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PR No. 291
PRESS RELEASE
CHAIRMAN SENATE AND LORD SPEAKER ATTEND HIGH COMMISSION’S PAKISTAN DAY
RECEPTION: NATIONAL AWARDS CONFERRED ON JAMIL NAQSH, NAJMI SURA AND KHAYAL AKBAR
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek conferred National Awards on three UK based Pakistani nationals at a ceremony organized by Pakistan High Commission London in connection with Pakistan Day, says a press release received here today.
Speaker British House of Lords Baroness Hayman, Dean Diplomatic Corps, four senators from Pakistan and large number of high officials and representatives of Pakistani, British and international community attended the reception.
Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek in his address highlighted the significance of Pakistan Resolution in founding democratic and constitutional bases of the country. He said that 23rd March 1940 symbolizes the historic transition from colonial to democratic rule. He stressed for continuation of democratic values and institutions in Pakistan, and paid rich tributes to Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed for revival of democracy in Pakistan.
Shedding light on challenges being faced by Pakistan at present particularly those arising due to war on terrorism, Mr. Naek underscored the need of help from international community for strengthening Pakistan’s economy through measures to boost trade.
Speaker British House of Lords Baroness Hayman in her address, highlighted various aspects of wide ranging relations between the two countries. She said that the excellent parliamentary links between Pakistan and UK were extremely important for the two countries and spectrum of cordial ties spans to areas such as investment, economy and social development.
High Commissioner of Pakistan for UK Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan in his address said that Pakistan had turned tables against terrorism and extremism and with the determination of people of Pakistan and decisive action by armed forces the back of extremism was broken.
He further said that another challenge faced by Pakistan since its independence was that of right of self - determination of People of Kashmir adding that “ the government of Pakistan was ready to go an extra mile for resolving Kashmir and other disputes on Pakistan’s eastern boarders and hoped that good sense would prevail and composite dialogue process would be started at the earliest”.
The Chairman Senate Mr. Farooq H. Naek conferred National Awards on the UK based recipients for their outstanding services to the country. The recipients of awards included Mr. Jamil Naqsh, Sitara-I- Imtiaz, Ms. Najmi Sura Tamgha-i- Imtiaz, and Mr. Khayal Akbar Tamgha – i- Imtiaz.
**RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No. 292
PRESS RELEASE
Reception / Cultural Night in Malaysia on Pakistan Day
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Pakistan High Commission in Malaysia organized a grand reception and Cultural Night at a local hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday to mark the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan Day, says a press released received here from Malaysia.
Dato’ Hamzah Bin Zainudin, Malaysian Deputy Minister for Plantation and Industries and Commodities was the guest of honor at the reception which was attended by Legendary Pakistan Squash player Jehangir Khan, high level Malaysian dignitaries, diplomatic Community, top businessmen, representative of Pakistani Community and media elites.
Ceremony commenced with playing of national anthems of both Pakistan and Malaysia.
Later, the Malaysia Deputy Minister prayed for the progress prosperity and economic well being of Pakistan. The Acting High Commissioner for Pakistan, Dr. Imtiaz A Kazi reciprocated by praying for the health and wellbeing of the King of Malaysia and prosperity and progress for the Government and people of Malaysia.
Later, the guest of honor, the Acting High Commissioner, Mr. Jehangir Khan, honorary investment counselor and honorary Counselor General of Pakistan in Malaysia cut a huge cake to mark the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan Day.
The audience was enthralled by the cultural performances presented by the Pakistani community in Malaysia depicting the folk songs and traditional dances of all the four provinces of Pakistan.
Mr. Jehangir Khan, the legendary squash player of Pakistan who had performed several times in Malaysia was a center of attraction for the guests and remained surrounded by his fans through out the reception.
The audience also watched with great interest the documentary on Pakistan which highlighted the progress made by Pakistan in many sectors and steps taken by the government to empower the people of Pakistan.
An exhibition of Pakistan textile products and handicrafts was also organized. The audience showed keen interest in the exhibits.
The Guests relished the exotic Pakistani food Delicacies including beryani, roasted lamb and Kebab etc.
**QB/Ahmad**
PR No. 293
PRESS RELEASE
CLEAN WATER, HEALTHY PAKISTAN: NAJMUDDIN KHAN
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Najmuddin Khan has said that water is the source of life and a link that binds all living being on this planet. Good quality water sustains healthy ecosystems and leads to improved human well-being. He said that the present government is taking special initiatives in this regard for providing clean water for healthy Pakistan. He said that water is the main source of life and no body can live without it.
