Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday expressed concern at violence against women in various parts of the country and asked the state governments to step up efforts to protect them. “Most of the women in our country also do not have a voice,” Singh said in his inaugural address at the fourth Chief Ministers’ Conference on [...]
Posts Tagged ‘Chief Ministers’
PM rules out clash among institutions
October 17th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – Ruling out the possibility of clash between the institutions, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that his Government would continue following the path of reconciliation with the aim to promoting the mutual respect amongst the state institutions.
Addressing the nation on Sunday evening, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said if the Government could work with Armed Forces and evolve consensus among the political forces then it could also work with judiciary to take the country forward and provide speedy justice to the masses.
Flanked by the Chief Ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, AJK Premier, Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, and Senior Ministers from Punjab and Sindh, Prime Minister Gilani said that the elected leadership from all the four provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan was sitting with him and it was the dividend of their policy of reconciliation. He, once again, reiterated his GovernmentÂ’s resolve to take all the stakeholders on board for the collective good of the people of the country.
He stressed the need for collective endeavour on part of the Government and judiciary for the provision of legal, social and economic justice to the people, for which his Government was ready to sit with judiciary to evolve some viable mechanism. “For provision of justice to people I am ready to take any step and whatever suggestion will come up in this regard, my Government will welcome it,” he added.
Referring to the false news about withdrawal of judgesÂ’ restoration notice, he said it was immediately denied by him and President Zardari too had termed it false but even then it was not accepted and it could be the violation of the principles of mutual respect among the institutions. And it was tantamount to insulting the very Office of Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that he had ordered inquiry into the news report that caused all the mess so that the nation might know who had conspired to harm the relations between the judiciary and the Government.
Recalling the release of judges soon after his nomination as the Leader of the House, Premier Gilani said, “If I announce restoration of the judges, it is accepted. Similarly, if I deny a news, then keeping in view the stature of the position, it too should be accepted by all forums.”
“If a false news is given preference over the words of the Prime Minister, it would be an insult to the stature of the Prime Minister,” he remarked.
“If the Government and judiciary take steps together then we can administer justice to the poor people of the country. We can counter forces of oppression. We can bring those to justice, who usurp rights of people.”
Gilani said that as a public representative, he understood the need of justice. He called for improvement in administrative and judicial system. He vowed to take every step for provision of justice to people and said the Government would welcome any suggestions in the cause of justice.
Premier Gilani reminded when he decided to restore judges through an executive order he was told that he could not do it and it would be a violation of the Constitution and the action could come under Article 6.
“But I did not listen to those voices. I did not give any importance to any danger and announced restoration of judges,” he said, adding, “I was also told that validation of Parliament was necessary for the Executive Order. I referred to this in one of my speeches that people were saying this to me but I stood by my decision. But this speech of mine was given different meanings. I made it clear at that time that I had not given my opinion but only explained the background in which I took that decision.”
The Prime Minister reminded the nation that they were living in a parliamentary democratic system, which stood on the principle of division (of power) and mutual respect. “This (democracy) teaches us respect for every state institution including judiciary, legislature, executive and media,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that this system also provided respect for the Armed Forces and law enforcing institutions, whose men sacrificed their lives for countryÂ’s defence; for executive, which maintained the countryÂ’s administrative affairs by working day and night; and for Parliament, which did legislation.
“The Prime Minister is said to be the Leader of the House in this system and deserves respect,” he added.
“The words of the Prime Minister, be it verbal or written, are respected. If he utters verbally that the house arrest of judges should be ended, they could not be kept confined. If he (the Prime Minister) announces the restoration of honourable judges, that is accepted,” Gilani said.
Shedding some light on his GovernmentÂ’s achievements, which he also attributed to their policy of reconciliation, Prime Minister Gilani said that they had brought the provinces together and consensus NFC Award was signed.
Similarly besides restoring the original shape of the Constitution, the passage of 18th Amendment had enhanced both the monetary and administrative powers of the provinces.
They in support of the provinces had declared war against price-hike and would come down hard on profiteers and hoarding mafias. He also announced the GovernmentÂ’s plan to reorganise eight public sector institutions so that their financial burden on the national exchequer could be reduced. He also referred to their efforts, which resulted in European Union allowing access to Pakistani goods in their markets.
He also gave a brief resume to the GovernmentÂ’s efforts for the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people and also thanked the international community, which had come all-out in aid to the Government of Pakistan in handling this calamity.
He, once again, reiterated his GovernmentÂ’s unflinching support to the people of Kashmir and said that they would continue highlighting the ongoing unprecedented programme of the innocent Kashmir people at the hands of Indian forces.
About the Accountability process he said that being a politician they were subjected to accountability at various stages: first at the time of their nomination papers with the returning officer where even a default of a utility bill could result in their disqualification; the second stage was public accountability who could vote them out; and the third stage was Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
He further said that they were working on mechanism of transparent accountability and as soon as the Parliament would evolve consensus on it, the same would be given the shape of law.
He said that they would complete their mandated term and would go to the court of masses in 2013 to seek their justice.
He also reiterated his partyÂ’s stance that they would continue to follow the path of politics of reconciliation to evolve harmony and cohesion among the state institutions and political forces.
