|
PR. No. 239. Federal Minister for Food & Agriculture Nazar Mohammad Gondal has said that Pakistani fruits like kinnow, mango, dates and apples are in great demand in Gulf States, Singapore, Malaysia, UK and Germany and we are not fully utilizing our export potential in horticulture products. He expressed these views while inaugurating a two-day National Conference on “Boosting production of Dates for exports, at the National Agricultural Research Centre, here today. The conference is being organized by the Pakistan Horticulture Foundation in collaboration with Pakistan Science Foundation and NARC and attended by the galaxy of scientists and agri=experts from the four provinces including AJK and FATA, NAs. The Minister said that agriculture is the main source of our country’s economy which provides raw material to industrial sector besides 75% foreign exchange earning through the export of agricultural products in raw form or as value added goods. The Minister said that the Government policies have provided great impetus for the development of horticulture sector and taken new initiatives to venture for the exploitation of export potential and to search more markets around the globe. He said that Pakistan is ranked 5th in the dates producing countries of the world and it can fetch many billion dollars every years through increasing export of horticulture products. The Minister exhorted upon the scientists to fully benefit from the emerging technologies in the world aiming at increasing per acre horticulture yield and minimizing the input cost. President of Horticulture Foundation of Pakistan Dr. Saeed Ahmed, DG. NARC Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Commissioner Minor Crop MINFAL Dr. Mohammad Aslam also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the objective of this important event. Parliamentary Secretary MINFAL Nawabzada Liaquat Ali, Chairman PARC Dr. M.E. Tasleem also attended the ceremony. EH/AR.
PR. No. 240. The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, which met at the Parliament House has suggested that carrot and stick policy should be adopted to improve the working and performance of the drug inspectors, who have a crucial role in detecting and destroying the spurious drugs from the market and underlined the need to launch a well-planned and coordinated campaign for checking the proliferation of spurious drugs in the country. It observed that the scourge has several socio-economic dimensions as such it was all the more imperative for the government to develop such a mechanism, which may help in complete eradication of these drugs. The Sub-Committee, which was presided over by its Convenor Senator Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Laghari, discussed the report, which was compiled by the Federal Health Ministry in consultation with the various stakeholders including the provincial health departments, Police, FIA, Chemists, Pharmaceutical Firms and Ministry of Law & Justice and NGOs etc. During the proceedings of the Sub – Committee, the representative of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association had also given an undertaking that on the spot warranty would be collected from the authorized agents, distributors and retailers, and such warranties would be handed over to the Ministry of Health and in case of any short fall the pharmaceutical company would be held responsible. Senator Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari and other members of the Sub – Committee were of the view that such step would help check the spurious drugs in the market. They, however, observed that there were several flaws in the existing system, which need to be rectified to make it work more effectively. They directed that inter-ministerial coordination must be improved for achieving better results adding that poor quality medicine is not only a threat to the public health but also undermine the image of the country besides reputation of the local pharmaceutical industries. The Sub – Committee also suggested that two full time medicine / drug courts should be established in Sukkur and Karachi respectively to expedite the disposal of the cases. It recommended that promotion of the Drug Inspectors should be based on performance. The Sub – Committee recommended that a Provincial Cell should be established consisting of senior officers not below BS – 19 from Federal Health Ministry, Provincial Health Departments, FIA / Police for sharing of intelligence and immediate action and similar setup for ICT and Northern Areas. It also recommended that warranty must be ensured for which Provincial Drug Inspectors must intensify checking of warranty and the manufacturers / importers must comply with laid down requirements. Awareness campaign must be launched to purchase medicine on cash memo, the Committee added. The Committee further recommended that the number of provincial drug inspectors shall be increased so that there is one Drug Inspector for each Tehsil / Taluka and that Federal and Provincial l procure four wheel vehicles for Drug Inspectors. It called upon the law enforcement agencies to give top priority to the investigation of the cases of spurious drugs and allocation of adequate resource by Federal and Provincial governments for drug testing labs. Earlier, the Secretary Health highlighted the salient features of the report and said that there was a dire need to improve coordination between health ministry and law enforcement agencies and that the institutions of inspectorate, drug testing labs need strengthening and upgradation with effective monitoring of their performance by the respective Provincial Quality Control Boards. The stakeholders also gave their input on the report prepared by the Ministry of Health and expressed the hope that the recommendations of the Sub-Committee would help improve the system to check the spurious drug properly. The meeting was attended, among others, by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Kamil Ali Agha and Bibi Yasmeen Shah besides Secretary Health, Senior officials of the Ministries of Interior, law & Justice and Health. QAM/AR.
