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PM assures maximum security to foreign businessmen
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has assured foreign businessmen of providing maximum security to them and their business in Pakistan.
He expressed these views while speaking at the inauguration of the 5th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008 at the Karachi Expo Centre here on Monday.We would like to seek the understanding of our foreign friends that the main objective of the terrorists is to harm Pakistan by incapacitating its economy. They seek to spread terror amongst our foreigner friends to force them to leave or avoid Pakistan and, thus, cause capital flight, and declining foreign investment in our country, he said.
The prime minister said that because of Pakistans pivotal role in the campaign against terrorism and extremism, there had been negative stereotyping of Pakistan in the international media by spreading gossip, despondency and gloom. This stereotyping, however, betrays a fundamental disconnect between perception and reality, he said.
Gilani said that these images could not dampen Pakistans will and resolve to be true and honourable to itself and the world. Pakistan has continued to render sacrifices on account of its undeterred determination to fight the evil forces of extremism and terrorism for peace, security and economic well being of its own people as well as the people of the rest of the world, he said.
Gilani expressed pleasure over the large participation by foreign firms and dignitaries in the IDEAS 2008 and said that it was a proof that in spite of Pakistans campaign against terror, the business and economic activities in the country remain unaffected and the enemies of peace in Pakistan and the world at large would not be able to succeed in their nefarious designs.
The prime minister reiterated that to counter the present difficulties which Pakistan was facing as a direct consequence of its campaign against terrorism and as a result of the world economic crisis, they would like to increase foreign investment in the country to generate a higher level of employment and diversify their exports by gaining enhanced market access in the friendly countries.
He said that the defence industry was to play an important role in the export-diversification campaign. Pakistan can now meet most of the defence equipment needs of our friendly countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and South America, he said.
He said he would like to urge the participants to visit the defence production facilities of the country and interact with manufacturers with a view to exploring development of mutually beneficial defence cooperation links between countries.
He said that Pakistan had a large defence manufacturing, training and supporting infrastructure to cater to the needs of the armed forces. It also has a capacity to offer high quality products and services to the friendly countries, he added.
Gilani appreciated the efforts of the DEPO, the Ministry of Defence Production, the armed forces, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Ministry of Commerce, the City District Government Karachi and the Sindh government for successfully holding the IDEAS 2008.
Gilani lauded the defence industry, both in the public and private sectors, for taking an active part in the exhibition and appreciated the warm hospitality of the people of Karachi.He also appreciated the efforts of DG DEPO Maj Gen Muhammad Farooq and his team for making the IDEAS 2008 a great event.
Earlier, Minister of State for Defence Abdul Qayoom Jatoi in his address said that the IDEAS 2008 had grown gradually to a prestigious event and served as a rewarding forum.In his welcome address, DG DEPO Maj Gen Farooq said that 256 companies from 58 countries were displaying their products at the fifth edition of the IDEAS. About 162 of them are from foreign countries, including USA, Turkey, China, UK, Germany, Italy, South Africa, France and Russia.
He pointed out that 67 highest level delegations were attending the mega event, which provided a platform for interaction between the visitors and the exhibitors from around the world.Maj Gen Farooq said that industrial cooperation to respond to the changing security environment was discussed at the seminar.
Later, the prime minister had a tour of the exhibition and appreciated the quality of exhibition and defence products on display.He also witnessed the mobility show.Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in the VIP Lounge of the Karachi airport soon after his arrival here, Gilani said that the committee formed by parliament with unanimity had been constituted by the National Assembly speaker with its members taken from all the parties.
It will hold its first meeting on December 2 and evolve strategy with regard to security and to counter terrorism and extremism, he said.The prime minister said that the committee would be given briefing by the foreign minister, the adviser to the prime minister on interior and the DG ISI on behalf of the Army and it would be apprised of the situation as well as the government strategy and policy against terrorism.