While addressing at the seminar on World Water Day - 2010 at Local Hotel in Lahore today, the Minister said that this important day is celebrated under the United Nations on 22nd March in Pakistan this year, it declared 2005-15 as the International Decade for Action under the slogan “Water for Life”.
The Minister said that the road to achieving safe drinking water for all is a long and difficult task, but the government is trying to help its development partners achieve their national Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) targets on safe drinking water.
He said that World Water Day has even more significant importance for Pakistan which is currently facing multiple challenges in water Sector. He said that water secured world is the prime objective of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He said that with financial support of USAID Pakistan, the government would achieve all necessary objectives in this regard.
Mr. Najmuddin Khan appreciated the efforts of NGO Pakistan Water Partnership which is working in collaboration with USAID in sensitizing the general masses to conserve water and help the government to complete water Managements Projects all over the country.
Engineer Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson, Pakistan Engineering Council offered her institutional support to carry out the view of water Management system in Pakistan to make better use of county’s Water Resources.
PR No. 294
PRESS RELEASE
NAVEED QAMAR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FACILITATING LPG INDUSTRY,
ADDRESSES 4th ANNUAL LPG CONFERENCE
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar has said that LPG industry ‘has bright prospects’ and the ‘government is committed to facilitating the industry’. He was speaking at the Fourth Annual LPG Conference organized by the LPG Association of Pakistan, here today.
Syed Naveed Qamar, addressing the conference delegates said that the present government strongly believed that good governance comes from listening and being alive to the concerns of the stakeholders, adding that it was only through meaningful consultation that well-informed and dynamic policies could be evolved and instituted that could stand the test of time and contribute in building up our economy.
The Minister informed that international tender for supplying synthetic gas would soon be floated, making available LPG Air Mix/Synthetic Gas to dedicated consumers in due course of time. He said that the government had successfully auctioned off long-term LPG supplies from the public sector through a transparent, competitive bidding process maximizing returns for state-owned producers like OGDCL and providing a level laying field for LPG marketing companies.
He said that the country was facing a constant challenge of growing energy demands and the policy of the ministry was to encourage all possibilities of making fuel available.Cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders was therefore required so as to be able to push through for whatever could be produced or imported.
Facilitating the sector would work to the advantage of Government, industry and consumers by providing greater price stability, emphasis on safety and supply security, additional tax receipts for the national exchequer and opportunities for investment.
Syed Naveed Qamar said that OGRA and the Ministry were only the facilitators of the industry,and the government was moving fast towards increasing transparency in the industry with de-regulation being the driving force. He said that he was a strong supporter of de-regulation and minimal government intervention, adding that de-regulation was the future of the Oil and Gas Industry of Pakistan.
It would be our failure to be unable to remove obstacles in the path of developing an attractive investment avenue from being realized, he added. The Minister directed Director General (Gas) to review afresh the LPG Policy 2006, in consultation with all the stakeholders, adding that small irritants could not be allowed the bog down the industry.
PR No. 295
PRESS RELEASE
MQM PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that elected representatives should review the progress of development schemes in their respective areas and prioritize these in a manner that projects nearing completion should be completed at the earliest. The funds allocated for the schemes, he added, have to be utilized before the end of financial year ensuring that the quality of work does not suffer.
The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of MNAs belonging to MQM, led by Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Dr. Farooq Sattar, at PM’s House here this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that very soon he would be holding a meeting to review the progress of Karachi and Hyderabad packages to determine the needs in consultation with the MNAs so that the benefits reach the common man.
The Prime Minister said that his regular meeting with MNAs and Senators have greatly helped him in reassessing the needs of the people at local level as well as functioning of various public service departments. The government, he said remained focused on security issues and accordingly development funds were reduced to some extent. The allocation of funds and implementation of projects/schemes, will be better managed and planned during the next financial years, he said.
The delegation members appreciated the Prime Minister for his active engagement with public representatives across the board to asses their views and take actions accordingly.
The delegation of MQM MNAs included Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mr. Sufyan Yusuf, Syed Asif Hasnian, Syed Tayyab Hussain, Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada, Dr. Nadeem Ehsan and Dr. Waseem.
