Pakistan Famous News: March 2009

Monday, March 30, 2009

Re-opening of Marriott Hotel

marriott_hotel_islamabad After suicide-attack, Islamabad Marriott Hotel would be re-opened on December 28 with a new look and state-of-the-art security gadgets. The spokesperson of the hotel said that Chief Executive of the hotel, Sadruddin Hashwani would grace the soft opening ceremony as the grand ceremony would be held about a couple of months later, likely in March next year.

Marriott Hotel was closed down after a suicide attack on
September 20, claiming the lives of 78 people and left several others

injured.

The Spokesperson said the administration has taken all possible measures to protect human lives as well as the structure from any damage. “We have raised a blast-proof wall and blast proof room, having the capacity to resist and absorb the shock of explosion carried out by maximum quantity of explosive,” Spokesperson said as per revised security plan, the provision of car parking inside the hotel has been abandoned except the limousines of head of states would be allowed to take in, but not park.

Vulture Hotel in Nangar Parkar

tharparkar-vulture Nangar Parkar: Global Environment Facility (GEF) of UNDP has opend a center for feeding Vultures to increase the population of Vultures in the region. The Vulture to many may sound a but not very beautiful or clean but it is the one that keeps the envoronment clean in the wilderness, by eating all the leftover meats.

National co-ordinator of UNDP in Pakistan Mr.

Masood Lohar told the newsmen that the Vulturs in Asia in general are becoming extict

The UNDP’s GEF with help of a local organization Dharti Development Orgnization has established this restaurant at Nangar Parkar from where meat will be provided for the vultures in the area.

“These birds were quite common in our country and the few that remain in Nangarparkar are only due to the steps taken in India. There was a time when there were hundreds of vultures in the country but people used an injection, Diclofenac, on their livestock that directly and indirectly became the cause of death of this precious bird,” said Mr. Masood Ahmed Lohar.

vulture-thar A local activist Parkas, said that every thing in pakistan is done in punjab hence this kind of things are numerous where animals of great value shrines and forts are being destryed but no attention is being paid, as every head to the peon is representative of the bigger province in government or private orgnization.

“We are going to establish the first ‘Vulture Restaurant’ in Pakistan at Karonjhar Mountain, where we will feed this bird fresh meat so that it has a steady food supply and its numbers can be sustained. Such steps have already been taken in Nepal and India in South Asia and are essential if we want our coming generations to be able to see live vultures and not only in pictures,” said Dharti Development Executive Director Mansoor Dahiri.

He also mentiond that the local administration of the Nangarparkar trying clean dead stray dogs from open spaces, as the vultures are dying by eating the carcasses of these dogs too.

“If we do not act quickly to preserve this bird, its numbers will decline even more rapidly. The project will safeguard the birds and the environment,” Dahiri said i serious node.

Mr. Dahiri also said that plans are underway to introduce the Kharai Sindh Camel, which is known to be the fastest camel in the world. This unique and precious camel is found in Kharo Chhang are in Tharparkar and Shah Bander area in Thatta.

Mr. Lohar of GFF further said that the precious ‘Kamori goat’ is also being protected as there are only around 700 numbers remaining. The goat is matchless and is found rarely owing to rapid deforestation. GEF will work in several forgotten indigenous communities such as Rebaris, Kelashis, Jats, Kabutaris and others.

Friday, March 27, 2009

LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY AND SHAHEED BENAZIR BHUTTO

6th september 2008 is the luckiest day for the whole nation of pakistan. Every Pakistani feels happy in electing their leader as president of Pakistan in the hope of betterment and prosperous, peaceful and safe life due to better and good policies to be framed by the elected goverment of Pakistan. Throughout Pakistan, people are very much enthuthiastic to see the best results of the election of president in all provincial, senate and national assemblies. In the mind of every Pakistani, Mr Asif Ali Zardari is the best and popular candidate because of his sagacious and and wise decisions he took after the martyrdom of his wife Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

Infact Mr Zardari is reaping and earning laurels owing to the active and popular role played by Bhuttos. The nation is hoping after Mr Asif Ali Zardari’s success of president of Pakistan fortunate future in the feilds of political setup and also social and economic aspects of the country. We also pray for long life of Mr Zardari and success in every action he takes for running the affairs of the country which has got freedom from the cruel and criminal paws of the military general after a long time of 10 years. People have taken sigh of relief and got rid of agonies of mismanagment, economic crises and social disorder.Inshaullah, the nation of Pakistan will be more secure and worriless, prosperous and happy.

Christmas in Karachi

christ-mas-in-karachi Christmas season is here and just like any other festive occasion like Eid or Diwali there is a spirit of joy, happiness and goodwill in the air, which makes one fuel good, especially in these gloomy times.

The Christian cummunity in Karachi celebrates the occasion with equal zeal and fervour with people starting the festivities by shopping well ahead of the occasion as they have to purchase a lor of things, especially gifts, for their loved ones.

Then there is the task of decorating the Christmas tree with beautiful adornmcnts such as rrinkets, bells and coloured lights. Beautifully wrapped gifts are placed under the Lrut: to be opened on Christrnas morning. Shopping malls have Santa Claus and some charities give away gifts to children. Schools have tablcaux high. lighting the birth cf Christ while TV channels show Chritsmas related movies and plays, the most famous being A Ciuistnaus Caml by Charles Dickens, at personal favourite A significant aspect of Christmas is carol singing with major choirs singing in prominent churches of the city such as St Anthonys, St Lawrence and of course St Patricltis Cathedral where the largest congregation for midnight mass is held on Christms eve.

The Christian cummunity in Karachi celebrates the occasion with equal zeal and fervour with people starting the festivities by shopping well ahead of the occasion as they have to purchase a lor of things, especially gifts, for their loved ones.
such as rrinkets, bells and coloured lights. Beautifully wrapped gifts are placed under the Lrut: to be opened on Christrnas morning. Shopping malls have Santa Claus and some charities give away gifts to children. Schools have tablcaux high. lighting the birth cf Christ while TV channels show Chritsmas related movies and plays, the most famous being A Ciuistnaus Caml by Charles Dickens, at personal favourite A significant aspect of Christmas is carol singing with major choirs singing in prominent churches of the city such as St Anthonys, St Lawrence and of course St Patricltis Cathedral where the largest congregation for midnight mass is held on Christms eve.

The Karachi Vocal Ensemble, a concert group fnrrned in 2004, plays a major role in Christmas also. Tho group cumprising Koreams, Japanese and Britons along with Pakisttanis - both Christian and Muslims recently staged at peformance For Christmas at the French cultural center Alliance Francaise, with beautiful reudiations of different carois.

A similar concert was also staged by the- group at the British High Cotrunission. Thu spirit of any festive occa- sion - irrespective nf its reli- gious status ·- is to create good- wilJ and spread the message of love, peace and harmony to mankind and God alone knows Karachians as well as the entire country can spread love, peace and harmony.

Horticulture Development conference on January 22nd

flower-shop-lahore ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): The Horticultural Foundation of Pakistan (HFP) is organizing a conference on horticulture development on January 22nd, here at the Auditorium of National Agricultural Research Centre, Chak Shahzad.

Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock,is scheduled to inaugurate the conference, HFP
sources told APP here.

Currently vegetables are being grown on less than 1 % of the total cropped area of Pakistan. Even at this low level of cultivation, vegetables are not only meeting the demand of the local population but also earning a revanue of about Rs. 2.5 billion annually in foreign exchange.

The foreign exchange earning can be increased manifold, provided the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan conduct a survey of the international markets for the type of vegetable demanded, time of scarcity periods and the import of different countries, the organisers of the conference said.

This increased vegetable export will increase the income of the rural poor masses by increasing the market price of the high quality vegetables and increasing opportunity of on-farm jobs.

Exporters and growers from within the country have been invited for exchange of views and share the knowledge and experience for mutual benefit.

