DIPLOMATIC Affairs April 01-07, 2013 An eyeful of weekly www.diplomaticaffairs.net info@diplomaticaffairs.net Zardari voices concern over Myanmar riots Pakistan Day celebrated in Saudi Arabia P-24 P-24 P-24 P-23 P-04 P-12 P-09 P-16 Bangladesh National Day marked Hungary holds exhibition at PNCA Ikebana workshop concludes at NAG Joing heads for fair polls Caretaker PM , CMs vow to ensure peaceful elections Pakistan enters a very historic period on this electoral process: US Indonesian envoy for vast edu collaboration in Muslim word P-21
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[email protected] An eyeful of weekly Chief Editor: Abubakar Siddique
Publisher, Abubakar Siddique published at House no: 20, Street No 29, F-8/1, Islamaabd
The democratic process in the country is getting strengthened, as an elected government has trans-formed power to the caretaker government who is all set to hold elections on time with a visible
spirit to ensure transparency. Prime Minister Mir Hazar Khan Khoso has recently met caretaker chief ministers of all the provinces to discuss strategy for the upcoming elec-tions. They have vowed to leave no stone unturned to en-sure fair and free elections, through which a govern-ment truly elected by the people of Pakistan could emerge. The prime minister has also called on President Asif Ali Zardari and dis-cussed with him the matters relat-ing to the elections. Similarly, the caretaker chief ministers are hold-ing meetings with politicians and discussing proposals with regard to holding free elections. This ac-tiveness is highly appreciable, as it will help materialize in letter and spirit the task the caretakers have been assigned with.
The recent statements of care-takers show they are very active and determined to hold timely elections. The government will surely induct team of competent, honest, impartial and non-politi-cal ministers in the provinces very soon. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is also taking strenuous steps for fair polls, as it has reportedly tasked different government authorities to provide the lists of defaulters of power bills. Notifications,
in this regard, have reportedly been is-sued to Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA, Pakistan Telecom-munication Authority (PTA), National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Sui Southern Gas Company Limited, and Ministry of Housing & Works. The ECP would carry out the scrutiny of nomina-tion papers from today. It has set April 10 as the deadline for filing of appeals against decisions of the returning offic-ers rejecting or accepting the nomina-tion papers. The Election Tribunals will
decide the fate of these appeals by April 17. The candidates will be allowed to withdraw their nominations by April 18. After a thorough scrutiny, the ECP will publish the final revised list of candidates on April 19 which will follow the holding of elections on May 11, according to the schedule. The government, doing its best, needs to remain stick to its commitment and implementation of the ECP directions re-garding holding of impartial elections. The machinery of the
interim setup is smoothly functioning, forging commitment to fulfill the task it is assigned in an efficient manner. The government should make a reshuffle where it deems necessary to arrange impartial administrations in the prov-inces. It is need of the hour that holding of transparent and impartial elections should be the top most priority of the caretaker setup, as the country has be-come on the track of democracy.
The caretaker government also needs to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the elections so that voters could exercise their right of franchise in a free and hus-tle-free environment. As the elections are nearing, political rallies and proces-sions will be held across the country. The time can be exploited by extremists and troublemakers who do not want de-mocracy flourish in the country. To pre-
vent lawlessness and unrest in the election days, the government has to devise a comprehensive strategy. No doubt, the care-taker government is fully ca-
pable to cope with the challenge of law and order and it will definitely take substantial meas-ures in this regard.
The time is very crucial for all the stakeholders including the public, as they have to decide their own future and ulti-mately the future of the coming generations. The elections will hopefully bring to the power corridors the leaders who will lead the country towards enviable development and prosperity. The transparency and election of a leadership truly sincere to the country is a must now, as Pakistan is confronted with challenges of immense severity internally as well as externally. Owing to its geographical and politi-cal significance, the world is eying at Pakistan’s elections. Only persistency in the democratic process is a way that can guarantee the realization of the Pakistani people’s dreams. To achieve this persistency, all of us have to play a role – some way or other – from leaders to the lay man.
Government efforts for polls in full swing
The caretaker government also
needs to ensure a peaceful atmos-
phere for the elections so that voters
could exercise their right of franchise
in a free and hustle-free environ-
ment. As the elections are nearing,
political rallies and processions will
be held across the country. The time
can be exploited by extremists and
troublemakers who do not want de-
mocracy to flourish in the country. To
prevent lawlessness and unrest in the
election days, the government has to
devise a comprehensive strategy. No
doubt, the caretaker government is
fully capable of coping with the chal-
lenge of law and order and it will
definitely take substantial measures
in this regard.
April 01-07, 2013
3
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Chairman Senate Nayyer Hussain Bokhari called for enhancing trade cooperation and investment in various sectors be-tween Pakistan and South Korea the
other day, as the former gave great importance to bilateral ties with Korea.
“Our relations are ever progressing since their es-tablishment three decades ago and it is need of the hour that we must enhance our trade co-operation and investment in various sectors,” Bokhari said in a meeting with Korean Ambassador Choongjoo Choi who called on him at Parliament House.
The Korean ambassador extended formal invi-tation to Chairman Senate from Korean National Assembly Speaker, Kang Chang Hee on the auspi-cious occasion of completion of 30 years of diplo-matic relations between Pakistan and Korea.
Talking about enhancing co-operation in differ-ent fields, the chairman said both Pakistan and Korea should further strengthen their engagement
in economic sphere where huge potential exists. He reiterated that Korea can particularly invest in energy sector and science and technology fields. He said a large number of Pakistani students is getting education from Korean institutions and empha-sized the need to enhance number of scholarships for Pakistani students as they can act as a bridge between the two countries.
The Chairman stressed the need for frequent exchange of Parliamentary delegations which can bring about fruitful results in the longer run. The Chairman further said that people to people con-tacts can also bring the two countries much closer. Bokhari expressed his desire that he would appre-ciate if both Korean President and Prime Minister could visit Pakistan. He said that a large number of skilled labour from Pakistan is working in South Ko-rea and if needed, more skilled labour can be sent.
The chairman told the ambassador that Pakistan wanted good relations with all its neighbours and peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues like Kashmir and water dispute with India through dia-logue.
meeting with Korean envoy
Pak-Korea relations to strengthen in all spheres: Bokhari
FPCCI chief calls for intensive Pak, Russia business ties
DA REPORT
KARACHI
The first meeting of Pakistan Russia Business Council (PRBC) of FPCCI was held at Federation House under the
Chairmanship of Farooq Afzal Chairman, Pak-Russia Business Council.
Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani, President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Andrey V. Demidov Consul General of Russia also graced the occasion.
In the opening remarks, Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani President FPCCI emphasized on the need of aggressive interaction between Business Community of both countries which will lead to expansion of bilateral trade and eco-nomic relations.
He stated that Pakistan Russia Business Council should play its due role in this regard and facilitate its members to penetrate the Rus-sian market which has huge potential for the Pakistani products. He also suggested for hold-ing Joint-Business Council meeting between the two national Chambers. He further advised that Pakistan Russia Business Council may schedule its future activities particularly with reference to exchange of trade delegation and organizing trade fairs and exhibitions on recip-rocal basis.
Andrey V. Demidov Consul General of Rus-sia in his address assured his cooperation and assistance in the activities of Pak-Russia Busi-ness Council. He informed that there is a great scope of activities in every field between the two countries. He pointed out that the volume of trade between the two countries is not the true reflection of long friendship of fifty years between both the countries. Pakistan has very minuscule share in overall trade ofRussia.
Mr. Farooq Afzal, Chairman Pakistan Rus-sia Business Council presented overall view of the existing bilateral trade and economic rela-tions. He stressed on the need for strengthen-ing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia and to explore trade opportunities for improving the joint venture investment climate and expanding direct contacts between the two countries’ business communities.
He said that there is a great scope of Paki-stani textile and textile made ups, agro-based products, fruit particularly kinoos and man-goes, food processing and packaging, livestock and dairy farming, leather and leather prod-ucts, surgical equipments and sports goods etc.
While Pakistan offer huge investment oppor-tunities in the field of power sector projects, ex-ploration of coal and other mineral resources, hydroelectric power, ship-building, high-tech machinery, infrastructure, transport, iron and steel, railways, construction etc; through joint ventures. The meeting also discussed about the collaboration in education, health, informa-tion technology, higher studies etc.
‘From Berlin to Lahore’ presents impressive musical performance
BUREAU REPORT KARACHI
A group known as Berlin to Lahore gave an im-pressive performance at a concert organised
by the Goethe Institut Karachi and Tezheeb Foundation at a hotel the other day.
The band was formed last year when German pianist Christoph Reuter and sitar player Ashraf Sharif Khan (who is from Lahore and now lives in Germany) ran into each other at a festival and came up with the idea of collabora-tive music. They roped in percus-sionist Thomas Rudiger and as a result the group is now touring Pakistan where it will perform in, apart from Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.
The concert kicked off with a lit-tle piece by Bach played by Chris-toph Reuter on the piano. It was a kind of prelude to the gig.
Once the piece was over the band, accompanied by Abdul Ka-rim on the dholak, got into the groove and gave the audience a hint as to what was in store for the evening. Ashraf Sharif set in mo-tion a delightful alaap and once the percussionist Rudiger and Reuter on the keyboard linked up with the sitar, it created a pleasantly funky sound. The tempo was slowed in the middle of the composition to al-low the sitar take centre stage, and once Ashraf Sharif did his bit the percussionist and the pianist in-dulged in a bit of musical dialogue.
The second number was per-formed with a 10-beat cycle. Reu-ter used the sound of the bass on the keyboard making the beat more pronounced. The quickness of the rhythm encouraged the si-tar player to show his skills as he made the smaller notes resonate proportionate to the pace of the tune. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the piece, especially when Reuter egged on Rudiger and Ab-dul Karim to go solo.
This was followed by a tune called ‘Beginning of Love’. As can be gauged by the title, the com-position started gently, having an almost psychedelic feel to it. It changed the ambiance of the con-cert.
BERLIN: German Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Michael Koch and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany Abdul Basit with Pakistani artists after mesmerising performance at a Sufi music concert at Pakistan Embassy. DA Desk
April 01-07, 2013
4
SYED ITTIFAQ SHAHISLAMABAD
With its highly admira-ble arrangements, the International Islamic University organised
the 25th Annual Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebrations that kicked off the other day amidst the presence of IIUI schools ‘stars’, a cluster of dip-lomats from different countries, uni-versity officials and studetns.
Indonesian Ambassador to Paki-stan Burhan Mohammad was the chief guest in the inaugural ceremo-ny, whereas Ambassador of Sudan in Pakistan, Al-Shafey Ahmed Moham-med; Rector IIUI Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai; President IIUI Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh; Vice President (Academics) IIUI Dr Mumtaz Ahmed; AJK Education Minister Matloob
Inqalabi; Students Advisor (Male) Dr Safeer Awan, diplomats and del-
egations from various countries were present on the occasion.
The event was kicked off with a beautiful recitation of the verses from
the holy Quran, followed by presenta-tion of national anthems of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Students Advisor Dr Safeer Awan made the opening remarks in the start and thanked the guests.
The events organized in the week include book fair, sports activities, seminar on ‘extremism in religion and its impact on youth’, Robo Race & Flying-Striker Contests, Gaming and Software Contests, Bait Bazi (Poetry) Contest, Al-Mahrjan al-Adbi, Qirat, Hifz and Naat Competition, seminar on ‘Arabic Language and its need in Islamic Society’, lecture on ‘Youth and the social work’, cultural night, lecture on ‘social media and its impact on the youth’, grand mushaira (ses-sion of poetry), and flower exhibition.
At the end of the inaugural cer-emony, shields were presented to the dignitaries of various countries.
Variety of cultures at same venue
IIUI organises 25th Annual Cultural Week
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
International Islamic University Islamabad, President Prof Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh said at the inaugural ceremony
of the 25th Annual Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebrations that the university is a castle emanating the light of education and guidance.
In his welcome address, he thanked the chief guest – Ambassa-dor of Indonesia in Pakistan Burhan Mohammad – other diplomats, deans of various departments, stu-dents and participants to grace the event. He highlighted the importance of the role of youth in social develop-ment. He said the International Is-lamic University was focussing on the uplift and growth of the youth, for which it is organising such events. He said the Cultural Week encom-passed various activities for youth including sports and book exhibi-tion. He said the event was based on two parts of activities – for male and female students. He said the role of
women in society was vital.He said the university was utilis-
ing it all-out resources to play its role for Muslim ummah unity. He said youth were the builders of a nation, and a nation associates hight hopes with them. He urged the youth to fol-low the injunctions of the holy Quran and Sunnah of the holy Prophet (PBUH).
Dr Draiweesh cited Imam Shafi (RA) as saying that education cannot be acquired in dreams, nor it can be gained by having a prestigious family background, rather education can be
acquired only by studying extensive-ly. So, he urged the youth to devote themselves to studies. He also gave an example of a Taba’i Hadhrat Mu-jahid, reciting a verse from the holy Quran. He said youth should build their character in a frame that the coming generations consider them as their ‘Imams’.
He urged the youth also to remain away from extremism and mental betrayal. He urged them to stick to the ‘Sirat-e-Mustaqeem (right path)’ and distance themselves from ‘Bidat’ (innovations in Islam) and ‘Ifrat-o-Tafreet (excesses and defects)’. He sadi they were that travellers of a same boat, and all of them were to take this boat to the shores of development.
He urged the youth to prepare themselves for the future challenges by following the commandments of the holy Quran and Sunnah. He again stressed upon them to stay away from extremism and con-centrate their capabilities on their education. He also chanted Pakistan Zindabad (Long Live Pakistan) while leaving the rostrum.
Dr Al-Draiweesh urges youth to prepare for future challengesn Stresses implementation of Quran, Sunnah commandments
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Ambassador of Indonesia in Pakistan, Burhan Moham-mad, said International Islamic University Islama-
bad was one of the unique centers of learning in the world and it was an honour for him to be the chief guest of its splendid cultural event.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremo-ny of the 25th Annual Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebrations of the International Islamic University Is-lamabad as the chief guest, he said IIUI was playing a vital role to bring the courtiers of the Muslim Ummah together and in this regard efforts of the university administration and faculties were admirable. He said there was a dire need of vast educa-tional ties between Muslim countries because survival of developing coun-tries now relied upon education.
The chief guest said the cultural event was to help develop under-
standing about different cultures as well as bring them all closer. He thanked the IIUI President Prof Dr Ahmad Yousif A Al-Draiweesh and the university overall for providing education to students of his country. He also assured all possible support from Indonesia to IIUI.
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Congratulating the partici-pants on the celebrations of the 25th Annual Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee of
the university, International Islamic University Islamabad, Rector Prof Dr Masoom Yasinzai, said the varsity has come to the fore with a vision dif-ferentiating it from 130 universities of the country.
He said he would like to clearly reveal the objectives the university
was pursuing, adding that these ob-jectives include producing high level professionals in various fields includ-ing engineering, economics and sci-ence while concentrating on promo-tion of Islamic teachings. He said the university wanted to interpret Islam while teaching science and other con-temporary studies. He said the uni-versity was providing equal oppor-tunities to male and female students.
