World Health Organization Officials meet Minister for Health Services

Islamabad, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): A delegation of the World Health Organization (WHO), comprising Dr. Nima Abid, WHO representative and Elias Durry, emergency coordinator for Polio eradication WHO Pakistan, called on the Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar here Thursday.

The meeting focused on understanding the role and responsibilities of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination in a better way.

During the meeting the participants discussed ways and means of new intervention within the Health Sector. Special emphasis was given to matters related to Health System Strengthening and future plans for the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).

Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Mr. Imtiaz Inayat Elahi briefed the delegation about the prevailing post-devolution health sector scenario. The Minister stressed the need for beefing up Health Awareness programems. She said it was her strong belief that prevention is better than cure. The Minister apprised the delegation that with the newly defined role of this Ministry, she hoped to see a marked improvement in coordination.

The Minister stated that it is her ardent desire to hold a moot in the near future for engaging all donors/stakeholders to strengthen the health sector.

The Minister thanked the delegation for WHO’s continued support and assured the delegation that the incumbent regime attaches great importance to the Health Sector and the well being of the common man.

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

Pakistan-Australia Joint Trade Committee meeting held

Islamabad, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): The 4th session of the Pakistan-Australia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held here on June 19, 2013.

Secretary Ministry of Commerce, in his inaugural address emphasized the need for further expansion of bilateral economic and trade relations. He mentioned that in order to address/reduce the imbalance in bilateral trade, a closer and more intensive cooperation is required in areas of trade and investment.

The JTC deliberated on the possible measures to enhance existing trade between the two countries in sectors including Textile, Agriculture, Light Engineering and SMEs. Both sides agreed to increase collaboration amongst relevant organizations to effectively plan for visits of business delegations and participation in exhibitions.

The Australian side agreed for exchanging cooperation in trade and investment and assisting Pakistan in capacity building and skill enhancement, through curriculum development, training of trainers and accreditation of institutions.

The meeting also discussed the progress made so far in exporting mangoes from Pakistan to Australia. The Audit team of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia would visit Pakistan in the first week of July 2013. This would result in export of mangoes from Pakistan to Australia. The Australian side also agreed to extend similar support for other horticulture products, particularly citrus.

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

Director General Inter-Services Intelligence calls on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Islamabad, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): Lt. Gen. Muhammad Zahir ul Islam, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office this morning.

During the meeting, the Director General apprised the Prime Minister about the working of his organization. Furthermore, matters pertaining to national security and regional stability came under discussion.

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

Chief Minister Sindh orders inquiry about maladministration in Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad

Karachi, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah while taking serious notice of a news item about maladministration corruption and political interference in Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad has sought report from the Secretary Health immediately. He has also directed Chairman of Chief Minister’s inspection team (CMIT) for urgent inquiry into the matter.

Sindh Chief Minister expressing his dissatisfaction and displeasure over the reported situation of the hospital, said that Liaquat University Hospital (Hyd) was one of the most important hospital which was catering the needs of hundreds of poor and needy patients of province especially interior Sindh on daily basis “ Maladministration, corruption and political interference would not be tolerated at any cost” he added. He further directed the provincial health authorities to take prompt measures to improve the situation and suffering poor and needy patients may be provided relief on urgent basis.

Sindh Chief Minister asked the Secretary Health to personally visit the hospital to ascertain the situation on the ground and initiate departmental action against the negligent officers and officials of the Hospital.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Allah Bachayo Memon
Press Secretary
Chief Minister House
Tel: +9221 99202019
Cell: +92300-3524057 (Ext: 336)

18th Chief of the Naval Staff Open Golf Championship begins

Islamabad, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): Commander Karachi Sir, Flag Officers, members of organizing committee, esteemed sponsors, ladies and gentlemen

Assalam-o-Alaikum

It is indeed a profound privilege and honour for me to welcome you all on the opening ceremony of 18th CNS Open Golf Championship 2013. I am especially thankful to Commander Karachi for being with us this evening and sparing his valuable time to grace the occasion.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Pakistan Navy is playing a significant role in promoting sports within own service; Inter Services, national and international levels. Astonishing achievements in promoting rowing, sailing and rifle shooting are the ones Pakistan Navy deserves to be proud of.

On similar lines, Pakistan Navy is also doing a lot to promote Golf at national level. First of these efforts commenced with the initiative of conducting Chief of the Naval Staff Open Golf Championship in 1995 and adding this event to the calendar of Pakistan Golf Federation.

Ever since, this championship has become a regular event in Pakistan’s Golf circuit and has gained much significance over the years. However, I would proudly declare that this event continues to be the highest prize money event of Pakistan and this time the prize money is Rs. 5.1 Million. It is passion that makes any sporting event a success and this tournament, being open to a host of categories, adds to this passion where all participants feel the ambiance of quality sporting.

Golf holds a distinguishable position amongst the sports in Pakistan Navy and this Championship is undoubtedly regarded as the most esteemed event of Pakistan Golf Federation calendar, which is commencing today. The main purpose of organizing such an auspicious event is to generate healthy competition and harmony amongst the sportsmen in order to improve social living out of stressful and hectic office hours.

CNS Open Golf Championship offers a chance to both the professional Golfers and amateur players to prove their dexterity and win laurels. It inculcates the fine characteristics to perform professional as well as sportsmen responsibilities in befitting manner.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This championship will be held from 27-30 Jun 2013 and is open to various categories which include 18 holes match for juniors, ladies and seniors, 9 holes match for veterans and 72 holes match for professionals and amateurs. Here I would mention that on the final day of the championship, Chief of the Naval Staff will grace the closing/prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest. Karachi Golf Club has been prepared in an immaculate condition for the conduct of these matches, and I hope that both, the veteran and amateur golfers, will witness the highest standards of golf in this tournament.

