Rivers Flows and Reservoirs Level Report March 26, 2014

Lahore, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): The position of the river inflows/outflows and the reservoirs levels today is as under:


Rivers Inflows Outflows Remarks
(In Cusecs) (In Cusecs)
Indus at Tarbela 40600 15000 Mean flows of 24 hours
Kabul At Nowshera 47000 47000 Mean Flows of 24 hrs.
Jhelum at Mangla 89300 28900 Mean flows of 24 hours
Chenab at Marala 27500 20600 Flows at 0600 hours

Barrages Inflows Outflows Remarks
(In Cusecs) (In Cusecs)
Jinnah 68700 61700 Mean Flow of 24 hours
Chashma 43200 37000 Mean flows of 24 hours
Taunsa 41900 40400 Flow at 0600 hours
Panjnad 10500 3900 Flow at 0600 hours
Guddu 42300 37200 Flow at 0600 hours
Sukkur 38000 14300 Flow at 0600 hours
Kotri 4080 Nil Flow at 0600 hours

Reservoirs Present Level Dead Level Maximum level Present
(at 0600 hours) (Above Sea Level) (Above Sea Level) (ft.) Live Storage
(ft.) (ft.)
Tarbela 1404.11 1378.00 1550.00 0.358 MAF
Mangla 1116.05 1040.00 1242.00 0.921 MAF
Chashma 646.60 637.00 649.00 0.186 MAF

For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029
Cell: +92333 445 8293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com

State Bank of Pakistan rates for conversion of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special United States Dollar Bonds and profit thereon March 26, 2014

Karachi, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): The following rates will be applicable for conversion into rupees of Foreign Currency Deposits, Dollar Bearer Certificates, Foreign Currency Bearer Certificates, Special U.S Dollar Bonds and profit thereon by all banks and for providing Forward Cover on Foreign Currency Deposits (excluding F.E-25 deposits) by the State Bank on March 27, 2014.


Currency Rate in Pak Rupee

U.S. Dollar 97.9592

Japanese Yen 0.9572

Pound Sterling 161.9266

Euro 135.6111

For more information, contact:
Syed Wasimuddin
Chief Spokesman
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)
Tel: +9221 3921 2562
Fax: +9221 3921 2563
Email: syed.wasimuddin@sbp.org.pk

Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front urges Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd to start issuing loans to farmers

Lahore, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) on Wednesday urged the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd (ZTBL) to start issuance of loans to the farmers for the sake of growth of the Agriculture sector.

In a statement issued here, the PIAF Chairman Malik Tahir Javaid said that the non-issuance of loans to the farming community had created multiple problems not only for the farmers but for the entire agriculture economy of the country where slow growth is posing a serious threat to our food security.

The prices of agri inputs had already gone up because of increase in GST while the non-issuance of loans by the ZTBL had put the people attached with agriculture in deep troubles.

Tahir Malik said that the business community was unable to understand this anti farmer policy of ZTBL whose duty is to provide credit to the farmers, as they would not be able to prepare their lands for sowing. The farmers felt that there is an unfaithful hand depriving credit to the farmers.

He said that it was very unfortunate that a bank that was established to facilitate the farming community is reluctant to do any favour. Rather the officials were doing the other way round at a time when the present government was putting in its best efforts to put the economy back on rails therefore such impediments should also be removed.

Malik said that due to this policy it will be impossible to plough lakhs of acres of land thus rendering it uncultivated. This will result in severe food shortages for the next year besides unwarranted rise in the prices of grains and will force the government to import wheat at a higher cost in order to meet the food requirement.

He said that the government should press the ZTBL to ensure prompt release of loans to enable them to continue their work with peace of mind.

He also appealed to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to intervene in this matter for the benefit and rights of the poor farmers so that Pakistan’s economy and the agricultural sector can perform its appropriate role to rehabilitate the farmers.

For more information, Contact:
Khalil-ur-Rehman
Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front
110/s Kot Lakhpat Industrial Estate
Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: (92) 42 5123522
Fax: (92) 42 5123522
Email: Info@piaf.pk

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Allama Iqbal Open University discuss collaboration for promoting academia-industry linkages

Islamabad, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): A delegation of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its Acting President Khalid Chaudhry visited Allama Iqbal Open University to discuss ways and means for promoting academia-industry linkages. They also congratulated Prof. Dr. Ali Asghar Chishti for assuming the charge as the Vice Chancellor of AIOU.