PR No. 296
PRESS RELEASE
MQM PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010The Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil has stressed the NHA officials to ensure timely completion of all ongoing development projects under the NHA so that the public would start benefiting from them. He expressed these views while presiding over a high level meeting in the Committee Room of the Ministry of Communications Islamabad.
The Meeting was also attended by the Federal Secretary Communications Sharif Ahmad Khan, Chairman NHA Altaf Ahmad Chaudry, Member Operations NHA raja Nosherwan and other officials.The agenda of the meeting was ongoing projects under the Communications especially the NHA.
The Federal Minister emphasized that, alongside providing facilities to travelers, the NHA should focus on increasing its revenue to augment the national exchequer, and to help complete, The ongoing projects in time Dr Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil said that since coming into power the government has made relentless efforts to provide relief to the people in every sector, and have always emphasized on quality and speed of work so that out nation has a bright and prosperous future.
The Federal Minister said that the people would soon witness far reaching changes in the communications Sector. He also said that we would lay a network of highways throughout the country while maintaining a world standard in construction and design so that strong road links are developed with the neighboring countries and our trade, tourism, agriculture and industry get a boost
PR No. 297
PRESS RELEASE
PARLIAMENTARIANS CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the political leadership of the country has succeeded in building consensus on major issues which is indicative of their sincere commitment to democracy and public welfare. Government, he added, intends to take all parties into confidence while formulating National policies on security, nuclear programme, Kashmir issue, water dispute and Pakistan – US strategic dialogue. He reiterated that his Government is trying to strengthen the institutions instead of individuals.
The Prime Minister was talking to the members of the Parliament who called on him this afternoon at the Prime Minister House. During the course of discussion on current political situation, he urged them to remain present in the Assembly during debate on the 18th amendment bill which will soon be tabled in the House. He said the Government is serious to purge the Constitution from inclusions of dictatorial regimes so that democracy may flourish in Pakistan.
Senator Islamuddin Shaikh, MNA M. Salman Mohsin Gilani and MNA Dr. Araish Kunar who individually called on the Prime Minister appreciated the government policy of reconciliation and democratic style of governance. They assured the Prime Minister about their active participation in the debate on the coming bill.
PR No. 298
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo chaired a high level meeting for examining release of water dam in landsliding hit area of Ata Abad, Hunza and the expected affects of releasing the dam water.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for KA &GB, Additional Secretary KAS&GB, Chief Secretary GB, Additional Secretary Finance, Chairman NDMA, DG FWO, Chairman NHA, NESPAK officials and others here on Thursday.
The steps taken for relief work were examined in the meeting. Furthermore, the possible damage which can be caused by releasing of water was examined and how to minimize this damage.
Federal Minister directed the officials that strategy of releasing water should help in minimizing the financial and human loss. The Minister ensured all in the meeting that federal government will help the utmost in the relief work as it is helping at the moment. The federal Minister showed satisfaction on the performance of all departments involved.
The Minister was informed that the release of water is a technical issue and the officials of NESPAK, FWO and NHA are doing relief work day and night but some people are giving irresponsible statements on media. The minister appealed to them that people should not criticize for the sake of criticism and they should examined the relief word impartially.
PR No. 299
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities met Mr. Jean Maurice Ripert, United Nations’ Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan to support the humanitarian work of the United Nations, in his Office today.
Federal Minister for Minorities informed the delegation about Government of Pakistan’s efforts for betterment of minorities and for their empowerment. He said that his Ministry has initiated many projects for the uplift of the deprived segments including minorities.
The Minister also informed the delegation about government’s initiatives to create tolerant and peace loving country in the region. The Ministry is already in the process of establishing Interfaith Harmony Committees at District level, which would be a positive step for social integration and coordination amongst various communities. Since the interfaith falls within the ambit of United Nation Program for social protection in third world countries, Mr. Ripert showed his interest in the social protection program for the marginalized group including minorities in Pakistan.
Special Envoy took keen interest in the projects and appreciated present democratic governments programs for Minorities Welfare and prosperity.
