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PR. No. 246. The Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro and Acting Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have strongly condemned the murder of Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, a correspondent for Express TV channel and reporter Daily Express, who was killed by unknown assailants in Mamond near Bajaur Agency yesterday. They termed his cold blooded murder as a dastardly act apparently designed to suppress voice of the truth, adding that he died in line of duty. The Chairman and Acting Chairman offered their heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased journalist. They prayed that Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this loss with equanimity. SM/AZC
PR. No. 247. Liaquat Ali Bangulzai, the Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has strongly condemned the murder of Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, a correspondent for Express TV channel and reporter Daily Express, who was killed by unknown assailants in Mamond near Bajaur Agency yesterday. He said that murder of journalist and civil society members is a heinous act meant to demoralize the people. He paid rich tributes to the slain journalist for the services he rendered in the field of journalism as late Abrahim Khan was also the General Secretary of Tribal Union of Journalist. He prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and grant of solace to members of the bereaved family. SM/AZC
PR. NO. 248. The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting under Chairmanship of Senator, Liaquat A. Bangulzai will visit PTV Centre, Peshawar tomorrow to review the performance, function and working of centre for the people of NWFP province. Committee members will hold a meeting with the senior officers of PTV Centre, Peshawar and Private Channels, working in Province of NWFP. The members are senators:- Maulana Sami-ul-Haq Mir Muhammad Naseer Mengal Mrs. Tahira Latif Mr. Babar Khan Ghauri S.M. Zafar Mr. Muhammad Ali Durrani Mr. Tariq Azim Khan Ms. Nilofar Bakhtiar Syed Muhammad Hussain Dr. Javaid Laghari Haji Muhammad Adeel QAM/AZC
PR. NO. 249. The Senate Secretariat, referring to the reports appearing in a section of the Press recently, has clarified that neither any claim of over Rs. 4.2 million has been received by the Secretariat on account of medical reimbursement from any Member of the Upper House nor such payment has been made to any Senator from Karachi / Sindh during the financial year 2007-08. The Secretariat further described the news items as merely speculative, baseless and having no foundation, whatsoever. SM/AZC
PR. NO. 250. Japan will provide modern technical assistance to Pakistani work force in industrial sector so that maximum number of laborers can get employment. This was discussed in a meeting between Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah and Japanese Ambassador, Seiji Kojima here today. Pakistani government and Japan Industrial Trading Corporation (JITCO) will sign MoU for the purpose very soon. The Minister informed the Japan envoy that the government of Pakistan is working on a Labour Policy for the welfare of the Laborers, which would be announced very soon and urged the Japan government to accommodate maximum Pakistani trained workers in Japan. The Japanese Ambassador appreciated the honesty and hardworking of Pakistani Community working in Japan. Both the dignitaries agreed to enhance their mutual relations in the labour sector as well. Malik Asif Hayat, Secretary, M/O Labour and Manpower and other high officials of the Ministry were also present during the meeting. MSG/AZC
PR. NO. 251. The Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Mr. A. Rehman Malik has strongly condemned the cold blooded murder of the journalist reporter of a private TV channel in Bajaur Agency. Expressing his deep sorrow and anguish over the killing of the journalist I reporter Muhammad Ibrahim. Mr. Malik has ordered the political administration of the agency to thoroughly probe into incident and apprehend the culprits immediately. The Advisor has already asked for the detail report of the murder to be presented within two days. MM/AZC
PR. NO. 252. The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) started here in Islamabad today. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Mr. Salman Faruqi presided over the meeting. Provincial ministers for planning, members of the planning commission, secretaries of various Divisions and heads of the departments attended the meeting. In his introductory remarks the deputy Chairman welcomed the participants of the meeting. The APCC will recommend the size of Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the year 2008-09 to the National Economic Council (NEC). The exact size of the PSDP will be decided in the NEC, which is scheduled to be held by the end of this month. SMA/AZC
PR. NO. 253. FPCCI Delegation led by its President, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh held a pre-Budget Consultative Meeting with Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Finance here today. The FPCCI participants discussed with Finance Minister matters relating to forthcoming budget-2008-2009 against the backdrop of current economic situation and developments in the country. The FPCCI delegates reposed full trust in the economic management team of Ministry of Finance led by the incumbent Minister and assured all out support to MOF. The FPCCI President presented his part of pre-Budget proposals to the Finance Minister focusing social and industrial sector development, besides measures offering relief to the common man against existing price hike and other economic pressures resulting from spiraling fuel prices. GoP needs to broaden tax base for adequate resource mobilization, besides encouraging agro-based industry to meet domestic food production needs, FPCCI suggested during the meeting. Power generation sector also merits GoP’s special fiscal support, FPCCI added. GoP may chalk out special financial support package for skill development of unskilled working class in the country in order to maximize industrial production, focusing domestic needs and increased exports to strengthen foreign exchange reservoirs, it was stressed. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor SBP and Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Special Assistant to PM on Finance were also present during the meeting. Finance Minister, in the end, assured that all fiscal proposals of FPCCI aiming to make present democratic government’s first budget a success shall be considered seriously by the MOF Budget Team. SMA/AZC
PR.
