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PR. No. 204. “Approval of the Finance Bill by the National Assembly that also provides for raise in the strength of Supreme Court judges from the current 16 to 29 will break the deadlock over the issue of restoration of deposed judges. It will also help the major coalition partners, PPP and PML (N) to move forward on the proposed constitutional Package.” This was stated by Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo Advisor/Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives here today. Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo said that both the major coalition partners, PPP and PML (N) had shown great political wisdom and maturity in finding a way to move forward on the issue of judges’ restoration “Its not a defeat or victory for any party nor it will give political advantage to one party or the other rather it has established supremacy of the parliament”, said Mr. Wattoo adding that “this development will certainly strengthen the ongoing democratic process by cementing the coalition between PPP and PML (N). He further said that agreement on judges’ issue will help the coalition government to focus on other pressing problems, and challenges being faced by the people of Pakistan. **AU/Ahmad**
PR. No. 205. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to work out innovative strategies to encourage both local and foreign investment in the country. The Prime Minister said this while talking Mian Manzoor Watto Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production who called on him at the PM’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said there is need to tap the full potential of investment opportunities in order to help generating employment both for the unemployed, underemployed skilled and educated youth of the country. Mian Manzoor Watto briefed the Prime Minister about the various initiatives being taken by his Ministry to encourage the businessmen to invest in sectors of their choice. He said his Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Investment is also taking measures to familiarize foreign investors with the highly favourable investment opportunities available in the country. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 206. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that all economic sectors in Pakistan are open to Foreign Direct Investment and a level playing field is provided to both local and foreign investors allowing 100 per cent foreign equity. The Prime Minister said this while talking to Mr. Farhad Zulfiqar, Executive Chairman, Makro Habib Pakistan a joint venture between Makro Cash and Carry, a leading Dutch wholesaler of food and non-food products in Asia and South America and House of Habib, Pakistan who called on him at the PM’s House this morning. The Prime Minister said that the government has announced favourable incentive packages to attract investment in all sectors including reduced customs duty, sales tax and withholding tax relief on the import of machinery. Mr. Farhad Zulfiqar told the Prime Minister that Makro Cash and Carry has 172 stores worldwide including five countries of Asia and four countries of South America and has an annual turnover exceeding four billion Euros. In Pakistan the company has so far set up 4 stores in Karachi and Lahore, and plans to set up 30 stores, he said. In his presentation Mr. Marek Andrej Minkiewicz, the CEO and Managing Director of Makro Stores in Pakistan informed the Prime Minister Makro Habib plans to invest around $ 300 million in the next four years out of which $200 million will be inward remitted as Foreign Direct Investment. He said that the monthly turnover of each store is around Rs 160 million. Secretary Industries and Secretary Board of Investment attended the meeting. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 207. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for early signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement with Indonesia as it would encourage and enhance the volume of trade between the two countries. The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of Indonesian investors headed by Mr. Derom Bangun who alongwith a delegation of Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association led by Sh. Amjad Rashid, called on him at the Prime Minister’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has cordial relations with the brotherly country of Indonesia and is keen to expand relations with it in all fields especially in the area of trade and investment. The Prime Minister said that foreign investment is fully protected in Pakistan and all economic sectors are open to Foreign Direct Investment. Pakistan makes no distinction between local and foreign investors as 100% foreign equity, remittance of royalty, profits and dividends is allowed under Pakistani laws, he said. The meeting was informed that Pakistan imports substantial quantity of palm oil in view of the country’s huge requirement of edible oil. He said that Pakistan’s total yearly domestic demand of edible oil is around 2.9 million tonnes and only 0.857 million tonnes is produced locally and the balance is met through imports. The head of Indonesian delegation said that his country is keen to promote trade and investment with Pakistan especially in palm oil and edible industry. He said that today Indonesia is the biggest producer of palm oil with an annual production at 18.6 million tonnes annually. He said his delegation is looking at various possibilities of investment in the Pakistan especially in edible oil industry. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Finance Syed Naveed Qamar, Special Assistant to PM, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Secretary Industries and Secretary Agriculture. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 208. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the PPP government is committed to the uplift of FATA and will provide all available resources for accelerating the process of socio-economic development in these areas. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation of the notables of North Waziristan led by Malik Nasrullah Khan, Chief of North Waziristan, which called on him at his chamber in the Parliament House. The Prime Minister said his government is determined to bring the tribal areas at par with the developed areas of the country so as to remove the sense of deprivation of the people of these areas. He said the government is taking steps for improving basic health and education facilities in the tribal areas while focusing on increasing job and income generation opportunities. The Prime Minister said that improving law and order situation all over the country is the top priority of the government because it is directly related to economic stability and development. The Prime Minister said that only a handful of extremists have hijacked Islam and are bringing bad name to it. He called upon the notables to help the government defeat the nefarious designs of such elements. Nor should extremists be allowed to use the soil of Pakistan for their ulterior motives, he said. He said such elements are also adversely affecting the livelihood of millions of Pakistanis living in foreign countries. The Prime Minister said that Islam teaches tolerance, compassion and forbearance and it is the duty of every Muslim to portray the true image of the faith. The delegation told the Prime Minister that with the formation of the new government law and order situation in the country, particularly in the tribal areas, has considerably improved. They also congratulated the Prime Minister on assuming the office with the unanimous vote of the National Assembly. **Ahmad**
