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| Iranian Energy Ministers calls on President | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 30, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (APP): Iranian Minister for Energy Engr. Parviz Fattah called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Tuesday and discussed with him matters pertaining to the region and bilateral ties. He was accompanied with Dy. Minister for Energy Abbas Aliabadi and Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mashaalah Shakeri. Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and senior officials of the relevant ministries were also present during the call. The Iranian Energy Minister said that Iran was keen to go ahead with projects of providing 1000 MW for Gwadar and adjoining areas for which MoU had already been signed. The President appreciated the Iranian assistance in this regard. Engr. Parviz Fattah said that Iran and Pakistan had close bilateral ties and were tied by the bonds of history, culture and geography. He said Iran was ready to play its role in defusing tension in the region. He also renewed the invitation by Iranian President Mahmood Ahmedinijad to President Asif Ali Zardari to visit Iran. | |
| President’s spokesman rejects CNN-IBN report as malicious, baseless | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 29, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (APP): A Presidential spokesperson on Monday rejected the report run by an Indian channel as “malicious and baseless” claiming that President Asif Ali Zardari may replace Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, while transferring all presidential powers to the prime minister. The spokesman said that in a democracy all decisions are taken by the parliament as it is the soverign authority. He said democracy has taken firm roots in the country and was gaining strength. He said all constitutional institutions were functioning according to the mandate given to them and the President and the prime Minister will continue to play their role as provided in the constitution. | |
| President hosts Christmas reception | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 22, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 22 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari hosted a reception in connection with Christmas here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was also present at the reception which was attended by members of Christian community and a large number of Islamabad-based diplomats, including the Ambassadors of United States and China. Chairman Senate Muhammadmian Soomro, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, a number of federal ministers and members of the parliament also attended the reception. President Zardari accompanied by Bakhtawar and Assefa cut the Special Christmas cake, wished the participants “Merry Christmas” and intermingled with them. The Ambassador of the Holy Sea on this occasion prayed for the peace and prosperity of the world including Pakistan. “May this Christmas bring peace across the world”, the Ambassador prayed. Bishop Anthony Logo read the Christmas Message on the occasion. | |
| Pakistan to achieve goal of self sustaining high economic growth; Zardari | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 16, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 16 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said the government had decided to stand on its own feet to achieve the goal of self sustaining high economic growth. Talking to the IMF team headed by Masood Ahmad Director for Middle East and Central Asia here at the President House, he said the government had also decided to tread on a path that ensured self sufficiency in fuel and edible oils. The President said that the government had decided to accord a high priority to agriculture sector so that the import bill on edible oil was brought down and possibilities are explored for the use of ethanol as fuel. The leader of delegation Masood Ahmad apprised the President of the IMF programme which he said was in fact Pakistan’s own home grown programme. The IMF delegation included Juan Carlos Di Tata Deputy Director Middle East, Dr. Jaffer Mojarrad Executive Director and Paul Ross Senior Resident Representative in Pakistan. The Pakistan side included Shaukat Tarin Advisor to Prime Minister for Finance, M. Salman Faruqui Secretary General to President, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar Governor State Bank, Mrs Hina Rabbani Khar Minister of State for Fiance and Economic Affairs, Dr. Waqar Masood Khan Secretary Finance. | |
| President for more international collaboration against terrorism | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 14, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 14 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said terrorism was a regional problem requiring greater international cooperation to counter the menace. Addressing a joint press conference along with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the President said Pakistan has already offered joint investigation to India regarding the Mumbai attacks. “We ourselves are victims of terrorism and feel the pain of the people of Mumbai,” President Zardari said. He said the joint investigation was an opportunity for Pakistan to cooperate with India and build up their ties. The President said India was yet to complete its investigation and provide evidence to Pakistan so that it may conduct its own inquiry. “We are committed to fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” President Zardari said. He assured that if there was any evidence that any culprits of the Mumbai attack were in Pakistan, action would be taken against them. Zardari recalled