors and investors would be very selective in providing finance. Especially, there is consideration on Environmental and social compliance and these aspects are being considered as key factors in business deals. Moreover, the Ministry of Environment has been working closely with key stakeholders including FPCCI, CCI, Associations, NGOs, etc. in ensuring implementation of Environmental regime in the country, he added. Environment Minister said that Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997, Rules & Regulations and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) are very much in place. All these legal instruments are developed in collaboration with all the concerned public and private sector entities. Mr. Afridi highlighted that initiatives like ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards are a timely advocate of Environmental reporting and sustainability reporting that will benefit investors as well as the companies themselves. He told in his address that Ministry of Environment always encourages such opportunity whereby Environmental compliance could be achieved. These reporting awards are important because they encourage organizations to manage Environmental impacts more effectively. He urged the organizations that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) may also be encouraged to participate in such events. He assured full support to the private sector initiatives like the ACCA-WWF Pakistan Environmental Reporting Awards. He said that sponsors ACCA and WWF deserve due acknowledgement for promoting awareness among corporate sector to mainstream sustainability issues in their operation. Afterwards, Federal Minister for Environment distributed awards among winning organizations. Mr. Ali Hassan Habib, DG WWF-Pakistan, Mr. Arif Masood Mirza, Head of ACCA-Pakistan, Syed Ahsenuddin, Vice President, Engro Polymer & Chemicals Ltd, Mr. Farhan Sami, Country Team Leader WSP-SA, World Bank. Mr. Shafqat Kakahel. Former Pakistan Ambassador and Ex-UN Asst. Secretary General, Dr. Afra Sajjad, Head of Education and Policy Development of ACCA Pakistan, Mr. M. Adil Khattak, CEO, Attock Refinery Limited, Mr. Ahmed D. Patel, Chairman-Executive Board, Ernst & Young Ford Rhodes Sidat, Mr. Markus Turczn, Head of Finance, Procurement, Administration & IT, OMV (Pakistan) Exploration GmbH and other officials of Ministry of Environment, ACCA and WWF were present in this ceremony.
PR No. 227 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent warm greeting to Mr. D. M. Jayaratne, on assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. In his message of felicitation the Prime Minister said, “The trust reposed in you is a testimony to your long and distinguished political career as a parliamentarian and to your contribution and service to the people of Sri Lanka spanning over 40 years. I would like to avail this opportunity to reaffirm the importance which we attach to our relations with Sri Lanka. I look forward to working together with Your Excellency to further strengthen our friendly and cooperative ties. I also take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for Your Excellency’s health, happiness and prosperity of the friendly people of Sri Lanka”.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that improved security situation in the country and political stability would help provide conducive environment for the investors. The Prime Minister was talking to Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said the reconciliatory policy of his government resulted in the consensus building among all political forces in the country and hoped that it will give confidence to the foreign as well as domestic investors to invest in various projects. The Prime Minister asked the Minister for Commerce to take on board all the stakeholders to formulate investor friendly policies. The public-private partnership, he added, should be the focus of the trade policy. Makhdoom Amin Fahim apprised the Prime Minister of the matters related to his ministry.
PR
No. 229 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani lauded the contribution made by all the Chief Ministers, Federal Ministers, Energy Experts, International Organizations and the heads of various related organizations, in the Energy Conference to help ease the energy crisis in the country. The Prime Minister expressed his sentiment during the meeting with the Chief Ministers of all the four provinces and concerned Federal Ministers held at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon prior to the Joint Press Conference. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the same spirit of nationalism will be demonstrated by all the political leadership to confront any future challenges as well. Earlier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Minister for Water and Power formally presented the report of the outcome of Energy Conference to the Prime Minister. He also apprised him of the salient features of the report as well as recommendations made through consensus. All the Chief Ministers appreciated the initiative taken by the Prime Minister to call the Energy Conference which they mentioned not only helped to restore the crisis but also cleared a number of misperceptions about the issue.
PR No. 230 “Expeditious justice is not possible without the help of Lawyers,” said the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, while addressing the 25 members delegation of Faisalabad District Bar, headed by its president, Mr. S.M.Iqbal and comprising other office bearers, who called on his lordship today (22.04.2010) in the Supreme Court Building, Islamabad. He further emphasized the lawyers, “they must utilize all possible efforts into practice to bring improvements in judicial system and leave no stone unturned to address the needs of litigant public and plead their cases so as to redress their grievances”. He further said to lawyers, “they must be committed, diligent and dedicated towards their cause to achieve goals and make their career bright and fruitful for society.” The delegation lauded the efforts of Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan Mr. Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry to cleanse judiciary of corrupt elements and the steps taken for least adjournment to materialize the vision of inexpensive and expeditious disposal of cases. The delegation assured full support and cooperation to assist the Bench in dispensation of justice. The delegation extended the invitation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of Pakistan to visit Faisalabad District Bar. The Hon’ble Chief Justice accepted the invitation and assured them to visit the Bar soon.
