Government to educate traders about WTO

SIALKOT (PPI): The Punjab Minister for Industries and investment Muhammad Ajmal Cheema has said that the provincial government has chalked out a comprehensive and positive strategy for giving the necessary training and awareness about WTO to the businessmen, enabling them to meet the global challenges of WTO. This was stated by him while talking to the newsmen here on Sunday. Ajmal Cheema said that the government would soon announce a special package of incentives for the Sialkot exporters so that they may be able to capture and explore the new international trade & export markets through implementing the WTO. He said that the government was making such positive efforts would be helpful in reducing the costs of production of export items, reducing the ratio of various duties of different raw materials through introducing the ensured ``business and investment friendly atmosphere. He said that provincial government will continue the accredation credit card scheme, besides, ensuring the expansion in the labour finance system of locally manufactured products. Punjab Minister for Industries & investment Muhammad Ajmal Cheema said that the maximum industrialization is on top priority of the government for providing maximum job opportunities to the skilled and unskilled labour force and industrial workers, besides, providing the strong industrial base in the province through the early rehabilitation of all the sick industrial units. He urged the exporters to focus on the diversified non-traditional export items. He said that Sialkot exporters have a great potential to explore and capture the world export makrets through the iversification of traditional to non-traditional export items undoubtedly.

Tourism can help earn millions in foreign exchange

LAHORE (APP): The tourism sector, if developed on modern lines, can help the country to earn millions of dollars foreign exchange. Imran Nadeem, Advisor on Health and leader of the six-member parliamentary delegation of Northern Areas Legislative Council,currently visiting the Punjab province, in an exclusive interview told APP here Sunday that the main purpose of the visit is to create awareness among the business community and investors about the vast potential of tourism sector, especially in the scenic Northern Areas of Pakistan. If properly developed and promoted, the northern areas could be rated among the world’s best tourist spots, he added. He said that although rich in natural beauty, these areas are neglected in terms of availability of basic amenities, education and health. “We the people of northern areas and members of the legislative council have now decided to tour all provinces to motivate and persuade local and foreign investors to invest in the tourism sector,” he observed. Nadeem said that tourism is the main source of foreign exchange in several countries like Switzerland, Sri Lanka and India etc. It has now emerged as a 6 billion (US) dollar industry worldwide, and we must develop this sector to attract local and foreign tourists, he added. In response to the incentives’ package offered by the Pakistan government, he said, some foreign multinationals have shown interest in the vast investment opportunities existing in the largely neglected northern areas. The country could earn billions of dollars every year from tourism, he asserted. The delegation called on the Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool who assured all possible cooperation, and would also meet the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Punjab soon to discuss ways and means to promote tourism on modern lines. Members of the delegation included Deputy Speaker Muhammad Jaffer and Transport, Engineer Muhammad Ismail. , Agha Muhammad Abbas, Ghulam Ali Haidery and Wazir Hussain, member of the legislative council.

http://frontierpost.com.pk/business.asp#6

Next budget to facilitate investors: Shaukat

KARACHI (APP): Federal Finance Minister, Shaukat Aziz assured the business community that the next budget will ensure maximum facilities to traders and investors for bringing more investment in the country and increase exports specially value-addition. The Finance Minister was speaking at ceremony to award 6th Export Excellence Award Trophy, hosted by Pakistan Ready-made Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA). He said the country’s exports remained stagnated at around dollars 8 billion during most part of the 1990s. Over the last four years it has moved from dollars 8 billion to dollars 11 billion and this year it is likely to cross dollars 12 billion. During last two years, exporters have performed extraordinarily as the exports grew by more than 22 percent in the last fiscal while for this year the growth rate is 14 so far, he said. Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan’s export performance is a mirror image of the trade regime that has been prevalent in the country. Export performance also depends on the type of trade and exchange rate policies the government has pursued over the years. Pakistan’s trade regime is highly liberal, exchange rate has been market-determined and the trade policies were export-oriented.

Complete News --> http://frontierpost.com.pk/business.asp#1

These news comes under Trade and Investment section not under

infrastructure section. Infrastructure means building of Roads, Dams, Electrcity,

City development etc.

i know , i did this wen i was in class, so me bad, i need a moderator to change this if possible, change the title

Pakistan launching cybercrimes unit

By Associated Press

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistan is launching a cybercrimes unit, partly because it had to rely on U.S. investigators to trace e-mails sent by the kidnappers of slain journalist Daniel Pearl.

Iftikhar Ahmad, spokesman for Pakistan's Interior Ministry, said the newly formed National Response Center for Cyber Crimes "will play a key role in the days to come in tracing those terrorists who often use the Internet or prepaid telephone cards to communicate messages."

"The importance of this special wing was felt when Daniel Pearl was kidnapped, and his captors started sending e-mails to newspapers," Ahmad said.

Pearl, a correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, disappeared on Jan. 23, 2002, from Pakistan's southern city of Karachi. A few days later, the Journal and other media received an e-mail containing a photo of Pearl with a gun to his head.

The FBI traced the e-mails, and police captured suspects, but they weren't able to stop Pearl's killing in time.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/TechNews/2003/...3/42296-ap.html

FATA development plan soon

* PM briefed on Wana situation

ISLAMABAD, March 29 (APP): Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Monday a comprehensive development plan would soon be launched for the uplift of the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas with special regard to the South Waziristan Agency.

The prime minister also directed the authorities concerned to take up the provision of electricity to these areas on priority basis.

The prime minister said this while presiding over a briefing given to him on Wana operation. Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed gave the details to the press.

The Director General Military Operations Major General Muhammad Yousaf gave the briefing. It was attended by PML Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Religious Affairs Minister Ejazul Haq, Communications Minister Senator Babar Khan Ghauri and senior military officials.

Sheikh Rashid said the briefing discussed various aspects of the operation in threadbare. The prime minister praised the Pakistan Army’s role in the Wana operation, saying that the operation against terrorist elements would continue until the area was purged of them.

The prime minister said that the efforts of the tribal jirgas would also continue to keep interaction amongst various tribes. The prime minister sought the tribesmen’s help to make the operation a success.

Sheikh Rashid said the prime minister stated in clear terms that the operation was terrorist-specific and not to target the local population. The prime minister said that action was being carried out only against those who were providing shelter to foreigners.

The prime minister directed the Inter-Services Public Relations and the Information Ministry to make efforts to keep the public abreast of the latest developments regarding the operation.

Sheikh Rashid said, during the briefing, it was observed that the different checkposts and pickets along side of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border were erected to avoid any operation by any external force.

The meeting was told that the foreign elements hiding in Wana were not only involved in the suicidal attacks on President Pervez Musharraf but were also allegedly involved in sponsoring recent bid to destabilise peace in Karachi.

The information minister confirmed that an Al Qaeda leader Tahir Yuldashev was wounded during the operation who was still at large.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said the development funds for the uplift of tribal areas would be provided out of annual budgetary allocations. —APP

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...0-3-2004_pg7_29

President okays Bab-i-Pakistan construction

By Our Staff Reporter

LAHORE, March 29: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Monday approved the construction of Bab-i-Pakistan on Walton Road, a monument being built to commemorate the sacrifices rendered by the Muslims of the subcontinent during their struggle for a separate homeland for themselves.

The president gave the approval for the project after a briefing on it at the Governor's House. He directed the officials concerned that all the hurdles in the way of the completion of the project be removed and work be started within this year.

Governor Khalid Maqbool, Corps Commander Lt-Gen Shahid Aziz and senior government officials attended the briefing. The salient features of the project include a monument, park, library, auditorium, mosque, shopping complex, restaurants, amphitheatre, jogging and bicycle tracks, play place for children and a theme park.

The president also agreed that the federal government would fund the project to fill gap in the estimated project cost and finances available for it. He was of the view that such projects and monuments should also be built in other parts of the country.

Earlier, Gen Musharraf informed armed forces officers at a meeting at the Corps Headquarters that a handful of extremists would not be allowed to play with the fate of the country.