Dr Masoom Yasinzai said the university was an important seat of
learning for the whole Muslim Um-mah. He said students from every corner of the country. He said a treasure of youth of the country and the Muslim world could emerge and make a difference in the world. He stressed need for investing in educa-tion more.
He said Muslim Ummah has a great power of youth and if they were put on right track according to religious values and current needs this power can change the world. He urged Mus-
lim countries that education of youth should be their top priority. He said top priority of IIUI is to develop bal-anced and harmonious personalities which may compete to the contem-porary challenges. “Preparing high quality professionals integrated with teachings of Islam is core objective of our university,” IIUI Rector said.
Dr Masoom said IIUI keenly fo-cused to create an environment ac-cording to teachings of Islam and contemporary needs and this unique
objective lets the institution to devel-op skilled, professional personalities who own appropriate knowledge of Islamic values as well.
Event helps understand cultural diversities
Indonesian envoy lauds IIUI efforts for promotion of edu
IIUI rector reveals varsity objectives
April 01-07, 2013
5
IIUI holds seminar on ‘Arabic language and its need in Islamic societies’
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
The 25th Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebra-tions of the International Islamic University, Islama-
bad (IIUI) are in full swing and in this regard a seminar titled ‘Arabic Language and its need in Islamic So-cieties’ was held by Faculty of Arabic Language of the university, here.
Senior teachers of the faculty in-cluding Adil Akrat, Muhammad Ali Ghori spoke on the subject while teachers and large number of students attended the seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, Adil Akrat said Arabic is the language of Quran and it is also a symbol of unity among the Muslim Ummah. He said we should promote research in Arabic language which will help our youth to explore about the Islamic language.
Seminar on ‘ Trends in Physics’
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Department of Physics of the International Islam-ic University, Islamabad (IIUI) in connection
with 25th Cultural Week & Silver Jubilee Celebrations, organized a seminars on “Trends in Physics” at Central Library of the univer-sity.
Prof Dr Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President (Academics) was the chief guest on the occasion while faculty members and large number of students attended the seminar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mumtaz Ahmed said that to excel in the field of science is one of the leading objectives of IIUI, seminars like this will help us to achieve our goals. He said such activities give opportunity to students to broad-en their vision in the subject and explore the new ways of develop-ment in this discipline.
IIUI holds seminar on ‘causes & preventions of extremism’
DA REPORT ISLAMABAD
In connection with 25th Cul-tural Week & Silver Jubilee Cel-ebrations, Faculty of Shariah & Law (FSL) of the International
Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) organized seminar on “Causes & Preventions of Extremism” at the university the other day.
Dr Zia ul Haq, Dean FSL presided over the ceremony while IIUI faculty members belonging Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Palestine also spoke on the occasion. Dr Zafar Ullah Baigh, Dean Faculty of Islamic Studies, in-cluding large number of students at-tended the seminar.
Saudi teacher Dr Ahmed Zamza-mi while addressing to the seminar identified meaning of extremism, its various dimensions especially elaborated about religious extrem-ism. Palestinian teacher Dr Abdul-lah Rizk explained phenomena of extremism in Muslim societies and its causes while Dr Sohail Hassan of Islamic Research Institute (IRI) of the University explained the national and international obligations regard-ing prevention of extremism.
DA REPORT ISLAMABAD
Dr Rushdi Al-Ani, Ambas-sador of Iraq to Pakistan has said “Youth is real asset and power of Muslim Um-
mah and they are its future builders. Youth can play vital role in the devel-opment of Ummah and no doubt they are a ray of hope”.
This he said while addressing to the prize distribution ceremony of (Male) in connection with 25th Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebrations of the International Islamic University (IIUI). Prof Dr Ahmad Yousif Al-Draiweesh, President IIUI, delegates of Imam Mu-hammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia, Dr Safeer Awan, students Advisor (Male), Deans of various facul-ties and head of departments were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Rushdi felicitated President IIUI, university administration and students on successfully organizing the mega event of the university. He stressed upon the students that they should get benefit of these cultural week activities and should continue to participate for the image building and progress of the university. He
said such activities like cultural week bring the students of various countries closer and present event has open new ways for students of different Muslim countries to get united and work for the progress and development of Mus-lim Ummah.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Al-Draiweesh congratulated the Univer-sity administration and students and said success of our cultural week has shown that IIUI is one of the leading international universities where not only quality education is being pro-vided but also cultural promotion is its salient characteristic.
He said most important outcome of
this cultural week is that now were are more united and closer which will help us to work together with the zeal for the progress of Pakistan and Muslim Ummah. He said we are thankful to delegation of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud university and diplomats of vari-ous countries who came in our mega event. He said this interaction has lead to expand our educational ties with the institutions of other countries.
DR. Al-Draiweesh said we have achieved our goals in this cultural week but journey towards success should continue with more pace and passion. He congratulated the stu-dents who took positions in different
competitions. He stressed upon stu-dents to adopt moderation and avoid the attitude of violence and extremism in their lives.
Dr. Safeer Awan, in his vote of thanks appreciated the efforts of all employees and students of university and thanked all the delegates for their special participation in cultural week.
At the end, Prizes were distributed by President IIUI and Ambassador of Iraq (Chief Guest) among the winner students. Exchange of souvenirs also took at the occasion. Later, DR. Al-Draiweesh visited an exhibition of cal-ligraphy at central library and lauded the artistic abilities of the students.
iiUi prize distribution ceremony
Iraq ambassador terms youth ray of hope
DA REPORT ISLAMABAD
Male Campus of the Inter-national Islamic Univer-sity, Islamabad (IIUI) witnessed a colorful
night when performers of more than 40 countries brought their cultures on stage of IIUI 25th Cultural Week and Silver Jubilee celebrations’ Cultural Night.
Students were on their feet when fireworks and most appreciated per-formance by renowned actor Imtiaz Ali Kashif took place. Delegation mem-
bers of Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud, Islamic University of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Safeer Awan, Student Advisor(Male), Dr Tahir Khaili, Head Department of Psychology and diplomats of different countries were also present on the oc-casion.
Pakistani Students from all prov-inces and students of various coun-tries portrayed their cultures in drams, skits, Qawalis, one man shows, poetry recitation and anthems. Performance of Afghan students and funny Qawali by the students of Shriah & law were much appreciated by audience but most enjoyed moments by the students
were when fire works took place to cel-ebrate the Cultural Night of the mega event. Most awaited and captivating performance by Imtiaz Ali Kashif made the audience to applause for even min-utes and ‘once more’ voices kept com-ing from the back and front of the audi-ence after his performance.
At the end of the mega events’ night, Dr Safeer Awan presented the shield to the special guest Imtiaz Ali Kashif. Activities of IIUI 25th cultural week and Silver Jubilee celebrations will conclude with the Grand Mushaira which will take place on April 5 (Fri-day).
DA REPORT ISLAMABAD
A12- member Chinese del-egation of Xida Islamic Education College Honghe prefecture, Yunan prov-
ince, headed by President of col-lage, Mohammad Hussain called on Professor Dr Ahmad Yousif Al Draiweesh, President, International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) the other day.
The delegation discussed issues
pertaining to mutual interests. Dr Saeed ul Hassan Chishti, Project Di-rector Institute of Professional De-velopment was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ah-mad Yousif Al Draiweesh said IIUI wishes to diversify its bilateral ties with Chinese educational institutions and in this regard MoUs will be signed for exchange of delegations of student and faculty members between the both countries.
He said a large number of Chinese
students getting education at IIUI in different disciplines including science subjects and Islamic Shariah and uni-versity is committed to provide them all possible facilities for providing them quality education.
He assured that problems of the Chinese students at IIUI will be solved on priority bases. Dr Al Draiweesh said university is keenly focusing for providing quality education to its stu-dents and educate them according to contemporary requirements.
While thanking President IIUI, the
delegation said their visit aims at ex-panding the inter university relations between two countries and they want to make a base for bilateral coopera-tion in the fields of education and re-
search. Later, delegation visited the central library and various faculties of the university. President IIUI also presented the souvenirs to the mem-bers of delegation.
Multi cultural performers enthrall audience at IIUI cultural night
China college delegation visits IIUI
April 01-07, 2013
6
BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE
US Consul General in La-hore Ms Nina Maria Fite called on Punjab Gover-nor Makhdum Ahmad
Mehmud at Governor House the other day.
According to sources in the Gov-ernor House, the meeting continued for over two hours, as host of issues including the coming elections in Pa-kistan came under discussion.
The governor, reportedly, told the American diplomat about the meas-ures taken by the government to en-sure free and fair elections.
Maia Fire said that her country supported continuity of democratic process in Pakistan and continued its cooperation with the new govern-ment irrespective of which party it belonged to. She was also impressed at the smooth transition of power from an elected to caretaker govern-ment ahead of the elections.
Nina calls on Punjab governorn Lauds smooth transition of power to caretaker govt
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
China is committed to invest heavily in Pakistan’s energy and other sectors to improve lives of Pakistani citizens, Dep-
uty Chief of Mission of the Chinese Em-bassy Yao Wen said the other day.
Speaking at a function at a local school here, Wen said China is already working on 120 projects in Pakistan with around a quarter related to energy. In addition, Wen said, during the last five years vol-ume of bilateral trade has grown by 70 per cent cent to over $12 billion with Paki-stani exports increasing two-fold from $1 billion to $2.2 billion.
Wen stressed the need for enhanc-ing collaboration between educational institutions and exchanges of students and researchers to promote intellectual cooperation. Lauding the role of Pakistan in regional and global peace, stability and development, he said that Pakistan has offered great sacrifices to ensure peace.
Speaking on the occasion, former president Chinese Association Raza Khan lauded Chinese assistance and coopera-tion in various fields, terming it a great service to people of Pakistan. He lauded the active involvement of Chinese Am-bassador Liu Jian in capacity building of students and said that supporting needy students was a great service for social de-velopment.
Joint Secretary Ministry of Educa-tion Professor Muhammad Rafiq Tahir termed China a sincere friend, and said that two countries should fully unleash their potential of cooperation to benefit masses. Pakistan and China need to work closely together to seize opportunities and meet challenges to develop economy and improve people’s well-being.
School function: Wen for enhancing collaboration between pak, china educational institutions
China reaffirms desire to invest in various sectors
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
The South Korean government has opened the gate of its coun-try for the unskilled workers under a new system with re-
warding remuneration and salary pack-ages.
This was announced by the Chief of the Human Resources Development Ser-vice of Korea (HRDSK) and Saeed Ahmed Shaikh Managing Director Overseas Em-ployment Corporation (OEC) government of Pakistan here in joint briefing for the media.
The Employment Permit System (EPS) under which 3087 workers have been ex-ported to South Korea since its inception. The workers, belonging to Pakistan, earn around $1200 to 1400 per-month while food and housing are being provided by the Korean employers.
As such the workers in South Korea are also responsible to remittances of for-eign exchange to Pakistan. They told the media that in terms of the employment requirements set by South Korean gov-ernment, the job seekers are required to
be under metric and between age of 18-39 years but subject to qualifying test of pro-ficiency in Korean language conducted by HRD services of Korea.
The two officials said that the percent-age of Pakistani illegal workers in South Korea is to be decreased to ten percent maximum. Other countries such as Ne-pal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka have already decreased the percentage of their illegal workers at the same rate of ten percent and now getting the double figures of con-tract than before.
The workers who enter in South Korea must not change their work place, since the Korean employers feel uncomfortable with Pakistani workers due to the reason of their frequent change of workplaces.
The owners of Korean industries don’t welcome the workers from any country who change their companies more often.The South Korean government has incen-tives for the workers who don’t change their company. For instance, a worker who has worked in one company for five years can visit his home country for three months and can rejoin the same company without any test or limitation of age on re-turning to South Korea.
New scheme
S Korea opens gates to unskilled workers
April 01-07, 2013
7
ISLAMABAD: British educationist Ms Smith Clear in a meeting with former prime minister Azad Kashmir and President Muslim Conference Sardar Attiq Ahmad Khan. DA
ISLAMABAD: Vallpariso University USA, Dean of Graduate School, Dr David L Rowland, and Preston University, Regis-trar Dr Allah Wadhayo Baloch signing a Memorandum of Understanding. DA
MOnITORS REPPORT
ISLAMABAD
Security and defence experts have voiced concern over the cancellation of the visit of 11 Afghan Army officers to the
Command and Staff College, Quetta, and stressed the need for stronger military ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
They said the recent visit by senior Afghan army officers to Pakistan was positive in all respects and had opened the doors for further cooperation be-tween the two militaries.
Early this year, the Afghan Defence Minister, General Bismillah Khan Mu-hammadi, leading a six-member high-level delegation, had visited Pakistan and held talks on defence cooperation, border coordination and on boosting anti-terror cooperation. The Afghan delegation also met the Army General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani besides senior civil and military leaders and visited defence institutions.
“We are surprised at the extremely harsh reaction of the Afghan govern-ment to the so-called incident,” said an analyst, who pointed out that he was not aware of any artillery shelling from the Pakistan side but said that sometimes moderate action was tak-en to stop unwanted intrusions from across the border into the Pakistan territory.
He expressed dismay at the tone of the Karzai government, which had earlier got into a tiff with the US gov-ernment. “We suddenly discovered
that the Afghan government was tak-ing on Washington and then the blaz-ing guns turned towards Islamabad.” He said the Pakistan Government sought a peaceful Afghanistan be-cause Pakistan was one country that was deeply affected by any turmoil in Afghanistan.
Earlier, a spokesman of the Paki-stan Foreign Ministry had termed the reaction of the Afghan government on the issue as over-reaction. “We think such courses, activities are meant to build trust, confidence (and) to pro-mote relations between the countries and should be continued,” the spokes-man had said.
Meanwhile, a senior official reit-erated that Pakistan’s role in bring-ing peace to Pakistan’s neighbouring country could not be ignored. He said that both countries were closely and inextricably linked, and that could not be changed. He added that one way to end the distrust between the two neighbouring countries was to pro-mote cooperation between the two militaries and not to show exaggerated reaction on trivial incidents.
BUREAU REPORT
KARACHI
Pakistan has already achieved the current financial year’s ex-port target of 0.2 million tons
of kinnow while the export still con-tinues.
Russia emerged the biggest buyer, where 40 percent of Pakistan kinnow was exported. Pakistan Fruit Export-ers Association’s chairman, Waheed Ahmad said that over 0.221 million tons of kinnow worth $132.7 has thus far been exported. He said that the
ministry of commerce allowed timely export of kinnow that resulted in meeting the target.
Besides Russia on the top, Middle East, East Europe, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Canada, Sudan and Malaysia were the prominent buyers of Paki-stan kinnow during the current fiscal year. Waheed Ahmad said that 80,00 tons of kinnow could not be exported to Iran due US ban that led to com-mercial banks failure to issue export form, while 11 days transport strike in the country also inflicted millions of dollar loss to kinnow exporters.
