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NEWS AND EVENTS
Remarks by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Parliament on
the death of Osama bin Laden, 4 May 2011
Honorable Speaker,
Honorable members of the House
On behalf of the Government, I wish to make a statement regarding the death
of Osama bin Laden in a US forces operation in the surroundings of
Abbottabad on 2 May 2011.
2. The Government’s position has been announced in the two press statements
issued by the Foreign Ministry on 2 and 3 May 2011. The honorable members
will have seen this official account. However, I would like to underscore
the following:
• Counter-terrorism is a national priority. More than any other country
in the world, Pakistan has suffered immensely from horrific acts of mindless
violence, perpetrated against innocent civilians, including women and
children.
• Since 9/11, over thirty thousand Pakistanis have fallen victim to
terrorist attacks. These cowardly attacks have targeted public places such
as markets, mosques and shrines in nearly every town and city throughout the
country. What is indeed most deplorable is that those who have perpetrated
these attacks have pretended to do it in the name of our noble religion –
Islam. There could be no greater disservice to Islam. Our people are,
therefore, rightly incensed over the blight of terrorism that has affected
their daily lives as well as the economy of the country.
• There is a national consensus on defeating terrorism. Our security and
law-enforcing agencies and bodies as well as the armed forces have taken up
this challenge successfully and effectively. More than five thousand of our
security and armed forces personnel have embraced martyrdom in combating
this menace.
• While the anti-terror campaign is a national priority, it is also a
regional and global issue. We have ongoing cooperative arrangements with
several countries to defeat and eliminate terrorism.
• In this regard, it is important to note that the parameters of our
cooperation are well-established. Under no circumstances, can Pakistan allow
any cooperative endeavours to be construed, in any manner, that compromises
Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security. This has been made clear to
all concerned.
• The safeguarding of Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security are
indeed sacred obligations, which shall always be upheld by all state
institutions, and most of all, by the patriotic people of our country.
• Prosecution of the global anti-terror campaign poses formidable
challenges in multiple domains. This also includes moral and legal
questions, which must be addressed collectively, with clarity and
conviction.
• Pakistan has amply demonstrated its resolve to defeat terrorism. We
have done so in our own national interest and seek no acknowledgement or
credit in this regard from any one. We have demonstrated that Pakistan is a
resilient nation; that our state institutions are fully capable of
overcoming all challenges and upholding Pakistan’s national interests.
• Osama bin Laden is history. Let us also not forget that there is also
a history to the making of Osama bin Laden and what he signified.
• Pakistan is, certainly, is not the birthplace of Al-Qaeda, nor did we
invite Al-Qaeda or Osama bin Laden to Pakistan.v
• Following 9/11, the Coalition military operations in Afghanistan
resulted in the dispersal of Al-Qaeda. It is worth-reminding that around
forty Al-Qaeda key operatives were tracked and arrested by Pakistani
intelligence and security agencies in the last ten years in various cities
in Pakistan. Pakistan played an important role in degrading and dismantling
of the Al-Qaeda networks.
• It is also worth recalling that Al-Qaeda declared war against Pakistan
and targeted our people and institutions. They launched waves after waves of
suicide bombers.
• As far as operation against Osama bin Ladin on 2 May, we have stated
clearly that this operation was conducted directly by the US forces. Our
leadership, civil as well as military, had no prior knowledge of this
particular operation.
• We have officially expressed our deep concern and reservations on the
manner in which the government of the United States carried out this
operation without prior information or authorization of the Government of
Pakistan.
• We have also officially stated that this event of unauthorized
unilateral action cannot be taken as a rule. Nor could such an event serve
as a future precedent by any state, including the United States.
• Such unilateral actions could undermine cooperation and may also, some
time, constitute a threat to international peace and security.
• The Government of Pakistan and its armed forces consider support of
the people of Pakistan to be its mainstay and actual strength. Any actions
contrary to their aspirations, therefore, run against the very basis on
which the edifice of national defense and security is based.
• Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies have played a pivotal role in
breaking the back of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Pakistan
as well as around the world.
• Most of the successes achieved by the US and some other friendly
countries have been the result of effective intelligence cooperation and
extremely useful military support by Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan
and its security forces have resolved to continue their fight against
terrorism till people of Pakistan can live in peace and security.
• I would also like to address some of the speculative reports on this
subject. The fact is that Abbottabad and the surrounding area has been under
sharp focus of intelligence agencies since 2003, resulting into highly
technical operation by ISI, which led to arrest of high value Al-Qaeda
target in 2004.
• As far as the target compound is concerned, ISI had been sharing
information with CIA and other friendly intelligence agencies since 2009.
The intelligence flow, indicating some foreigners in the surroundings of
Abbottabad, continued till mid-April 2011.
• It is important to highlight that taking advantage of much superior
technological assets, the CIA exploited the intelligence leads given by us
to identify and reach Osama bin Laden – a fact also acknowledged by the US
President and Secretary of State, in their statements.
