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PR No. 327 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani paid rich tribute to Mr. Shoukat Tarin for successfully implementing “Nine Point Economic Agenda” as Finance Minister which not only stabilized but also reduced the impact of global recession on our economy. The Prime Minister expressed these opening remarks while chairing Cabinet Meeting in the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today. Mr. Shoukat Tarin lauded the leadership of the Prime Minister and assured to continue his advice on economic issues as and when required. He specifically mentioned that he has submitted resignation purely on personal basis and would continue the support of the Party. All the members of the Cabinet praised the services of Mr. Shoukat Tarin as Finance Minister. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 328 President Asif Ali Zardari has granted special remission in sentences to prisoners on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad ul Nabi (12th Rabi Ul Awwal) February , 2010. The special remission in sentences, ranges from 45 days to total remission in different categories. The details are: (i) Special remission of 90 days to the prisoners convicted for life imprisonment except those convicted for murder, espionage, anti-state activities, sectarianism and zina (Section 10 Offence of zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 (also under Section 377 PPC), robbery (Section 394 PPC) dacoity (Section 395-396 PPC), kidnapping/abduction (Section 364-A & 365-A), and terrorist acts (as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999). (ii) Special remission for 45 days to all other convicts except the condemned prisoners and also except those convicted of murder, espionage, subversion, anti-state activities, terrorist act (as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999), zina (Section 10 Offence of zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 (also under Section 377 PPC), kidnapping/abduction (Section 364-A & 365) robbery (Section 394 PPC), dacoity (Section 395-396 PPC) and those undergoing sentences under the Foreigners Act 1946. (iii) Special remission at sub-paras i & ii above will be admissible provided that the convicts have undergone 2/3rd of their substantive sentence of imprisonment. (iv) Total remission to male prisoners who are 65 years of age or above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of their substantive sentence of imprisonment, except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, as defined in the Anti-Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999). (v) Total remission to female prisoners who are 60 years of age and above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of their sentence of imprisonment, except those involved in culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist act, as defined in the Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999). (vi) Special remission of one year to female prisoners accompanying children and are serving sentence of imprisonment for crimes other than culpable homicide and those involved in terrorist acts, defined in Anti Terrorism (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 1999 (No XIII of 1999). (vii) Total remission to juvenile convicts (under 18 years of age) who have served 1/3rd of their substantive sentence except those involved in culpable homicide, terrorist act (as defined in Ordinance No XIII of 1999), zina (Sec 10 offence of zina (Enforcement of Hudood) Ordinance, 1979 (also under Section 377 PPC), robbery (sec 394 PPC), dacoity (Section 395-396 PPC), kidnapping/abduction (sec 364-a & 365-a) and anti-state activities. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 329 In order to develop appropriate guidelines for integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) aspects in the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual for planning standards, a day long consultative seminar was arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing & Works and United National Development Program, at National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), at Islamabad on Tuesday. The main focus of the seminar was to (i) Introduce a Ministerial Strategy on DRR in the Housing sector in Pakistan (ii) Initiate dialogue and to identify gaps in the “National Housing Policy” and the “National Reference Manual” instruments from a DRR perspective (iii) Finalize recommendations and way forward from the mutual consultation of the resource persons and professional participants from PCATP, PEC, development authorities and other relevant agencies in Pakistan. “DRR Sensitive Housing Policy and Planning Standards” is identified as a crucial need by the Ministry of Housing and Works for mainstreaming DRR in the Housing Strategy which has also been emphasized globally in the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) and in Pakistan, to incorporate DRR in all such policies and regulatory instruments, since the earthquake of 2005. Prominent partners of this initiative included the Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Council of Architects, Town Planners and the UN-Habitat. Professionals from the planning and construction fields who attended the seminar included engineers, architects, town planners and decision makers from various public and private sector organizations. Lt. Gen. ® Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chairman NDMA, Ms. AR Shama Usman, Chairperson Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, Mr. Aslam Mughal, President Institute of Planners Pakistan (IPP) and Ms. Maggie Stephenson, Senior Technical Advisor, UN-Habitat were some of the keynote speakers on the occasion. Speaking to the participants of the seminar, Chairman NDMA, Mr Khan was hopeful that the recommendations of the seminar will lead the NDMA/UNDP to formulate a methodology which would be developed as guidelines for integration of DRR aspects in the relevant section of the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual for Planning Standards. The recommendations evolved from this seminar will lead towards formulation of DRR annexure for both the Housing Policy and National Reference Manual and will serve as a consultative start for development of DRR guidelines for the sector. **CMI/Ahmad**