"Measures have been taken to curb extremism and arrest extremists and their harbourers who are involved in providing them sanctuary." The president was greeted by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Shahid Aziz when he arrived at the Corps Headquarters.

He also discussed matters of professional interest with the corps commander during his stay at the headquarters. "Pakistan had the potential to rise as a developed and progressive nation of the world.

In order to claim our rightful place in the comity of nations, we need to put our act together and make Pakistan a modern and dynamic Islamic welfare state," he was quoted by an ISPR release.

http://www.dawn.com/2004/03/30/nat17.htm

Govt Taking Steps For Increasing Literacy: Zubaida
Updated on 2004-03-30 10:07:38

SAHIWAL, Pakistan : March 30 (PNS) - Federal Education Minister Zubaida Jalal on Monday said that the present government was taking concrete steps for increasing literacy rate and promoting education in the country.

Addressing a prize distribution ceremony of a local English medium school, the minister said the government was making all possible efforts to provide new buildings and others required facilities in the educational institutions. She said the government was alloting land to the private sector for the establishment of education institutions free of cost in rural areas while in urban areas the land is being provided on nominal charges.

Zubaida Jalal said grants and loans were being provided to private sector under Education Foundations for the elimination of illiteracy from the country. She said the government would also encourage such institutions of the Non-governmental Organization (NGOs) which are operating without profit. The minister said that the federal cabinet has taken a number of important decisions for giving incentives to the private sector.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=12&date1=2004-03-30

Premier Jamali To Perform Ground Breaking
Of Gas Supply Project
Updated on 2004-03-30 09:28:22

KARACHI, Pakistan : March 30 (PNS) - Prime Minister, Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali will perform the ground breaking of the gas supply project to Khangarh and adjoining areas on Tuesday.

According to Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) here Monday the project has been undertaken at the special directives of the Prime Minister. The Company has been assigned the task to provide gas to Khangarh, District Ghotki on top priority basis by Prime Minister of Pakistan at a cost of Rs 144 million. The Federal Government is contributing Rs 113 million from Prime Minister's development Fund, while SSGC will spend the remaining Rs 31 million from its own sources.

SSGC said that after the completion of this project in Addition to Khangarh, the enroute towns and villages of Khanpur Mahar, Adilpur, Changlani, Sarhad and Sharo Mahar of District Ghotki, will also be benefited by the natural gas facility.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=5&date1=2004-03-30

Two projects inaugurated

By our correspondent

KARACHI: City Nazim Naimatullah Khan has inaugurated two projects, including a dispensary and a boys’ primary school in UC Maimarabad, Gadap Town.

Besides, he also laid the foundation stone of eight projects, including a model park, which is likely to be developed at a cost of Rs5.5 million within the same UC within three months.

Other projects, foundation stones of which were laid, included a football stadium; laying of a six-inch diameter water pipeline in Surjani Town; and construction of five roads in different sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Naimat said that the city government had carried out a record number of development works in Surjani Town while the newly-launched schemes would soon be completed.

The Nazim, UC Maimarabad, Nazeer Sajid, said that the city government had fulfilled its promise regarding bringing the UC to the level of other developed areas of the city.

jang.co.pk

‘Rs 1.1bn uplift package for Badin prepared’

BADIN: A development package of Rs 1,100 million for Badin district has been prepared and submitted for approval to the government.

District Coordination Office (DCO) Badin Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah said while talking to APP here on Monday. He said that after approval of the package a number of development projects in the district would be initiated. He said that priority would be given to the construction and repair of roads.

The DCO said that after construction of roads the difficulty being faced by travelling people for arriving Badin from various far off villages would be solved. He said that it would benefit growers to bring their products on time in the whole sale markets, patients would timely reach hospitals while students living in surrounding areas would be able to reach on time at their educational institutions.

Shah also said that it would also help in elimination of unemployment. He said that at present Rs 25 million received under MPAs grant being spent on various development projects in the district. The DCO said that grant under MNAs and senators for development projects would be received soon. He said that after receiving this grant a number of new development projects would be initiated.

He said that an amount of Rs 220 million under ADP and Rs 23 million under Drought Emergency Relief Assistance (DERA) being spent on various development programmes. He said the government will soon release relief amount of Rs 28 million for the damages caused due to last year flood.

The DCO said that out of this amount Rs 15 million would be spent on rehabilitation of irrigation system and Rs 13 million on repair of LBOFD. He further said that a PC-1 for Rs 3.3 million had been sent for approval for repair of bridges and culverts, which suffered damages during last year’s rains.

jang.co.pk

Work on Khangarh gas project begins today

By our correspondent

KARACHI: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali is expected to perform ground-breaking ceremony of the gas supply project to Khangarh on Tuesday and work on gas supply project to Khangarh and adjoining areas will start on March 30, 2004.

A spokesperson for the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) in a statement here on Monday said the company was undertaking the project at the special directives of the prime minister.

The Company has been assigned the task to provide gas to Khangarh, Ghotki District, on top priority basis by the prime minister.

After the completion of this project in addition to Khangarh, the en-route towns and villages of Khanpur Mahar, Adilpur, Changlani, Sarhad and Sharo Mahar of District Ghotki, will also be benefited by the natural gas facility. The project envisages the construction of 2 inch to 8-inch diameter 49 kms long supply mains and distribution network of 29 kms of 1 inch to 4-inch diameter.

The project will provide gas to the population of nearly 29,000 persons over the next 5 years, the spokesman added.

The press release further indicates that the total project cost will be Rs144 million, out of which the federal government is contributing Rs113 million from Prime Minister’s Development Fund, while SSGC will spend the remaining Rs31 million from its own sources.

jang.co.pk

Project For Construction Of Squash Complex In Karachi Approved- Minister

KARACHI, Pakistan : The construction of Squash complex in the city has been approved.

The decision to this effect has been taken at the 64th Executive Council meeting of Pakistan Sports Board, presided over by Minister of State for Sports Rais Muneer Ahmed, said Sindh Minister for Sports Muhammad Naeem Ishtaiq here Thursday. The meeting was attended among other by Sindh Minister for sports Mohammad Naeem Ishtaiq, Punjab Sports Minister Naeemullah Shahani, Director General Pakistan Sports Board General Arif Mahmood Siddiqui, Federal Secretary for Sports Choudhary Khalaid Latif, MNA Raheela Yahya, Hajrah Tariq and presidents of various sports federations.

The annual report of Pakistan Sports Board was also presented in the meeting which also reviewed arrangements being made for the SAF games. It also reviewed the development of sports infrasture from grass root level. Naeem Ishtaiq urged the meeting for early release of funds for nine sanctioned sports schemes of Sindh. The Federal Secretary Sports assured that the first tranch would be released after June.

Sindh Sports Minister also proposed that cricket should be Made part of the national sports policy and to improve the infrastructure of sports, the differences between the elected sports associations and cental sports assocation should be ended. He also urged for early ending differences between Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Sports Board. The Sindh Sports Minister also informed the participants the measures taken by Sindh government for the development of various games and for the welfare of sportspersons.

He stressed that school, colleges and universtires are sources from where we get budding players, therefore sports education should be linked with department of sports. Naeem Ishtaiq said that due to lack of liaison between educational institutions and sports department it is difficult to find out good players. The Federal Secretary Sports and Director General Sports Board agreed with the proposals presented by Naeem Ishtaiq and assured that after SAF games all the problems would be redressed on priority. Later, the Sindh Sports Minister visited Jinnah Stadium and Liaquat Gynasium to have first hand information about the 9th SAF games.

Rs 130 million Punjab grant for
three trauma centres in Rawalpindi

RECORDER REPORT

RAWALPINDI (March 31 2004): The Punjab government has released Rs 130 million for the establishment of modern and well-equipped trauma centres in three allied hospitals of the Rawalpindi Medical College, including Holy Family Hospital, District Headquarter Hospital and Rawalpindi General Hospital.

This was stated by the Holy Family Hospital's (HFH) Medical Superintendent, Dr Hussain Baloch, here on Sunday, while talking to Business Recorder.