• It is also important to mention that CIA and some other friendly
intelligence agencies have benefited a great deal from the intelligence
provided by ISI. ISI’s own achievements against Al-Qaeda and in the war on
terror are more than any other intelligence agency in the world.
• Reports about US helicopters taking off from Ghazi airbase are
absolutely false and incorrect. Neither any base or facility inside Pakistan
was used by the US forces, nor Pakistan Army provided any operational or
logistic assistance to these operations, conducted by the US forces. US
helicopters entered Pakistani airspace making use of blind spots in the
radar coverage due to hilly terrain.
• US helicopters’ undetected flight into Pakistan was also facilitated
by the mountainous terrain, efficacious use of latest technology and “nap of
the earth” flying techniques. It may not be realistic to draw an analogy
between this undefended civilian area and some military/security
installations, which have elaborate local defense arrangements.
• On receipt of information regarding the incident, Pakistan Air Force
scrambled its jets within minutes. This has been corroborated by the White
House Advisor, Mr. John Brennan, who, while replying to a question, said:
“We didn’t contact the Pakistanis until after all of our people, all of our
aircraft were out of Pakistani airspace. At the time, the Pakistanis were
reacting to an incident that they knew was taking place in Abbotabad.
Therefore, they were scrambling some of their assets. Clearly, we were
concerned that if the Pakistanis decided to scramble jets or whatever else,
they didn’t know who were on those jets. They had no idea about who might
have been on there, whether it be US or somebody else. So, we were watching
and making sure that our people and our aircraft were able to get out of
Pakistani airspace. And thankfully, there was no engagement with Pakistani
forces. This operation was designed to minimize the prospects, the chances
of engagement with Pakistani forces. It was done very well, and thankfully
no Pakistani forces were engaged and there were no other individuals who
were killed aside from those on the compound.”
• There has been a lot of discussion about the nature of the targeted
compound, particularly its high walls and its vicinity to the areas housing
Pakistan Army elements. It needs to be appreciated that many houses occupied
by the affectees of operations in FATA/KPK, have high boundary walls, in
line with their culture of privacy and security. Houses with such layout and
structural details are not a rarity.
• Questions have also been asked about the whereabouts of the family
members of Osama bin Laden. They are all in safe hands and being looked
after in accordance with law. Some of them, needing medical care, are under
treatment in the best possible facilities. As per policy, they will be
handed over to their countries of origin.
Death of Osama bin Ladin-Respect for Pakistan’s Established Policy
Parameters on Counter Terrorism
The Government of Pakistan recognizes that
the death of Osama bin Ladin is an important milestone in fight against
terrorism and that the Government of Pakistan and its state institutions
have been making serious efforts to bring him to justice.
However, the Government of Pakistan
categorically denies the media reports suggesting that its leadership, civil
as well as military, had any prior knowledge of the US operation against
Osama bin Ladin carried out in the early hours of 2nd May 2011.
Abbottabad and the surrounding areas have
been under sharp focus of intelligence agencies since 2003 resulting in
highly technical operation by ISI which led to the arrest of high value Al
Qaeda target in 2004. As far as the target compound is concerned, ISI had
been sharing information with CIA and other friendly intelligence agencies
since 2009. The intelligence flow indicating some foreigners in the
surroundings of Abbottabad, continued till mid April 2011. It is important
to highlight that taking advantage of much superior technological assets,
CIA exploited the intelligence leads given by us to identify and reach Osama
bin Ladin, a fact also acknowledged by the US President and Secretary of
State, in their statements. It is also important to mention that CIA and
some other friendly intelligence agencies have benefitted a great deal from
the intelligence provided by ISI. ISI’s own achievements against Al Qaeda
and in War on Terror are more than any other intelligence agency in the
World.
Reports about US helicopters taking off
from Ghazi Airbase are absolutely false and incorrect. Neither any base or
facility inside Pakistan was used by the US Forces, nor Pakistan Army
provided any operational or logistic assistance to these operations
conducted by the US Forces. US helicopters entered Pakistani airspace making
use of blind spots in the radar coverage due to hilly terrain. US
helicopters’ undetected flight into Pakistan was also facilitated by the
mountainous terrain, efficacious use of latest technology and ‘nap of the
earth’ flying techniques. It may not be realistic to draw an analogy between
this undefended civilian area and some military / security installations
which have elaborate local defence arrangements.
On receipt of information regarding the
incident, PAF scrambled its jets within minutes. This has been corroborated
by the White House Advisor Mr John Brennan who while replying to a question
said, “We didn’t contact the Pakistanis until after all of our people, all
of our aircraft were out of Pakistani airspace. At the time, the Pakistanis
were reacting to an incident that they knew was taking place in Abbottabad.
Therefore, they were scrambling some of their assets. Clearly, we were
concerned that if the Pakistanis decided to scramble jets or whatever else,
they didn’t know who were on those jets. They had no idea about who might
have been on there, whether it be US or somebody else. So, we were watching
and making sure that our people and our aircraft were able to get out of
Pakistani airspace. And thankfully, there was no engagement with Pakistani
forces. This operation was designed to minimize the prospects, the chances
of engagement with Pakistani forces. It was done very well, and thankfully
no Pakistani forces were engaged and there were no other individuals who
were killed aside from those on the compound.”