NO. 254. ISLAMABAD: MAY 23, 2008. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has ordered immediate dispatch of 21,000 tents as relief for the affectees of earthquake that hit south-western parts of China on May 12. A spokesperson of the government said that 1000 tents have already been airlifted and the remaining 20,000 are in the process of being dispatched. In addition, four planeloads of relief goods containing medicines, mineral water, blankets and mats have already been dispatched to China. The Prime Minister has also directed the Foreign Office to stay in close touch with the Chinese government so that Pakistan can immediately cater to the specific needs of the earthquake affectees in China. -*Ahmad*-
PR. NO. 255. Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shah Mehmood Qureshi has directed the Ministry to evolve a proactive approach and expedite the Oil and Gas exploration in the country to meet the challenges of soaring International oil prices and reduction of oil import bill. Federal Minister expressed these views while taking a briefing from the senior official of the Ministry of Petroleum. Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources Mr. Zafer Mehmood briefed the Minister about organization, functions and on-going projects of the Ministry. The Minister was pleased to know that Ministry is making vigorous efforts with regard to Oil and Gas exploration. The Minister also took note of the huge potential of development of mineral wealth i.e. coal and copper. He took special interest in all the projects aimed at developing minerals in the Country. The Minster said that the energy is the life line of the economy and stated that Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources would make consorted efforts for the development of energy resources in the Country. He urged for utilizing vast coal reserves in the country for power generation which would help reduce power shortage. The meeting was also attended by Addl. Secy (P&NR), DG (Mineral), DG (Oil), DG (Hydro carbon Development), Joint Secretary (development), MD Inter State Gas System and other officials of the Ministry. Fasih/nr
PR. NO. 256. The provincial governments have assured the Ministry of Water and Power that the decisions of the cabinet regarding energy conservation will be implemented with letter and spirit and all the necessary steps were being taken in this respect. They made these assurances during a meeting of inter-provincial and inter-departmental meeting which was held here today with Federal Minister for water and Power. Raja Pervez Asharaf in chair. The meeting was convened to review the progress of implementation of cabinet decisions on energy conservation plan in the country. The Minister was of the view that the energy conservation was a mot effective tool to avoid power shortage with a core cooperation of the consumers. He said that the people of Pakistan should consider it as national duty and conserve energy in the best public interest. He highlighted that the government was working to install new power generation on war footing which would take some time and added that cooperation of the people to this effect would be required to conserve energy for 90 days (fist June to 31st August 2008) to help reducing of quantum of load shedding. He also directed the provincial provinces. The representatives of all provinces informed the meeting about the progress of the implementation of the energy conservation plan. They apprised that several initiatives were being implemented under the National Conservation Strategy which includes reduction in usage of domestic lights as well as street lights, bill boards and decorative lighting, closure of commercial markets and shopping centers by 0:00 pm, weekly off by the markets and shopping centers on Friday instead of Sunday, reduction in usage of ACs and appliances in offices and even will keep off their ACs from 8:00 am to 11:00 switching off all neon signs immediately at sunset and advancement of clock by one hour from 1st June to utilize maximum use of day light. They assured the minister that the cabinet decisions in this respect would be implemented in all respect. Negotiations have been finalized with all the stakeholders to implement the energy conservation plan, they further informed.. He also asked the PEPCO and Enercon and provinces should collectively launch massive media drive to create awareness among the masses on power conservation and other steps like provision of energy saver bulb must be expedited. He added that the government was trying to make the power sector customer friendly, efficient, and to meet the objective of ‘Power for All’. By pursuing the directives of the Ministry of Water and Power, a comprehensive energy conservation campaign like disconnection of billboards, early closure of shops and business centers, should be embarked on the save 1000MW this year. Secretary and Advisor to M/O Water and Power, Representatives of all provinces. Managing Director, PEPCO, MD ENERCON and senior officials of the Ministry and PEPCO were present in the meeting. AJM/nr
PR.
