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PR. No. 247. Gen David McKiernan, Commander ISAF accompanied by Ms. Anne W. Putterson, US Ambassador to Pakistan called on Mr. Mahmud Ali Durrani, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister today at his office. The two discussed matters of mutual concern including greater cooperation in preventing recurrence of incidents like recent bombing of a Pakistani border post in Mohmand Area in FATA. MA/AR.
PR. No. 248. A six member World Bank Institute-Poverty Reduction mission, visited Foreign Trade Institute of Pakistan (FTIP), Islamabad from June 18 to June 26, 2008 in the context of the World Bank financed Pakistan Public Sector Capacity Building Project. The objective of the mission was to help the Foreign Trade Institute of Pakistan (FTIP), assess sits capacity building needs and prepare a medium term Capacity Building strategy and implementation plan including Training, Research Capacity building, and Outreach/Policy Dissemination/Knowledge management, in line with the World Bank financed Pakistan Public Sector Capacity Building Project and the Government of Pakistan’s trade policies. The mission had several meetings with the FTIP, which is the intended Technical Agency of Ministry of Commerce for capacity building, policy research, and training needs in trade related issues. The mission appreciated the fact that FTIP is being restructured in order to revamp the institution’s training program, build its research capacity, and expand its outreach/policy dissemination/knowledge management strategy. Director General FTIP, Dr. Safdar A. Sohail presented the mission with a comprehensive analysis of existing constraints and proposed plan to revamp it’s training and research capabilities. The mission also met with various stakeholders from the Ministry of Commerce to representatives of the Rawalpindi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), who confirmed existence of real demand of services (training, research, and outreach) that could be met by a revamped and revitalized FTIP. Based on the discussion it was agreed that urgent training, research, and outreach activities will be implemented through short term plan of Action whereas a medium term program of actions (Phase II) would be implemented in the medium term (about 3 years) within or out of the PSCB. It is hoped that collaboration between WBI and FTIP will enhance the development and delivery of collaborative trade, research and training programme at the national as well as regional level. The World Bank Mission comprised of Salomon Samen (Mission Leader), Ravi Yatawara (WBIPR); Shabana Khawar, Anjum Ahmad, Shamsuddin Ahmed, and Imtiaz Ahmad Sheikh (SASFP, Islamabad). MA/AR.
PR. No. 249. Pakistan will sign final agreement for import of 1000 MW electricity from Central Asian Republics during a meeting of the Inter-Governmental Council (IGC) to be held in Islamabad next month. This was said by the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf while talking to the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, H.E. Nurlan Aitmurzaev who called on the Minister here today in the Ministry. While welcoming the Envoy, the Minister said that the agreements will be signed among Pakistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and the International Financial Institutions for import of 1000 MW and to further develop electricity trading arrangements between the Central and South Asian regions during the four days meeting of the IGC in the last week of July next. He said that Pakistan is facing energy crisis and all the measures are being taken by the government to bridge the gap between demand and supply. The establishment of this electricity link between the CARs and South Asian will strengthen the economic ties and enhance the bilateral relations among the countries, he added. The Minister also stressed the need to explore possibilities for cooperation in other sectors particularly in tourism. He said that both the countries should exchange delegations to promote tourism between the two countries. The Ambassador also discussed other matters of mutual interest especially investment possibilities in water, power, transport and trade sectors. The Ambassador said that Kyrgyzstan has great electricity potential with surplus power and will provide every possible assistance and technical cooperation in this regard. Both, the Minister and the Ambassador underlined the need to expedite the actions on the decision signed in the last meeting of the Kyrgyzstan-Pakistan Joint Economic Commission. CALL ON BY KOREAN ENVOY Earlier, the Ambassador of North Korea to Pakistan, H.E Mr. Ri Yong Hwan also called on Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf here today and discussed matters of mutual interest especially power sector to further strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.. The Minister welcomed the Ambassador and informed about the current energy crisis situation faced by Pakistan. He said that the new political government of Pakistan is fully determined to facilitate the foreign investors and remove all hindrances and bottlenecks to promote investment in the power sector in Pakistan. He said that today Pakistan is facing great challenges especially in power sector as the shortage of energy has badly affected the country’s economy. He expressed the hope that his Ministry would be benefited with expertise of the Korean Business communities. The Korean Ambassador said that they were aware of the energy crises world over and informed the Minister that his country had great experience in hydel and thermal power generation and offered that his government would provide any possible assistance to Pakistan in this respect. AJM/AR.
PR. No. 250. Federal Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education Nawabzada Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sultan Muhammad Sabir, the founder and Chief Editor of Pushto Daily Hewad. In a condolence message from abroad, he prayed Almighty Allah may rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with patience. The Minister also praised the contribution of late Sultan Mohammad to Pashto literature and journalism. LA/AR.