PR No. 330 Pakistan has said that it would continue to support the people of Palestine in their struggle for an independent and sovereign Palestine State. This was stated by Federal Minister for Defence Production, Mr. Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, at a meeting with the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan, Mr. Hazem Hussin Abu Shanab, who called on him here today. Talking to the ambassador, the Minister said that Pakistan and the people of Palestine have deep-rooted relationship as the two sides shared similar culture, faith and religion. The Minister said that the occupation of Palestine lands and the reign of terror unleashed by the Israeli State for the last six decades against the innocent population of Palestine are the major reasons of conflicts and instability in the Middle East region. The Minister urged the international community to initiate practical steps for the early settlement of Palestine-Israel conflict as well as force Israel to stop brutalities against the Palestinian people. The envoy thanked the government and people of Pakistan for supporting the cause of Palestine. **AM/Ahmad**
PR No. 331 The members of UN Commission on Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Secretary General to the President Mr. Salman Faruqui, Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar and other senior officials were also present during the meeting. Briefing the media Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President welcoming the members of the Commission remarked that the whole nation awaits findings of the Commission so that the causes and the circumstances that led to such a great loss for the nation could be completely unearthed. The stature of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto called for an independent, transparent and above board investigation so that no accusation of bias of any kind could be made by any circle, the President said. Farhatullah Babar said that the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry included freedom of access to all sources of information, including documentary material and physical evidence, freedom to interview representatives of governmental, as well as other institutions and, in principle, any individual whose testimony is considered necessary for the fulfillment of its mandate besides privileges, immunities and facilities necessary for the independent conduct of the inquiry. In particular, members of the Commission shall enjoy the privileges and immunities accorded to experts on missions under article VI of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and to officials under articles V and VII of the Convention, Mr. Babar said. The Commission was to submit its report to the UN Secretary General within six months from the start of its investigation. However, the time period for completing the task was subsequently extended by three months as the report could not be completed in the initially stipulated timeframe. The Commission will submit its report to the UN Secretary General and also share it with the Government of Pakistan, the Spokesperson said. The President hoped that the proceedings and probe is being properly facilitated and enquired about any difficulty the Commission might be facing in conducting their work. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 332 Ambassador-at-large Mr. Zia Ispahani called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Ambassador Ispahani briefed the President about special diplomatic assignments he had been entrusted with after his appointment as ambassador-at-large last year. The President appreciated the work done by Ambassador Ispahani. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 333 The stability in Afghanistan is a key to boost economic relations amongst the countries of the region, this was stated by Mr. Farooq H. Naek while talking to the Kyrgyz Ambassador who paid courtesy visit to the Chairman Senate here today. Mr. Farooq H. Naek stressed the need of greater inter-state cooperation to eradicate terrorism in all forms and manifestations. He also called for promoting parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and Kyrgyz Republic besides the mutual educational facilities for the students of both the countries. Farooq H. Naek also highlighted the pivotal role of Pakistan in war against terrorism and said that Pakistan had sacrificed more than any other country. “We have lost even our great leader Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and thousands of innocent men women and children in war against terrorism but our valiant armed forces are doing a wonderful job in eradicating these disgruntled elements and, God willing, we will win this war as President Zardari has shown his resolve to fight this war to the very end. The Kyrgyz Ambassador lauded the Pak efforts to fight terrorism and said that it was a common problem of the whole region and Central Asian States and mentioned that his country was making regional/global efforts to fight this menace. “But this war cannot be won without the support of Pakistan and this fact is now being fully realized by the USA and the Western countries”, the ambassador said and added that the President of Kyrgyzstan is taking Bishkek, initiative, to hold an international conference at Bishkek