-
PR No. 321
PRESS RELEASE
Opening Remarks of the Prime Minister while chairing 11th meeting of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council
Islamabad, March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the challenge to environment and sustainable development are many and require concerted actions at the federal, provincial and local levels. In his opening remarks while chairing 11th meeting of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) here this afternoon at PM Secretariat, he emphasized that environment is one of the 5 ‘E’s viz employment, education, energy and equality being the other four of the manifesto of Pakistan Peoples’ Party.
The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP and Gilgit-Baltistan, Federal and Provincial Ministers for Environment, Provincial Information Minister of NWFP, Federal and Provincial Secretaries, senior representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, APTMA eminent professionals, members of civil society organizations and the private sector for their participation in the meeting.
The Prime Minister observed that meeting water crises and protection of its quality, preventing depletion of our aquifers and fresh water resources, enhancing coverage of reliable drinking water supply and sanitation both in urban and rural areas are challenges which need to be addressed. He also stressed upon the need of controlling air quality in urban and industrial area, reversing the adverse inputs of climate change on our economy and ecology, and massive afforestation, re-forestation and conservation of Biodiversity requires concerted efforts of both public and private sectors.
The Prime Minister said that he had the privilege of being the 1st Federal Minister for Environment and Urban Affairs in early 1980s. He stated that the honourable President of Pakistan himself championed this programme when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s government appointed him as the chairperson of Pakistan Environmental Protection Council. He pointed out that major expansion in the Ministry of Environment occurred during PPP tenure from 1995-1997 as well as seven out of 10 previous meetings of this Council were held during this period.
In order to fulfill our commitments to environment, the Prime Minister said his government declared 2009 as National Year of Environment, fixed 18th August as National Tree Plantation Day, launched massive afforestation campaign of planting 4.5 million saplings in a day which brought an honour to the country for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Record. He also pointed out that the Cabinet had approved National Drinking Water Policy and National Energy Conservation Policy, and also set up a national committee on Climate Change.
**PMMO/Ahmad**
PR No. 322
PRESS RELEASE
Chinese Vice Minister for Transport called on President
Islamabad, March 29, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Pak-China collaboration in short as well as long term infrastructural developmental projects not only reflect symbiotic Pak-China relations but also advanced economic interests of both the countries.
This he said during a meeting with Chinese Vice Minister for Transport, Mr. Xu Zuyuan, who called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday on his maiden visit to Pakistan.
Chinese Ambassador Mr. Lu Zhaohui, senior Chinese officials and Mr. Sun Ziyu, Chairman/MD China Harbor Engineering Company, were accompanying the Chinese Vice Minister during the meeting.
Mr. Arbab Alamgir Khan, Minister for Communications, Mr. Babar Khan Ghauri, Minister for Ports & Shipping, Federal Secretaries of relevant ministries and Mr. Altaf Ahmed Chaudhary, Chairman NHA, besides other senior officials were also present during the meeting.
The President said that there was great potential for cooperation in several areas particularly in communications and transportation which could be utilized by both sides for mutual benefit.
The President appreciated Chinese involvement in Pakistan Deep Water Container Port project which is being undertaken with a vision to transform Karachi Port into a modern, competitive, user-friendly port and a transhipment hub of the region.
The President said that China could participate productively, either financially or technically, in various regional connectivity projects including gas pipeline projects. The President also highlighted the importance of developing Havelian-Khunjerab railway link to enhance connectivity between the two countries. He said that overland connectivity with western China would help reduce pressure on the sea lanes of communication and result in saving time and resources.
The President also directed the concerned officials to resolve minor issues relating to Quadrilateral Agreement on Transit Trade as well as the Bilateral Agreement on Road Transport on priority.
The President said that relations between countries, as between human beings, needed regular doses of investment. That is why he had decided to undertake regular periodic visits to China to pursue implementation of cooperation projects, the President said.
Appreciating the contributions of Chinese nationals, engineers and workers, for economic development of Pakistan, he said that the Government of Pakistan accords highest priority to the security of Chinese nationals.
Mr. Xu Zuyuan thanked the President for meeting and assured continued Chinese support to the Government and people of Pakistan.
**FU/Ahmad**
PR No. 323
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad, March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said the Government attaches high priority to healthy environment to improve the quality of life of the people of Pakistan by reducing the incidence of death and illness caused by environment-borne diseases and minimizing impact of global climate change.
