Jul
24
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani
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The heads of government coalition parties at their meeting in Islamabad agreed that parliament will discuss the formation of a national policy to mobilize public support for greater national consensus on battle against extremism and militancy.
The meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was held to review in detail the security situation in the country particularly in tribal areas, swat and NWFP. The meeting was attended by PPP co-chairman Senator Asif Ali Zardari, JUI Chief Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehman, ANP President Asfandyar Wali, chief ministers of Punjab and NWFP, NWFP governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, minister for information and broadcasting, Sherry Rehman, adviser on interior Rehman A. Malik and chief of the Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani. There was a clear consensus that the situation warrants the evolution of long-term policies across-the-board with the support of all political partners. The meeting noted that the country’s national security and internal stability is paramount and that no one will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state.
To pursue the objective of making the inhabitants of the affected areas into stakeholders for a durable peace, the committee decided to increase investments in education, employment, development and infrastructure.
Briefing newsmen about the decisions of the meeting, federal information and broadcasting minister said it was decided that nobody would be allowed to use Pakistani soil for terrorism nor any foreign forces will be allowed to take action inside Pakistani territory. She said a three-pronged policy will be adopted, which includes is political dialogue, economic development and use of force in case of violation of peace agreement.
Jul
18
Violence erupts as Pakistan stocks drop
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KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) — Violent protests erupted at Pakistan’s main stock market, as growing economic and political uncertainty pushed Pakistani shares to a new 18-month low.
Angry Pakistani stockbrokers ransack furniture at the Karachi Stock Exchange on Thursday.
The exchange’s main index dropped more than 4 percent on Thursday before recovering slightly to close 2.7 percent lower at 10,213 points. The index is at its lowest since January 2007 and has fallen about 36 percent from an April peak.
With share values dropping for 15 straight sessions, officials said more than 200 small investors, some of whom rent small offices in the exchange building, gathered in its main hall to demand a halt in trading.
When the exchange administration declined, some protesters smashed windows in the exchange and nearby banks, said Mohammed Aslam, the exchange’s security chief.
An Associated Press reporter saw broken lights and window panes littering the floor of the exchange. Television footage saw police shooing the demonstrators away from the building.
Pakistani shares are tumbling amid doubts about the three-month-old government’s ability to survive economic problems including runaway inflation and wide trade and budget deficits.
The uncertainty is compounded by growing U.S. pressure to clamp down on militants launching attacks into Afghanistan, casting doubt on the government’s hopes of negotiating peace deals to curb rising Islamic militancy also threatening Pakistan
Source
Jul
16
Federal Cabinet
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The Federal Cabinet, which met at governor house Lahore, held wide-ranging discussion on various aspects of the national economy and ways to improve law and order situation across the country, with special focus on the conditions in the tribal areas.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani chaired the meeting. The four provincial chief ministers also attended the meeting on special invitation of the prime minister.
The launching of CNG buses in nine major cities under the green transport programme, the consumer protection bill and other important matters were on the agenda of the today’s meeting. The meeting reviewed the situation arising out of the increase in prices of oil and gas. The strike by the PTCL employees also came under discussion.
The Prime Minister constituted a committee comprising four federal ministers to resolve the grievances of the PTCL workers.
The committee will submit its reports within two days.
Source
May
18
World Economic Forum
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Three day meeting of World Economic Forum on the Middle East opens in Egyptian sea resort Sharm El-Sheik today.
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will represent Pakistan at the meeting. On arrival in Egypt, the prime minister was received at the airport by Egyptian health Minister Hatim Al-Jabli and other senior officials. Besides addressing the forum, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani will hold meeting with the U.S president George Bush today. He will also hold meetings with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and Prime Minister of Palestinian authority Salam Fayyad on the sidelines of the forum.
May
10
Historical Perspective
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In order to keep abreast with latest techniques and trends, training of professionals in their respective fields is always considered important in progressive broadcasting organizations. Pakistan Television with the help of German Government set up its first Central Training Institute (CTI) in 1967. CTI was housed temporarily in the premises of Television Centre, Chaklala, Rawalpindi. Subsequently, it grew and developed and in 1978 Engineering Training Cell was established.
• In house training for PTV Engineers was offered. Production of TV programmes depends on craft oriented professional Producers, Engineers, Set Designers and Cameramen. To cater the required needs of technical training for Producers, Cameramen and Designers, Programme Training Cell was established in 1984.
• The main project of the academy was approved in 1981 with an estimate of Rs.33.9 million from the Government, whereas PTV had to contribute Rs.9.7 million in form of old/used equipment, both programme and engineering cell were working in rented buildings before moving to the present premises.
• In 1988, Engineering and Programme divisions were relocated in the existing building. It is carefully planned building which provides excellent facilities to the participants and creates an enabling academic environment for learning and development.
• PTV training academy is a semi autonomous unit under the administrative control of Pakistan Television Corporation and Ministry of Information & Media Development. It is managed by PTV. A Director is appointed by PTV as Director Training Academy to look after the policy matters at PTV Headquarters level. General Manager is head of the unit with financial and administrative powers.
• To improve professional standards of PTV personnel in all areas while helping in career planning.
• To prepare training materials and promote international exchange of expertise as part of Resource Development.
• To analyse the performance of PTV for self improvement.
• To introduce new concepts and formats in TV operations.
• FUNCTIONS :
• Basic training and foundation planning of producers, engineers, cameramen, designers, makeup artists, admin, finance, anchors and technicians.
• Refresher courses and updating of knowledge base at various levels
• Introduction of new concepts in programme productions, camera techniques, news, current affairs, design etc.
• Introduction to new formats in engineering.
• Prepare training materials.
