December 22, 2012 – AsiaNet-Pakistan

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

President expresses shock and grief over the martyrdom of Bashir Bilour

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of Senior Provincial Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr Bashir Ahmad Bilour who lost his life in a terrorist attack in Peshawar this evening.

The President in his condolence message paid glowing tributes to the services of Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bilour for the province and the country and said that his sacrifice will not go in vain and that the government would continue fighting the militant mindset till its complete elimination. He said that Mr. Bashir Bilour fought against militants courageously and sacrificed his life for the noble cause.

The President expressed his sympathies with the bereaved family over the irreparable loss and prayed to Almighty to grant courage to the family to bear this loss with fortitude.

The President also expressed his sympathies with the families of other martyrs who lost their lives as a result of the blast.

The President directed the concerned authorities to provide best medical assistance to the injured in the incident.

For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

Prime Minister expresses shock and grief over the loss of life of Mr Bashir Ahmad Bilour

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has expressed his shock and grief over the Shahadat of Senior Provincial Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr Bashir Ahmad Bilour who lost his life in a terrorist attack in Peshawar this evening.

Paying rich tributes to the services of Mr Bashir Ahmad Bilour, the Prime Minister said that he was a courageous person and sacrificed his life for his conviction.

In a message of condolence to the family of Mr Bashir Ahmad Bilour, the Prime Minister said that “this is not a loss to his family or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but a national loss”. The Prime Minister prayed to Almighty Allah to grant his soul a place in Jannat ul Firdous and give fortitude to his family members to bear this immense loss.

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

President telephones Haji Ghulam Bilor

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): President Asif Ali Zardari telephoned Saturday night Federal Railways Minister Haji Ghulam Bilor and condoled with him the death of his brother provincial minister Bashir Bilor.

Spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President paid tributes to the martyred ANP minister Bashir Bilor for his courage in standing up to the militants. The President recalled his conversation recently with Bashir Bilor to appreciate his courage in unequivocally condemning and standing against militancy and extremism, he said.

Describing his death as a national loss the President said that Bashir Bilor will always be remembered as a martyr who never flinched in the fight against militancy. He said that even in dying Bashir Bilor had rendered a service by strengthening national resolve to fight the bigots and extremists to the finish.

The President asked Haji Ghulam Bilor to convey his deepest sympathies and condolences to all members of the bereaved family and also to the worker of the ANP over this great loss. The President prayed for eternal rest to the soul of Bashir Bilor and all those martyred with him today and speedy recovery to those injured.

Haji Ghula Bilor thanked the President.

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

Altaf Hussain calls President Zardari Reiterates MQM support to the government two leaders discuss most of issues

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): MQM Quaid Altaf Hussain called President Asif Ali Zardari over the phone from London Sunday evening.

Spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the two leaders discussed the current situation obtaining in the country. Issues that came under discussion included law and order in Karachi, energy shortages and the economic situation in the country.

Altaf Hussain congratulated the President for pursuing the policy of reconciliation which he said had resulted in the coalition democratic government approaching the successful completion of its constitutionally mandated term of five years. He said that as coalition partner the MQM will continue to support the government in the pursuit of democratic ideals, the supremacy of the Parliament and for the common objective of the good of the people.

The President thanked the MQM Altaf Hussain for the reiteration of support to the government and said that the government also welcomed and looked forward to the continued support of MQM on all important national issues. The President said that the success of reconciliation policy was also owed to the cooperation and understanding of political forces in the country particularly the parties in the coalition government.

The President said that he was very pleased that the democratic government was nearing the completion of its full term and was poised to hold free and fair elections in the country within the constitutionally mandated time frame.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President during talk with Altaf Hussain also appreciated the efforts made by all political parties including the MQM, whether in the government or in the opposition, for their positive contributions in the bi-partisan Parliamentary Committee on election reforms to ensure free and fair elections in the country under the auspices of an independent and empowered Election Commission.

He said that it was a good augury for the forthcoming elections that, for the first time in the history of the country, the Chief election Commissioner had already been appointed with the consensus of the Opposition.