The discussions and deliberations in the seminar would provide an excellent opportunity to identify the impediments and bottle-necks, in the way of speedier growth in vegetables and suggest ways and means in streamlining production and exports, the orgnizers added.

Pakistan Invited to take part in the Yarn Expo in Bejing

BEIJING, Feb 3 (APP): Pakistan has been invited to take part in the Yarn Expo Spring, the International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn scheduled for end of next month, said the organizer of the exhibition.

Beside, Pakistan, suppliers from China, Singapore, Taiwan and Turkey will show case their products in the 3-day fair to be held from March 30 here at the China World Trade Centre.

Separate new Product Zones have been arranged to help visitors find what they need with ease, said the organizer Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

The exhibitors and suppliers will put their products for display including:Cotton Yarn/Fiber, Wool Yarn/Fiber, Flax or Ramie Yarn/Fiber, Chemical Yarn/Fiber and Fancy Yarn, etc.

Another benefit for visitors is a new Fringe Programme including information industry and product seminars on site.

Yarn Expo has always been the specialized trade event for the upstream fiber and yarn industry.

Details of China International Trade Fair for Fibres and Yarns

Show Dates : Start Date 29th March 2009 End Date 31st March 2009

Frequency - Twice A Year
Venue - China World Trade Center
City - Beijing
Open To - Trade Visitors Only
Exhibitor Product profile
Fibers: natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, flax / ramie), man-made fibers (regenerated and synthetic), specialty fibers - yarns: natural and blends yarns (cotton, wool, silk, linen / ramie), man-made and blends yarns (regenerated and synthetic), elastic yarns, fancy yarns, specialty yarns - computer related services - quality assurance - press and publications

Travel & Culture Services will organise a private group from Pakistan based on the following Itinerary.

26th March 2009 Flight from islamabad to Bejing on arrival meet and transfer to Traders Hotel Overnight at hotel
27th March 2009 Full day tour of Bejing Overnight at hotel
28th March 2009 Free for business meeting Evening Catelog show of Pakistani products at the hotel Chinese businessmen will be invited for the show which will be followed by the Dinner Overnight at hotel
29th March 2009 Visit the International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn Overnight at hotel
30th March 2009 International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn Overnight at hotel
31st March 2009 Last day of the Expo Evening special farewell dinner Overnight at hotel
1st April 2009 Transfer to airport for flight to home

Please contact us for cost and other formalaties.

Kids Fun Fair to be held in Karachi in Feb

School of Knowledge and Haji Saeed Memorial Trust is organizing jointly a “KIDS FUN FAIR” in collaboration with the Union Council and Town Administration Liaqutabad on 22nd Feb 2009 at the “MARHABA LAWN” (Nazimabad No. 7 Main Road , Near A.O. Clinic).

The main objective of the organizing this unique “KIDS FUN FAIR” is to provide healthy enjoyment and environment of amusement for the children and their parents, along with the awareness regarding consumer items, useful things and services. Consequently corporate sector, produce of consumable goods and services providers would get chance to convey their message and display and sell their products to children and their parents by this entertainment and trade activity at the thickly populated and central area of the metropolis .

BY THE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH this area holds more than 4 Million population in different places which fulfill all the need and desire of customers coming from different areas like Liaqutabad , Nazimabad , Federal capital area and Federal. B. Area , Firdous Colony, Rizvia and others.

In this “KIDS FUN FAIR” for every one of above mentioned areas will get a coupen of Rs. 20/- for the different prices by the lucky draw.

Prizes worth more than ( Rs.2 Lac) will be on offer , including a mega prize I.e a Microwave , mobile fones, House hold items etc. and many instant prizes will be given to the visitors during the program.

The most heartening aspect of this fair is that the chances of earning profit in extraordinary as the consumers of the above mentioned areas visit this “KIDS FUN FAIR” .

In view of the above-mentioned fact it is requested to take part in this Mega ” KIDS FUN FAIR” and make it a big success and in due course earn desirable profits and positioning of products in the central business hub of Karachi I.e. Liaqutabad Town .

Sponsors are needed please contact us for details very special packages for advertisers available

58th Pakistan Flower Show in Karachi

Karachi 27th Feb 2009: Chief Justice High Court Sindh, Anwar Zaheer Jamali inaugurated the ceremony of the 58th Pakistan Flower Show on yesterday.

He said that as with most other things in our society,
undue importance is being given to imported varieties of flowering plants and fruits in the country. “In fact, if you go to the nursery and ask for desi gulab (rose), chameli or other such flowers, he will look at you strangely and then tell you that the plant in question will be made available after a few days,” he said. The need of the hour, pointed out Jamali, is to promote indigenous plants before it is too late.

The Pakistan Flower SHow is being held at the DHA Sea View Public Park next to a fast food restaurants, the flower show has been organised by the Horticultural Society of Pakistan (HSP) in collaboration with the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).

With more than 50 different stalls have put various flowering plants (and floral arrangements) on display, the show is attracting many a visitors, both young and old. One of the more popular stalls, the Orchid Bazaar, featured eight different varieties of orchids, including the rare but exquisite Tiger Orchid.

Similarly, the unique arrangements at the Floral Art Society of Pakistan were a source of fascination for many since many of them comprised everyday kitchen items such as red chillies and lemons. “We have 33 varieties of arrangements on display this year,” a member of the society told The News.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Flower Show Committee, Lt (retd) General Jahanzeb Arbab, in his welcome address, traced the history of the HSP. “The society came into being in 1948 and held its first show at the Purani Numaish Ground in 1949,” he said. Since then, the HSP has held flower shows every year without fail and runs two courses each year. The flower show is slated to go on till March 1

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce rnhancing efforts for Japanese investment

ISLAMABAD, Jan 20 (APP): The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President, Mian Shaukat Masud here on Tuesday stressed the need for enhancing efforts to attract Japanese investment into the country.

Talking to Pakistan Ambassador designate to Japan, Noor Muhammad Jadmani, the ICCI President said that Pakistan Embassy in Japan should gear up its efforts for attracting Japanese investors in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy.

He was of the view that Pakistan was strategically located at a regional hub with abundant land and natural resources, strong human resources, large and growing domestic market which offers tremendous investment opportunities to countries like Japan.

noor-mohammad-jadmani He said the current volume of business with Japan is US $2 billion which is very low, enhanced interaction between business communities of the two countries can substantially push up this trade volume.

He said Japan was still an unexplored territory for majority of Pakistani businessmen, adding that Pakistan Embassy in Japan should play its due role in facilitating frequent exchange of business delegations between the two countries so that investors and businessmen could explore more avenues of enhancing bilateral trade.

He said a One Window Facility should be established in our embassy in Japan to facilitate Pakistanis in Japan.

Speaking on the occasion, Noor Muhammad Jadmani, Pakistan Ambassador designate to Japan assured the ICCI of his support saying that would take all possible steps to facilitate Pakistani businessmen in enhancing bilateral trade with Japan.

He said his purpose of meeting with businessmen before going to Japan was to get their input for improving Pak-Japan business relations.

He said efforts were already afoot by Pak-Japan Business Council to enhance trade relations, adding that Pakistan Embassy in Japan would also take all necessary measures to enhance direct interaction between the business communities of the two countries.

Pakistan Embassy Tokyo details

Addresss: 4-6-17, Minami-Azabu, Minato-Ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5421-7741 & 42
Fax: 03-5421-3610 Email: info@PakistanEmbassyJapan.com

Working Hours: Monday to Friday.

Reception of Applications for Visa, Passports etc.: 10:0012:00
Delivery of Documents (Visa)16:3016:50

Oil and Gas conference in Islamabad on 31st

ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP): An oil and gas conference will be held here on Saturday the 31st Jan 2009 aimed at providing opportunities to the local and international organizations to learn more about business‑friendly policies of the present government. Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources Mehmood Saleem Mehmood will deliver a keynote address at the conference being held here at Islamabad Club

The Conference is being organized with
the support of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources and the world’s leading companies.
Leading Oil and Gas companies have shown great interest in this conference with organizational heads, seeking local and international interaction, preparing their presentation papers.
Pakistan’s leading oil and gas specialists and companies, regulatory bodies, potential foreign investors, industry analysts and the national print and electronic media is likely to attend the Oil and Gas Forum 2009.