for the solution of Afghanistan crisis this year. The Chairman Senate hoped that this conference will pave the way for peace in Afghanistan which in turn will boost the trade opportunities and increase trade volume manifold in the region. He also expressed the view that there should be frequent exchange of delegations not only from the economic side but also traders, Parliamentarians, youth and students. Such exchanges, he said would bring people of the two countries closer to each others and also help study and understand each other’s system. The Chairman also invited the Speaker of the Kyrgyz National Assembly to undertake a visit to Senate of Pakistan. “Reciprocity needed to further upgrade and promote existing close and cordial relations”, he observed. Mr. Farooq Naek said a large scope exists for further consolidation and expansion of Pak – Kyrgyz trade and economic ties particularly the bilateral trade must increase to full potential. This is high time he said to harmonize the tariff structure to facilitate bilateral trade. He further added that the Gwadar Port and KKH have great promise and there should be freer movement of goods. Mr. Bektur Asanov expressed the confidence that Pak – Kyrgyz relations would be expanded and consolidated further especially in the economic field in the days to come. He said that both the countries have stood by each other through thick and thin. He also extended an invitation to Mr. Naek to undertake a visit to Kyrgyzstan along with parliamentary delegation at appropriate time. **RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 334 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raze Gilnai has emphasized upon the need to promote indigenous species of plants and to create awareness among women to grow vegetables near their houses. He said the kitchen garden in the urban areas would help in provision of fresh vegetables and reducing expenses on food items for the family. The same practice can be adopted by the women of the rural areas. The Prime Minister said this while planting a sapling to inaugurate the Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2010 in the Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Environment to coordinate with the provincial and local governments to make arrangements to create awareness among the farmers to grow trees on the boundaries of their fields to reduce the water loss and soil erosion. The Prime Minister also urged the Ministry of Environment to focus on the post-plantation care. He further directed that indigenous trees which can withstand draught and can live on less water be chosen for plantation. Earlier, Secretary Environment apprised the Prime Minister that 51 million trees will be planted during this spring season. Chairman, CDA briefed the Prime Minister about details of Spring Tree Plantation Campaign in Islamabad. He mentioned that each household in Islamabad will be given two saplings of fruit trees for plantation in their house premises. **PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 335 Mr. Adam Thomson, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, today called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Matters relating to bilateral relations, war against militants and regional situation were discussed during the meeting. The President appreciated the support of United Kingdom to the democratic dispensation in Pakistan in overcoming challenges facing it. The President said that being a key player in the region, Pakistan can play an important role in facilitating the international community for the peace and stability of the region. He said that Pakistan desires cordial and friendly relations with the neighboring states, firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations was the only way forward to resolve the outstanding issues and for peace and stability in the region. The absence of a meaningful dialogue results in misgivings and tensions which Pakistan was keen to avoid, the President remarked. The President also hoped that the difficulties being faced by Pakistani nationals, particularly the students, in getting UK visas would be looked into and resolved at the earliest. He said that delays in issuance of visas had threatened the pursuits of studies by Pakistani students in British academic institutions and the issue needed to be addressed urgently. Mr. Thomson thanked the President for meeting and assured UK’s continued support to the Government and the people of Pakistan. **FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 336 High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan Mr. Masroor A. Junejo presented his credentials to President Mwai Kibaki of the Republic of Kenya on 24 February 2010 in an impressive and elegant ceremony held at the State House. Mr. Junejo conveyed the messages of good wishes from the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Kenyan President, the Government and people, and briefed him on important issues of mutual interest. High Commissioner expressed the hope that the close and cordial relations between the two countries would be further strengthened during his stay in Kenya. President Kibaki reciprocated the warm wishes for Pakistan’s leadership and hoped for further expansion of bilateral ties between the two countries in diverse fields. **M/Ahmad**