While chairing 11th meeting of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) here this afternoon, Prime Minister said the challenges to environment and sustainable development are many and require concerted actions at the federal, provincial and local levels. He particularly mentioned that environment is one of the 5 ‘E’s viz employment, education, energy and equality being the other four of the manifesto of Pakistan Peoples’ Party.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Environment to coordinate with the provinces for setting up of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency at District levels. He also directed to take necessary measures for disposal of trash left by the visitors on the glaciers which was polluting the pristine environment of our natural heritage. He also decided to hold bi-annual meeting of the PEPC to monitor progress and ensure effective implementation of the Council’s decisions. While approving the proposal on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), he asked the State Bank of Pakistan to direct all the Banks and Financial Institutions to create / establish Carbon Credit Calculation and Implementation Units to encourage investment in CDM projects in different potential Areas for determining its Internal Rate of Return (IRR) as a factor for project viability.
The Pakistan Environmental Protection Council approved the National Standards for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ) in the meeting which had been developed in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, M/o Health, Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources and National University of Sciences and Technology through a country-wide consultative process, and urged the provinces to implement the recommendation to address the issue of water-borne diseases. Regarding National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) for noise, ambient air and motor vehicle exhaust/noise, it was suggested in the meeting that the provinces may install noise measuring equipment in major cities which will help in creating public awareness effectively.
The Prime Minister observed that meeting water crises and protection of its quality, preventing depletion of our aquifers and fresh water resources, enhancing coverage of reliable drinking water supply and sanitation both in urban and rural areas are challenges which need to be addressed. He also stressed upon the need for controlling air quality in urban and industrial area, reversing the adverse inputs of
climate change on our economy and ecology, and massive afforestation, re-forestation and conservation of Biodiversity requires concerted efforts of both public and private sectors.
The Prime Minister said that he had the privilege of being the 1st Federal Minister for Environment and Urban Affairs in early 1980s. He stated that the President of Pakistan himself championed this programme when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s government appointed him as the chairperson of Pakistan Environment Protection Council. He pointed out that major expansion in the Ministry of Environment occurred during PPP tenure from 1995-1997 as well as seven out of 10 previous meetings of this Council were held during this period. Therefore, it clearly reflects that the subject of Environment is very dear to this Government.
In order to fulfill our commitments to environment, the Prime Minister said his government declared 2009 as National Year of Environment, fixed 18th August as National Tree Plantation Day, launched massive afforestation campaign of planting 4.5 million saplings in a day which brought an honour to the country for inclusion in the Guineas Book of World Record. He also mentioned in the meeting that the Cabinet approved National Drinking Water Policy and National Energy Conservation Policy, and also set up a national committee on Climate Change.
The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Ministers of Sindh, Balochistan, NWFP and Gilgit-Baltistan, Federal and Provincial Ministers for Environment, Provincial Information Minister of NWFP, Federal and Provincial Secretaries, senior representatives of the Chambers of Commerce, APTMA eminent professionals, members of civil society organizations and the private sector for their participation in the meeting.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the Ministry and the role played by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Council (PEPC) for launching public awareness programme on environmental issues and providing necessary guidance to address the challenges. He also commended the contributions of the UNICEF, media, NGOs, numerous experts and other stakeholders who provide useful inputs in finalization of policy.
PR No. 324
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said Election Commission of Pakistan has an important role in the national institutional framework by ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in the country. He expressed confidence that the present leadership of Election Commission is well-versed with the issues concerning the electoral process and ensured full support of the government in this regard.
The Prime Minister was talking to Chief Election Commissioner, Mr. Justice ®, Hamid Ali Mirza who called on him at PM’s House here this afternoon.
Referring to his meeting with the Citizen Group on Electoral Process (CGEP) which is a subsidiary of Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), the Prime Minister said that their proposal for making the voting compulsory carries much weight as people including women being citizen ought to use their political right in election of their representatives.
The Chief Election Commissioner briefed the Prime Minister about the Commission and its working. He also informed about the various initiatives taken by the Commission in making the election process more transparent.
Secretary Election Commission was also present in the meeting.