Pakistan Invited to take part in the Yarn Expo in Bejing

BEIJING, Feb 3 (APP): Pakistan has been invited to take part in the Yarn Expo Spring, the International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn scheduled for end of next month, said the organizer of the exhibition.

Beside, Pakistan, suppliers from China, Singapore, Taiwan and Turkey will show case their products in the 3-day fair to be held from March 30 here at the China World Trade Centre.

Separate new Product Zones have been arranged to help visitors find what they need with ease, said the organizer Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.

The exhibitors and suppliers will put their products for display including:Cotton Yarn/Fiber, Wool Yarn/Fiber, Flax or Ramie Yarn/Fiber, Chemical Yarn/Fiber and Fancy Yarn, etc.

Another benefit for visitors is a new Fringe Programme including information industry and product seminars on site.

Yarn Expo has always been the specialized trade event for the upstream fiber and yarn industry.

Details of China International Trade Fair for Fibres and Yarns

Show Dates : Start Date 29th March 2009 End Date 31st March 2009

Frequency - Twice A Year
Venue - China World Trade Center
City - Beijing
Open To - Trade Visitors Only
Exhibitor Product profile
Fibers: natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, flax / ramie), man-made fibers (regenerated and synthetic), specialty fibers - yarns: natural
and blends yarns (cotton, wool, silk, linen / ramie), man-made and blends yarns (regenerated and synthetic), elastic yarns, fancy yarns, specialty yarns - computer related services - quality assurance - press and publications

Travel & Culture Services will organise a private group from Pakistan based on the following Itinerary.

26th March 2009 Flight from islamabad to Bejing on arrival meet and transfer to Traders Hotel Overnight at hotel
27th March 2009 Full day tour of Bejing Overnight at hotel
28th March 2009 Free for business meeting Evening Catelog show of Pakistani products at the hotel Chinese businessmen will be invited for the show which will be followed by the Dinner Overnight at hotel
29th March 2009 Visit the International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn Overnight at hotel
30th March 2009 International Trade Fair for Fibers and Yarn Overnight at hotel
31st March 2009 Last day of the Expo Evening special farewell dinner Overnight at hotel
1st April 2009 Transfer to airport for flight to home

Please contact us for cost and other formalaties.

Improved security situation vital for tourism promotion say Minister

ISLAMABAD, Feb 8: Minister for Tourism Maulana Atta ur Rahman linked conducive security environment to the promotion of tourism in the country Maulana Atta, has recently assumed the charge of Federal Minister for Tourism.

Moulana appeared firm to cope with all the challenges confronting country’s rich tourism industry at home and abroad.

At home the tourism sector is being overlooked by the successive governments and quite tiny amount is allocated in Public Sector Development Programme that hardly cater for it demands. At global level, Pakistan is wrongly projected in the media and tourists are advised not to visit this south asian country, which offer four-season tourism opportunities.

It’s not just the security issue that haunt tourism as there as so many other factors that add to woes of this multi billion dollar trade the world over.

Lack of infrastructure, facilities to the tourists, transport, discouraging response from officials circles etc are some of the prime areas that need to be improved on war-footing.

“Until and unless we take this (tourism) industry on priority basis, we are not going to see it flourishing. We also need to put in maximum resource in our tourism sector,” Maulana Atta said.

Pakistan is the most blessed country on the map of the world and stands unique in the comity of nations owing to its diverse cultures, rich archeological heritage, remains of ancient civilizations including Gandhara and Indus, five out of 14 mountain peaks above 8000 metre, serene valleys, gushing rivers, vast deserts of Tharparkar and Cholistan.

“What has been explored so far in terms of tourism in Pakistan is a tip of an ice-berg with a lot more still awaiting to be discovered”, he said.

“We will plan to explore more sites in Murree, Punjab, Balochistan where, we hope, a tremendous potential exists,” Maulana Atta added.

He opined that promotion of tourism could help Pakistan and its people forge friendly relation with the people and governments of
neighboring countries.“Tourism could also be put to new dimensions if we improve relations with other countries,” he remarked.

The minister said presently Pakistan had agreements with 24 countries regarding tourism.

When asked how he deemed himself as minister for tourism given the peculiar understanding of the people about the religious conservatives, who allegedly deny the masses of opportunities of recreations, Maualan Atta said he look forward this spectacular industry in a much better fashion.”I shall take tourism industry to the new heights.”

He also ruled out the impression that Islam restricted recreation or healthier activities. “Whatever we do would be in accordance with Islamic injunctions, and of course, our Constitution.” he maintained.

Maulana Atta quoted a Quranic verse (Seero Fil Arz) which means travel around the earth and justified Islam which asked its followers to explore the world and get to new venues.

EU Garments Manufacturers Interested In Joint Ventures In Pakistan

KARACHI, Feb 12 : Federal Advisor on Textile Industry, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig has said that due to current recession, increasing costs and wages, in Europe garments manufacturers of European Union are seriously looking towards Pakistan to have joint ventures to meet the supply to their chain of stores.
In his press statement issued on his return from European Union, Dr. Baig said he met Senior Executive Mr. Nicola Monti of Werner International in Nice , France renowned textile consultants of the world having more than 40 years experience being associated with textile and apparel industry of Pakistan, India, China and other sixty five countries.
According to Werner, EU garment units are moving from USA and EU to China and India and brands are looking for more vantures to meed the demand and are interested to have joint ventures in Pakistan. Brand like Tommy and Hilfiger also want to shift logistic capacity towards Pakistan, Research and Development and ware‑housing facilities at the supplier’s end to cut their cost.

Dr. Baig said that Pakistan has high growth on textile and apparel but has achieved less share of international market. China topped increased US market share 36% followed by Bangladesh 21%, India 18%, Morocco 19%, Pakistan 13% and on the other hand Korea lost 20% USA market share. Similarly, in the European market, China topped to gain 29% with Vietnam 28%, India 19% and Pakistan only 1.5% whereas Philippines lost 11%.

Mr. Nicola Monti of Werner International informed Dr. Baig that Pakistan garments manufacturers can cut their cost upto 45% in sewing by improving efficiency. The labour productivity is very low in Pakistan at the moment.

Our regional competitors take 75 minutes to complete and produce one piece whereas we take 133 minutes for the same work, we also waste 30% in finishing and 12% in washing. As per bench mark study of Pakistan textile and apparel conducted by Werner International, some of our garments units are over staffed by 57%. These are internal negative factors where as the external factors are no duty free market access to EU and negative image and perception of Pakistan .

Dr. Baig requested Werner International to submit a proposal to present a better image of textile industry of Pakistan to the foreign global brands for their collaboration with our textile industry. Mr. S. Dornez of Werner International is working on three year plant to be submitted shortly.

Dr. Baig concluded that he would try to bring 10 leading top brands to Pakistan for joint ventures with our local entrepreneurs.

He said that in this recession and challenges being faced by EU and USA, Pakistan should incash this opportunity with effective marketing our country.

About Werner International
Werner International is a management consulting practice specialized exclusively in the fiber, textile and fashion industry globally active since 1939.
Phone :+32-9-259 16 60
Fax :+32-9-259 16 64
info@wernertex.com

Kazakistan delegation visits Pakistan to explore investment opportunities

ISLAMABAD, Feb 17 (APP): A delegation from Southern Companies Group Kazakhstan here on Tuesday visited Board of Investment Islamabad to discuss investment oppartunities in various sectors of Pakistan economy.

The delegation, led by Igor Tomas, President of the Group, is visiting Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in power, oil and gas as well as energy conservation sectors.

