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PR No.293 The Senate House Business Advisory Committee comprising heads of Parliamentary parties represented in the Senate met this morning at the Parliament House under the Chairmanship of the Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek to discuss agenda and modalities of the 61st Senate Session beginning today. Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman expressed his resolve to run the House with consensus of opinion in line with the glorious democratic traditions and values of the Upper House. He said that passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment Bill was a landmark achievement and hope that the same spirit of accommodation would be demonstrated in future also. The meeting also commended the recent decision of the Government regarding conservation of energy to overcome shortages. In deference to the decision, half of the lights of the Committee Room and the building remained off, so were the air conditioners. The Members of the Upper House vowed to share with rest of the countrymen the trials and tribulations currently being faced as a result of power and energy crisis in the country. The meeting decided to continue debate on the Presidential address from Tuesday, meanwhile adjournment motions and call attention notices would be taken up. The meeting was attended by Leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Wasim Sajjad and Senators Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Moula Bakhsh Chandio, Maulana Gul Naseeb, Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, Col. ® Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Salim Safifullh Khan, Azam Khan Swati, Kazim Khan, Abbas Khan Afridi, Mir Muhammad Ali, Abdul Rahim Mandokhel, Dr. Abdul Malik, Zahid Khan, Prof. Khurshid Ahmed, Hafiz Abdul Rashid, Shahid Hassan Bugti and Begum Najma Hameed, besides Special Secretary Senate, Iftikharullah Babar. **RAQ/Ahmad**
PR No.294 With a view to improve financial discipline and streamline the management of public accounts it has been decided by the Finance Division to restrict the validity of cheques upto three months or 30th June, whichever is earlier. Accordingly, the cheques issued during a financial year shall be payable at any time within three months after the month of issue, but not beyond the 30th June. Necessary amendments in the relevant Federal Treasury Rules have been effected and notified by the Finance Division vide Notification No. F. 5(3) Exp.III/2009, dated 31st March, 2010. Accordingly, all Ministers/Divisions/Departments have been requested to ensure observance of financial discipline by strictly ad-hearing to the following instructions:- That the budgetary allocations placed at their disposal are expended uniformly during the financial year to ensure that all validity accrued liabilities are promptly clear and are not postponed towards the end of the financial year. All Ministries/Divisions/Departments should submit their claims in AGPR before 10th June. In case of requirement of any additional information AGPR shall return the un-passed bill urgently and the concerned departments shall respond promptly and submit the bill/claim not later than 15th June. All PLAs/Assignments Accounts holders should make necessary arrangements as detailed above to ensure encashment of their cheque well in time. All Cheques drawn against PLAs/Assignments Accounts shall be cleared upto 30th June. Instructions have been issued to State Bank of Pakistan/National Bank of Pakistan/Commercial Banks/AGPR, Sub Offices and all Federal Government offices. Liabilities against unencashed cheques of last financial year will be cleared by the Ministries/Divisions/Departments from current budget, as no in-lieu cheque will be issued by this office. **DO/Ahmad**
PR No.295 Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa has said telecom sector is expanding fast in Pakistan with collaboration of China. We are determined for the safety and security of the Companies operating in the sector as well as the people of Pakistan for the development of the country. The Advisor expressed these views while talking to a 3-member delegation of Huawei called on him headed by, Chief Executive Officer, Alan Wang here on Friday adding that both the countries are enjoying deep friendly relations, which would develop with the passage of time. The Advisor said information technology has played an important role for bringing change in the lives of the people and making the world a global village and information technology can promote peace and brotherhood in the global village as well. He said following the manifesto of five “Es” of the Pakistan Peoples Party given by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, the government is using its all possible resources for the promotion of education through information technology. The five “Es” of the manifesto include education, employment, environment, energy and equality, he maintained. The Advisor recognizing the huge development of the Huawei in telecom sector and providing employment to more than 36ooo technical persons in the company appreciated and urged to invest more in the sector for creation of more job opportunities for the Pakistani people. The Advisor asked the delegation to expand its network to other cities of the country equally as we are rich in human resources. We are also united to come out of the energy crisis and we are working on short and long term options for the purpose. China has 80 percent coal based resources of energy while we can produce hundreds of thousand megawatt energy for thousand years as we are very rich in coal, he maintained. The Advisor assured the delegation to facilitate them in collaboration with all other government departments concerned for expanding the network of Huawei aimed at promoting the telecom sector in the country. **MA/Ahmad** NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 1st MAY, 2010.