He said: "Now after getting this huge grant, we would be in a position to meet the requirements of the area and provide better medical care to people."

He said that under this plan, within one year the structure of the emergency wards in all the three hospitals would be changed.

At first stage, all the medicines required in the emergency and enlisted by the government were being provided to patients in the emergency wards, he said, adding there would be a specialist available round-the-clock in the trauma centres.

Responding to a question regarding the appointment of the medical staff for the three trauma centres, the HFH Medical Superintendent said: "At present, the staff is already working, but we need an additional staff to make sure the smooth provision of services round-the-clock. We need to appoint 300 to 350 persons, including doctors, nurses and para-medics for the three trauma centres", he added.

He said that the government had issued a grant of Rs 50 million for the provision of latest equipment, and appointment of more doctors and specialists in the Holy Family Hospital.

He said that the number of beds in emergency ward would be increased from 55 to 75, and added that Rs 30 million were provided for increasing the number of beds in the emergency ward of the District Headquarter Hospital from 19 to 25, besides equipping the ward, provision of free medicines and appointment of doctors in the hospital.

Further, for upgrading the Rawalpindi General Hospital's emergency ward, the government had provided Rs 50 million, he said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

www.brecorder.com

CBR must be fully automated, says new chief

Staff Report

KARACHI: Abdullah Yusuf, chairman, Central Board of Revenue (CBR), has highlighted the need for the increased use of information technology within the tax collecting machinery to achieve maximum results, and for minimising the complaints of taxpayers.

“The existing system is partially automated and unless it is not fully equipped with the latest technology, problems would remain prevailing,” Mr Yusuf said while addressing the members of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here Tuesday.

He said his nomination as the CBR chairman was a challenge for him, and added that he would try to create more linkages with the traders.

Mr Yusuf observed that his department was a partner of the taxpayers, and not an opponent to them.

“We have a lot of potential, however, there are certain factors which need some attention right at this moment,” said the CBR chief. “Unless we do not achieve a high growth rate like China, where the growth rate is consistently growing by 10 percent, we would not be able to alleviate poverty from our society.”

Further, Mr Yusuf said that the country’s environment should be made conducive for investment, and thus for the betterment of national economy.

“Taxing the capital is not the right thing… Let the investor come on ground first, and there would be a lot of opportunities for the authorities than to tax him afterwards,” he added.

He said that there were reports of anomalies under the head of import duty - currently at five percent on raw materials, and 25 percent on finished goods – and added that this needed a revision.

Mr Yousuf observed that instead of helping the ones who approach them for assistance, generally the public servants here create hurdles.

“People here are not as much prosperous as they have to be and to attain that sublime we need to change the mindset,” he said.

The CBR chairman assured the traders the he would remain in touch with the traders to rationalise the tax structure.

Earlier, Riaz Ahmed Tata, chairman, FPCCI, while welcoming Mr Yusuf, said that the industrialists of the country feel that taxes here are in abundance, and added that this was the reason that new industries were not being set up here.

Mr Tata said that the flow of bank money was towards the stock exchange and property business instead of setting up in new industries. He demanded abolishing of additional three percent sales tax, which is received from the traders if they are not registered under the tax net.

There is no example the world like Pakistan, where sales tax was being taken under four slabs - 15 percent, 18 percent, 20 percent and 23 percent.

The FPCCI chief stated that section 73 of the Sales Tax Act was very good when it was initiated, but maintained that with amendments it has become complicated.

Further, Mr Tata demanded that there should be only one audit in the year, and also complained of the delay in sales tax refund. However he appreciated the fact that sales tax refunds were now being made in three-and-a-half months instead of six months previously.

The FPCCI chief also demanded zero percent duty on the import of machinery and raw material.

APP adds: Mr Yusuf said the CBR was looking into the anomaly of taxation in finished goods and raw material, which would soon be removed.

Addressing the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here Tuesday, he said there are anomalies where the tax rate on finished goods is lower as compared to the tax on raw material. Consequently the locally manufactured goods cost is higher than the imported goods. It would be reversed, he assured.

He said the tax levies should be judicious and realistic. He also pointed out the need to expand the tax base and consumer base for which, he invited the business community to advance suggestions.

“We want to interact with the businessmen closely,” he remarked.

Mr Yusuf said his job is to lead CBR and help reform tax machinery. “We are trying to change the mind set of the investors and the government officials so that investment conducive environment could be created in the country.”

He said complete automation in the CBR was very imperative as the manual job was not up to the mark. He added that the automation should be acquired irrespective to the cost as one should bother about the final results of the automation.

He said the government is trying to reform the CBR and many efforts have been made in the past. As the previous efforts could not reform the Board completely, therefore afresh efforts were being made. He said there was huge potential for growth in the country but this potential has not been exploited to its fullest capacity.

He said three to four years ago, the World Bank formed a committee, which made certain recommendations for the CBR and those recommendations were being implemented.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?p...1-3-2004_pg5_18

Premier Unveils Plaque Of Gas Supply Project

KHANGHAR, Pakistan : March 31 (PNS) - Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali unveiled the plaque of supply of gas to Khanghar and adjoining towns of Adilpur and Khanpur Mahar here Tuesday.

The ceremony was held at the residence of Zila Nazim Ghotki Sardar Ali Gohar Mahar. Briefing the Prime Minister on the occasion, the Managing Director SSGC, Munwar Baseer Ahmed, informed that the project is likely to be completed before December 2004. He said the project would cost Rs 144 million, out of which Federal Government will contribute Rs 130 million, while remaining Rs 31 million will be raised from SSGC's own resources.

He said, gas supply to Khanghar and adjoining towns of Ghotki district will provide to boost economic and industrial activities in the area where over half a dozen multinational gas, oil and power companies are functioning and would get benefit from this project. This will also help in overcoming the problem of unemployment in the area, he said. Earlier, the Prime Minister visited Mohammadpur Town about 30 km from Pano Aqil on the National Highway where he attended a reception hosted in his honour by Sajjada Nasheen Dargah Mohammadpur Makhdoom Nisar Ahmed.

Addressing the gathering the Prime Minister said that his government was making sincere efforts to eliminate disparity among different sections of population for which various economic and industrial projects have been launched. He said, that supply of gas to hitherto neglected areas of interior Sindh has been specially launched by the government as the previous government had failed to pay any heed to mitigate the sufferings of the residents of these areas. He asked the people to strengthen the hands of present government which is making sincere effort to ameliorate their socio-economic conditions.

http://www.paknews.com/main.php?id=5&date1=2004-03-31

Rs 3.5b Spent On Development Scheme

GILGIT, Pakistan : March 31 (PNS) - Government is committed to develop Northern Areas of Pakistan with an accelerated pace so that it could be brought at par with rest of country.

This was stated by Secretary Finance and revenue Malik Javed while an interview with APP here Tuesday. He said that Rs. 3.5 billion are being spent on 520-development scheme during the current fiscal year of 2003-2004 and projects would be completed within stipulated period as per government's firm commitment.

http://www.paknews.com/main.php?id=3&date1=2004-03-31

New passports from September

By Zulqernain Tahir

LAHORE, March 30: The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) is all set to issue new Machine Readable Passports (MRP) from September this year.

The new passport would be issued within three days, Nadra chairman Saleem Ahmed Moin said while briefing a group of newsmen from Lahore on the working of the authority at its headquarters in Islamabad on Monday.

The MRP would have unique physical and technical security features which could not be forged or tampered with. Supported by an integrated automated border control system, the MRP would help eliminate the problems being faced by the immigration authorities while verifying travel documents.

Hundreds of Pakistanis cross into developed countries every year on counterfeit travel documents. Mr Moin said that MRP would stop human trafficking from the country.

It may, however, be mentioned that Malaysia had been avoiding to hire workers from Pakistan because of their unreliable travel documents. It has now agreed to provide jobs to over 200,000 Pakistanis if they possess MRP and Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC).