PR. No. 241. Finance Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar chaired Second National Steering Committee Meeting to review the strategy and implementation mechanism for immediate relief to needy household families under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in Finance Division here today. Earlier the ECC of the Cabinet in its meeting held on 6th May, 2008 decided to constitute a Ministerial Committee headed by Finance Minister to finalize a comprehensive plan over the subject taking into account the end result of immediate relief to the needy household families and also finalize scheme for the grant of targeted subsidy on essential food items to them. The National Steering Committee held its second meeting to review the structure of the programme, determine policy respecting efficient targeting and disbursement criteria mechanism, financing of the programme and the overall policy framework for its execution. Provincial Government representatives attended the meeting, presenting to Committee their input based on ground realities focusing facilitation of BISP Programme. The government has launched BISP with an initial allocation of Rs.34 billion to be disbursed amongst the target households. The programme envisages cash grant of Rs.1,000/- per month aiming to provide relief to the economically stressed segments of the society in face of the spiraling prices of the essential commodities. The selection will be made through computerized NADRA database under the preset criteria which is likely to cover a population comprising 3.6 million families. NADRA has been tasked to provide list of eligible families/households at designated places during August, 2008. Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) will be used as primary database. Those not having CNIC will be encouraged to apply for a card free of cost and data will be continuously updated to include eligible households. The programme objective is to reach the poor directly to protect them from financial discomfort and special consideration has been given to minimize and prevent leakages and misappropriation. The administrative cost estimates are expected to be at the level of 1-3% of total size of the Programme. The Programme will contribute to the results of effective existing poverty reduction policies. BISP initially intends to cover 2.8-3.4 million families selected electronically through NADRA database using different variables. NADRA will transmit lists of eligible card holders to BISP Programme implementation Unit (PIU), DCOs, Union Councils, Banks and Post Offices. The list of eligible card holders shall suitably be displayed. The BISP disbursement through banks will be on the basis of individual bank accounts and SBP will provide a list of Union Councils that have a bank branch to be designated closest to the recipients. The disbursement shall be made through Post Offices where bank branches are not available. A three-member Grievance Redressal Committee will be constituted at Union Council levels to review grievances. The Committee shall comprise nominees of concerned MNA, MPA and UC Nazim. In districts, District Grievance Redressal Committee will be formed comprising concerned MNA, MPA, UC Nazim, and DCO will act as Coordinator of the Committee. SS/AR.
PR. No. 242. The Federal Minister for Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah arrived here early this morning to attend the 15th Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Ministerial Conference. The Conference opened today with an address by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Besides addressing the NAM Ministerial Meeting, the Federal Minister is likely to call on President Ahmadinejad and Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with the heads of other delegations on the sidelines of the Conference and discuss matters pertaining to the promotion of bilateral cooperation with the member countries. The 2-day Ministerial Conference will be focusing on a number of issues of interest to Pakistan including terrorism, reform and expansion of the UN Security Council, disarmament, peaceful settlement of disputes, self-determination, human rights, global economic situation and food security. RAD/AR.
PR. No. 243. It has been in principle agreed that the government will continue to provide Research & Development (R & D) support upto June 30, 2008 for the Textile sector after necessary finalization by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Finance, Privatisation & Investment announced the decision during a meeting with a representative delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum having representation of Pakistan Hosiery Manufactures Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), PN & SA and PCFAA which met the Minister here today. The Finance Minister directed the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to examine the Withholding Tax issue being faced by garment industry exporters and submit a report to take prompt decision to facilitate the industry. Syed Naveed Qamar assured the delegation that the government would make all out efforts to resolve the market access issue being faced by the industry. He asked the industry to cooperate with the government to keep the economy healthy, which would be equally beneficial for the business groups. The business groups were aware of the economic conditions of the country, which was a part of global phenomena and the business groups could be helpful in improving the economic scenario through dedicated efforts and joining hands with the government. Earlier, the leader of the delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum Mr. M. Naqi Bari apprised the Minister regarding the problems being faced by the industry and assured fullest support to the government in improving the economy. SS/AR.