There has been a lot of discussion about
the nature of the targeted compound, particularly its high walls and its
vicinity to the areas housing Pakistan Army elements. It needs to be
appreciated that many houses occupied by the affectees of operations in FATA
/ KPK, have high boundary walls, in line with their culture of privacy and
security. Houses with such layout and structural details are not a rarity.
Questions have also been asked about the
whereabouts of the family members of Osama bin Ladin. They are all in safe
hands and being looked after in accordance with law. Some of them needing
medical care are under treatment in the best possible facilities. As per
policy, they will be handed over to their countries of origin.
Notwithstanding the above, the Government
of Pakistan expresses its deep concerns and reservations on the manner in
which the Government of the United States carried out this operation without
prior information or authorization from the Government of Pakistan.
This event of unauthorized unilateral
action cannot be taken as a rule. The Government of Pakistan further affirms
that such an event shall not serve as a future precedent for any state,
including the US. Such actions undermine cooperation and may also sometime
constitute threat to international peace and security.
Pakistan, being mindful of its
international obligations, has been extending full and proper cooperation on
all counter terrorism efforts including exchange of information and
intelligence. Pursuant to such cooperation, Pakistan had arrested several
high profile terrorists.
The Government of Pakistan and its Armed
Forces consider support of the people of Pakistan to be its mainstay and
actual strength. Any actions contrary to their aspirations, therefore, run
against the very basis on which the edifice of national defence and security
is based. Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies have played a pivotal role
in breaking the back of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in
Pakistan as well as around the World. Most of the successes achieved by the
US and some other friendly countries have been the result of effective
intelligence cooperation and extremely useful military support by Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan and its security forces have resolved to continue
their fight against terrorism till people of Pakistan can live in peace and
security.
Death of Osama bin Ladin
In an intelligence driven operation, Osama Bin Ladin was killed in the
surroundings of Abbotabad in the early hours of this morning. This operation
was conducted by the US forces in accordance with declared US policy that
Osama bin Ladin will be eliminated in a direct action by the US forces,
wherever found in the world.
Earlier today, President Obama telephoned President Zardari on the
successful US operation which resulted in killing of Osama bin Ladin.
Osama bin Ladin’s death illustrates the resolve of the international
community including Pakistan to fight and eliminate terrorism. It
constitutes a major setback to terrorist organizations around the world.
Al-Qaeda had declared war on Pakistan. Scores of Al-Qaeda sponsored
terrorist attacks resulted in deaths of thousands of innocent Pakistani men,
women and children. Almost, 30,000 Pakistani civilians lost their lives in
terrorist attacks in the last few years. More than 5,000 Pakistani security
and armed forces officials have been martyred in Pakistan’s campaign against
Al-Qaeda, other terrorist organizations and affiliates.
Pakistan has played a significant role in efforts to eliminate terrorism. We
have had extremely effective intelligence sharing arrangements with several
intelligence agencies including that of the US. We will continue to support
international efforts against terrorism.
It is Pakistan’s stated policy that it will not allow its soil to be used in
terrorist attacks against any country. Pakistan’s political leadership,
parliament, state institutions and the whole nation are fully united in
their resolve to eliminate terrorism.
Message from Mr. Asif Ali Zardari , President of the Islamic Republic of
Pakistan
(On the occasion of
Pakistan Day 23 rd March, 2011)
March 23 this year is most memorable as it
is the first Pakistan Day after the Parliament unanimously removed from the
Constitution the over three-decade old vestiges of dictatorship to make it
truly democratic.
It is a proud day for every Pakistani as we
celebrate the triumph of democracy over dictatorship and demonstrate to the
world that dictatorship can never take roots in the country.
On this auspicious occasion I wish to greet
the entire Pakistani nation.
Seventy two years ago on this day the
Muslims of the subcontinent set out to achieve the goal of a separate
homeland for themselves. In a short span of seven years the Muslims, led by
the Quaid-e Azam, they were lifted to their goal by their dreams.
The Quaid and our founding fathers had
envisaged a democratic and pluralistic state where constitutionalism and
rule of law would reign supreme and where minorities will have equal rights
as citizens. We must not deviate from those principles.
Let us on this day reiterate our principles
and resolve to be strong in upholding them.
On this day let us resolve that we will not
allow anyone to usurp the fundamental rights of our people and trample on
their democratic aspirations. Let us also on this day denounce violence,
hatred and intolerance that have crept into our polity.
I call upon every one today to forge a
spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation, harmony and respect for dissent.
I pray to Almighty Allah to guide us and
enable us to be worthy of the heritage bequeathed to us by the Quaid-e-Azam.