He added that the committee would chalk out a strategy and policy to deal with security concerns, terrorism and extremism.Referring to the prevailing economic situation vis-a-vis the IMF, the prime minister said that it was caused by the global recession and it had even hit major and economically strong countries.
He said that the government was lucky that it already took difficult decisions within a couple of months after coming into power.The government withdrew a lot of subsidies, improved the fiscal policies, reduced the loan borrowings and cut down the luxurious items. He said that this proved beneficial for them as it facilitated them to accept the IMF conditions for the grant of loan.
Now, the position is that several countries will not survive without the IMF support and super powers like the US too have been affected by the global recession, he said.Gilani said that economics and terrorism were two major subjects for him which could destabilise the countrys economy and affect the political situation.
Replying to a question in relation to a foreign media report, the prime minister made it clear that as far as Pakistan was concerned, the Army was fully professional, dedicated and pro-democracy, and it had proved it.
He told another questioner that Pakistan was few paces ahead of some other countries as it was strategically at the forefront in the world against terrorism. Because of our being on the borderline and near to the Afghan border, we have to make greater efforts, he said.
As regards the headway made on this count, the prime minister pointed out that previously, the government heads used to have three hats, as they were the Army chief, the president and the chief executive at the same time.
But now, everyone is accountable before parliament as our strategy is that policies are being framed as per the wishes and aspirations of the people, he said.
He said that it was for the first time that when the writ of the government was challenged and an Army action took place, the indigenous Lashkars were formed and they supported the government policies and the steps taken.
It is for the first time that action taken by the Army of Pakistan is supported by the people of Pakistan, he added. Replying to a question, the prime minister said that when oil prices had hiked up and food commodities shot up, a recession had come which hit the world, including Pakistan.
He said that now, the oil prices had come down and relief was being passed on to the people accordingly. He recalled that during his last visit to Karachi, he had announced that the oil prices would be reduced and these did come down the same day.
Similarly, when the Palm Oil prices will reduce, the government will reduce the ghee prices because the government wants to provide relief to the people, he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was not an isolated country. It is carrying the world along and everyone is concerned for a stable Pakistan, he said.
Responding to a question about criticism that people would be overburdened with the IMF loan, the prime minister said that he had been hearing this since his childhood and pointed out that the IMF did come during Junejos rule, two terms of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, two terms of Nawaz Sharif and thereafter continued for sometime.
He explained that the IMF maintained strict conditions because it wanted the creation of discipline in every institution, including the financial institutions and the system, so that the loan taken did not go waste without any accountability.
This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that the IMF programme was brought before the Cabinet and was unanimously approved before conceding to the IMF conditions,î he said.
Replying to a query, Gilani referred to the oppositions allegation that the government had given permission to the US to carry out strikes inside Pakistan. I am the government. I am the chief executive, and the government has given no such permission, said.
Responding to a question whether this government has allowed former president Pervez Musharraf to enter into politics and allowed him to go abroad, the prime minister said that the government did not believe in victimisation and wanted reconciliation. We have allowed the former president that if he wanted to go abroad, he can go, he said.
Replying to another query regarding fighting by local tribes, the prime minister said that they were fighting against militants and ìwe too are fighting against militants.î
We want to isolate the militants from the local tribes and we are very successful in this, he added. Responding to a question about joining of the federal cabinet, Gilani said that as far as the JUI was concerned, it had already joined the cabinet. They have parliamentary secretaries and chairmen of standing committees, he said.
But as regards the MQM, talks are being held and the press will come to know when things will mature, he said.Replying to another question, Gilani said that he had already stated that the former president had been wearing three hats -ñ the Army chief, the chief executive and the president. But according to our record and the record of the Army, the GHQ and the Foreign Office, there is no such thing and no evidence whether he had given permission for strikes inside Pakistan, Gilani said.
Regarding the registration of those coming to Karachi from outside, the prime minister said that it was a suggestion and when something would come up at government level, they would give their point of view. He assured that the government would take steps to overcome water shortage in Sindh as per the 1991 accord.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has assured foreign businessmen of providing maximum security to them and their business in Pakistan.