Prof. Dr. Ali Asghar Chishti, Vice Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University briefed the delegation about ongoing and future programs of AIOU. He said AIOU is the largest distance learning university in the world as it is providing education to more than 1.4 million students and 54 percent of its students are female. He said to provide business education, AIOU is running four programs including Commonwealth International MBA. He said AIOU is planning to launch a dedicated TV channel for providing education.

Speaking at the occasion, Khalid Chaudhry, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said ICCI has signed MoUs with various universities and would like to collaborate with AIOU as well for promoting academia-industry linkages as it is the best approach to achieve the fast track economic development. He lauded the services of AIOU in providing education to the youth of the country and assured that local business community will cooperate with it for promotion of quality education.

Mirza Muhammad Ali Vice President ICCI, Saeed Ahmed Bhatti former Vice President ICCI and Naveed Malik former Executive Member ICCI were also in the delegation.

For more information, contact:
Khalid Chaudhry
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: kchicci@gmail.com
Website: www.icci.com.pk

Nuclear Security Summit in past four years has generated high level commitments to foster nuclear security culture

Islamabad, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): Pakistan is committed to the objective of enhancing nuclear security. It has fully been engaged with the international community to promote nuclear safety and security.

The Nuclear Security Summit process in the past four years has generated high level commitments to foster nuclear security culture. The 2014 Summit gives each participating state an opportunity to consolidate and implement the decisions it has taken in the process.

Nuclear security within a state is a national responsibility. Within that framework, the international community should pursue cooperation on nuclear security through voluntary national actions and in accordance with each state’s international obligations.

The existing international nuclear security framework covers the measures taken by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the United Nations as well as various conventions and initiatives. Therefore, there is no need to create new, parallel institutions or mechanisms.

The Summit process enables us to coordinate and synergize the work of the international community. In this context, we reaffirm the essential responsibility and central role of the IAEA.

National Nuclear Security Regime

Pakistan’s nuclear security regime has five pillars:-

One, a well defined, robust command and control system. The National Command Authority (NCA), the apex decision making body, works under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. It is supported by its secretariat, the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), and the Strategic Forces Commands.

The NCA exercises control over all aspects including policy, procurement, employment, and nuclear security. The SPD develops technical solutions, Personnel Reliability Programme (PRP), and intelligence capabilities to deal with issues related to nuclear security, non-proliferation, accidents and WMD terrorism.

Two, Pakistan’s nuclear security regime is anchored in the principle of multi-layered defense for the entire spectrum of any nuclear threat – insider, outsider or cyber threat – and is guided by the concept of five Ds – deter, detect, delay, defend, and destroy. A specially trained Special Response Force ensures the security of our nuclear assets. Besides, an integrated intelligence system exercises constant vigil to provide depth in defense. Force validation exercises are carried out regularly to revisit and upgrade our safety and security regime.

Three, a rigorous regulatory regime encompasses all matters related to nuclear safety and security, including physical protection of materials and facilities, material control and accounting, transport security, prevention of illicit trafficking, border controls, and plans to deal with possible radiological emergencies. The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), an autonomous oversight body, has developed a sustainable nuclear security regulatory system with established response and recovery capabilities. It works closely with the IAEA.

Four, a comprehensive export control regime. The legislative, regulatory, administrative and enforcement measures of our export control regime are at par with the standards followed by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Australia Group.

Five, international cooperation, consistent with our national policies and interests as well as international obligations.

Centre of Excellence: As part of its nuclear security programme, Pakistan has undertaken several steps to establish a Centre of Excellence, update regulations and adopt best practices.

The Center of Excellence conducts specialized courses in nuclear security, physical protection, material control and accounting, transport security and personnel reliability.

A National Institute of Safety and Security (NISAS) has been established at PNRA for facilitating national and regional training courses on nuclear security. The Institute, a key part of the Centre of Excellence, is equipped with the state of the art laboratories for training in the nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security and physical protection.

In 2014, the Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with the IAEA, is planning to host regional training courses including course on “Security of Radioactive Sources”. Physical protection and nuclear security courses are planned as well with IAEA’s assistance.

These training facilities, associated with Pakistan’s Centre of Excellence on Nuclear Security, have the potential to grow into a regional and international hub, with the support of the IAEA. Nuclear Safety:In the past few years, Pakistan has invested heavily in nuclear safety at the plant, corporate and regulatory levels.