Some 20 countries around the globe are issuing MRP. In Asia, only Malaysia and Myanmar has shifted from traditional passports to the MRP. Nadra officials toldDawnthat the new passport would provide automated assessment of data relating to travel documents and its bearer.

The data would lead to fast, accurate, and secure facilitation of the travellers. The elimination of human intervention through the effective use of sophisticated computer hardware and software would also facilitate a high degree of reliability in monitoring and tracking applications.

The officials said that 18 entry and exit points (EEP) would be linked with the MRP. The process would ensure success and preserve dignity and authority of documents.

They said the government had already equipped the NADRA online verification system to verify the credentials of the applicants for new passports. The offices had already verified credentials of over 82,000 passports applicants through the data base.

They said the network throughout the country provided an easy access to the national databases verification system. They said the Nadra had also developed an online identity verification service, VERISYS, which enabled the organizations to register and verify their customers on the spot by using web-based application. The information provided by VERISYS has been based upon front and back image of the CNIC.

The Nadra chairman said the authority had delivered over 35 million CNIC so far. It had a capacity of delivering 100,000 CNIC daily. He said the CNIC carried a 2D barcode. The thumb impression of a cardholder would be stored in it and would be used to match for identification.

The Nadra also had phonetic research system to connect the Urdu data base with the English data base. Mr Moin said the authority was planning to bring out the fingerprint identification capability in the CNIC that would help citizens carry out secure banking transactions.

The fingerprints would be classified in an accurate and consistent manner based on gender, age, language and permanent address. He said the data of over 53 million individuals, including minors, available at Nadra terminals could ensure smooth planning and implementation of the government policies and projects.

He said the Nadra had provided computerized birth, death and marriage registration system to the district governments of Lahore and Sialkot. The system would also be installed in other parts of the Punjab soon.

http://www.dawn.com/2004/03/31/nat13.htm

Jamali defends Thal Canal

Says Delhi asked to open visa office in Karachi

By Anwer Shaikh

NAWABSHAH: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali on Tuesday said the Thal Canal would use only Punajb’s share of water, therefore, there was no need for objecting to its construction.

"The Thal Canal is being constructed to use the Punjab’s share of water. The prime minister told newsmen here. "It is difficult to understand the objections against it," he added. The premier said that each province’s water share is settled and "every province has the right to use its share". Jamali said the water issues are already settled through IRSA.

Responding to a question, Jamali said the Pakistan government has asked New Delhi to open visa offices in Karachi to facilitate the people of Sindh. "The people of Sindh have to go to Islamabad to get Indian visa. We have asked India to provide visa facility in Karachi," he said. About Kashmir, he said the issue would be resolved in the light of resolutions passed in the United Nations and according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

About creation of new provinces, he said it was the task of the provinces to consider whether or not new provinces should be created. Regarding wheat crises in the province, the premier said he has directed the provincial chief secretary to investigate wheat shortage in the province.

About the NFC award, he said he personally requested all the chief ministers to evolve a consensus. However, he said there is no pressure on them in this regard. He said in politics doors always open for a dialogue but "we are not holding any dialogue with the PPP like the agreement with the MMA."

Responding to a question, the premier said Gawadar port is a gift for the people of Balochistan and after construction of the international port it would change the fate of the people.

Regarding politicians living abroad, Jamali said those living in self-exile are free tor eturn. However, he said, they have to face cases, if any. Responding to a question regarding unification of the PML, he said it took some 11 years in the unification of the PML and Chaudhry Shujaat has been nominated as its president. He expressed the hope that the PML would be the largest party and would fulfil dreams of Quaid-i-Azam.

Jamali said the government is working for the welfare of common people. He said that it was his endeavour to provide employment, education and health facilities to all the masses of the country.

He said the government has provided billions of rupees to 104 districts under district government system but its benefits could not reach to the common people due to non-existence of accountability system. He said monitoring teams have been constituted at the provincial level to detect corruption. He said the Sindh government is not intervening in the affairs of district government. He appreciated the working of the provincial government, saying it was working with devotion.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/mar2004-daily/3...main/main12.htm

Bahria University to set up institute of marine sciences at Gwadar

KARACHI (March 28 2004): Bahria University has planned to establish a modern, fully equipped institute of marine sciences at Gwadar.

Rector, Bahria University, Vice Admiral Fayyazur Rahman (Retd) stated this while addressing at the 5th convocation ceremony of Bahria Institute of Management and mputer Sciences (BIMCS), Karachi on Saturday.

Highlighting the future plans of the university, he said that beside its expansion plans to reach the far-flung, underprivileged areas of the country, the university had also planned to set up a composite institute of marine sciences at Gwadar with all essential facilities including residential facility.

He regretted that the subject was most neglected one in the country due to which there emerged an acute shortage of qualified faculty of the subject and sea-based research.

In this perspective he stressed the need of giving due significance to the subject and announced the university's plan to establish marine sciences institute.

However, he discussed the paucity of available funds for running such research-based educational institutes and asked the government to extend maximum financial support for the establishment of marine sciences institute.

He described a fear-free learning environment and taking new initiatives to keep up with changes taking place in the international universities and marketplace as the two distinctive features of the university's educational policies.

Throwing light on initiative taken by the university recently, he discussed the launching of executive MBA and Ph.D. in management and computer sciences programmes, introduction of wireless LAN in the libraries and other technological advancements.

Provincial Education Minister, Irfanullah Marwat appreciated the standard of education being imparted by the Bahria University and assured the university for government's full assistance in its cause of promoting quality education in the country, specially its plan for the remote areas.

He urged upon the graduating students to acquire leadership qualities in the professional career so that they could be relied upon and respected for their capabilities.

Earlier, Director BIMCS, Captain Ahmed Zaheer (Retd) described the curriculum taught at the university as a unique blend of lectures, case studies, group discussions, research and exposure to business organisations through internship.

A total of 220 graduating students in business and computer science discipline were conferred degrees by the rector of the institute, while the minister awarded gold and silver medals to the outstanding students.

Those who secured gold medals included Yaseen Majeed, Javed Shamshad, Asif Jameel, Syed Mohammad Ali, Khurrum Khan, and Imran Malik, whereas Sardar Shah and Uzma Afzal received silver medals.

http://www.pakissan.com/english/news/2004/...institute.shtml

GOVERNOR NWFP LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF PRESTON UNIVERSITY KOHAT

The Governor of NWFP, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah has said that public sector alone could not meet the demand for higher education. Private sector participation, he said has, therefore, become essential and is being encouraged by the government. The Governor said this while addressing a large gathering of educationists, intellectuals, high ranking members of the civil bureaucracy and students present on the occasion of the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of Preston University, Kohat-NWFP.

In his inaugural address on the occasion, the Governor said laying the foundation of an institution of the stature and repute of Preston University, on the soil of the city of Kohat, will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity for the residents of Kohat in particular and the Province in general. He said it was indeed an honor and pleasure for him that the foundation stone of Preston University, Kohat was being laid by him. He heartily congratulated the Chancellor of Preston University, Dr. Abdul Basit for fulfilling an important commitment that he had made to the Government of NWFP and the people of Kohat at the time of grant of charter, to build the university's own campus in the City. The sense of urgency and commitment demonstrated by those at the helm in this institution, particularly in terms of acquisition of more than 6 acres of land for the permanent campus of the University, was indeed a landmark achievement and worth of commendation laudable.

pakistaneconomist.com

Mechanism to check obscenity in Internet cafes demanded

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (April 01 2004): The treasury members in the National Assembly on Wednesday demanded of the government to evolve a mechanism to check screening of obscenity in the Internet cafes.

Five legislators, including Mrs Bushra Rehman, who moved the call attention notice after the question-hour session, drew the House attention towards 'making of objectionable video in Internet café cabins.

She said that a comprehensive strategy must be evolved to stop pornographic material, shown in the cafes. "Besides, youth indulge in indecent activities in Internet cabins in cities, towns, even in villages, which is a matter of grave concern," she added.