Message from Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Prime Minister of Pakistan
(On the occasion of
Pakistan Day 23 rd March, 2011)
Today the nation is celebrating
the 71st anniversary of the adoption of Pakistan Resolution passed on 23 rd
March, 1940 with traditional zeal and zest. On this historic day, the
Muslims of the sub-continent gathered in Lahore under the inspiring
leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and adopted a Resolution,
which changed the course of history. The Muslims ever since embarked on the
arduous struggle for an independent state where the principles of social
justice and equity could prevail and where they could live as free citizens
in peace from within and without– in accordance with their religious
beliefs, civilization identity and cultural values.
Pakistan Resolution represented
the beginning of a journey, which started from seeking right to separate
electorate and ended on attaining the goal of self-determination. Important
landmarks of history do not reach their culmination without leadership's
determination, consistency and sacrifice of the people. The establishment of
Pakistan is a living testimony to the Muslims' commitment towards the cause
of right to self-determination and willingness to go the extra mile for
realization of their ideals.
The Pakistan Resolution
galvanized the people and marshaled them into a nation. Millions rallied
under the flag of All-India Muslim League and demonstrated their willingness
to spare no effort or sacrifice for the sake of independence. Within a short
period of time, Pakistan became an established reality. The world was
startled to see how a people pulled themselves out of the darkness of
political bondage and frustration into the dawn of freedom and gave
direction to their quest for liberty.
As we celebrate the Pakistan Day
today, it is important to introspect ourselves whether we achieved the
objective for which the Muslims of the sub-continent rendered immense
sacrifices with their blood. Pakistan was achieved through a democratic
struggle and it is our individual and collective responsibility to safeguard
democracy and representative rule.
The government remains committed
to translating the dream of our founding fathers into reality. The various
milestones achieved by the government such as the passage of the 18th and
19th Constitutional Amendments, NFC Award, strengthening of parliament and
other state institutions and Baluchistan Initiative to name only few are
geared towards strengthening the federation of Pakistan by removing the
age-old deprivations of the federating units. We have founded a culture of
reconciliation and dialogue to resolve the national issues in concurrence
with all stakeholders.
On this historic day, let us
pledge to leave no stone unturned to work for the betterment of Pakistan .
We must reawaken the spirit, which characterized the 23 rd of March 1940 to
battle the daunting challenges including that of terrorism and extremism. I
have complete trust in the ability of our people to rise to the occasion.
The essential message of this auspicious Day is that we as a nation make a
vow to project the Pakistan ideology at every level as a counterweight to
the forces of extremism and darkness.
Let us dedicate ourselves to the
service and glory of our homeland.
Pakistan Paindabad
Transportation of Relief Goods by PIA
As
you are aware Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that it
will carry free of cost all relief goods that are being sent from USA, to
Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. Relief Goods will now be
accepted directly, at PIA New York and Chicago Cargo Areas.
Organizations/communities/individuals who wish to send the relief goods can
directly send them to the given PIA addresses; details are attached.
There is no cut-off date for acceptance of relief goods as this process will
continue for quite sometime and there is no limit of quantity to be donated
for this noble cause.
PIA has also developed a family pack which will provide high energy food and
liquids to sustain a four member family/group. Details are available on our
website www.piac.com.pk (Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhER02dcE8Q ) Boxes other than family
pack should be of a medium size and easy to carry. PIA is currently not
accepting used clothes.
Priority of relief goods is as follows:
1. Life saving drugs
2. Milk, dry food items and plastic bottled mineral water
3. Tents
4. Clothing (new only)
Prime Minister’s Flood
Relief Fund 2010
In view of the unprecedented floods which have
caused tragic loss of lives and have severely affected the physical and
communication infrastructure in many parts of the Pakistan, Prime Minister has
established a special “Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010”. Donation can
either be directly deposited to Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 or
through the Consulate General of Pakistan, Chicago.
Generous contributions to the Prime Minister’s
Flood Relief Fund 2010 are urged and would be highly appreciated.
**With regard to dispatch of relief
goods from abroad. the NDMA has informed us of the following information for
transmission to our Missions:
1. PIA shall carry relief goods to
Pakistan without charge in the spare belly space of their aircrafts.
2. All kind of duties and taxes
shall be waived off on the relief goods dispatched in the name of NDMA
3. Consignee Details for Relief
goods at NDMA:
Mr. Hassan Zulfiqar
Director, National Disaster
Management Authority
Prime Minister's Secretariat,
Islamabad.
Phone: +92 51 9207066
Fax: +92 51 9202407
Cell: 0301 5262659
Email:
hz@ndma.gov.pk
While donations from individuals and NGO’s in the
form of kind and cash are appreciated, at this stage in order to avoid wasting
time and resources on transportation of relief items, it is preferable that cash
donations are sent to the National Disaster Management Fund, details are given
below:
Currency in Rupees:
|
Account No: |
000294-2 |
|
Brand Code: |
1732 |
|
Branch name: |
National Bank of
Pakistan, Prime Minister’s Secretariat Branch, Islamabad, Pakistan
|
Currency in US
Dollars:
|
Account No: |
9901526 |
|
Brand Code: |
0341 |
|
Branch name: |
National Bank of
Pakistan, Main Branch, Islamabad, Pakistan |
|
Swift Code: |
NBPAKKA021 |
Donors wishing to donate and send relief items
must arrange transportation themselves to Pakistan. The relief items should be
marked for the consignee in the transportation documents to the National
Disaster Management Authority. The NDMA would arrange reception,
transportation within Pakistan, warehousing and distribution through the
relevant Federal and Provincial Government Agencies.
