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PR No. 304
PRESS RELEASE
Temporary stay of afghan refugees extended uptil December 2010: Najmuddin Khan
UNHCR welcomes Pakistan’s decision: Antonio Guterres
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Federal Minister for SFRON Najmuddin Khan has said that the Federal Cabinet considered the draft “Management and Repatriation Strategy/Policy for Afghan refugees in Pakistan (2010-2012) proposed by the Ministry of SAFRON and decided to extend the temporary stay of the registered 1.7 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan till the end of the year 2012. The Cabinet took stock of the matter in the context of the prevailing law and order situation in Pakistan, non-conducive environment inside Afghanistan to receive and accommodate the remaining 1.7 million registered Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan and the repercussion of the forced repatriation, this was stated by the Federal Minister while briefing to the media here today in a joint press conference with the country representative of UNHCR Mr. Antonio Guterres.
The Minister said that subsequent to the approval of the Cabinet, the Proof of Registration Cards already issued to the registered Afghan refugees will be extended upto December 31, 2010 with enhanced security features. He said that unregistered members of the registered families will be registered while Afghan children born in Pakistan will be given certificates.
The Minister told that the Cabinet appreciated the Refugees Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) Programme (2009-2013) that has been formally launched in May, 2009 with the support of the UNHCR and UNDP at an estimated cost of $ 140 million and advised that the implementation of the Programme may be vigorously pursued with a view to restoring the physical infrastructure in the sectors of eructation, health, communication, forests and livestock and grazing areas that have been affected by the presence of the Afghan refugees over the years in and around the villages and camps so that the sufferings of the communities may be minimized.
Mr. Najmuddin further said that the strategy will broadly take care of the repatriation to and reintegration of refugees in Afghanistan, international support for refugees and repatriation, development of refugees affected host community/areas, addressing security concerns in Pakistan due to refugee’s presence, border management/crossing to control recycling and temporary management of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
He said that the tripartite agreement between the Governments of Pakistan & Afghanistan and UNHCR that envisaged the repatriation of Afghan refugees on voluntary basis with assistance of UNCHR and expired on 31st December 2009 will also be extended for another three years effective from January 2010.
The Minister asked the International Community that funding needs to be commensurate with the generosity shown by Pakistan over the past three decades.
The Minister said that the committees has been constituted for checking the properties and business of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan based on every provinces under the supervision of Home Secretaries.
UNHCR Country Representatives Mr. Antonio Guterres welcomed the decision by Pakistan to extend the temporary stay of Afghan refugees. He said that that UNCHR is committed to continuing work with the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to find lasting solutions for Afghan refugees.
Mr. Antonio said that UNHCR has agreed to mobilize additional support for local communities in Pakistan that have hosted Afghan refugees. I call upon the international community to strengthen its support to Pakistan for the hosting of Afghan refugees, taking into account too the needs of the refugee-impacted areas and their communities, he added.
**NA/Ahmad**
PR No. 305
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010US Sectary 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.
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 US- 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 hared 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.
**NH/Ahmad**
PR No. 306
PRESS RELEASE
SENATOR WAQAR ORDERS SPECIAL AUDIT OF MAJOR TRANSACTIONS
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has been approached to conduct special audit of major transactions privatised in the past in order to assess the performance evaluation of the privatisation process of these entities and to have current status of the value addition in these entities and the value of government’s shares position in these entities. Senator Waqar Ahmed Khan Federal Minister for Privatisation said while talking to media persons here today.
The Minister informed that 13 transactions referred for special audit included Telecommunication: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) B class 26 % shares, Ufone, Banking Sector: United Bank Limited (UBL) 51 % shares, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) 51 % shares Capital Market: Transactions of Pakistan Oil fields (POL) (CDC), Attock Refinery Limited shares (CDC), Energy Sector: Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) 75 % shares, Kot Adu Power Company (Escrow Account), Cement Sector: Mustehkam Cement Limited, Javedan Cement Limited, Fertilizer Sector: Pak Arab Fertilizers (Pvt) Limited (94.8 % shares), Pak American Fertilizers and Tourism Sector: Falletis Hotel Lahore.
