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Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday emphasized the need to further enhance trade and defence ties with Bahrain and to expand bilateral cooperation in labour and manpower between the two countries. The President was talking to Commander National Guards of Bahrain Lt. Gen. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa who called on the President at the Aiwan-e-Sadr today. Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Mr. Mohammad Ebrahim Mohammad Abdul Qadir also accompanied the commander. Pak-Bahrain bilateral relations particularly defence [...]

Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Bahrain and desired to further strengthen cooperation in all spheres. He expressed confidence that the fifth meeting of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Economic Commission would be held soon to promote the bilateral links. The Prime Minister was talking to Lt Gen Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Commander, National Guards of Bahrain who called on him at the PM’s House this afternoon. The Prime Minister [...]

Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that political dialogue, decency and accommodation of each other point of view are essential to strengthen the democratic institutions and promotion of democratic culture in the society. He pointed out that it is second time after Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government when any democratically elected government has been able to present its fourth budget in the National Assembly. This is all because of the government’s reconciliatory as well as democratic policies [...]

Islamabad: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has asked EU for its support for the socio-economic development in the country especially in the flood affected areas and the tribal belt of Pakistan. She remarked that EU has been always supportive of the democratic governments in Pakistan in their development initiatives. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to Mr. Andris Peibalgs, European Union Commissioner for Development who called on her in Parliament House, this afternoon. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that [...]

Islamabad: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has received three Expression of Interest (EOI) for the privatisation of 88 % shares of Heavy Electrical Corporation (HEC) on, as is where is basis. 12% shares are allocated for employees of HEC through Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS). The Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) has been dispatched to the parties who have submitted EOIs to form the basis of pre-qualification, which will be received latest by July 02, 2011. Information Memorandum, Bid [...]

Islamabad: The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, received the EU Commissioner for Development, Mr. Andris Piebalgs today and discussed a whole range of issues, especially Pakistan – EU relations. Welcoming the Development Commissioner, the Minister of State appreciated EU support to the democratic process in Pakistan. She also conveyed Pakistan’s gratitude for humanitarian assistance received from the EU following the devastating floods in Pakistan last year. Apprising the Development Commissioner about Government’s efforts aimed at [...]

Islamabad: A news item appearing in today’s press about the levy of 15% surcharge on every income taxpayer has created an impression that an Ordinance to levy this surcharge has been issued now. In order to correct the wrong impression created through this news item, it is clarified that 15% surcharge on payable income tax for period 15th March 2011 to 30th June 2011 has already been issued and implemented w.e.f. 15th March 2011 and no such Ordinance has been [...]