SHORT NEWS= Meeting of Defence Committee of the Cabinet

Islamabad:  July 3, 2012


The meeting of Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has started at Prime Minister’s House

Deputy Prime Minister Ch. Pervez Elahi, Minister for Defence Production, Sardar Bahadur Ahmed Sihar, Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rubbani Khar, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Senior Adviser to Prime Minister on Interior Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Chairman JCSC General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani, Chief of  Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Acting Chief of Navel Staff, Vice Admiral Tanveer Faiz, Director General, ISI Lt. Gen. M. Zaheer-ul-Islam, Director General IB Mr. Aftab Sultan and seniors officials are participating in the meeting.

Government must stop the game of hide and seek on the most crucial national issue of restoring supply lines for the Occupation Forces of US and NATO in Afghanistan== demand Of Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmad

Islamabad (July 3, 2012):  In a press statement issued today the Naib Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan ex-Senator Prof. Khurshid Ahmad has demanded that the Government must stop the game of hide and seek on the most crucial  national issue of restoring supply lines for the Occupation Forces of US and NATO in Afghanistan. All indications are that Government is heading towards surrendering to the American pressure. “This would be a disastrous blunder”, he stressed.

According to Prof. Khurshid, apology is no longer an issue. The most pressing issue now is to redefine our relationship with the U.S. because of its constant betrayals and efforts to subvert Pakistan’s stability, violate its sovereignty and conspire against its vital national interests in the region.  Drone attacks continue and the US economic arm-twisting and blackmailing has crossed all limits.

“The real issue for Pakistan and the region is peace in Afghanistan and our total dis-association with the America’s War on Terror. It is an alarming fact that even after Salalah aggression the US Forces continues to be at the Jacobabad and our air space is being used for unrestricted supplies to war of occupation in Afghanistan”, Prof. Khurshid observed. “We must continue to uphold US pressure, stick to our principled stand and protect Pakistan’s sovereignty and strategic interests”, he emphasized.

Prof. Khurshid Ahmad warned that Government must not take any U-turn at this critical moment when 74% of the Pakistani people have openly declared, according to the US public polls (PEO), that they regard the US  not a friend but an enemy, and 85% of them have expressed disappointment over the performance of the Federal Government. The people of Pakistan having thus declared their stance, the Government has to honour their judgment. “Fresh national elections are the only way out and the whole issue of relationship with the US and suspension of NATO supplies should, therefore,be left to the new Government and the Parliament who should enjoy the trust of the people”, he concluded.

Prime Minister urged to simplify the procedure to attract Foreign Direct investment

Islamabad: July 2, 2012

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf while chairing a meeting of Board of Investment at the Prime Minister’s House today urged, to simplify the procedure to attract the foreign direct investment, and incentives the local investors so that they continue to play their role in the development of the country’s economy.

The Prime Minister added that the efforts of BOI for speedy resolution of the investors’ problems would enhance their confidence and give positive signal to the foreign investors, making Pakistan an attractive investment destination.

The meeting was attended by Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Finance, Mr. Anwer Ali Cheema, Minister for Production, Dr. Asim HUssain, Advisor to PM on Petroleum, Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi, Minister of State for Commerce, Dr. Nadeem-ul-Haq, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chairman BOI, and officials of the concerned Ministries.

The Prime Minister said “Pakistan is a liberalized economy and it offers equal treatment to local and foreign investors, and most of the sectors are open for foreign investment under complete legal protection”. The Prime Minister further said that due to its rich resource potential, Pakistan is a preferred destination for foreign investors.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf further said that there were numerous opportunities for foreign investors especially in the engineering, power, horticulture and manufacturing sectors.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan was among the middle income countries and presence of large middle class provided vast local market to the new and expanding business. These facts about Pakistan be aggressively projected to enhance FDI inflows in our country, the Prime Minister stressed.

Foreign investment in Pakistan is fully protected under Foreign Private Investment and Protection Act 1976 and Protection of Economic Reforms Act 1992, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister said despite challenges in the recent past, Pakistan’s economy remains resilient to global economy meltdown inspite of devastating floods in the year 2010 and rain floods in 2011 in Sindh, coupled with internal and external security environment of the country, our exports amounted US $ 25.439 billion in 2010-11 and are expected to grow further.

The Prime Minister said that currently Pakistan’s economy is in dire need of rapid and consistent growth rate. The dynamic role of private sector can restore the health of economy and help to accelerate its pace in the light of its vast and rich potential, the Prime Minister said.

The Chairman BOI, Salemm Mandviwala and Secretary BOI gave presentation containing comprehensive strategy to attract the foreign direct investment in the country. The whole plan focuses on one window operation which is critical for achieving the desired goals.

The Finance Minister called upon the BOI to prepare a roadmap which should be vigorously pursued by the inducting highly qualified professionals in the Organization who understand the dynamics and imperatives of the role of the foreign investment country’s economy.

Pakistan & Saudi Arabia two countries but one nation: PM

 Islamabad: July 2, 2012

Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Bin Salih Al-Ghadeer, Ambassador of Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at PM’s
House today and congratulated him on assuming the office of the Prime
Minister of Pakistan.

The Ambassador said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had exemplary
relations, which had always stood the test of time. Both countries,
whom the Ambassador described as ‘real brothers’, had been together
through thick and thin. He said that more than 1.5 million Pakistani
expatriates were contributing to development of Saudi Arabia in a big
way.

PRIME MINISTER DIRECTS TO HOLD EXCLUSIVE MEETING ON MISSING PERSONS IN BALOCHISTAN

Islamabad:  July 02, 2012


Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf while addressing a meeting held under his chairmanship on Balochistan here today said that Balochistan, Electricity and good governance were his top priorities which would be pursued vigorously.

The Prime Minister said that he had invited the Baloch leadership for dialogue to address their all grievances within the framework of federation. He said that he would soon visit Balochistan with a view to find out the acceptable solution of the Balochistan problem after holding detailed discussion with all the stake holders.
The Prime Minister directed the Law Minister to hold a meeting tomorrow exclusively on missing persons which would be attended by Secretary Defence, Secretary Interior, Secretary Law, Chief Secretary Balochistan, I.G. F.C., D.G. I.B., Head of ISI in Balochistan and I.G. Police Balochistan.
The Prime Minister also directed the Ministry of Finance and Planning Commission to prioritize the projects in Balochistan having direct bearings on the people of the Province. In this regard, the Prime Minister said that road from Gawadar to Rato Dero, Kacchi Canal, RCD Highway, Solar Tube Well etc., should be given due consideration.
Following is the text of opening statement of the Prime Minister:-
Gentlemen, today’s meeting has been called to deliberate upon Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, its development issues and Law & Order situation in Balochistan. 
Let me categorically declare that Balochistan issue is on my priority list and I have invited disgruntled Baloch leaders to start dialogue with the Government to resolve the crisis at the earliest. 
Bringing stability and prosperity in Balochistan would be the top priority of my Government. 
You all know that Balochistan is an important part of the country and because of its strategic location the maintenance of peace here is of utmost importance.
 The Federal Government is fully aware of the past excesses made to the people and the Province which caused a serious sense of deprivation.   
The Pakistan Peoples Party has been taking into account seriously the factors resulting in discontentment of the people of Balochistan and continuing unrest here, since assumption of power 
The Government introduced Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package in 2009, in which 61 reforms proposals, in the categories of Constitutional, Administrative, Political and Economic matters. 
A Cabinet Committee under the chairmanship of Senator Mian Raza Rabbani was also constituted to analyze the needs of the Balochistan Province and to very minutely review the situation and firm up its recommendations for reduction in the sense of alienation and deprivation. 
The present Government besides moving towards the solution of the issues/meeting the demands, has tendered an unconditional apology to the people of Balochistan. 
The self styled independence of Federal Agencies is being checked and it will be ensured that the Federal Agencies should not act independently in connection with law & order issue but they should provide assistance to the Provincial Government in aid to civil power as and when required.
Particularly the financing of mega projects of Gwadar Ratu Dero Road (M-8), Kachhi Canal, Gawadar Deep sea port are accorded top priorities.
 The Federal Government has committed 6000 scholarships for the youth of the province for higher studies within the country and abroad. 
The Federal Government is especially focusing on establishment of vocational and technical centers at the Provincial and Divisional Headquarters of the Province
The Federal Government has committed an amount of 1 billion for the rehabilitation of IDPs of District Dera Bugti.
Although the politically motivated activities are quite serious but the graph of conventional crimes in Balochistan is also on rise.
The Federal Government has sanctioned 3000 posts of Federal Levies for maintenance of law and order duties and Highway security in Balochistan.
 The Federal Government is also committed to provide funds to the tune of 2 billion for the purchase of arms ammunition, communication equipments and required transport for the police and levies of the Province.
 Balochistan should speed up its efforts for protecting the high ways, key installations particularly Gas and Electricity so that the pace of development is properly maintained. The menace of kidnapping for ransom also needs to be curbed with iron hand. 
 The Government withdrew many cases of political workers not involved in heinous crimes. A number of missing persons were reunited with their families.
 Withdrawal of Army and deployment of Frontier Constabulary brought tangible results. FC was directed to seek guidance/instructions from the Chief Minister, Balochistan on the issues of internal security of the Province. 
It is quite sad to note that the Balochistan remained on low priority in the past, therefore, its progress remain very slow.
 I am sure we shall soon see the Province of Balochistan on the road of stability and prosperity.
 I am sure that with the collective wisdom of all present here solution to all the problems being faced by the people of Balochistan will be found out. 
Those who attended the meeting included:- 
Mr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Minister for Finance, Sardar Al-Haj M. Umar Gorgaij, Minister for Postal Service, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs, Mir Changez Jamali, Minister for Science & Technology, Mr. Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Advisor to PM on Human Rights, Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raeesani, Chief Minister Balochistan, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haq, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Senator Kalsoom Perveen, Mr. Abdul Wajid Rana, Secretary Finance, Mr. Taimur Azmat Osman, Secretary Information / Establishment, Khawaja Muhammad Siddique Akbar, Secretary Interior, Mr. Muhammad Ejaz Ch., Secretary Peroleum, Agha Sarwar Raza Qazilbash, Secretary Ports & Shipping, Mr. Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad, Chief Secretary Balochistan, Mr. Aftab Sultan, D.G. I.B, Maj. Gen Obaidullah Khan, IG F.C., Balochistan, Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand, Mmeber, Science & Technology, Planning Commission, Mr. Tarik Umar Khitab, IG (Police), Balochistan.  

…

BALOCHISTAN IS MY TOP PRIORITY:PRIME MINISTER OPENING STATEMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER IN THE MEETING ON BALOCHISTAN

Islamabad:  July 02, 2012

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the Government despite its financial constraints will make sure that public welfare programme of Balochistan is funded appropriately.



He was chairing a meeting on Balochistan at Prime Minister’s Secretariat here today. Following is the text of Opening Statement of the Prime Minister during the meeting:-



Ø                  Gentlemen, today’s meeting has been called to deliberate upon Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, its development issues and Law & Order situation in Balochistan.

Ø                  Let me categorically declare that Balochistan issue is on my priority list and I have invited disgruntled Baloch leaders to start dialogue with the Government to resolve the crisis at the earliest.

Ø                  Bringing stability and prosperity in Balochistan would be the top priority of my Government.

Ø                  You all know that Balochistan is an important part of the country and because of its strategic location the maintenance of peace here is of utmost importance.

Ø                  The Federal Government is fully aware of the past excesses made to the people and the Province which caused a serious sense of deprivation.  
Ø                  The Pakistan Peoples Party has been taking into account seriously the factors resulting in discontentment of the people of Balochistan and continuing unrest here, since assumption of power.

Ø                  The Government introduced Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package in 2009, in which 61 reforms proposals, in the categories of Constitutional, Administrative, Political and Economic matters.

Ø                  A Cabinet Committee under the chairmanship of Senator Mian Raza Rabbani was also constituted to analyze the needs of the Balochistan Province and to very minutely review the situation and firm up its recommendations for reduction in the sense of alienation and deprivation.

Ø                  The present Government besides moving towards the solution of the issues/meeting the demands, has tendered an unconditional apology to the people of Balochistan.

Ø                  The self styled independence of Federal Agencies is being checked and it will be ensured that the Federal Agencies should not act independently in connection with law & order issue but they should provide assistance to the Provincial Government in aid to civil power as and when required.


Ø                  Particularly the financing of mega projects of Gwadar Ratu Dero Road (M-8), Kachhi Canal, Gawadar Deep sea port are accorded top priorities.


Ø                  The Federal Government has committed 6000 scholarships for the youth of the province for higher studies within the country and abroad.

Ø                  The Federal Government is especially focusing on establishment of vocational and technical centers at the Provincial and Divisional Headquarters of the Province.


Ø                  The Federal Government has committed an amount of 1 billion for the rehabilitation of IDPs of District Dera Bugti.


Ø                  Although the politically motivated activities are quite serious but the graph of conventional crimes in Balochistan is also on rise.


Ø                  The Federal Government has sanctioned 3000 posts of Federal Levies for maintenance of law and order duties and Highway security in Balochistan.


Ø                  The Federal Government is also committed to provide funds to the tune of 2 billion for the purchase of arms ammunition, communication equipments and required transport for the police and levies of the Province.


Ø                  Balochistan should speed up its efforts for protecting the high ways, key installations particularly Gas and Electricity so that the pace of development is properly maintained. The menace of kidnapping for ransom also needs to be curbed with iron hand.

Ø                  The Government withdrew many cases of political workers not involved in heinous crimes. A number of missing persons were reunited with their families.

Ø                  Withdrawal of Army and deployment of Frontier Constabulary brought tangible results. FC was directed to seek guidance/instructions from the Chief Minister, Balochistan on the issues of internal security of the Province.

Ø                  It is quite sad to note that the Balochistan remained on low priority in the past, therefore, its progress remain very slow.

Ø                  I am sure we shall soon see the Province of Balochistan on the road of stability and prosperity.

Ø                  I am sure that with the collective wisdom of all present here solution to all the problems being faced by the people of Balochistan will be found out.


…

Pakistanis Remittances were at a historic high level over 13 billion dollars = Finance Minister briefs Prime Minister on country’s economic situation

  Islamabad:  July 01, 2012

Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at the PM’s House today and briefed him on the economic situation in the country.

The Finance Minister said that the fiscal year 2011-12 ends with a growth of 3.7% presenting an improvement over last three years.  Similarly, the Minister said, better performance is visible in the decline in the rate of inflation from 13% last year to 11% in the year just concluded.

The benefit of decline in international fuel prices, the Minister said, has been passed on to the consumers and in the last 45 days, prices of fuel, diesel and kerosene have been brought down three times already during the last 45 days.

The Minister said the financial year has also ended with foreign exchange reserves over 15 billion dollars, inspite of paying back the IMF 1.2 billion dollars during the year as per the schedule.

The Minister said, export remained strong inspite of global economic crisis and are likely to maintain upward momentum in the year 2012-13 as well.

The Finance Minister highly appreciated the role of expatriate Pakistanis and said the remittances were at a historic high level over 13 billion dollars.

The Finance Minister said with satisfaction that the year 2011-12 has also ended with record level of tax revenues, which are expected to surpass the Rs 1910 billion – an increase of Rs 450 billion, showing a growth rate of 23%, the highest level of growth in single year in Pakistan’s history.

The Finance Minister further said that the financial year 2011-12 also ended with successful completion of Federal PSDP where projects benefiting the economy worth Rs 300 billion were undertaken showing 100% utilization and completion of more than 200 projects.

The Finance Minister also briefed the Prime Minister on the revival programme of Pakistan Steel Mills for which allocation have been made by Ministry of Finance to ensure the success of the new management of the Steel Mills and to gradually increase the output from present 20% utilization to 80% utilization of the Steel Mills capacity to become profitable.

The Finance Minister said, the recent improvement in the production of electricity sector from 10000 MW to about 14000 MW has given a relief to the public but greater efforts would be required from the management of the electricity sector and relevant Ministries to overcome this challenge on a fast track basis.

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed his satisfaction at the economic stability and appreciated the successful efforts of the team under the leadership of the Finance Minister and directed that prudent economic policies should be continued.

The Prime Minister also directed that the incoming year’s PSDP allocated to projects based on regional balance and completion of on-going projects show that the maximum benefits can be made available to the public especially the people belonging to Balochistan, FATA and other less developed regions of the country.

The Finance Minister also gave an update on the working of the Cabinet Committee on Energy.