The Spokesperson quoted the President as also expressing hope that with the consensus measures recently taken including the independence of the election Commission, the consensus over the appointment of the CEC, CNIC based voters’ lists, the provision of a neutral caretaker set up with the consensus of Opposition and the setting up of a bi-partisan Parliamentary Committee on election reforms the spectre of manipulate power transfer would be banished for ever.

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

Message His Excellency Prime Minister Islamic Republic of Pakistan On The Occasion Working Women Day Islamabad December 22, 2012

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): I extend warm felicitation to the working women on the auspicious occasion of working women day being observed today.

Women in Pakistan possess enormous capabilities. They are making useful contributions whether at workplace or at home. Pakistani women have demonstrated extra ordinary talent and have excelled in politics, business and other fields of our socio-economic life. Many talented Pakistani women have earned international acclaim and brought laurels to Pakistan. Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto is one of the finest examples of Pakistani women who is known for her high calibre, extra ordinary talent and contributions the world over.

It is unfortunate that women all over the world and more so in Pakistan have been subjected to varying degrees of gender discrimination and exploitation as a result of prejudice. The situation must, however, change as we want to establish an egalitarian society where in everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities.

Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed who was a great Champion of women’s rights once said “The discrimination against women can only begin to erode when women are educated and employed. Empowerment is only a right to have political freedom. Empowerment is the right to be independent, to be educated; to have choices in life”.

Pakistan Peoples Party, according to the vision of Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto Shaheed, has always been endeavouring hard to afford the women of Pakistan a fair and just environment to help them elevate their socio-economic status in the society.

In the present democratic government has introduced significant legislations for empowering women and protecting their rights. Besides, the government has created a lot of space for the women folk to partake in politics, education, business, industry and agriculture. I hope that these measures will go a long way in making our women socially vibrant and economically viable.

This is however not the end. I assure the women folk of Pakistan that Pakistan Peoples Party under the able guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari and with the cooperation of our allies will leave no stone unturned to secure their betterment and welfare and making them equal partners in social life.

I once again express my best wishes for the wellbeing and prosperity of our working women and hope that they will continue to work with even more devotion and diligence not only to promote their own welfare but of their country as well.

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

Address of Honourable Mr. Justice Ifthikar Muhammad Choudhry on the occasion of 26th roll signing ceremony on 22.12.2012 at Karachi

Islamabad, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): It is a matter of great pleasure for me to formally congratulate and welcome the newly enrolled lawyers today who are stepping into the arena of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The roll signing ceremony is an occasion of solemn affirmation by the Supreme Court advocates that they will carry their struggle for standing up for justice and fair play in all cases and all circumstances.

Becoming an advocate of the Supreme Court is a unique honour as it is the highest legal institution at national level, and its members carry with them the utmost responsibility to defend the interest of their clients and secure justice for them and also serve the downtrodden and vulnerable classes of society.

I am hopeful that the advocates will continue to act as a bulwark against the extra-constitutional interruptions and continue to stand up for rule of law and remove hurdles in the way of free and fair dispensation of justice in Pakistan.

In the democratic set up of Pakistan, every institution has to recognize and respect constitutional norms. The three main organs of the State i.e. the judiciary, executive and the legislature, though all powerful in their respective domains, cannot transcend beyond their constitutional circumference through abuse of authority.

The success and efficacy of a democratic system inter alia depends on the independence of judiciary which cannot be ensured until and unless all the State institutions work within the constitutional framework. The judiciary being the custodian of the Constitution has been specifically equipped with the power of judicial review to check the arbitrary exercise of power by any person or institution.

In the present state of affairs in Pakistan, the judiciary is, at times, criticized for intermeddling in the routine affairs of the State. However, in reality the judiciary has never tried to assume the role of the Executive or the Legislature. Rather it respects the integrity and independence of every other institution. It has always played its part within the parameters of its constitutional domain.