that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister had already inked an agreement with India for cooperation against terrorism. Prime Minister Gordon Brown offered his country’s assistance to Pakistan in helping it combat terrorism. He said besides a six million Pound Sterling assistance to combat radicalisation, funds would be made available for better equipment and training of the bomb disposal squad, airport security, counter terrorism measures and improvement of police and forensics capabilities. Gordon Brown is here on a short visit to the region to assess the situation following the Mumbai attacks and ease tensions. He held talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh before meeting President Asif Ali Zardari. The two leaders discussed in detail the prevailing situation. They agreed on the need for having coordinated efforts to counter terrorism. President Zardari said Pakistan was conducting its own investigation into the Mumbai attacks and reiterated his resolve that Pakistan will not let its territory be used for any such act against any country. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said there should be a better mechanism and dialogue between Pakistan and India to remove misunderstandings. He also proposed a new Pakistan-United Kingdom pact for cooperation against terrorism. “It is now time for action, not words,” Gordon Brown said and added that the two countries will continue to cooperate in a comprehensive counter-terrorism programme. Brown said President Zardari has assured to take action against any person suspected of links with the Mumbai attacks besides steps for better mechanism for dialogue and consultation with India to remove any misunderstandings. He said Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism and pointed that in the past one year there were fifty suicide attacks inside the country. Brown said his country had deep interest in helping Pakistan against terrorism as three-quarters of the most serious terrorist plots investigated by the British authorities have links to al-Qaeda here. To a question Prime Minister Brown said he has asked both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Asif Ali Zardari to let the British police question the lone gunman of the Mumbai attacks, and the people arrested in Pakistan, since three of its citizens were also killed. President Asif Ali Zardari in his opening remarks said the friendship between Pakistan and United Kingdom was deep rooted and based on shared values. He also welcomed UK’s contribution to promoting democracy and rule of law in Pakistan. The President said Pakistan desires best of relations with India. He said in the wake of Mumbai attacks, Pakistan signalled its desire to cooperate with India. He said Pakistan also desires good relations with Afghanistan and was closely associated with it on issues of security and stability besides having a partnership on development. He said Pakistan also attaches greater importance to its ties with the Commonwealth and the European Union and expressed its desire for greater market access to its goods to the EU. To a question about the incursion by Indian Air Force, President Zardari said it was technical and the Director Generals of Military Operations of both countries were in contact with each other. | |
| Zardari to attend second trilateral summit | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 03, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): At the invitation of President Abdullah Gul of Turkey, President Asif Ali Zardari will be attending the second trilateral summit along with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan on December 5 in Istanbul. The first trilateral summit was held in Ankara in April, 2007.According to a statement issued by spokesman of Foreign Office, the summit will focus on important development dimensions in the bilateral process including joint economic projects as well as regional and trilateral economic and trade matters. The summit will be preceded by a one-day meeting of the Joint Working Group at the senior officials level. Simultaneously the meeting of three Chambers of Commerce and Industry will also take part in Istanbul under the framework of “Istanbul Forum”. During his stay in Istanbul, President Asif Ali Zardari, besides having separate bilateral meetings with President Abdullah Gul and President Hamid Karzai would also attend lunch and dinner by Prime Minister Recip Tayyip Erdogan and President Gul respectively. At the conclusion of the summit, a joint statement will be issued. The three Presidents will also address a joint press conference. | |
| Polish President’s special envoy calls on President | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Dec 02, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP): Special Envoy of Polish President Zenon Kuchciak called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Tuesday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest. | |
| Multi-pronged strategy against terrorism yielding results: President Zardari | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov26, 2008(APP) | |