BJPâ€s Arjun Munda to take oath as Jharkhand CM on Sept. 11
September 9th, 2010 |
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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP leader Arjun Munda will take oath as Jharkhand Chief Minister on September 11 along with Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren”s son Hemant Soren and All Jharkhand Students Union (AJSU) leader Sudesh Mahato, who will be sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers. It has been reported that Jharkhand Governor MOH [...]
NODMC set up to oversee aid
August 19th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Thursday, announced setting up of the National Oversight Disaster Management Council, comprising people of “impeccable character” to ensure transparency and distribution of aid for flood affected people.
Chairing a meeting of National Disaster Management Commission, attended by the four Chief Ministers, CJCSC, the Services Chiefs, federal and provincial ministers, Gilani said the council would immediately come into effect and he would personally monitor the transparent system.
“These respectable members of the council would ensure that the funds are distributed and utilised in a transparent manner and spent judiciously as per the requirements, without any discrimination to any area or province.” Premiere Gilani said. He said the National Oversight Disaster Management Council (NODMC) would come into effect immediately and its members and other details would be announced shortly, through consensus between federal and provincial governments. “Our government is fully committed to ensuring transparency and accountability. No one should contemplate depriving the suffering millions of what is due to them.” He said the actions of the government would be open to public scrutiny.
“Each penny that is collected in this rebuilding effort, will be spent most transparently and equitably.” He said the federal and provincial authorities would work out modalities of efficient utilisation of funds through the NODMC.
“The challenge we face is unprecedented and requires vision and commitment of an extraordinary nature.” The meeting was convened to take stock of the relief and rescue operations and to come to grip with the worst tragedy the country has faced, reviewed the overall situation in the country and the rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures being taken. He said the political leadership was united and fully aware of the depth of its responsibility.
He said the scale of the disaster was so large that it required joint efforts by the whole nation, the provinces and the federal government. Prime Minister Gilani said the “unprecedented floods” were beyond human imagination and affected over 14 million people in 132,000 sq kms, one million houses and 2.6 million acres of agriculture land in 71 districts. “It is feared that 3.5 million children in flood stricken areas risk falling sick from water borne diseases,” Gilani said. He mentioned his visit to many of the affected areas to witness the scale of tragedy and sufferings of the people. He said losses to communication infrastructure, irrigation system, livestock were beyond estimation.
“The scale of the challenge is enormous and we shall have to rebuild almost everything anew. The cost of rebuilding may reach billions of dollars,” Gilani said. He pointed that the tragic part of the distaste was that it struck the poorest and the militancy affected areas and has wiped out livelihoods of millions.
Gilani said the crisis was too big to be handled by conventional means and the government was mobilising the NGOs, volunteers and relief organisations. He said the government through the armed forces was helping the civil administration in distributing relief goods. He said relief hubs had been established to ensure better coordination, smooth handling and judicious distribution of goods. Prime Minister Gilani said the governmentÂ’s response was not merely limited to rescue and relief, but it was committed to long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction of the infrastructure.
In this regard work on Damage and Need-Assessment and registration of the affected people had already started. Prime Minister Gilani in particular mentioned the role of the country’s armed forces. “I salute the Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, which have risen to the challenge once again. They have won the hearts and minds of the people with courage, determination and professionalism.”
The Prime Minister recalled the flash appeal by UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon and hoped it would pre-empt a bigger human catastrophe with the mobilisation of the international community. “We will launch a massive national effort and build Pakistan brick by brick. We will ensure that the affectees and their children go back to their homes with complete security and have full access to health, education facilities and other services.”
National policy to fend off terror
July 5th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, in consultation with all the four Provincial Governments and AJK Government, has formally announced to convene All Parties Conference (APC) soon for evolving national strategy against the menace of terrorism.
Addressing an Inter-Provincial Conference held at PMÂ’s Secretariat on Monday to review law and order situation of the country, the Prime Minister said that all political and religious parties would be invited to attend the conference.
“As a first step we would like to convene a national conference to formulate a national policy on terrorism,” he said and added that all the major political parties of the country whether or not they were in the Parliament would be requested to participate in it and bring tangible suggestions to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from our society.”
The meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, Federal Ministers, Home Ministers of the provinces, Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, DG ISI, heads of law enforcement departments and other concerned high officials. Information Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mian Iftikhar attended the meeting on behalf of his Chief Minister who did not turn up owing to illness.
Premier Gilani said that the political and religious parties would be requested to give suggestions to tackle the menace of terrorism. He reiterated that neither the Federal nor the Provincial Governments alone could deal with this challenge. Therefore, he said, besides the Army and law enforcing agencies, the terrorism, sectarianism and ethnic divide need to be handled by the important pillars of the state including public representatives from the all political parties, religious leaders and civil society.
The Prime Minister said that after successful operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA, the terrorists were now targeting cities as soft targets and killing innocent people. He directed Federal and Provincial Governments to streamline and enhance sharing of intelligence information with one another.
The Prime Minister has also appealed to the nation to get united against terrorism and extremism, adding terrorists had no religion and nationality. He said that the Government was determined to completely eradicate terrorism and would never bow before terrorists, adding no one would be allowed to challenge the writ of the Government.
Condemning suicide attack on Data Darbar, Gilani said that the recent wave of terrorism was a matter of concern for entire nation, saying people of the country were in shock from Karachi to Gilgit-Baltistan after the attacks.
The meeting was convened in the aftermath of the twin suicide blasts at the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveeri alias Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore. The meeting thoroughly reviewed the security situation and more stern steps are likely to be taken to curb militancy.
PM unveils mega plan to arrest energy crisis
April 22nd, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – Taking the bull of energy crisis by horns, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced a number of measures including five-day working week in government offices, making the business centres, marriage halls and other commercial entities time-bound and slashing the power use in government offices by half with ban on use of air-conditioners before 11am.
The Prime Minister also announced end to unscheduled loadshedding and reducing the overall scheduled loadshe-dding by 30 per cent to give immediate relief to the general masses.
Giving the broad outlines of the decisions taken at the National Energy Conference, participated by all the four Chief Ministers participated along with their teams of technical experts, the Prime Minister said that it was the elected leadership of the country which came up with a comprehensive and consensus roadmap for the country to overcome the serious power crisis facing the country.
Flanked by all the four Chief Ministers and Federal Ministers of Water and Power, Information and Petroleum and Natural Resources, the Prime Minister dispelled the impression that the government was having the capacity to produce power but was not doing it owing to financial constraints and posed a question that how a government could take steps to create troubles for itself.
He was all praise for the Chief Ministers for coming up with a prudent proposals for both short-term and long-term measures to manage this crisis and assured the masses that their representatives were putting in their best to come up with a lasting solution to the problems.
Starting with the power conservation measures, the Premier said that all the government departments starting with Presidency, Prime Minister House, Governors offices and residence and down to all government departments half of the lights would remain off, however, only authorised officials would use air-conditioners and that too after 11am.
He further said that all government departments would observe two holidays a week and this decision would be reviewed by July end. All the markets would be closed after 8.00pm except the pharmacies, bakeries and hotels. The marriage halls would be restricted to hold functions in the evenings not exceeding three hours span.
The use of any sort of illumination was banned with the immediate power supply cut-off to neon-sign boards and other commercial displays and switching off every alternate streetlight was approved.
The Prime Minister also referred to 10 IPPs in the pipeline and by end of this year another 1300MW would be added to the main supply to ease down the power supply pressure.
Regarding the financial measures, Gilani announced settling the circular debt amounting to Rs 116 billion so that the burden on the power generation sector could be eased.
He also announced establishment of Energy Development Fund in collaboration with all the four provinces to enhance the power generation and explore other sources of energy including power generation with coal, wind and other sources. To launch the Fund the Prime Minister announced Rs 20 billion cede money.
About the medium and long-term measures, he said that a number of projects to generate hydro power projects which would add another 3000MW in the system while with coal another 15000 MW power would enter the system in due course of time.
Responding to a question, the Prime Minister said that during his visit to United States the focal point of his negotiations with Senator John Kerry, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other officials was the energy crisis and they had assured all help to Pakistan to overcome the crisis.
Adding to the response of the PM, Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf informed that some refurbishing of three power projects including Tarbela, Muzaffargarh and Jamshoro was underway with $120 million US assistance.
He further said that they had also asked the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to fulfil the pledges they made with Pakistan at the Tokyo Conference.
To a question about Kalabagh Dam, thePrime Minister Gilani said that they were not against the project but they wanted to have consensus among all the federating units and for that matter they would not go for any project which would hit the foundation of the Federation.
To another question, he said that they had signed an MoU with the Government of Germany to launch solar energy projects here in Pakistan.
Later, giving details of the decisions made at the three-day National Energy Conference, Pervaiz Ashraf refuted the perception of the public that the government is deliberately opted for loadshedding. “No government wants to earn the wrath of the public,” the minister said.
Talking about the recommendations of the summit, he informed that government offices would observe five-day working week adding the industries would announce alternative weekly offs till 31 July to meet electricity emergency. All the shops in commercial areas and markets would be closed after 08:00pm except pharmacies and bakeries shops and air-conditioners in government offices wouldnÂ’t be utilised before 11:00am and only grade 20 officers and above would be allow to use ACs.
The power supply to tube-wells would also remain off during the peak hours (7.00pm to 11.pm).
He also informed that electricity to billboards and neon-sign boards would be disconnected and these billboards could be lighted only through solar energy sources and streetlights would also be illuminated by alternative steps and by pursuing these steps approximately 314MW electricity would be conserved.
He added that 50 per cent less lights would be used in the government offices including those of the President and the PM.
The power quota to Karachi from Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has been slashed by 300 MW from 650 MW, he said. KESC would bridge this shortfall by commissioning the Bin Qasim Power Plant with furnace oil.
The Federal Minister further pointed out that five rental power plants would start functioning from next month adding that 183mmc additional gas supply to be provided to power sector and up to next year 750MW additional power supply would be included in the national grid.
He also acknowledged that unscheduled loadshedding was the biggest challenge for the government and announced that it would be abolished altogether while 33 per cent reduction in the scheduled load shedding would also be made.
Responding to a query, he said that the Punjab government has assured to pay its WAPDA dues within next few days, while KESC had also promised to deposit its dues.
To a question, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that the countryÂ’s power needs were increasing at the rate of eight per cent and by 2015 it would be requiring 36000MW while it would be able to produce 114000MW by year 2030.
To a question about getting electricity from Iran, the Federal Minister informed that the government of Pakistan had entered into an agreement with the Government of Iran in 2006 to secure 1000MW of power but it would take four to five years to commission this project.
Bill to strengthen institutions, not individuals: PM
April 6th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that the 18th Amendment Bill 2010 was not possible if President Asif Ali Zardari had not wanted to balance the powers between Presidency and Parliament.
Addressing the National Assembly, the Prime Minister said that it was the first time in the history of the country when President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, heads of the political parties and every institution of the country were standing united to omit the dictatorial amendments from the Constitution.
“Today all stakeholders are on one pitch. The President, the Prime Minister, Supreme Court and the Parliament are working in complete harmony and it is the biggest dividend of reconciliatory politics,” he said.
Prime Minister Gilani said 18th Amendment was a dividend of politics of reconciliation that would strengthen institutions and create balance of power between the President and the Parliament. He said the Government’s policy of reconciliation not only made Parliament achieve this great goal but also paved way for Aghaaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, NFC Award and consensus on fighting terror with full might. It was the politics of reconciliation that the nation stood united in war against terrorism and it was for the first time in the history of the mankind that 2.5 million IDPs were repatriated to their houses within three months,” he added.
He said that this Bill would not only ensure protection of human rights but would give maximum autonomy to the provinces. He said the Bill would also ensure smooth running of the state institutions within their ambit and stop any conflict between them. The Prime Minister said that the 18th Amendment is being made to restore sovereignty of the Parliament and the Constitution that would lead towards a strong democracy and viable Federation.
The Prime Minister was quite optimistic while saying that the Government with full zeal would work for resolving all problems being faced by the people in the next three years and it will not disappoint the nation. He expressed the confidence that 18th Amendment will further help galvanise the nation and the Government would work in harmony for stable economy and political system that would resolve the issues being confronted by the nation.
Referring to his resignation from the Junejo government, he said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto wrote his resignation. “I had resigned for restoration of democracy and today I am restoring the Constitution by removing amendments of dictatorial regimes. It is a divine arrangement,” the PM added.
He said Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif realised their past mistakes and jointly signed the Charter of Democracy (CoD) for restoration of real democracy in the country. “And these amendments constitute a number of those sections which were presented in COD,” he added.
“What we have today is a fruit of unity. No matter we are in government or in the opposition, let us pledge to stand united for supreme national interests,” the Prime Minister said and once again congratulated the Chairman and the members of the Constitutional Reforms Committee.
Later, the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010 was formally tabled in the National Assembly by the Advisor to Prime Minister and Chairman Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reforms Mian Raza Rabbani. He also gave it the first reading. Giving the reading to the bill, Rabbani said that it was a unique bill in the history of Pakistan, which transfers the powers to Parliament, repeals 17th Amendment, 58-2b, LFO, seeks to strengthen institutions and promotes good governance.
He told that in Article 59 of the Constitution number of seats in Senate has been increased from 100 to 104 senators and the new four senators one each from four provinces would be non-Muslim. He added that these would be elected by the members of each Provincial Assembly. However this shall be effective from the next Senate elections after the commencement of the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010, Rabbani elaborated.
He said that the responsibilities of the Senate have increased due to which Article 61 of the Constitution was amended and the working days of Senate were increased from 90 to 110 days.
He said that according to the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010, Article 92 of the Constitution has been amended and now it says that the total strength of the Cabinet including ministers of state shall not exceed than 11 percent of the total membership of Majlis-e-Shura (Parliament). The amendment shall be effective from the next general elections held after the commencement of the Constitutional 18th Amendment Act, 2010. In the provinces, Rabbani said that the cabinet should consist of fifteen members or eleven percent of the provincial assembly.
He added that according to the bill, the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers can have only five advisors while President would appoint governor on the advice of the Prime Minister. He said the Governor should be a registered voter and resident of the respective province, while substituting Article 104 of the Constitution, Speaker Provincial Assembly shall act as or perform functions of Governor in his absence and in the absence of Speaker too any other person, as the President may nominate, shall perform the functions of Governor until the Governor returns to Pakistan or, as the case may be, resumes his function.
He said that the recommended amendment of Article 161 says that the net proceedings of the Federal Excise Duty on oil levied at well-head and collected by the Federal Government shall not form a part of the Federal Consolidated Fund and shall be paid to the province in which the well-head of oil is situated. He added that in the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010, the Concurrent List has abolished maximum autonomy was given to the provinces.
He informed that the recommended substitution of Article 243 says that the President shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff, Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff and Chief of the Air Staff, and shall also determine their salaries and allowances.
MNAs Aftab Sherpao, Ehsan Iqbal, Ameer Muqam and Munir Khan Orakzai took part in the debate and congratulated the nation for the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010. However, Aftab Sherpao and Ameer Muqam expressed their concerns over the renaming of NWFP, while Munir Khan Orakzai said that despite promises from the President and the Prime Minister to double the budget of FATA in 2009-2010, only Rs 6 billion were given. He warned that the parliamentarians from FATA would not stand with Government in budget session if FATA was further ignored. However, all the political parties said that they would vote for the Constitutional 18th Amendment Bill 2010.
Punjabi Taliban backing TTP: Malik
March 17th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – The Government has decided to devise an inclusive strategy for provision of funds to cater financial and equipment requirements of the law enforcement agencies for their capacity building and to introduce Value Added Tax (VAT) to get the country out of the economic crunch.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira gave these remarks while addressing a joint press conference along with Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Wednesday. He was briefing the journalists after CabinetÂ’s specially called meeting to discuss the current law and order situation in the country.
The meeting was held at the Prime MinisterÂ’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani. Information Minister apprised the media persons that all the Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries as well as IGs of Police of the four provinces, Federal Ministers, Ministers of State, Advisors to the Prime Minister, Prime Minister of AJ&K, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan and Chief of General Staff GHQ attended the meeting.
About the VAT, he said that it was a justified as well as progressive tax and the Government had decided to introduce it in order to get the country out of its current economic crunch. “It is imperative to increase the resource base and VAT Law will be an important element of this effort,” he maintained.
He further said that it was agreed in the meeting that all the four provinces would introduce the Provincial VAT Bill 2010 in their respective Provincial Assemblies immediately, so as to enable their respective Finance Committees to deliberate the proposed law for its final disposal by June 2010.
Information Minister said that the meeting discussed the counterterrorism measures with special focus on inter-provincial efforts. He said that all the law enforcement agencies needed equipments as well as logistic facilities to fight the war against terrorism. He further informed that in this regard, PM had directed the Federal Interior Minister to devise a comprehensive strategy to assess equipment and logistic requirements of the laws enforcement agencies after deliberations with provincial governments as well as Ministry of Finance. After this, Interior Ministry would make recommendations to the Prime Minister for provision of funds to enhance the capability of law enforcement agencies, he added.
He further said the Government had to cut down its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) up to Rs 300 billion to spend more money on the war against terrorism and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). He said that PM had reiterated to protect the lives and property of the citizens and a national plan with precise strategy was being developed for making the cities and the towns safe for citizens. “Federal Government is providing every kind of support to the provinces to fight the war against terrorism as PM has categorically said that terrorists have no religion, ideology and country”, he maintained. He said that Government since its inception had adopted 3Ds policy and it had not stepped back of the process of dialogue.
The Minister for Interior while addressing the joint press conference said that the meeting had discussed the challenges they were facing on the war against terrorism, adding that the Government was trying its best to enhance the capacity of the law enforcement agencies, as they could not perform well without their capacity building.
He said that PM had appreciated the efforts of all the political parties, the civil society, the law enforcement agencies and media for their role to unite the nation on the war against terrorism.
To a question, he said that 90 percent terrorist attacks in the major cities of the country were carried out by banned out fits Lashker-e-Jhangvi and Sipah-e-Sahaba and he had directed the provinces to take strict action against these elements.
About the recovery of kidnapped child Sahil Naqash, he said that heavy ransom had been paid to recover the abducted child. To another question, he said that scanners were procured in transparent manner from China and a 13-member committee had reviewed the whole process of the purchase of scanners.
Our monitoring desk adds: Interior Minister Rehman Malik Wednesday warned the militant elements against their heinous acts in the country, saying a decisive operation would be conducted to wipe out the menace, reported a private TV channel on Wednesday.
He was addressing a news briefing accompanied by Federal Minister for Information and Broadcast Qamar Zaman Kaira after a special meeting held in Islamabad to review law and order situation prevailing in the country.
Pointing out to the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangwi and Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan, Rehman warned the extremist organisations to restrain from carrying out terror activities and said in case of their failure, a decisive operation would be carried out against them. “This is an ideological war; we must fight together,” said Malik.
“The Taliban are toeing foreign agenda in the country. 90 per cent of the terrorists have been flushed out from Punjab including Islamabad and soon our security forces will take them on.
Earlier, Rehman Malik briefed the cabinet about the law and order situation and the fight against terror and said Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was getting strength from Punjabi Taliban. According to the sources, the minister said the Al-Qaeda and the TTP were weakening Pakistan.
Sources say Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif informed the Cabinet about the progress made so far in investigation of recent suicide attacks in Lahore. The cabinet also discussed ways and means to formulate a joint strategy and improve intelligence sharing between the law enforcement agencies to cope with the current wave of terrorism in the country.
Agencies add: The Federal Cabinet, which met Wednesday with Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in chair, reiterated the commitment to fight terrorism with full force to ensure peace and stability in the country.
The cabinet discussed ways and means to enhance capacity of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to combat terror.
Later briefing the newsmen at the Press Information Department,
Interior Minister Rehman Malik said all available resources would be utilised to enhance the capability of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to uproot extremism and terrorism from the country.
He said Prime Minister Gilani had issued directives to the Interior Ministry to work out a comprehensive plan in consultation with all four provinces for enhancing the capability of law enforcers.
Malik said the federal government would provide sufficient funds to the provincial governments for imparting advanced training to the LEAs personnel to improve their efficiency, adding that educated personnel were being appointed in the police with handsome salaries and facilities.
He said the government was determined to flush out terrorists from the society and would not allow the anti-state elements to succeed in their nefarious designs to de-stabilise the country.
He paid tributes to Pakistan Army for timely and effective action against terrorists in Swat and FATA, adding that the government writ had been established in the areas due to the sacrifices rendered by Army.
Malik informed that the terroristsÂ’ network had been dismantled in Swat and FATA areas.
To a question he said 90 per cent terrorists involved in subversive activities belong to different banned organisations.
He declared the prevailing law and order situation much better than the la3t two years.
Replying to a question, Malik said the government had evolved an effective strategy against the factories, involved in misuse and illegal purchase of explosive material.
He thanked religious leaders for issuing edict against suicide attacks after which, according to him, many would-be suicide bombers had changed their minds and ran away from the troubled areas.
He urged the media to report banned organisationsÂ’ activities if they notice anywhere in the country.
Kaira said terrorism was a problem for the whole nation and consensus was a prerequisite for a success against the extremists.
He said the prime minister made it clear that the terrorists had no religion, without any geographical boundaries, and they were the enemies of Pakistan and the humanity.
Yes, my lord!
February 17th, 2010 |
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ISLAMABAD – An alarming deadlock between the Government and the apex judiciary on Wednesday appeared to be over when the former yielded to latter’s advice for appointment of three judges in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
After over three-hour long meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told media people at the PM House that the consultation process was “meaningful as we evolved a consensus over the judges’ appointment.”
According to the Prime Minister, a new notification would be issued later tonight (Wednesday) for appointment of Justice Saqib Nisar and Justice Asif Saeed Khosa from the Lahore High Court (as permanent) and recently retired Justice Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday (as ad hoc for one year) judges of the Supreme Court. The Prime Minister said that the “new notification would supersede the earlier notification” of February 13 that had elevated Justice Khawaja Sharif Chief Justice Lahore High Court, besides appointing Justice Saqib Nisar as Acting Chief Justice of LHC to trigger the alarming crisis of checks and balances.
Similarly, the Prime Minister said after going through detailed consultation with the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Government would also be expediting the appointment of the Punjab and Sindh High CourtsÂ’ judges as per the recommendations of the respective Chief Justices, the Chief Ministers, and the Governors. Lahore High Court is having 36 vacancies, Sindh High Court has 22 vacant posts of the judges, Peshawar High Court needs appointment of nine, and Balochistan High Court has five vacancies.
To a question about the Government’s dillydallying about the implementation of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) case, he said, “As I have already said that we would implement all decisions of the apex court.”
Answering another question, the Prime Minister turned down the impression that President Asif Ali Zardari was not in unison with him. “We belong to the same party and we cooperate with each completely,” he said. “This is not true that I don’t have the backing of the President on any issue,” he added.
To a question about the judicial activism, he said, “Yes not only judicial activism but media activism also exists and we take it positively. Now on we would also seek advice from the media.”
Asked about the Opposition’s criticism, he said, “It was the duty of the opposition to point out mistakes of the Government, therefore, we should not be criticising them in turn.”
Meanwhile a press released by the PM House termed the meeting as part of the consultative process for the appointments in the superior judiciary, which has to be participatory, and consensus-oriented. “As a consequence of the meeting, it was decided that in supersession of earlier notification, Mr. Justice Khawaja Muhammad Sharif shall remain the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court and three judges are being appointed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan: Justice Saqib Nisar, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, and Mr. Justice Khalil ur Rehman Ramday (Ad hoc),” it added.
According to the press release, “The process for the elevation of judges in the Lahore High Court and the Sindh High Court have been finalised and the notification in this regard is being issued today after observing procedural requirements.”
The meeting took stock of institutional framework as enshrined in the Constitution and it was reiterated that the rule of law forms the basis for the functioning of all the state organs to ensure greater welfare of the people. It was agreed that in order to achieve this goal, the process of consultation among the pillars of state should be constructive and meaningful. It was felt that judiciary would be further strengthened to provide cheep and immediate justice to the public at their doorsteps.
“The Chief Justice of Pakistan said that the judiciary would continue to play its role for upholding the Rule of Law and constitution to strengthen the democratic system for the greater glory of Pakistan,” the press release added.
Earlier, when the Chief Justice came out with the Prime Minister, he gave a smile to the media people and wanted to proceed towards his car in the porch of the PM House. But the video cameras were installed right in his way. A journalist tried to exploit this situation and asked the Chief Justice loudly and repeatedly, “Mr Chief Justice when are you going to the Presidency?”
The Chief Justice remained mum as the Prime Minister bailed him out by saying, “Let me see him off and then I’ll talk to you.”
Consensus over NFC Award
December 11th, 2009 |
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LAHORE – The longstanding issue of 7th National Finance Commission (NFC) Award was resolved amicably in the Punjab capital on Friday, as the Chief Ministers of Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan termed the Punjab as a sincere elder brother, offering special thanks to Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif for showing grace in acceptance of their demands.
The Chief Ministers of all the four provinces congratulated the nation on this occasion, terming the decision a ‘historic move’ for promoting harmony and solidarity among the federating units.
Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Ministers of Balochistan, NWFP and Sindh unanimously said, “the credit goes to Punjab for resolving the longstanding issue and indeed Punjab is our sincere elder brother.” One NFC me-mber said Shahbaz had secured man-of-the-match award for playing key role in settling the longstanding issue.
The issue of NFC Award had been lingering on for the last 19 years, which has now been resolved with unanimity and owing to accommodating approach of the Punjab province. However, the federation has made historic sacrifices over the division of national resources among the provinces. The federation too has raised the provinces share by 8.5 per cent.
According to the new NFC formula, the provincial share of the divisible pool in the vertical distribution has been increased from the present 47.5 per cent to 56 per cent in the first year of the NFC and 57.5 per cent in the remaining years of the Award.
In another development, the federal government considering it a provincial subject has allowed the provinces to collect Sales Tax on Services at their own. Long standing demand of Sindh, NWFP and Balochistan to distribute the divisible pool according to multiple indicators has been accepted. The NFC expressed its special thanks to the government of Punjab for showing generosity in acceptance of this demand. “The federation and the provinces reciprocated to the spirit of accommodation shown by each in reaching an amicable agreement on vertical and horizontal distribution of resources for the purpose of the 7th NEC Award,” Federal Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin told reporters while addressing a news conference at Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, CM Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, CM NWFP Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, CM Balochistan Nawab Muhammad Aslam Khan Raisani, PML-N leader Senator Ishaq Dar, ANP leader Bashir Bilour, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, finance ministers of the four provinces, finance secretaries, and members NFC were also present on this occasion besides provincial ministers and MPAs. Tarin further said that the share of Punjab in the divisible pool would be increased from the present Rs 419 billion to Rs 471 billion in the first year of NFC while it would be increased to Rs 938 billion in the remaining years of the NFC Award. Similarly, he said that the share of Sindh would be enhanced from the present Rs 197 billion to Rs 223 billion in the first year of the NFC and it would be increased to Rs 445 billion in the remaining years of the Award.
The share of NWFP province in the divisible pool will be increased from the present Rs 118 billion to Rs 133 billion in the first year of NFC and it will go to Rs 265 billion in the remaining years of the Award. The share of Balochistan will be increased from the present Rs 53 billion to Rs 83 billion in the first year of the NFC while it will be increased to Rs 165 billion in the remaining years of the NFC in the divisible pool.
Tarin further said that the federal government recognised the need of the provinces for a larger share in the divisible pool since provinces are assigned the task of provision of basic services like health, education, water supply and sanitation.
Divisible pool: The size of the divisible pool has been increased in the interest of national solidarity and provincial harmony. Federal government shall make major efforts to boost tax revenue. In addition the divisible pool will be increased by reducing the collection charges from 5% to 1%.
Sales Tax on Services: NFC recognised that sales tax on services is a provincial subject under the Constitution of Pakistan, and may be collected by respective provinces, if they so desire.
War on terror: The federal government and all the four provinces recognised the role of NWFP as a frontline state against war on terror. The federal government reiterated its commitment to bear all expenditures incurred on the war on terror. However, as a gesture of support by all provinces and the Federation, 1% of the total divisible pool has been earmarked for NWFP as an additional resource for war on terror during the Award period. This would be equivalent to 1.83% of the provincial pool.
Vertical distribution: The provincial share of the divisible pool will increase from the present 47.5% to 56% in the first year of NEC and 57.5% in the remaining years of the Award.
Horizontal distribution: The discussions among provinces on horizontal distributions of the divisible pool were held in a spirit of utmost cordiality and accommodation. All the four provincial Chief Ministers actively participated in the discussions.
According to the new formula, the federation and the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and NWFP accepted the special needs of Balochistan and agreed to provide Balochistan Rs 83 billion (9.09 %) of the provincial pool in the first year of the award.
Any shortfall in this amount would be made up by the federal government from its own resources. This arrangement for Balochistan would also remain protected through the remaining four years of the Award.
Sindh would receive an additional transfer of Rs 6 billion from the federal government, which is equivalent of 0.66% of the provincial pool.
The multiple indicators and their respective weights as agreed upon were as follow: population 82.0 per cent, poverty/backwardness 10.3 per cent, revenue collection/generation 5 per cent and Inverse Population Density (IPD) 2.7 per cent. After giving effect to the special needs of Balochistan and application of the aforesaid multiple indicators, the final percentage share of the Punjab will be 51.74 per cent, Sindh 24.55 per cent, NWFP 14.62 per cent and Balochistan will be 9.09 per cent.
Delhi Metro to arrive in Noida
November 12th, 2009 |
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Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will today add another feather to its cap with the start of its metro service till Noida in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The Yamuna Bank- Noida Sector 32 line connecting Delhi with Noida will be inaugurated today.
This new route will be unlocked for passengers from tomorrow.
The DMRC aspires to add 53,000 new [...]
Tribals areas can’t be developed under shadow of gun: PM
November 4th, 2009 |
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In a clear message to Maoists, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said no sustained economic activity is possible under the shadow of gun in tribal areas where decades of alienation is taking a “dangerous” turn.
He said there has been a “systemic failure” in giving tribals a stake in the modern economic processes and emphasised [...]
‘Empowerment of tribals is necessary for equitable growth’: PM
November 4th, 2009 |
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Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said that empowerment of tribals is necessary for equitable growth of the country.
Inaugurating a the two-day conference of Chief Ministers in the New Delhi, Dr. Singh called upon state governments to include tribals participation in forest conservation efforts.
Dr Singh also said that Tribals should be part of the [...]
PM to chair Ganga River Basin Authority meet today
October 5th, 2009 |
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Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will chair the first meeting of the Ganga River Basin Authority (GRBA) here today.
Chief Ministers of States through which the Ganga flows such as Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh will hold a discussion on ways to clean up the river.
The issue of roping in international financial institutions to fund the cleaning [...]
Govt exposes itself on sugar
September 17th, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD – The federal as well as the provincial governments resolved here on Thursday to become party with the sugar millers in the latterÂ’s appeal before the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the Lahore High Court orders to sell sugar at Rs 40 per kg.
Consequent upon the apex courtÂ’s upholding the LHC order, the Prime Minister summoned the provincial Chief Ministers, concerned federal ministers, and other relevant outfits of the state to handle the sugar imbroglio.
“The meeting unanimously decided that Honourable Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan would approached by the Federation and all the four provinces (collectively),” stated a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s staff after the meeting.
Sources privy to the meeting told TheNation that the four provinces have apprised the meeting, with the Prime Minister in the chair, that they were unable to ensure the sale of sugar at the price allowed by the LHC. Therefore, the federation and the federating units were left with no option but to approach the apex court in a bid to appeal against LHC decision upheld by the Supreme Court, the sources added.
Earlier the statement added that the federal and the provincial governments would apprise the apex court of the true state of affairs. It further stated that circumstances on the ground culminated in the decision arrived at by the government of Pakistan in conjunction with the provincial governments while fixing the sugar price, which had escalated disproportionately and was on the rise.
The meeting further resolved that the difficulties would be specifically highlighted towards the implementation of the decision of the Lahore High Court.
The meeting decided that to provide adequate and uninterrupted supply of sugar on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, immediate remedial steps would be required for which appropriate application is being submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on September 18, 2009.
Other than Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah those attended the meeting include Shaukat Fayaz Ahmad Tarin, Minister for Finance; Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum; Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Minister for Food & Agriculture; Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Minister for Industries and Production; Muhammad Afzal Sandhu, Minister of State for Law and Justice; Sardar Latif Khosa, Attorney General of Pakistan; Naeem Kamran, Minister for Food Punjab; Muhammad Shuja Khan, Minister for Food NWFP; Ali Madad Jatak, Minister for Food Balochistan; Chief Secretaries of all the four provinces; Secretaries of Commerce, Finance, Food & Agriculture, Industries and Law; Secretary, Food Sindh; Secretary, Industries Punjab; Secretary, Food Punjab; Khawaja Haris, Advocate; Chairman, TCP and Managing Director, Utility Stores Corporation.
PM concerned over low conviction rate of cases under SC/ST Act
September 8th, 2009 |
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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday expressed concern over low conviction rate of persons involved in carrying out atrocities against schedule castes and schedule tribes.
Speaking during inauguration of a conference of state ministers of welfare and social justice at New Delhi on Monday, Prime Minister Dr. Singh said:
“Reports of atrocities against SCs, STs and senior [...]
President holds ‘hawks’ back
September 1st, 2009 |
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ISLAMABAD – Following the waving of olive branch from Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) during its meeting held at Raiwind, Pakistan PeopleÂ’s Party leadership after a brief meeting at Awan-e-Sadr Tuesday night also decided to observe restraint and stay away from indulging in blame-game.
Though there was no official word about the meeting of PPP leaders held at Awan-e-Sadr, the sources in the party disclosed that partyÂ’s Secretary General Jahangir Badr, Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Qaira, MNA Farahnaz Isphahani and some other senior party leaders were called by President Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the controversy triggered by some former secret agencies operators implicating the mainstream politicians in dirty power game in the past.
Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar denied occurrence of such meeting but the sources in the party insisted that the senior party leaders were summoned by President Zardari to discuss the controversy.
The sources further said that it was on the directives of the President that Premier Gilani had contacted Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on telephone from Libya and requested him to stop his party men from issuing provocative statements and assured him that PPP leaders would also avoid commenting on these thorny issues of the past.
The sources said that Jahangir Badr and Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Qaira were strongly against indulging in the blame game and said that it would cause irreparable loss to democracy and democratic institutions in the country.
They said that instead of trading harsh statements with PML-N, with which they were also sitting in the coalition government in Punjab, the people behind the whole drama should be exposed.
They further said that the people behind all this could not be democratic or patriotic to the country as the whole exercise was aimed at destabilizing the incumbent political dispensation.
The sources further disclosed that it was decided in the meeting that all the party MPs and office-bearers would be barred from giving statements on the issue and only the party spokespersons and Federal Minister for Information would issue partyÂ’s point of view if and when required on the subject.
APP adds: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday called the Chief Minister Punjab and President PML-N Shahbaz Sharif from Tripoli (Libya) to express his serious concern over the exchange of accusations between some of the leasers of PML (N) and PPP and urged for restraint from giving provocative statements.
He said that democratic forces should not fall prey to the conspiracy of those elements whose even intentions are to derail this system. Welcoming the call from PML (N) Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to stop vilification campaign against each other, he said that we should join hands to foil attempts of destabilisation of political environment for the sake of democracy.
The Chief Minister also apprised the Prime Minister about the current status of availability of sugar and atta. The Prime Minister directed the Chief Minister to make all possible efforts for ensuring the availability of sugar, atta and other essential food items at affordable prices.
The Prime Minister accepted the Chief MinisterÂ’s proposal to hold a meeting of all the Chief Ministers to discus the issues of national importance.