The role of judiciary is not that of an opposition to the Legislature or the Executive, however, in cases of unauthorized actions in utter violation of constitutional norms, the judiciary has to become responsive through exercise of judicial review.

The judiciary has the constitutional mandate to annul any act, whether it being an act of Parliament or action taken by a State functionary that transgresses the constitutional limits. With the passage of time the people have become more assertive in the enforcement of their legal rights and checking the illegal or mollified actions of the Executive. Judiciary after its restoration in 2009 has emerged not only as a bastion of justice but also a catalyst of societal reformation to guide the nation on the path of constitutionalism.

It has played a major role in bringing good governance in all State’s institution through upholding the rule of law and curbing social ills by responding efficiently, fearlessly, promptly and effectively. The role of judiciary in the democratic governance of Pakistan is more of a check against constitutional transgressions than just an adjudicator in settling bilateral quarrels and disputes.

A strengthened and independent judicial system plays assertive and decisive role for the promotion of rule of law which is a basic substance of democracy and necessitates the supremacy of constitution, equality before law and equal protection of law.

It is the statutory and constitutional responsibility of judiciary to safeguard democracy from being distorted and disrupted by state elements for their vested interests. Judiciary has a definite role to play for effective administration of justice for the establishment of a just society, based on respect for law. I feel privileged that the Pakistani judicial system is the strongest backer of democracy which enjoys full confidence and faith of legal fraternity, other institutions, media as well as public at large.

The Supreme Court being at the apex of judicial hierarchy in Pakistan and as final arbiter of constitutional and legal controversies has endeavoured to bring legal and judicial reformation through prudent interpretation of laws in various landmark judgments and formulation of judicial policies.

The national Judicial Policy revised from time to time, in consultation with all the stakeholders at national and international level sets out guidelines for the judges and lawyers for prompt and fair dispensation of justice in Pakistan. It is now the duty of the lawyers to follow them and facilitate the courts in securing justice at the grass root level. The hard work and efficient performance of Courts have strengthened public trust in the justice system of Pakistan and more and more people are approaching the Courts for resolution of their disputes and redressed of grievances.

The Judiciary as an institution does not comprise only of judges or presiding officers of the courts; rather the prosecutors, practitioners and the lawyers are all integral part of the same. The judges, prosecutors and the lawyers play special roles in ensuring peace and stability in a society. The role of lawyers is more important as they can work freely and without fear of reprisals. Their role is pivotal in defending human rights and fundamental freedoms at all times. In egalitarian societies, lawyers surely perform more important role as compared to the other professionals.

They act as guardians of the rule of law. Their prudence, knowledge and integrity are such traits which could stimulate the social reformation process. The lawyers community within a State is a strong and unified force armed with legal weapons and not lethal weapons. Lawyers play a crucial role for bringing legal reformation in any polity. The lawyers’ movement of Pakistan in post-emergency scenario of 2007 is a glaring instance of the same. It was the collective voice of nation articulated through lawyers that led to the restoration of judiciary in 2009 and set a road map for democratic governance and political stability in Pakistan.

In legal profession, the success of a lawyer depends upon his hard work, good verbal and written expression, analytical approach, and research oriented perception, propriety of professional activities and off course strict adherence to the rules of legal ethics. The rules of legal ethics prevalent in the federal as well as provincial bar councils are infact the rules of business. These rules define proper conduct for legal professional. Lawyers are expected to demonstrate respect for the legal system and those who serve it including the judges, lawyers, prosecutors and other officials. Lawyers are also expected to use legal procedures only for legitimate purposes.

The system of delivery of justice in Pakistan is faced with various challenges including complex legal procedures, out-dated laws, delays, unnecessary costs, high court fees and corruption. Corruption being most significant of them is impinging upon the process of fair dispensation of justice No matter how much prudence is poured in analyzing the problems, complete and instant cure is very unlikely to be achieved. However, adherence to the high standards of impartiality, integrity and accountability can at least mitigate opportunities for corruption.