Profile Of PTV Academy
Government Approval
1981
Construction Started
1983
Construction Completed
1988
Location
H-9, Islamabad.
Approved Cost Of Project
Rs. 33.9 Million
Covered Area
35,000 Sq. Ft.
Facilities
Tv Studio
2,000 Sq. Ft.
Class Rooms
03 Nos.
Computer Lab
01 No.
Technical Area
-
Admin & Accounts Offices
-
Cafeteria
-
Library
-
Hostel
12 Rooms For 24 Participants
May
10
Textile exports increase 25.6pc: Aptma challenges SBP
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All-Pakistan Textile Mills Association Chairman Iqbal Ibrahim has responded to a State Bank of Pakistan’s accusation that the textile sector has failed to perform satisfactorily in exports despite research and development (R and D) subsidy support and concession rated loan assistance during the past three years.
“The export of textile sector has increased from $8.56 billion in 2004-05 to $10.75 billion in 2006-07, showing a rise of 25.6 per cent,” the Aptma leader asserted in a statement on Friday.
He further drew a comparison of textile exports during July-March 2004-05 with the same period in 2007-08 which showed a growth of 30 per cent “even though the industry is facing manifold problems, such as massive load-shedding, including suspension of gas supply during winter in Punjab and the NWFP,” he said.
Textile exports fetched $7.76 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year as against $5.92 billion in the same period of last fiscal year.
“Foreign buyers are reluctant to come to Pakistan because of law and order situation,” he argued to contend that textile exporters’ marketing cost is up because of buyers’ preference to safe places to negotiate.
Mr Ibrahim made a specific reference to 25 to 30 per cent increase in export of those textile products that receive research and development subsidy support.
He attributed a drop of 3.14 per cent in textile exports during the first nine months of this fiscal year to same period of last fiscal year to a number of factors.
The main factor contributing to textile export slump, he said, was increase in cost of doing business and import of 25 per cent of cotton because of shortfall in crop production.
The Aptma chief disclosed that proceeds of many textile exporters to the US are stuck up because of slowdown of the economy.
Since January 2005, when duty-free concession on Pakistan’s textile export was withdrawn by the European Union, Pakistan’s exports are under tremendous pressure because of mounting cost of doing business in Pakistan.
Since then, the government slashed down duty drawbacks and interest rate of bank loans started going up.
May
10
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani
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Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that improving national economy and law and order across the country is the top priority of the government.
Talking to media on arrival at the Lahore airport he said that 100-day plan announced by him is being implemented and all issues confronting the nation will be addressed according to the commitment.
The Prime Minister said that all-out efforts are being made to solve the acute power shortage problem, check high inflation, control hike in prices of daily edibles and strengthen national economy on top priority.
He said the government firmly believed in freedom of press and we will ensure it. Source:
May
8
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani
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Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said the construction industry was very important for the country’s economic growth, infrastructure development as well as for employment generation.
The government would take steps for resolving its problems and ensuring its growth and progress, he added. The Prime Minister was talking to a delegation of all Pakistan contractors association (APCA), which called on him here at the pm secretariat this evening. The Prime Minister asked all the concerned ministries to adopt a concerted approach in consultation with representatives of APCA for removing the difficulties which the construction industry is facing. He asked the construction industry to train manpower not only for meeting the country’s domestic requirements but also the needs of the foreign markets. The Prime Minister also asked the representatives of APCA to keep liaison with government bodies like tevta (technical and vocational training authority) and navtec (national vocational and technical education commission) in this regard. The representatives of the construction industry assured the Prime Minister that despite operational difficulties they would gear up efforts so that the government’s vision of ensuring housing for all can be achieved. The Prime Minister was apprised that the construction sector provides direct employment to unskilled labour who are trained in various disciplines.
He was further informed that 29 local technology based industries are directly related to the construction business. APCA delegation also briefed the Prime Minister about the potential in the construction sector with regards to improving national economy, infrastructure development and employment generation in addition to meeting housing needs of the people. The Prime Minister was further informed that construction sector of the country is almost entirely working within the country and if it gets organized the sector has the potential of exporting its labour as well as consultancy services which can help the country earn foreign exchange worth billions of dollars.
Deputy Chairman planning commission, chairman FBR, secretary communication, secretary industries and production and secretary housing also attended the meeting.
May
2
Cricket
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Pakistan and West Indies have reached the final of under-15 international cricket championship in Barbados.
In semi-final, Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by six-wickets in first semi-final.
Batting first, Bangladesh were bowled out for 126. In reply, Pakistan achieved the target in 32nd over for the loss of four wickets. Pakistan’s openers, Mohammad Babar scored 64 and Mohammad Naeem made 36. In the second semi-final match, West Indies defeated Malaysia by eight wickets in the second semi-finalist. West Indies and Pakistan met last week in the knockout tournament final. On that occasion Pakistan won a tense match by two runs.
May
2
PML-N Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif
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PML-N Quaid Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has unequivocally announced that deposed judges of the superior judiciary will be reinstated on 12th of this month.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, the former Prime Minister said the national assembly will approve a resolution to this effect on 12th, May which will be immediately followed by a executive order for reinstatement of the judges. He said the draft of the resolution will be prepared by a committee of legal experts comprising Fakhruddin G Ibrahim, Hafeez Pirzada, Eitezaz Ahsan, Mian Raza Rabbani and Khawaja Haris. Federal law minister Farooq H Naik will be its convener. All the powers of the president will be abolished to strengthen the parliament and to make the prime minister as real executive head of the country. The PML-N leader responded in affirmative to a question about impeachment of President Pervez Musharraf, saying that he will not be acceptable even after the abolition of 58 - 2b.