PR No. 337 The 11th special session of the UNEP Governing Council / Global Ministerial Environment Forum opened at Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday morning with a key note speech by the President of Indonesia, Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Delegates from over 100 countries are taking part in the Forum. Minister for Environment, Hamidullah Jan Afridi is representing Pakistan along with a three member delegation from his Ministry comprising Mr. Abid Ali, JS(IC), Mr Zaheer Gilani and Mr. Noorul Hadi, says a press release received here today. Besides taking part in the main forum and side events, the Minister is also holding high level meetings on the sidelines of the conference that include talks with leaders of the WWF and UNDP delegations. The Minister will also co-chair the special round table on the subject of “Green Economy” on 25th February. The Forum aims to promote/enhance environmental protection measures through interaction among experts/professionals of various countries and calls upon respective governments to implement these measures. Earlier the Forum opened with a landmark speech by President of Indonesia who on this occasion was also presented a special crest in recognition of his services in the field of environment safety and protection. A choir presented a song on the theme of environmental protection composed by the president himself. He later rang the gong to formally open the forum. **SJ/Ahmad**
PR No. 338 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani paid rich tributes to the services rendered by Mr. Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin as the Advisor and Finance Minister for successfully implementing “Nine Point Economic Agenda” which not only stabilized the national economy during global recession but also helped the country to effectively address its negative impact on the people of Pakistan. The Prime Minister made these remarks while chairing Cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today. The Cabinet was informed that Mr. Shaukat Tarin would continue to extend his services for the National Economic Advisory Council. Mr. Shaukat Tarin expressed complete confidence in the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party and lauded the Prime Minister’s stewardship as head of the Executive in handling the global and national challenges through consultative and participative process. He informed the Cabinet that his resignation was based on purely personal reasons and assured that he would continue supporting the government and the Party. He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the country has weathered the storm of global economic recession and has adopted pragmatic approach to handle all challenges with courage and confidence. All the members of the Cabinet praised the services of Mr. Shaukat Tarin as Finance Minister. The Cabinet also accorded approval, in principle, to initiate a comprehensive law on corporate rehabilitation to be called “Corporate Rehabilitation Act 2010.” The proposed law shall enable the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan to administer the financially distressed companies to turn around and in case of distressed companies the proper disclosure by the companies will be ensured. The Government in the past has resorted to ad-hoc arrangements like establishment of Special Banking Courts, etc. which proved counter productive although Pakistan is one of the most credit friendly legal regimes in the world. The proposed Bill will also provide a framework for establishment, licensing, training and conduct of administration and liquidations. In order to respond to the emerging requirements of futures markets, the cabinet granted approval, in principle, to drafting legislation to be called Futures Trading Bill 2010. The proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive and independent legal framework which will not only provide the infrastructure necessary for a sound mechanism of futures trading but will also provide an enabling environment for fair, transparent and efficient trading in the futures market. The proposed Bill will provide for licensing of futures exchange and clearing house and shall give statutory recognition and authority to the futures exchange and the clearing arrangements. The Bill will also provide protection to investors from market offences such as false trading, bucketing, cornering, price manipulation employment of fraudulent and deceptive devices, and fraudulently inducing trading in futures market. The Ministry of Population Welfare made a presentation to the Cabinet on the Population Policy. The Cabinet was informed that the Population Policy envisions to achieve population stabilization by 2020 through expeditious completion of demographic transition that entails decline in both fertility and mortality rates. This will be achieved through reduction in total fertility rate to 2.1, reduction in population growth rate to 1.3% and universal access to modern family planning methods. The Cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Population Welfare is also focusing on improving service delivery. The Cabinet considered various strategies and proposals made in the Population Policy and approved it in principle. The Prime Minister said population increase / growth has primarily affected the supply and demand in all sectors. The Population Welfare Programme, therefore, be coordinated among the Ministries of Health, Education, Religious Affairs, Youth Affairs, Social Welfare and Information & Broadcasting to prepare a comprehensive policy. The same policy be shared with the Provincial Governments and they be asked to monitor implementation at local level. The Cabinet ratified the decisions of the ECC meeting held on 9th February 2010. The cabinet granted approval, in principle, MoU to initiate Negotiations on Agricultural Cooperation between the Ministry of Food & Agriculture of Pakistan and the Ministry of Agriculture of Germany. The proposed MoU is aimed at enhancing and strengthening joint cooperation in the field of agriculture research including exchange of experts, transfer of technology, export of good quality fruits, and exchange of information in production, protection, processing and storage of crops like wheat, cotton, vegetables and fruits. The proposed MoU also envisages