The delegation members included Companies’ General Manager, Ms. Natalya Badenova and its Director Marketing, Yedge Yessen Kuov.

The delegation interacted with BOI senior officials, including Iqbal Ahmad and Riaz Ul Haq Executive Director Generals as well as with the senior representatives of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, PPIB, Alternative Energy Development Board and National Energy Conservation Centre.

The delegation was apprised about tremendous potential in the energy sector due to the seriously worsening gap between energy supply and demand, non-sustainability of fossil fuels (limited oil and gas reserves), unpredictability of oil prices, lack of energy conservation culture and huge renewable hydel and wind potential.

It was further informed by ENERCON that estimated saving potential for Pakistan through energy efficiency is US $ 2 billion annually.

While referring to the opportunities in hydel and coal for
private sector, PPIB representative informed the delegates that so far only around 6,000 MW has been tapped from an estimated potential of 45,000 MW for the development of small, medium and mega Hydropower projects.

Also Pakistan’s Thar Coal Reserve are estimated at about 175 billion tons, which are still untapped.

The delegation members expressed their keen interest to invest in all major areas related to energy sector as there is huge potential and committed to visit in March this year to have basic assessment of opportunities and research completed in consultation and collaboration with the concerned ministries and departments.

About Board of Investment Pakistan (BOI)

The BOI was established with broad based responsibilities of promotion of investment in all sectors of economy; facilitation of local and foreign investors for speedy materialization of their projects and to enhance Pakistan ’s international competitiveness and contribute to economic and social development.

The BOI assists companies and investors who intend to invest in Pakistan as well as facilitates the implementation and operation of their projects. The wide range of services provided by BOI includes providing information on the opportunities for investment and facilitating companies who are looking for joint venture partners.

The BOI acts as a focal point of contact for the prospective investors, both domestic and foreign to provide them all necessary information and assistance in coordinating with other Government Departments/Agencies.

The BOI also evaluates applications of investors for the Work / Business Visa, Branch / Liaison Office and Security clearance

Tou arrange a tour of Pakistan with meetings with prospects and meeting with BOI please contact us

About Southern Companies Group.

Southern Companies Group (SCG) – An international consortium, which brings together a group of companies specializing in construction and reconstruction of the nuclear and oil and gas industries, construction of hydraulic equipment, drilling of technological and exploratory wells, production of building materials and road construction.“Southern Companies Group”
Republic of Kazakhstan, Shymkent, post: 160010, Akpan Batyra, 60А
telephone : +7/7252/ 432-276
fax: +7/7252/ 432-133

PTDC Motels in Northern Areas Open for 2009 Season

ISLAMABAD: PTDC motels in the Northern areas have been re-opened from 22nd. The seasonal motels in Ayubia, Astak, Satpara Lake, Rama Lake, Skardu, Khaplu and Saidu Sharif Swat, have started taking guests and reservations for the year 2009. The tourist staying in PTDC Motels will be provided special discounted facilities to enjoy the spring season.

With the prime objective of promotion of tourism in remote and under-developed areas, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) launched its Subsidiary for Motels called PTDC Motels in 1976. From a modest beginning limit of 10 motels, PTDC Motels have now expanded its boarding, lodging and restaurant facilities to 43 remote tourist destinations spread across the country.

With over 600 rooms, it has now become the largest chain of motels & restaurants in Pakistan. In line with Government’s tourism development strategy, PTDC motels were constructed to meet two primary objectives; to open up new areas for tourism and set the pace for the private sector to follow, secondly, to initiate socio-economic development of the area. PTDC has been fortunate to meet with the objectives and presents an accessible and affordable facility at the most picturesque sites nature has to offer.

They are set up in areas where private sector is shy to invest or where infrastructure facilities are not yet developed. Playing a role of pioneer and trend setter, PTDC Motels have always opened up new and remote places for tourism thus bringing infrastructure (road, water, electricity, telephone etc) facilities and employment opportunities at the door-step of the local communities. PTDC Motels lead the road to prosperity and development
Motels at Aliabad Hunza, Bamburet (Chitral), Khaplu, Gupis closed during the winter-season will be reopened from 15th April and Motels at Phandar, Rama Lake, Sust, Naran, and Mastuj will be reopened from 15th May this year.

Horticulture Development conference on January 22nd

flower-shop-lahore ISLAMABAD, Jan 18 (APP): The Horticultural Foundation of Pakistan (HFP) is organizing a conference on horticulture development on January 22nd, here at the Auditorium of National Agricultural Research Centre, Chak Shahzad.

Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock,is scheduled to inaugurate the conference, HFP sources told APP here.

Currently vegetables are being grown on less than 1 % of the total cropped area of Pakistan. Even at this low level of cultivation, vegetables are not only meeting the demand of the local population but also earning a revanue of about Rs. 2.5 billion annually in foreign exchange.

The foreign exchange earning can be increased manifold, provided the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan conduct a survey of the international markets for the type of vegetable demanded, time
of scarcity periods and the import of different countries, the organisers of the conference said.

This increased vegetable export will increase the income of the rural poor masses by increasing the market price of the high quality vegetables and increasing opportunity of on-farm jobs.

Exporters and growers from within the country have been invited for exchange of views and share the knowledge and experience for mutual benefit.

The discussions and deliberations in the seminar would provide an excellent opportunity to identify the impediments and bottle-necks, in the way of speedier growth in vegetables and suggest ways and means in streamlining production and exports, the orgnizers added.

Norwegian hunts Markhor in Chitral for US$ 81200

CHITRAL, 02 Jan 09: Although game hunting specially that of the rare animals like Markhor is not allowed but recently government had allowed a controlled hunting of Markhor in special reserve areas.

A Norwegian rare game Hunter Mr. Oyvind Christensen hunted a Kashmiri Markhor of 47 inches trophy at the Tooshi game reserve.

Mr. Christensen paid US$ 81200 as permit fee for this hunt. Talking to local newsmen Mr. Christensen said that Chitral is a very peaceful place & the people of Chitral are very friendly, civilized and cooperative people.

Deputy Forest officer Wild Life Mr. Imtiaz Hussain said that Chitral has more than 2000 Markhor population and other wild life like Ibex, snow leopard and rare birds. He said Chitral issues 3 to 4 hunting permits per season. 20% of total amount is taken by wild life department, 40% is given to local community and 40% to conservation committee
Talking to this scribe Shahzada Gul general secretary of
Al-Burhan village conservation committee said that Chitral was having over 2000 Markhors but wild life was issuing only 3 permits. He demanded from high ups of wild life to increase number of permits from 3 to 6 permits per year to compensate the local community and volunteers of village conservation committee

Tooshi Game Reserve, along the paved road to Garam Chashma in Chitral’s Lutkho district, covers 1000 hectares and is proposed to be reclassified as a wildlife sanctuary, as it has a large (about 160) and readily viewable markhor population. The markhor are best seen along the road at dusk. The jeep ride is just 20 minutes from Chitral town.

For details of organising such adventures and safaris in these areas please contact us
Technorati Profile

President for international moot on mountaineering

ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 2009 (APP): HE President Asif Ali Zardari has urged the government to consider hosting an international conference on mountaineering in Pakistan to refocus the attention of the world community on the range and scale of mountaineering Pakistan offered.

He was meeting with mountaineers Hassan Sadpara and Ghulam Mohammad who plan to climb Mount Everest this year, at the Presidency today.

Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Federal Minister for KANA (Kashmir And Northern Areas), Chief Executive Northern Areas, Mr. Shaheen baig, Mr. Nazir Sabir renownd climber & President of the Alpine Club and officials of relevant ministries were also present in the meeting.

The President said that mountaineering in Pakistan needed to be patronized and developed to attract climbers from all over the world in large number on the one hand and
encourage the youth to take to mountaineering as a sport to engage themselves in healthy activities, on the other.

pakistani-mountaineers
The President wished Hassan Sadpara and his mountaineering associate success in the expedition to climb Mount Everest. He said that the government would extend all possible help to them in their expedition and to hoist Pakistani flag on the world’s highest peak.

The President also advised the government to consider setting up special training institutes for the training of climbers. He said that if proper institutional framework was provided the country’s youth will be attracted to mountaineering to expend their energy for themselves and for bringing up the name and glory to the country.

The President of the Alpine club presented a report on proposals to promote mountaineering which the President said would be examined by the government.

Deforestration in Kalash

The Kalash p

Deforestration Pakistan has been a problem since the English times and its ever growing although the government of Pakistan and NGOs like AKRSP have done some efforts of reforestration but there is still need of greater efforts to increase tree specially in the mountain areas where landslides have become very common.

Following is a letter published in Chitral News about deforestration of Kalash Villages in the hindukush.

eople live in three isolated mountain valleys of Bumboret, Rumbur and Biri in the District Chitral, NWFP of Pakistan. These valleys are opening towards the Kunar River, some 20 km south (downstream) of Chitral, The Bumboret and Rumbur valleys join at 35°44′20″N 71°43′40″E (1640 m), joining the Kunar at the village of Ayun (35°42′52″N 71°46′40″E, 1400 m) and they each rise to passes connecting to Afghanistan’s Nuristan Province at about 4500 m.

The Birir valley opens towards the Kunar at the
village of Gabhirat (35°40′8″N 71°45′15″E, 1360 m). A pass connects the Birir and Bumboret valleys at about 3000 m. The Kalash villages in all three valleys are located at a height of approximately 1900 to 2200 m. For a country’s environmental and economic
being it is essential that 25% of its territory is covered with forest. According to Chitral Conservation Strategy, the District Chitral has only 4.5% of its land under forest. Kalash valley has been the best forest resource in the District and provides a lot of timber; fire wood and other non-timber forest produces to the other part of the district. On the other hand, the high mountains in which the major part of the resource is situated are catchments of the river chitral. Similarly local communities depend on the resource for their timber and fuel wood needs, fodder for cattle, and a general source of livelihood. The importance of the resource for the wild life habitat, environmental conservation, and bio diversity cannot be over stated. On these accounts sustainable management of the forest resource in the valley is extremely important and at the same time highly complicated.

Deforestation, overgrazing and cultivation on the steep slopes have accelerated erosion and run off and flash flood. Flooding takes a heavy toll of agriculture lands and villages. They poor people depend on livestock and marginal agriculture for subsistence. As the population increase, so do livestock numbers. Land holding is too small to sustain such a livelihood. Local community overgrazes forest, hillside and alpine pasture, and cultivates the vulnerable watershed form cultivation

The entire Valley is a very sensitive watershed and susceptible to erosion due to its rough topography and steep slope. Deforestation is high. The ecological damage inflict due to deforestation is most disastrous. Loss of forest quality translates into loss of biodiversity. The degradation of forest results in the loss of important carbon “SINKs” and erosion is given boost. Erosion has led to not only decline in fertility and desertification in some areas of the valley but the run off deposition in irrigation channels of the valley, that feed the agriculture crops put pressure on the waterways. One of the unique features of deforestation in kalasha valley is the decline of Juniper forest from the valley, which is considered to be very important holly tree by the Kalash community.

Mitigation
• To combat deforestation in the valley, the most obvious step to take is to t plant more trees.
• Alternative source of fuel and fuel-efficient technology should be introduced in the valley.
• Reforestation and afforestation drives must be multiplied and effort should be made to check illegal logging.
• Non-timber forest produce should be promoted as alternative to forest logging in the valley, so as to provide alternative source of income.
• The entire kalash valley should be declared as Kalash National park in order to protect the unique culture and rich biodiversity of the valley.

Ajaz Ahmed,
Chitral.

PTDC Motels in Northern Areas Open for 2009 Season

ISLAMABAD: PTDC motels in the Northern areas have been re-opened from 22nd. The seasonal motels in Ayubia, Astak, Satpara Lake, Rama Lake, Skardu, Khaplu and Saidu Sharif Swat, have started taking guests and reservations for the year 2009. The tourist staying in PTDC Motels will be provided special discounted facilities
to enjoy the spring season. With the prime objective of promotion of tourism in remote and under-developed areas, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) launched its Subsidiary for Motels called PTDC Motels in 1976. From a modest beginning limit of 10 motels, PTDC Motels have now expanded its boarding, lodging and restaurant facilities to 43 remote tourist
destinations spread across the country.

With over 600 rooms, it has now become the largest chain of motels & restaurants in Pakistan. In line with Government’s tourism development strategy, PTDC motels were constructed to meet two primary objectives; to open up new areas for tourism and set the pace for the private sector to follow, secondly, to initiate socio-economic development of the area. PTDC has been fortunate to meet with the objectives and presents an accessible and affordable facility at the most picturesque sites nature has to offer.

They are set up in areas where private sector is shy to invest or where infrastructure facilities are not yet developed. Playing a role of pioneer and trend setter, PTDC Motels have always opened up new and remote places for tourism thus bringing infrastructure (road, water, electricity, telephone etc) facilities and employment opportunities at the door-step of the local communities. PTDC Motels lead the road to prosperity and development.

Motels at Aliabad Hunza, Bamburet (Chitral), Khaplu, Gupis closed during the winter-season will be reopened from 15th April and Motels at Phandar, Rama Lake, Sust, Naran, and Mastuj will be reopened from 15th May this year.

Bus in Karachi

Buses in pakistan are beautifully decorated. They are art galleries on wheels. The paiters paint many different types of motifs and figures. A Bus normally costs Rs. 200.000 to decorate. Usually every 4 - 5 years a bus is re-decorated. The drivers psychologically are very prod of their buses. Though we all climb busses every day we never ponder how much labor love and ambition that is put into decorating and bringing the bus on the road.

Click For Bus Routes in Karach

Bus Rote No. P3

Vendor at Rawalpindi Shaheed Banazir Road

A vendon of Chikpeas with his son and his mobile car at Shaheed
Banazir Bhutto Road Rawalpindi Photograph by Sohail Nisar (APP)

Museum to be opened at Katasraj

THE Punjab Archaeology Department is setting up a museum at Katasraj near Chakwal to highlight the culture and history of this fine historical treasure. A team consisting of ex- perts and a few Punjab University Archaeology Department students is working on the site these days looking for archeological fragments found in and around Katas.

The research- ers are also working on the archi- tecture in the area and will re- cord their findings in a report. The site is famous for its temples, the most famous among them the one dedicated to Shiva. It has ex- isted since the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here.

Punjab Archeology Department Director Shahbaz Khan says the
museum would have a pictorial gallery in which Hindu mythology will be high- lighted through historical refer- ences. Another gallery would he on architecture in which frag- mented pieces found from Katas will be put on display Other exhi- bition areas will also be estab- lished in the museum.

Mr Khan tells Dawn the muse- umwillbeset upeidneratflari Singh? Haveli located inside Katas and has been conserved or at the Bayragi House. The work is being doneon the finalisation of the loca- tion for museum, he added. The temples were abandoned by local Hindus when they migra- ted to India in 1947. It has always been the site of holy pilgrimage for people of various faiths. Even today, worshippers from all faiths perform pilgrimages to the tem- ple every year and bathe in the sacred pool here.

Eyeview intro of Sherry Rehman

Sherry Rehman's real name is Shahrbano Rahman. She born on 21 Dec. 1960 at Karachi Sindh. Sherry Rehman was Federal Minister of Information in the Govenment of PPP. She resigned on 14 March 2009, due to the ban on some TV channels.

Pakistani Media Portrys Bad image of Pakistan

Dawn the most prestigious newspaper of Pakistan exposed one of the TV cannels making a drama of Pakistan’s pverty

In the pictures below is the crew from a private TV channel trying, what could best be described as manipulation if not outright dishonesty. A nomad woman who, along with her child, is on her way to work, was asked to take off her kid’s clothes. They then filmed the child naked, most probably to depict abject poverty in the outskirts of Islamabad. Once the filming was done, the crew walked away without much remorse, but after giving the child a note of Rs100. Arundhati Roy was right: there is money in poverty. Journalist organisations believe that at a time when television journalism in the country has touched new heights in terms of providing truthful news to millions of viewers in the country, use of unethical means by a handful remains a matter of concern.—Text and photos by Tanveer Shahzad

The lady was carrying cotton in a happy and humble mood while the camera man of the ill mannered TV channel caught her and prumably asked to take her picture and out of politeness she permited him

woman-kid1
Now the bugger asked her to take her little angels clothes off to portray a thrilling image of Pakistan

woman-kid3

Now the so called expert jounalist is exposing Pakistan nacked shame of such Channels and such people. This happens
every where the be it security situation or be it when they want to insult the government. Woman obviously innocently laughs and feels proud of her son while not knowing what story this iletrate and shamless media man will

Islamic Courts in Swat Providing Quick and Easy Justice to People of Swat Valley

After the announcement of the Nizam E Adal Regulation in District Swat the people in the vally seem to be satisfied and are flocking to The Qazi courts for their cases. BBC’s Reporter Rifatullah Orakzai from Swat has written an Article in Urdu about his experiences in the valley Here is the translation of the article.

Qazi courts in Swat valley have started their work actively, people from all areas of the District Swat are coming to these courts in great numbers and are submitting their applications, while Qazis are giving decision on the cases within 2 – 3 days time only unlike the Pakistan’s present System which takes years and years for cases.

After the peace agreement in Swat already existing seven religious courts have started operation among them 2 are in the Town of Mingora, the head quarter of Swat.

A large number of people were seen in these centers among them there were also several women. There was no Police or Security on the gates of the Qazi courts in the circuit House.

When entered the Regional Qazi Babuzai there were 2 Qazis sitting to gather and were receiving applications from the people. The applicants were standing in shape of a group at about one yard distance from Qazi. Each applicant goes to Qazi at his/her turn and submits the Application and Qazi speaks to the applicant and writes instructions on the application.

Qazi courts are following a very simple procedure for submission and justice. There was no Lawyer with the applicants rather every applicant was speaking in his favor directly with the Qazi and presenting his case. Qazi would than put remarks on the application for the head of the police stations and ask for the answers from police head.

After the Qazis order on application the applicant himself would take the application to Police station and police is bound to bring the second party within a day or 2 in front of the court

Many smaller cases have been taken care of in these new courts. Most of these cases are of trade, land and family maters. Ilaqa Qazi or Regional Judge has powers of a magistrate in Swat.

Mowlana Pirzada Noor Mohammad regional Qazi said most of applications he has received are of civil nature and he tries to make a decision quickly and with mutual agreement of both the parties.

He further emphasized that since this system is new and applet courts are also not yet formed hence it is best to make a decision that is mutually acceptable and decision is made with consensus of both the parties hence no one feels like appealing against the decision.

He said has so far received about 100 applications of which more than 20 have already been cleared while he tries to bring about the decision in 2 to 3 days rather some cases have actually been decided in one day too.

The BBC correspondent reports that there was also some noise in the court too compared to other courts where there is usually complete silence. Some applicants were also talking loudly with the Qazis. Applicants were also shaking hand with Qazi which not seen in standard courts of Pakistan.

On some occasion applicants received phone calls on their cell phone during the hearing of the cases and Qazi or any other official did not stop any one from receiving calls

One applicant Qari Fazal Mola told the reporter that after the Qazi courts in Swat people are quite happy as it was one of the long standing demands of the people of Swat.

He said he had sold a Rickshaw to some one of which 10.000 rupees were remaining and the party was not paying he filed a case in the civil court but nothing happened in 2 & half years while he expects in Qazi court his case will be solved with short time.

He said if this system is implemented successfully it would remind us the time of wali of Swat when court decisions were made quickly and in fact justice was provided to the people at their doorsteps.

The present Qazi courts of Swat are formed under the regulation of Nizam-e-adl of 1997 the NWFP governments announced regulation of Qazi courts has already been approved by the Chief Minister and president Zardari is still to sign the same. According to this regulation an applet court will be established in Malakand which will be equal to High Court.

Theatre Festival at the Alhamra Arts Council from Feb 23 to 28

The Ajoka Theatre will inspire its audience with its popular plays under the ‘Spring Theatre Festival’ scheduled to be held at the Alhamra Arts Council from Feb 23 to 28. Shahid Nadeem, a noted playwright who is the artistic director of the Ajoka theatre, told Dawn that the ‘prevailing conditions’ did not allow Ajoka to hold Panj Pani festival this year. Ajoka is celebrating its 25 years this year and a festival has been arranged, which will showcase
popular and landmark plays. These performances include Bullah, Toba Tek Singh, Bala King, Hotel Moenjodaro and Chalk Chakkar.

He said the festival would be the opening chapter of the yearlong activities of Ajoka’s silverjubilee celebrations. In March another festival of popular plays by Ajoka will be held in Islamabad at the National Art Gallery in which eight plays will be staged. There will be a festival at the Karachi Arts Council in April.

To hold an exhibition of paintings is a matter of great responsibility right from packing of the artworks to putting them on display. Every artist feels anxious while sending one’s artworks to some art gallery especially when the exhibition is out of town, for one is concerned about the safety of one’s artworks — be it paintings, sculpture, ceramics or other forms of art. Of late, something unusual happened with the paintings of none other than a high-profile painter of the country, the late Hanif Ramay.

A collection of his 330 works was sent to the National Gallery Islamabad to be put on display.

The reason for choosing the National Art Gallery was that no other gallery had the kind of space which could accommodate such a big collection.

A PNCA official, requesting anonymity, told this correspondent that paintings were safely sent from Lahore to the PNCA Islamabad in a capacious vehicle. The exhibition went well and was highly appreciated by the art lovers.

After the exhibition, the shipment of paintings, 185 in number (the total number of paintings has yet to be returned), to Lahore was handled carelessly and paintings were stuffed in a small van from Islamabad. It may be mentioned here that the visual art department of PNCA looks after the fine arts activity in Islamabad. The outcome was that some seven to eight paintings got damaged. There were gashes in those paintings.

The official said Ibrahim Ramay had registered a complaint with the PNCA authorities and its director general had initiated an inquiry in this regard. It is learnt that Mr Ibrahim was satisfied the way the works were exhibited and he had no complaints except the fact that he had utter regrets about the way the paintings were transported to Lahore.

The All-Pakistan Music Conference will hold a musical evening with singer Sara Zaman and Shahbaz Qadri at the Alhamra Arts Council. Sitar will also be played during the evening by Farrukh Bashir who is also the Pakistan Television Center, Lahore, general manager.

Tabla would be played by Abdul Sattar Tari, Sarangi by Zohaib and Muhammad Aslam will play harmonium. Musical evenings by the conference for the last 50 years have become part and parcel of Lahore’s cultural scene.

Its been over a month that parking inside the Lahore Arts Council has been banned for the public. The new executive director of Lahore Arts Council, Kamran Afzal Cheema had said over a week before that parking facility would be open to public in some days. He said lists were being prepared for the regular visitors and stickers would also be issued, however, nothing has been done so far.

Mr Cheema told this correspondent on Saturday that the process would take some more days. An Alhmara Art Center employee said a list of only 12 people had been prepared, who would be given parking facility inside Alhamra. These names include some high-ranking officials from different departments. A large number of Alhamra visitors, including teachers of art classes, members of Adabi Baithak, theatre lovers, and art exhibition visitors, have expressed concern over the situation.

Despite repeated requests by them the parking facility inside the council’s office is still a farreaching thing for them.

Museum to be opened at Katasraj

THE Punjab Archaeology Department is setting up a museum at Katasraj near Chakwal to highlight the culture and history of this fine historical treasure. A team consisting of ex- perts and a few Punjab University Archaeology Department students is working on the site these days looking for archeological fragments found in and around Katas.