PR. No. 251. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the mega project for the exploration of gold, copper and other allied minerals in Chaghi, launched jointly by Antofagasta of Chile, Barrick Gold of Canada and the government of Balochistan, will bring about transformation in Balochistan and assured that the government will extend all necessary assistance for the timely completion of this project. The Prime Minister said this while talking to a delegation headed by Mr. Jean Paul Luksic, Chairman Antofagasta, a Chilean joint venture company, who called on him this morning. The Prime Minister asked the delegation to ensure that maximum jobs are given to the people of Balochistan and arrangements be made for imparting requisite skills training to them so that they can avail of the job opportunities. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan will consider the signing of a Free Trade Agreement with Chile. The Prime Minister said that a delegation of the government of Pakistan will soon visit Chile to explore new avenues of cooperation and collaboration. Mr. Luksic informed the Prime Minister that the project involves an investment of US$ 1-1.5 billion which is likely to eventually reach US$ 5 billion. On commissioning, he said, the annual copper export would be over $ 1 billion. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Petroleum and senior government officials. DSG/AR.
PR. No. 252. Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder president of Edhi Foundation, called on President Pervez Musharraf at Aiwan e Sadr Islmabad today. He briefed the President about his newly launched “Free Food for the Poor” project across the country. He said that free food will be provided to the destitutes, orphans and other needy people through the camps being established under this project at 326 Edhi Centers through out the country. He said that the mission of service to humanity knows no barriers of religion, caste, creed or national bondaries. The President lauded the efforts of Abdul Sattar Edhi and his wife Mrs. Bilquis Edhi for providing the social services to the poor of the country without any discrimination. The President inaugurated the new project of the Edhi Foundation by donating Rs. 100,000 from his own pocket. AJ/AR.
PR. No. 253. Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaque Pervez Kiyani called on President Pervez Musharraf here today. He briefed the President about the role of Pakistan Army in combating the scourge of terrorism and extremism in FATA. He also briefed the President on the security situation along Pak-Afghan border and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas. The President lauded the services and sacrifices being rendered by Pakistan Army in the eradication of terrorism and extremism. He stated that Pakistan Army has achieved great successes in eradication of terrorism. The President said that while the multi-pronged approach was needed to wean away people from extremism, the terrorists must be combated with full force and all available resources. AJ/AR.
PR. No. 254. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that his government has taken several legislative and administrative measures to protect and promote human rights in the country in the short span since assuming the charge of government three months ago. The Prime Minister was talking to Ms. Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who called on him at Prime Minister’s House this morning. The Prime Minister congratulated Ms. Louise Arbour on successfully completing her tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Prime Minister said the government is committed to resolving the judicial issue and has presented a comprehensive constitutional package to the political parties and the public which aims at making the judiciary independent. Talking of the various steps taken by him to improve the human rights situation in the country, the Prime Minister said his government has decided to convert death penalty of thousands of convicted prisoners into life imprisonment. Similarly, jail sentences of prisoners have been reduced especially of women and children. The Prime Minister said that the government is also trying to build consensus on ending the practice of imprisoning the under-trial persons without proving their cases in the court. The Prime Minister said that his government is taking institutional measures to bring about jail reforms with a view to turning jails into reformatories so that prisoners, instead of becoming hardened criminals, leave the jail as reformed individuals ready to join the mainstream life as useful citizens. The Prime Minister said his government is also committed to protecting the rights of women who constitute 50% of the population. He said that despite all the differences with the previous government, his party while in opposition supported the Government’s Women Protection Bill which would not have become a law without our support in the Parliament. The Prime Minister said that the top most priority of the government is eradication of violence against women and in this regard a Bill on Domestic Violence is currently before the Parliament. The Prime Minister said that education is the basic right of all and the government is determined to ensure that no one disrupts the process of imparting education to girl students anywhere in the country. The Prime Minister said his government has also regularized 14000 madrassas out of the 17000 which are now equipped with computers and have regular educational curriculum. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan also recognizes the role of the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in promoting respect for human rights and we are fully committed to establishing an independent Human Rights Commission in the country consistent with international standards. The Prime Minister told the High Commissioner about his initiative on fighting hepatitis and setting up basic health units throughout the country and sought the help and assistance of relevant UN agencies in this regard. The Prime Minister said that the international community does not fully realize the extent of damage Pakistan’s participation in the war of terror is doing to its economy. He said that only one incident of terrorism in the country either triggers flight of foreign investment out of the country or discourages its flow into Pakistan. He said since Pakistan is fighting this war in its own interest and his government has adopted a three-pronged strategy combining political dialogue with the moderate elements who have laid down arms, accelerating economic development and resorting to military means if agreements are violated. He said Pakistan will never negotiate with terrorists nor allow them to use its soil to achieve their objectives. The High Commissioner said that it is indeed very encouraging to see the leadership given by the Prime Minister on human rights issues and the concrete measures taken by him to improve the human rights situation in the country, especially his decision to convert death penalty into life imprisonment, the remission granted to various categories of prisoners especially women and children and payment of fines by the Prime Minister for the release of prisoners who have completed their jail terms. She said she also finds the willingness of the new government to improve human rights very encouraging as it is in contrast to the position taken by Pakistan earlier on human rights forums. She assured the Prime Minister that the Human Rights Commission will extend full support to Pakistan’s position on several human rights issues. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Rory Mungovern, Area Coordinator and Ms. Cynthia Veliko, Human Rights Officer. DSG/NR
PR. No. 255. Federal Minister for Sports & SAFRON, Najmuddin Khan has said that the present government is committed to extend sports activities in every corner of the country in order to engage our youth in healthy activities and make them useful citizen of the society. He said this while chief guest at the “Shaheed-e-Jamhoriat Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto” cycling Rally from Kasoor to Islamabad. While highlighting the contribution and struggle of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto fro Democracy, the minister mentioned that our great leader, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto scarified her life for the cause of democracy and for the welfare of depressed people of the country and the present government will carry on her vision at any cost. The participants were addressed by Mrs. Mahreen Bhutto (MNA) and Chaudhry Manzoor and they highlighted her contribution and achievements and paid rich tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The Shaheed-e-Jamhoriat Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto cycle Rally was started from District Kasoor and reached to Islamabad covering distance of more than five hundreds kilometers. Zubaidullah/nr
PR. No. 256 Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has strongly condemned the recent destruction of two dozen of girls’ schools by the misguided elements in the name of Islam and has vowed to rebuild them to allow education of women to flourish in the country. “I pledge to the people of Pakistan and specially our women that my government will redouble its efforts to banish illiteracy amongst women and empower them through education”, said the Prime Minister in a statement issued here today. The Prime Minister said that he has directed the civil administration to apprehend the misguided miscreants who were responsible for the destruction of the girls’ schools so that they may face the full force of the law. No one is above law, he pointed out. The Prime Minister said that he is determined not to allow the misguided elements to return our moderate and tolerant society back into the pre-Islamic days. He said that we are fully determined to move into the twenty-first century and enable both our man and women to avail of the opportunities it offers. The Prime Minister said that the role of women in any society is central and fundamental to its development. No society can progress unless its women are educated, empowered and given equal opportunities, he said. The Prime Minister said that he has also directed the Ministry of Education to launch in consultation with the Ministry of Religious Affairs a national campaign to educate the masses on the Islamic injunctions on the importance of education of women in our society. The Prime Minister said that as far back as fourteen hundred years ago it was Islam which elevated women to their rightful position, with full rights and privileges under Islamic law. He said that the Holy Qu’ran and numerous Ahadith of the Holy Prophet have laid great emphasis on education, especially the education of women. The Prime Minister while quoting a hadith said: “A mother is a school. If she is educated, then a whole people are educated”. He said that it needs to be recalled and remembered that the wife of our Holy Prophet (SAWS) was a businesswoman and a trader in her own right. The Prime Minister said that his martyred leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who was the unquestioned leader of the teeming masses of this country and was also a woman of great vision, substance and courage throughout her illustrious political career strove for the education and empowerment of women. This was achieved through building more schools and providing new employment opportunities. For instance, women were inducted into the police and the First Women’s Bank was established, he said. Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed strove for the equality of women in all walks of life. One of the 5 ‘E’s which form the backbone of the PPP manifesto is education, he said. The Prime Minister reiterated his resolve that his government will not falter in its commitment to the education and empowerment of women at any cost. DSG/wh PR. No. 257
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Sherry Rehman alongwith leader of the House in Senate, Raza Rabbani paid a brief visit to Wali Bagh to offer condolence on the death of Sangeen Wali Khan with his elder brother and President A.N.P Asfandiyar Wali Khan, his mother Begam Nasim Wali Khan and widow of the deceased and other members of the bereaved family.
Ms. Sherry Rehman and Raza Rabbani, while sympathizing with the bereaved family, termed the death of Sangeen Wali Khan and irreparable loss to the family of late Khan Abdul Wali Khan. They offered fateha for the departed soul and prayed that Al-mighty Allah may grant patience, courage and fortitude to them to bear this loss.
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