PR No. 144 PRESS RELEASE Barrister Sultan calls on Prime Minister Islamabad: November 22, 2011     Barrister Sultan Mahmood, former Prime Minister  of Azad Kashmir, called on the Prime Minister here today at the PM House  before embarking upon three weeks foreign visit which includes the  countries like USA, UK, Germany, France etc. He commended Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani for taking up a firm stand on the Kashmir issue with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the Maldives when he urged upon the resolution of the long standing issue of KASHMIR through dialogue The Prime Minister said that his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Thimpu paved the way for the resumption of talks between the two countries as the only way forward to settle all their outstanding issues including the core issue of Kashmir. The Prime Minister said that during his talks with the Indian Prime Minister in the Maldives both the Premiers agreed to the imperative of settling their outstanding issues through peaceful means. Prime Minister  Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani while talking to media along with his Indian counterpart  in the Maldives said, both the countries should settle their disputes  including Kashmir issue through dialogue’ because in the brinkmanship situation terrorists succeeded in keeping the two neighbors at bay. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would gradually increase trade with India and while doing so the interests of the home industry would be the sole consideration in the operational strategy that would be evolved by taking all the stakeholders on board. The Prime Minister appreciated the role of Barrister Sultan along with other leaders for uniting the PPP in the recent elections in Azad Kashmir thus leading the Party to secure comfortable majority to form the government in the state. Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry discussed the proposal of Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Occupied Kashmir and the Azad Kashmir to further facilitate trade across the Line of Control. PR No. 145 PRESS RELEASE Afridi Expresses Grief Over the Demise of Senior Journalist “Mustafa Sadiq” Islamabad: November 22, 2011   The Chairman Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO) and Member National Assembly Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has expressed profound grief over the sad demise of prominent worker of Pakistan Moment and senior journalist Mustafa Sadiq (Late) here today. In a condolence message, Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Mustafa Sadiq (Late) was a seasoned and amiable personality. He was the man of commitment and rendered his valuable professional contributions as well as social services to strengthen media organizations in the country. He always played leading role for the development of all mediums of Journalism.  The Chairman IPO further said that Pakistan has deprived from a very competent and able personality. His devotion for the profession and social services would be remembered for long time. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi prayed almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in peace and give patience to bereaved family and friends to bear this irreparable loss. PR No. 146 PRESS RELEASE UK delegation led by Security Advisor calls on Prime Minister Islamabad: November 22, 2011   A five-member UK delegation led by Sir Peter Ricketts, National Security Advisor, called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at the PM House today to hold discussion on Enhanced Strategic Dialogue between the two countries. The Prime Minister was assisted by the Foreign Minister, Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar, Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, DG, ISI, Lt. General Ahmad Shuja Pasha and Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Bashir. Sir Peter Ricketts, UK Security Advisor, was assisted by General Sir David Richards, Chief of Defence Staff, Sir John Sawers, Chief of SIS (MI-6), Ambassador Mark Sedwill, UK’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner. The meeting was a part of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and the UK. Prime Minister Gilani mentioned his meetings and joint press interaction with the British Prime Minister at the Commonwealth Summit in Perth along with Canadian Prime Minister, Australian and Nigerian President regarding polio eradication initiative among other subjects. Prime Minister Gilani highly appreciated the assistance of the UK particularly in the field of health and education that would go a long way to help the Government of Pakistan to meet the Millennium Development Goals. The Prime Minister mentioned that the Council of Common Interests, representing all the provinces including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit/Baltistan, had passed a unanimous resolution on setting the national standards of education and enhancing budgets for education. The Prime Minister was highly appreciative of the UK assistance in the development of the economy. UK was one of the biggest foreign investors in Pakistan, co-operation in the various sectors of economy was progressing well, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister complimented the UK for giving generous financial assistance during the natural calamities this year, as well as in 2010 and in 2005. Sir Peter Ricketts, UK National Security Advisor, appreciated the role of Pakistan in the war on terror adding that economic stability was necessary to effectively work as a bulwark against the tide of terrorism. He said that his country would continue co-operation with Pakistan in multiple fields as envisaged in the Strategic Partnership. The British delegation appreciated the recent improvement in India–Pakistan relations observing that surge in trade relations would definitely enable Pakistan to offset the fast approaching global recession which has already engulfed many countries of the developed world. Economic security is assuming added significance in the international diplomatic and inter-state relations, the advisor said. Other components of the strategic partnership between the two countries are counter-terrorism co-operation, trade and commerce relations, financial macro economic stabilization, development assistance and cultural co-operation. The Prime Minister said that an Afghan delegation was coming soon to Pakistan and Pakistan would extend full co-operation in the investigation of the gruesome murder of Professor Burhanuddin who was a great friend of Pakistan. His murder was a setback to the peace process, the Prime Minister observed. The Prime Minister further said that Pakistan was in favour of the peace process in Afghanistan which was Afghan led and Afghan owned because independent, prosperous, stable and sovereign Afghanistan is in our interest. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan did not want a solution that would destabilize Pakistan as was the case last time when three million Afghan refugees took shelter in Pakistan and are still in Pakistan. We want their early return with honour and dignity, the Prime Minister said. PR No. 147 PRESS RELEASE                       Islamabad: November 22, 2011                Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar chaired an award ceremony as chief guest organized by Bright Future Society at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad today. This ceremony was arranged in the honour of those doctors and paramedics who had served the flood, earth-quake and dengue affectees in recent years. The chief organizer Dr. Samuel Pyara thanked Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis for giving his precious time for their honour. Allama Iqbal gold medals, Fatima Jinnah gold medals and certificates were awarded to the dedicated personnel. While addressing to the community of doctors, nurses, paramedics and journalists from print and electronic-media Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis had a very influential and effective speech. This address was full of message for humanity, work with dedication and strives for excellence in the community. He also cited many verses of Iqbal, Mir and other poets to support his views for middle class revolution in Pakistan which had a pleasant effect on the audience. Coordinator to the President Mr. Muhammad Naveed Chaudhry and Dr. Altaf Hussain were also present in the ceremony. PR No. 148 PRESS RELEASE EXPORTS FROM PAKISTAN TO UK INCREASE BY 19 PERCENT Islamabad: November 22, 2011       The U.K. remains among Pakistan’s top five export destinations with balance of trade in favour of Pakistan. Exports from Pakistan to the United Kingdom increased by approximately 19% and accounted a value of £659.62 million during the first 9 months i.e. January-September of the calendar year 2011 as compared to the corresponding period of the last year, says a press release received from London here today.    There was a significant export growth seen in fruits, vegetables, cereals, spices, pharmaceutical products, articles of base metal, carpets, cement, musical instruments, articles of apparel & clothing accessories, etc. The total trade during January – September 2011 was recorded at £1.04 billion with an increase of approximately 17% as compared to total trade of £894.47 million during January – September 2010. Pakistan imports from the United Kingdom were also up by 13% amounting to £383.90million. Approximately 20% export growth is in line with the commitment made by both governments to double the bilateral trade from £1.1 billion to £2.5billion by the year 2015. PR No. 149 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: November 22, 2011       Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s House said that the Prime Minister has directed to conduct a detailed investigation at an appropriate level and in the meanwhile he asked Pakistan Ambassador to the USA Mr. Hussain Haqqani to submit his resignation so that the investigation can be carried out properly. The Spokesman said that all concerned would be afforded sufficient and fair opportunity to present their views and the investigation shell be carried out fairly, objectively and without bias. The Spokesman further added as a result of controversy generated by the alleged memo which had been drafted, formulated and further admitted to have been received by Authority in USA, it has become necessary in National interest to formally arrive at the actual and true facts. PR No. 150 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: November 22, 2011      “Pakistan has emerged as an important player of food supplies to the UAE and Gulf region and we hope that SIAL Middle East will facilitate our exhibitors both in product and geographic diversifications”. This was stated by Ambassador of Pakistan in UAE Mr. Jamil Ahmed Khan while talking to reporters after visiting Pakistan Pavilion at SIAL Middle East Exhibition, here in Abu Dhabi. The Ambassador said that it is a matter of great pride and honour that His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, His Highness Saqr Al Ghobash, Minister of Labour and His Highness Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister for Environment and Water along with their delegations visited Pakistan Pavilion that also set an example how the people of UAE and Pakistan are connected through deep mutual love and brotherhood and share the same Islamic faith, celebrate the same festivals, adhere to the same social values and follow similar traditions.  The Ambassador said that seven Pakistani firms have participated in this event for the first time and displayed their range of products at the Pakistan pavilion. He said that Pakistani traders have informed that the visitors have shown keen interests in Pakistani products and they have received subsequent numbers of orders as well. The Ambassador said that UAE is currently importing food products around $5 billion while Pakistan’s is sharing $ 450million which is 1/4th of our overall trade share. He said that Pakistan Embassy is coordinating to increase government to government contacts between the two countries to enhance food exports to this region to ranks up to number 4 in the world as currently we are ranking at number 10 in the world. He said that Pakistan has the potential to double its food export to the UAE by adding value to its products as our average unit price of food exported items is comparatively less than most of the competing countries, but we need to do value addition by establishing brands in the region. The Ambassador said that it is the duty of the Embassy and the Consulate to promote business trade and project quality products at the International level and to grab every opportunity which enhances exports in the host country. He said that according to a new research, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will spend $53.1 billion by 2020 on food imports to feed growing population.  He said that this region, spent $25.8 billion on food imports last year, depending heavily on imports of agriculture and food products. The Ambassador said that food consumption in GCC is expected to rise at the rate of 4.6 per cent annually between 2011-15 and reach 51.5 million tonnes per year during this period. He said that Pakistan’s exports of food products to GCC region stand at $1 billion and UAE shares around 50 per cent of the total bill. Pakistan, he said can benefit from this immensely because of the geographic proximity and  can easily increase its food exports to GCC countries, specially UAE. The Ambassador said that SIAL food fair has become a truly international brand and it is a great pleasure to be part of this food event for the first time. He said that we welcomed valued visitors to the Pakistan pavilion who will have a chance to meet with our leading food suppliers at this dedicated business platform in the thriving region of the Middle East.          PR No. 151 PRESS RELEASE Islamabad: November 22, 2011  Sir Peter Ricketts, UK National Security Adviser called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr tonight.  He was accompanied with Mr. Mark Sedwill, UK Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan and Mr. Adam Thomson, UK high Commissioner in Pakistan. From Pakistan side those who attended the meeting included Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, and Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar. Briefing the media about the meeting, Spokesperson to the President Mr. Farhatullah Babar said that matters relating to Pak-UK bilateral relations with focus on enhanced strategic dialogue, regional security situation, emerging situation in Afghanistan and the fight against militancy were discussed during the meeting. The President urged the need for further enhancing strategic and co-operative ties between the two countries based on shared interests and mutual respect. He said that Britain and Pakistan needed to work closely to further enhance their partnership in diverse areas with a view to eliminate militancy and terrorism and promote peace and security of the region and the world. The President said that we believe that National Security Dialogue with UK, comprising of political, military and intelligence tracks would lead to creating a better understanding in bringing about clarity on issues of global, regional peace and security. Discussing Afghanistan situation, the President said that Pakistan, due to its geo-strategic location was a major stakeholder and regional player in promoting regional stability and peace. He said that Pakistan has abiding interest in the peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous Afghanistan and will continue to support every effort of international community in this regard.  He said that and any development in Afghanistan was directly impacting Pakistan adding that Pakistan supports Afghan-led and Afghan owned reconciliation and peace process in Afghanistan. The Spokesperson said that the President while commenting on fight against militancy said that no country has made greater contributions and sacrifices in fighting terrorism than Pakistan and added that the international community owed it to Pakistan and the region to acknowledge it and support Pakistan in its efforts. Discussing regional issues, the President said that Pakistan stands for peace in the region and the world and we want to have friendly, cooperative and good neighborly relations with India. In this context the President also referred to the recent positive developments during high level interactions between the two neighborly countries. Sir Peter Ricketts, UK National Security Adviser appreciated the huge sacrifices rendered by the law enforcing agencies and the people of Pakistan in fighting extremism and assured continued support of the British government in curbing militancy and revival of war and flood ravaged economy. PR No. 152 PRESS RELEASE FIZA GILANI FELICITATES PAKISTAN’S WOMEN CRICKET TEAM Islamabad: November 22, 2011  Syeda Fiza Batool Gilani, Honorary Goodwill Ambassador for Women Empowerment, has congratulated the Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team on qualifying for the World Cup.  In her statement of felicitation, she said that the excellent performance of Pakistan’s Women Team would foster confidence among the womenfolk in Pakistan and inspire them to achieve excellence in the sports. She said that the honour of representing the country in the Cricket World Cup was duly earned through dedication and determination. She hoped that our women cricketers would continue the good work and repeat the same performance in the World Cup. Syeda Fiza Batool Gilani said that recent enactment of pro-women laws by parliament manifested the democratic government’s commitment to empower women enabling them to play their due role in the nation-building process.