PR No. 325
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010Justice ® Hamid Ali Mirza, Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan, while presiding over a consultative meeting with the Civil Society Organizations, has remarked that the “Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is strongly committed to openness and wants to pursue its vision of being an institution that fulfills its constitutional obligation of holding free, fair and transparent elections in an effective, independent and credible manner.”
The strategic planning process, recently initiated by the ECP, is aimed at improving the effectiveness of the ECP. The ECP considers the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) an important stakeholder and values their worthy input in order to strengthen the electoral process. For this purpose, the ECP has constituted a permanent forum namely Civil Society Consultative Forum (CSCF).
Mr. Ishtiak Ahmed Khan, the Secretary Election Commission, presented the Strategic Plan to the participants representing various Civil Society Organizations. The Secretary elaborated all the fifteen strategic goals set in the Strategic Plan. Moreover, he told the participants that the Strategic Plan has not been devised in isolation rather it takes into account the existing set-up and mechanisms and focuses on their improvement to provide better service delivery.
In addition to it, he emphasized that the very purpose of the meeting is to gather input from the CSOs and their valuable suggestion in which will reflect in the final Strategic Plan document.
The delegates appreciated the efforts of ECP for not only preparing the first ever Strategic Plan but also showing openness in the consultation process. All the participants came up with their proposals and suggestions. It proved to be an interactive session in which all the strategic goals came under discussion, inter-alia including the voter/civic education, training of polling personnel, election complaints and disputes resolution, inclusion of marginalized sections of society like women, minorities, persons with disabilities, in electoral process, outreach of the ECP to all the stakeholders, internal capacity building of the ECP’s officials/officers, enhancing organizational capacity and other administrative and legislative issues.
The meeting was attended by the representative of 13 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs),namely, Aurat Foundation (AF), Centre for Civic Education (CCE), Free and Fair Elections Network (FAFEN), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), Interactive Resource Centre (IRC) Pakistan Institute of Legislature, Democracy and Transparency (PILDAT), South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAP-PK), Special Talent Exchange Program (STEP), Village Friends Organization (VFO), Centre of Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Intermedia, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Pattan Development Organization.
In his concluding remarks, the Hon’ble CEC thanked all the participants for actively taking part in the discussion and providing the ECP with their important input.
AC/wh
PR No. 326
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani today jointly chaired a meeting of core group of Pakistan Peoples Party at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
Those who attended the meeting included Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Leader of the House in Senate, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce, Mr. Nazar Mohammed Gondal, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Minister for Interior, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting , Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour & Manpower, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mian Raza Rabbani, Advisor to PM, Mr. Jahangir Badar, Senator Faisal Raza Abidi, Ms. Rukhsana Bangash, Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Ms. Fauzia Habib and Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar.
The meeting discussed current political situation in the country.
The meeting expressed satisfaction over the Party’s policy of reconciliation and said that the policy will continue in the future as well. The meeting also reposed full confidence in the leadership of Party Co-Chairman President Asif Ali Zardari.
SH/wh
PR No. 327
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan attaches very high significance to the revival of Chinese presence and its role in Gawadar in the regional context and would welcome Chinese involvement in Gawadar on short, medium and long term projects basis. Prime Minister stated that his Government wanted expeditious completion of Gawadar port and development of its hinter land by putting in place the road, rail and air services related infrastructure. Pakistan he said also wants establishment of an economic zone and development of tourist resorts in Gawadar area on priority basis.
The Prime Minister was talking to Mr. Xu Zuyuan, Vice Minister of Transport of China who along with his delegation called on him at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat this afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan would hence forth welcome engagement of the Chinese government and invited the Chinese companies to invest in the Gawadar port and its infrastructure development related projects.
The Prime Minister appreciated the contribution of Chinese Company “China Harbour” in construction of the first phase of Gawadar Port and its present involvement in construction of Quay Wall and Break Water (Marine Protection Works) to develop Deep Water Container Terminal in Karachi. This project is scheduled to be inaugurated on March 30th during Chinese Vice Minister’s visit.
The Prime Minister also hoped that both countries would fast track the ongoing negotiations for undertaking of projects like up-gradation of Karakoram Highway, establishment of transportation linkages between Pakistan and Afghanistan, up-gradation of Rail link between Pakistan and Turkey and Chinese participation in Iran – Pakistan (IP) and Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan (TAP) gas pipelines.