I would like to extend my profound gratitude to our main sponsor M/s UMA and other co-sponsors namely Bank Al Habib, Bahria Foundation, M/s AQUAGEN, M/s AREENA, Toyota Central Motors, Bahria University, DHL, Port Qasim Authority, Badr Expo, McDonalds and Express Travels for all out cooperation in their endeavour to prop-up the game of Golf, specifically in this mega event.

I would also like to pay my special thanks to Commander Karachi for his continued support to the game of Golf. I am confident that with the consistent support at this level, the game will definitely flourish and we will keep on seeing more golfing activities in future.

I would also take this opportunity to appreciate the Karachi Golf Club staff and administration for their continued efforts in maintaining and preparing the courses in excellent playable conditions.

At the end, may I now request President Karachi Golf Club Vice Admiral Khawaja Ghazanfar Hussain HI (M) Commander Karachi to formally declare 18th Chief of the Naval Staff Open Golf Championship OPEN.

I thank you all.

Prize money: Rs. 5.1 M
Hole-in-One prize: Toyota ATLIS

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmad
Assistant Director
Directorate of Public Relations
Pakistan Navy
Tel: +9221 2006 3210
Cell: +92333 217 1764 and +92300 217 1038

5th Independence Day Cup Open Golf Championship commences at Defence Authority from 20th June

Karachi, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): The four days 5th Independence Day Cup Open Golf Championship 2013 has commenced at Defence Authority Country and Golf Club from Thursday, 20th June’ 2013.

The coveted tournament is being held from 20th to 23rd June 2013 in which a large number of golfers from all over the country are participating. The tournament is open to all Associations/Golf Clubs affiliated with Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF). Professionals registered with PGF, senior professionals of age 55 years and above, juniors (under 16), master (under 14), veterans and a large number of ladies are also participating in the tournament.

A total of 200 plus golfers are participating in the tournament which also include 120 professionals from all over the country. 150 golfers will participate in the main match. The celebrated national golfers Shabbir Iqbal, Matloob and Muneer who have participated in South Asian racket are also playing the tournament.

The main match being played is of stroke play over 54 holes (18 holes everyday). However the cut will take place after 36 holes for professionals and for amateurs it will be decided on number of entries.

The overall total prize money for the tournament is Rs. 1.7 million. Rs. 1500,000/= prizes will be given to the professionals while the senior professionals will be given a prize of Rs. 200,000/=. In addition to this, a 1300 CC car will be given to the first winner performing the feat of hole in one.

The prize distribution ceremony will be held at the end of the tournament at 1800 Hours on 23rd June 2013 at Defence Authority Country and Golf Club.

For more information contact:
Pakistan Defence Officers Housing Authority
2-B, East Street, Phase-I
Karachi-75500
Pakistan
UAN: 92 21 111-589-589
Phones: 92 21 35886401-5
Fax: 92 21 35886406DD
E-mail: dha@dhakarachi.org ,info@dhakarachi.org

Capital Development Authority Chairman to visit markets to resolve Businessmen problems

Islamabad, June 20, 2013 (PPI-OT): Syed Tahir Shahbaz, Chairman, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to visit all major markets of Islamabad turn by turn to see the on ground situation of problems and take required remedial measures to facilitate the business community.

Addressing a large gathering of business community at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman CDA said that he is fully aware of the problems of business community and from next week, he would kick start visits of major markets for 2 hours daily to get stakeholders input and come up with optimum solutions of their problems.

He termed trade and industry as engine of economic growth and said that CDA wants actual representation of ICCI in its Board to take businessmen into confidence in policy-making process. This matter has been discussed in Standing Committees of National Assembly and Senate to complete legal formalities and assured that he would fully support ICCI representation in CDA Board so that business community could have a strong voice in CDA affairs.

Syed Tahir Shahbaz also announced to allocate a cricket ground to ICCI so that Chamber could contribute in promoting sports activities. He admitted that there are lots of issues to be resolved but due to financial constraints of CDA, we have to prioritize them for redressal. He assured that he would look into all issues raised by the businessmen to find their best solutions.

In his welcome address, Mr. Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the different issues being faced by the business community. He said till the formal notification of ICCI representation in CDA Board, the civic body should unofficially invite ICCI to its Board meetings for getting input.

He stressed that establishment of a new Industrial Estate in Islamabad to promote industry, simplifying the complicated lease renewal process, allocation of plots in markets for construction of residential plazas for small traders, providing car parking facilities in commercial centers and improving roads, water and sewerage infrastructures in markets are some of the major issues that need urgent attention of CDA.

Mr. Tariq Sadiq, Chairman Founder Group highlighted the issues of industry. He demanded that CDA should allow bifurcation of industrial plots on the basis of one-plot-one-bifurcation and change of trade except for negative list. The maximum height of buildings on industrial plots should also be raised from existing 30ft to 50ft.

Mr. Munawar Mughal, former President ICCI said some issues are pending since the last more than 8 years with CDA which have not been resolved as yet. He said CDA should play the role of a facilitator for business community which will also improve its own revenue position. Former Presidents ICCI M/s.Abdul Rauf, Ejaz Abbasi, Zahid Maqbool, traders’ leader Ajmal Baloch and Presidents of different Markets Associations also highlighted the issues of traders with the request for their urgent solution.

For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,
Mauve Area, G-8/1,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 225 0526 and 225 3145
Fax: +9251 225 2950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk