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PR
No. 297
PRESS RELEASE
NORWAY ENVOY
REGRETS PUBLICATION OF CARICATURE OF HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
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 blasphemous caricature.
PR No. 298
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
directed the Gilgit-Baltistan government to ensure
good governance, transparency and equal
treatment to all regardless of their political affiliation.
He
said this while talking to the Chief Minister
of Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah, who called on him at the PM’s House
here today.
The Prime Minister said the PPP government has given autonomy to the area
and would release the required funds for its development. He asked the
Chief Minister to make policies for exploiting the scenic beauty of this
picturesque area and make policies for promoting tourism and
mountaineering.
The Prime Minister directed Gilgit-Baltistan government to ensure
provision of basic necessities of life to the people at the grassroots
level and make all out efforts towards fulfilling the promises made to the
people of that area.
Syed Mehdi Shah briefed the Prime Minister about the losses incurred due
to the landslide in Hunza and appreciated the role of the concerned
federal government departments in the
Rescue and Relief operation in that area.
He
also informed the Prime Minister about the development schemes being
planned by his government for the welfare of the people of
Gilgit-Baltistan.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 299
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
said that close fraternal and brotherly relations between
Pakistan
and
Saudi Arabia draw strength from warm relations between the people
and the leadership of the two countries.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Abdul Aziz
Al Ghadeer, Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia who called on him at the PM’s House this morning.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are brotherly
countries which enjoy close ties and share common views on major
international issues. He expressed confidence that relations between the
two countries would further strengthen by cooperation in various fields.
The Prime Minister and Saudi Ambassador used the occasion to discuss the
whole gamut of fraternal cordial bilateral ties between the two countries
and matters of mutual interests.
Mr. Abdul Aziz Al Ghadeer also conveyed the heartfelt gratitude of Prince
Fahad Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Governor of
Tabuk for the generous hospitality accorded to him by the
government and the Prime Minister during his current stay in Pakistan.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 300
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
The Prime Minister Syed Yusuf
Raza Gilani directed the concerned
ministries and the government of NWFP to
look into the case of a prisoner mentioned in the editorial of a leading
English daily who has been languishing in jail for last 20 years without
any conviction. He asked the concerned federal and provincial authorities
to investigate the reason of undue delay in prosecution as reported and
expedite his trial.
**PMCO/Ahmad**
PR No. 301
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
The National Kashmir Committee has decided that one-minute silence
throughout the country may be observed on 5th February 2010 at
1000 hours sharp, says in a press release, received here today from
Ministry of Interior.
Provinces/ICT Administration are requested to observe one-minute silence
on 5th February, 2010 at 1000 hours accordingly. General public are also requested to observe
one-minute silence to honour Kashmiri Shuhada.
**DO/Ahmad**
PR No. 302
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
It
is notified for general public information that the 5th
February 2010 (Friday) will be closed holiday on the eve of Kashmir
Solidarity Day, says in a press release, received here today from Ministry
of Interior.
**DO/Ahmad**
PR No. 303
PRESS RELEASE
Maximum legislation in the current session of the parliament: Mehreen
Anwar Raja
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Minister of State for Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Ms. Mehreen Anwar Raja
stated that 8 bills have been passed in the current session of the
parliament which proves the exemplary performance of the Parliament.
She stated that legislation is the main function of the parliament which
is being performed in a positive manner. This is the maximum number of
bills passed by any session of the parliament.
She further stated that all the legislation done by the parliament is of
great significance and is related to the basic issues of the people of the
country like the protection of women at the workplace and Removal from
Service.
The important bills passed by the Parliament include; the Anti Money
Laundering Bill 2009, the Protection against Harassment of Women at the
Workplace Bill, 2009, the Competition Bill, 2009, the Pakistan Engineering
Council Bill, 2009, the Public Defender and Legal Aid Office Bill, 2009,
the Pakistan Institute of Development Economic Bill, 2009 and Service
Tribunal Bill, 2009.
**TS/Ahmad**
PR No. 304
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
said that the common man has to remain in focus both at the policy making
and implementation level. The governance, he added, is directly subject to
the satisfaction of the people and in this context all the institutions of
the state at all levels have to discharge their responsibilities
diligently.
The Prime Minister was talking to a group of Ministers and
Parliamentarians here in his Chamber at the
Parliament House today.
The Ministers and Parliamentarians apprised the Prime Minister of matters
relating to their respective ministries and constituencies.
The group of Ministers and Parliamentarians which met the Prime Minister
included the Deputy Speaker National
Assembly, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Minister for Population Welfare, Ms.
Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Industries, Mian Manzoor Wattoo, Minister
for Livestock, Mr. Humayun Aziz Kurd, Minister of
State for Information and Broadcasting, Syed Samsam Ali Bukhjari,
Minister of State for Finance, Ms. Hina Rabbani
Khar, Senator, Syed Javed Ali Shah and MNAs Syed Sajjadul Hassan,
Mr. Usman Advocate, Mr. Gul Muhammad Jakhrani, Ms. Saima Akhtar Bharwana
and Mr. Abdul Malik Wazir.
**PMCO/Ahmad**
PR No. 305
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
President Asif Ali Zardari
has said that emancipation and empowerment of the women of this country
was a cherished dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir
Bhutto who throughout her life fought for this cause.
Our Government in line with the vision of Shaheed
Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is taking all steps to ensure that women of this
country are not only emancipated from exploitation of all forms but are
also empowered in real sense.
H e said this, while according his assent to the Criminal Law
(Amendment) Bill, 2010.
The President said that emancipation of women and
giving them rightful place in the society forms part of PPP manifesto. We
can only ensure this by providing financial security and stability and
creating opportunities for women.
Launching Benazir Income Support
Program was manifestation of our commitment. Direct financial
support provided through this program is enabling our women to support
themselves and their families. Waseela-e-Haq is another component of the
programme with the similar objectives, he continued.
Our objective is to turn BISP into a comprehensive social
protection scheme and a platform for women empowerment, health and
accident insurance, vocational training
and interest free financing for self employment of the poor, the President
emphasized.
President Zardari said that besides BISP, the
construction of 12 new dams is underway in all four provinces and the
land of the command area would be distributed into landless poor women so
that they could be provided an opportunity to attain financial stability
and security.
The President said that this amendment will
ensure protection to women from harassment at workplace.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 306
PRESS RELEASE
President Zardari calls meeting on ‘Zulfikarabad’ city project
Says Zulfikarabad will not be part of Greater
Karachi
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
President Asif Ali Zardari has asked the
provincial government to hold a briefing on the proposed Zulfikarabad City
Project in the Sindh next month to review
the progress made on it since the meeting held in August last in Karachi
in which possible sites for the new city were discussed. He also made it
clear that the new city will not be part of Greater Karachi but a separate
and distinct modern city which will have all modern facilities.
He
gave these directions to the provincial government during meetings with
provincial ministers and core committee and also with PPP
MPAs of Sindh who called on him in groups
in the Chief Minister’s House in
Karachi
Friday afternoon. The meetings were also attended by the Sindh Chief
Minister Syed QaimAli Shah.
He
described as misspoken any remarks that may have given the impression as
if the proposed Zulfikarabad would be part of Greater Karachi.
Briefing the journalists about the meetings Spokesperson to the President
former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that
the President described the project as necessary because the huge influx
of national and international migrants in
Karachi
and Hyderabad had put tremendous pressure on the existing infrastructure.
The President recalled that in August last he had directed the
Sindh government to identify a million
acres of land near the coast in Thatta district for the development of the
new city of ‘Zulfikarabad’ that would be built in the memory of late
Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The proposed Zulfikarabad would have the latest infrastructure and
facilities like in any modern city and have provision for growth and
expansion for the next over a century, he said.
The new city would provide employment and economic opportunities to the
local population who have been deprived of basic
economic rights for decades, he said.
According to plans Expressions of Interest
(EoI) would be invited from international consultants for giving the basic
design concept of the new proposed city after the land for it has been
identified, Farhatullah Babar said.
He
said that the President visualized the concept of the new city by
converting useless state land into a productive asset for the benefit of
the local people of interior Sindh.
At
the last meeting on the
new city
project the names of Jhimpir and Jhirk in Thatta district were touted for
possible location of the project but a final decision will be taken by the
provincial government after taking into account a number of related
factors.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 307
PRESS RELEASE
SHAUKAT TARIN CHAIRS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE CABINET COMMITTEE ON
AUSTERITY
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
The first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Austerity (CCOA) was held
under the chairmanship of Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Federal Minister for Finance
here today.
The meeting reviewed various proposals to prioritize/oversee the
implementation process of Austerity Plan. The CCOA bifurcated the actions
in the Austerity Plan in terms of immediate and mid-term dispensation
along with defining the ownership structure for the implementation of the
plan. The main discussion issues included restructuring of
public sector enterprises (PSEs), rationalization of
government size, budgetary oversight by parliament, financial management,
reduction in foreign visits, reduction in expense of public offices and
energy efficiency
& conservation. It was further discussed to form an institutional
framework for monitoring of the implementation of the plan. The committee
reiterated its commitment to implement the Austerity Plan in letter and
spirit.