The Prime Minister while dilating upon the excellent relations between Pakistan and China, matured over the decades into a comprehensive Strategic Partnership, stated that Pakistan will never allow any extraneous factor to affect these exemplary ties. He applauded the valuable contributions of the Chinese entrepreneurs and workers for the economic development of Pakistan. His Government, he said, was according highest priority to the security of Chinese nationals facilitating their safe and secure stay in the country in order to complete their projects smoothly and without hindrance.
Prime Minister also reiterated Pakistan’s strict adherence to one China policy whereby Pakistan considered Taiwan a province of China and Tibet as its inalienable part. He also reaffirmed his Government’s fullest cooperation with China in countering and defeating the threat of terrorism, being faced by both the countries.
Mr. Xu Zuyuan, Vice Minister of Transport of China conveyed Chinese Premier’s best wishes to the Prime Minister and commended Government of Pakistan’s assistance to the Chinese companies by provision of adequate security to their personnel undertaking about 120 ongoing projects in various fields.
He lauded Prime Minister’s vision for the development of infrastructure in Pakistan and agreed that the infrastructure was the lifeline for economic development of any country. He assured the Prime Minister that he would convey Prime Minister’s proposals in this regard to the Chinese leadership.
Mr. Xu Zuyuan said that undertaking of development of Gawadar port and the related infrastructure will be the second landmark project between the two countries after the construction of Karakoram Highway. He added that his side would positively consider participation in the development plan for Gawadar as well as the Railways, Road and Air connectivity vision of Pakistan with China – Afghanistan and Turkey via Iran.
PMCO/wh
PR No. 328
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani emphasized for creating awareness among the people at large to help facilitate the implementation of environment policies through out the country. Pollution and deforestation, he said, could only be arrested through education and involvement of the people. He further said the people need to be informed that a better environment means better health.
The Prime Minister was talking to the Chief Ministers of Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan, and Gilgit Baltistan here at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat today, prior to chairing a meeting on Environment Protection Council.
The Prime Minister said that development projects/schemes in various areas need to be designed in a manner to supplement the efforts for ensuring clean environment. An integrated approach has to be developed, he added, to streamline development activities in accordance with the ecological conservation both in the rural and urban areas.
PMMO/wh
PR No. 329
PRESS RELEASE
Islamabad: March 29, 2010Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated Pakistan’s firm resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism and extremism in the larger interest of world peace.
The Prime Minister was talking in a tele-conference with Mr. Richard Halbrooke US Special Ambassador on Pakistan and Afghanistan and Gen. Luthar Secretary to the US President here this evening.
They apprised the Prime Minister of the purpose of President Barrak Obama’s short trip to Afghanistan last evening and informed him that he was the first leader with whom they are sharing the details.
The President of USA’s visit it was revealed was meant to express solidarity and strengthen the determination of coalition partners to restore peace and stability in the region. They assured that US strategy will always remain to the advantage of Pakistan which is a strategic partner of the US.
Gen. Luthar conveyed that the US President has greatly appreciated Pakistan’s commitment and contribution towards war against terror.
Mr. Halbrooke mentioned that the recent Pakistan-USA strategic dialogues were quite fruitful and these have had positive impression on the political leadership in US. He said Senator John Kerry specially appreciated and acknowledged that the dialogues were well received in US.
The sectoral level follow up meetings they said would prove to be beneficial in determining the specific needs in various sectors of cooperation. The progress over the outcome of the strategic dialogue it was mentioned would be personally monitored by the Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton who would be visiting Pakistan in the near future. Pakistan’s need for energy particularly electricity would be paid specific attention as a priority to help boost the economic activities.
Mr. Halbrooke said that Pakistan-US bilateral relations extend beyond the war against terror. These strategic relations, he added are broad based, deep rooted and sustainable.
The Prime Minister mentioned that Pakistan expects from coalition partners and friends of Pakistan unhindered support as committed in order to curb terrorism and extremism. He also said that US has to exert its influence over coalition partners to honour their pledges made during the Tokyo Conference. He also asked for assistance in softening IMF conditionalities keeping in view the capacity of the common man in Pakistan. He stressed upon the need to expand bilateral trade to ensure access for Pakistani goods in the US markets.
Mr. Halbrooke assured the Prime Minister that the US Coalition Support Fund and financial assistance to the tune of US $ 1 billion would be realized till June this year.
PMMO/wh