The NDMA would issue NOC for import for
relief items as per SOPs for such NOC available on NDMA’s website
www.ndma.gov.pk
under the title ‘books and publications’. For guidance, the NDMA has already
uploaded on its website a list of required relief items for donation.
63rd INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN CHICAGO (2010)
This year the
Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in Chicago were held in somber mood due
to devastating floods in Pakistan and commencement of the holy month of Ramadan.
The biggest community event, Parade at the Devon Ave was held on 8th
August 2010. Governor Pat Quinn who is also running for Governor for the next
tern attended the event as chief guest. Other high ranking officials in
attendance included Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and a few aldermen of the
neighboring areas. The public attendance was affected due to rain but the
enthusiasm was overwhelming. The parade was followed by a display of colorful
floats, some of which represented Pakistani culture. Finally the function ended
with the Independence Day message from the Governor, Congresswoman Jan
Schakowsky, Counsel General, and the Sate and City officials.
In their remarks
Governor Pat Quinn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky expressed sympathy and
sorrow over the devastating floods in Pakistan and made appeals for donations.
In his remarks the Consul General expressed gratitude to US Government for
extending relief assistance to victims of flood and made an appeal to the
Pakistani community for making generous contribution into the Prime Minister’s
Flood Relief Fund. As per Ministry’s instructions, the Mission has also opened
an account # 884577115 with Chase Bank for receiving cash/cheque donations. The
relevant details are available at the Mission’s website
www.pakistanconsulatechicago.org.
FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY
HELD AT THE DALEY PLAZA
The Consulate
organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the City Center (Daley Plaza) at 1145 on
12th August this year as 14th was a closed holiday.
Despite the month of Ramadan, a large number of Pakistani-Americans, local media
personnel, representatives from friendly Consulates and some City officials
attended the Reception. Representatives of Governor, Mayor of Chicago, Attorney
General and Cook County Treasurer read out their respective felicitation
messages.
In his remarks,
the Consul General shared the details of loss of human life and devastation to
property caused by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and launched an appeal
for generous donations into Mission’s account opened for Prime Minister’s Flood
Relief Fund. In view of the floods, the ceremony was kept simple.
INDEPENDENCE
DAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY MAYOR OF CHICAGO
The Mayor of
Chicago Richard M. Daley hosted a reception for the Pakistani community at the
Chicago Cultural Center on 3rd August 2010 to mark the 63rd
Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. It was a well attended function. In his
remarks, Mayor Daley expressed his sympathy for the victims of floods in
Pakistan. The Consul General briefed the Mayor on the devastation caused by
these unprecedented floods. The Chicago Commission on Human Relations in Chicago
has launched an appeal for helping the flood victims in Pakistan.
Three Pakistani
Americans were given Certificates of Appreciation by the Mayor in recognition of
their services towards the Pakistani American Community.
FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY
HELD IN BOLINGBROOK
A flag hoisting
ceremony was organized in the Village of Bolingbrook on 8th August
2010 in the evening. Bolingbrook is the only city in the USA where the flag
hoisting ceremony on the Pakistan Independence Day is being held officially
since 1992 and the village Mayor is the spirit behind it. The arrangements for
the ceremony and the Mela were excellent and the Mayor himself supervised all
the arrangements.
The year,
Bolingbrook has been included at serial No. 43 among top 100 best small towns to
live in US by a prominent US monthly, “Money Magazine” mainly due to ethnic
harmony and multi-culturist population in the area. Mayor Claar acknowledged
leading role played by the Pakistan community, especially the Association of
Pakistani-American of Bolingbrook lead by Mr. Talat Rashid in this regard.
Earlier, a
separate farewell dinner was organized in the banquet hall of Bolingbrook Golf
Club on 19th July 2010, by the Association of Pakistani-Americans in
collaboration with the Mayor of Bolingbrook to recognize the community services
of Dr. Aman Rashid, the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago. It was attended
by community leaders and officials of Bolingbrook. A Key to the Town of
Bolingbrook was presented the Consul General by the Mayor Roger Claar. In his
remarks the Mayor said that in his 23 years carrier as Mayor, he had given the
key to only 3 other distinguished persons.
Pakistan International
Gems & Jewelry Exhibition
Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi,
August 05 - 08 2010
Pakistan Gems and Jewellery
Development Company is organizing first Pakistan International Gems &
Jewellery Exhibition (PIGJE) from August 05 to 08, 2010 at Pearl Continental
Hotel, Karachi
Poster >>
RESUMPTION OF PIA FLIGHTS TO CHICAGO
Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier has resumed its
direct flights from Pakistan to Chicago on twice weekly basis. The inaugural
flight from Lahore, reached Chicago International Airport (O’Hare) on 2nd
June 2010. A 15 member Prime Minister’s good will delegation including some
Federal/Provincial Ministers & Parliamentarians was also on board the plane.
Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago joined the PIA administrative staff at the
airport in welcoming the inaugural flight. Chairman PIA who is also a serving
Captain, flew the plane himself.
A
dinner function was organized by PIA at a local banquet hall to celebrate the
inaugural flight the next evening. Prime Minister’s goodwill delegation and a
large number of the Pakistani-Americans attended the function. Formal portion
included a message from the Governor of Illinois read by his representative and
a detailed report by PIA Chairman on the performance of the airline in the past
year. The programme concluded with live performance by a musical group from
Pakistan. The chief guest Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Permanent Representative of
Pakistan to UN (New York) could not attend due to his other commitments.
In
his short remarks, while welcoming the resumption of PIA flights to Chicago
Consul General pointed out that Community was disappointed when the flight was
discontinued in 2007 because it was doing good business and provided a
convenient link with their homeland. Resumption of PIA flight to Chicago is not
only a good news for the Pakistani-Americans of Chicagoland and the Mid-west
region but a sign of growing confidence between the democratic governments of
Pakistan and USA.
PAKISTANI DETAINEE'S ABROAD
A special Cell
to provide assistance to Pakistani's detained abroad has been established in
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Abdul Wahab
Director
General (OP)
Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
Islamabad
Tel:
051-9207768
Fax:
051-9206143
Email:
scop.mofa.pk@gmail.com
PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR ON SHAHZAD
Pakistan's Ambassador to the
U.N., Abdullah Hussain Haroon, speaks to CBS News' Pamela Falk about
U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in the investigation of the case of Pakistani-American
would-be bomber Faisal Shahzad and what needs to be done to eliminate jihadists
in the tribal regions of Pakistan.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6471329n&tag=api
NATIONAL INTERNSHIP
PROGRAM - PAKISTAN WIDE
The Government of Pakistan has announced National Internship Program funded
by Asian Development Bank for the Unemployed student of Pakistan. So far very
low number of applications have been received i.e. 527 with in Pakistan. The
target is to have 10,000 application at least to utilize this fund OTHERWISE
This FUND WILL BE LESS UTILIZED & WILL BE REVERSED BACK TO THE DONOR.
You are requested to inform your friends, colleagues, family members, neighbors
who are eligible to the internship criteria. Below is the extract of the
Advertisement Published in Dawn with extended on 13 November 2009 page # 13.
If you have done masters or completed 16 years education and you are 25 or less
than 25 years of age Yet Unemployed. You have chance to join Prime Minister
National Internship Program and get Rs.10,000 per month for 01 year.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Masters in any segment OR 16 years of education
2. Age Less then or upto 25 Years.
3. Yet Unemployed
Submit your application to along with your documents to following addresses
Islamabad
Ministry of Youth Affairs
Prime Minister secretariat
Islamabad.
www.nip.gov.pk
Balochistan
O&M/NIP cell,
Block 03, First Floor,
Room # 5
S&GAD at Civil Secretariat
Quetta - Balochistan
www.balochistan.gov.pk
OR send to respective DCO of your respective district
OR drop your CV online visit website www.nip.gov.pk
PAKISTAN DAY
CELEBRATIONS (2010) AT CHICAGO
A Flag hoisting
ceremony/reception was arranged in the Consulate Hall on 26th March 2010 to
celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan Resolution. It was a well attended
function. Many Heads/Members of Consular Mission in Chicago, representatives of
the Governor, Mayor of Chicago, State Attorney General, Officials of the State
Department, city government officials, leading US businessmen and notables from
the Pakistani-American Community attended the ceremony.
Following the indoor Flag
hoisting ceremony, the formal session commenced with the recitation from the
Holy Quran, followed by playing of the National Anthems of Pakistan and USA.
Messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out by the Consul
General. Felicitation messages for the occasion from the Governor, Mayor of
Chicago and Attorney General were readout by their respective representatives. A
reception followed the event.
Right to Vote for Oversees Pakistanis
The Government of Pakistan is
considering granting the right of vote as well as representation in National and
Provincial Assemblies to Overseas Pakistanis. In this regard all those Pakistani
who wish to participate in the electoral process, may kindly fill the attached
form and email
info@pakistanconsulatechicago.org or mail it back to the Consulate. The response would enable the
Government in assessing the extent of interest among the Pakistani
Diaspora in the electoral process and taking a final decision in this
regard. The early response would be highly appreciated.
Registration From
Pakistani-Americans are
requested to kindly circulate this message widely to their Pakistani
acquaintances. The mailing address of the Consulate is as
under:
Consulate General of Pakistan Chicago
333 N Michigan Ave, Suite 728. Chicago IL 60601
2010 CENSUS INFORMATION
FOR THE PAKISTANI AMERICAN COMMUNITY
What
is Census 2010?