He expressed these views while speaking at the inauguration of the 5th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008 at the Karachi Expo Centre here on Monday.We would like to seek the understanding of our foreign friends that the main objective of the terrorists is to harm Pakistan by incapacitating its economy. They seek to spread terror amongst our foreigner friends to force them to leave or avoid Pakistan and, thus, cause capital flight, and declining foreign investment in our country, he said.
The prime minister said that because of Pakistans pivotal role in the campaign against terrorism and extremism, there had been negative stereotyping of Pakistan in the international media by spreading gossip, despondency and gloom. This stereotyping, however, betrays a fundamental disconnect between perception and reality, he said.
Gilani said that these images could not dampen Pakistans will and resolve to be true and honourable to itself and the world. Pakistan has continued to render sacrifices on account of its undeterred determination to fight the evil forces of extremism and terrorism for peace, security and economic well being of its own people as well as the people of the rest of the world, he said.
Gilani expressed pleasure over the large participation by foreign firms and dignitaries in the IDEAS 2008 and said that it was a proof that in spite of Pakistans campaign against terror, the business and economic activities in the country remain unaffected and the enemies of peace in Pakistan and the world at large would not be able to succeed in their nefarious designs.
The prime minister reiterated that to counter the present difficulties which Pakistan was facing as a direct consequence of its campaign against terrorism and as a result of the world economic crisis, they would like to increase foreign investment in the country to generate a higher level of employment and diversify their exports by gaining enhanced market access in the friendly countries.
He said that the defence industry was to play an important role in the export-diversification campaign. Pakistan can now meet most of the defence equipment needs of our friendly countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and South America, he said.
He said he would like to urge the participants to visit the defence production facilities of the country and interact with manufacturers with a view to exploring development of mutually beneficial defence cooperation links between countries.
He said that Pakistan had a large defence manufacturing, training and supporting infrastructure to cater to the needs of the armed forces. It also has a capacity to offer high quality products and services to the friendly countries, he added.
Gilani appreciated the efforts of the DEPO, the Ministry of Defence Production, the armed forces, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), the Ministry of Commerce, the City District Government Karachi and the Sindh government for successfully holding the IDEAS 2008.
Gilani lauded the defence industry, both in the public and private sectors, for taking an active part in the exhibition and appreciated the warm hospitality of the people of Karachi.He also appreciated the efforts of DG DEPO Maj Gen Muhammad Farooq and his team for making the IDEAS 2008 a great event.
Earlier, Minister of State for Defence Abdul Qayoom Jatoi in his address said that the IDEAS 2008 had grown gradually to a prestigious event and served as a rewarding forum.In his welcome address, DG DEPO Maj Gen Farooq said that 256 companies from 58 countries were displaying their products at the fifth edition of the IDEAS. About 162 of them are from foreign countries, including USA, Turkey, China, UK, Germany, Italy, South Africa, France and Russia.
He pointed out that 67 highest level delegations were attending the mega event, which provided a platform for interaction between the visitors and the exhibitors from around the world.Maj Gen Farooq said that industrial cooperation to respond to the changing security environment was discussed at the seminar.
Later, the prime minister had a tour of the exhibition and appreciated the quality of exhibition and defence products on display.He also witnessed the mobility show.Sindh Governor Dr Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, addressing a press conference in the VIP Lounge of the Karachi airport soon after his arrival here, Gilani said that the committee formed by parliament with unanimity had been constituted by the National Assembly speaker with its members taken from all the parties.
It will hold its first meeting on December 2 and evolve strategy with regard to security and to counter terrorism and extremism, he said.The prime minister said that the committee would be given briefing by the foreign minister, the adviser to the prime minister on interior and the DG ISI on behalf of the Army and it would be apprised of the situation as well as the government strategy and policy against terrorism.