The present government had initiated the special audit through AGP of some major transactions and their findings of audit were being examined for making further improvements, he added.
Senator Waqar further stated that the Privatisation Commission endeavored to carry out the Privatisation Program in an open, fair and transparent manner for the benefit of the people of Pakistan. As stipulated in the PC Ordinance 2000, the audit of Commission is carried out annually by AGP in addition to the external auditors (a firm of Chartered Accountants) for each year accounts.
The PC has so far privatised 167 transactions for more than Rs.476 billion since its inception and net proceeds transferred to Federal Government for 90 % debt retirement and 10 % for poverty alleviation program as envisaged in the PC law.
**TP/Ahmad**
PR No. 307
PRESS RELEASE
PARLIAMENTARIANS MUST SPOUSE CAUSE OF ENVIRONMENT – FAROOQ H. NAEK
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek has called for coordination among Parliamentarians, different sections of society, government institutions and NGOs to conserve energy and save environment for future generation of Pakistan . He was speaking on the occasion Earth Hour 2010.
“We have to work together to save every sapling, every drop of water and every unit of energy to ensure a bright and prosperous future of our coming generations”, Farooq H. Naek said. He said that it was a matter of satisfaction that Ministry of Environment had decided to join hands with the world community to observe Earth Hour 2010, which will sensitize all the sections of the society and general public at large with regard to the significance of environment and conservation of energy in the country, the Chairman Senate added.
“This shows the significance that Government of Pakistan and Pakistani nation attaches to the issues related to the environment, climate change and conservation of energy to save our earth – the only home of humanity in the universe”, Farooq H. Naek added.
He also underscored the importance of spearheading the cause of environment and energy conservation by the Cabinet Members, party groups and Parliamentarians to give it a political ownership.
PR No. 308
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani endorsed the proposal made by the delegation of PILDAT which met him here at the Prime Minister’s House today that voting be made compulsory in elections so that people including women should use their political right to elect their representatives.
Terming reforms in electoral system a prerequisite for holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country, the Prime Minister said veteran personalities of media, legal profession, civil society as well as former members of superior judiciary, civil and military bureaucracy can make suggestions based on their experience to improve the system. He added that the present leadership of the Election Commission of Pakistan is well-versed with the issues as well and could bring necessary changes in the electoral process.
Regarding the proposed recommendations relating to constitutional amendments, the Prime Minister said these have been shared with the members of the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. He assured the delegation that their proposals for the electoral reforms would also be looked into very carefully and extended requisite support of the government.
The Parliament, he said is serious on Constitutional Reforms and is totally committed for the betterment of the political system. The Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms, he added is an independent body functioning in a democratic manner with a futuristic vision. All the political parties, he added are on board in this regard and all the members are doing a good job in the larger interest of the Nation. It is being unanimously felt he mentioned that institutions need to be strengthened.
The Prime Minister said that governance is a shared responsibility among all the institutions at all levels. The governance, he added can be further improved through quick decisions for which the culture of coalition government has to be better understood and practiced. The political and the administrative environment, he said will definitely improve with the passage of time and through experience.
The Prime Minister said that government welcomes suggestions and inputs from all segments of the society for public policy formulation as well as implementation. He further said government’s approach is reform oriented and believes that collective wisdom is always beneficial thereby maintaining close contacts with citizens and stakeholders.
Appreciating contributions of Citizen Group on Electoral Process (CGEP) which is a subsidiary of PILDAT, the Prime Minister said it had worked responsibly, diligently and objectively in highlighting issues prior to the February 2008 general elections. He further said CGEP has also helped in highlighting problems and issues through media and through its sheer commitment in identifying the un-even political and electoral field. He praised their efforts as a significant contribution for strengthening democracy in the country.