PR. No. 209. Federal Minister for Housing & Works, Rehmatullah Khan Kakar has said that six pilot housing projects were being launched within a week to mark the construction of houses for poor, needy and shelter-less people under Prime Minister’s one million houses program. He was talking to the Spanish BARCON’S delegation headed by Country Project Director, Mr. Farooq Khan which called on him here today to discuss investment opportunities in the upcoming housing projects. The Minister said that the necessary arrangements have been made to launch the Six Pilot Housing Projects in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Multan and Larkana cities. He said that under the Prime Minister’s Housing program for the Federal Government employees, construction of houses would also be started soon with a view to provide shelter to the retiring government servants’ shelter. The Minister said that the quality material would be utilized in the construction of the houses and one million houses would be constructed on 70000 acres of land across the country. He said that the government was striving to alleviate the sufferings of the people especially in the housing sector and all out efforts were being made to overcome the housing shortage in the country. The Minister said that construction of houses at large scale would provide the local and foreign investors an abundant opportunities of investment. The Spanish delegation briefed the Minister about BARCON’S involvement in the construction projects in Morocco, Jordon, UAE and other countries. They gave a detailed presentation on their ongoing housing projects. The Minister was told that an experts delegation from BARCON’S would visit Pakistan in the mid of July to have a detailed discussion with the concerned authorizes on the investment potential in these housing projects. Secretary, Housing & Works, Samiul Haq Khilji, DG, Pakistan Housing Authority and senior officials of the Ministry were also present on the occasion. EH/Ahmad
PR. No. 210. Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi taking serious notice of reports regarding Development of Landfill Project, Kari Islamabad called a meeting of stakeholders to discuss the project. Secretary Ministry of Environment Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Mr. Kamran Lashari, Senior officers of Planning Commission, Ministry of Environment, Director General Pak-EPA, representatives of the Quid-i-Azam University, technical experts and people of the Kuri area participated in the meeting. The CDA Member Environment Mazher Hussain and technical expert Dr. Amir Hayder Malik gave presentation on technical aspects of the project.The CDA in its presentation elaborated that Landfill Project at Kuri was selected by a committee after visiting different possible sites including two places in Rawat and third one in Kuri. The Kuri Landfill Project has been designed based on US EPA Design. The project has been prepared after through scientific studies and duly considering the technical, social and environmental aspects and it will certainly improve the environment of Islamabad. They informed that the concerns raised during the public hearing and by some quarters in press have been duly taken care of in the design of project. CDA was of the view that any consideration at this stage for relocation of site will result in long delay and will put the city at the risk of the out break of the epidemics and deterioration of the environment. Dr. Amir Hayder in his presentation pointed out that Kuri Landfill Project will damage the ground water recharging zones and will be dangerous being situated close seismic fault lines. The environmental expert from Quaid i-Azam University, Dr. Zulfiqar disagreeing with Dr. Amir Hayder said that the objections raised are not based on scientific data. The other stakeholders and the people of the Kuri area also expressed their view point on the issue. Speaking on the occasion Federal Minister for Environment said that Ministry of Environment in principle support the establishment of Landfills for Waste Management, however, protection of the environment is the top most priority. Therefore, the Landfill Project may be developed after addressing the environmental concerns. The Minister said that we give utmost importance to the human health and environment. He said that projects should be designed in such a manner these should not create environmental hazards for the local community. The Minister after hearing the point of view of the stakeholders asked the Planning Commission to give final decision on the project after hearing the all the stakeholders within three weeks **DKK/Ahmad**
PR. No. 211. There is no plan to cut privatisation proceeds in the year 2008-09. A Privatisation Commission Spokesman said while referring to a news item which stated that privatisation proceeds target has been cut by 98 pc, published in a section of the press (daily, “Business Recorder”) in its combined edition on June 19, 2008. The PC Spokesman while refuting this claim clarified that for the FY-2007-08, privatisation proceeds target of Rs. 75 billion was envisaged considering the privatisation of HBL GDR, OGDCL GDR, KAPCO GDR, PTCL half yearly installments, strategic sale of PSO, SME Bank, Coal & Salt Mines projects and some other industrial units. Against this target, the Privatisation Commission has been able to achieve privatisation proceeds amounting to Rs.27 billion so far and not Rs.1.6 billion as reported in the said news item, he stated. The spokesman pointed out that the estimates of proceeds on account of privatisation are subject to favorable geo political and enabling environment, market appetite and investors interests. While, the Privatisation Commission has been actively working on all of the above-mentioned transactions, major transactions could not be finalized due to national and international factors, he said. He further stated that the preparatory work done during the current financial year will help Privatisation Commission to privatise most of the entities during next fiscal year (2008-09) which is expected to realize sale proceeds of Rs.122 billion approximately. The PC Spokesman added that in case of entities directly owned by the Federal Government the sale proceeds realized by the PC are transferred to Ministry of Finance while certain proceeds are transferred to other entities whose shares are sold and who are entitled to such proceeds. The proceeds received by such entities are subsequently transferred to Government of Pakistan in the shape of dividends/ profits, the spokesman concluded. **TP/Ahmad**
PR. No. 212. President Pervez Musharraf has expressed his hop for a peaceful solution of the lingering Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people. The President said that any settlement that does not have the backing of the Kashmiri people will not be durable and sustainable. He was talking to the delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) delegation comprising Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Professor Abdul Ghani Bhat, and Bilal Ghani Lone. The APHC delegation apprised the President of the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir. They were of the view that elections in IOK could not be a substitute for the exercise of right of self-determination by the Kashmiri people. There was agreement on the need for effective implementation of the confidence building measures to facilitate greater interactions between the Kashmiri people. The Chairman APHC conveyed the best wishes of the Kashmiri people for President Musharraf and the people of Pakistan. AK/ank
PR. No. 213. According to a circular issued by Ministry of Health, the Ministry has nominated Prof. Dr. Rashid Jooma, Director General (Health) as spokesman for Ministry of Health, Islamabad. He will be the contact point for all enquires for the media. His contact Numbers are as under:- Phone No: 9202361 Fax No: 9202090 Office address: Room No 205, Block “C” Pak Secretariat, Islamabad.