The meeting was attended
by the following members:
i.
Minister
for Petroleum & Natural
Resources
ii. Minister for Railway
iii. Minister of Housing and works
iv.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on
Social Sector
v.
Secretary
Finance
vi.
Cabinet Secretary
vii.
Special
Secretary Finance
viii.
Director
General-Economic Reforms Unit (ERU)
Economic Reforms Unit (ERU) of the Finance Division facilitated the
discussion on the prioritization of the implementation process of the
austerity measures.
It
may be noted that an Austerity Plan was approved by the cabinet on 16th
of December 2009. The objective of the plan is to provide a road-map to
achieve austere and cost effective governance. The plan is based on a
model of rationalization of expenditure, optimization of available
resources, process re-engineering and efficiency of operation.
PR No. 308
PRESS RELEASE
QUOTA OF MEDICAL STUDENTS FOR GILGIT BALTISTAN INCREASED
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah called on the Federal
Minister for Health, Makhdoom Shahabuddin today and discussed matters
pertaining to the increased quota of medical students in the Medical and
Dental Colleges of Punjab.
The Federal Health Minister apprised the Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan
that the Federal Government under direction of the Prime Minister Syed
Yusuf Raza Gillani has decided to increase the quota of medical students
of Gilgit Baltistan from 34 to 64 in the Medical and Dental Colleges of
Punjab.
PR No. 309
PRESS RELEASE
TRANSPARENCY BEING ENSURED IN ALLOCATING LPG QUOTAS: SYED NAVEED QAMAR
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
The Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar
informed in a press briefing that OGDCL has allocated LPG quota from Bobi
and Kunnar fields on regular basis through open tender process. The
process, he said, had ensured transparency in allocating the LPG quota and
that the signature bonus for securing LPG quota will not have any impact
on the consumer price, being a one time exercise. OGDCL has also cancelled
temporary LPG quotas from Bobi and Kunnar fields and the Government will
generate additional revenue of 542 Million through the signature bonus
process for allocation of LPG quota on regular basis, he added.
PR No. 310
PRESS RELEASE
US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION MEETS PRIME MINISTER
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Prime Minister Syed
Yusuf Raza Gilani
has underscored the imperative of bridging the existing trust deficit gap
between
Pakistan
and the United States, by sincere and concerted efforts in the interest of
long term strategic
partnership between the two countries. He stressed that
removal of Pakistan
from the list of countries whose nationals have been designated for
special screening at the US Airports and repatriation of Dr. Afia
Siddiqui
to Pakistan
on immediate basis, can help improve the
US
image in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister was talking to a five members US Congressional
delegation, headed by Mr. Stephen Lynch, which called on him at the Prime
Minister House, this evening. The other members of the delegation
included Bob Inglis,
Todd Platts,
Betty Sutton and Joo Donnelly.
The Prime Minister said that in order to develop a long-term strategic
partnership, both countries have to look beyond the war against terrorism.
Pakistan, he added, cannot remain stuck to financial assistance alone but
wants trade opportunities and
market access for its products in
the US
market. The economic development of
Pakistan and
prosperity of our people is essential to eradicate poverty and illiteracy
which are the root causes of extremist tendencies.
The Prime Minister expressed his profound concerns over the inordinate
delay in reimbursement of the outstanding amount on account of Coalition
Support Fund (CSF) to
Pakistan
which by December, 2009 had crossed the limit of US 2 billion. He said
this delay in receipt of payments from the US was impairing Pakistan’s
conventional capabilities in its campaign against terrorism. Though
Pakistan had persisted in its
war efforts by using its own
meager resources, the non-disbursement of the pledged assistance would be
to the detriment of world interests at large. If the
terrorist threat
could not be quelled with full force, he said the purpose of entire
campaign would be at stake. The Prime Minister emphasized that the
amount committed by the
US
to Pakistan, under
Kerry Lugar Bill must be channelized through
Government of Pakistan
in accordance with Pakistani priorities and programmes. His government
would ensure the transparency, accountability and efficacy in terms of
results, as per the criteria laid down in the Kerry Lugar Bill.
Referring to the issue of cross border movement of Afghan nationals the
Prime Minister reiterated that the
Afghan Refugees Camps need to be
shifted to
Afghanistan.