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No. 296 Following is the text of President’s message:- “May 1 reminds us our pledges made to labour, workers, peasants and the fisher folk that we will not abandon them in their struggle for dignity, honour and rightful place in society. Despite efforts to undermine the meaning surrounding the event by various undemocratic governments all over world, May Day festivities and demonstrations continue to be held in countries around the world. It continues to be a major annual event to mark the struggle for workers’ rights, international working-class solidarity, peace, and global justice. Both Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed that the PPP derived its strength from the working classes of Pakistan and they always fought for their rights and well being. Following in the footsteps of our great leaders, the present government has also taken various practical steps to improve the lot of workers and restore them the dignity and honour of labour. After restoring the sacked employees, the government has regularized contract employees. Now a worker can no longer be dismissed from service for no reason, as was the practice in the past. The workers have been given the right to seek legal remedies against dismissal. Trade union activites have been restored. The Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme has been introduced by offering 12% stock shares to workers in state run enterprises. It benefits 5 hundred thousand families. For the first time, workers have been made part of the national productive process, through ownership. These measures are a manifestation of government’s sincere efforts in improving the lot of the working classes and protecting them from exploitation. On this day, when millions of people around the globe are rallying for workers’ rights, let us reiterate our pledge once again to honour labour and working peoples and give them their rights. Let us also pay tributes to the Chicago martyrs for their struggle against oppression and for ending socio-economic deprivations a century ago. They did not die in vain. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 1st MAY, 2010. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 1st MAY, 2010.
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No. 297 Following is the text of Prime Minister’s message:- “May Day is a day of great significance in the history of workers movement. Today we are observing the International Workers Day with a renewed commitment to protect workers rights and create a congenial working environment in the country. In Pakistan, it was the Pakistan Peoples Party government which celebrated the Labour Day for the first time in 1970’s and provided legal cover to protect the workers rights, extended pensionary benefits to them, made them share holders in the companies’ profits, and created institutions for the welfare of the workers. The present government, which has come to power through votes of the masses, also accords highest importance to the well-being of the working class and common man. The workers are backbone of the economy and we are striving to get them on their feet as the economic situation cannot improve without the whole-hearted cooperation of the workforce. During last two year, we have taken a number of steps aimed to restore dignity of labour and to promote welfare of the workers. The draconian Removal from Service Ordinance 2000 and Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002 have been repealed, while union activities have been restored throughout the country. It is also a credit to this government which has reinstated services of thousands of employees who were dismissed on flimsy charges by the previous regime. Moreover, the minimum wages from Rs. 4600 per month has been increased to Rs. 6000 and EOB (Employees Old-age benefits) pension has been enhanced from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000. We have also handed over shares to the workers in the public sector corporation to make them partners and ensure their role in the decision making. We have formulated a new labour policy in the light of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed vision which will be announced soon. The new Labour Policy has been designed to meet the requirements of economy, workers and employers. Pakistan is facing an energy crisis. Factories and businesses are not running to their full capacities. In this connection, we assembled all the chief ministers and other stakeholders to devise a workable strategy to address the challenge as energy shortage is a national issue which demands a national response. Primary objective behind this unprecedented marathon meeting was provision of uninterrupted power supply to the industry so that our labour and production may not suffer. On this day, I urge the workers to give their best output for enhancing production and simultaneously ask the entrepreneurs to provide maximum possible relief to the labour. Entrepreneurs and workers are two pivotal components of production and only their harmonious relations can make Pakistan a prosperous country. I assure the workers that their government will keep on striving to protect their rights, to create a congenial working environment, and to promote their welfare. May Almighty Allah be with us in our endeavors. Ameen! ” NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 1st MAY, 2010.
