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No. 281 Pakistan’s fashion apparels, handicrafts and Pakistani cuisine earned great applause and appreciation at a Pakistan Fashion Show organized by the Pakistan High Commission and Singapore Pakistani Association (SPA) in Singapore on Saturday. The extravaganza was arranged with the purpose to showcase Pakistan’s art and culture and to promote Pakistani apparels in Singapore. It was attended by a large number of prominent Pakistani and Arab ladies, wives of diplomats and women working in various organizations in Singapore. Speaking on the occasion Pakistan’s High Commissioner Mrs. Fauzia M. Sana highlighted the significance of cultural events for the promotion of soft image of Pakistan and said that Pakistan High Commission would continue to undertake such efforts to correct misperceptions about Pakistan and to bring in the vibrant Pakistani culture to Singapore. She lauded the efforts of Singapore Pakistani Association for introducing Pakistani fashion designers to Singapore market and expressed hope that Pakistani designers would be able to expand their presence in the major haute couture outlets in Singapore. The audience enjoyed the beautiful display and choreography of the show. The music played in the background added to the ambiance and the ladies danced and clapped to the enthralling Pakistani tunes. **SP/Ahmad**
PR No. 282 A high level delegation headed by Syed Mehdi Shah,Chief Minister Gilget-Baltistan met Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr.Ishfaq Ahmad, today. Chief Minister apprised the role played by late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for the betterment of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.He also appreciated the incumbent government for the status given to this region and termed it a great achievement of the PPP government. The PPP led government is determined to empower the people of Gilgit-Baltistan politically as well as financially. For this purpose a number of development projects are being initiated, said the Deputy Chairman Planning Commission. Since Gilgit-Baltistan is full of natural resources specially water resources ,it’s the priority of the government to develop the region to bring its people in the main stream and to remove their sense of deprivation .Deputy Chairman while discussing the transition plan for the Gilgit-Baltistan told the members of delegation that Finance Division has approved 50 % midyear releases as per PSDP 2009-10 allocation for the Gilgit-Baltistan.As we are fighting a war against terrorism and global market also has its impacts on our economy, the Government decided to cut down the development budget for FY 2009-10. Despite the decision of a significant cut in the development budget due to financial constraints the plan of six monthly releases for Gilgit-Baltistan remains intact, said Deputy Chairman. President and Prime minister of Pakistan has specially instructed Planning Commission for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan. Syed MehdiShah discussed the status of ongoing development projects with Deputy Chairman. The important projects include hydropower projects, Disaster management and Infrastructure development.Diamir Bhasha dam is the priority of the PPP government. The project was approved by ECNEC in its meeting held on 3rd September 2009.Government has instructed the line ministries to solve the compensation package to the land owners on priority basis, said the Deputy Chairman. Gilgit-Baltistan consisting of 7 districts has huge potential of tourism. Deputy Chairman asked the Chief Minister to plan for the exploration of this untapped potential and also ensured that federal government will assist management of Gilgit-Baltistan in every possible way to promote local as well as international tourism through infrastructure development. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan Mr. Babar Yaqoob, Secretary Planning Gilgit-Baltistan, Secretary Planning Division and PSDP specialist Planning Division Islamabad.