PR. No. 244. The Chairman Senate, Mr. Mohammedmian Soomro and Deputy Chairman Senate, Mr. Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of former Senator and President of High Court Bar Association, Sukkur, Mr. Imdad Ali Awan who died of cardiac arrest in Karachi today. The Chairman and Deputy Chairman eulogized the services rendered by the late Senator as a jurist par excellence and the useful contribution he made towards the proceedings of the Upper House during his term as Senator. They prayed to Almighty ALLAH to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and to grant courage and fortitude to the members of the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity. QAM/AR.
PR. No. 245. Since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1952, Japan and Pakistan have fostered close relations through high-level exchanges and multi-faceted cooperation, said his excellency Seiji Kojima, the ambassador of Japan to Pakistan during a meeting with Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs and Human Rights Division, Sen. Farooq H. Naek, here on Tuesday. ‘Japan and Pakistan have common interest in the future of Asia, with special focus on counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, economic co-operation and the propagation of democratic values, human rights, rule of law and the market economy’ said Kojima, adding that in light of these shared objectives, Japan and Pakistan stand together in thier commitment to ensure security, stability and prosperity. Kojima said that Japan recognizes the geopolitical importance of Pakistan, which is situated at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. He added that Japan pays tribute to Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism, its continuing efforts towards establishing a democratic and modern Islamic polity under the principles of Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The law minister said that the people of Pakistan express thier appreciation for the generous assistance provided to them by Japan for over 50 years, and hold in high regard Japan’s important role in promoting peace and prosperity in the world. MFR/AR.
PR. No. 246. Federal Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights Division, Sen. Farooq H. Naek has said that the PPP-led government sincerely desires to reinstate the deposed judges and therefore he had always suggested them to take oath under the Constitution, which was a constitutional requirement. He said that he stands for giving back the deposed judges their positions, seniorities, pay packages and any other privilege for which they were entitled when they were working as judges. The law minister said that political rallies and demonstrations in this regard would only contribute towards delaying the reinstatement process, as their sole purpose is politicization of the judicial issue. ‘Either we do politics or we do justice’ the law minister said, adding that if we want to do politics then demonstrations are the right option but if we want to do the justice then the only viable option is to follow the constitution. MFR/AR.
PR. No. 247. It has been in principle agreed that the government will continue to provide Research & Development (R & D) support upto June 30, 2008 for the Apparel sector after necessary finalization by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). Syed Naveed Qamar Federal Minister for Finance, Privatisation & Investment announced the decision during a meeting with a representative delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum having representation of Pakistan Hosiery Manufactures Association (PHMA), Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), PN & SA and PCFAA which met the Minister here today. The Finance Minister directed the Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) to examine the Withholding Tax issue being faced by garment industry exporters and submit a report to take prompt decision to facilitate the industry. Syed Naveed Qamar assured the delegation that the government would make all out efforts to resolve the market access issue being faced by the industry. He asked the industry to cooperate with the government to keep the economy healthy, which would be equally beneficial for the business groups. The business groups were aware of the economic conditions of the country, which was a part of global phenomena and the business groups could be helpful in improving the economic scenario through dedicated efforts and joining hands with the government. Earlier, the leader of the delegation of Pakistan Apparel Forum Mr. M. Naqi Bari apprised the Minister regarding the problems being faced by the industry and assured fullest support to the government in improving the economy. TP/AR.
PR. No. 248. The National Steering Committee (NSC) held its second meeting to review the structure of the programme, determine policy respecting efficient targeting and disbursement criteria mechanism, financing of the programme and the overall policy framework for its execution under the chairmanship of Finance Minister, Syed Naveed Qamar here today. The NSC reviewed the strategy and implementation mechanism for immediate relief to needy household families under Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The BISP disbursement through banks will be on the basis of individual bank accounts and SBP will provide a list of Union Councils that have a bank branch to be designated closest to the recipients. The disbursement shall be made through Post Offices where bank branches are not available. A three-member Grievance Redressal Committee will be constituted at Union Council levels to review grievances. The Committee shall comprise nominees of concerned MNA, MPA and UC Nazim. In districts, District Grievance Redressal Committee will be formed comprising concerned MNA, MPA, UC Nazim, and DCO will act as Coordinator of the Committee. The government has launched BISP with an initial allocation of Rs.34 billion to be disbursed amongst the target households. The programme envisages cash grant of Rs.1,000/- per month aiming to provide relief to the economically stressed segments of the society in face of the spiraling prices of the essential commodities. The selection will be made through computerized NADRA database under the preset criteria, which is likely to cover a population comprising 3.6 million families. NADRA has been tasked to provide list of eligible families/households at designated places during August 2008. Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) will be used as primary database. Those not having CNIC will be encouraged to apply for a card free of cost and data will be continuously updated to include eligible households. The programme objective is to reach the poor directly to protect them from financial discomfort and special consideration has been given to minimize and prevent leakages and misappropriation. The administrative cost estimates are expected to be at the level of 1-3% of total size of the Programme. The Programme will contribute to the results of effective existing poverty reduction policies. BISP initially intends to cover 2.8-3.4 million families selected electronically through NADRA database using different variables. NADRA will transmit lists of eligible cardholders to BISP Programme implementation Unit (PIU), DCOs, Union Councils, Banks and Post Offices. The list of eligible cardholders shall suitably be displayed. Earlier the ECC of the Cabinet in its meeting held on 6th May, 2008 decided to constitute a Ministerial Committee headed by Finance Minister to finalize a comprehensive plan over the subject taking into account the end result of immediate relief to the needy household families and also finalize scheme for the grant of targeted subsidy on essential food items to them. Provincial Government representatives attended the meeting, presenting to Committee their input based on ground realities focusing facilitation of BISP Programme. TZ/AR.
PR. No. 249. Present Government is strongly committed to wipe out all the elements of non-certified medical practitioners; Dr. Mahreen Bhutto Parliamentary Secretary for Health said this here today while taking a briefing on the working of Ministry of Health. Dr. Bhutto said that health is a very sensitive issue and no one should be allowed to advertise health related issues without approval of competent authorities, she stressed that health related advertisements should be regularized in collaboration with PEMRA. No one should be allowed to advertise medical products or services unless they are approved by the competent authorities. Dr. Bhutto said that the Government intends to ensure the availability of quality drugs at an affordable price to every one. In order to improve the quality of drugs, she emphasized on increasing the number of drug inspectors nationwide. HSG.
PR. No. 250. Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Atta ur Rehman called on President Pervez Musharraf here today. He briefed the President about various ongoing projects of HEC especially regarding the establishment of various private sector Universities in collaboration with the leading academic universities of the world. The President appreciated the measures taken by Higher Education Commission for the establishment of private sector universities in the field of Science and Technology and asked him to complete the ongoing projects well in time.
PR.
NO.251 The world’s leading power investors endorsed Pakistan’s power sector development strategy and made suggestions for improving the investment process at an investors’ roundtable hosted by the World Bank, the IFC, and the Government of Pakistan at the World Bank Group offices in Washington DC on Tuesday. The press release received from Washington DC says that the roundtable was attended by the world’s leading power investors such as AES (USA), International Power (UK), Zorlu (Turkey), Global Steel Holdings (UK), Waddell & Reed (USA), Barrick Gold (Canada), Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Amwal (USA), Tata Power (India), and Essar Group (India) as well as leading Pakistani investors such as Engro, Jahangir Siddiqui Group, Fatima Group, Hasan Associates, and Hubco. In addition, key international financial institutions and government/aid agencies were amply represented: Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Islamic Development Bank, Nordic Investment Bank, KfW of Germany, US Agency for International Development, US Ex-Im Bank, US Department of State, US Department of Energy, US Trade and Development Agency as well as the World Bank and IFC. Mr. Rashad Kaldany, the IFC’s VP for Infrastructure, welcomed the participants by observing that the presence of major investors and leading international financial institutions at the roundtable indicates that interest remains high in Pakistan and in the investment opportunities in its power sector. Pakistan’s Minister for Water & Power, Mr. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf stated that the Pakistan People’s Party Government set the framework for private investment in Pakistan in 1994. And due to the party’s efforts, Pakistan received some 5,000MW of private generation capacity and the power sector has 40 percent private participation today. The current government is looking to achieve a similar feat to address the current challenges. The Chief Minister of Sindh, Mr. Qaim Ali Shah, introduced the enormous coal resources of the Thar region and mentioned that the development of these resources for power generation is a cornerstone of the Party’s manifesto. Mr. Shah extended a warm welcome to investors on behalf of the Government of Sindh to develop this resource. Mr. Salman Faruqui, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, noted that in the 1990s Pakistan became one of the first developing countries to use standardized documentation for power projects. A similar roundtable of investors kicked off that process some 15 years ago and this roundtable promises to be the beginning of another major round of investment. He also noted that the high investor interest in Pakistan’s electricity sector was evidenced by the response to the recent tender requests by the Government which elicited tenders of some $4.5 billion. Federal Secretary Water & Power, Mr. Ismail Qureshi, presented an overview of Pakistan’s power sector and emphasized that Pakistan’s power strategy is guided by the principles of affordability, energy security, and financial viability. Pakistan’s focus is on accelerated development of its indigenous energy resources and diversifying its energy mix through private participation as well as regional cooperation. The Secretary presented a realistic assessment of the sector’s recent financial difficulties and outlined the measures already taken by GOP to address it. He presented major investment opportunities in the power sector of nearly 16,000MW in hydro, gas, coal generation capacity and associated T&D totaling some $30 billion of which the private sector is expected to invest nearly $20 billion by 2015. The international financial institutions were unanimous in their willingness to support GOP in the development of Pakistan’s power sector. Dr. Walid Abdelwahab of the Islamic Development Bank recommended that capacity has to be built in the Thar Coal & Energy Board and that tariff increases must not overly burden the economy. Mr. Raghuveer Sharma of the World Bank underlined his institution’s keenness to support Pakistan’s energy sector as GOP takes bold policy steps for stabilizing the macro-economic situation and shoring up the sector’s finances and focuses on implementation. Mr. Adil Marghub of the IFC outlined policy measures taken by the governments of the Philippines, India, Jordan, and Turkey to recommend possible paths Pakistan could follow. IFC underlined the need to address the current challenges—both macro-economic and sectoral—in an urgent and bold way to be able to advance IFC assistance. Investor feedback was positive. Mr. Paul Hanrahan, president of one of the world’s largest power companies operating in developing countries, AES Corporation, told the audience that AES is investing further in Pakistan’s power sector because of its positive Pakistan experience over the last 15 years. The relationships at the WAPDA and GOP levels have been well maintained and the skills of Pakistani engineers and managers have been critical to AES’s success. He noted that major foreign investors in other sectors regularly cite electricity shortages as the key constraint to their expansion. Continued emphasis is needed on tariff reform, the financial strength of WAPDA/NTDC and more active support to investors in land acquisition and environmental clearances, he said. Mr. Vince Harris of International Power, another global investor and leading investor in Hubco, seconded Mr. Hanrahan’s views about his company’s positive investment experience in Pakistan. Mr. Murat Bursa of Zorlu Enerji (Turkey) complimented Pakistan for its favorable power incentives and hospitality to investors at a personal level. Mr. Asad Umar of Engro Pakistan recommended that GOP build on the previous successes in Pakistan’s power sector by speeding up implementation, particularly by further empowering PPIB with decision-making authority and possibly through the establishment of an integrated energy ministry. The country is considering all options for power generation with hydropower, gas, alternative energy resources (wind, solar, etc.), and coal as well as energy conservation and efficiency on the demand side. The development of Thar coal was recognized as a landmark development opportunity for Thar as well as for Pakistan. The discussion on coal policy focused on whether Pakistan should develop a large-scale operation rather than multiple medium-sized operations, whether coal mining and coal-fired generation should be integrated, whether investor participation should take place through an upfront tariff announced by the Government or tariff-based international competitive bidding, etc. Investors underlined the need for definitive investigation of the coal composition, water availability and recharge, environmental implications of exploiting lignite coal, etc., through a master plan study under public-private partnership. Mr. Salman Faruqui thanked the investors and IFI’s for their feedback and outlined the measures being considered by GOP to address the concerns raised. Mr. Ismail Qureshi, in his recap of the day’s proceeding observed that he was pleased to see that investors see Pakistan has having honored its contractual commitments. He noted that Pakistan stands ready to welcome private investment in all its forms. In his closing address to investors, Mr. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized Pakistan’s value as an energy corridor for the region and its will to diversify its energy mix through trade with all its neighbours.
|