PR No. 231 The Fourth meeting of The Pakistan Education Task Force held today with strong provincial, federal and area representation from both the governmental and non-governmental sectors. The meeting was co-chaired by Shahnaz Wazir Ali (Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on the Social Sectors) and Sir Michael Barber (former head of the UK Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit) . The Task Force also held meeting with the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education, Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali, where the results of Task Force activities in monitoring and research were presented. The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment and identified challenges and opportunities in the education sector. The meeting was preceded by three days of school visits and consultations with the government and NGO/CSO in Sindh and Islamabad Discussion and debate in the meeting focused on three key issues during core team visits to the four provinces: Results of a provincial implementation monitoring tool for the National Education Policy; following which the Task Force will continue to work with the provinces and regions in their implementation progress of the National Education Policy The Task Force also discussed the textbook sourcing process by provinces including a strong focus on textbook quality, development, production and distribution in light of the National Textbook Policy. The Task Force stressed the innovative solutions to the problems of the education sector in Pakistan. It also laid out the priorities for the Task Force work plan over the next few months around continued support for the implementation of the National Education Policy.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is a revolutionary step by the government which has no precedence, said President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday. BISP is a step towards making Pakistan a welfare state and through which efforts are being made to eliminate poverty and strengthen women socially and financially. According to the vision of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, BISP is providing financial assistance at the doorstep of the deserving families without any discrimination of political and religious affiliation. These views were expressed by President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday at a big public gathering in Bahawalpur at the launch ceremony of Benazir Smart Card. President Zardari said we are a reflection of the thought of Shaheed Bhutto and the people. We have told the world that the poor are dear to us and we rule over their hearts. Nations often face tests in their life and we will take Pakistan forward. President Zardari said I know which area of Pakistan needs what. Present government is determined to solve all problems by the end of its five-year term. He further said that the martyrdom of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was for Pakistan and politics was worship for him. Our politics is for the people and Pakistan People’s Party has its roots in the people. Announcing development work in Bahawalpur, President Zardari said that the double road from Bahawalpur to Hasilpur and Bahawalpur to Multan double road will be upgraded. He said students of Islamia University Bahawalpur will be given 500 IT and 100 foreign scholarships. He said we have still to achieve many goals and make Pakistan a developed country. President Zardari said today’s’ political actors do not love the people. Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP is a revolutionary programme which has launched various initiatives to empower women and alleviate poverty from the country. She said making BISP is the way to make Pakistan a welfare state. Giving economic self-sufficiency to the public is our foremost priority because Pakistan People’s Party’s manifesto wants to see the people of Pakistan strengthened and it is for this reason that we have given many sacrifices and fulfilled the promise of free judiciary. She said we have removed the elements of dictatorship from the constitution and want to rid the country of the menace of terrorism and extremism. In the same way we also want to eliminate poverty from the country. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said democratic government’s don’t just make hollow statements but fulfill their promises too and we have devoted ourselves to the service of the public. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP is giving the people what they rightfully deserve and this system will continue forever. We are working according o the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-e-Millat, Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. President and Prime Minister of Pakistan are making efforts to make BISP an effective programme to ensure that the needs of the common man are met and they get their rights on their doorstep. She said today another important step has been taken by the launch of the Benazir Smart Card. Through this initiative the women will not only become financially independent but will also get social and economic protection so that no one could deprive her of her rights. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said the Benazir Smart Card is a modern payment mechanism and will ensure efficient and transparent disbursement of financial assistance to the BISP beneficiaries. She said with the help of Benazir Smart Card, beneficiaries will be able to draw their money with ease from BISP nominated franchises near them. Relevant information of the beneficiaries will be stored in the card and they will be able to draw money or make purchases from their card just by showing their NIC at the franchise. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said according to the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, BISP is working to empower women and eliminate poverty from the country. In addition to the providing financial assistance, BISP was also giving an amount of Rs.300,000 to beneficiaries selected through a computerized draw every month. She said work was also underway on Health Insurance and Vocational Training schemes. Under Health Insurance scheme a health cover worth Rs.25,000 per year will be given to beneficiary family, whereas, Vocational Training scheme aims to give technical training to one member of the family to enable that person to get employed and start contributing to the household income thus lifting it out of the poverty trap. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said Benazir Smart Card will be distributed in those districts where the Poverty Survey has been completed. Terming the Benazir Smart Card as a modern and efficient mode of cash disbursement, she said this card will end the need of money order delivery which takes time. Through the Benazir Smart Card, beneficiaries will have ready access to their money which they could use as they like. Federal Minister/Chairperson BISP Ms. Farzana Raja said BISP will continue to introduce modern and revolutionary initiatives like this to serve the public in a transparent and effective manner.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