After the Fukushima accident, Pakistan carried out detailed assessment of its own nuclear power plants. We revisited safety parameters, emergency preparedness and response, and operators’ training protocols and procedures. The approach to ensure safety of nuclear power plants is in accordance with our national legislative system. All new authorizations now require from the licensees to implement lessons learnt from the Fukushima accident.

Pakistan has accepted IAEA’s proposal to join the Agency’s Collaborating Centers, which are designed to standardize technology, disseminate information, and facilitate research and training.

Nuclear Security Action Plan (NSAP): A robust Nuclear Security Action Plan (NSAP) is being implemented in collaboration with the IAEA to manage radioactive sources, secure orphan sources, detect radiation and prepare for emergencies. Collaboration with IAEA is ongoing for upgrading physical protection of a nuclear power plant at Karachi.

Nuclear Medical Centres: Under IAEA-Pakistan Nuclear Security Cooperation Programme, security measures at 15 Nuclear Medical Centres in public and private sector, having category-1 radioactive sources, have already been upgraded. Upgrade measures at 8 more centres are underway.

Nuclear Emergency Management System: A Nuclear Emergency Management System has been established at the national level to handle nuclear and radiological emergencies. A Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Support Centre (NURESC) and a National Radiation Emergency Coordination Center (NRECC) are available round the clock as part of emergency response mechanism. The mechanism covers the entire range of activities and is endowed with state-of-the-art equipment, mobile labs and technical guidance. Several training courses and exercises for the first responders, emergency response personnel and front line officers have been conducted for emergency preparedness.

Revision of Pakistan’s National Export List: The Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the relevant ministries and entities, revised the ‘National Export Control Lists” in 2011. The lists, classified on the basis of the European Union’s integrated system, cover the scope of export controls maintained by the NSG, Australia Group and MTCR.

Preventing Illicit Trafficking: The National Detection Architecture includes use of detection devices at several entry and exit points as well as other random check points to deter, detect and prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

International Cooperation: Pakistan has been working with the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee. So far, we have submitted four reports to the Committee that elaborate the measures we have taken for nuclear and radiological security as well as on controls over all forms of transfer of sensitive materials and technologies. We are now working on the fifth report.

As a party to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), the Nuclear Safety Convention, the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, and the Convention on Assistance in the case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, Pakistan has been contributing to the nuclear security framework. Our consistent observance of the IAEA Code of Conduct and participation in the IAEA in the Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) have been highly useful.

Pakistan has been working with the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) in different areas, including the development of the GICNT guidelines on a nuclear detection architecture, nuclear forensics and response and mitigation. Pakistan held the position of Chairman IAEA Board of Governors for 2010-11 and became a member of the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) in December 2011.

Future Commitments and Aspirations: Pakistan has more than 40 years of experience in safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants under IAEA safeguards. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), a premier national institution, is leading the effort.

Safe and sustainable civil nuclear energy is essential to advancing our economic development agenda. Our Energy Security Plan includes a futuristic, self-sustaining Nuclear Power Programme 2050, to meet the existing energy shortfalls and to respond to the future requirements of a growing population and economy.

In that context, we envisage generation of nuclear energy of 8,800 MWe by 2030 and 40,000 MWe by 2050. In this regard, Pakistan looks forward to the removal of barriers to equitable access to international civil nuclear cooperation.

With the experience and expertise it has gained in the areas of nuclear power generation, non-power application of nuclear technology, nuclear security and nuclear safety, under the auspices of the IAEA, Pakistan is well placed to assist interested states.

As a country with advanced nuclear fuel cycle capability, Pakistan is in a position to provide nuclear fuel cycle services under IAEA safeguards, and to participate in any non-discriminatory nuclear fuel cycle assurance mechanism.

Over the years, Pakistan has streamlined and strengthened its export control regime and enhanced its engagement with multilateral export regimes. Pakistan qualifies to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and other export control regimes, on a non-discriminatory basis.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: 051-9205494
Fax: 051-9204202
Cell: 0336-5644459

Pictures of Sindh heritage and archeological sites speaks of diversity and vibrancy of Sindh culture: Sharlima Faruqui

Karachi, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): Special Assistant to CM Sindh for culture and Tourism Ms Sharlima Faruqui said that exclusive pictures of Sindh heritage and archeological sites exhibited today speaks of the diversity and vibrancy of the culture of Sindh.

