Share

THE MESSAGE OF MQM IS SPREADING AMONG THE  POOR AND DEPRIVED CLASSES: ALTAF HUSSAIN LONDON,Founder and Leader of Muttahida Quami Movement(MQM) Mr Altaf Hussain has said that the message of the MQM was spreading among the poor and deprived segments of the population in spite of negative propaganda and conspiracies of the opponents. People belonging to the working class and hailing from diverse ethnic backgrounds were being attracted towards the MQM for their rights. He said this while talking to the workers of the PIA Unit of the MQM in International Secretariat of the party.Workers of the PIA Unit informed Mr Hussain that the presence of the unit had increased to all the stations of the PIA throughout the country. The union supported by the MQM in the CBA elections had bagged 1800 votes from the stations in all four provinces including Karachi and had come on third position. This indicated that workers belonging to all nationalities were supporting the MQM.Mr Hussain applauded the workers and office-bearers of the PIA Unit and said that the message of the MQM could not be stopped from reaching the people. People belonging to the poor and middle classes had realized that the MQM was genuinely sincere to their cause. He asked the workers to work full commitment and they would succeed in the CBA elections in future.   FUNCTION OF HAMDARD NAUNEHAL ASSEMBLY KARACHI CHAPTER HELD Karachi,A function to discuss the theme: “Training of children and youths and role of educational institutions” was held on Thursday May 17, 2012, comprising recitation of verses of Holy Qura’n, na’at, speeches, skit and dua-i-said, at a local hotel.Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Sadia Rashid, President, Hamdard Foundation Pakistan said that knowledge was a part of our faith and the first revelation of holy verses on Prophet (p.b.u.h) explained that acquiring knowledge was incumbent upon every Muslim. Education, indeed, was the foundation of development and progress of any nation and that’s why the first conference of Pakistan, called by the founder of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was on education and Quaid-i-Azam and Hikim Said always emphasized on the spreading of education and dissemination of  knowledge in the nation, she added.She further said, our youths could only be able to materialize the dreams of great Pakistan of Quaid and Hakim Said if they are equipped with quality education. So it was the foremost duty of educational institutions to impart purposeful quality education, based on mental and moral training, she added. Nusrat Nasarullah, the Chief guest and seasoned journalist while addressing the gathering of children said that the teachers and the parents too were not playing their due roles in proper training and education of the children. There was no play grounds in countless schools even in Karachi, how they could be able to give physical training to their students, which was equally as important as mental training, he lamented.The West didn’t want our educational system to be indigenous and wanted to set it according to its requirements, he said, adding that several systems of education were running and creating class differences in our country.Commending children’s speeches he said that the speeches were based on mature thinking and it showed that the future of children and Pakistan was saved and bright. Hakim Muhammad Usman, Dy. Director Programmes, Hamdard demanded that the Chief Minister of Sindh should immediately decide and announce about the  summer vacation in Sindh to end the confusion among teachers, parents and students.Child speakers also spoke. Participants of the function congratulated Masud Ahmed Barakati, editor, Hamdard Naunehal on receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ on his long time editorship of the children’s magazine.   SHARMILA WELCOMES SUMMER VACATION  IN JULY & AUGUST Karachi,Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh Ms. Sharmila Faruqui has appreciated the decision regarding summer vacation in July and August. In her statement issued on Friday she said that it would enable the parents, teachers and students to have smooth Ramazan and summer vacation in July and August. It would also save students time because due to monsoon rains the students suffered. She said that the decision was on time and Chief Minister Sindh and education department both should be \given credit. She added. ‘Now it is the duty of teachers, students and parents as well to concentrate on studies and make the most of it,’   Gillani Khappey Rally from PPP secretariat to Karachi Press Club tomorrow.  KARACHI: Peoples Youth Organization Karachi Division to stage historic “Khappey Khappey Gillani khuppey Rally" tomorrow 19th May at 3pm from Peoples Secretariat to Press Club, in favor of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani.This was announced by President PYO Karachi Division Mr. Rauf Nagori, in a statement issued here on Friday.  He said that the rally will set a new record for Pakistan Peoples Party's history. He said the party Jiyalas, by staging a historic rally, will once again show the true picture to the PML-N leadership. He appealed to all youth of Karachi to foil the conspiracies against the democracy by participating in the 19th May rally.   Enhanced trade only strong incentive against Pak, India  tensions.Tariq Mehmood Islamabad,The Attock Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Friday said enhanced trade is emerging as a strong incentive against war between Pakistan and India.The two countries have missed many opportunities in last 65 years before a formal trade deal which can reduce tensions and cut defence budgets to benefit masses, it said.Economic ties can flourish despite unresolved political conflicts which can transform region into nuclear wasteland, said Tariq Mehmood, President ACCI while speaking to business community. India and China have many disputes, both countries have fought wars but they have also set a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2015, he said.Similarly, China considers Taiwan as a province, both have history of near war situation since six decades but at the same time their bilateral trade crossed $175 billion mark.; investments of Taiwanese in China surpasses USD 200 billion.French and English fought for centuries, eventually to become good business partners like US and Vietnam. Tariq, who is Chairman FPCCI Standing Committee on Health and Director Pak-UK Business Council, said trade help can run both nuclear armed countries out of military options. External forces like US lack will or capacity to resolve disputes therefore we must sit together to hammer out issues, he added.He said that too much focus on nationalism and security has deprived two countries of many benefits while India remained deprived of access to Central Asia.Enhanced trade shouldn’t be confused with compromise on political disagreements. Norway and Russia continued trade for four decades despite border dispute and we should also follow the suit, he said.Tariq said that time has come when lobbies in both countries stop supporting outrageous investments in defence at the cost of health and education.   NATO route reopening not only for supplies but for  withdrawal alsoUS using NATO as a tool to  ensure global hegemony The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Friday said that US impatience to reopen NATO supply route in not only for resumption of supplies of non-lethal hardware.It seems that US is in a hurry to withdraw troops from Afghanistan as it can have a negative impact on Obama in the election year.War in Afghanistan has already dented credibility and economy of America beyond repair; further losses will be intolerable for the US electorate, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.NATO wants minimum losses in the largest and most complex withdrawal in the history of modern military conflict which seems very difficult, he said. Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that safe withdrawal of some ninety thousand US troops and 60 billion dollar of equipment is a matter of great concern for White House as no army has ever left Afghanistan without sustaining heavy losses, he said.Pulling out of Afghanistan will take years and it may prove more difficult than pouring in the equipment in that difficult terrain.He said that retreating troops may face unanticipated hurdles, unseen enemies and unruly locals on their way back home.It may require more than a summit to ensure safe return of soldiers, private contractors and costly equipment, said Dr. Mughal.United States should stop using NATO as a tool to ensure its global hegemony.   SHEIKH SHAKIL AHMED DHINGRA, ACTING  PRESIDENT FPCCI Karachi,Sheikh Shakil Ahmed Dhingra, Vice President FPCCI, will be the Acting President of FPCCI, from May 18 to May 27, 2012, during official visit abroad of Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani, President FPCCI.Sheikh Shakil Ahmed is a prominent businessman of Pakistan and represents Pakistan Pharmaceutical Importers Association on the Executive Committee of FPCCI. He has also served as Chairman of FPCCI Standing Committees on Liaison with FBR, Sales Tax and Customs.   COMPUTERIZED LAND RECORDS SERVICES BEING PROVIDED THROUGH ESTABLISHMENT OFSERVICES CENTERS IN 10 TEHSILS THROUGHOUT PUNJAB LAHORE,The spokesman of Board of Revenue, Punjab said that 10 service centers have been established under computerization of land records project. Thereby, efficient and transparent land records services are being provided to the owners and right holders though service centers established in Tehsil Kasur, Lodhran, Lahore Saddar, Cantt, Model Town, Shalimar, Hafizabad, Pindi Bhattian, Mundi Bhauudin and Jehlum. Whereas five more service centers will be operationalized by end of June 2012 in Tehsil Dunyapur, Malikwal, Phalia, Dina and Sohawa, he added.The spokesman further said that entry of land records in progress in other tehsils. However, the complexity land records and numberous inherent errors found in land records during data, on daily basis adversely effect the pace as the process of data validation and correction of errors by the revenue staff is quit time consuming.It is pertinent to mention that as per the instruction from Chief Minister Punjab the performance of districts regarding data verification and error correction will be evaluated. Instructions in this regard have been passed on to all the districts. Thereby every measure is being taken to establish and error free land records database.   FPCCI TRADE DELEGATION LEAVES FOR SAUDI ARABIA Karachi,A high powered Trade Delegation under the leadership of Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani, President, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) left for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today with the aim to explore the opportunities and enhance the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the two brotherly countries.The delegation of FPCCI consists of leading businessmen and industrialist from Construction sector, Food Items, Auto Spare Parts, Importers and Exporters of General Commodities, Readymade Garments, Home Textiles, Leather, and Manufacturers of PolypropyleneBags.The FPCCI delegation in the first phase will be in Riyadh from May 18-20, where it’s scheduled to meet H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Saud, Deputy Minister Water and Power, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and a briefing session at Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Gulf Investment Forum. The delegation will leave for Medina to attend a meeting with Medina Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The delegation also has meetings with Makah CC & I, Jeddah CC & I, and an important meeting with Assistant Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and with the representatives of Islamic Development Bank (ITFC and ICT) respectively.Ambassador of Pakistan in Riyadh Mr. Naeem Khan, Mr. Sarfraz Ahmed, Commercial Minister and Pakistan Investors Forum will host dinner and lunch receptions in the honour of the FPCCI delegation. While departing to Saudi Arabia Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sheerani, President FPCCI expressed deep attachment and said that this high level business visit is a reflective of the great warmth and depth of the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He further stated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain good trade relations and this is increasing with the passage of time. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is amongst the top 20 major export destination of Pakistan. Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sheerani also told that more interaction is required at the level of the business communities to bring qualitative and quantitative improvement in bilateral trade.  He informed that first session of the Pak-Saudi Business Council (JBC)  was held in Riyadh during the year 2003 and the second session was held at Islamabad in February, 2005 since then no meeting of JBC was held. We are visiting Saudi Arabia with the aim to convince our counterparts to host the next session of the JBC which is long overdue during this year in Saudi Arabia.       SHEIKH IMTIAZ AHMED APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN  OF FPCCI STANDING COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES  Karachi,President FPCCI Haji Fazal Kadir Khan Sherani has appointed Sheikh Imtiaz Ahmed as Chairman of FPCCI Standing Committee on Fisheries for the year 2012. Sheikh Imtiaz Ahmed is the Executive Committee Member of FPCCI, Managing Director  Eastern Fishing Company (Pvt) Limited and Chief Executive of Zeelaf Hotel & Restaurant, Jhelum . He is a prominent businessman of Pakistan .   Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani  called on Prime Minister Islamabad,Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Senator Moulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani, called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani at PM’s House today, who was accompanied by Syed Matiullah Agha, Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Senator Hafiz Hamad Ullah, Haji Muhammad Nawaz, Provincial Minister for BDA, Balochistan and Maulana M. Sarwar Nadeem, Provincial Minister for Labour Balochistan.The Chairman CII apprised the Prime Minister about the working of the Council of Islamic Ideology since his assuming the Chairmanship.While discussing the political situation of the country, Maulana Muhammad Khan Sheerani said that there was difference between the Court and the Opposition and his support to the Prime Minister in the Senate was based on the principles aimed at to strengthen parliamentary democratic practices in the country.The Prime Minister appreciated the support of the JUI (F) Senator adding that although his party was in opposition.    CDCP recognized for establishing sustainable cash transfer system for disaster response Islamabad,A mid-term review workshop was organized on May 17 and 18, 2012 by the country’s largest humanitarian program, the Citizens’ Damage Compensation Program (CDCP) which is managed by the Cabinet Division, Government of Pakistan. CDCP is the Government’s apex program operating the most trusted compensation instrument for the flood affectees of 2010 – the Watan Card.  Recognized for establishing a credible cash transfer mechanism for disaster management through a magstripe debit card, CDCP has set the scene for a sustainable future disaster management system in Pakistan.The Chief Guest, Ms. Nargis Sethi, the Cabinet Secretary, reiterated all-out political and institutional support from the Government of Pakistan for the program and acknowledged the contributions of the development partners including USAID, the World Bank, UKaid and the Government of Italy. She further highlighted that this Program has been a model of an effective public-private partnership between national and international organizations. She said that the Program represents the continued commitment of the Government to undertake all possible measures to support early recovery of its disaster-affected population.Mr. Ali Arshad Hakeem, Chairman NADRA was also present and assured further technical support and innovative solutions for efficient and transparent delivery of cash grants to the beneficiaries. More than 7.8 million households have already been enrolled in the program, which has disbursed 26 billion rupees to date. 97% of beneficiaries have withdrawn cash. The remaining eligible beneficiaries are being enrolled through the Program’s grievance redress system to ensure that the cash transfers reach all.Spread over two days, the mid-term review workshop provided an opportunity for all the stakeholders to reflect and deliberate on the cash transfer program and address areas of concern including those identified by the members of the Federal Cabinet, particularly regarding Sindh and Balochistan, during a presentation made by the Cabinet Secretary on the progress of the Program in its meeting on 11th April 2012.As many as 19 development partners proactively participated in the workshop to share lessons learnt and consider recommendations for the future. The key stakeholders included the Cabinet Division, NADRA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, District Management Authorities, and representatives from UBL, HBL and Bank Alfalah. The development partners, including the World Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UKAID from the Department of International Development (DFID) and the Italian Government also participated in the workshop. Representatives from the Program’s field implementation partners including International Organization for Migration, Deloitte, Oxford Policy Management Institute and M. Communications also shared their perspectives and key learning.Achievements and lessons learned were consolidated in the form of recommendations, to improve the existing program and for future disaster responses. The forum also provided avenues of strengthening the operational systems between Cabinet Division, NADRA, PDMA, District Management Authorities and commercial banks   HSRU TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE HAELTH  DELIVERY -DR.SAGHEER Karachi, Sindh Minister for Health Dr. Sagheer Ahmed has said that Health Sector Reforms Unit (HSRU) has been established by Health department with the support of USAID Technical Assistance Unit Health (TAUH)& World Health Organization (WHO) to provide technical support to look after each aspect of the reform agenda of the Government, required to improve governance and bring the element of efficiency in the Health System.This he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of HSRU here today, which was also attended by USAID and WHO representatives.He said that after devolution of the Ministry of Health’s functions and PHC programs to province, many opportunities as well as some risks have been witnessed by the health department. In order to take advantage of the opportunities and to avoid risk factors, some areas including planning, monitoring, health care service delivery, organizational reforms, integration and donors’ coordination require special attention, he opined and added that there is also a need of strengthening and capacity development especially at the provincial and district levels for effective and efficient monitoring and supervision of the Health system in the present scenario.Minister Health said that HSRU will play a vital role as a think tank and help design the health policy and strategy in Sindh. This will help improve the health status of 55 million people in Sindh by ensuring provision of effective equitable and accessible, health care services at the doorsteps of the poor communities through organizational and structural reforms in the health system.He further said that HSRU will work on, Provincial Health Policy and Strategy, Human resource strategy for the province, Health system support at all levels, Coordination and harmonization of donor funded projects, Disaster and Emergency Management, Private Sector Involvement and other innovations.He said that Media could play a very vital role in disseminating information and creating awareness amongst masses. He hoped that media would continue its positive role in future also.The inauguration ceremony was attended by foreign Diplomats, USAID Mission officials, representatives of WHO, UNICEF & UNFPA, representatives of USAID Mission  - TAUH, development partners, stakeholders, high ranking officials of Health Department and Government of Sindh, representatives of PMA, PPA, NCMNH, Academia, private sector and community.   QUICK RESPONSE OF RELIEF DEPARTMENT AVERTED NATIONAL DISASTER AT ROHRI CANAL – HALEEM ADIL SHAIKH   Karachi, Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh on Relief Haleem Adil Shaikh said that the breach in Rohri Canal could have affected severe men and material loss to thousand of peoples of Saeed Abad and adjoining villages but it was averted due to the quick response from relief department. He said that while addressing a press conference today at his office. He mentioned that the relief department along with the government machinery over came the breach with in 24 hours thus prevented a sever national disaster. He further said that the quick response minimized the loss to only 30 villages resultantly 11 thousand were effected and 16 thousand acre land came under water. Advisor for Chief Minister on Relief briefing about relief work said that 5 camps have been established where in 700 victims are encamped. The sheltered people has been given three time meal. The relief department also distributed five thousand tents mosquito oil mineral water, biscuits and sweets among the affectees children. He applauded the coordination of Irrigation, rehabilitation departments, NGOs and Red Cross in the relief work. The Advisor for Relief further said that the special investigation team made by the Chief Minister Sindh Investigating the breech of Rohri Canal. Not with standing, the devastations of existing floods and rains, but the major problem today is dewatering of the affected region due to which the local citizens  and their cattle are facing the problems of Health, and Education.  The occupation of  the land of water channels by influential people is the major cause of  water in the region therefore, the legislation for the removal of such occupations has been completed.  As you know, according to the reports of various international institutions our region is faced with the dangerous natural calamities and monsoon rains and floods.  According to analysis three billion people are feared to affected by it.  Therefore we are needed more preparation and precautionary steps.  Unfortunately, the impacts of the last year’s floods and rains are still felt in the region and the reason is the negligence of International Community.  I have successfully captured the attention of International Community, NGOs and Human Rights associations in this regard through various seminars, programmes and meetings. Pinpointing preparations to meet up coming monsoon rains and floods he told the media that various steps have been taken in this regard such as, capture the attention of International community through various seminars programs and meetings. He also said that the illegal occupations on the banks of river have been ordered to remove by June 2012. Besides, an effective coordination among the various concerned departments has been established. A volunteer system has been introduced at district levels where voluntaries for rescue work are being registered   Grand Debate on Klabagh Dam at LCCI on 21st LAHORE, The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is holding a Grand Debate on Kalabagh Dam on Monday, May 21 at its premises. LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh will preside over the debate whileFormer Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and former Wapda Engineer Chairman Shamsul Mulk will be the Chief Guest. Other participants of the Debate included Technical Advisor ANP H D Bangash, Nuclear scientist Dr Pervaiz Butt, President Pakistan Engineer Forum Imtiaz Hussain Shah and PBIT Vice Chairman Dr Miftah Ismail, LCCI Senior Vice President Sohail Lashari and Vice President Saeeda Nazar. LCCI formerSenior Vice President and Convener LCCI Standing Committee on Electronic Media Engineer Sohail Lashari will be the Moderator. The very objective of holding the debate is to highlight the importance of the Kalabagh Dam and remove the controversies. LCCI worried as smuggled plastic chemicals flood Markets LAHORE, The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the government to help stop smuggling of Plastic Moulding Compound and other chemicals used in plasticizer industry that have flooded the markets and causing a loss of billions of Rupees to the exchequer. The LCCI President Irfan Qaiser Sheikh, in a statement issued here after having a meeting with a delegation of businessmen belonging to plastic chemical business, said that the LCCI had twice invited the attention of the authorities concerned towards the fast spreading menace of smuggling but no action has been taken so far and the situation has turned so bad that genuine businessmen are unable to continue with their businesses as cheaper smuggled low quality chemicals are of great attraction to the buyers. The LCCI President said that on the one hand an acute shortage of electricity and sky-rocketing prices of petroleum products have destroyed the economic fabric of the country while on the other hand the menace of smuggling is fast spreading its tentacles and at the cost exchequer. Irfan Qaiser Sheikh said that the authorities concerned should immediately ban import of Polyethene and Polyproplene from Iran via land route from any border of Pakistan as at present these products are available in the local market at Rs 20/kg below the imported price that is very damaging for the local businessmen. The LCCI President said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce would extend full cooperation to the Federal Board of Revenue if it initiates a strict action against such black sheep who are not only challenging the writ of the law but also denting the economy in a big way. He said that the growth of unorganized sector must be checked for the sake of organized sectors that are doing business after paying all their dues. “To provide an enabling business atmosphere to the genuine businessmen is duty of the government machinery.”Earlier, the Chairman Plastic Importers and Traders Association Sheikh Mohammad Ayub informed the LCCI President that the Association had already brought into the notice of the FBR that the smuggling of polymers from Iran was not only causing a huge loss to the government but was also badly damaging the local investors who are running their businesses through clean documentation. He said that only because of these unscrupulous elements it has become almost impossible for the genuine businessmen to continue their businesses. He said that the total import of plastic raw material Polyethene and Polyproplene in 2010-2011 was about  Rs 75.5 billion. The importers pay advance tax at port about 38 per cent in lieu of duties and taxes and if the smuggling is not stopped, it will lead to a loss of minimum Rs 25 billion to the exchequer. He said that it was very unfortunate that the people sitting at the helm of affairs in the Federal Board of Revenue are taking this important issue of national importance very lightly. He said that government would have to weed out the menace of smuggling once for all to save the local investors and the economy.             =========================== ======================== ======================== ======================== ======================== ======================== ========================= ========================   ======================== ======================== ========================   ======================== ======================== ======================== ======================== ======================== ========================

========================== ========================== ========================== ======================== ========================   ======================== ======================== ======================== ========================   ========================     ======================== ========================   ======================== ======================== ========================   ========================

Site Designed And Managed By.: Anas Farooqi