There should be a code of conduct, Mrs Rehman asserted, adding that all the cafes be properly registered in order to regulate their functioning and their use be confined to academics.

Other co-movers, Dr Farid Paracha, Rana Asif Tauseef, Anwar Ali Cheema and Mohammad Hanif Abbasi, also called upon the government to pay attention to the functioning of the cafes.

They also objected to some of the television plays, which they believed, could not be watched with families.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Division Ali Asjad Malhi said that there was no law to promote or encourage obscenity. "The government is focusing on how to control obscenity," he remarked.

He maintained that the growth of cafes was encouraged to promote their use for education and knowledge.

However, the notice led to traditional complaints by the treasury lawmakers that despite a sizeable presence, lady legislators were not encouraged to raise their issues in the Parliament or at any other forum.

This comment evoked desk thumping by the treasury as well as opposition benches.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

District government seeks Rs 7.5 billion for Rawalpindi Ring Road project

RECORDER REPORT

RAWALPINDI (April 01 2004): The district government of Rawalpindi has sent a summary of the initiation of the Ring Road project around Rawalpindi to address the old problem of traffic jams in the city.

It demanded the provision of Rs 7.5 billion for construction of the ring road.

According to the details, the district government had sent a summary, and informed the President, Prime Minister and Chief Minister of Punjab about the need of constructing a ring road at Murree Road to reduce traffic disorder, well placed sources said here on Tuesday.

They said that people, travelling between the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, were suffering a lot due to regular traffic jams.

Hours long traffic jam at Committee Chowk, Moti Mahal Chowk and Murree Road had became an order of the day and had caused a lot of mental and physical agony to the general public as well as motorists, they added.

The sources said that immediate measures were necessary to avoid traffic jams on this important road and the district government needed more than Rs 7.5 billion for constructing the ring road project in Pindi.

Under this project, they said, the road from Kutchery Chowk to the airport would also be converted into a six-lane carriageway to solve traffic problems.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Punjab government had released Rs 70 million for the construction of an underpass at Committee Chowk, but so far no work was initiated on this project.

It is pertinent to note that Murree Road, Mureed Hassan Road, Liaquat Bagh till General hospital, College Road, City Saddar Road, Liaquat Road, Iqbal Road, Saidpur Road, Asghar Mall, Muslim Town, Sadiqabad, Guwalmandhi, Raja Bazaar, Adamjee Road, Kashmir Road, Misrial Road, Chohar Chowk, Tench Bhata, Abid Majeed Road, and dozens of other roads, connecting the Cantonment area with other parts of city and suburban areas, are jam-packed with traffic.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

Expatriates can get passport through postal application

LONDON (April 01 2004): Pakistani community can obtain their visas and passports by sending their applications in pre-paid self-addressed envelopes to the Pakistan High Commission.

The postal applications procedure for visa takes 14 to 16 days provided error-free application forms, two photographs, original passport, appropriate fee in the form of postal order payable to the Pakistan High Commission and a prepaid self-addressed envelope are sent to the Visa Section, Pakistan High Commission, 34 Lowndes Square, London SWIX 9JN, said a news release of the High Commission.

The fee for urgent passport is 78 Sterling Pounds while for an ordinary passport the fee is 30 Pounds.

Dual national Pakistanis should send a copy of their expired Pakistani passports along with their visa applications. Applicants, who do not have their Pakistani passports, can send a copy of one of their parent's passports and their own birth certificate to avail of concessional visa rates.

Dual national aged 18 or above are charged and those below 18 years are charged for single entry visas.

The postal applications procedure for passports also takes 14 to 18 days and the applicants are required to send completely filled in application forms, expired passports, three photographs and appropriate fee in the form of postal order payable to Pakistan High Commission in a pre-paid self-addressed envelope.

It may be noted that lost passport/travel document applicants are required to appear in person at the High Commission, it said.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

NADRA to set up SRCs in UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE (April 01 2004): In a bid to redress the complaints of overseas Pakistanis pertaining to issuance of new National Identity Cards (NIC), National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has decided to set up Swift Registration Centres (SRCs) in UK, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Chairman Nadra Brigadier Saleem Moin (Retd) said this while talking to Business Recorder.

With the functioning of those centre Pakistanis residing in those countries would benefit a lot. Such centres would also be established in other countries, he said.

"Nadra has so far issued 35.448 million computerised NICs and 400,00 people are approaching Nadra centres for the issuance of NICs every day. In order to cater this rush, Nadra has made special arrangements", he said.

He said that Nadra was financially a viable organisation but around 3,800 retired personnel of registration department have become financial burden on the organisation.

He was of the view that data being collected by Nadra at the time of submission of papers for issuance of computerised cards could be helpful in chalking out future strategy.

He added that Nadra was the most efficient public sector organisation, which had provided jobs to around 100,00 people including hundreds of MCS degree holders. Nadra had also provided its services for the computerisation of land record of Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Under a pilot project, the Authority had also computerised the death and birth records of 150 union councils of Lahore and 17 union councils of Sialkot.

He claimed that a number of countries have approached Nadra for developing a software for the registration purpose.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

Paper mulberry to be removed in three years: CDA

ISLAMABAD (April 01 2004): Trees of paper mulberry will be removed from major residential areas of Islamabad, up to series 10, within next three years, said Director Environment, Capital Development Authority, Muzhar Hussain.

Speaking in a PTV programme, he said though, trees of paper mulberry, yellow flowers and weeds play a major role in emitting pollen allergy, but other factors are also involved in this problem.

He said, from mid-March to mid-April the problem of pollen allergy mainly emerges and in this period, in some localities and pockets of Islamabad atmosphere is loaded with pollen for which remedial steps are being taken to address the problem.

Replying to a question, he said in 90s, first time, the complaints about pollen problem emerged and a programme was made to eliminate the root cause of disease. But, besides this, a debate was also started that removal of paper mulberry would harm the environment, too, he added.

Muzhar Hussain said after thorough research, in 1997 a report was finalised that many factors are involved in this problem.

Steps are underway to make Islamabad pollen allergy free city, he said adding CDA is also working on the preventive aspects of the problem by cutting yellow flowers, weeds, male paper mulberry trees.

CDA is implementing long and short-term strategy to eradicate such weeds/trees and replacing them with the environmental friendly trees, he said.

The Head of Chest Diseases Department, P1MS, Dr Mohammad Zaman Awan, Head of ENT Department, PIMS, Professor Dr Wajahat Bunkish and Chief Clinical and Tropical Diseases Research Division, NIH, Dr Farida Ahmed also participated in the programme.

The participants also highlighted the preventive measures besides spreading awareness about the precautionary steps for the problem which nowadays, is especially being faced by the urban residents of Islamabad.

Experts also advised that pollen allergy patients should consult their doctors before the start of this period as through this way they would less suffer by the disease.

It was also clarified that pollen allergy is not an infectious diseases.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

More districts to be created in Sindh: Jamali

Says move aimed at strengthening local government system

By our correspondent

DADU: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali on Wednesday said he believed in ‘Pakistanisim’ and the government was determined to take the nation on the path of progress and prosperity.

Addressing a gathering in Betto Jatoi, the prime minister said that in order facilitate the masses and to strengthen the local government system, more districts would be created. In this regard, he added, he had held consultations with the chief ministers of Sindh, Balochistan and the Punjab.

Jamali said that the limits of the new districts would be drawn in consultation with the people of the respective areas. "The government has no political motives behind the bifurcating of bigger districts," the prime minister said, adding: "It is purely for the benefit of the people."

Jamali said that the government was working to bring an end a culture of commission and recommendations in the larger interests of the people. "We are the custodian of peoples’ trust and want that the amount should be utilised for the purpose it has been allocated in any province, so as the people could be served," he added.

Jamali asked the Sindh chief minister to hold an inquiry into the misappropriation of funds in the construction of road from Sehwan to Gorakh and the responsible persons should be punished irrespective of their political affiliation. He also directed the National Highways Authority to complete the Sehwan-Dadu-Larkana Highway in time. He also announced provision of power and gas to various areas of Dadu district.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sardar Ali Muhammad Maher said that the provincial government was serving the people without any discrimination. He added that he was the part of President Pervez Musharraf and Premier Jamali’s team. He said that Rs 100 million had been allocated for the development works on Gorakh Hill Station.

Federal Minister for Industries Liaquat Ali Jatoi also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, District Naib Nazim Dr Zahid Hussain Jatoi presented the address of welcome. Provincial ministers, MNAs, MPAs and notable of the area were also present on the occasion.

jang.com.pk

US Health Secretary arrives Islamabad on April 6

ISLAMABAD : The US Health Secretary Tommy Thomas will arrive here on a two day official visit on April 6.

During his stay in Pakistan, he will meet Health Minister Nasir Khan and high officials and will discuss cooperation in health sector.

The two sides will also discuss US special grant on the establishment of hospitals and provision of health facilities to the undeveloped areas of Pakistan.

http://www.pakistanlink.com/headlines/April04/01/07.html

Russian envoy invites Chaudhry Shujjat to visit Russia

ISLAMABAD : The Ambassador of Russian Federation Eduard Stepanovich Schevchenko met PML President and Central Parliamentary leader Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain here at his residence on Wednesday and discussed matters of mutual interest.

He invited Chaudhry Shujjat Hussain and the Parliamentarians to visit Russia with regard to enhance Parliamentary friendship between the Parliaments of both Russia and Pakistan. Chaudhary Shujaat accepted the invitation.

Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia have improved considerably after President Musharraf’s visit to Russia last year. Russia has also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the fight against international terrorism.

http://www.pakistanlink.com/headlines/April04/01/08.html

President for encouraging hydropower projects

RAWALPINDI (April 02 2004): President General Pervez Musharraf has directed the authorities to encourage and facilitate the initiation of projects for the generation of hydro-electricity in both public and private sectors.

The President stressed upon the need for creating an enabling environment for the improvement of the power sector in order to introduce competition so that electricity was made accessible, affordable and reliably available to the people of Pakistan.

President Musharraf made these remarks while chairing a meeting in Rawalpindi on Thursday, which reviewed progress on the power sector in the country.

In his presentation, Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao dwelt at length on the measures that were being taken to transform the integrated state-owned utilities into a professionally managed competitive and efficient electric power system of generation, transmission and distribution with the active participation of the private sector.

The participants of the meeting, including Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Chairman Wapda and other senior officials, also reviewed the progress on conversion of power production from expensive sources such as oil to hydro-electricity, gas and other cheaper raw material.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

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Punjab launches new irrigation project

LAHORE: A new plan of irrigation has been started in Punjab, this was said by Provincial Minister, Amir Sultan Cheema in Lahore while he was addressing a group of farmers and pressmen.

He said that the Government of Punjab has launched Rs. 21 billion project that will irrigate more than 5,000 acres land in Sheikhupura, Vehari and Faisalabad districts of the province

geo.tv

Mahar For Construction Of Underpasses To
Help Cope With Increasing Traffic Flow

KARACHI, Pakistan : April 03 (PNS) - Sindh Chief Minister, Sardar Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar, has directed that 10 underpasses be constructed in the metropolis to help cope with the increasing traffic in the city owing to the growing population.

He was chairing a high level meeting here on Friday which reviewed the projects of the annual development programme for the year 2003-04. Mr. Mahar directed that underpasses be constructed at the roundabouts in the city to help cope with the increasing flow of traffic in view of the growing population in the metropolis. He instructed that Share Faisal be beautified by planting some 10,000 trees on either side of this important road.

It was pointed out that the Forest Department has made available 3,000 trees to the City District Government Karachi. The Chief Minister said that in view of the increasing flow of traffic, the possibility of widening of Share Faisal would be looked into. He stated that on the important thoroughfares in the provinces and along the canals trees would be planted. It was also informed that trees worth one million dollars provided by the Swiss Government would be planted at the Gorakh Hill by November this year.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=8&date1=2004-04-03

British official calls on NWFP Education Minister

PESHAWAR : Mark Postan of the British Department for International Development (DFID) Tuesday called on the NWFP Minister for Education and Literacy Maulana Fazle Ali Haqqani at his office.

He discussed DFID technical assistance programme with the Minister in detail. The years long programme is just being winded up on its successful completion. They also discussed future plans for such an assistance and programme. It was decided during the meeting that a one-day workshop should be organized in Peshawar wherein the achievements of this programme will be discussed.

Such a workshop and its recommendations will help form a comprehensive and viable strategy for chalking out future programme for similar assistance. It is worth-mentioning that DFID is working on another programme of technical assistance for capacity building in the education department of NWFP.

http://www.nni-news.com/current/national/news-24.htm

Sassui Bridge inaugurated

KARACHI (April 05 2004): Federal Minister for Communications Senator Babar Khan Ghauri on Sunday inaugurated a flyover at Ghaghar Phattak railway crossing on National Highway (N-5) in Thatta district.

The minister, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, said the 93 metre-long bridge with 4 lanes (22.9 meters) was completed in three months before scheduled time at the cost of Rs 92.857 million. It has 616 meters long approaches.

The work on the flyover named as 'Sassui Bridge' had started at on August 28, 2002.

He said that he has set up a vigilance cell in Islamabad to supervise the development works in the country under his ministry which would ensure their quality and timely completion.

He said the work on Karachi package announced by President General Pervez Musharraf would formally start from Tuesday with the kicking off the construction work on Landhi-Korangi main road.

The minister urged the people to support the government in its efforts for their socio-economic uplift.

He said President General Pervez Musharraf had an excellent agenda on political, social and economic issues, which could be executed only through people's support and cooperation to the government.

"President Musharraf wants speedy development in the country," he added.

Senator Babar Khan Ghauri assured that being a Federal Minister he would utilise all available resources for the welfare of people of the country irrespective of their political affiliation.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

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Faisal Directs Officials To Make Foolproof Arrangements For New Passports
Updated on 2004-04-06 10:03:19

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan : April 06 (PNS) - Federal Interior Minister Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat Monday directed officials of Machine Readable Passport (MRP) project to minimize the possibility of forgery in the new passports.

He was chairing a meeting on MRP project and gave directions to start the issuance of new passports within the planned time frame. The minister said foolproof arrangements should be made to prepare machine readable passports. The meeting reviewed the progress made so far regarding technical specifications and security features which are planned to be introduced in the new passport. "Security should be our top priority and special emphasis should be laid on countering illegal human smuggling," the Minister said.

http://www.paknews.com/flash.php?id=6&date1=2004-04-06

Government works out strategy for network of quality roads: Durrani

RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR (April 08 2004): Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has said that the government has worked out a comprehensive strategy for a network of quality roads throughout NWFP, from Jehangira to Swabi and Topi double road will be constructed.

He was talking to members of provincial assembly, as part of weekly meetings, here at Chief Minister's Secretariat on Wednesday. MPAs Tariq Khattk, Ghulam Ramzan Toqeer, Syed Qalab Hussain, Muhammad Ibrahim Qasmi, attended the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that repair and construction of roads in the province is being carried out on need basis. People have attached great expectations from the elected representatives and the provincial government will leave no stone unturned to come up to the expectations of the people.

He urged the assembly members to monitor and supervise developmental activities in their respective areas and make sure that the construction work is up to the mark.

He said that completion of these projects will provide relief to the masses. We are part of the same society and have a great regard for all the elected representatives, he said.

Durrani said that under Tameer-e-Sarhad Programme all the elected representatives have been provided equal funds.

He said that the present government has accelerated efforts for colleccting resources besides right of the province.

About supply of Sui gas to different parts of NWFP, the Chief Minister said for the first time the provincial government has provided resources for this purpose.

He appealed the assembly members to finalise their priorities list as budget is around the corner. Durrani said that the projects to be included in the next ADP should be based on people welfare. The provincial ministers are bound to resolve problems of the masses.