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No. 298 On the occasion of “Yaum-e-Shuhada”, President Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) and Senior Federal Minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim has paid rich tributes to the Martyrs of Armed Forces who has laid their lives for the sake of mother land. In his massage Makhdoom Amin Fahim said, we are proud of our brave soldiers who are fighting against the menace of terrorism. Makhdoom Amin Fahim stressed the international community to help Pakistan morally and financially in the hour of need. Expressing solidarity with the family of Martyrs, Makhdoom Amin Fahim expressed that their sacrifices would not be in vain. **SH/Ahmad**
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No. 299 The Sixteenth SAARC Summit was held in Thimphu, Bhutan on 28-29 April 2010. During my stay in Thimphu, I participated in the two day Summit. The Theme of the Summit was Climate Change. The Summit reviewed the progress on the implementation of the decisions taken during the last SAARC Summit in Colombo in 2008 and gave further direction to the SAARC processes on multi-dimensional issues of common interest including climate change, finance, trade and health etc. Pakistan considers SAARC an indispensable instrument of collective response to regional development deficit. We are committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter. We envision SAARC to be an organization, promoting not only the regional development, but advancing the global agenda of peace and prosperity. Pakistan has taken substantial measures to advance SAARC objectives. I stressed upon the need to create harmony and stability in the region to realize socio-economic development and ensure the well-being of our peoples. This certainly is the priority of my government. We agreed to redouble our efforts to realize the SAARC Development Goals which would help in poverty alleviation, food and energy security, health and education. The theme of the Summit reflected our common concern on climate change. Pakistan is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change and global warming. In order to forge tangible cooperation, I proposed that a regional study on climate change risk be commissioned by SAARC. This proposal was adopted by the Summit. We singed the SAARC Convention on Cooperation on Environment. Now we need to focus on sharing best practices and pool our resources to adopt region wide mitigation and adaptation measures. I elaborated on the need for regional cooperation on water conservation and water management. On scientific research and transfer of applied technologies, I proposed the establishment of SAARC Science Foundation, as well as SAARC Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Forums. We have also offered to establish a SAARC Regional Centre on Climate Change in Pakistan. Pakistan welcomed the inauguration of the Secretariat of the SAARC Development Fund in Thimphu. This step, I think, would allow effective utilization of the Fund, to the benefit of the peoples of the region. Pakistan will also be making its assessed financial contribution to SDF. I am also happy to note that steady progress is being made towards operationalizing the Food Bank, the SAARC Arbitration Council and the Regional Standards Organization. Our candidate was elected as the Director General of the Arbitration Council. I highlighted the usefulness of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which is a unique instrument for social outreach to the poor section of our society. I offered that Pakistan would be happy to share the BISP experience with SAARC Member States. I also reaffirmed our will and determination to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. I underscored that terrorism is global, regional and local, trans-national and trans-regional phenomenon. I reiterated the need to join hands to fight it individually as well as collectively. I stressed upon the SAARC Member States the need to forge a common front, based on tolerance, on respect for human dignity and universal values. We will be hosting the Meeting of the SAARC Interior Ministers in Islamabad in June which would help strengthen cooperation in this vital area. In addition to this, we agreed to consider the two draft Agreements on SAARC Agreement on Multilateral Arrangement on Recognition of Conformity Assessment and SAARC Agreement on Implementation of Regional Standards, and to discuss SAARC Agreement on Rapid Response to National Disasters at the Experts level. We emphasized the need to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region. In this context, we agreed to continue reduction of sensitive lists under SAFTA, which are promoting regional trade and economic cooperation. SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services was signed during the Summit. During my stay, I had also an opportunity to meet with His Majesty the King of Bhutan. In addition, I held bilateral meetings with my counterparts from Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, and Presidents of Sri Lanka. I also met the Vice Foreign Minister of China on the side lines of the Summit. The SAARC leaders supported Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in South Asia. **PMMO/Ahmad**
“The system of the Local Government will continue due to its constitutional cover, and it is up to provinces to make the necessary amendments according to their will” This was stated by Mr. Justice ® Abdul Razzak Thaheem, Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development while concluding ceremony of the series of Training courses on Monitoring and Reporting system concerning gender justice at Municipal Training & Research Institute Karachi today. He said that after the December 31st 2009 the powers to hold elections for Local Government are delegated to provinces from the federal Government and it is high time for all federating units to bring necessary changes in the system and bring the Commissioner ate System to do so. While addressing the participants of training courses on Monitoring and Reporting System concerning Gender Justice through Musalihat Anjuman Project in collaboration with Municipal Training & Research Institute he added that the main objective of such Training Courses is to enhance the knowledge and skills of the trainees and sharing experience and knowledge in their localities. The Federal Minister stressed the need to find out the better techniques of monitoring and reporting system which is necessary for the solution of problems on gender basis at local level. On the occasion Mr. Hamid Reza Afridi, Federal Secretary Local Government, Mr. Khursheed Naeem Malik, Provincial Secretary Government of Sindh, Mr. Shahid Muneer Barlas, Mr. Mohammad Usman Panhwar, Joint Secretary Local Government and Mr. Mehdi Hasan Shaheen, Principal MTRI were present. **DPR.Kar/Ahmad**
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No. 301 A Pakistani, Mr. Akasha Rao who was visiting Indonesia, was kidnapped and murdered on April 26 in Jakarta. His body was found by the police on April 27, says a press release received here today from Jakarta. In deference to the wishes of victim’s family, Pakistan Embassy in Jakarta made arrangements for the release of the body by the Indonesian Police and its transportation to Pakistan at government expense. As a result of an active coordination between the family of the victim in Pakistan and intervention of the Pakistan Embassy, the Indonesian police was able to arrest suspected killer Friday. Police investigations into the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident are continuing. The Embassy has requested the Indonesian government to complete the investigation for expeditious trial in the court. Mr. Akasha, it may be added, was visiting his wife and son who are Indonesian nationals. **SJ/Ahmad**
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No. 302 The President Asif Ali Zardari said that the sacrifices rendered by the members of the armed forces, police, law enforcement agencies and people in the fight against the militancy will not go in vain. He said this on the eve of the Martyrs Day being observed by the army to commemorate the officers and Jawans who laid down their lives in fighting militants and extremists. A special ceremony is also being held in the GHQ Friday which will be attended by the heirs of the martyred soldiers. The President said that the whole nation saluted the valiant defenders of the country and stood behind them. But for the courage and sacrifices of the members of the armed forces and full backing of the people it would not have been possible to defeat the militancy and raise once again the banner of Pakistan in Swat and Malakand. The President also prayed for the souls of the martyred officers and jawans. He said that the soldiers had written a new chapter in the history of the country with their blood and nation will never forget their sacrifices. He said that the nation also owed a debt of gratitude to the heirs of the martyrs. It is our sacred duty to do all that is possible to rehabilitate the heirs and enable them cope with the challenges that face them, he said. **FU/Ahmad**
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No. 303 Pakistan Ambassador to France Mr. Shafkat Saeed inaugurated the series of cultural events under the rubric “Pakistan in Paris” organized by Alliance Francaise, here yesterday evening. Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the Ambassador appreciated the efforts made by the Alliance to bring to the French audiences Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and its colourful diversity. “By putting these remarkable events together, I hope that we will succeed in dispelling some negative impressions emerging out of our region in recent months”, he added. The Ambassador also drew attention of the audience to an ongoing exhibition organized by Museum Guimet at Paris entitled, “Pakistan where Civilization meet” that brings to together the best artifacts of Gandhara period. Earlier, speaking on the occasion the representatives of Alliance Francaise recounted the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan and their desire to present the true face of Pakistan to the French public. The one month long events organized under this programme include photographic exhibition, music concerts by Zeb & Haniya and Mekaal Hasan Band, dance concert by Nighat Chaudhry and puppet show by Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop at various theatres and halls in Paris.
PR No. 304 Federal Minister for Industries & Production Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani chaired 11th Board of Director (BOD) s’ meeting of Small Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) here today. SMEDA’s BODs’ meeting has been held after a long span of time of three years as the last meeting was held in 2007. The Minister while lamenting for a gap of 3 years urged the BODs to make sure the meeting is held quarterly on regular basis in future. CEO, SMEDA Shahid Rasheed gave a detailed briefing to BOD’s meeting which lasted for more than three hours. In which the whole administrative, financial matters of SMEDA were discussed. Shahid Rasheed while briefing the ongoing and future development plans & projects of SMEDA told that there are total 32 different development projects throughout the country under SMEDA with the total cost of Rs6, 872.70 millions. Out of the total cost of Rs.6, 872.70 millions of these projects, PSDP Share is Rs.5, 104.14 millions while the rest of Rs.1, 768.56 millions would be contributed by the Public/Private Sector. Giving the progress report in detail of these 32 development projects, CEO SMEDA told the BODs that there were 16 ongoing projects with the total cost of Rs.1, 710.01 millions throughout the country, while 12 other projects have been approved by the PSDP with the total cost of Rs.1, 108.16 millions but could not be started yet due to non-provision of funds whereas 4 projects with the cost of Rs.2, 285.97 millions are in pipeline.
PR No. 305 Mir Israrullah Zehri, Federal Minister for Postal Services called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadar today. The Minister briefed the President about incidents of acid throwing on three young sisters in Kalat as well as another incident of same nature in Dalbandin, where two sisters were the victims .He suggested for early nabbing of culprits involved in this barbaric acts of violence against women. President Asif Ali Zardari, assured the Minister for immediate action and informed that he had already issued instructions to provincial government for holding an inquiry and submitting the report. The President said that such cowardly and heinous acts must not be allowed to go unpunished. The provincial government has also been asked to provide complete medical care to the victims and take other measures to rehabilitate them, the President said. The Minister Mir Israrullah Zehri thanked the President for his concerns and said that Baloch traditions and customs accord maximum respect to the woman folk and women hold a very high place and respect in Baloch society. President Asif Ali Zardai assured the Minister that those involved in this condemnable crime against women will be nabbed and given exemplary punishment.
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No. 306 President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday took serious notice of the incident of acid throwing on three young sisters in Kalat on Thursday and asked for a report from the provincial government. The President strongly condemned the incident as “barbaric that must not go unpunished”, and asked the provincial government to nab the culprits and bring them to justice. He said it was most disturbing that in a span two weeks two separate incidents of acid throwing took place in Kalat and Dalbandin against women. The President also called upon the provincial government to provide complete medical care and take other measures to rehabilitate the victims.
PR No. 307 Mr. Hafeezullah Cheema Advisor on Labour Ministry has said on the occasion of Labour Day that the workers have been given the right to seek legal remedies against dismissal of their services for no reason and Trade Unions activities have been restored in the country. These are the positive achievements of present government and it shows government’s sincere efforts in improving the lot of the working classes. On this day let us reiterate our pledge over once again to honour Labour and workers and give them their rights, and we should pay tributes to the Chicago martyrs for their struggle against for ending socio-economic deprivations a century ago. After taking empowerment present government has taken a number of steps aimed to restore dignity of workers and to promote welfare of the Labour. Ministry of Labour and Manpower has formulated a new Labour Policy in the light of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision which is going to be announced today. I assure the workers that peoples friendly government will keep in touch with poor people and Labour for resolving their problems on top priority basis.
PR No. 308 Today, we are observing Yom-e-Shohada to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers for peace and security of Pakistan. The whole Nation pay homage and tribute to their courage, patriotism and devotion, and would always keep their memories alive. Due to misconceived policies of the past, no one was feeling safe in the whole country. Even a popular leader of the caliber of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed was assassinated in the broad day light right in the heart of Rawalpindi. Innocent people of Malakand, Swat rather the whole of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were in the clutches of militants. Our security forces were the prime targets of these death mongers and enemies of humanity. Our valiant armed forces and courageous security agencies rose to the occasion and defeated their nefarious designs and broke their myth of invincibility. By dint of our brave soldiers and officers, the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in particular took a sigh of relief. Now, time is not far away when peace will be restored in every nook and corner of the country. On this occasion, I would also like to commensurate with the bereaved families and assure them full support of my government. I also pray to Almighty Allah to rest the martyrs in the highest echelon of paradise.
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No. 309 Federal minister for Food & Agriculture, Nazar M. Gondal has said that the issues of the growers are to be addressed and they shall never be left at the mercy of the middle men. The support price of 950 per 40 kg is to be paid to all those who want to sell the commodity. He added that the surplus wheat in the country is the result of good prices paid to the farmers and the government would continue to do that. The Minister was on a two day visit to inspect the wheat procurement centers in the province of Punjab. The Minister took some decisions on the field in response to some of the complaints of the farmers at the procurement centers. The per acre limit of purchase from the farmers is raised to 10 bags from 8 bags. The 200 bags limit was also raised to 500 after demand from the farmers. The farmers previously faced some difficulty in getting bags (bardana) for the commodity and had to wait for days even after getting the required tokens. It was decided that farmers would be delivered Bardana on daily basis without fixing any timing for it. Family members will be allowed to operate on a single account after making one family member responsible. Wheat would be purchased from tenants after providing power of attorney from the owner/s. “Small farmers (up to 50 bags producers) can get Bardana on personal security if they are unable to pay for it in cash. Such small farmers must be dealt with special care and relaxation as they are very poor farmers and attach great hopes from their crops”, added the minister. M.D PASSCO, Maj Gen Suhail Shafqat, G.M PASSCO Ch. Majeed, ADC Minfa Dr. Qadir Bukh Baloch and Joint Secretary Food Yasmin Masood were also included in the visiting team.
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No. 310 Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin in collaboration with the German Press and Journalists Federation organized a conference of German Journalists here today. President of the German Press and Journalists Federation Dr Christian Zarm, Head of the Central and South Asia Division of the Federation Mr. Shams-ul-Haq and the Ambassador of Pakistan to Germany Mr. Shahid Kamal addressed the Conference and replied to the queries and questions raised by the participants journalists belonging to German print and electronic media. The objective of this Conference was to acquaint German Media with geo-political situation of Pakistan and its Perspective on Regional Security. Dr. Christian Zarm, while eulogizing the efforts of the Pakistan Government being made to uproot terrorism, said that there existed many misperceptions about Pakistan in Europe that needed to be cleared. The Federation has, therefore, planned a trip of journalists to Pakistan so that they could see with their own eyes as to what is happening in the region. He said that the world peace is directly linked to peace in this part of the world and the international community should encourage and support every effort aimed at bringing peace in this region. He reiterated his commitment of opening a school of Journalism in Pakistan by the Federation. Ambassador of Pakistan Shahid Kamal made a presentation on Pakistan’s perspective on Regional Security. Tracing back the history of terrorism in the region, he said that Pakistan’s woes started with the occupation of Afghanistan by the Russian Forces 30 years back and it suffered the most as well as its sacrifices were matchless. He gave a vivid comparison of the contribution and sacrifices made and were being made by Pakistan and the NATO/ISAF to weed out terrorism and extremism and established the fact that his country’s contribution is much more than any other countries in the world and it suffered the most in fight against terrorism. Pakistan is the frontline state struggling to confront international extremism and terrorism and it needs support and encouragement by the western world and not a bash and sling, he added. Mr. Kamal urged the European Union countries to review their policy towards Pakistan and preferential treatment and concessions should be given on import of trade goods from Pakistan as well as help the country to make up losses that it suffered due to prolonged fight against terrorism in the region. Referring to Pak-India relations, Mr. Shahid Kamal said that Pakistan wanted peaceful solution of all the outstanding issues with its neighbour and always stressed for composite dialogue, which was a step by step process. India is denying holding any serious talk, taking a refugee in an act of terrorism by stateless terrorists. Indians should dispense with hegemonic attitude towards its neighbour and sit with them to resolve issues if it is serious in progress and prosperity of its people as well as people living in South Asia, he concluded. Besides a Q&A Session, the participants were also shown documentary “Price for Peace” produced by the Inter Services Public Relations Department of Pakistan military.
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