Our culture is rooted thousands of years. Sindh has remained a cradle of various cultures from the dawn of Indus civilization. This she said at the photo exhibition “Sindh Heritage – A Pictorial Journey” organized by Sindh Culture Department at Frere Hall Karachi on Tuesday 25-03-2014.

She added that the main objective of the exhibition is to present as well as celebrate not only Sindh’s Culture but also its ambience, its people, its lifestyle. Thus representing all flavors of life in Sindh from history, sites, crafts, music and poetry to social culture and hence highlighting and promoting many facets of Sindh. History of any country is directly linked to its heritage which forms the basis of culture.

These are the elements that forms the foundations and anchors of our society without which we have no reality in time and space. Our younger generation is not properly aware and informed about the ancestors and the emergence of our society. Such events will be helpful to recognized their identity and feel them proud.

She further said that the traditions of Sindh reflect the cumulative influence of 5000 years, where various forms of expressions were eventually assimilated into one culture. From Mohenjo Daro to Bhambhor and Makli, study of history has provided ample evidence of the region’s unique aesthetic.

Speaker Sindh Assembly Agha Siraj Durrani had inaugurated the exhibition. While talking to media he said that such events are really needed in Karachi to bring people back to the peaceful life and release the tension prevailing in the city. He also cherished the efforts carried out by vibrant Sharmila Faruqui and Sindh culture department to promote and preserve the heritage of Sindh and organize such a wonderful events.

Other guest including V.C Sindh Madressat ul Islam Dr M Ali Sheikh, MPA Sania Naz, MPA Kosar Perveen, Russian Consul General Oleg N. Avdeev, Archaeologist Michael Johnson, and other foreign and Pakistani scholars, archaeologists, conservationists attend the exhibition and appreciated the initiatives taken by Sindh culture department.

The exhibition of beautiful images of the rich cultural architectural heritage will remain open for public with free entry on 26th and 27th March 2014 at 10:00am to 06:00pm at Frere Hall Karachi.

For more information, contact:
Aleemuddin khan
Public relation officer
Culture department
Government of Sindh
Cell: 0346-2704378
Ph: 021-99206073 – 99202295

To strengthen intentional security we should reduce nuclear risks: Tariq Fatemi

Islamabad, March 26, 2014 (PPI-OT): Topic for discussion: Nuclear risks and international security

Comments by Syed Tariq Fatemi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Timmermanns, first I thank you for organizing this lunch and a very successful Nuclear Security Summit.

It is evident that international security is directly linked to nuclear risks. To strengthen intentional security we should reduce nuclear risks.

The Nuclear Security Summit process in this regard has acted as a catalyst. It has created greater awareness about the nuclear risks and fostered international cooperation to deal with nuclear security challenges.

The risks at the heart of our discussions have been threefold: vulnerable nuclear and radiological materials, safety and security, and nuclear terrorism.

Nuclear materials are being secured. This is the highest priority. We now recognize the strong nexus between safety and security. All efforts are underway to prevent nuclear terrorism. But the possibility of the use of dirty bomb is much stronger. We should therefore focus more sharply on radiological security.

Some would ask: what about nuclear weapons and weapons grade materials? Security of such assets and materials, and the systems that support them are of paramount importance.

We in Pakistan have designed a strong and resilient command and control system for our nuclear programme. Simultaneously, we have advocated a strategic restraint regime comprising: (1)nuclear restraint; (2) balance in conventional forces; and (3) conflict resolution.

This paradigm is relevant to other situations as well. For ensuring the effectiveness of international cooperation, we should continue the role of the IAEA.

The foremost guiding principle agreed by us is that nuclear security is a national responsibility. States have the fundamental responsibility to secure all nuclear material under their control. We have to take this responsibility seriously.

Pakistan is mindful of this and has instituted a comprehensive, five-pillared nuclear security regime. I would not go into the details since they have been highlighted by my Prime Minister in the plenary meeting yesterday and are also included in our national statement that we circulated.

To conclude Mr. Foreign Minister, I would emphasize that The Hague communiqué that our leaders would be adopting shortly has the right ingredients to help diminish nuclear risks. Its faithful implementation by the participating states would no doubt go a long way in strengthening nuclear security globally.

For more information, contact:
Mr. Aizaz Ahmad Ch
Spokesman
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Pakistan
Tell: 051-9205494
Fax: 051-9204202
Cell: 0336-5644459