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PR No. 264
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that his government is keen to take all necessary steps for the development and restructuring of the Pakistan Railways.
The Prime Minister was talking to Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Minister for Railways who called on him at Prime Minister’s House today.
The Prime Minister said that Railways is amongst the most used mode of communication in the country. It needs to be provided state of the art technology to make it compatible with other modes of communication.
The Prime Minister asked the Minister for Railways to take up the projects for up gradation of Railways and emphasized on the manning of the unmanned railway crossings to make it safe for the commuters.
The Minister for Railways apprised the Prime Minister of the different ongoing projects to enhance the efficiency of Railways.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 265
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan-Indonesia Trade to escalate to USD 2 billion------says Pak Envoy
Pak Embassy hosts national day banquet-
Indonesian Parliament Chief eulogizes development of relations between the two countries
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010Pakistan Envoy to Indonesia, Sanaullah has said that backed by solid political and historical ties, Pakistan-Indonesia bilateral trade could escalate up to USD 2 billion in coming years from the current figure of around 800 million dollars following the conclusion of the undergoing PTA.
In an exclusive interview with the prime English Daily, the Jakarta Post, Ambassador Sanaullah said both countries shared much and the shared values were reflected in both countries’ similar stance on international problems including the Middle East Conflict, climate change and terrorism, with solid cooperation at the united Nations and within the Organization of Islamic Conference on many issues. “We would like to translate all those commonalities into stronger investment and trade ties,” he said and added, “we hope to sign the preferential trade agreement (PTA) within the next three or four months. The deal he said would allow both countries to boost their own exports, with Indonesia especially would be able to increase its export of crude palm oil (cpo) to Pakistan, while the latter would be in a position diversify its exports in addition to textiles, carpets, chemicals and leather goods.
Ambassador Sanaullah made a special mention of the Pakistani investments in Indonesia saying, “ although we do not have the exact figure, many will be surprised at the level of investment of Pakistani firms here once we come out with the data”. The Jakarta Post, also carried a special colour feature on Pakistan in its March 23 publication.
Meanwhile, a ceremony held at the Pakistan Embassy, Jakarta, marked the 70th National Day celebrations with Ambassador Sanaullah performing the flag hoisting. A large number of resident Pakistanis, Indonesian guests, media representatives, officers and staff of the Embassy attended. Deputy Head of Mission, Mirza Salman Babar Beg read out the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan.
In his address, the Ambassador Sanaullah said that Pakistanis abroad were envoys of their country and they must contribute their best in dealings with foreigners. He said, countless sacrifices had been offered by the people for the country and it was time that these sacrifices were matched by the same scale of progress and development by people and state institutions. He felicitated all the guests and other Pakistanis on the National Day of Pakistan.
Later in the evening the Embassy hosted a grand National Day Reception which drew guests from amongst senior Indonesian officials, dignitaries, diplomats, resident Pakistanis, members of media and other notables. Speaker, Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Taufiq Kiemas, speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion said Pakistan and Indonesian had enjoyed exemplary relations for over six decades that would further grow in future. He felicitated all Pakistani friends on their National Day. Ambassador Sanaullah in his address said in 1947, we started our journey as an independent state from a scratch. Despite our problems, which are many, we have moved forward in last 67 years of our existence. Now Pakistan is the envy of many nations who have more economic resources available to them and boast longer period of existence. The credit goes to the hardworking people of Pakistan and their unshakable resolve to co-operate with the international community in shaping up a world order based on justice and common good of the entire humanity. He said in forging a solid Pakistan-Indonesian friendship, former Indonesian Prsidenet Sukarno played a key role and he is remembered with reverence in Pakistan. He said Pakistan-Indonesia friendship was rock solid and we shall always be together in the path to progress.
The grand reception is the second significant event organized by the Embassy along with the Pakistan-Indonesian painting exhibition within a apace of seven days.
**SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 266
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan Day Celebrated in Malaysia
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010The 70th anniversary of Pakistan Day was celebrated with great fervor and patriotism by the Pakistani community in Malaysia.
The main event held in the premises of the Pakistan High Commission in Kuala Lumpur was graced by the presence of Honorable Mr. Justice Mian Sakirullah Jan, and Mr. Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa of Supreme Court of Pakistan who are currently on an official visit to Malaysia. A large number of Pakistani Community in Malaysia were also present.
The event commenced with the hoisting of national flag by Acting High Commissioner, Dr. Imtiaz A Kazi during which national anthem was played.