The Chief Minister said a new mechanism will be found for the annual developmental programme as the assembly members are of the opinion that the planning should be made on divisional level.

The next ADP will fully reflect expectations and aspirations of the people, he added. We are answerable to Allah Almighty and people; if our decisions are based on personal likes and dislikes and encourage wrong doings then there is no difference between the present and past governments, the Chief Minister added. He further said that all the districts have been provided equal funds and referred to packages for Kohistan and Hangu districts in this regards.

Durrani said that the present government has resolved all the outstanding problems amicably.

Referring to religious harmony and brotherhood among the people of Frontier, he said sectarianism is not a problem at all but it is conspiracy for division of people.

He said we should forge unity among our ranks for foiling nefarious designs of anti Muslim elements. He said sensitive issues have been ignored by the past governments and allocation of land for Jashne Norooz is one of the achievements of the present government.

The MPAs who attended the meeting informed the Chief Minister about the ongoing developmental schemes in their respective areas. They thanked the Chief Minister and assured full co-operation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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CBR to spend Rs 46.444 million on training of tax men

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (April 08 2004): The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has decided to spend Rs 46.444 million in two years on the training of tax officials under the public sector capacity building programme funded by World Bank (WB).

Sources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday that training of tax officials has been identified as essential prerequisite for success of reforms. Under the project, both the tax officials and staff would be trained at various levels.

The estimated cost of the project extending over two years will be Rs 46.4 million. However for the year ending June 2004, the expected cost will be Rs 4.01 million that will be met out of the bridge-financing loan approved by the World Bank. If there is any delay in the processing of actual disbursement, the cost would be met out of the training funds of Rs 7 million available with CBR.

Sources said that broad objectives of the training programme is to develop a critical mass of senior and middle level officers who after becoming fully conversant with the modern management practices will be able to play a meaningful role in implementing reforms.

It would provide an opportunity to the existing lower level employees to enhance their ability and develop skills for adding value in the automated environment of CBR. Initially, the CBR will focus on communication and IT skills of its employees.

To achieve the best results, HRM Wing had approached Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore and National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Rawalpindi.

The training modules have been evolved in consultation with these institutes.

For the lower level staff, at the first stage, CBR will introduce pilot projects at three locations ie Karachi, Hyderabad and Peshawar.

The institutions being engaged are Institute of Business Management Karachi, University of Sindh Hyderabad and Peshawar University for the specified training programmes.

This concept will be extended to other locations at Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and Multan, sources added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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One-window system demanded for all taxes

RECORDER REPORT

MULTAN (April 08 2004): All Pakistan Traders Association (Apta) here has demanded of the government to introduce one-window operation for income tax, sales tax, wealth tax and other taxes to alleviate the miseries of the tax-payers and curtail discretionary powers of tax collectors/administrators to end corruption excesses and harassment.

In its budget proposals Apta said that general sales tax should be levied on manufacturers and importers and not at wholesaler and retailers' level, and traders be forced for documentation and minimum limit for income tax should be fixed at Rs 100.000.

It also suggested that turnover tax rate must be reduced to 0.75 percent from 2 percent; new businessmen must be exempted of all taxes for three years; income tax payers should be exempted from audit for five years and sales tax payers for three years.

It further said that Central Board of Revenue should recover fixed tax from the traders keeping in view the status of the business and locality because every locality has its own importance.

It demanded that the government should take measures to save the traders from the highhandedness of the tax collectors in the guise of expansion of the tax net.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

HBL executing $25 million computerisation project

KARACHI (April 08 2004): The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) is working on a project to fully computerise all its transactions and working at a cost of $25 million.

This was stated by HBL president Zakir Mahmood while addressing members of Pak-German Business Forum at a local hotel on Wednesday. He said that half of the work has been completed.

He said that 200 branches of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) are online while another 150 will be connected in next one year.

He said that a new banking package will be introduced in the second quarter of this year, offering world-class level banking which could be compared to any bank in Europe.

Referring to the future plans after the privatisation, Mahmood said that the HBL will expand its operation in consumer banking, house financing, SMEs and agriculture sector and asset management.

He said that the bank will also expand its overseas business and open its first branch in Afghanistan soon. We will also go in other region to expand our overseas network, he added.

Zakir Mahmood claimed that the HBL has the largest customer base in terms of deposits and loans in the country.

He said that the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) has posted a net profit of Rs 4 billion in 2003 while its capital adequacy has been risen to 9 percent.

The Habib Bank Limited (HBL) chief supported the shift in bank lending from collateral to cash flow basis and said it was practised world-wide.

He was of the view that cash flow is the first source of repayment.

To a question about falling mark-up rates, he said that they will now go up as there was no room for further decline in the interest rates.

To another question about higher mark-up for agricultural loans, he said that the risk factor and very high cost of processing was forcing banks to charge higher mark-up.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2004

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Siemens launches Free Phone Hungama

KARACHI (April 08 2004): Siemens mobile has done it again. After the successful launch of the "My-Siemens" club in Pakistan, promising its users endless fun, excitement and discounts, now Siemens mobiles has launched "Free Phone Hungama".

Siemens fans have been delighted with the chance to win sensuously designed for desire SL55 with the purchase of either the C62 or MC60 through the lucky draw being held daily.

The offer ended on April 24. Until then everyday for 40 days Siemens is giving away one SL55 to the lucky winner daily.

The excitement is at its peak when the clock strikes the end of the day and it's time for the draw.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Pakistan's palm oil market stable, importers seen active

KARACHI (April 08 2004): Pakistan's palm oil market was stable on Wednesday against the previous week as importers placed buying orders for the month ahead, and dealers said the market had room for more imports.

"The imports and prices both are likely to rise in coming days as the domestic market is following a rising world market," said Zia Ahmed, a dealer in Karachi.

Dealers said importers were placing orders for May shipments and a bullish Malaysian crude palm oil futures market also stabilised local prices.

Traders had around 70,000 tonnes of unsold stock to meet domestic demand and had made forward deals securing their positions until the end of April.

Dealers said the Pakistani market was likely to see some good buying in coming weeks because traders were also building stocks in anticipation of an increase in world prices.

"Imports have also risen because cotton seed oil supplies have almost come to an end," said another Karachi-based dealer.

Pakistan produced 400,000 tonnes of cotton seed from its current cotton crop. Millers in Punjab province blend cotton seed with other vegetable oils for local consumption.

Traders said palm oil was quoted at 1,980 rupees per mound (37.32 kg) on Wednesday against 1,970 rupees a week ago.

Pakistan imports about 1.3 million tonnes of edible oil products annually, led by palm oil, mostly from Malaysia, to help meet domestic demand of 1.9 million tonnes.

Copyright Reuters, 2004

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Revised master plan of Gwadar presented to Balochistan chief minister

LAILA A ALI

QUETTA (April 08 2004): Revised master plan of Gwadar presented to Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Yousuf here predicts that it would be developed not only into international sea port but also into an international city Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Official sources confirmed here on Wednesday that Gwadar would be congestion-free for an easy direct road access to India, China, Afghanistan, Iran and all Central Asian States. Gwadar catchement area would be entire NWFP, Western Punjab and whole of Balochistan.

The plan also provides for railroad network. Survey for linking Gwadar with ECO at Taftan (Pak-Iran border town) via Dalbandin, Chagai district rich in mines and minerals. The plan also envisages construction of expressway from Gwadar to Rato Dero (Sindh) on Indus Highway and Khuzdar-Quetta-Chaman-Kandhar on ECO Highway.

Gwadar is already under connection with Karachi through coastal highway to Jiwani (Pak-Iran border town) via Sonmiani, Ormara and Pasni. So far as sea trade is concerned the plan has been so designed as to promote trade and commerce with Central Asian States, Afghanistan, Iran, Persian Gulf, East Africa, United Arab Emirates and North Western India.

The master plan also provides both for public and private sectors safe investment in land commercial, industrial development at Gwadar already declared by the government as duty-free port and a free economic zone, first in Pakistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Karachi to host ports and shipping moot in May

KARACHI (April 08 2004): The first ever International Ports and Shipping Conference "IPSC-2004" will be held in Karachi from 5 to 7 May, 2004.