Earlier the leader of the delegation apprised the Prime Minister of their meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner which they considered was quite useful. While suggesting that voting be made compulsory during elections, the members proposed that penalties can also be introduced as being done in 32 other countries. They also mentioned that requirement of ID Cards and compulsory voting would require legal cover which may considered by all the political parties. The electoral rolls they said need to be updated, improved and placed on the CEC website.
The delegation unanimously felt that presently the democratic culture is at its best when media is completely free, the judiciary is independent and the opposition is being given due respect.
The Prime Minister was also briefed of the organization of CGEP and the role played in monitoring the electoral process ahead of February 2008 elections. He was informed the organization is now working to promote electoral reforms and development of accurate, complete and up-to-date electoral rolls in Pakistan. The leader of the delegation also presented copies of the reports prepared by PILDAT on improving the democratic process, proposals for constitutional reforms and improvement of elected rolls in the country.
Other members of the delegation included Columnist, Mr. Javed Jabbar, former Senator and Federal Minister of Information, Lt. Gen ® Moinuddin Haider, former Governor Sindh and Federal Minister for Interior, Mr. Mujib-ur-Rehman Shami, Editor-in-Chief Daily Pakistan and President CPNE, Justice ® Nasira Iqbal, President Lahore High Court Bar Association, Mr. Omar Khan Afridi, former Chief Secretary NWFP and Mr. Saleem Safi, Columnist.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 309
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Norwegian Ambassador held a meeting today on 26th March, 2010 with the Fakir Muhammad Jadam Mangro, Minister of State for Livestock and Dairy Development. Dr. Muhammad Hayat, Fisheries Development Commissioner was also present in the meeting. They discussed the technical assistance extended by government of Norway to Pakistan in the development of Fisheries. Government of Norway is presently providing assistance to Pakistan in the Stock Assessment Survey of the Marine Resources and the Capacity building of the Fisheries institutions in Pakistan. The meeting reviewed the progress of these activities. Both agreed on further cooperation between the two countries through bilateral visits of Fisheries Experts of the two countries and training of the Pakistani Fisheries Scientists in Norway. The Ambassador informed that two experts are scheduled to visit Karachi in mid April. The Ambassador assured that government of Norway will facilitate the provision of Fisheries Vessel for the Stock Assessment Survey of Pakistan.(End).
PR No. 310
PRESS RELEASE
MANAGEMENT WING OF CLEAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING SYSTEM
ARE LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ENVIRONMENTAL……AFRIDI
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Federal Minister for Environment Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi has said that Management Wing of Central Laboratory for Environmental Analysis & Networking (CLEAN) is of great significance as it leads to the fulfillment of commitment with the Government of Japan. He said that Environmental Monitoring System will provide the primary source of information to achieve all related objectives. He expressed these views while addressing in the stone-laying ceremony of Management Wing of CLEAN here today.
Federal Minister said in his address that Environmental pollution is a major problem facing our country today. Industrialization, economic pressures and a tremendous increase in vehicular traffic have posed serious threats to the environment of Pakistan. He further said that rapid development era has become the occasion for taking stock in many areas of human concern, including, in particular, the global environment.
Environment Minister said that vital resources are stressed by the dual demands of increasing population and increasing consumption per person. He told that around the country, we see groundwater supplies depleted, agricultural soils degraded, surface water contaminated and forests cut faster than they can re-grow. Moreover, air pollution has become a factor for global climate change due to carbon dioxide, an unavoidable by product of burning fossil fuels.
Afridi urged that we want to move our civilization in the direction of a long-term sustainable relationship with the natural world and for this, there is need to know more about our environmental conditions. He said that Grant Aid project ‘Establishment of Environmental Monitoring System (EMS)’ that is a landmark achievement in the field of environmental monitoring. He also said that EMS project has established the foundation for capacity enhancement of Federal and Provincial EPAs for improvement of regulatory compliance and environmental management. So far, this project has worked as a network for continuous monitoring of air quality in major cities of Pakistan, he added. He thanked the Government of Japan for providing the state of art equipment, laboratory and also the technical knowledge. He ensured that Government will leave no stone to over-come Environmental issues. Federal Minister told that Ministry of Environment with the support of its attached department is fully working for the betterment of Environment through various projects. He hoped that this project shall prove to be a milestone for controlling the Environmental damage.