No. 257. FPCCI Delegation led by its President, Mr. Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh held a pre-Budget Consultative Meeting with Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Finance, Privatisation & Investment here today. The FPCCI participants discussed with Finance Minister matters relating to forthcoming budget-2008-2009 against the backdrop of current economic situation and developments in the country. The FPCCI delegates reposed full trust in the economic management team of Ministry of Finance led by the incumbent Minister and assured all out support to MOF. The FPCCI President presented his part of pre-Budget proposals to the Finance Minister focusing social and industrial sector development, besides measures offering relief to the common man against existing price hike and other economic pressures resulting from spiraling fuel prices. GoP needs to broaden tax base for adequate resource mobilization, besides encouraging agro-based industry to meet domestic food production needs, FPCCI suggested during the meeting. Power generation sector also merits GoP’s special fiscal support, FPCCI added. GoP may chalk out special financial support package for skill development of unskilled working class in the country in order to maximize industrial production, focusing domestic needs and increased exports to strengthen foreign exchange reservoirs, it was stressed. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Governor SBP and Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Special Assistant to PM on Finance were also present during the meeting.
Finance Minister, in the end, assured that all fiscal
proposals of FPCCI aiming to make present democratic government’s first
budget a success shall be considered seriously by the MOF Budget Team.
PR.
No. 258. “The resolution of the difficulties of quake affectees to their satisfaction is a priority area & ERRA will ensure to meet this objective to facilitate early completion of reconstruction projects”. This was said by the new Deputy Chairman ERRA, Lt. Gen. Sajjad Akram during his visit of Mansehra and the site of New Balakot city at Bakriyal to review the progress on the project. The district Nazim Mansehra, DG PERRA, Commander 88 Brigade & high level ERRA officials were also present on the occasion. The Deputy Chairman ERRA attended a series of briefing sessions in circuit house Mansehra & at Bakriyal about the on going development work at the site of New Balakot city at Bakriyal & other reconstruction activities in the area. District Nazim Mansehra Sardar Yousaf indicated certain issues which are being faced by the affectees including pending compensation of 38,000 affectees. Brig. Obaid clarified ERRA’s position & said that out of the 38000 cases, ERRA has cleared 27000 cases for payment, 6811 were rejected as they had applied twice. A sum of Rs. 1.9 billion to this effect have already been sent to the NWFP government since April 2006, he added. Lt. Gen. Sajjad Akram instructed the concerned provincial authorities to ensure immediate payment to the deserving. During the briefing at the site of New Balakot Lt. Gen. Sajjad Akram was informed that on the orders of the President of Pakistan, Government of NWFP indicated a site at Bakriyal at a distance of 15 Km from Mansehra on Mansehra-Naran-Jhalkhad road where a total of 15599 Kanals & 19 Marlas of private & forest land was acquired with a cost Rs. 2.35 billion. The total cost of the acquired land was paid on 24 February 2008 into the account of Revenue Officer Mansehra out of President Relief Fund. A representative delegation of Balakot and Bakriyal affectees met the Deputy Chairman separately & apprised him of their problems. Lt. Gen. Sajjad Akram assured the delegation that genuine affectees will get their due after verification of their claims. He directed to conduct a fresh joint survey by the representatives of the affectees, concerned ERRA officials & the Local Administration to determine exact assessment of their claims. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chairman ERRA said that the district & UC Nazims & public representatives will soon be invited to give their input about the on going activities in affected areas. He vowed to continue fast track, effective & meaningful rehabilitation of earthquake affected areas.
PR.
No. 259. Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms. Sherry Rehman has strongly condemned the murder of Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim, Reporter of Express News and announced a compensation of Rs.500,000 for the family. The Minister had ordered an immediate inquiry after the tragic incident took place yesterday. The Ministry of Interior submitted an initial report to the Minister for Information, this evening. According to the report, Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim was on his way back after interviewing Moulvi Umar, Spokesman of Taliban Tehrik Pakistan (TTP). He was gunned down by unknown assailants near village Inayat Killay in Bajaour Agency. The report further says that it seems a target killing and the handiwork of some group inimical to TTP. It seems a target killing. The miscreants fled with the journalist’s camera and motorcycle. The Minister, after receiving the initial reports, has ordered a more thorough inquiry to be completed in the next 48 hours. EW/wh
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