market access for cotton products, rice, maize, fruits, and vegetables. Cabinet granted approval, in principle, to start negotiations with the Government of Bulgaria on the abolition of visa for holders of diplomatic and official passports. According to the current visa regime, diplomatic and official passport holders of the two countries are required to obtain entry visa from Embassies of respective countries. The Cabinet approved a proposal for initiation of negotiations on agreement on promotion and protection of investment with Canada. The agreement shall be of great mutual benefit for investment relations between the two countries. In the year 2008-09, Canadian investment flows into Pakistan were about US$2.4 million. By entering into the bilateral investment treaty, the investors’ confidence will be enhanced. In order to share experiences and techniques of different sports with the players of brotherly country Iran, the cabinet granted approval, in principal, to initiate negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran for a MoU on cooperation in the field of sports. To meet the growing demand for energy in Pakistan, the Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval to the agreement for import of electricity from the Central Asia, South Asia Regional Electricity Market. The 3rd Inter Governmental Committee meeting was held on 3-4 August 2008 at Islamabad wherein an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed by the relevant Ministers from Afghanistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Pakistan for the development of Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) 1000 Power Transmission Project and to further development of CASA Regional Electricity Market. The project envisages export of electricity from Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to Afghanistan and Pakistan. **PMMO/Ahmad**
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No. 339 Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rahmatullah Kakar has said that Asia-Pacific cooperation in housing and urban development would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the people of these countries and bring them closer. He expressed these views while speaking at the 5th Asia-Pacific Conference on Housing and Urban Development held in Tehran says a message received here. The Minister said that Asia-Pacific countries were possessed with vast skilled and semi-skilled human resources besides having modern techniques in the housing and construction Industry. He said that Asia-pacifies countries should explore avenues of interactions adding that it would not only benefit them learn from each others experience in this vital field of economy but also open up investment opportunities for participation in the housing and urban Development projects. The Minister highlighted the salient features of the housing sector developmental activities in Pakistan under Prime Minister’s Housing for all program. He said that Pakistan need 70 to 80 million housing units to accommodate the shelterless people who have no house or flat in the country. Under the Prime Minister’s housing program, the Minister informed that an ambitious plan has been made to construct one million houses/flats in Pakistan on affordable cost and international standard. The Minister said that the government was encouraging and facilitating the prospective investors and multi-national companies participating in the housing projects. They were free to take part individually or joint ventures in the construction activities, he said. The Minister also stressed for frequent exchange of delegations of experts and senior officials form the construction sector with a new to acquaint them with the technological expertise and scope of cooperation between the Asia and pacific countries. The Minister said that the government of Pakistan has taken measures to develop the housing sector at par with the developed countries and welcoming the multi-national construction companies in the housing projects for the mutual benefit. These steps, he added, has shown the unprecedented response from the local and foreign companies which desired to invest in the Prime Minister’s housing program.
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No. 340 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has stressed the need for a joint strategy towards checking cross border movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said that this would help facilitate both the countries to effectively stop the supply lines of the extremists and militants. The Prime Minister was talking to Afghan Interior Minister Mr. Mohammad Hanif Atmar, who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon. Highlighting the importance of coordination between the two countries the Prime Minister said that sharing of real time; actionable intelligence would further augment the surveillance and facilitate the security apparatus to precisely target the militants. He added that installation of biometric system on border would greatly contribute in achieving the desired goals.. Reiterating Pakistan strong desire for a prosperous and stable Afghanistan, the Prime Minister offered his government’s full assistance to Afghanistan including the training of their security forces. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has been hosting around 3.5 million Afghan refugees and called for a joint strategy for their safe and respectable return to their homeland. The Prime Minister also sought the help of the Afghan authorities to find the other two missing children of Dr. Afia Siddiqui in Afghanistan. On the proposal of establishing campus of Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences at Kabul, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to work out modalities and prepare feasibility of the project. The Prime Minister also extended invitation to President Mr. Hamid Karzai to visit Pakistan. The Afghan Interior Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his invitation to President Mr. Hamid Karzai. He also conveyed the message of good wishes from the Afghan President. He assured that his government would utilize all its resources to find out the whereabouts of the two children of Dr. Afia Siddiqui. Mr. Mohammad Hanif Atmar agreed with the Prime Minister that intelligence sharing between the two countries should be further enhanced. He appreciated the Prime Minister’s personal efforts to strengthen the existing relation between the two countries. Minister for interior Mr, Rehman Malik and other senior government officials were present during the meeting. PMMO/wh