Earlier, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment Kamran Ali Qureshi, D.G. Pak-EPA, Asif Shuja and Chief Representative of JICA, Mr. Otake Tomoharu also expressed there views on this occasion.
PR No. 311
PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT ZARDARI URGES PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN EARTH HOUR 2010
CALLS FOR OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES FOR GOOD OF GREATEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has called upon people to observe the Earth Hour on Saturday March, 27 along with the international community by voluntarily switching off extra lights for one hour between 8:30pm to 9:30pm on that day. He also urged people to optimally utilize essential commodities like energy for the greatest good of greatest number of people.
Following is the text of message:
“The Earth Hour 2010 is being observed for the first time throughout the world on Saturday, 27th March, 2010 between 8:30pm to 9:30pm to impress upon the need to save energy and preserve environment for a better future.
“I am pleased to learn that the Ministry of Environment, Government of Pakistan has also decided to join the international community in observing Earth Hour at the appointed time.
“Conservation of natural resources and essential commodities is critical to creating a sustainable environment. It is important that we conserve and use wisely essential commodities like energy particularly electricity so as to make it available for other worthwhile uses.
“On this occasion, therefore, I urge the people of Pakistan to join hands with other responsible nations on Saturday March, 27, by collectively acting to conserve energy. The wide scale participation by our people will not only impress upon the need for energy conservation but also send a strong message that as a responsible player on the international stage we are conscious of our global and international responsibilities on issues of concern to the mankind.
“The government has taken a number of measures to improve the power sector. However, no matter what measures are taken to increase power production we will need to adopt the habit of conservation so as to utilize the available resources most optimally and for the greatest good to the greatest number of people.
“Joining global call to observe Earth Hour on 27th March between 8:30pm to 9:30pm by switching off extra lights and appliance in government and non-government buildings will be a worthwhile effort in this direction.
“I wish all concerned success their endeavor.”(End)
PR No. 312
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010The Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil has said that strong cultural, religious and traditional ties exist between the two brotherly countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh and the current durable relations between the two countries are a reflection of their common Islamic and cultural background. He expressed these views while addressing an impressive ceremony, in a local hotel here in Islamabad, held in connection with the 39th Independence Day of Bangladesh. Earlier the Federal Minister cut the cake of 39th Birthday of Bangladesh and also congratulated the Bangladeshi High Commissioner and other officials. The ceremony was attended by members of parliament, high officials, dignitaries and diplomats of various countries. The Federal Minister’s spouse Mohtarma Asma Alamgir, who is also a member of parliament and President of PPP Women Wing NWFP, was also present in the ceremony. The Federal Minister, in his talk with the Banladeshi High commissioner, said that it is the need of the hour that all Islamic countries make concerted efforts for progress and prosperity of their people. The Minister said that at the moment there is a strong democratic government in power in Pakistan and it is our endeavor to overcome terrorism, illiteracy, poverty and other problems facing the country. He also said that the Islamic countries should exchange delegations to promote trade, tourism and industry between themselves. Dr. Arbab Alamgir Khan Khalil congratulated the people of Bangladesh from the core of his heart on their Independence Day. He said that nations face challenges in their lives from time to time but nations that strive untiringly for the achievement of their lofted goals are successful. On this occasion, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Mahfoozur Rehman expressed his profound gratitude to the Federal Minister and pledged that ties between the two brotherly countries will further be strengthened in the days to come. Earlier, the national anthems of both the countries were played.
PR No. 313
PRESS RELEASE
PRIME MINISTER CONDOLES DEATH OF NA SPEAKER’S BROTHER
Islamabad: 26th March, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the brother of Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fahmida Mirza.
In a condolence message to Dr. Fahmida Mirza, the Prime Minister conveyed his sincere sympathies to the members of the bereaved family. He prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessings upon the departed soul and give courage to the family members bear this immense loss with equanimity.