PR. No. 214. Finance Minister announced certain relief measures for the small farmers during his discussion with a group of MNAs who called on him to discuss their proposals with regard to relief to agriculture sector. The Finance Minister reassured that the government directions to withhold auction/sale of properties of small farmers whose loans through ZTBL have become over due have been implemented. He directed concerned GOP agencies to ensure that crop insurance should become operative by next Rabi Season. He also assured the MNAs that government would review their proposals for relief on account of interests’ payment on small farmers’ loans, especially those who are paying principal amount in time. The Minister also directed ZTBL management to ensure that MCO’s process farmer’s loan applications within seven days, adding that farmers now shall be facilitated to file their loan applications in ZTBL’s designated branches to obviate delay in loan processing and sanction. Finance Minister indicated that government would announce appropriate support price for wheat by September 2008. The FM also informed the MNAs that GOP has decided to provide large amount of subsidy to fertilizers to ensure affordable prices to farmer in order to improve productivity. He, however, directed the concerned government agencies to come up with measures to ensure that subsidies are reflected in fertilizers’ prices and also directed the availability of fertilizers to farmers during sowing season. The Finance Minister informed the MNAs that the government was conscious that mechanization of agriculture was important to increase productivity. Therefore, it had removed custom duty and sales tax on import of tractors and agri implements. He indicated that GOP would support best possible options for tractors import to facilitate farmers’ technical input to maximize crop production. Necessary mechanism for agri credits to farmers would be worked out in consultation with stakeholders, Finance Minister added. The items concerning subsidized electricity provision to farmers during sowing and harvesting seasons and installation of electricity powered tube wells was deferred for more discussion and deliberations jointly by MPs and WAPDA Management for facilitation and resolution. NJ/wh
PR. No. 215.
The governor briefed the President about the development related activities going on in the province. He also briefed him about the existing situation in FATA. The President emphasized the need for taking concrete and effective measures to bring peace and harmony in the troubled areas of FATA. AK/wh
PR. No. 216. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has appointed Maulana Hamid Saeed Kazmi as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr. Maulana Kazmi thanked the Prime Minister and the PPP Co-Chairman Mr. Asif Ali Zardari for reposing their confidence in him. He expressed his resolve to do his best and contribute to the further improvement in the working of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in addition to taking steps for the redressing the grievances of Hujjaj. It may be mentioned that Maulan Kazmi is the Secretary General of Nizam-e-Mustafa Party which contested the recent general election as a coalition partner of Pakistan Peoples Party. He has been elected twice as Member of the National Assembly. In the recent elections he was elected from Rahimyar Khan. DSG/wh
PR. No. 217. “Necessary changes in devolution plan will be made to improve service delivery and solve problems of the people of Pakistan. But this would be with consensus and consultation with all stakeholders.” Dr. Asim Hussain, Chairman NRB made these observations during the meeting with Mr. Alvaro Rodriguez, Country Director UNDP who along with senior officers of UNDP called upon Chairman NRB in his office today. Senior officers of NRB were also present in the meeting. Several issues including UNDP support to NRB were discussed. Chairman NRB appreciated the contribution made by the UNDP and other donor agencies in Pakistan through Support to Good Governance Project during the last eight years. Chairman NRB stressed the need for creation of District Service, magisterial powers, fiscal policies and strengthening of institutions created under the Local Government Ordinance, 2001 and the Police Order, 2002. He underlined the importance of dealing with the implementation issues upfront. The Country Director UNDP assured the Chairman NRB fullest support and assistance to NRB in facilitating devolution in the future also. Earlier in the morning Chairman NRB met a delegation of District and Tehsil Naib Nazmeen from Balochiatan. The delegation shared their experiences about devolution and apprised him with the difficulties they were facing. Officers of the UNDP project “Assistance to Governance Reforms In Balochistan” were also present.
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