The conference is a venture of Karachi Port Trust and is being arranged by the leading event-management company-Pegasus Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd.

Conferring on the theme of "Integration of regional ports into world trade", the 3-day conference would be addressed by various international speakers belonging to Switzerland, Belgium, UAE, Malta, USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Germany, Tajikistan and Afghanistan. Besides other key decision-makers from certain government organisations of Pakistan would also present their papers on various technical aspects and future prospects of the global logistical businesses.

Pakistan Ship Agents Association has also lent its support to the event in addition to the support by some of the leading shipping industry giants in the region by being part of the steering committee.

This event will provide an excellent opportunity to the leaders and experts being gathered to interact and address the core requirements of the regional shipping trade during its three-day comprehensive programme.

Some of the topics in discussion would include the importance of the Karachi Port in relation to its regional surroundings and the future prospects in terms of regional trade and more specifically trans-shipment facilities to other countries.

With expert opinion from shipping companies, port authorities, operators, logistic experts, traders and developers, this conference would provide a significant platform to map-out the future of the port developments and the regional centres of activity with special emphasis on Karachi Port.

Through a combination of industry reviews, port operations and various case studies at the conference, the attendees would have a chance to attain the maximum understanding of the regional shipping industry.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Direct PIA flights to Houston from May 23

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI (April 08 2004): Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will introduce direct flights to Houston (USA) from May 23 and operate on this route newly acquired Boeing 777 200ER, departing from Karachi every Sunday and Wednesday.

To begin with, there will be two flights every week via Manchester, but in case the load required, the frequency could be increased.

Although the PIA maintains a regular office in Houston, it worked only as an off-line station.

The introduction of direct flights will bring relief to a large number of Pakistani community living in Houston and nearby states and save them from changing the aircraft to reach their destination.

PIA is further planning to operate to China from July this year. Although no schedule has been drawn up as yet regarding the frequency of flights, most likely the service will start from the first week of July.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Qibla Cola launches soft drinks range

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (April 08 2004): To give high quality alternative to consumers, Qibla Cola Company has launched its range of soft drinks in Pakistan.

The Qibla Cola Company is a soft drink producer based in the United Kingdom. It was formed to provide alternative consumer brands that combine delicious tasting flavours, quality and value, with a strong ethical dimension.

Addressing the launching ceremony Qibla Cola Company Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Haider said, "Our values are embedded in our products, the way we operate, and the contribution we seek to make towards local communities around the globe."

He said Qibla Cola brands offer a real alternative for people concerned by the practices of major multinationals. He said that a common perception was that these giant corporations use their size in their quest for increased profits to support injustices against people.

Haider also said that purchasing Qibla Cola means enjoying the delicious tasting flavours that our brands represent, and helping us to deliver humanitarian support to communities around the world.

Other speakers said by choosing to boycott major brands, consumers were sending a powerful signal that the exploitation of people could not continue unchecked. Qibla Cola represents the conscious choice of people who reject injustice and exploitation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Leather exporters secure $10 million orders at APLF

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI (April 08 2004): Leather exporters secured export orders worth $10 million at the Asia Pacific Leather Fair (APLF) held in Hong Kong at which Pakistan was the focus country.

The Chairman of Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), S M Naseem, was chief guest at the inauguration of the mega show in which the number of visitors had increased compared to previous years.

More than 50 manufacturers and exporters of finished leather belonging to PTA displayed their quality products under Pakistan umbrella. Pakistan's quality finished leather articles attracted buyers from a number of countries.

This was the 20th year of APLF show and Pakistan was the focus country there.

Naseem said that the objective of designating Pakistan as focus country had been achieved and a large number of export orders were booked while a good number of orders/queries are under negotiation.

He thanked the Export Promotion Bureau and Pakistan's Consul-General in Hong Kong for providing necessary support to enable Pakistan's tanners to display their goods.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Railways asked to prepare upgradation plan

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD (April 10 2004): Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has asked the Railways Ministry to develop an upgradation plan for corporatisation of Railways, to be included in the next financial year's schemes.

The Ministers for Finance and Railways were given a detailed briefing on performance of Pakistan Railways and its potential to serve as a future link for trade between Central Asia, Western Asia and the Persian Gulf.

The Ministers noted that Pakistan Railways has improved its performance during last five years. It carried 72 million passengers in 2002-03 as compared to 65 million in 1998-99.

In terms of passenger-kilometres, the volume increases from 18.5 billion in 1999 to 22.4 billion in 2002-03.

Similarly, Pakistan Railways, through better administrative and financial management, reduced its losses and improved its share in passengers and freight traffic.

It also introduced four passenger trains in 2003, computerised reservations at three stations and introduced other customer-friendly services to attract more business.

However, it was felt that there was room for improvement, and Railways potentials could be further tapped.

A detailed briefing was given to the Ministers on a plan to connect Gwadar with Spin Baldakh and upgradation of its present track and rolling stock to create better infrastructure for accommodating traffic in the future.

The Finance Minister noted that the government attaches priority to the development of railways in the country.

Since it has to play a vital role in making Pakistan the hub of industrial activity in the regime, the government had during the current financial year increased its allocation to Rs 8.9 billion or 7.9 percent of PSDP allocation.

He also appreciated future expansion and rehabilitation plans and said that Pakistan Railways had to play its role in promoting trade and exports through aggressive marketing and offering quality services on competitive rates to the businessmen to improve its share in freight traffic from north to south.

He said that one of the methods for modernising Pakistan Railways to play its role in the economic development was to convert it into a 'corporation' as it would allow Pakistan Railways considerable financial autonomy in making its business projection and implementing upgradation plan.

He said that railways could utilise its assets in generating economic sources for its improvement and modernisation.

He desired that Ministry of Railways should prepare a plan to expedite its corporatisation by next financial year to achieve its modernisation within the shortest possible time.

Tufail Ahmed Khan, Chairman, Railways Standing Committee, Secretaries of Finance, Railways, Member Planning and senior officers of the Ministry of Railways attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2004

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Gwadar is cool man

China gave us money to make it yaar, it will be awesome. It will kill India's Economy.....it will also launch missiles....

$50 billion is nothing man, it get $500 trillion....

No reduction in US education visas for Pak students, US Consul says

KARACHI : America did not mark any slash in the quota of education visas for the Pakistani students, however, after getting assurance from the students that they will return back to their country after acquiring education the visas would be issued.

This was stated by the US Consul, Bernard Advard Link on Sunday here at a seminar titling "Career Counseling" which held during the two-days long 14th Pakistan International Education Exhibition (PIEE) at Expo Center Karachi. The exhibition was organized by World Learning Bureau in collaboration with British Council.

Director World Learning Bureau, Rashidul Haque, Jamaludding Syed, Syed Athar Javed, Zehra Raza of British University, Robina Hoodbi of Australian University and representatives of the foreign universities also spoke on the occasion.

The US Consul, Bernard Advard said the around eight thousands Pakistani students have been acquiring education in America, and it was wrong perception that the issuance of US visas for Pakistani students was difficult.

" The issuance of US education visas is not difficult, rather it is easy, however, it takes little time in the completion of formalities, but despite it after completing the requisite criteria Pakistani student would be issued with US educational visas within a period of four months," he said.

He assured the Pakistani students that the procedure of acquiring US education visas would be made more easy, however, the issuance of visa would be conditional as the student would be asked to give guarantee of returning back to their country after acquiring education.

The US Consul appreciated the education exhibition, and congratulated the organizers on providing the facility of getting information abut visa and education in America, Britain, Canada, Australia, Cyprus and other countries.

Meanwhile, the exhibition culminated on Sunday, after getting immense response of the students as more than 30,000 students visited the Expo Center. The same exhibition will also be held in Lahore on April 13, 14 and in Rawalpindi on April 16, 17 at Pearl Continental Hotel.

http://www.pakistanlink.com/headlines/April04/13/12.html