The research- ers are also working on the archi- tecture in the area and will re- cord their findings in a report. The site is famous for its temples, the most famous among them the one dedicated to Shiva. It has ex- isted since the days of Mahabharata and the Pandava brothers spent a substantial part of their exile here.

Punjab Archeology Department Director Shahbaz Khan says the museum would have a pictorial gallery in which Hindu mythology will be high- lighted through historical refer- ences. Another gallery would he on architecture in which frag- mented pieces found from Katas will be put on display Other exhi- bition areas will also be estab- lished in the museum.

Mr Khan tells Dawn the muse- umwillbeset upeidneratflari
Singh? Haveli located inside Katas and has been conserved or at the Bayragi House. The work is being doneon the finalisation of the loca- tion for museum, he added. The temples were abandoned by local Hindus when they migra- ted to India in 1947. It has always been the site of holy pilgrimage for people of various faiths. Even today, worshippers from all faiths perform pilgrimages to the tem- ple every year and bathe in the sacred pool here.

PM asks Religious Ministry to prepare comprehensive plan to facilitate Hujjaj

ISLAMABAD, Mar 5 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Thursday asked the Ministry of Religious Affairs to prepare a comprehensive plan for providing maximum facilities to the pilgrims during Hajj this year. The Prime Minister directed Minister of State for Religious Affairs Shagufta Jumani in a meeting to make plan to facilitate Hujjaj. Minister who briefed the prime minister about matters relating to Religious Ministry ministry. The State Minister also apprised the Prime Minister of the status of development schemes underway in her constituency.

Cricket in focus

Spectators watching the second test match between Pakistan & Sri lanka…

The people of Pakistan just love cricket and enjoy it. In Pakistan there is not a street where kids do not play and entertain them selves with cricket.

Its like an important daily routine for most kids and even grown ups! Its more popular than the national game it self.

27 Languages of Pakistan may be extict

ISLAMABAD, Feb 24: UNESCO has said that around 2500, including 27 Pakistani languages, may be extinct with the passage of time across the world.

According to UNESCO, 4000 languages are spoken in the world at this time and there are about 199 languages which have only 10 or less speakers. While 177 languages
have ten to fifty orators.

According to the UNESCO’s report, more than 200 languages will be extinct soon from the world. Among other world languages, around 27 Pakistani languages including Brahvi, Balti, Mayan, Porak, Batairi, Phalor, Kalasha, Domaki, Jad, Kati, Khawar, Kundal Shahi, Marri, Wakhi, Chalaiso, Sapti and Rangsakari are facing serious threat to be extinct.

‘Batairi’ language is spoken in Kohistan district near eastern bank of River Indus and have 29000 orators according to the census of the year 2000, the report added.

‘Domaki’ is the language spoken by people living in Gilgit, Hunza Valley and Momanabad that has more chances to extinct as according to 1989 sensus, Domaki language have only five hundred speakers.

However, ‘Zangskari’ and ‘Sapti’ are the language that were spoken in India and Pakistan years ago have totally diminished but there is not a single orator of these languages today.

According to linguists, different social, demographic and political factors are all contributing to the rapid disappearance of languages.

Fakhar Zaman, Chairman Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) said that all the languages spoken in the country should be given equal status and considered as national languages. He said that “We should strive to make the mother languages as part of curriculum on the primary level and establish Urdu as official language instead of English.”

PAL is giving equal importance to all languages of the country and a comprehensive program has been formulated with regard to all languages. The book consisting of the selection of prose and poetry written in every language from 1947 to 2008 are being compiled.

These languages include Urdu, English, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto, Balochi, Brahvi, Seraiki, Hindko, Sheena, Balti, Khawar and Kashmiri.

He said that official assurances has been given in the recent conferences of Sindh and Islamabad arranged by PAL to give due promotion and status to all the languages and that the mother tongues will be given due importance and financial assistance of the institutions working in this regard will be increased.

He also proposed to the government that Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashto and Balochi Universities like Federal Urdu University should be established so that the message of Unity, Brotherhood and Solidarity should be spread through the federation.

UNESCO has launched an online Atlas of Languages in Danger on 19 February. This interactive digital tool provides updated data about approximately 2,500 endangered languages around the world and can be continually supplemented, corrected and updated, thanks to contributions from its users.

The Atlas, presented on the eve of International Mother Language Day (21 February), enables searches according to several criteria, and ranks the 2,500 endangered languages that are listed according to five different levels of vitality: unsafe, definitely endangered, severely endangered, critically endangered and extinct.

To access the atlas click the link here http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?pg=00206

Pakistan safe place to host sporting events: Lokuge

gamini-lokuge KARACHI, Feb 21: Asserting that Pakistan is a safe place to host sporting events, Sri Lankan Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge says his country will give its allout support to Pakistan in staging the 2011 World Cup in a befitting manner.

“Pakistan supported us in staging the 1996 World Cup in our country. Now we will not forget our friends. Every part of the world has been hit by terrorists,” Lokuge, who is on a visit here on invitation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said while talking to reporters at the National Stadium.

Stressing that Asia’s cricket playing countries should not abandon playing in Pakistan, he said all the other teams should also visit Pakistan.

“We are playing cricket here safely. If there had been any security problems then I wouldn’t be visiting here. I came here so that a positive message could be sent to the world that Sri Lankan team is visiting Pakistan with its sports minister,” Lokuge said.

“We didn’t split the series under Indian cricket board pressure. The reason is that we have good relations with everyone,” the minister said.

Lokuge said Pakistan is “a safe place to host sporting events”, adding that the Sri Lankan government has trusted Pakistan regarding the security of the (Sri Lankan) cricket team.

Sri Lankan cricketers are currently touring Pakistan for a twomatch Test series. It is their second leg of the Pakistan tour since January when they visited Pakistan for a five-match One day International series.

He was confident that four South Asian Test-playing nations – India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – will successfully host the World Cup in 2011.

On the ICC Champions Trophy, Lokuge said Sri Lanka was confident that it will successfully host the prestigious event later this year.

“They [ICC] wanted to take the tournament to Dubai but we said since Sri Lanka is the alternative venue it should be hosted by us. Now the Champions Trophy will be held in Sri Lanka and it will be confirmed after sorting out details of the weather conditions there”

Theatre Festival at the Alhamra Arts Council from Feb 23 to 28

The Ajoka Theatre will inspire its audience with its popular plays under the ‘Spring Theatre Festival’ scheduled to be held at the Alhamra Arts Council from Feb 23 to 28. Shahid Nadeem, a noted playwright who is the artistic director of the Ajoka theatre, told Dawn that the ‘prevailing conditions’ did not allow Ajoka to hold Panj Pani festival this year. Ajoka is celebrating its 25 years this year and a festival has been arranged, which will showcase popular and landmark plays. These performances include Bullah, Toba Tek Singh, Bala King, Hotel Moenjodaro and Chalk Chakkar.

He said the festival would be the opening chapter of the yearlong activities of Ajoka’s silverjubilee celebrations. In March another festival of popular plays by Ajoka will be held in Islamabad at the National Art Gallery in which eight plays will be staged. There will be a festival at the Karachi Arts Council in April.

To hold an exhibition of paintings is a matter of great responsibility right from packing of the artworks to putting them on display. Every artist feels anxious while sending one’s artworks to some art gallery especially when the exhibition is out of town, for one is concerned about the safety of one’s artworks — be it paintings, sculpture, ceramics or other forms of art. Of late, something unusual happened with the paintings of none other than a high-profile painter of the country, the late Hanif Ramay.

A collection of his 330 works was sent to the National Gallery Islamabad to be put on display.

The reason for choosing the National Art Gallery was that no other gallery had the kind of space which could accommodate such a big collection.

A PNCA official, requesting anonymity, told this correspondent that paintings were safely sent from Lahore to the PNCA Islamabad in a capacious vehicle. The exhibition went well and was highly appreciated by the art lovers.