PR No. 300
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010In pursuance of the decision of the Federal Government in case No. 36/05/2009 dated 8th April, 2009, it is notified for information of the general public that watches/clocks be advanced/moved forward by one hour (GMT+6) from 1st, April, 2010 till 31st October, 2010 (Seven months) to mitigate power shortages
PR No. 301
PRESS RELEASE
JOINT STATEMENT
U.S.-PAKISTAN STRATEGIC DIALOGUE AT THE MINISTERIAL LEVEL
24 - 25 MARCH 2010
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, accompanied by high level delegations, met in Washington on 24-25 March 2010 for the U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, says a press release received from Embassy of Pakistan ,Washington DC here today
In conformity with the importance that both the United States and Pakistan attach to taking further steps to broaden and deepen their comprehensive cooperation and to further fortify the friendship between the two peoples, the Strategic Dialogue was elevated to the Ministerial level.
A Policy Steering Group was established to intensify and expand the sectoral dialogue process in the fields of: economy and trade; energy; defense; security, strategic stability and non-proliferation; law enforcement and counter-terrorism; science and technology; education; agriculture; water; health; and communications and public diplomacy. Sectoral meetings will be held in Islamabad soon.
Both sides exchanged views on the status of bilateral cooperation and decided to continually provide strategic guidance for strengthening U.S.-Pakistan partnership in the 21st Century for realizing the aspirations of their people.
They reiterated that the core foundations of this partnership are shared democratic values, mutual trust and mutual respect. A stable, enduring and broad-based cooperative partnership is in the fundamental interest of both countries. Both the United States and Pakistan are determined to foster goodwill and friendship between their people and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation.
Secretary Clinton paid tribute to the courage and resolve of the people of Pakistan to eliminate terrorism and militancy. Both sides acknowledged the common threat that terrorism and extremism posed to global, regional and local security. Pakistan expressed its appreciation for U.S. security assistance. Both governments committed to redouble their efforts to deal effectively with terrorism and to protect the common ideals and shared values of democracy, tolerance, openness and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights.
Both sides exchanged views on measures to enhance Pakistan’s inherent capacities to realize the vision of a democratic, progressive state, committed to socio-economic advancement and to effectively address political, economic, development and security challenges.
The United States re-affirmed its resolve to assist Pakistan to overcome socio-economic challenges by providing technical and economic assistance and to enable Pakistan to build its strengths by optimal utilization of its considerable human and natural resources and entrepreneurial skills.
The United States committed to work towards enhanced market access for Pakistani products as well as towards the early finalization of Reconstruction Opportunity Zones legislation. The two governments decided to discuss issues related to the Bilateral Investment Treaty in order to stimulate investment in Pakistan.
The United States and Pakistan discussed creating an investment fund to support increased foreign direct investment and development in Pakistan. Such a fund could provide much needed additional support for Pakistan’s energy sector and other high priority areas.
The United States recognized the importance of assisting Pakistan to overcome its energy deficit and committed to further intensify and expand comprehensive cooperation in the energy sector, including through the Signature Energy Program.
Recognizing the crucial importance of water for human survival and development, both sides decided to add a separate sectoral track in the Strategic Dialogue to focus on water conservation, watershed management and U.S. assistance in water projects.
Pakistan expressed its appreciation for U.S. assistance for socio-economic development that would contribute towards improving the lives of the people of Pakistan.
The two sides comprehensively shared perspectives on regional and global issues.Both reaffirmed the importance of advancing peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reaffirmed their commitment to a wide-ranging, long-term and substantive strategic partnership between the United States and Pakistan.
To carry forward this process, the next meeting of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad co-chaired by Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Qureshi.
PR No. 302
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER GREETS NEW APNEC BODY
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani congratulated the newly elected office bearers of the APNEC (All Pakistan Newspapers Employees Confederation). In his message, the Prime Minister expressed his confidence that the newly elected body would strive for the welfare of the Newspapers employees. The Confederation, he hoped, would also focus on professional excellence and improving the skills of the members of their community.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 26TH MARCH, 2010
PR No. 303
PRESS RELEASE
PM GREETS BANGLADESHI COUNTERPART ON NATIONAL DAY
Islamabad: 25th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has sent a message of greetings to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of their national day falling on March 26.
In his message the Prime Minister said: “On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, I would like to convey our sincere greetings to you and the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of their national day.
Pakistan greatly values its close and fraternal relations with Bangladesh. Our two countries closely cooperate at the regional and international fora with the aim of promoting peace, stability and prosperity in our region. I am confident that the bonds of fraternity, friendship and close cooperation between our brotherly countries would continue to grow for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your Excellency’s good health and well being and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh”.
NOT TO BE PUBLISHED/BROADCAST/TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 26TH MARCH, 2010