Strong ties between Pak-Afghan militaries urged
Pakistan achieves 0.2m tons kinnow export target
SYED ITTIFAQ SHAHISLAMABAD
Though some elements want to prolong the tenure of the caretaker govern-ment to harm democracy
in Pakistan, yet these nefarious de-signs will be foiled as the caretaker government and the Election Com-mission of Pakistan are impartial and committed to holding timely and fair elections.
Former judge and renowned law-yer Malik Miandad Khan said this during an interview with Diplomatic Affairs. He said talking about the re-sults of the upcoming elections was premature, however it seemed as if once again a coalition government would come to the fore, as no political party apparently had the majority. He said Pakistan’s future was bright and it was linked to democracy.
Talking about former president and All Pakistan Muslim League Chief, Gen (retd) Pervez Mush-arraf, he said the policies he adopted during his term were admirable, as he took various steps for the country’s devel-opment. He said Musharraf earned a good name for the country by building its im-age abroad. He said the former president was again active and if he came to power he would s u r e l y lead the country to new heights. He condemned the incident of shoe-throw at him, saying the person who commit-ted the ob-
noxious act was said to be a lawyer, which he could never be. He said it might be a bid to vilify lawyers.
Malik Miandad Khan said he had no intentions to join any political party so far, adding that he would take decision in this regard when he would deem it to be suitable. He said the time would help him decide about it, as he would contemplate on it and proceed. He said he wanted to serve the country and would decide keeping in view the same objective while joining any political party. In reply to a question, he said PTM chairperson Mussarat Shaheen is a brave lady having extra ordi-nary courage to encoun-ter heavy weights like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman. She is playing a positive role
to empower and bring the women to the mainstream.
Malik Miandad Khan was born on August 1, 1952. He did LLB in 1975 from Sindh Muslim Law College. He also did MA Political Science. He is a former district and sessions judge from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He served in various areas of the province during his service. He also performed duty during elections as returning officer. He joined judiciary as Additional District and Sessions Judge in 1995 and resigned from ser-vice in 2010 and started practicing law. He has a vast experience espe-cially in criminal law and at present
is practicing as an advocate of High Court at Islamabad and Rawal-pindi in addition to running his office at Mansehra. He has re-
cently joined Bahria Town as Legal Consultant and is head-
ing its legal team.
Will decide to join political arena soon: Malik Miandad
Interview
April 01-07, 2013
8
UN peace efforts in post-conflict countries
Pakistan wants more resources for rehabilitationMOnITORS REPORUnITED nATIOnS
Pakistan has called for keeping the UN Peace-building Commission (PBC) financially strong
so as to enable the intergovernmen-tal body meet the reconstruction needs of the countries emerging from conflict.
“Success of the UN peacebuild-ing endeavours hinges on adequate financial resources,” Ambassador Masood Khan, Pakistan’s perma-nent representative to the UN, said the General Assembly the other day.
The Commission is currently sup-porting peacebuilding efforts in six countries: Burundi; Central African Republic; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau;
Liberia; and Sierra Leone. “Member states and the (UN) secretariat need to provide the PBF with resources and operational flexibility to make it more efficient,” the Pakistani envoy said while participating in a debate
on the secretary-general’s report on the activities of the Commission.
Ambassador Masood Khan said that the last session of the Peace-building Commission had rein-forced the need for coherent, effi-
cient and predictable responses by the United Nations to the needs of countries emerging from conflict.
The session had underscored three key areas of peacebuilding: the strict prioritization of targeted areas, focusing on security sector reform, local capacity-building and economic revitalization; sharpening the emphasis on development-re-lated aspects of peacebuilding; and refining the peacekeeping-peace-building nexus for a coherent and seamless United Nations response.
There was a need to harness the role of the Commission in con-ceiving and implementing related mandates and activities, the Paki-stani envoy said. In that regard, he said, its Organizational Committee should undertake meaningful dis-
cussions on finding a niche for the Commission in related decision-making processes.
He said that Security Council resolution 2086 (2013), adopted in January under Pakistan’s presiden-cy, had underscored the centrality of the Commission as an advisory and resource-mobilization body. The text had clarified the nexus between peacekeeping and peace-building and had helped to build stronger partnerships for a collec-tive response to the challenges.
“We reiterate our strong com-mitment and support to UN peace-building endeavors,” he went on to say. “We share the hope that our collective peacebuilding efforts will benefit all conflict-affected people of the world.”
DA REPORT ISLAMABAD
Professor Dr Francis Lamand, a renowned French schol-ar who has been awarded Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for his ser-
vices in bringing Islam and the West closer, has expressed the hope that Iqbal Chair would be established soon in Paris as France compared to other European counties has the largest Muslim population.
“The process of establishing Iqbal Chair in Paris is under way and we are waiting the nod of our French Presi-dent,” Dr Lamand who runs few re-search organisations including Islam and the West said at a press conference here at a local hotel the other day. He explained that France has the largest Muslim population of over seven mil-lion, therefore it needs Iqbal Chair to promote tolerance and other essential values that the West needs to promote the world peace. “We should drive and adopt moral values from the teaching of Allama Muhammad Iqbal”, Profes-
sor Lamand added. Dr Francis Lamand said that he is studying Allama lqbal from his university level fifty years ago and he is “proud to say to be his serv-ant”. He said that the Europe is thankful to lqbal for elaborating the message of renowned Philosopher Fredrick Ni-etzsche and poet William Goethe.
He said that Iqbal was the bridge among the West and the East and West and Islam since no one else presented that concept better than him so we con-sider him not to limit as poet of the East but he was “a Universal poet and phi-losopher”.
He has the honour to organise Sym-posium on Dr Allama lqbal in Qurtoba with special permission of Pope, which was attended by world’s renowned dig-nitaries, and admirer of lqbal, then he was given the title of “Allama Lamand”.
Francis Lamand is a French profes-sor of Philosophy, an international law-yer and a former diplomat. Committed to the promotion of Islamic values in the West, Dr. Lamand has been striving to bring about understanding between the Islamic East and the Christian West.
One basic reason for the existing ten-sion and misunderstanding between the East and the West, the French pro-fessor argues, is Western ignorance of the values of Islam.
“It is more of a case of ignorance than of hostility. Western thinkers perceive in the extremist behavior of minority political groups in some Muslim coun-tries a threat to the law and order situa-tion in the West, and, therefore, confuse the principles of Islam with the extrem-ist behavior of a minority group”, he maintained.
According to Dr Lamand, the only way to end this confusion is to incul-cate a better knowledge of the values of Islam among Western nations. West-ern societies, he says, can learn a lot from [Pakistani national poet] Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s philosophy in par-ticular and Islamic values in general. There is tremendous academic interest in France for Iqbal. For his thoughts do not clash with the spirit of the time.
To Dr Lamand, Iqbal was one of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. “His message of
brotherhood, fraternity and love for mankind is universal not meant for the world of Islam only. Iqbal’s thoughts can help end many of the social and cultural dilemmas the West is cur-rently confronting. The dissemination of Iqbal’s philosophy in the West will, thus, remove misunderstanding and promote understanding between the East and the West.
It was with this spirit, said Dr La-mand, that his organization ˜Islam and the West’ had or-ganized the first International Congress on Iqbal in Cor-dova in November 1991. The three-day Con-gress, participated by 33 delegates from all over the world, highlighted the universality and spirituality of Iqbal’s mes-sage and the dynamics of
his religious thoughts.
promotion of tolerance
French scholar says Iqbal Chair to be established in Paris soon
MOnITORS REPORT
ISLAMABAD
The Election Commission of Pakistan with the help of National Database and Reg-istration Authority (Nadra)
is likely to devise electronic voting mechanism for the 4.5 million over-seas Pakistanis.
However, over 80 per cent of Paki-stanis living abroad are likely to be dis-enfranchised mainly because they live in Middle East countries which do not allow assembly of people even in and near their embassies.
According to the official data a na-tional daily cited, some 4339728 Paki-stanis living in fifteen countries abroad
and possess National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) have been registered in the electoral rolls. The data shows that ECP has regis-tered 1.681 million Pakistanis living Saudi Arabia; 1.309 million in United Arab Emirates; 367988 in United King-dom; 277131 in Oman; 131589 in United States; 93345 in Kuwait; 90148 in Can-ada; 80166 in Bahrain; 71874 in Qatar; 56495 in Greece; 55851 in Italy; 55478 in Malaysia; 39618 in Spain; 23585 in France and 15728 in Australia.
Out of these 4339728 overseas Paki-stanis, some 3513248 have been regis-tered in Middle East where the natives are not allowed to gather in large num-ber let alone be the expatriates.
Well-placed sources in ECP said
that leaving the Arab countries aside for a moment, if fifty percent of the vot-ers registered in United States come out to vote on the polling day then it would be huge problem for the ECP to handle over 65000 voters in limited polling stations, which can only be es-tablished in embassies and consulates.
The Supreme Court on the other hand is pressing the ECP to devise mechanism for voting of overseas Pakistanis since 2011 but the ECP has been sitting on the directives of the court. Now, at the eleventh hour, all seems to be in a hurry to please the apex court, and on Monday, Nadra would present its software to the ECP which would facilitate the overseas voters in casting their votes, however,
it is yet to be known that how effective this software turns out to be in the Mid-dle East countries. It merits mentioning here that besides sanctions by the Middle East countries over right to assem-bly, the Pakistanis living there are not that educated that they could use specific software of Nadra to cast their vote elec-tronically.
Nadra has also opposed the op-tions presented in the Supreme Court regarding internet voting and using voice signatures. According to the submission of Nadra in the apex court, internet voting, not only will expose Nadra’s data to the hackers and outer
w o r l d b u t also lacks identity con- firmation of a voter. The suggestion of biometric verification through voice signature has also been rejected saying that in short span of time such things cannot be applied in Pakistan.
overseas pakistanis participation in polls
Millions may remain deprived
April 01-07, 2013
9
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Art does not respect bor-ders therefore all of us need to promote and en-courage cultural activi-
ties, said Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan Istvan Szabo in his open-ing remark on the eve of inaugu-ration of Hungarian exhibition at PNCA.
He further said “It is a great pleas-ure and honour for me to welcome you on this occasion. The exhibition you have honoured by your visit is a respectable effort of young Hungar-ian and Pakistani artists who were very enthusiastic and stood ready to share with you their ideas, feelings and imagination about our contem-porary world. This experiment is a unique opportunity to convey the idea that art does not respect bor-ders”.
Hungary celebrated her National Day on 15th of March, the 165th an-niversary of the Revolution and War of Independence in 1848. That was an extraordinary spring in Europe, he added.
The ambassador said young people went to the streets in many
capitals of Europe to protest against the existing oppressive and rigid regimes of monarchies of the Holy Alliance. Revolutions started eve-rywhere and in Buda and Pest the events very soon turned into a na-tional fight for independence, for freedom.
The desire for freedom and dras-tic changes vehemently swept away
centuries-old feudalistic structures. Although the war was lost the ruling classes could not continue their op-pressive politics along the same old lines. Progressive reforms had to be implemented and peaceful develop-ment could be started.
Many people, mostly young, sacri-ficed their life for freedom. Following their sacrifice the Nation paid a high
price. But sacrifices in history are never in vain. Since then every year in March we pay a tribute to them, to the ideas they were fighting for.
This exhibition does not intend to reflect any revolutionary idea but since we have chosen young con-temporary artists from Hungary and Pakistan we cannot avoid referring to those young people who believed
in a better future and were ready to risk their lives to achieve it for them-selves and others.
Artists have a special ability to feel when the time is ripe for change in a society; they have a special and sophisticated sense to the problems and injustices. On the other hand they have special eyes reflecting the beauties of nature or just the happy moments of our everyday life.
To put it in a more simple way: Using their talent and the tools of art available to them they can express our feelings, our desires, our doubts, our fears, our happiness and our moods with eloquence unattainable by us.
We hope that the paintings and sculptures of young Hungarian and Pakistani artists displayed here to-day provide you with an exciting and interesting experience.
Allow me to express my gratitude and thanks to the artists, to the Paki-stan National Council of the Arts and also to the whole staff of my embas-sy for their dedicated, tireless efforts to organize this event.
Last but not least I am greatly in-debted to MOL Pakistan Oil and Gas Corporation for sponsoring our joint exhibition, he concluded.
Hungarian ambassador says art has no borders
April 01-07, 2013
10
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Pakistan has expressed concern over continued presence of safe havens of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) terrorists in Kunar and Noor-istan provinces of Afghanistan.
In his weekly briefing here at the Foreign Office, Foreign Office Spokes-man Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said these elements were carrying out un-desirable activities against Pakistan. He said Pakistan had taken up the matter with Afghanistan at all levels many a time and hoped that these safe havens would be eliminated.
He said presence of safe havens was a serious matter, but Pakistan would continue to remain in a cooperative mode with Afghanistan, as this was the best way to defeat the evil forces.
When his attention was drawn to-wards the accusatory statements of Afghan President and foreign minis-ter, the spokesman said both sides had concerns and Pakistan believed that the best way to remove concerns and misunderstandings was to keep all channels of communication open.
The spokesman said Pakistan was following a policy of goodwill towards Afghanistan and wanted its reflection in the Afghan policy as well.
Referring to the Afghan govern-
ment’s decision of not sending its mili-tary delegation for a training course in Quetta, he said training activities were meant to build trust and confi-dence between the two countries. “We should not miss this opportunity, as it promotes bilateral relations and build trust,” he added.
As for the Afghan government’s ex-cuse for not sending the delegation for training, the spokesman said: “There was some intrusion from the Afghan side and our troops only responded and that too in a disciplined and re-sponsible manner. There was no artil-lery shelling as alleged by the Afghan side.”
The spokesman emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan had to work together in harmony to promote peace not only in Afghanistan, but also in the whole region. “Pakistan will con-tinue to make use of its good offices for bringing reconciliation, peace and sta-bility in Afghanistan,” he added.
Replying to a question, Aizaz said Pakistan supported intra-Afghan dialogue and that’s why it instantly agreed to the release of prisoners and provision of safe passage to Afghan Taliban at the behest of Afghan High Peace Council.
Answering a question, the spokes-man said Pakistan had already re-leased 26 Taliban leaders on the re-quest of Afghan High Peace Council
and more could be released on receiv-ing more requests in this regard.
He said in the trilateral meeting held in London, Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to form a technical group to finalize the list to release more Tali-ban prisoners from Pakistan. Regard-ing the drone attacks, he said Pakistan had also conveyed its point of view to the UN Special Rapporteur who will be presenting the report at the UN Human Rights Council and to the UN General Assembly session in October this year.
Commenting on a statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about relations with Pakistan, the spokesman said Pakistan believed that a good, healthy and constructive relationship was in the interest of peo-ple of the two countries and the region.
He hoped that this conviction of the Government of Pakistan to promote relations would be appreciated by the other side.
About renewed interest being shown by India in the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project, he said India had not formally approached Pakistan for the purpose, adding: “We would re-spond when New Delhi will approach to Pakistan in this regard formally.”