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said the multi-pronged strategy adopted by the new democratic government in the fight against terrorism had started showing results, however the unilateral strikes from across the border were not helping the situation. He was talking to British Foreign Minister, David Miliband, who is on a day-long visit to Pakistan and called on President Asif Ali Zardari here at the President House. He said the issue of terrorism was being dealt with on the political, economic and military fronts simultaneously and was aimed at bringing peace and stability to the region. The President said the effective strategy adopted by the government had full political and public ownership. The President conveyed to the British Foreign Secretary the growing concern of the government and the people of Pakistan over attacks from across the border into its territory. President Zardari also discussed with the British Foreign Secretary bilateral relations of Pakistan and the United Kingdom and the need for a more meaningful economic and trade partnership between the two countries. He was also appreciative of the lead role Britain was playing at the Friends of Pakistan Forum and the assistance the group had pledged for Pakistan’s development, institution building, energy, stability and border areas. The President also sought support of United Kingdom for helping Pakistan gain greater market access in to the European Union. Foreign Minister Miliband said his country greatly valued its relations with Pakistan and assured full cooperation in all areas. He also appreciated the role of the around one million Pakistani-British who were working hard for the progress and prosperity of Great Britain. | |
| President Zardari, UAE President hold wide-ranging talks | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov24, 2008(APP) | |
ABU DHABI, Nov 24 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on Monday expressed their resolve to upgrade and further strengthen their existing bilateral ties, particularly in trade and economic fields for the mutual benefit of two brotherly countries. President Zardari who arrived here in the UAE capital on a two-day official visit today, held wide-ranging talks with the UAE President, with focus on establishing a comprehensive strategic and economic partnership between the two countries.The two leaders held indepth discussion that covered bilateral ties and the regional and international issues of mutual interest. They expressed satisfaction over the existing cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE in various fields and pledged to further strengthen their mutual ties particularly in trade and investment. During the one-on-one and bilateral talks, the two sides agreed on the need to expand, strengthen and take their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields to the level which commensurates their warm, deep-rooted and historic ties that dates back to the formation of UAE in 1971.During the talks, President Zardari was assisted by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tareen, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik, the BOI Chairman and Ambassador at large Javed Malik. The UAE President was assisted by members of his cabinet. In the delegation level talks, there was unanimity of views on various bilateral matters with focus on encouraging the UAE public and private investment in joint ventures in the fields of energy, agriculture, construction and infrastructure development. President Zardari and the UAE President also discussed the peace and security situation in the region and stressed the need of joint efforts to improve the security situation, which is imperative for peace and development in the region as well as in the world. President Zardari said there was a need of increased coordination among the international community for peace and security in the world. With the world having turned into a global village and impacted by the incidents in Afghanistan and Iraq, no one can remain indifferent from such a situation, he added. The UAE President showed his keen interest in the peace and security of the region, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan. President Zardari mentioned the recent meeting of the Friends of Pakistan Forum in Dubai and appreciated the efforts and role of UAE in supporting Pakistan at the Forum, for the provision of financial assistance to the South Asian nation, which was facing the economic crisis. The two leaders recalled the historic, brotherly and warm relations between Pakistan and UAE at the people to people and leadership level, which were founded by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and were nurtured during the tenures twice elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. They expressed the confidence that now with Asif Ali Zardari becoming the President of Pakistan these warm relations will further strengthen. The two Presidents recalled the farewell meeting between Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Sheikh Khalifa, when she left the UAE for Pakistan to launch a campaign for her party and participate in the general elections. They also mentioned the joint photographs of the leaders of two families including Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto with the UAE leadership, which will continue to revive the past memories. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan also hosted a lunch in the honor of Pakistan leader and his delegation. Later in the evening the UAE President paid a courtesy call on President Zardari along with his cabinet members at the Emirates Palace. The two leaders remained together for quite some time, exchanged pleasantries and discussed matters of bilateral interest. Member of Pakistan delegation were also present in the meeting. Terming President Zardari’s visit very successful, Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik said that the reception and hospitality exhibited by the UAE side as well as the UAE President’s rare gesture of receiving Pakistani leader at the airport and paying a courtesy call after the official talks shows the close and warm relationship between the two leaders. During the course of discussion including on Pakistan’s growing energy needs, he said, President Zardari desired for early transportation of the 400 megawatt power plant to Pakistan, which the UAE had already offered. Earlier, on his arrival at Al-Mushef Palace, President Zardari was accorded a warm welcome. A smartly turned-out contingent of the UAE armed forces presented a guard of honor to the Pakistan leader. President Zardari reviewed the guard of honor. The national anthems of the two countries were also played on the occasion. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan introduced the Pakistani leader with the UAE dignitaries. While President Zardari introduced the UAE President with Pakistani delegation. President Asif Ali Zardari was also given a rousing red-carpet welcome when he arrived at Amiri Airport of Abu Dhabi. UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a rare gesture, along with his cabinet members received the Pakistani leader, who was paying his first official visit to the UAE after assuming the office of the President. Later President Zardari and President Sheikh Khalifa drove to Al-Mushef Palace for official talks in the same car, which showed the love, affection and respect which the UAE leadership has for Pakistani leadership. Advisor to PM on Interior Rehman accompanied the President, while Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor on Finance Shaukat Tarin, Chairman BOI Salim Mandviwala and Ambassador at large Javed Malik joined him in Abd Dhabi. During his two-day stay in Abu Dhabi the President will also hold meetings with the heads and chief executives of UAE based major companies to seek investment in various sectors particularly in energy, agriculture and infrastructure projects in Pakistan. | |
| President Zardari leaves for UAE | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov24, 2008(APP) | |
| ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari left here Monday on a two-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates to hold discussions with its leaders on wide ranging issues. The President will hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other leaders, besides meeting heads of various private sector companies to seek greater investment in Pakistan, during his stay. | |
| President Zardari calls for working hard to solve problems | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov20, 2008(APP) | |
| KARACHI, Nov 20 (APP): A special meeting of Sindh Cabinet was held here on Thursday evening at the Chief Minister House.President Asif Ali Zardari presided over the special meeting. Addressing the Provincial Cabinet, the President called for working hard to solve the problems being faced by the comman man. He directed that schemes chalked out for poverty alleviation, enhancement of agriculture sector, repair and improvement of old irrigation system, construction of small irrigation dams, provision of incentives for industries in the province and other social-economic projects be encouraged for benefit of the people. President Asif Ali Zardari directed to take into hand lining of water channels, canals and distributaries .He said the Korean Government would be associated in implementing the project and the Federal Government would prepare a strategy of expenditure to be incurred on it . The President said water is an important factor for the future and it could be as vital as oil. He said, therefore, every drop of water should be properly utilised for attaining targets of food production and meeting other necessities. President Asif Ali Zardari also announced that a special package will be implemented for developing and rehabilitatiing Lyari area, which has a population of about 20 lakh. He directed that a pilot project under SASTI BASTI scheme be developed with a margin of 30% to 40% share for developers and the remaining share will be given to the poor allottees.President Zardari directed to give a detailed presentation on the break-up of land for government project pertaining to development of katchi abadies. He directed to fully utilise information technology and maintain the working, performance and progress of all government departments on their websites. The President suggested that a company should be established on public- private partnership for improving the irrigation system of Sindh and for which a meeting will be held soon with the Korean Government . He assured that communication system of the province will be improved as it is essential to develop the country. President Asif Zardari said Hyderabad- Badin Road will be widened and improved while work on various bridges will also be accelerated, which includes Larkana- Khairpur Bridge. He directed to carry out a survey and feasibility report about over-head bridges near Tando Muhammad Khan, Shaikh Bhirkyo, Mula Katiyar and Jherruk. The President further directed the Irrigation and Power Department to monitor the water flowing from Indus to Karachi coast and a long-term planning should be evolved for its utilisation. President Asif Zardari directed to have district- wise survey of available land besides the land under cultivation and production of crops. He further said that Chinese firms were ready to work for project such as constructing small dams and farming in the province with special emphasis on cultivation of floral products.President Asif Ali Zardari said that special incentives were being provided to make progress in the agriculture sector. He said these included supply of tractors on half payment of the price, seed, fertiliser etc. He appreciated that Sindh has achieved a bumper crop of rice and hoped that the target for the wheat crop would also be achieved The President directed Sindh Revenue Department to conduct a survey of land position near and around Keenjhar Lake. Asif Ali Zardari said that Thatta is a historical town and thus its development is essential for coastal areas. This, he directed be brought under cultivation of various crops including betel- leaf. The President also stated that Pakistan is importing “Paan” worth Rs 150.00 million while we can save the foreign exchange by its cultivation. The President said Pakistan possesed a large potential of natural resources.He said Sindh is blessed with many things and these include human resources. He said “we should devise ideas for the betterment of our future generations”. Asif Ali Zardari said it was indeed very historic that all the important political parties were working under coalition with the present democratic and elected government. These include MQM, ANP, NPP and other groups.He said that women constituted an important part of any society and the government would provide all incentives they may need for development. He said the hospitals were facing shortage of midwives and nurses. The Government would provide incentives to encourage people to join the profession . Zardari said teachers’ training programme should continue. The qualified teachers, he said can produce better results .President Asif Ali Zardari said culture and tourism would be promoted in Pakistan Gorakh Hill station project in the Sindh Province would soon be completed. Road police check posts and other recreational facilities would be built there. He said a report about schemes initiated at Bado Jabal and Kute-Ji-Qabar (Shahdad Kot) be presented. He said funds were expected from abroad to carry out repair and renovation work on Moenjodaro. He also directed to initiate micro finance schemes for the welfare and development of women. | |
| President Asif Zardari in London | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov16, 2008(APP) | |
| LONDON, Nov 16 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in the British capital on Sunday for an overnight stay on his way home from New York where he attended a two-day global peace and interfaith conference at the United Nations. | |
| Condoleezza Rice calls on President Zardari | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov13, 2008(APP) | |
| UNITED NATIONS, Nov 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday met the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice here along the margins of a high level meeting on the promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue for peace. They also discussed the importance of dialogue among religions, promotion of tolerance and culture of peace to combat discrimination and hatred so as to strengthen world peace. | |
| President Zardari arrives to represent Pakistan at interfaith dialogue | |
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| ISLAMABAD,Nov11, 2008(APP) | |
| NEW YORK, Nov 11 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari arrived here Tuesday to represent Pakistan at a high- level session of UN General Assembly on "Culture of Peace", to promote a global dialogue about religions,cultures and common values. The meeting being held at the initiative of King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia is a follow-up to an interfaith conference in Madrid organized in collaboration with King Juan Carlos of Spain in July.The Madrid conference brought together Jews,Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and representatives of other religions and sparked hopes of a new relationship among religions.President Zardari was received at the airport by Pakistan's ambassador to United States Hussain Haqqani,Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations and other senior US and Pakistani officials.This is President Zardari's second visit to the United States of America. He was here earlier last month to attend the annual United Nations General Assembly session, an event that provided him an opportunity to interact with world leaders and to apprise them of the challenges Pakistan was facing.President Asif Zardari will meet other heads of states and governments on the margins of the summit.The world leaders who are expected to attend the dialogue are King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, US President George W. Bush, Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines,King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Abdullah of Jordan and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi who arrived here Monday will accompany President Zardari in the UN session. The conference will focus on the importance of promoting interfaith dialogue in order to strengthen world peace and stability.The Foreign Office in a statement earlier said; "Pakistan fully supports the initiative of Saudi King Abdullah for interfaith and inter-cultural dialogue to promote peace understanding, and tolerance among human beings, as well as respect for all their diverse religious, cultural and linguistic identities."Leaders of 192 member countries had been sent letters of invitation by President of UN General Assembly Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann.The General Assembly is holding the meeting under agenda item 48, on the request of Saudi King, who drew the attention of General Assembly of the process that was initiated at the World Conference on Dialogue held in Madrid on July 16-18, 2008. The conference adopted 10 principles that included unity of humankind and the equality of human beings irrespective of their colours, ethnic backgrounds and cultures; purity of the nature of humans as they were created liking good and disliking evil, inclining to justice and avoiding injustice; diversity of cultures and civilizations.This dialogue will also serve as a useful preparatory step towards a high-level dialogue with civil society in 2010 on inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, understanding and culture of peace. A final communique is expected to be issued in which participants would express their support for efforts to boost interfaith and intercultural dialogue,as well as peaceful coexistence among nations. | |
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