The world has to be reminded, he said, that over 3.5 million Afghan
refugees are still living in camps on Pakistani soil for the last 30 years
and are a constant source of concern from security point of view, besides
being a burden on Pakistan’s economy.
The members of
US
Congressional delegation were unanimous in acknowledging the great
sacrifices made by Pakistan’s Army, Police, Frontier Corp/Constabulary and
other Law Enforcement
Agencies personnel in the war against terror. While
applauding the remarkable success achieved by Pakistan in Malakand and
Waziristan, the delegation agreed with the Prime Minister on
Pakistan’s
requirement of immediate assistance to build the capacity of its Law
Enforcement Agencies and implement its reconstruction plan for the
affected areas. They conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families
and pledged their support for early passage of ROZ Bill from the Congress
to help Pakistan address the poverty and unemployment problems in FATA
region.
The US congressional delegation also promised their complete support
towards the resolution of CSF reimbursement and economic assistance issues
with Pakistan and assured the Prime Minister that the
US
will persist in its policy of maintaining the long term strategic
partnership with Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Interior, Senator A. Rehman Malik,
Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Senator Syed
Sughra Imam, Foreign Secretary, Mr. Salman Bashir and
Finance Secretary,
Mr. Salman Siddique.
PR No. 311
PRESS RELEASE
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO MALAYSIA
Islamabad, 29thth January, 2010
Following is the text of condolence message from Mr.
Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to
his counterpart in Malaysia His Majesty Al-Wathique Billah Mizan
Zainal Abidin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, The
Yang di-Pertuan Agong of
Malaysia.
“Your Majesty,
I
was deeply saddened to learn about the demise of the former King of
Malaysia and the Ruler of the State and Territories of Johor Darul Takzim,
His Majesty Sultan Iskandar Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Ismail.
I
would like to convey deep felt condolences on my own behalf and on behalf
of the government and the people of Pakistan, who share the sorrow and
grief felt in fraternal
Malaysia
on this sad occasion.
Our prayer is that Allah Almighty may grant fortitude to the bereaved
members of the Royal Family of the State and Territories of Johor Darul
Takzim and the fraternal people of Malaysia.
I
avail of this opportunity to offer to, Your Majesty, the assurances of my
highest consideration.
(Asif
Ali Zardari)
President of the Islamic
Republic of
Pakistan
His Majesty Al-Wathique Billah Mizan
Zainal Abidin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah,
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia”.
PR No. 312
PRESS RELEASE
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO MALAYSIA
Islamabad, 29thth
January, 2010
Following is the text of condolence message from
Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
to his counterpart in Malaysia His
Excellency, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of
Malaysia, Putrajaya.
“Excellency,
On
my own behalf and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I
would like to convey deep felt sorrow and grief over the demise of the
former King of Malaysia and the Ruler of the State and Territories of
Johor Darul Takzim, His Majesty Sultan Iskandar Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan
Ismail.
May Allah Almighty bless the departed soul and grant fortitude to members
of the Royal Family of the Sate and Territories of Johor Darul Takzim and
the fraternal people of
Malaysia,
to bear the irreparable loss.
I
avail of this opportunity to offer to, Your Excellency, the assurances of
my highest consideration.
(Syed
Yusuf Raza Gilani)
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
His
Excellency,
Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak,
Prime Minister of
Malaysia,
Putrajaya”.
PR
No. 313
PRESS RELEASE
CONDOLENCE MESSAGE TO MALAYSIA
Islamabad, 29thth
January, 2010
Following is the text of condolence message from
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood
Qureshi,Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
to his counterpart His Excellency,Datuk
Seri Anifah Aman,Minister for Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, ,Putrajaya”.
“Excellency,
On
my own behalf and on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan,
I would like to extend deep felt condolences on the sad demise of Tun
Ghazali Shafie, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. Tun
Ghazali will always be remembered as a distinguished Foreign Minster who
served his country with unswerving dedication.
I
would like to offer a prayer that Allah Almighty may bless the departed
soul and grant fortitude to the members of the bereaved family.
I
take this opportunity to extend to, Your Excellency, the assurances of my
highest consideration.
(Makhdoom
Shah Mahmood Qureshi)
Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
His
Excellency,
Datuk Seri Anifah Aman,
Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Putrajaya”.
PR
No. 314
PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT PLACES ADB REPORT ON RPPs ALONG WITH GOP RESPONSE ON PPIB’S &
PEPCOs OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Islamabad, 29thth
January, 2010
The
Government of Pakistan has placed ADB’s report on Rental Power Plants
along with GOP response on official website of Private Power
Infrastructure Board (PPIB) and Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) of
M/o Water and Power today.
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