Responding to a question about the death of an Indian prisoner in Lahore, he said details were being sought from the Interior Ministry and the Home
Department of Punjab. He said an In-dian High Commission representative was present during the post-mortem.
Replying to a question about the foreign election observers, the spokes-man said so far only the European Un-ion had approached Pakistan for send-ing election observers.
He said all foreign observers will have to sign on the code of conduct al-ready finalized and issued by the Elec-tion Commission in this regard.
The spokesman said the Ministry of Interior will give advisory and guid-ance on security aspects to the foreign observers and they will have to inform
the Ministry of Interior about their programmes.
Answering a question about receiv-ing the request from the Indian High Commission to send observers for the election, the spokesman said the For-eign Office had not yet received any such request officially.
Replying to a question, the spokes-man said the Foreign Office will follow the instructions of the Election Com-mission of Pakistan to hold polling and ensure vote right to the expatriate Pa-kistanis living in different countries in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court.
‘Keep all channels of communication open’
Pakistan wants TTP safe havens in Afghanistan removed
Chinese journos concerned over Pak energy crisis
MOnITORS REPORT
FAISALABAD
A five-member delegation of Chinese journalists expressed the other day their concerns over the prolonged energy crisis in Pakistan, saying that the issue is badly hitting the industrial produc-
tion and also causing increase in the number of unem-ployed workers.The five-member delegation of Chinese journalists headed by Prof Zhour Rong of Guang Ming Daily (China) visited industrial units in Faisalabad and observed the process-ing and finishing of textile goods there. Besides the head, the delegation comprised Zheng Bin from Economic Daily, Ain Shengui from Chinese Radio In-ternational, Loa Ling from Chinese Guang Ming Daily and Yang Xum from People’s Daily. Muhammad Jawed Tufail, section officer of Punjab Infor-mation Department, acted a coordinator of the team. The Chinese Journalists expressing their comments said that the textile units in Pakistan were producing textile prod-ucts of international quality and China could take full ad-vantage of the Pakistani workers’ expertise. They added that tremendous achievements in Pakistan textile sector was being made in processing, designing, finishing of tex-tile goods while appreciable achievements had been made in yarn manufacturing. They highly appreciated the steps of the managements of the textile units in strictly observ-ing the Child Labour Laws and maintenance of the envi-ronmental affairs and sanitation.They were pleased to witness that Chinese engineers and technologists were playing their effective role in boost-ing the industrial production in Pakistan while serving a number of textile and other ancillary industry. Before departing for Lahore, the Chinese journalists praised the hospitality of the district administration and management of the textile units.
BUREAU REPORT
PESHAWAR
The summer school of Germany has selected two students – Awais Ahmad (final year) and Mehvish Ghani (previous year)
– from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Pe-shawar, for a project on changing role of social media in Muslim countries.
The University of Erfurt, Germany,
initiated a project in 2012, by the title of Changing Role of Social Media in Muslim Countries to review the curricular trends in communication and political science in Pakistan.
In this regard, the University of Erfurt invited applications and conducted in-terviews across the country for its sum-mer school on Political Communication in Erfurt, Germany, from 7th to 18th August 2013.
This Summer School focuses on three
themes, 1- Politics/ Governance, 2- Media and 3-Civil Society/ Community with the view to draw attention of the participants to these new roles of modern communica-tion media coupled with academic excur-sions to political and media outlets in Er-furt, Weimar and Berlin. In his interview, the selected student Awais Ahmad said that social media is an extremely important tool, especially in our part of the world - Pa-khtunkhwa, which usually does not get its fair share on the traditional media outlets.
Changing role of social media in Muslim states
German varsity selects 2 UoP students for project
KARACHI: Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer in a meeting with Governor Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad. DA Bureau
April 01-07, 2013
11
BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE
The Spanish Ambassador to Pakistan the other day identified energy, textiles, tourism, food products,
agro-based products, infrastructure and Spanish cellular technology as the potential areas for joint ventures between Pakistan and Spain.
Ambassador Javier Carbajosa Sanchez was talking to LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar during a meeting here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI Senior Vice Presi-dent Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, former LCCI President Mian Muzaffar Ali, former Senior Vice President Malik Tahir Ja-vaid and Executive Committee Mem-ber Mian Zahid Javaid and Honorary Consul of Spain Zaheerul Islam also attended the meeting.
In his hour-long meeting at the LCCI, the Spanish Ambassador said that there exists a great scope for co-
operation in various industrial sectors between the two countries as well therefore the businessmen in the two countries could join hands for transfer of technology.
He stressed the need for institu-tionalized relations and said that the Chambers of Commerce in Spain and Pakistan could play a vital role for the
promotion of trade relations.The Ambassador said since Asia is
a very big market for EU investors, therefore, Spanish SME sector is di-verting its attention towards Pakistan and it is high time that both the coun-tries should take advantage of each other’s expertise in various sectors. He also urged the LCCI office-bearers
to bring a business delegation to Spain so the Pakistani business community could assess the situation well.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that Milk is a market which contains tre-mendous potential as Pakistan is the 4th largest milk producer in the world. Export of dairy products and related
items is an excellent opportunity to promote bilateral trade relations.
The LCCI President informed the Ambassador that Pakistani rice are best of the best in the world and hence have a huge potential to get a respect-able place in Spanish market and a lit-tle help by the embassy could help give considerable boost the rice exports to Spain.
Farooq Iftikhar said that produc-tion of surgical equipment is a field in which Pakistan has undeniable fame while semi finished products have a potential to be exported to Spain as well.
He said that seed development is an area where Spain has specialized in and Pakistan being an agrarian econ-omy can benefit from the expertise of Spain in this field.
The LCCI President said Pakistan has very conducive atmosphere for foreign investment in terms of cheap labor and availability of raw materi-als.
Spanish envoy identifies Pak-Spain potential for JVsn Stresses need for institutionalized bilateral relations
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
European Union Ambassador in Pakistan Lars-Gunnar Wigemark said the other day that the EU wants free,
fair and transparent general election in Pakistan with complete freedom for the women to participate in the electoral process.
Elections should be credible and results should be acceptable to all the political parties taking part in the pro-cess, the ambassador told reporters after the launch of the UNDP Human Development Report at a local hotel.
He said that some 110 election ob-servers are coming to Pakistan, with half of them staying here from start to end of the election process while remaining half will monitor only the polling. He said that the recent meet-ing of ambassadors of 20 EU member countries with the chief election com-missioner was very positive. Wide range of issues including the participa-tion of women in elections and secu-
rity arrangements for the EU election observers in Pakistan were discussed in the meeting.
The ambassador said that regional-ism is the best approach for the coun-tries like Pakistan as, according to him, the EU being its big trading part-ner might not be as beneficial for Paki-stan as India and Afghanistan or other neighbouring countries. The EU has allowed resumption of fish imports from Pakistan through two designated companies and has provided help for a preparing a piece of legislation for standards and health related issues. This legislation will help improve ag-ricultural products’ export to the EU.
To a question on GSP Plus status for Pakistan, the ambassador said that Pakistan has formally submitted its application along with other contest-ing countries. This status is granted on the basis of 27 human rights related international conventions and their enforcement in the countries seek-ing GSP Plus status from EU, he said and added that it could take around 10 months to decide on the matter.
DA REPORT
RAWALPInDI
A total of 1580 students were awarded degrees while 39 were decorated with medals in the 14th convocation of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-
AAUR) here the other day. Some 28 graduates got gold medals, seven silver med-
als, four bronze medals, while 14 students got PhD de-grees. On the occasion, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Di-rector (ED) Higher Education Commission was the guest of the day while His Excellency Choongjoo Choi, Ambas-sador of South Korea was the guest of honor. Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor (VC) PMAS was the chief guest on the occasion.
Executive Director HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said in his address that the universities’ faculties have great poten-tial and HEC was trying its best to provide all opportuni-ties to facilitate them. He said that HEC would continu-ously support institutions of higher learning. Dr Mukhtar congratulated the graduates and expressed the views that the students were the future of Pakistan and we could make Pakistan prosper through the art of education and technology.
He further said that it was the dire need of the time to promote education at higher level in the country and universities were source of creation of new dimensions in the field of research and knowledge. He emphasized that students must contribute for the development of country. He also lauded the efforts of the university administration for research-based education.
VC Prof Dr Rai Niaz Ahmad, in his address, said that the university stood 7th in HEC ranking considering 116 universities of Pakistan whereas among agriculture uni-versities PMAS-AAUR achieved second position. He fur-ther said that last year university started two new degree programs BS Forestry and PhD. Computer Sciences in addition to this various short-term training courses were also arranged for the farmers of the area to strengthen the ties between university and community at large.
Dr Niaz also informed the gathering to create favora-ble environment for research, brace cooperation with national and international R&D organizations, university signed six MoUs with different organizations. While shar-ing the future plan, He said that university Administra-tion was going to establish a new Faculty of Agriculture
Engineering and Pak-Korea Capacity Building Centre for Agriculture & Livestock Technology with the help of Ko-rea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The total cost of the project was $3.5 million and the center would be helpful for farming community in agri-culture for value addition, scientific agriculture and live-stock, he concluded.
Choongjoo Choi, Ambassador of South Korea, while sharing his views thanked the Pakistani nation for its con-tribution to achieve the Korea the present position. Korea was trying to repay the contribution to boost up Pakistan from the position where Korea had been 50 years ago, he added. He further said that Establishment of Capacity Building Center at PMAS-AAUR was a link to that chain to uplift the farming community of Pakistan and to pro-vide them an opportunity to use advance technologies in agriculture and livestock production.
He assured that Korean Embassy would do its best to enhance the development of Pakistan and the friendship relations between the two nations in the spirit of coopera-tion and good will. While discussing the agriculture and livestock he said that these were the backbone of a coun-try and students must play their role in the agricultural development of Pakistan. Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Choongjoo Choi, Ambassador of South Korea and Prof. Dr Rai Niaz also distributed degrees and decorated the students with medals. Dr Mukhtar also inaugurated the flower show while Ambassador of South Korea inaugurated the Fancy Bird Show and Job fair at the University.
UNDp Human Development Report launched
EU wants free, fair polls in Pakistan: envoy
pmaS-aaUR convocation
Students contribution to Pakistan progress stressed
Malala to pen life storyMOnITORS REPORT
LOnDOn
Malala Yousafzai will tell her life story in a book due out later this year, the publish-ers said the other day, in a deal reportedly worth around three million dollars.
The book will be entitled “I am Malala”. “I hope the book will reach people around the world, so they realise how difficult it is for some children to get access to education,” the 15-year-old said in a statement.
“I want to tell my story, but it will also be the story of 61 million children who can’t get education. I want it to be part of the campaign to give every boy and girl the right to go to school. It is their basic right.” The deal is reportedly worth #2 million ($3 million, 2.4 million euros).The book will be published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson in Commonwealth countries and by Little, Brown elsewhere. It is due to be published in the next six to nine months.
April 01-07, 2013
12
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
High Commissioner and Mrs Rawsanara Hossain hosted a reception in the Shishmahal Hall of the
Serena Hotel on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the independ-ence and National Day of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The event was attended in a large number by diplomats of many cadres and Pakistanis from different walks of life. The participants congratulate their hosts and other members of the high commission on this special day.
The national anthems of Pakistan and Bangladesh were played. The guest of honour was former minister Saleem Mandviwala. He cut the cake with other guests including Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Argentina, Rodolfo Martin-Saravia.
Guests arrived to a red-carpet wel-come, the rose petals along the sides of the carpet emitting their sweet scent, adding a special touch. The backdrop to the VIP stage featured photographs of Sheikh Mujib ur Re-hman and other prominent Bangla-deshi figures; scenic and architec-tural sites.
Tourist attractions and lifestyles were shown on a screen in one cor-
ner of the hall and dinner was served for guests to enjoy. “This reception is different,” said a female guest who added that she ‘loves’ Bangladesh. “I can ‘feel’ the cheerful atmosphere. “Maybe she was right! Maybe it was the Bengali music playing in the back-ground; maybe it was the ladies from Bangladesh in their colourful saris; maybe it was nostalgia for days gone by or maybe it was a general ‘feel good’ mood that prevails everywhere now that elections are near and the winds of change are in the air!
Whatever the reason, her remark got some positive response from oth-ers standing around bringing about a discussion about the country and its tourist attractions, which include ar-chaeological sites, historical mosques and monuments, resorts, beaches, picnic spots, forests and tribal people, wildlife of various species.
According to those who have had the experience, Bangladesh offers ample opportunities to tour-ists for angling, water skiing, river cruising, hiking, rowing, yachting, sea bathing as well as bringing visitors in close touch with pris-tine nature. Lonely Planet, an or-ganisation that lists countries with tourism potential, ranked Bangla-desh as the ‘best value’ destination for the year 2011.
Bangladesh National Day celebrated in Capital
April 01-07, 2013
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April 01-07, 2013
14
MOnITORS REPORT
SIALKOT
Austrian Ambassador in Pakistan Axel Wech has said that there are wide possibilities for enhancing
bilateral trade between Austria and Pakistan.
Presently trade volume between the two countries stands at 200 mil-lion Euro and efforts will be to in-crease the trade volume.
Addressing members of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) here the other day, he pointed that unstable government policies, security and law and order situation were the major obstacles in the pro-
motion of trade between Austria and Pakistan.
“We will consider positively ap-pointing honorary councillor in
Sialkot to facilitate the business com-munity,” he assured. The ambassador further said that Austrian business community was very conscious about the standard of products and qual-ity control and urged upon the busi-ness community of Sialkot that they should concentrate on improving the standard of products and ensure quality control.
On the occasion, he asked the SCCI to constitute a trade delegation to visit Austria and in this regard all possible support and cooperation would be ex-tend. The visit of proposed delegation will surely pave the way for opening up new vistas of bilateral trade be-tween the two friendly Austria and Pakistan, Axel Wech elaborated.
In his welcome address, SCCI President Sheikh Abdul Majid said that there was immense potential and scope for bolstering trading re-lationship between the two friendly countries, adding that existing level of bilateral trade was quite depressing. Both the countries, he said, needed to boost economic ties for which public and private sectors had to strengthen and enhance relationship.
The SCCI president said that Aus-trian businessmen were interested to initiate joint ventures in Pakistan, recognizing that the country was an emerging economy and hub of com-mercial activities due to its strategic importance and availability of skilled labour at low cast.
Austrian envoy pledges efforts to boost trade ties
ANKARA: Pakistan Embassy officials photo at Pakistan Day reception. DA Desk
MOnITORS REPORT
UnITED nATIOnS
Pakistan has supported In-dia’s stand on the UN Arms Trade Treaty that would regulate the USD 70 billion
conventional arms trade around the world, saying it favours the arms ex-porting countries and does not pro-tects the interests of importers.
“The treaty may be seen by many as essentially a product of and by the exporters only. It falls short of strik-ing an appropriate balance of interests and obligations among the exporters and importers as well as the affected states,” said Pakistani Ambassador to the UN Masood Khan.
In his remarks to the Arms Trade Treaty Conference at the UN head-quarters in New York ~ Khan said the call for balance was echoed by an overwhelming majority.
“Some treaty provisions, however, legitimise in a global legal instrument what the existing national and pluri-lateral export control systems cover. The interests of exporting countries have been accommodated in the form of special exemptions, exceptions and protections,” he has said.
The treaty fell apart due to lack of consensus among the 193 member countries because of opposition from North Korea, Iran and Syria.
India said the treaty in its present
form would compromise with its national interest mainly it does it fa-vours the arms exporting nations and is weak on arms supply to non-State actors.
Pakistan, however, remained silent on the second concerns raised by In-dia. Proponents of the treaty have now decided to put it to vote at the UN Gen-eral Assembly as early as Tuesday.
While the final decision by India is yet to be taken, New Delhi is most likely to end up abstaining, if not vot-ing against the draft treaty.
The US on Thursday, however, tried to ally Indian fears by arguing that it “does not harm” India’s national interest.
“My own view is that this treaty will not be harmful to India’s security and certainly not in any way harm the very strong bilateral relationship between India and the United States,” Mr Tom Countryman, head of the US delegation to the Arms Trade Treaty Conference told reporters during a conference call.
In her intervention during the clos-ing arguments at the UN headquarters in New York, India’s Permanent Rep-resentative to Conference on Disarma-ment, Geneva and Head of the Indian Delegation to the Arms Trade Treaty Conference, Sujata Mehta, said that the final version fell short of India’s expectations and that of other like minded countries.
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is preparing to train polling staff for the May 11 general elections with
support from the United Nations Devel-opment Programme (UNDP) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).
At the launch of its training program for master trainers, the ECP demon-strated the polling process which in-cludes several new initiatives taken to increase transparency and public confi-dence in the elections.
Initiatives to be introduced at polling stations in the upcoming elections in-clude the use of electoral rolls with vot-ers’ photographs, new counting forms and tamper evident bags. A mock polling station was set up during the launch and the polling process was demonstrated to guests and the media. A similar mock polling exercise will be used to train over 700,000 presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers who will be engaged on 11 May through-out the country.
Marc-André Franche, Country Direc-tor, UNDP in Pakistan, congratulated the Election Commission of Pakistan on
its new initiatives, and said, “With these new measures, the polling process has improved significantly. The new count-ing forms enable much greater transpar-ency on voter turnout including record-ing gender-disaggregated turnout.
The introduction of tamper evident bags to transport these forms will help deter fraud and increase public confi-dence. 600,000 tamper evident bags are being provided by UNDP to the ECP for these elections.”
UNDP is providing assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan in col-laboration with UN Women and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in areas such as training, results manage-ment and voter education through a three year electoral cycle support pro-ject supported by the Governments of Australia, Norway and the European Union. With the support of UNDP, ECP has launched a voter education cam-paign targeted at inclusion of youth and women, as well as a new elections re-sults management system for upcoming national and provincial elections.
Pak supports India’s stand on UN Arms Trade Treaty
UNDP supports new initiatives at polling stations
President seeks report of molestation of Pakistani origin women in Libya
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
President Asif Ali Zardari has called a report on the reported molestation of
Pakistani origin women in Libya. Three British female activists of Pakistani origin in the eastern city of Benghazi were brutally raped in front of their father by pro-govern-ment militiamen. The women are said to be “in a very bad psycho-logical state.”
The President while expressing serious concern over the incident also sought details of the steps be-ing taken to alleviate sufferings of unfortunate victims.
Pakistani Foreign Minis-try spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry also condemned the incident and said Islamabad is in contact with Libyan authorities.
Britain’s Foreign Office said it is aware of an incident involving Brit-ish nationals who were part of an aid convoy. It did not elaborate.
JEDDAH: College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan, Prof Zafar Ullah Chaudhary and King Abdul Aziz Medical Univer-sity, Vice Chancellor, Prof M Shoaib Shafi signing an MoU. DA Desk
April 01-07, 2013
15
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Nigeria would enhance two-way trade with Pakistan to US $ 1 billion by the end of 2013by enhancing inter-
action between the business com-munities of both the countries.
This was stated by High Commis-sioner of Nigeria to Pakistan, H.E.Mr.Dauda Danladi Mni while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). He attached great importance to boost economic interaction with the Government of Pakistan, particu-larly the business community.
High Commissioner said that Nige-rian economy largely dependent on oil which accounts 40% of country’s GDP, 90% of its export revenue and 80% of government’s budget. He said that Nigeria is amongst the Africa’s 10th largest economies that contrib-ute 77% of Africa’s GDP. He said that in order to boost foreign investment, Nigerian government created free zone in its territories to favour for-eign investments as no custom duty applicable within the free zone.
Mr.Dauda said that trade with Ni-geria is also quite beneficial for Paki-stan as Nigeria can serve as a window of business opportunity to the whole of West Africa. He said that great
opportunities are being explored by the Nigerian High Commission in the area of Agricultural machinery like tractors, Pharmaceuticals and export of garments including electro-medical apparatus to Nigeria from Pakistan.
He further said that Nigeria offers great investment opportunities to Pakistan in a number of areas includ-ing oil and gas, minerals and mining, agriculture and livestock, poultry and fisheries.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI said that Pakistan and Nigeria are very impor-tant countries of Asia and Africa with very strong potential to rise and lead their respective regions but unfortu-nately both countries have been fac-ing issues which could be solved by
devising a common strategy.Mr.Bakhtawari said that Pakistan
want to enhance its trade and eco-nomic relation with Nigeria, there-fore both the countries must practice liberal visa policy and grant multiple visa of at least 5years to businessmen of Nigeria and Pakistan so that they could visit each other’s country freely and enhance their mutual relations.
ICCI President also informed the High Commissioner of Nigeria that ICCI has planned to organize Capital Chambers Conference of D-8 coun-tries in Islamabad, aiming to promote mutually beneficial relations of Paki-stan with these countries.
Mr.Bakhtawari suggested that Pa-kistan and Nigeria should establish direct air link that would ultimately enhance bilateral relations.
Nigeria targets $1bn trade with Pakistan: envoy
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
U.S. Science Envoy Dr. Bernard Amadeitraveled to Islamabad and Lahore this week to promote en-
gineering as way to solve everyday problems faced by communities worldwide, such as access to clean water and energy. Dr. Amadei chose to come to Pakistan on his first trip as envoy.
He heard perspectives on sustain-able development from senior-level government officials, representa-tives from the academic, engineer-ing, business, and NGO communi-ties, and students.
“Young Pakistani entrepreneurs are brilliant and talented. I have no doubt that they will find ways to solve problems that so many peo-ple face worldwide. Entrepreneurs disrupt the status quo – and that’s where the future lies.”
Dr. Amadei met Pakistani entre-preneurs who participated in the U.S.-sponsored Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative. Three Pakistani entrepreneurs participated in GIST business plan competitions at Global Entrepreneurship Summits in Istan-
bul in 2011 and Dubai in 2012. GIST supports en-trepreneurs through net-working, skill-building, mentorship, and funding.
President Obama launched the U.S. Science Envoy Program in Cai-ro on June 4, 2 0 0 9 .
Since the Program’s inception, six of America’s finest scientists have traveled to 19 countries on behalf of the U.S. government to promote international partnerships through scientific collaboration.
Dr. Amadei is the Mortenson En-dowed Chair in Global Engineering and Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado at Boul-
der. Among his many distinctions, Dr. Amadei is the founding presi-dent of Engineers Without Borders and is an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Dr.Amadei earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley. Hiscurrent research and interests focus on sustainability and interna-tional development.
US science envoy promotes science and technology DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
A thirty two members’ del-egation of junior diplomats from 24 brotherly counties paid visit to the Higher Ed-
ucation Commission HEC here at Is-lamabad. The Executive Director HEC Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the delegation and apprised them about the scope, functions and role of HEC for strengthening higher educa-tion sector in Pakistan. He extended thanks to the officials of foreign minis-try of Pakistan for arranging the visit.
He informed that the establishment of the HEC in 2002 has brought revo-lutionary changes in higher education sector of Pakistan. The HEC has ac-complished more in ten years since its establishment than was achieved in the first 55 years of Pakistan’s exist-ence.
He informed that due to revolu-tionary reforms in the sector, Paki-stani universities have been reflected among the top world and Asian uni-versities. During last decade, inter-national collaborations with leading organizations and higher education institutions of academically advanced countries have been established throughout the globe.
HEC is emphasizing and working closely with universities for effective linkages of higher education institu-tions with industry and society so that collaborative efforts may be under-taken for development of country and
betterment of society. He remarked that Pakistani higher education model especially quality assurance reforms are being followed by Islamic counties and other developing countries as one of the best practices.
He assured that HEC is ready to share its experiences and extend all possible support anywhere in the world in the higher education sector. He also assured that HEC would also assist and facilitate the foreign stu-dents in their studies at the leading higher education institutions of Paki-stan.
The delegation appreciated the role of HEC in brining vibrant and effective changes in the higher education sector of Pakistan and showed keen interest in various programs.
The delegation included the young diplomats from Egypt, Iraq, Kenya, Kurdistan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Lib-ya, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Senegal, Tajikistan, Togo, Guinea, Ethiopia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Zimba-bwe, Comoros, Burkina Faso, Burkina Faso, Cameron, Central African Re-public, Eretria and Tajikistan.
Diplomats from 24 countries visit HEC
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
The Government of Japan has provided $ 6 mil-lion in support of the UNHCR’s refugee pro-
grammes in Pakistan.The Japanese funds will sup-
port UNHCR’s commitment to provide primary school education to around 75,000 refugee children in different refugee villages. The funding will also bolster UNHCR’s efforts in providing assistance to Afghan refugees in the areas of pri-mary health care, provision of legal services, specialized services for children at risk, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. These services will benefit refugees not only residing in refugee villages but those in different urban settle-ments across Pakistan as well.
“The Government of Japan is strongly committed to assisting Afghan refugees in Pakistan who have only limited access to essen-tial services and protection. Such assistance will also help to allevi-ate the burden of host communi-ties in Pakistan,” said Mr. Akira Kono, Chargé d’Affaires of Japan
t o P a - kistan. “A part of our funding will also be used for capac-ity building of the relevant institu-tions in Pakistan. I sincerely hope that our assistance will contribute to securing the basic needs of the refugees and to stability in the ref-ugee-affected and refugee-hosting regions.”
“Japan continues to be a strong supporter of global humanitarian efforts, and once again the Gov-ernment and people of Japan have demonstrated their commitment to helping the most vulnerable,” said Neill Wright, UNHCR Representa-tive in Pakistan.
Mr. Wright added that, “The funds donated to UNHCR’s opera-tions in Pakistan will contribute to finding lasting solutions in the world’s longest-running refugee situation.” He noted, “3.8 million Afghan refugees have repatriated from Pakistan since 2002, but we must not forget about those who cannot yet return home. The Af-ghan refugees still in Pakistan also need continued support.”
Japan provides $6m to support UNHCR’s refugee programmes
April 01-07, 2013
16
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
A workshop of Ikebana (Japanese art of flowers arrangement) was con-cluded here at the Na-
tional Art Gallery (NAG) the other day with a certificates distribution ceremony among the participants.
The eight-day workshop, which started on March 21, was organized by the Embassy of Japan in collabo-ration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA).
Prof Asifa Ataka, who belonged to Karachi, conducted the workshop. She has been teaching this art in Pakistan since 1994 in the manner of the Ikebana School, one of the leading flower arrangement schools in Japan.
Nearly 50 female participants at-tended the workshop and exhibition of the Ikebana made by the students was also displayed at the concluding ceremony.
Toshikazu Isomura, Counselor and Head of Public Affairs Sec-tion Embassy of Japan awarded
certificates to the participants of workshop. Talking on the occasion, Toshikazu Isomura said that Ikeba-na mentioned the history of Ikebana in Japan.
He explained that the attention given to the choice of flowers har-monization of the flower and the
relationship of all these with sur-rounding space has sublimated this work into an art, distinguishing form simply decorative uses of flowers.
He hoped that the students habit-ually make the flower arrangements at home or somewhere so that a fragrance and beauty of Pakistani
flowers yet arranged in the Japanese style would make people around the flowers feel happy.
Isomura appreciated the services of Prof Asifa Ataka, for teaching the art of Ikebana to the Pakistani people specially women for the last many years. He also mentioned the
President of the PJCA Islamabad (Pakistan-Japan Cultural Associa-tion), late Syed Haider Zaidi, who played a vital role in enhancing the cultural understanding among the people of Japan and Pakistan. He expressed his deed grief and condo-lences over his sad demise.
Ikebana workshop concludes at NAGHungarian exhibition at PNCA
April 01-07, 2013
17
BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE
Pakistan has pressed the vis-iting Indian Indus commis-sioner to change the design of the Kishanganga Hydro
Plant in accordance with a partial award issued by the International Court of Arbitration.
A 10-member Indian delegation which left for home the other day said they had referred the award to their seniors and were waiting for their response. They will be able to make changes after the higher authorities
agree.According to sources in the Paki-
stan Indus Commissionerate, the In-dians have referred the award prob-ably to their lawyers and are waiting for their clearance.
During talks with the Indians, the Pakistani officials also raised the Wullar Barrage issue and demanded a “tour of inspection” at the earliest to ascertain whether India was carrying out any construction or not.
Apart from the two projects, both sides also held their first meeting on three projects recently launched by India — Rattle, Miyar and Kalnai wa-
ter and hydro projects on the western rivers in India-held Kashmir.
Pakistan had raised objection to the projects and the Indians had responded. In the current meeting, Pakistan substantiated its objections and the Indian delegation tried to de-fend the designs of the projects. Both sides stuck to their positions but de-cided to continue talks.
According to Pakistan’s version, 48MW Kalnai Hydro Electric Project could allow India to utilise the flows of Lower Kalnai River, a tributary of the Chenab River, in Kistwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. The project
envisages construction of a 49-me-tre-high dam with a 4.56km water conductor system.
The Indians have also planned 850MW Rattle plant. The project has been approved by the apex commit-tee of the Indian ministry of environ-ment.
According to Jamaat Ali Shah, for-mer Indus commissioner of Pakistan, the Indus Water Basin Treaty has a grey area: it does not specifically stop India from construction (over shared rivers) even if objections are raised by Pakistan.
“With construction going on the
spirit of the treaty gets defeated as ground realities are changed and the changes in turn are used to justify the project at later stages. Both sides need to hammer out a mechanism to stop constructions at least during the objection period.”
Both sides should seek to address objections within a particular time-frame, he proposed: “The Indians are in habit of delaying response to Paki-stani objections and use that time for construction of the projects. This has been a pattern of Indian behaviour.
And this is done at the cost of Paki-stan and the treaty,” he said.
India asked to change design of Kishanganga project
Pak officials raise Wullar Barrage issue with delegation
LAHORE: Former chief minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif shaking hands with renowned British educationist Sir Michael. DA Desk
BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE
Pakistan pavilion in MM&T Section of APLF at Hong Kong Convention & Exhibi-tion Centre was inaugurated
by Consul General of Pakistan Dr Ah-mad Balal.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of exhibitors and par-ticipants of Pakistan Pavilion.
S M Muneer, senior member of PTA, Amanullah Aftab, chairman Int’l Fairs PTA, M Azmat Saleem, Vice Chair-man PTA, along with Michael Duck, Managing Director of APLF Limited, Hongkong were also present at the in-
augural ceremony.It is pointed out that Pakistan’s
participation in this event is so far very encouraging. Customers/foreign buyers are in large number and it is expected to conclude enormous busi-ness during the fair. It is certainly an honour for Pakistan that one of the ex-hibitors of Pakistan Pavilion has won the Trophy of 1st Tannery in South East Asia, which is Royal Leather In-dustries Limited, Lahore (Pakistan).
The 1st Tannery Award has been de-clared, keeping in view its innovation, quality control and well supervised management, compliance with the en-vironmental rules and regulations up to the international standards.
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Exports of leather gar-ments has reached $234 million in first seven
months of current fiscal year as $221.5 million during the corresponding period last year, showing 5.6 per cent increase in revenue.
The leather garments exports in 2011-12 came down to $341.0 million as decline for the year as compared to 2010-11 was 15.65 per cent in terms of value and 13% in terms of quantity.
According to a data released by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) exports of leather gar-ments during 2008-09 were
$392.5 million, which increased to US$ 404.3 million in 2010-11, showing an increase of 3.0 per cent.
The reasons for decline in ex-port of leather garments were rising cost of production, little availability of leather and its high prices, law & order situa-tion in Karachi in particular and Pakistan in general and energy crises.
The authorities also took steps in consultation with major players of leather sector to en-hance the export of leather gar-ments, which included release of Rs881.917 million from 1992-93 to March 5, 2013 for the leather sector from Export Development Fund.
Moreover, in order to improve supply chain of leather sector exports, 25% financial cost for setting up of design centers and labs has been provided by the Ministry of Commerce.
Installation of flaying ma-chines in slaughterhouses at district level, request of Sialkot Chamber of Industry for provi-sion of common effluent treat-ment plant for its leather indus-try has been agreed to and is currently under process.
During fiscal year 2011-12, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organized Pakistan’s participation in nine trade fairs and exhibitions of leather garments and its acces-sories.
BUREAU REPORT KARACHI
High Commissioner of New Zealand Brian Standers the other day called on Sindh caretaker Chief Minister Jus-
tice (Retd) Zahid Kurban Alavi at CM House.
Honorary Consul General, principal Secretary to CM Naveed Kamran Baloch and Director General Protocol Sindh Da-beer Ahmed were also present.
Alvi welcomed the High Commissioner
and discussed matters of mutual interest with him. He apprised him that Caretaker Government will fulfill the task of holding free, fair and transparent elections. Later, the caretaker CM presented traditional gifts of Ajrak and Sindhi cap to High Com-missioner of New Zealand.
Pak pavilion at Hong Kong expo centre opens
Pakistan leather apparel exports at $234m in 7 months
New Zealand envoy calls on Sindh caretaker CM
Traders delegation leaves for India
MOnITORS REPORT
FAISALABAD
A delegation of traders belong-ing to the FCCI left for India here the other day, said by
Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mian Zahid Aslam.
The FCCI president said that the visit would prove a milestone devel-opment for promoting mutual trade between India and Pakistan. He said that the trade delegation was headed by former FCCI VP Rana Fiaz Ahmed while representatives of different trade and industry organisations were also present.
Holi celebrated at Nine Zero
BUREAU REPORT
KARACHI
Hindu community members celebrated the Holi festival at Nine Zero, with Hindu fami-
lies playing Holi and throwing colours on each other, said a statement issued by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) the other day.
MQM office-bearers and workers welcomed them at Nine Zero and ex-changed greetings.
“The MQM has been working for inter-faith harmony and it believes that it is necessary to integrate the re-ligious minorities with the rest of the country,” said the statement.
MQM chief Altaf Hussain has been stressing that the non-Muslim Paki-stanis should be considered as citi-zens of equal rights, it said.
The party said: “Observing religious festivals of non-Muslims at Nine Zero is a step in the direction of sharing their happiness”.
Egyptian Qaris delegation visits IUB
MOnITORS REPORT BAHAWALPUR
A delegation of Egyptian Qaris visited the Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) and mesmerized a huge gathering with their unique Qirat style
during Husan-e-Qirat Mehfil here the other day.The delegation, headed by World Qirat Council Director
General Qari Abdul Aal Matwali visited the IUB on special invitation by Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Mukhtar.
Al-Sadiq Desert Welfare Organization arranged the Qirat function to provide the locals and students with an opportunity to listen to the recitation of the Holy Quran in soul-touching voices. The delegation comprised of Qari Talha Al-Azhary, Qari Syed Mehdi Nijjati and Qari Syed Jamal Hussein. The local Ulema and Qaris includ-ing Qari Ghulam Hussain Al-Fakhrvi, Qari Inayatullah Sialvi, Qazi Fazal Ahmed Siddiqui, Muhammad Afzal Sabri, Abdul Khaliq Chaudhry represented the country. The IUB VC appreciated the management for arrange-ments to promote religious activities in the university. Meanwhile, Qari Talha Al-Azhary assured full support for the students interested to learn Qirat in Egypt.
April 01-07, 2013
18
MOnITORS REPORT
KABUL
Afghan President Hamid Kar-zai travelled to Qatar the other day to discuss Taliban militants opening an office in
the Gulf state for peace talks that could end more than a decade of war.
Until earlier this year, Karzai was strongly opposed to the Islamist ex-tremists having a meeting venue out-side Afghanistan as he feared that his government would be frozen out of any negotiations.
The militants refuse to have direct contact with Karzai, saying he is a pup-pet of the United States, which support-ed his rise to power after the military operation to oust the Taliban in 2001.
But, with NATO-led combat troops due to withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of 2014, Karzai agreed to the pro-
posed Taliban office in Qatar and is ex-pected to firm up the plan with the emir of Qatar.
Any future peace talks still face nu-merous hurdles before they begin, including confusion over who would represent the Taliban and Karzai’s in-sistence that his appointees are at the centre of negotiations.
“We will discuss the peace process, of course, and the opening of an office for the Taliban in Qatar,” presidential spokesman Aimal Faizi told a foreign agency before Karzai left Kabul with sev-eral senior members of his government. “If we want to have talks to bring peace to Afghanistan, the main side must be the Afghan government’s representa-tives -- the High Peace Council, which has members from all the country’s ethnic and political backgrounds,” Faizi added.
Negotiating with the hardline Taliban
regime that had harboured Al-Qaeda be-fore the 9/11 attacks was for many years an anathema to many countries fighting in the UN-backed coalition against the militants.
But the search for a political settle-ment became a priority as the insurgen-cy raged on with Taliban leaders able to fuel the violence from safe havens across the border in Pakistan.
Kabul has repeatedly stressed that it would only start talks if the militants broke all links with Al-Qaeda and gave up violence, and Faizi said that any Tali-ban office in Qatar must be held to strict conditions.
“It can only be an address where the armed opposition sit and talk to the Af-ghanistan government,” he said. “This office can not be used for any other pur-poses.”
The UN this week welcomed news that Karzai would visit Qatar, and issued
another call for the Taliban to come to the peace table.
“You are Afghans, you care, I assume, about your country, you care about (a) peaceful stable future of the country,” Jan Kubis, the UN envoy to Afghanistan, said.
But the Qatar office could mean little if the Taliban refuse to negotiate with Kar-zai or the government-appointed High Peace Council.
“The opening of the Taliban office in Qatar is not related to Karzai, it is a mat-ter between the Taliban and the Qatar government,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told a foreign news agency.
“If Karzai visits, it is not our concern. Our rep-resentatives who are already in Qatar won’t see or talk to him.”
Karzai heads to Qatar to discuss Taliban peace talks
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Minister Delegate for Ro-manians Abroad Cris-tian David met with the Additional Secre-
tary for Europe from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Repub-lic of Pakistan, Ayesha Riyaz.
The Pakistani official thanked the Romanian authorities for the sup-
port lent to Pakistan in relation to natural disasters (the big earthquake of 2005, the floods in 2010 and 2011) and within the EU, to the effect of consolidating the EU’s economic and political relations with Pakistan.
In the context, she showed that all those demarches contribute to the overall efforts of the international community and the Islamabad au-thorities to fight terrorism and ex-tremism through economic develop-
ment.The very good traditional rela-
tions between the two states were evoked, the same as the current bilateral agenda, with a focus on a possible high-level visit to Romania or to Pakistan. Moreover, the inter-locutors reviewed the conclusions of the round of bilateral consultations between the ministries of foreign af-fairs of the two countries, held the same day.
Pakistan thanks Romania for support in natural disasters
BUREAU REPORTKARACHI
The Second Saudi-Pak Accountancy Seminar was organised in Riyadh by the Institute of Chartered Ac-
countants of Pakistan (ICAP) KSA chap-ter, operating under the patronage of the Embassy of Pakistan, KSA and with sup-port from Saudi Organization for Certified
Public Accountants (SOCPA). The seminar at Sheraton was attended
by some 180 professionals from account-ancy, audit and the finance sector. A large number of Saudi finance professionals also attended including others who had flown in from Dammam, Jeddah and even UAE. The topic of the seminar was “Global Chal-lenges, Local Solutions - Accounting to the rescue”.
Speakers at the seminar included His Excellency Muhammad Naeem Khan, Am-bassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmad Almeghames, Secretary General of SOCPA, Mr. Ahmed Saeed, President of ICAP and Kashif Rana, CFO for Acwa Power.
President of ICAP KSA chapter, Mr. Amin Qureshi welcomed the participants and in his speech highlighted the achieve-ments of the chapter including holding ICAP exams in Riyadh as well as monthly Continuing Professional Development ac-tivities in Riyadh and also in Dammam and Jeddah.
AGEnCIES MUSCAT
An increase in exports from Paki-stan over the last year has led to a spurt in trade links with Oman,
a country very close to the hearts of the Pakistani people, stated Nawabzada Aminullah Khan Raisani, the ambassa-dor of Pakistan.
Addressing a gathering, he said, “Strong people-to-people contacts and historical links between Pakistan and Oman are contributing to the growing ties between the two brotherly countries.”
Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Salmi, minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs; Sheikh Saud bin Suleiman bin Humair Al Nabhani, ad-viser of the State; Ali bin Masoud bin Ali Al Sunaidy, minister of Commerce and Industry; Dr Rawiya bint Saud Al Busaidiya, minister of Higher Education; and Sheikh Khalid bin Omar bin Said Al Marhoon, minister of Civil Service, were among the many dignitaries who attend-ed the event.
Talking about bilateral relations, the ambassador remarked, “Considered our fifth neighbour by virtue of our shared maritime boundaries, Oman holds spe-cific geo-strategic significance for Paki-stan because of its geographical proximi-ty, its strategic location, and the presence of a workforce of more than 235,000 Pa-kistanis. A large percentage of the Omani population originates from Balochistan, Makran, and the coastal areas of Sindh. As a result, there are strong people-to-people contacts and links between the two brotherly countries.”
Discussing trade ties, the ambassador remarked, “The trade and economic re-lations between the two countries are marching forward satisfactorily and are demonstrating further improvement in bilateral trade.
“During fiscal year 2011–2012, Paki-stan’s exports grew by 10 per cent, com-pared with the previous year, reaching $275 million. Omani exports to Pakistan also witnessed an increase, reaching $210 million.
The two-way trade totalled $485 mil-lion, with a balance of $65 million, in fa-vour of Pakistan. It is worth mentioning here that investment from both coun-tries has increased in sectors such as construction, telecommunications, and banking.”
Stressing that relations between the two countries are reinforced by the regu-lar exchange of high-level visits, Raisani observed, “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto visited Oman in 1994, followed by high-level visits by the then chief execu-tive of Pakistan in 2000, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in March 2005, and former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in December 2010.
From the Omani side, a landmark visit was paid by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in April 2001, when he announced a development package for Balochistan and Gwadar, which has greatly contributed to the development of the province. In addition to high-level political visits, there have been regular high-level visits from the defence depart-ments as well. All these visits have pro-vided a greater impetus to boost bilateral relations to reach new heights.”
Growing relations between brotherly countries
Trade ties with Oman gather steam: envoy
Second Saudi-Pak Accountancy Seminar organised
April 01-07, 2013
19
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
German Ambassador Dr Cy-rill Nunn bade farewell to 33 new German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD
scholars who will start their PhD re-search or Master courses at German universities in the coming months.
The event at the German Embassy Islamabad was joined by Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Executive Director of the HEC, and Ms. Ursula Saarbeck, Direc-tor of the DAAD Office in Islamabad. Several Alumni of German universi-ties were also present on the occasion.
For more than half a century DAAD has been actively supporting the aca-demic exchange between Pakistan and Germany. The number of Paki-stani scholars at German universities has increased tremendously after the HEC (Higher Education Commission) had launched its foreign scholarship programme in 2004. With regard to Germany the programme is adminis-tered by DAAD. More than 400 stu-dents went to Germany of which 200
have already returned with their PhD or Master’s degrees.
The 33 scholars who were seen off in the ceremony are fully funded by the German Government. Twelve of them will go for a PhD funded by a DAAD Research Grant. One will do a PhD un-der the programme “Conflict Studies and Management”, 12 graduates will complete a Master’s degree within the programme “Public Policy / Good Gov-
ernance”. Another eight young profes-sionals will complete a Master’s degree within the programme “Development related Postgraduate Courses”.
Due to the huge number of appli-cations for the “Public Policy / Good Governance” programme and in or-der to further strengthen Pakistan’s democracy the German Federal For-eign Office provided extra funding to increase the number of scholarships
for Pakistani students. Among the twelve students selected for this year’s programme, seven come from the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
All 33 scholars will participate in a German language course in Germany. Though most scholars will do their studies in English, the knowledge of German is essential for the communi-cation in everyday life.
In his speech Ambassador Dr Nunn highlighted the importance of closer ties between Germany and Pakistan in the field of Higher Education: “Each scholarship will enhance the people-to-people contacts between our two countries.” Ursula Saarbeck, Country Director of DAAD, lauded the role of the HEC, “For DAAD, the HEC is one of the most important cooperation partners globally.”
German envoy bids farewell to 33 Pakistani scholars
BUREAU REPORTLAHORE
Finland and Pakistan have a huge scope to expand rela-tions in various sectors of the economy therefore the
private sector in Pakistan should enhance its interaction with Finnish counterparts.
This was stated by Finland Am-bassador to Pakistan Rauli Suik-kanen while talking to LCCI Presi-dent Farooq Iftikhar here the other day. LCCI Vice President Mian Abu-zar Shad, Executive Committee Members Mian Zahid Javaid Ahmad, Malik Muhammad Akram and for-mer Executive Committee Members Sheikh Muhammad Irfan, Dr Shahid Raza and Khawaja Khawar Rashid also spoke on the occasion.