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No. 341 On the advice of the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, the President has granted special remission upto 90 days in the sentence of prisoners on the occasion of Eid-Millad-un-Nabi (12th Rabi-ul-Awwal). This remission will, however, not be applicable to the prisoners involved in the heinous crimes of terrorism, espionage and murder. PMMO/wh
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No. 342 Muhammad Javaid Iqbal Awan, Additional Secretary (BS-21) has been designated as spokesman of the Ministry of Industries and Production, says a notification issued by the Ministry here today. His contact numbers are as under:-
It is pertinent to mention here that Muhammad Javaid Iqbal Awan belongs to DMG group of 7th Common and 79th batch. He assumed charged of the post of Additional Secretary in this Ministry on 22-02-2010. He was Secretary Agriculture in Punjab Province prior to this. MAB/wh
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No. 343 The special envoy of United Nations for assistance of Pakistan, H.E Mr. Jean-Maurice Rapit has assured full financial support to Pakistan for the modernization and promotion of religious education in the country. He said that United Nations would pursue the Friends of Pakistan to mobilize their resources for setting up educational institutions in Pakistan to provide vocational training free of cost to the Children, in order to equip them with modern education along with religious education and observed that this would help creating attractiveness in seeking knowledge to enable them to get better opportunities for employment. The Envoy made these commitments in a meeting with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi who called on him here Wednesday. They discussed the causes of the current wave of terrorism and debated on the ways and means to facilitate Pakistan to handle the situation in the troubled areas of Pakistan. The Minister informed the UN envoy about the causes of the prevailing state of affairs, adding that poverty and economic situation are the prime reasons to compel the poor parents to send their children to the religious madrasas for getting free education where students are taught only traditional education and children are deprived of technical and modern skilled education. He viewed that UN should extend its assistance for establishment of vocational training centers in Pakistan to provide skilled education to the children of poor families free of cost, which would help minimizing the militancy in the region. He apprised the envoy that Pakistan is front line partner in war on terror and suffered a lot in this regards. He pledged to continue the war till elimination of terrorists in the country. He urged upon World Community to come forward to helping Pakistan for eradication of militancy in the region. He also lauded the efforts of UN in extending support for earth quack affected areas and rehabilitation of IDPs of Sawat/Malakand and hoped for continuation of financial assistance to Pakistan in establishment of vocational centers to promote the education in religious institutions. Mr. Rapit agreed and appreciated the proposal of the Minister and asked for preparation of feasibility report of the Pilot Project of the vocational Centers for submission to the Envoy in his next visit of Pakistan in last week of March this year. He assured the Minister that UN would assist Pakistan and international community in responding to the present humanitarian recovery and reconstruction needs relating to the country’s displacement crises. In this effort the special envoy, the Resident Coordinator and the Humanitarian Coordinator will work closely together, he added.
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No. 344 It is our Constitutional responsibility to protect lives and properties of all minorities including Sikhs in Pakistan. Elements who are involved in the murder of Jaispal Singh would be punished and we would not allow them to play with their lives. We recognize and appreciate the services of Sikhs, who have rendered their services in the nation building of Pakistan. These views were expressed by the Federal Minister for Minorities Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, while talking to a delegation of a Sikh Community, who met him in his office. Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti stated that Government is playing a vital role in war against Terrorism and would take it to decisive point. He further stated that Government is taking number of steps for the welfare of minorities and renovation of Gurdwaras in the country. The Government is also doing all efforts to facilitate the Sikh Yatrees visiting their holy places in Pakistan. Sikhs are the equal citizens of Pakistan just like all other minorities and we would not allow the miscreants to harm anyone in the country. Federal Minister stressed on the necessity of equality and interfaith harmony and elimination of sectarianism and terrorism in the country.