He added that the committee would chalk out a strategy and policy to deal with security concerns, terrorism and extremism.Referring to the prevailing economic situation vis-a-vis the IMF, the prime minister said that it was caused by the global recession and it had even hit major and economically strong countries.
He said that the government was lucky that it already took difficult decisions within a couple of months after coming into power.The government withdrew a lot of subsidies, improved the fiscal policies, reduced the loan borrowings and cut down the luxurious items. He said that this proved beneficial for them as it facilitated them to accept the IMF conditions for the grant of loan.
Now, the position is that several countries will not survive without the IMF support and super powers like the US too have been affected by the global recession, he said.Gilani said that economics and terrorism were two major subjects for him which could destabilise the countrys economy and affect the political situation.
Replying to a question in relation to a foreign media report, the prime minister made it clear that as far as Pakistan was concerned, the Army was fully professional, dedicated and pro-democracy, and it had proved it.
He told another questioner that Pakistan was few paces ahead of some other countries as it was strategically at the forefront in the world against terrorism. Because of our being on the borderline and near to the Afghan border, we have to make greater efforts, he said.
As regards the headway made on this count, the prime minister pointed out that previously, the government heads used to have three hats, as they were the Army chief, the president and the chief executive at the same time.
But now, everyone is accountable before parliament as our strategy is that policies are being framed as per the wishes and aspirations of the people, he said.
He said that it was for the first time that when the writ of the government was challenged and an Army action took place, the indigenous Lashkars were formed and they supported the government policies and the steps taken.
It is for the first time that action taken by the Army of Pakistan is supported by the people of Pakistan, he added. Replying to a question, the prime minister said that when oil prices had hiked up and food commodities shot up, a recession had come which hit the world, including Pakistan.
He said that now, the oil prices had come down and relief was being passed on to the people accordingly. He recalled that during his last visit to Karachi, he had announced that the oil prices would be reduced and these did come down the same day.
Similarly, when the Palm Oil prices will reduce, the government will reduce the ghee prices because the government wants to provide relief to the people, he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan was not an isolated country. It is carrying the world along and everyone is concerned for a stable Pakistan, he said.
Responding to a question about criticism that people would be overburdened with the IMF loan, the prime minister said that he had been hearing this since his childhood and pointed out that the IMF did come during Junejos rule, two terms of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, two terms of Nawaz Sharif and thereafter continued for sometime.
He explained that the IMF maintained strict conditions because it wanted the creation of discipline in every institution, including the financial institutions and the system, so that the loan taken did not go waste without any accountability.
This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that the IMF programme was brought before the Cabinet and was unanimously approved before conceding to the IMF conditions,î he said.
Replying to a query, Gilani referred to the oppositions allegation that the government had given permission to the US to carry out strikes inside Pakistan. I am the government. I am the chief executive, and the government has given no such permission, said.
Responding to a question whether this government has allowed former president Pervez Musharraf to enter into politics and allowed him to go abroad, the prime minister said that the government did not believe in victimisation and wanted reconciliation. We have allowed the former president that if he wanted to go abroad, he can go, he said.
Replying to another query regarding fighting by local tribes, the prime minister said that they were fighting against militants and ìwe too are fighting against militants.î
We want to isolate the militants from the local tribes and we are very successful in this, he added. Responding to a question about joining of the federal cabinet, Gilani said that as far as the JUI was concerned, it had already joined the cabinet. They have parliamentary secretaries and chairmen of standing committees, he said.
But as regards the MQM, talks are being held and the press will come to know when things will mature, he said.Replying to another question, Gilani said that he had already stated that the former president had been wearing three hats -ñ the Army chief, the chief executive and the president. But according to our record and the record of the Army, the GHQ and the Foreign Office, there is no such thing and no evidence whether he had given permission for strikes inside Pakistan, Gilani said.
Regarding the registration of those coming to Karachi from outside, the prime minister said that it was a suggestion and when something would come up at government level, they would give their point of view. He assured that the government would take steps to overcome water shortage in Sindh as per the 1991 accord.