PR
No. 283 The Ambassador of Kingdom of Norway to Pakistan, H.E Mr. Robert Kvile has strongly regretted the publication of caricature of Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the newspapers of his country in a meeting with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi who called on him here today. He expressed his great concern over the consequences of such publication and informed the minister that his country respects the religion Islam and the people of Norway would never support publication of such caricature which damages the feelings of the whole Muslim community. He was of the view that his government would strive to reform understandings and to devise a strategy to stop such practices in future. The Minister welcomed the envoy and informed about the sentiments of the people of Pakistan over the publication of such objectionable caricature. He said that people of Pakistan were very sensitive and has close touch and love with the last messenger, adding that their reaction were genuine and constructive. He added that Islam teaches tolerance and peace and discourage extremism. The Minister was of the view that reoccurrence of the publication of such caricature was not tolerated as it has dented the feelings of the 1.5 billion Muslim community in the World. He reiterated that Norway government must come up with some concrete steps by taking some premature measures and stressed the need for making legislation in this respect to draw a border line for stoppage of such practices in future. This will convey a good message to the Muslim community and will help promote the interfaith harmony amongst various communities, the minister opined. The Minister also apprised the envoy about the steps taken by Pakistan for the welfare of the minorities in the country. He said that special quota in public services has been provided as well as representation in Parliament has also been granted to the minorities and a separate full Ministry has been established for running the affairs of Minorities in Pakistan. The Ambassador lauded the efforts of government of Pakistan for extending support to the minorities. He agreed with the thinking of Minister, adding that Islam favours peace and tolerance in mankind. He quoted the last sermon of Holy Prophet (PBUH) who directed followers to maintain peace in mankind. He also quoted verse 114 of Sura Al’Nisa of Holy Quran which says “There is nothing good most of their whisperings except who bideth charity or goodness or PEACE AMONG MANKIND. And whoever doth this seeking the pleasure of GOD,. We will give him a great recompense”. He agreed with the suggestion of making legislation in to help stoppage of publication of caricature in future and assured the minister that he would communicate the feelings of the government and people of Pakistan to his government. He further informed that his country has been investing a number of development projects in Pakistan for the last 25 years and pledged to continue more investment in Pakistan. Federal Secretary Religious Affairs, also present in the meeting, informed the envoy about the Blasphemy Law, enacted by the Pakistan’s government which provide stern punishment to the violators of the law. He also underlined the need for sketching a boundry line for the media in Norway to avoid publication of blesphamous caricature.
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No. 284 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistani students, businessmen and travelers to UK must not be discriminated while processing their visa cases by the British side. He noted that 41% of Pakistani visa applicants’ cases were rejected according to a BBC report as compared to world average rejection of visas by British side of 14%. The Prime Minister said that it had been brought to his attention that even visa cases of those students who were granted scholarships by him for higher studies in UK have still not been issued visas. He also urged the British side that passports of Pakistani businessmen who apply for visas should be returned to them for their travel to other countries while their visa cases were bring processed and a system should to be developed to expedite the processing, which in certain cases took more than 8-10 weeks period. While dilating on the immigration issues being faced by Pakistan, the Prime Minister drew the attention of the world to 3.5 million Afghan refugees still residing on Pakistan’s soil, totally forgotten by the world community. These refugees are not only an economic burden on our economy he added but also a cause of concern vis-à-vis security situation in the border areas. He was talking to Mr. Chris Grayling, British Shadow Home Secretary who called on him at the PM’s House here today. The Prime Minister while expressing his satisfaction that the historically cordial bilateral ties were progressing steadily in various sectors stated that his government would further strengthen these ties under the agreed framework of Pakistan-UK strategic dialogue in compassing cooperation in political, defence, economic, trade, investment and counter terrorism fields. He thanked the British government for being the only country other than Saudi Arabia which had fulfilled its pledge of economic assistance made at the Tokyo Donors Conference last year and hoped that other countries will follow the British example to honour their commitments for helping Pakistan in the vitally important reconstruction phase in the militancy affected areas. The Prime Minister underlined the fact that Pakistan preferred trade rather than aid to address the problems of poverty and un-employment which provided a ground for recruitment by terrorists and militants. He expressed his gratitude to the UK for supporting Pakistan’s case for grant of generalized system of Preference Plus facilities and the Free Trade Market with European Union and hoped that the British government will continue to support in the future for greater access to Pakistani products into the European markets. On the regional situation, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan wanted to have good relations with all its neighbours including India and Afghanistan and was sincere in its endeavours to resume the composite dialogue with New Delhi to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries in the interest of peace and stability of the region. He said that it was imperative for Pakistan to have a peaceful eastern border to be able to focus whole heartedly in its campaign on the western border to eliminate the menace of terrorism and militancy. He reiterated that process of dialogue and negotiations between Pakistan and India should not continue to remain hostage of the terrorist activities as the continued stalemate will only be to the advantage of militants and terrorists. Mr. Chris Grayling while thanking the Prime Minister for his time stated that if the Conservative Party succeeded in the forthcoming general elections in UK, the new government would devise a system to eliminate the abuses in issuance of visas to enable genuine students, businessmen and travelers to get their visas without any encumbrance. He regretted that the fake colleges and universities established in UK by the visas racketeers was the root cause of a stringent processing visa policy and his party, on taking over the government, would register all the universities and colleges so that the innocent visa seekers are not deceived or misled by them. He also promised that his Party would look into all the genuine grievances of Pakistani visa seekers and address them as much as possible. Mr. Chris Grayling said the very fact that he was specially visiting Islamabad before the forthcoming general elections to exchange views with Pakistani leadership on security and counselors issues of mutual interests signified the importance which his Conservative Party attached to UK-Pakistan relations. He lauded the priority attached by the Prime Minister on the education sector and assured him that British side will support his government in these efforts through Pakistan-UK Task Force. He also lauded Pakistan as a front line state in war against terror which he said is detrimental to international peace and security. Minister for Finance, Mr Shaukat Tarin, Minister for Interior, Mr. Rehman Malik, Senator Syeda Sughra Imam, Secretaries Finance and Foreign Affairs also attended the meeting.
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No. 285 Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the role of media has become very important in promoting harmony between countries. “Pakistani expatriate community living in the U.K. has become an integral part of the British society,” said Mr. Kaira during a meeting with a U.K. delegation led by shadow Home Secretary, Chris Gayling, who called upon the Federal Minister in his offices today. “Our expatriate community regularly keeps in touch with their families and friends in Pakistan while following the Pakistani media closely, so media can play an important role in improving understanding between Pakistan and the U.K,” said Mr. Kaira. The Federal Minister said that the role of media has become crucial in promoting harmony between cultures and communities, particularly against the backdrop of rise in violent extremism. “Pakistan and U.K. are partners in the war against terrorism,” said Mr. Kaira. “There is a need to enhance bilateral cooperation in all sectors between Pakistan and the U.K. in order to bring actual benefits to the people of both countries.” The Federal Minister briefed Mr. Gayling on the ongoing efforts of the Information Ministry to address issues of media, and to conduct public awareness campaigns on various issues confronted by Pakistan. Earlier, the visiting shadow Home Secretary discussed British politics and policies of the British shadow cabinet with the Federal Minister. The Minister wished Mr. Gayling luck in the forthcoming British parliamentary elections and hoped that cooperation between Pakistan and the U.K. would continue to grow.
PR No. 286 The Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar Muhammad Gondal has said that there is complete consensus among all the stakeholders regarding singing the MoU with the American Seed Company, Monsanto. The minister appreciated the response of the stakeholders towards facilitating the proposed agreement with the seed Company. “ Singing the agreement is in our favor. We need to move ahead with the agreement while taking all the stakeholders on board. The reservations, if any, of the stakeholders shall be taken into consideration and addressed in the agreement with the company so that our interests are safeguarded”, said the minister. The minister said that our cotton production needs to be enhanced to fulfill our domestic requirements and increase the per acre yield in the country. He said that there is no option but to go ahead with the agreement, which is the need of the hour. The honorable minister was chairing a meeting to take all the stakeholders on board before striking the deal with the seed company. The minister for textile industry Farooq Khan also attended the meeting. Representatives from the Finance Ministry, Ministry of Environment, the government of the Punjab, Growers Association of Pakistan, Seed Companies, Sindh and Baluchistan also attended the meeting. The MoU is likely to be signed in a month time that would be an enormous success for the ministry and the country. All the provincial governments have displayed their total willingness and have already requested the federal government to speed up the process for singing the MoU with Monsanto.
PR No. 287 A Mission from Saudi Fund for Development visited Pakistan from January 26 to 28, 2010 and held discussions with Economic Affairs Division WAPDA and ERRA. Saudi Government is providing grant of US$ 133 million to ERRA for education, health and construction of office building projects in NWFP and AJ&K. Saudi Arabia is also providing soft loan of US$ 120 million for construction of Neelum Jhelum and Golen Gol Hydropower projects by WAPDA. Saudi Arabia has been generously proving funding for the energy sector development in Pakistan which is visible from their support for the two mega power sector projects. These projects, when completed, will improve generation capacity of WAPDA, provide electricity at cheap rates and help in reducing load shedding in the country. After review and discussion, the delegation from Saudi Arabia has shown its satisfaction on the progress of these projects.
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No. 288 Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan, H.E. Masha’ allah Shakeri on Thursday called on the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervez Ashraf in his office and discussed matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations to further boost economic ties between the two countries. It was agreed to expedite the process of importing 1000 MW power by Pakistan from Iran on fast track basis for its early completion. The current status of transmission line for import of 100 MW power for Gawadar from Iran was also discussed. The Minister informed that a Pakistani delegation is leaving for Iran tonight to discuss matters relating to import of power from Iran within the shortest possible time frame. Both the Minister and the ambassador also discussed the current status of the gas pipeline project, construction of transmission line for import of 100 MW for Gawadar and 1000 MW for national grid and appreciated each other’s cooperation in this regard. Earlier, The Minister while welcoming the Iranian envoy said that Pakistan had close brotherly relations with Iran . Pakistan values the help and support of Iran and is desirous of expanding bilateral relations in all sectors. The Minister said that the government is taking necessary measures to generate electricity to bridge the demand and supply gap through fast track projects. He informed that the government now attaches high priority to exploit the indigenous resources like coal, hydel and wind for power generation. He said that first wind mill has started generation in Sindh. He also assured his full support and assistance to facilitate Iranian investors to invest in water and power sectors in Pakistan . He also expressed that this meeting would further strengthen and enhance the bilateral and economic relations between the two countries. ENDS.
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No. 289 Federal Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah held a meeting with Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani here today with sole agenda to discuss about the regularization of daily wages employees working in different factories and companies under the Ministry of Industries and Production. Federal Secretary and Additional Secretary of the Ministry Abdul Ghaffar Soomro and Muhammad Javed Malik respectively were present in the meeting. Chairman State Engineering Corporation (SEC), MD HEC and MD HMC also attended the meeting. Chairman SEC told the Ministers that HEC, PMTF, PECO and ENAR are under the SEC. There are total 1540 Daily Wages employees in these four organizations. There are 1300 Daily Wages employees in Heavy Mechanical Complex, MD HMC told the Ministers. It was agreed in the meeting that in the first stage, all the Daily Wages employees in the above mentioned organizations may be got registered with Employees Oldage Benefits Institution (EOBI) immediately so that these employees and their families could get facilities of EOBI. The directives regarding the registration of daily wages employees with EOBI have been issued to the concerned authorities. Moreover, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani has ordered the heads of the aforesaid Organizations to prepare a detailed and a comprehensive viable report and submit to him within next seven days. Work out a plan, how much is cost at present on these daily wages employees and how much it would cost supposed these employees are regularized.. How much additional budget would involve, the Minister ordered. Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani was agreed with Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah that we are here only to mitigate the sufferings of the labours is the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party and dream of Mohtarma Shaheed. Our top priority is to address the genuine problems of these daily wagers. The more they are prosperous the more they are productive. First we have to give them their full due rights then they are more efficient and energetic in their performance of duties, said Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani.
PR No. 290
Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmad Ali has
emphasized the need to initiate concrete efforts for removing disparity in
education system.
PR No. 291
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