The Bench and Bar with their joint liaison can evaluate and detect the various forms and actors of corruption so as to devise a well designed monitoring plan in this respect. I am hopeful that the lawyers will join hands with the judiciary in order to cleanse justice sector from corrupt practices.

At the end I would like to again formally welcome you as the learned lawyers of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. I hope you will continue to practice law with passion and earn respect for yourself and your institution of judiciary. May Almighty Allah Bless you

For more information, contact:
Shahid Hussain Kamboyo
Public Relations Officer
Supreme Court of Pakistan
Tel: +9251 920 4184
Fax: +9251 920 1001
Email: pro_scp@yahoo.com

December 22, 2012December 24, 2012

The infrastructure issues were hindering the growth of the trade between Pakistan and India

Lahore, December 22, 2012 (PPI-OT): The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) Saturday agreed that the infrastructure issues were hindering the growth of the trade between Pakistan and India.

The consensus was developed at a meeting between LCCI and FIEO here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry where the President of FIEO Rafiq Ahmad spoke on behalf of Indian exporters while LCCI President presented the case of Pakistani businessmen, Vice President SAARC Chamber o0f Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik, former Vice Presidents Aftab Ahmad Vohra, Shafqat Saeed Piracha and Saeeda Nazar also spoke on the occasion

Both the sides were of the opinion that the land route is most competitive as carrying a container through Wagah costs much smaller while the same through Mumbai-Dubai-Karachi costs many times more. We need to provide better infrastructure to facilitate trade through the closest route.

They said that both the countries should try and explore ways and means to create synergies and not get overly competitive. Improved bilateral ties between India and Pakistan will give the necessary oxygen to South Asia Free Trade Zone which will open vistas of opportunities for countries of the region.

The FIEO President Rafiq Ahmad said that India is an opportunity for Pakistan and the Pakistani businessmen should avail it. He said that with the likely grant of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status by Pakistan and phasing out of the negative list, the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan is expected to rise to $6 billion in the next three years from the existing level of $2 billion. Talking about air link between the two sides, he said that he would press upon the Indian government to open up more flights to Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that Pakistan and India can cooperate in many fields including transfer of Technology, Raw Materials, IT sector, Tourism, Agriculture and Medical.

He said that cooperation in these areas could change the fate of the people living in the two countries. He said that LCCI is formulating a strategy keeping in view the critical position of Lahore in days to come with regard to direct and greater trade between Pakistan and India particularly through Wagah border.

He said that Pakistani businessmen are aware of the fact that free trade between Pakistan and India would pose relatively tougher challenges to the industry in this part of the world.

“To ensure sustainable trade relations between two countries with an aim to have long term benefits of greater regional trade, both the sides need to supplement each other’s economies.”

Farooq Iftikhar said that we can mutually identify areas of economic cooperation which may lead to joint ventures, out-sourcing and sharing of technology. He said that Pakistan’s exports to India are just one-sixth of that imported directly from India.

Once the quantum of indirect trade is shifted to direct trade, this proportion will go much more in the favour of India. We need to expand trade relation in phases. Like initially certain raw materials and semi-finished goods should be imported from India.

He said that let that time come when finished goods should be traded freely. It will also cause boost in the confidence of Pakistani companies while freely trading with India.

Sharing the concerns of Pakistani exporters, he highlighted enormous problems due to Non Tariff Barriers. He said that LCCI wants preferential treatment from Indian authorities so that fruits of greater trade may be adequately shared among the businessmen of both the countries.

Pakistan’s exports to India mainly consist of fresh fruits, cements, poly carboxylic acids, cotton yarn, light petroleum distillates, carbonate, unwrought lead and leather etc.

Imports from India comprise cotton, cyclic hydrocarbons, soybean oil-cake, tomatoes, sugar, dried vegetables, polymers of propylene, tea and synthetic organic colouring matter etc.

For more information, contact:
Shahid Khalil
Information Department
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
11-Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Tijarat,
Lahore -54000, Pakistan
Tel: +9242 111 222 499
Fax: +92 42 636 8854