There
is a need for the community to be educated about the upcoming USA Census.
The
foundation of American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable
representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment
of the number and location of the people living within the US
borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every
10 years. The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents
living in the United States on April 1, 2010 irrespective of their
immigration status or nationality. The U.S. Census Bureau does
not ask about the legal resident status of respondents in any of its
surveys and census programs. Federal law protects the personal
information you share during the census.
Census
questionnaire will be mailed or delivered
to every household in the United States between February -
March 2010. The questions ask you to provide information that
is accurate for your household as of April 1, 2010. The Census
Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to the
U.S. President by December 31, 2010. By March 2011 Census data is
provided to States.
Why
participate in Census
The
census population totals determine which states gain or lose
representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and
federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade.
2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $3 trillion is
allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10
years. The Census results affect funding in your community like
schools, roads, hospitals, senior citizen centers etc, and help inform
decision makers about how your community is changing Businesses use
census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and
other facilities. Government officials use census data to allocate
funding and grants to high-need areas and non-profit organizations.
With
one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks
for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and
whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10-20 minutes
for the average household to complete. Your participation in the
census is required by law and All responses are used for statistical
purposes only, and all are strictly confidential.
All
Pakistani Americans must fully participate and make sure that they
are accurately accounted for. Anyone in the family can complete the
Census form and it is required to have information on all people
living at that address.
Participation
in census is not dependent on your visa or residency status. The
census does not ask about your status. (Your information is protected).
Please complete the form and include any relatives and friends even if
temporarily staying at your address.
On Page 1, please answer
question 9 mark Other
Asian and WRITE:
PAKISTANI as shown below.
On Page 2, please answer
question 6 (for everyone in the household)
mark
Other Asian and WRITE: PAKISTANI as shown below
Public-Private Partnership Conference being held in Dubai on 26
January 2010
A public-private partnership
conference is being held at Dubai (UAE) on 26 January 2010. The
conference is being held from the platform of the Friends of
Democratic Pakistan (FODP). The FODP, which was launched in
September 2008 in New York, aims at addressing the challenges of
security and development arising out of the twin menaces of
extremism and terrorism.
The First Summit of the FODP was held
on 24 September 2009 in New York. The meeting was co-chaired by the
Presidents of Pakistan, the United States and the Prime Minister of
Britain.
The focus of the Dubai public-private
partnership conference would be on four sectors in Pakistan ,
namely: (i) Energy; (ii) Infrastructure Development; (iii)
Agriculture and agro-based industry; and (iv) Social Sector
(Education and Health). The conference would provide a useful
opportunity for foreign investors to receive first-hand information
on priority projects in the above sectors which have been identified
by the Government for public-private partnership. These projects
would offer immense lucrative opportunities for the private sector
as Pakistan offers one of the most friendly foreign investment
regimes in the world.
The conference will also provide an
opportunity to interact with representatives from the private sector
of Pakistan.
The conference will be co-chaired by
the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the UAE.
Interested
US companies are invited to participate in the Conference.
SEASON'S GREETINGS - AMBASSADOR'S MESSAGE
Dear Community
Members,
This holiday season
brings the solemn occasion of Ashura Muharram, the festivities of
Christmas, the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah, and the celebrations of the New Year, all together.
The year 2009 was, no
doubt, full of challenges for Pakistan and Pakistanis, living in the
country and abroad. But Pakistan, by the grace of Allah Almighty,
has emerged stronger. The process of transition to democracy and the
strengthening of state institutions continued throughout the year.
Similarly, despite the cowardly acts of terrorism and the impact of
the global economic downturn, Pakistan's economy did relatively
better than many other comparable economies. These achievements are
a tribute as much to the policies of the government as to the
traditional resilience and inherent strengths of our people.
Let me also briefly
touch on the state of Pakistan-US relations. The year 2009 would be
remembered for the unprecedented process of dialogue and engagement
between the two newly elected governments. Equally intense was the
interaction at the parliamentary and institutional levels. This has
brought the two countries closer by facilitating a deeper
understanding of common threats and concerns as well as the vast
potential of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields.
All of us at the
embassy of Pakistan will continue to serve you and represent our
great country with dedication in 2010.
I wish you, your families and friends a New Year full of happiness
and success in all your pursuits.
(Husain Haqqani )
Ambassador
62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN CHICAGO (2009)
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The Consulate in
collaboration with a local group of young Pakistanis
organized a Flag hoisting ceremony at the City Centre
(Daley Plaza) at noon on 14th August 2009. Despite being
a working day, it was attended by heads as well as
representatives of the Consular Missions in Chicago,
representatives of the Governor of Illinois, Mayor of
Chicago, State Attorney General and Treasurer, officials
of the State Department, leading US businessmen, local
media, notables and a large number of Pakistani-American
Community. After the outdoor flag hoisting, a colourful
formal event was held indoors which started with
recitation from the holy Quran. Messages of the
President and the Prime Minister for the day were read
out by the Consul General. It was followed by reading
out of felicitation messages of the above mentioned
state dignitaries by their respective representatives.
The programme which lasted for one hour also included
speeches on Pakistan by children, Allama Iqbal�s poem
recitation, local Pakistani dress show, Milli songs and
folk music performance by a few local artists.
Earlier, on 6th August,
the Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley hosted an
impressive Reception on behalf of the City of Chicago
for the Pakistani community at the Chicago Culture
Centre to commemorate the 62nd Independence Day of
Pakistan . In his remarks, mostly based on messages of
the President and the Prime Minister for the occasion,
the Consul General made an appealed for funds for
rehabilitation of the internally displaced people of
Swat, Malakand and FATA areas. He complimented Mayor
Daley for successfully promoting cultural harmony in
Chicago.
In his short speech,
Mayor Daley said that Pakistan was misunderstood
globally due to negative media projections. Pakistanis
were enterprising people as could be judged from the
Pakistani-Americans living in Chicago. They were hard
working, peaceful, entrepreneurial and a vibrant
community. He added that the Chicago-Lahore Sister City
Forum could be effectively utilized to bring people of
these two wonderful cities closer. A few
Pakistani-Americans were given certificates of
Appreciation by the Mayor in recognition of their
services towards the Pakistani-American Community.
As always, the main
community event of the Pakistan Independence Day
celebrations in Chicago is the Parade on Mohammad Ali
Jinnah Way portion of the Devon Avenue which is followed
by a Mela in the evening. It was held on 16th August
this year. High ranking city officials, mayors of towns,
local alderman and a large number of Pakistani-Americans
participated in the Parade. It was led by the Consul
General and the office bearers of the Parade Committee.
Rana Masood, Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly who
was on a private visit, was a special guest for this
year. The parade was followed by a display of colourful
floats some of which represented Pakistani culture.
Finally the function ended with the Independence Day
messages from Consul General and the State and city
Officials.
The earliest event to
mark the 62nd Anniversary of Independence of Pakistan
was the Flag hoisting ceremony in Bolingbrook held on
2nd August, probably the only town in USA where this
ceremony has been organized officially since 1992. The
Mayor of the town, Roger Claar who has been the Mayor
for twenty two years and reelected for another four
years and Mr.Talat Rashid, a Pakistani-American are the
spirit behind this. There are around four thousand
Pakistanis in Bolingbrook and this function is part of
promoting cultural harmony in his town. The Pakistan Day
celebrations started with a food Mela, flag hoisting in
the evening and ended late night with performances of
artists from Pakistan.
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FUND RAISER FOR THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE IN PAKISTAN
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A local community
leader and Philanthropist Ch. Munir Akhter, CEO of RNA
Corporation, a well established hair products Company in
Chicago organized a fund raising dinner at his residence
on 14th August 2009. The Consul general was invited as
the guest speaker. It was a simple and well attended
event and the host was able to collect US $100,000 (one
hundred thousand dollars) which would be spent on
re-habilitation of the internally displaced people in
Pakistan.
On its part, the
Consulate has deposited Cheques worth US $ 22630/= from
private donations for this cause.
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7TH GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS CEREMONY OF CHICAGO COUNCIL
ON
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
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In its 7th Global
Awards ceremony held on 16th April 2009, the Chicago
Council on global Affairs honoured Dr. Nafis Sadiq,
Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General & UN Special
Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Asia and the Pacific with its �
International Global Leadership Award� for this year.
Former US Secretary of Defense, William S. Cohen and Mr.
John W. Rowe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Exelon Corporation received the National Global
Leadership Award and Chicago Global Leadership awards
respectively. The impressive ceremony was held in a
local five star hotel. It was attended by the members
and business elites of Chicago who patronize this highly
reputed and useful forum of exchange of views and ideas
on global issues. Since Dr. Nafis Sadiq, a globally
respected international civil servant hails from
Pakistani, the Consul General was invited as a special
guest.
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NAMING OF A PORTION OF CLARK STREET IN CHICAGO AS �BENAZIR
BHUTTO WAY
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A portion of the Clark
Street in Chicago has been named as �Benazir Bhutto
Way�(Honorary) in recognition of her long struggle and
services for promotion of democracy in Pakistan. Leaders
of the local chapter of Pakistan Peoples�s Party in
Chicago supported by Mr. Rana Saleem, owner of Roger�s
Park Auto initiated the proposal and got it approved
from the City through the support of Mr. Joe Moore, the
local area Alderman (Counselor).
The unveiling ceremony
of the plaque was held on the location after a small
reception organized in a hall at the Rogers�s Park Auto
Shop in the evening of 4th Jan. 2009. It was attended by
community leaders, activists and representatives of the
local print & electronic media. It was jointly performed
by Consul General , Alderman Joe Moore and Mr. Ijaz N.
Furrukh, Senior Vice President of PPP, USA who had
traveled from New York to attend this function. Video
coverage can be seen on YouTube website at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc7N5xoLgpk.
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