Later, Acting High Commissioner read the messages of President and the Prime Minister meant for the occasion. He also urged the Pakistani community to work hard and promote the image of the nation and country abroad by their sense of commitment, hard work and exemplary manners.
He said that today Pakistan was enjoying democratic dispensation, free judiciary, vibrant parliament and free and independent media being the foundation stone for empowerment of the people, progress and prosperity and economic betterment.
Dr. Imtiaz Kazi said that like every year, today we renew our pledge to put our hearts and souls together to make Pakistan a strong and stable nation”. “There is a need to work hard and make collective efforts to transform Pakistan into a modern, progressive and tolerant society”, he added.
The representatives of community, in their speeches, highlighted the significance of the day and paid rich tribute to the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of Pakistan movement.
The highlights of the event were live performances on Rubab and Tabla by a musical group from Pakistan’s NWFP province the presence of Disabled Cricket team members who are currently visiting Malaysia.
The guests were also entertained with traditional Pakistani breakfast of Halwa Puri.
Later, while talking to the renowned magazines of Malaysia “OIC Today”, The Leaders Magazine and the most highly circulated Malay Language newspapers of Malaysia and Malaysia’ s only news agency Bernama, the Acting High Commissioner said that Pakistan and Malaysia enjoys fraternal relationship in every sphere of life and hoped that these will be strengthened further in time to come.
The highest circulated English Daily of Malaysia New Straits Times published a five-page special supplement in conjunction with Pakistan Day. Pakistan’s vast economic potential, investment opportunities and incentive packages related to business, trade and tourism were highlighted in the Special Supplement, says a press release received here from Malaysia.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR No. 267
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan Day Celebrated at Pakistan Embassy Kabul
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010Pakistan Day was celebrated at Pakistan Embassy in Kabul today. Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq hoisted the national flag. Representatives of Pakistani community in Afghanistan and Embassy officials attended the ceremony, says a press release received here from Kabul.
Ambassador Sadiq in his brief address termed the Pakistan Resolution of 23rd March 1940 as historic, which laid the foundation of Pakistan as an independent country where Muslims of South Asia could lead their lives according to their own religion and culture.
Ambassador Sadiq also highlighted the mutual commitment and efforts for strengthening of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said during the recent visit of President Karzai to Islamabad the two sides have taken concrete steps to further promote cooperation including developing a roadmap for rail-road connectivity; enhancing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2015; increasing scholarships for Afghan students to 2000; evolving joint food and energy strategies and further strengthening of people to people contacts and exchanges between parliamentarians, intellectuals, journalists, academia and students.
Ambassador Sadiq urged Pakistani community and Embassy officials in Kabul to renew their commitment to serve the homeland.
**GMK/Ahmad**
PR No. 268
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan Day Celebrated in Berlin
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010A flag hoisting ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic Pakistan Resolution was held at Pakistan Embassy here this morning. The Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany Mr. Shahid Kamal hoisted the national flag with national anthem playing in the background in a impressive ceremony. It was largely attended by Pakistani community residing in Berlin and its surrounding cities and the officials of the Embassy, says a press release received here from Berlin.
The Ambassador read out Pakistan Day messages of the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minster, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. In his message, the President said that Pakistan Day this year would go down in history of the country as memorable day when the Parliament and the nation was poised to take a giant leap forward to realize the dream for which Pakistan was created by strengthening parliamentary democracy, federalism and constitutionalism.
The Prime Minster in his message said that this day reminds us of the valiant struggle, immense sacrifices and firm resolve of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the Muslims of the sub-continent in search of a separate homeland to live in peace and fashion their lives according to their own belief and culture. He said that the nation is up against extremism and terrorism, and stands firmly united behind its armed forces to eliminate the perpetrators of doom and gloom. He called upon his fellow countrymen to renew their pledge on this Day that they would unswervingly strive to make Pakistan a peaceful, prosperous and democratic state. The President underlined the importance of fundamental right of the people and called on the people to work in the spirit of tolerance mutual accord and speak for dissent.
Ambassador Shahid Kamal while congratulating the Pakistani community urged them to be united and strive for earning a good name for their country. He said that all Pakistanis living in Germany should strengthen and harmonize their relations with German people as it would further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. Let us resolve on this memorable day that we will do our best and spend our energies and capabilities for the development and prosperity of our beloved country, Pakistan, he concluded.
**PSec./Ahmad**
PR No. 269
PRESS RELEASE
Late German Doctor’s Brother Received Her Pride
of Performance Award
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010In an impressive ceremony held in the Embassy of Pakistan, here today, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany, Mr. Shahid Kamal presented the President’s Award of Pride of Performance conferred on late Dr. Ursula H. Schmitz, to her brother Dr. Klaus-Peter Schmitz, says a press release received here from Berlin-Wilmersdorf.
Dr. Ursula H. Schmitz breathed her last on August 11, 2009, only 03 days before the President’s Award was announced on the 63rd Independence Day of Pakistan on August 14, 2009.
Dr. Ursula H. Schmitz worked in the Mission Hospital, Tank in North West Frontier Province for 23 years. She had not only left voluntarily her motherland and family to serve in Pakistan without any remuneration. She saved precious lives of those who sustained injuries in clashes between law enforcement agencies and extremists during 2007. She served the needy people in a selfless and exemplary way.
In recognition of her outstanding and dedicated services for the poor and sick people, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan conferred on her the President’s award of Prime of Performance in 2009.
Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the Ambassador said that late Dr. Ursula H. Schmitz served relentlessly and selflessly the sick and the poor far away from her homeland. The people of Pakistan would always remember her for her devotion and commitment to serve the people and alleviate the sufferings of those who needed help.
**PSec./Ahmad**
PR No. 270
PRESS RELEASE
Pakistan Day Observed in Tehran
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010An impressive ceremony was held at the Pakistan International School here this morning to mark Pakistan National Day. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of flag by Ambassador, Mr. M.B. Abbasi to the accompaniment of national anthem, says a press release received here from Tehran.
The Ambassador read out the message of President Asif Ali Zardari whereas the message of the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was read out by the Head of Chancery. Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador paid rich tributes to the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of Pakistan movement. He said that this day reminds us of those momentous times when our fore-fathers rallied around the dynamic personality of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and under his inspiring leadership resolved to carve out for themselves an independent sovereign country. Referring to a number of policies initiated by present government to improve the socio-economic condition of the people he said that present government under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is making serious endeavors to make Pakistan a developed, prosperous, self-reliant and democratic Islamic welfare state.
Referring to Pakistan-Iran relations, the Ambassador said that Pakistan and Iran share six decades of close fraternal relations which have grown stronger over the years. He said that recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari would play an important role in further cementing the abiding relationship between the two brotherly countries. He called upon the members of Pakistani community to play their effective role in promoting positive image of Pakistan in Iran and bringing the people of the two countries ever closer, to each other.
The students of Pakistan International School in their presentations paid homage to the father of the nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of freedom struggle. A group of children presented Mili Naghmas.
The flag hoisting ceremony was attended by a large number of Pakistani community, officials of the Mission and ECO Secretariat and students and teachers of the Pakistan International School.
The Iranian television (IRIB) telecast Ambassador M.B. Abbasi’s message interspersed with visuals from a documentary “Vibrant Pakistan” highlighting cultural heritage and tourism of Pakistan. In his message the Ambassador focused on the significance of the day and various aspects of Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations.
Iranian newspapers IRAN NEWS, KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL, TEHRAN TIMES, IRAN DAILY and JAMHOORI ISLAMI prominently published an article on Pakistan National Day.
**MMH Jaffari/Ahmad**
PR No. 271
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Prof. Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency on Tuesday.
Issues pertaining to the strengthening of the OIC, Pakistan’s role in the OIC, War against militancy and regional issues came under discussion during the meeting.
The President hailed the services of Prof.Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu for strengthening the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). The President also appreciated the role and contribution of OIC towards Pakistan in the war against terror and in the rehabilitation of the displaced people.
The President earlier conferred Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Prof.Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu with the award of Hilal-e-Pakistan at a ceremony held at the Aiwan-e- Sadr on occasion of Pakistan Day on Tuesday.
The President decorated Prof.Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu with the award of Hilal-e-Pakistan in recognition of his meritorious services to Pakistan and for providing dynamic leadership to OIC and for the support to the Kashmiri people.
Prof.Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu thanked the President and the government of Pakistan for the award of Hilal-e-Pakistan and added that it was an honour for him to receive such a prestigious civil award.
He lauded role of Pakistan for supporting OIC and championing Islamic solidarity.
The Secretary General OIC assured the President and the government of Pakistan of the continued support of the OIC in Pakistan’s efforts for curbing militancy and terrorism and reconstruction of war affected areas.
FU/wh
PR No. 272
PRESS RELEASE
PAKISTAN DAY CELEBRATED AT PAKISTAN
HIGH COMMISSION LONDON
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010Pakistani nation has surmounted difficulties and hurdles in the past 63 years and it is determined to overcome present day challenges including terrorism and extremism through firm commitment and resolve.
Said Pakistan ’s High Commissioner to UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan on the occasion of flag hoisting ceremony held at the Pakistan High Commission to mark 70th Pakistan Day, here, Tuesday.
The High Commissioner further said “ People of Pakistan and our armed forces have rendered huge scarifies which reflect commitment of the nation to fight back terrorism. He said that Quaid-i-Azam’s vision was that of a democratic Pakistan and today we have seen that country is on democratic path once again Now its our duty to uphold democratic values and strengthen the democratic institutions as envisaged by the Quaid”.
On the occasion children attired in colourful dresses rendered national songs with great enthusiasm. Songs like Dil Dil Pakistan and Hamara Parcham moved the audience to join the children.
A large number of people from Pakistan community representing various walks of life and officials of Pakistan High Commission and their families attended the flag hoisting ceremony. Gifts were also distributed among the children and High Commissioner alongwith Mrs. Zarina Hasan, officers of the High Commission and children cut the cake to mark 70th anniversary of Pakistan Resolution.
The messages of President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were also read out. President in his message highlighted the significance of National Day this year saying “The unanimous Constitution of 1973 was disfigured by successive dictators to suit their own political ambitions. But the democratic aspirations could never be killed. The Pakistan Day this year will go down in history of the country as the memorable day when the Parliament and the nation was poised to take a giant leap forward to realize the dream for which Pakistan was created by strengthening parliamentary democracy, federalism and constitutionalism. It is a manifestation of the democratic urge of our people that the Parliament is poised to purge the Constitution of all articles inserted into it by successive dictators. I wish to compliment the Parliament and the nation for this. On this day let us resolve that we will not permit any dictator to usurp the basic fundamental rights of our people nor allow them to trample on our democratic aspirations. This requires that we work in the spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for dissent”.
Prime Minister is his message underscored the need of preserving democratic order in the country, saying “Pakistan Day anniversary calls for reappraisal of the national cause. Pakistan was achieved through a democratic struggle. The leadership of Pakistan movement stood for the rule of law, for freedom, social justice and representative rule where people would be the master of their destiny. They envisaged Pakistan as a welfare State. Therefore, whichever political party we may belong to, it is our collective responsibility to preserve and protect the democratic order in the country and make every effort to achieve the above mentioned goals. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah said, “we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, and especially of the masses and the poor”.
It is critical and decisive phase in our country’s history. Our nation is up against extremism and terrorism, and stands firmly united behind its armed forces to eliminate the perpetrators of doom and gloom. This war is a long haul as it is to be fought against a perverse mindset and conservative ideology. We have a potent weapon in the form of the Pakistan Nationalism to win this war of ideas. The essential message of this auspicious Day is that we as a nation reconnect ourselves to the spirit which characterized the 23rd of March 1940 and make a vow to project the Pakistan ideology at every level as a counterweight to the forces of extremism and darkness.
SSR/wh
PR No. 273
PRESS RELEASE
FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY ON NATIONAL DAY
Islamabad: 23rd March, 2010The National Day of Pakistan was commemorated in a befitting manner in the Consulate of Pakistan Mashhad. A flag hosting ceremony was held in the morning on March 23 in which a large number of Pakistanis, including businessmen, students, religious scholars and teachers, living in Mashhad and its surrounding areas participated. The function started with the recitation from the Holy Quran. The National flag was raised with national anthem. The Consul of Pakistan in Mashhad, Qazi Habib-ur-Rahman read out messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan on the occasion. In his address, the Consul appreciated the efforts of the Pakistani community in the economic progress of Iran and emphasized on them to work hard towards strengthening relations between Pakistan and Iran, which is their second home. He encouraged Pakistanis in Mashhad to come forward and give workable proposals for their welfare, children education and cultural projection of Pakistan. The Consul also announced establishment of an Education and Culture Centre in the Consulate and invited the community to register their children for Urdu / Pakistan Study classes which will be scheduled in consultation with the community members. The Pakistani community appreciated the proposal and also requested opening a school and regular classes for their children inside the Consulate. The Consul also apprised the Pakistanis about the developmental progress initiated by the government in various sectors and strengthening the democratic setup in the country. National songs were played during the function. At the end prayers were offered for those who made sacrifices during the freedom movement and for the continued progress and prosperity of the country.
QHR/wh