After the exhibition, the shipment of paintings, 185 in number (the total number of paintings has yet to be returned), to Lahore was handled carelessly and paintings were stuffed in a small van from Islamabad. It may be mentioned here that the visual art department of PNCA looks after the fine arts activity in Islamabad. The outcome was that some seven to eight paintings got damaged. There were gashes in those paintings

The official said Ibrahim Ramay had registered a complaint with the PNCA authorities and its director general had initiated an inquiry in this regard. It is learnt that Mr Ibrahim was satisfied the way the works were exhibited and he had no complaints except the fact that he had utter regrets about the way the paintings were transported to Lahore.

The All-Pakistan Music Conference will hold a musical evening with singer Sara Zaman and Shahbaz Qadri at the Alhamra Arts Council. Sitar will also be played during the evening by Farrukh Bashir who is also the Pakistan Television Center, Lahore, general manager.

Tabla would be played by Abdul Sattar Tari, Sarangi by Zohaib and Muhammad Aslam will play harmonium. Musical evenings by the
conference for the last 50 years have become part and parcel of Lahore’s cultural scene.

Its been over a month that parking inside the Lahore Arts Council has been banned for the public. The new executive director of Lahore Arts Council, Kamran Afzal Cheema had said over a week before that parking facility would be open to public in some days. He said lists were being prepared for the regular visitors and stickers would also be issued, however, nothing has been done so far.

Mr Cheema told this correspondent on Saturday that the process would take some more days. An Alhmara Art Center employee said a list of only 12 people had been prepared, who would be given parking facility inside Alhamra. These names include some high-ranking officials from different departments. A large number of Alhamra visitors, including teachers of art classes, members of Adabi Baithak, theatre lovers, and art exhibition visitors, have expressed concern over the situation.

Despite repeated requests by them the parking facility inside the council’s office is still a farreaching thing for them.

General Pervez Musharraf Speaks to Media

Former president of Pakistan Ret: General Pervez Musharraf Monday clarified that he never said that security of Ms. Benazir Bhutto was dependent on her relations with him.

“I never told Ms. Benazir Bhutto that her security was dependent on her relations with me,” he clarified while talking to media here. I can never utter such cheap words, he added.

He responding to a book authored by ‘David E Sanger’ and said: “ I don’t know what the writer was trying to prove but what he has written is far from the fact and completely distorted”. “May be he was trying to create sensation.” He in strong tone said he the writer should have shown some character and its all Rubbish.

“The allegations being leveled against the armed forces and intelligence agencies of the country will lead to the defeat in war on terror,” he feared.

He came hard on the agreement reached between NWFP government and Tehreek Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi, saying it was totally unjustified in the backdrop of what the terrorists have been doing against the law enforcing agencies and unarmed civilians of the country.

The former president said attempts are being made to malign the armed forces.

Pakistani Media is slaming Ret: General Musharraf like as if he is a street boy, who just committed a crime. The same people who used to bow before him and used to say poems and write endless articles of praises are abusing him. TV channels like GEO are talking to so called experts journalists and trying to prove thing they DON’T even have any idea of.

General Musharraf too in his capacity as president of Pakistan did not show this kind of anger when Newsweek called Pakistan the most dangerous nationa in the world however when it came over to him he was quick to respond and was angry.

Who is David Sangar

David E. Sanger was born July 5, 1960 in White Plains, New York is White House correspondent for The New York Times. A 1982 graduate of Harvard College, Sanger has been writing for Times for over 24 years covering New York, Tokyo and most recently, Washington, DC. He has reported on such issues as foreign policy, globalization, nuclear proliferation, Asian affairs, and the revitalization of Boston’s Parker House Hotel.

Before coming to the White House, Sanger was a correspondent and then chief of The New York Times bureau in Tokyo. There, he developed a specialization in writing on the influence of economics and foreign policy, and the relationships between the United States and its major allies, a subject he continues to pursue in Washington. Although he was never able to actually learn the Japanese language, Sanger immersed himself in the culture, history and politics of Japan. Sanger embraced the Japanese economic model while it continued to fail in many Southeast Asian countries
He left Asia in 1994 to become the chief Washington economic correspondent, later being named senior writer and, in 1999, joined the ranks of Elisabeth Bumiller as White House correspondent. Former president George W. Bush, who commonly nicknames those with whom he has close contact, has nicknamed Sanger “that guy from Gerald M. Boyd’s (managing editor of The Times) paper.”

Ceasefire agreement signed against the implementation of Sharia Law of 1999

Moulana Sufi Mohammad one of the founders of Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Mohammadi (TNSM) who was making efforts to reach an agreement between the government and the local Talibans fighting in the areas of Swat & Dir has finally reached with a ceasefire agreement with government of Pakistan for complete ceasfire against implementation of Sharia Law. Although the formal announcement of the agreement is yet to be made Taliban of Swat have announced a 10 days ceasefire in Swat as goodwill gesture with maulan Sufi Mohammad

BBC has reported quoting Fazlulah Farooq son of Maula Sufi Mohammad that agreement has reached in a closed door meeting between the provincial government officials and the team of Maulana Sufi Mohammad. The agreement has been signed on Behalf of TMS by its chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad, Ameer Izzat Khan and Maulana Mohammad Alam.

The Provincial government was represented by Mian
Iftikhar Hussain information minister of NWFP, provincial minister Hidayatullah and Zahid Khan of ANP.

EU Garments Manufacturers Interested In Joint Ventures In Pakistan

KARACHI, Feb 12 : Federal Advisor on Textile Industry, Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig has said that due to current recession, increasing costs and wages, in Europe garments manufacturers of European Union are seriously looking towards Pakistan to have joint ventures to meet the supply to their chain of stores.
In his press statement issued on his return from European Union, Dr. Baig said he met Senior Executive Mr. Nicola Monti of Werner International in Nice , France renowned textile consultants of the world having more than 40 years experience being associated with textile and apparel industry of Pakistan, India, China and other sixty five countries.
According to Werner, EU garment units are moving from USA and EU to China and India and brands are looking for more vantures to meed the demand and are interested to have joint ventures in Pakistan. Brand like Tommy and Hilfiger also want to shift logistic capacity towards Pakistan, Research and Development and ware‑housing facilities at the supplier’s end to cut their cost.

Dr. Baig said that Pakistan has high growth on textile and apparel but has achieved less share of international market. China topped increased US market share 36% followed by Bangladesh 21%, India 18%, Morocco 19%, Pakistan 13% and on the other hand Korea lost 20% USA market share. Similarly, in the European market, China topped to gain 29% with Vietnam 28%, India 19% and Pakistan only 1.5% whereas Philippines lost 11%.

Mr. Nicola Monti of Werner International informed Dr. Baig that Pakistan garments manufacturers can cut
their cost upto 45% in sewing by improving efficiency. The labour productivity is very low in Pakistan at the moment.

Our regional competitors take 75 minutes to complete and produce one piece whereas we take 133 minutes for the same work, we also waste 30% in finishing and 12% in washing. As per bench mark study of Pakistan textile and apparel conducted by Werner International, some of our garments units are over staffed by 57%. These are internal negative factors where as the external factors are no duty free market access to EU and negative image and perception of Pakistan .

Dr. Baig requested Werner International to submit a proposal to present a better image of textile industry of Pakistan to the foreign global brands for their collaboration with our textile industry. Mr. S. Dornez of Werner International is working on three year plant to be submitted shortly.

Dr. Baig concluded that he would try to bring 10 leading top brands to Pakistan for joint ventures with our local entrepreneurs.

He said that in this recession and challenges being faced by EU and USA, Pakistan should incash this opportunity with effective marketing our country.

About Werner International

Werner International is a management consulting practice specialized exclusively in the fiber, textile and fashion industry globally active since 1939.
Phone :+32-9-259 16 60
Fax :+32-9-259 16 64
info@wernertex.com

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