The Ambassador said that the existing trade volume between Paki-stan and Finland is enough to make the point that both sides have multi-faceted and strong trade ties. He said a number of Finnish companies had already recognised Pakistan’s poten-tial and are working here.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that Joint venture opportunities exist in the field of power generation and for development of biomass technology.
He said Finnish equipment and technologies can help exploit Paki-stan’s full potential in agriculture, horticulture, dairy and livestock sectors. The LCCI President sug-gested that it is necessary that both
countries have access to each other’s markets to further expand com-mercial and economic ties. This will definitely lead both sides to a more strengthened and stable economic partnership. He said that LCCI val-ues to have greater interaction with Finnish counterparts in order to de-velop close linkages.
The LCCI President said that Paki-stan can partner with Finnish tech-nological think tank for development of technological industry in Pakistan. The LCCI President said that over 400 Finnish companies are currently operating in South Asian Region and had made substantial investment in the last ten years in this part of the world and business community here is of strong hope that more Finnish investors would divert their atten-tion towards Pakistan in coming days.
Major items of imports from Fin-land are electric appliances, tapes for sound records, parts for motor en-gines, enzymes, chemical wood pulp, newsprint, pressure reducing valves, electric transformers, paper & paper-board, polymers of ethylene, electric motors & generators etc.
Pakistan’s top exports to Finland are articles of apparel & clothing, woven fabric (synthetic staple fib-er), woven cotton fabric, bed, table, kitchen linens, articles & equipment of gymnastics, men’s suits & jack-ets, articles of cutlery, women suits & dresses, gloves, mittens, electro medical apparatus, track suits & T-shirts etc.
Pak, Finland carry huge scope to expand trade ties
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Prof Dr Francis Lamand, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz, the other day called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President congratulated him on being conferred the award of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in recognition of his services to the country.
Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that Prof. Dr. Francis Lamand is a profes-sor of Philosophy, an international lawyer and a former diplomat who has worked extensively on Islam and whose pioneering work on Allama Iqbal is widely regarded as instrumen-tal in promoting greater understand-ing between the East and the West.
He said that during meeting with Dr Lamand the President recalled his ear-lier meeting with Shaheed Mohtarma
Benazir Bhutto in 1994 during which he had proposed the establishment of an “Iqbal Chair” in one of the universi-ties in Paris.
The President also appreciated the proposal saying that such an initiative would help promote greater under-standing between the people of Paki-stan and France and further strength the ties between the two countries.
The President also appreciated the role of his organization “Islam and the west” which he said was doing a com-mendable job facilitating communica-
tion and understanding between the two communities.
The President said that promoting understanding between East & West was the need of the hour especially at a time extremist tendencies and mindset was threatening international peace and security.
Dr Francis Lamand thanked the President and the Government of Pa-kistan for the Award conferred upon him and assured his continued efforts to promote greater understanding be-tween the people of different faiths.
Dr Francis Lamand calls on President
MULTAN: People belonging to Hindu community celebrating Holi in Multan. DA Desk
April 01-07, 2013
20
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
German government is ready to provide all neces-sary help to the German investors for investment in
Pakistan as there are vast prospects of mutual cooperation between the two countries to further strengthen trade relations.
These remarks were made by Ger-man Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Cyrill Jean Nunn while addressing business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI). He discussed a range of sub-jects related to the bilateral relation-ship between Germany and Paki-stan, including the cultural, political and economic dimensions.
He said that among the major sec-tors, Germany works with Pakistan in sectors like energy, health and
governance. “Germany considers trade the best form of cooperation between countries”, he said. How-ever, the German ambassador cau-tioned that Pakistan needs to ad-dress security and energy issues in order to attract foreign investment. He observed that within the Euro-pean Union, Germany is the largest trading partner of Pakitsan and said that Germany has an interest in see-ing the EU engage with Pakistan.
Cyrill said that Pakistan and Ger-many are enjoying balanced volume of trade that stood around $2.2bil-lion. He said that there is huge de-mand of Pakistani textile products in German markets as well as he in-dentified tourism as a potential sec-tor of mutual interest and said that Pakistan should also focus this area to promote tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI
said that Pakistan and Germany are enjoying historically good rela-tions, thus, more German companies should come Pakistan and make in-vestment in the areas of their inter-ests.
ICCI President said that Pakistan,
today, is severely hit by a energy cri-sis that has badly affected its indus-trial sector. “We have never been as much in need for renewable energy sources as today. Germany is meet-ing its energy needs by vastly using wind technology and solar electric-
ity systems installed all across the country in addition to hydel resourc-es. Pakistan presents a huge scope for German investors to set up pro-jects of producing alternate energy, he added.
He thanked Germany for its sup-port in getting enhanced market ac-cess for Pakistani products in the EU as well as he appreciated the positive role of Germany in restoring peace in Afghanistan.
Bakhtawari said that other impor-tant sectors where German inves-tors can benefit a lot are telecom-munications, oil and gas exploration, food processing, agriculture tractors and machinery, dairy processing and equipment, engineering and ser-vices. He said that any investment made in Pakistan will automatically find its way to the regional countries, which goes to the extent of Central Asian States.
Diversified dimensions of Pak-German ties discussed
ICCI invites German investment in energy sector
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Chief of Army Staff, Gener-al Ashfaq Pervez Kayani the other day called on caretaker Prime Minis-
ter Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan
Khoso. In the meeting held here at PM
House, COAS and the caretaker premier discussed overall security situation in the country.
Sources said Army chief also congratulated Hazar Khan Khoso for assuming post of caretaker PM.
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
The US Government organ-ised a study tour for pro-fessionals from Pakistan’s government-owned power
distribution companies (DISCOs) to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia.
Exposure to efficient energy opera-tions was intended to teach Pakistani energy professionals how to strength-en commercial operations and cus-tomer service, as well as professional development at DISCOs which are re-
sponsible for managing the distribu-tion of energy throughout the country.
“The United States Government is committed to assisting the Govern-ment of Pakistan in improving the power distribution system. “We work with public sector power sector dis-tribution companies to improve their operations, reduce losses and ulti-mately to make sure that Pakistani citizens have a more reliable supply of power.” said Timothy Moore, Acting Energy Office Director at the United States Agency for International De-velopment (USAID) Pakistan
During their exchange visits to the
UAE and Australia, DISCO manag-ers had opportunity to observe op-erations at several of the finest energy facilities. The program includes pres-entations, site visits and roundtable discussions to address specific topics related to customer service, commer-cial management and professional de-velopment at distribution companies.
USAID, under its Power Distribu-tion Program, has conducted six ex-change programs to Turkey, South Africa, Australia, UAE and the United States. Approximately 12 DISCO man-agers were selected for each program and all nine DISCOS throughout the
country were able to participate.In addition to these activities, the
United States is renovating thermal plants at Jamshoro, Guddu, and Mu-zaffagarh, which have already added 650 megawatts to the national grid since September 2011. The US gov-ernment is also co-financing the completion of the Gomal Zam and Satpara dams which will add another 35 megawatts and irrigate more than 200,000 acres. Finally, we are help-ing to replace thousands of highly inefficient agricultural and municipal water pumps throughout the country to save additional megawatts. These
projects, as well as others supported by USAID, will add 900 megawatts to the national grid by the end of this year and help decrease power short-ages in Pakistan.
COAS, caretaker PM discuss security situation
Reiterating commitment
US sponsors study tour for commercial energy sector officials
DA REPORT
ISLAMABAD
Indonesia would continue main-taining good relations with Pa-kistan through optimizing busi-ness opportunities, Indonesian
Minister for Communication and In-formation Technology Tifatul Sembir-ing said.
Addressing 73rd Pakistan Day gather-ing at Pakistan Embassy in Indonesia as chief guest the other day, he said the ties between Pakistan and Indonesia are get-ting stronger and both the countries are working together to face challenges as no country can solve its problems alone.
A large number of guests including senior Indonesian officials, parliamentar-ians, members of the diplomatic corps, business icons, socialites, Pakistani com-munity and media attended the reception, says a message received here.
The Minister said Pakistan had con-tributed tremendously toward socio-cul-tural as well as political development in the South Asian region.
Pakistan Ambassador Sanaullah ap-prised the audience that the democratic government in Pakistan has completed its full 5-year constitutional tenure first time in the history.
He said, let us not forget the glowing role of the Armed Forces to fortify dem-ocratic institutions. The armed forces helped the civilian government to combat terrorism.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan is now in an election mold. Interim govern-ments have been installed at all levels with the sole purpose of ensuring free and fair elections. International observers are welcome to monitor the transparency process before, during and after voting.
The Ambassador also recalled pro-
found sacrifices of the forefathers for pro-viding us a new country.
The Ambassador further said, “Our multilateral co-operation has been instru-mental in expanding mutually beneficial commercial deals involving investments in traditional and non-traditional sectors. We remain grateful to Indonesia, its gov-ernment, its formal or informal leadership and people for support and friendship we have received in the past and continue to have it today and in future too”.
Minister for Information Technology, Tifatul Sembiring and Ambassadors from ECO countries and the Ambassador of Bosnia Herzegovina and Ambassador Sanaullah performed the cake cutting ceremony.
More than 30 international as well as local commercial organizations sent huge flower planks which lined the pavement leading to the venue of the reception. Also, some local Ministers sent congratu-latory messages to the Ambassador. Dur-ing the reception, documentary films and national songs were played to introduce Pakistani culture.
Indonesia assures persistent support to Pakistann indonesian minister lauds pakistan’s role for South asia uplift
April 01-07, 2013
21Pakistanis celebrate Pakistan Day in Saudi Arabia
Ambassador terms Pak role for world peace unmatchable
DA REPORTJEDDAH
The Pakistani community in the Kingdom of Saudi Ara-bia celebrated the Pakistan Day (23rd March, 2013)
with simplicity, zeal and fervor. The day started with flag hoisting
ceremonies held simultaneously at the Embassy of Pakistan Riyadh and at the residence of the Consul General in Jeddah.
Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Mu-hammad Naeem Khan, unfurled the national flag, at a largely attended ceremony held in the Embassy build-ing in Riyadh. Messages of the Presi-dent and the Prime Minister were read out.
Speaking on the occasion Ambas-sador said Pakistan is an important member of the world community today. Pakistan’s contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the world can hardly be matched by any other state. As a front line state in the fight against terror, we have paid a heavy price in terms of loss of pre-cious lives and billions of dollars to the economy. He said that thousands of our innocent people and valiant sol-diers have laid down their lives for the noble cause. But this has only made us more determined and resolute. Paki-stan is also one of the largest contribu-tors to the United Nations’ Peacekeep-ing Force for maintenance of peace and security around the globe.
Ambassador Naeem Khan also said that Pakistan enjoys a special rela-tionship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on the solid founda-tions of Islamic identity, common historical experiences, and shared perceptions on all national and inter-national issues.
He further said that as keeper of the Holy Lands, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looked at with deep love by the people of Pakistan. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Maj-esty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz and the entire royal family are held in high esteem in Pakistan.
In Jeddah, the Consul General, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khokher, with a presentation of the national anthem performed the national flag hoisting ceremony at his residence in Hayya Rowdha, Jeddah. Earlier verses from the Holy Quran were recited. The members of the Pakistani commu-nity, especially women and children, officials of the Consulate, Pakistan largely attended the function. Mes-sages of the President and Prime Minister were read out by Consul General.
In his address to the gathering at his residence, the Consul General Aftab A Khokher said Seventy three years ago, the Muslims of South Asia resolved to establish an independent state where they could lead their lives in accordance with the Islamic ideals of freedom, sovereignty, democracy, equality, justice, tolerance and non-discrimination
He said that everyone acknowl-edges the valuable contribution of the vibrant and dynamic Pakistan com-munity in Saudi Arabia. Our com-munity has served both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with characteristic fer-vor, loyalty, commitment, diligence and dedication. It is, in fact, the most unmistakable link between our two countries. National songs were also played on the occasion. Special Sup-plements were also published by Dai-ly Arab News, Daily Urdu News and Daily Saudi Gazette on this occasion.
Folk singer Arif Lohar gave an ex-traordinary live performance in King Fahad Cultural Centre . The programme was arranged by Embassy of Pakistan in Saudi Ara-bia. Pakistani community in an un-precedented number attended the live performance.The crowd was spellbound by melodious Arif Lohar.
April 01-07, 2013
22
BUREAU REPORT
LAHORE
A unique exhibition fea-turing photographs and documentaries of migration and integra-
tion stories from Pakistan and Scotland opened at National Col-lege of Arts the other day.
The exhibition was organised by the British Council Arts Pro-gramme and curated by Qudsia Rahim and Fazal Rizvi.
The exhibition titled ‘Migan-tegration’ is a celebration of inclusion, acceptance and mul-ticulturalism in a world that is exceedingly marked and differ-entiated by borders. The unique feature of the show was the two sides it presented. It carved out a poignant portrait of Scottish and Pakistani individuals and families who migrated and made either country their home.
The contributors of the exhibition were Verena Jaekel, a photogra-pher, Sana Bilgarami, a filmmaker, Romano Kareem, a researcher, and Taqi Shaheen, a filmmaker.
The exhibition included ‘A Scot-tish Family Portrait.’ In 2009, Verena Jaekel was especially com-missioned by the Scottish National Portrait Gallery to photograph prominent Scots of Pakistani heritage. This resulted in 14 fam-ily portraits representing 17 sitters and totaling 87 individuals on dis-play in the exhibition.
A film ‘Fragments of a Love Story’ was also screened. It is an especially commissioned film for the migration stories. The film
explores the story of Sana Bilgar-ami’s great-grandfather who came to Edinburgh from India to study medicine. A 100 years later, coinci-dentally, living in Edinburgh her-self, the director pieces together fragments of archive and fiction to tell the story.
‘The Isabella T McNair’ display used a slideshow of a selection of photographs from the National Galleries of Scotland collections to tell the story of a remarkable Scot-tish teacher who was principal of Kinnaird College, Lahore (1929-1950). The display also highlighted her achievements.
Fourteen portraits by Hal Bevan Petman (1894-1980), a British por-trait painter, were also a subject of great attraction for viewers at the exhibition. Petman came to the sub-continent in 1920s and made it his home. Graduated from the Slade School of Arts, Petman was a prolific painter. He has left behind a wealth of work spread all over In-dia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The exhibition presented the portraits he painted throughout his life, cur-rently in personal collection in La-hore, Karachi and Islamabad.
The Petman Girls, a documen-tary that immerses itself in the lives of old Pakistani women who were painted in their prime more than 40 years ago by the artist. Hal Bevan Petman was also part of the exhibition. Through their in-terviews, documentary acts as an open exploration of the artist be-hind the paintings. The documen-tary is directed by Taqi Shaheen with research and coordination by Romano Karim Yousaf.
MOnITORS REPORTISLAMABAD
Dr Ibrahim is one of the 12 success-ful professionals selected from the Middle East and North Africa region for the Young Global Lead-
ers Class of 2013 by the World Economic Fo-rum – the only Pakistani named from out-side Pakistan.
Dr Ali Adnan Ibrahim is an inspiration, in more ways than one. Yes, his credentials are impressive. And yes, he is one of the 12 successful professionals selected from the Middle East and North Africa region for the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2013 by the World Economic Forum – the only Pakistani named from outside Pakistan. However, accolades alone cannot harness the attention of a truly global fan base.
It is his passion to fight poverty, the unique perspective and insight he brings forth, that makes believers out of us – and out of the YGL selection committee.
Drawn from a pool of several thousand candidates, and chosen by a committee
chaired by Queen Rania alAbdullah of Jor-dan, Dr Ibrahim will attend the annual YGL summit in Yangon, Myanmar in June. The programme will include meetings with government representatives, the business community and civil society; first-hand experience of working with local organisa-tions; and workshops and cross-mentorship initiatives.
Today, Dr Ibrahim is a senior executive at one of the largest Islamic banks in Bahrain, specialising in economic development, fi-nance and Islamic banking. Seemingly, each step to get there required unrelenting deter-mination. He completed his initial law de-gree, focused on Shariah and Pakistan law, from the International Islamic University in Islamabad, and then went on to top law schools in the United States, supported by the Fulbright program as the first Pakistani to win the prestigious scholarship for law.
During his studies, Dr Ibrahim was in-vited to design and teach a course in Islamic finance law at Georgetown University’s law school, where he continues to be an adjunct professor of law. Since then, as a transac-
tional lawyer in global law firms, Dr Ibrahim worked on several multibillion dollar pro-jects, paying close attention to structuring large Islamic finance transactions.
However, despite his professional achievements within corporate landscape, it is his economic development initiatives for Pakistan and other developing countries that set him apart.
He has twice served as co-chair of the Is-lamic Finance Committee of the American Bar Association and currently serves as its senior adviser. He is also a member of the Bar in Pakistan, and an advocate of the Su-preme Court in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, his ideas on Islamic microfi-nance, finance, its regulation, and compara-tive corporate governance have been pub-lished internationally.
As a 2013 honouree, he remains commit-ted to using his global experience and recog-nition for the welfare of the financially chal-lenged, and contributing to the economic development of Pakistan.
So, yes, Dr Ibrahim is a YGL– a young global leader in every sense of the word.
Pakistani enters ranks of Young Global Leaders
migration, integration stories
Exhibition held on Pak-Scot milieu
BUREAU REPORT KARACHI
Civil society representatives have urged the govern-ments of India and Paki-stan to release the fisher-
men who had strayed into the waters of the other country, and their boats also be released.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club the other day, Mohammad Ali Shah of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), senior Indi-an journalist Jatin Desai and Karamat Ali of the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler) said that there were over 342 Indian fish-ermen in the Malir jail and over 297 Pakistanis, including 37 fishermen, in Indian jails.
They urged both governments to expedite the verification process
as many prisoners despite having served their jail terms languished in prison as the other country took long to verify their citizenship.
Mr Shah said that during the last one month around 40 Indian boats had been confiscated by the Maritime Security Agency of Pakistan, which involved over 100 fishermen, who were put behind bars in the Malir jail. The total number of Indian fishermen in the Malir jail had gone up to 342.
He said that according to data gath-ered from various sources, about 765 boats of Indian fishermen were rust-ing at the Karachi harbour, whereas over 200 boats of Pakistani fisher-men were being held by the Indian Coast Guards. He said most boats had been damaged or their parts stolen. There were reports that the govern-ment had recently auctioned some of the Indian boats, in violation of the
international laws and treaties.Mumbai-based senior journalist
Jatin Desai said that according to of-ficial data submitted to the Supreme Court of India, on Feb 12, 2013 a total of 297 Pakistanis were in Indian jails, including 37 fishermen. He said that according to the list submitted by the Indian government 35 Pakistanis had completed their sentences or there was no other offence registered against them, but they were in prison waiting for verification of their docu-ments by the Pakistan government. He said a large number of Pakistani fishing boats were lying in the Sau-rashtra region of the Gujarat state of India.
Karamat Ali referring to the pres-ence of 35 Pakistanis in Indian jails despite having served their sentences said the process of verification of citi-zens was quite cumbersome.
Call for release of fishermen held in India, Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Jeffery Feltman in a meeting with President Asif Ali Zard-ari at Aiwan-e-Sadr. DA
April 01-07, 2013
23
MOnITORS REPORTWASHInGTOn
The United States does not want to return President Zardari to power or block Nawaz Sharif or Imran
Khan from winning the forthcom-ing election, said a senior US official while talking to a group of Pakistani journalists at a recent diplomatic re-ception.
Other US officials are equally en-thusiastic in denying the general perception in Pakistan that the US government wants to influence the electoral process in Pakistan to bring in a friendly government.
Media reported earlier that US Secretary of State John Kerry skipped a planned visit to Pakistan this week to avoid accusations of m e d d l i n g
in the May 11 elections. Hours after Secretary Kerry landed in Kabul on an unannounced visit, a senior US official confirmed that he wanted to visit Islamabad as well but did not because Pakistan “enters a very his-toric period on this electoral process and we wanted to fully respect those institutions and the on-going pro-cess.”
US officials, while talking off the record, say that they are aware of “the conspiracy theories circulating in Pakistan” and regret that the Pa-kistani media “do little to dispel such baseless theories.”
At a recent briefing at the State Department, spokesperson Victo-ria Nuland also regretted that “the Pakistani people don’t have good
information” about US poli-cies towards their country
and stressed the “need to work harder to get
that message out.”The message
the United States wants to send out during the elec-tion season is “we have no favour-ites among Paki-stani politicians
and we are looking forward to work with whoever is
elected on May 11.”Secretary Kerry’s
decision to skip Paki-stan during his South
Asia visit is not the only indication of
Washington’s ea-gerness to main-
tain neutral-ity during the
elections.In her lat-
est brief-
ing on the Pakistani elections, Ms Nuland pointed out that although under the Kerry-Lugar arrangement, the US has set aside about $6.5 mil-lion for helping the electoral process, the fund remains unused because Washington awaits a request from Islamabad.
In private conversations, US of-ficials also dispel the Pakistani per-ception that the US believes Nawaz Sharif or Imran Khan have links to the Taliban and if they are elected, they will bring in the Taliban.
The US officials point out that Nawaz Sharif is a former prime min-ister. They have worked with him and do not equate him with religious extremists. Therefore, they will have no problem working with him again if he is re-elected.
Similarly, they do not see Imran Khan as a religious extremist either and will also be willing to work with him if he wins the election.
The US administration, the offi-cials say, will also have no problem working with a PPP-led government if it is re-elected. But as a Washing-ton think-tank – Centre for Strategic and International Studies – pointed out in a recent report, some Pakistani religious parties do alarm US policy makers. Yet, the Americans know that such parties are unlikely to get more than a handful of seats in the election.
They point out that groups like the Difah-e-Pakistan Council can con-tinue to raise noise against Pakistan’s partnership with the US in the war against terrorism but cannot be an effective player in the political arena. They also note that efforts to revive the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, which ruled the former Northwest Frontier Province from 2002 through 2007, have failed too. Maulana Tahirul Qadri has also failed to make much of an impact after the first rally that apparently shook Islamabad.
No favourites in Pakistani political arena: US
BUREARU REPORT LAHORE
The All Pakistan Business Fo-rum has suggested that the government should evolve an effective mechanism to
facilitate investments in the country and expatriates should be given maxi-mum incentives to win their trust.
“Expatriates are one of the biggest sources to boost economy of a coun-try. Overseas Chinese and Indians have made huge investment in their countries,” said APBF chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi in a statement the other day.
He said the government had failed to attract foreign investment, as the present process of approval of projects discouraged investors. The need of the hour was to work on a one-window system where the investor could be provided all necessary information and facilities.
He said the work on simplification of procedures should be started by revisiting existing processes without compromising on transparency so that the investors were comforted.
“If government serves its overseas
Pakistanis and take initiatives by pro-viding them incentives then they can play a vital role in boosting country’s economy through their remittances and investments for the socio-eco-nomic prosperity of Pakistan,” said Mr Hashmi who is also former chairman of the PAAPAM. He said that overseas Pakistani businessmen had always been keen to contribute towards the development of their homeland and they could invest in agriculture, trans-portation, telecom and energy sectors, which have huge potential.
Appreciating the right to vote for the overseas Pakistanis, Mr Hashmi also called for their representation in par-liament, as in this way, they would be-come ambassadors of Pakistan. They would not only remit their income but also pursue foreign investors to make investments in Pakistan, he added.
The APBF has already been provid-ing them a strong and credible plat-form providing information, joint ven-ture possibilities and interface with a host of sector experts.
The first APBF international chap-ter would be inaugurated next month in the United Kingdom followed by the UAE.
MOnITORS REPORTKABUL
Hamid Karzai’s former chief of staff has become the first major political figure to declare his intention to
replace the President as Afghanistan’s leader.
Omar Dawoodzai, the country’s ambassador to Pakistan, has said he is preparing to launch his campaign for the presidential elections due next year.
In an interview in his residence in Islamabad, Mr Dawoodzai said he would campaign on a manifesto of maintaining good relations with the West, anti-corruption reforms, eradi-cation of poppy growing and a shift of power away from the group of ageing former warlords who have run the country since 2001.
Mr Dawoodzai, 55, was named in a 2010 report, confirmed by Mr Karzai, as a recipient of bags of “aid” cash sent by the Iranian government to bank-roll the Afghan leader. But despite his strong links with Tehran, where he also served as an ambassador, he is viewed as a moderating influence by the West.
“We have done good things togeth-er in the past 11 or 12 years. There is
huge change and we have laid down foundations in many areas and that should continue but with very serious reforms,” he said.
“There would be zero tolerance in two areas - corruption and poppy growing. These two are the source of all evils, including terrorism.”
Candidates must declare their interest by September for the poll scheduled for April 5 next year. Mr Dawoodzai, who has to quit his official post when he formally declares, says he is happy to be considered “an op-tion” until then.
“I know what fate is waiting for people who become No 1 in Afghani-stan. But I have a national obligation and I’m under pressure from my con-science and like-minded people, and that pressure convinced me that I should agree to become an option for a candidate.”
Haroun Mir, an Afghan political analyst, said: “He is the sort of man who can attract support across eth-nic groups. In his 10 years or so in the palace he managed to avoid making enemies or taking extreme positions.”
A Western diplomat said NATO countries “wouldn’t be aghast” at a Dawoodzai presidency but expressed doubts about the strength of his grass-roots support.
Mechanism to facilitate investors stressedn Incentives for expats sought
Afghan ambassador Omar Dawoodzai to run for president
KARACHI: Japanese Consul General in Karachi, Akira Ouchi and others at the inauguration ceremony of water filtration plant. DA Bureau
April 01-07, 2013
24
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari the other day ex-pressed concern over com-munal riots in Myanmar and
called on his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein to prevent violence and protect the lives of the minority Mus-lim community.
In a letter to U Thein Sein, Zardari
said he was “deeply saddened” by a fresh wave of violence in Meiktila town of Mandalay region. He expressed the concern of the Pakistani people over the communal riots and the desecra-tion of places of worship.
“I am deeply saddened at the erup-tion of yet another wave of violence, this time in Meiktila town of Mandalay region, Myanmar. The people of Paki-stan are concerned at the recurrence of communal riots resulting in loss of life
and property as well as desecration of places of worship,” Zardari wrote in his letter.
While appreciating the Myanmar government’s efforts to defuse the situation, he said he had confidence in Thein Sein’s leadership in “restoring communal harmony that is so essen-tial for strengthening of the democratic process”.
“I request, as a friend of Myanmar, to kindly use all your resources to prevent
violence and protect the lives of minor-ity Muslim community. As you would kindly agree that peaceful co-existence of communities in Myanmar would be an essential element to make the tran-sition of democracy a success. Let me assure you that Pakistan fully supports your efforts to strengthen democracy in Myanmar,” he added.
Zardari wished the government and people of Myanmar success in restoring peace, stability and economic progress.
Zardari voices concern over myanmar riots
DA REPORTISLAMABAD
The caretaker chief ministers of the provinces, during a meeting with Prime Minister Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso here pledged to hold free and fair elections.
The meeting was held to discuss the holding of upcoming elections as well as the security situation in the provinces.
Justice Khoso briefed the chief ministers on his meeting with Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and assured them the army would remain alert and provide effective security during elections. The chief ministers exchanged notes on preparations for elections in their provinces.
The meeting was attended by Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Najam Sethi, Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Za-hid Kurban Alvi, Caretaker Chief Minister Khyber Pakh-tunkhwa Justice (retd) Tariq Parvez and Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai.
According to an official press release, the hour-long meeting took up a number of issues relating to the general elections. Justice (retd) Khoso told the chief ministers that the government was committed to holding timely, peaceful, free and fair elections. “General elections are a sacred trust of the people of Pakistan and we have to conduct them in an impartial and transparent manner,” the prime minister was quoted as saying. He said the chief ministers would have to play an important role in creating a conducive environment in which people could freely exercise their right to vote.
The prime minister assured the chief ministers that the federal government would provide all possible resources needed by the Election Commission of Pakistan for holding the elections.
The chief ministers informed Justice Khoso that they were giving final shape to arrangements to maintain law and order and ensure that political parties and candidates carried out their campaigns and enlightened people on their plans and programmes.
JUnAID YOUSAF IMAM ISLAMABAD
Former president and All Pa-kistan Muslim League Chief Pervez Musharraf lives in the hearts of the people of Islam-
abad, and all the cases against him are baseless, said All Pakistan Mus-lim League, Islamabad, Vice President Sardar Adil.
Talking to Diplomatic Affairs in an exclusive interview, he said people are facing extreme price hike now, while in the era of Musharraf prices of essential commodities were under control. He said poverty, unemploy-ment, price hike, terrorism and other crises have turned the life of masses miserable. The former president took numerous steps for the poor, he said,
adding that he worked for the rehabil-itation of the earthquake victims. He said people could not forget his ser-vices to the poor and the downtrod-den class of the society. He said Per-vez Musharraf’s decision to contest election from the federal capital was a pleasant development, add-ing that the work-ers of APML were united under the leadership of the former president. He said the 75 per cent of
minorities supported Pervez Mush-arraf. He said Pakistani people were waiting for the return of Pervez Musharraf since last five years, that was why people from across the country reached Karachi airport on his arrival. He said thousands of peo-ple had reached the airport to receive
Musharraf. He said Musharraf would never leave the country in the lurch. He said the interna-tional community respected Per-
vez Musharraf, and he is the only leader who could put the country
on the track of development. He said Musharraf would win elec-
tion on the basis of his performance, adding
that he was liked by the people of
Pakistan.
meeting with caretaker pm
Caretaker CMs vow fair polls n Khoso says govt committed to holding timely, peaceful, free polls
Musharraf to win polls on performance basis: Sardar Adil