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No. 345 Ambassador at Large Mr. Javed Malik called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and briefed him on matters pertaining to Overseas Pakistanis living in UAE. He informed the Prime Minister about his efforts to further promote business, economic and cultural relations between UAE and Pakistan The Prime Minister appreciated his endeavours in further promoting brotherly relations between Pakistan and UAE. PMCO/wh
NOT TO BE
PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF
FEBRUARY 25, 2010 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Naseer Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on their national day falling on February 25. In his message, the Prime Minister said: “It gives me immense pleasure to convey heartiest felicitations and warmest greetings, on behalf of the people, the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, to Your Highness and the people of Kuwait, on the happy occasion of the national day of the brotherly State of Kuwait. I am confident that the warm brotherly relations between our countries, will Insha Allah be further strengthened under the wise, experienced and sagacious leadership of Your Highness. I pray for your good health and happiness, and the sustained progress and prosperity of the people of Kuwait. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2010
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No. 347 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani chaired a high level meeting to review the progress on the implementation of Supreme Court judgment on NRO case dated 16th December, 2009. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Attorney General Mr. Anwar Mansoor, Chairman, NAB Mr. Naveed Ahsan, and Secretary Law Mr. Justice ® Muhammad Aqil Mirza. The meeting was informed that a total of 146 cases were reregistered under the NAB Ordinance 1999, which had been shelved under the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), 2007. The meeting was further informed that in line with the judgment of the Apex Court all these cases have already been re-opened and revived. The meeting was further apprised that 21 cases which were under investigation and closed in pursuance of the NRO have now been reopened. The meeting was also informed that in compliance with the Supreme Court directions to submit weekly reports on the progress of the accountability trials, it was revealed that the relevant quarters have submitted 8 weekly reports so far and the last one was submitted on February19, 2010. The meeting was informed that the services of Mr. Abdul Baseer Qureshi, Additional Prosecutor General, NAB have also been dispensed with in compliance of Supreme Court orders. Whereas a process to remove Dr. Danishwar Malik, Prosecutor General, NAB has already been initiated as he has undergone open heart surgery and presently hospitalized. In pursuance thereof, a show cause notice has been issued and a Committee has been constituted to take further action in accordance with law. Regarding the appointment of new Chairman NAB, it was informed that an appointment shall be made after the consultation between the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition under the relevant law. The present incumbent has already offered to resign but he was asked to continue till the appointment of his substitute as per the observation of the Supreme Court. On the point of action against former Attorney General, Malik Muhammad Qayyum, the meeting was told that he is no more holding this office and now practicing as a senior advocate of the Supreme Court, therefore under the Legal Practice and Bar Council Act 1976 his case would be sent to the Pakistan Bar Council for further action. In this regard a letter has already been sent to the Pakistan Bar Council. The legal, constitutional and international law relating to Swiss cases also came under review and particularly the final closure of the cases by the Swiss authorities was also deliberated upon. On the progress of implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister said the present government wants to maintain cordial relations with the judiciary and other institutions of the state for establishing congenial atmosphere in the larger national interest. He directed the Ministry of Law that he should be regularly apprised of any other action if required to be taken in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court. PMCO/wh
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No. 348 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the tragic death of Mahtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed in the attack after the public meeting in Rawalpindi was a colossal loss to the country, the people and the Pakistan People Party. Leaders of her caliber and stature are seldom born who have the abilities, the experience and vision for the betterment of the people of a developing country like Pakistan. The Prime Minister was talking to the United Nation’s Commission led by Mr. Heraldo Munoz which met him at the PM’s House this evening. The Prime Minister cherished his memories when he worked under the leadership of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed as Senior Vice President of the party. The vacuum created by her in national politics and international relations he said could never be filled. The Prime Minister said every possible support and assistance would be extended to the UN Commission in their endeavours to find out the facts about the assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. The leader of the UN Commission Mr. Heraldo Munoz said that they are working as per the mandate to find out facts about the death of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed since her death was a major event which affected the international political scenario beside affecting Pakistan. He expressed complete satisfaction over the support cooperation and access to requisite information by the Pakistani authorities. He also briefed about their meetings with various officials and process of investigations in connection with the case. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Interior Mr. Rehman Malik, Secretary Interior, members of the UN Commission Mr. Peter Fits Gerald and Mr. Mark Quarterman, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN at New York and other senior officials. PMCO/wh
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