5 Million Famalies to benefit from Banazir Income Support Program (BISP)

About 2.2 million families have so far benefited from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) while this year the target has been set of five million families.

Chairperson BISP Farzana Raja while chairing meeting of the management board of BISP here Friday said the process of distributing fund among poor is continuing smoothly adding poverty survey will be conducted across the country to enhance living standard of poor and alleviate poverty.
Federal minister for finance Shaukat Tareen, special advisor to Prime Minister on Social Sector Shehnaz Wazir Ali, and high ranking officials of the Benazir Income Support Programme attended the meeting .
The meeting discussed in details launching of poverty survey, distribution of fund among deserved families, supporting families affected from bomb blasts and other issues.
Highlighting the achievements of the BISP, chairperson Farzana Raja said that distribution of funds among deserving families is continuing smoothly and so far 2.2 million families have benefited from it while the target of 5 million will be achieved this year.
About the poverty survey, Farzana Raja said that the first phase of the survey has been successfully completed in 16 districts while it will be extended to the entire country.
She said management information system has been made operational to make the fund distribution system transparent

Pakistan and China to Further Enhance Cooperation in The Environment Sector

Pakistan and China would further enhance cooperation in the environment sector, particularly in clean development mechanism and establishing protected areas in the trans-boundary region covering Khunjerab National Park (KNP) in Pakistan and Taxkorgan Nature Reserve (TNR) in china.

This was decided in a meeting of the Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi and Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui here today in the Ministry of Environment. The meeting was also attended by Secretary, Ministry of Environment. Kamran Lashari, Additional Secretary, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi and senior official from both the countries.

Speaking on the occasion the Federal Minister said that Pakistan and China are close friends and have cordial ties in the economic and defense sectors. He said that more areas for collaboration have to be explored. He said that Pakistan is keen to promote the establishment of bigger protected areas to respond effectively to the climate change and his ministry is planning to establish Connectivity Corridors in the existing protected areas in the Hamalayas and Karakorum Mountain Ranges. He also said, for a big and potential symbol of co-operation between Pakistan and China in the field of environment and biodiversity conservation, it will be worthwhile to designate a larger chunk of mountain biomes, covering a part of the bigger mountain chunks, especially in the Hamalayas and Karakorm, and extending to Chinese Pamirs and onwards to Kunlun mountains.
The Federal Minister of Environment and the Chinese ambassador also discussed cooperation in the area of clean development mechanism for which the China has already offered technical assistance.

Ambassador of China expressed the hope the cooperation and collaboration for environment would further strengthen the friendship agenda of both of the countries. Such an agenda has to be taken forward through mutual understanding, comprehensive planning and proper implementation. The Minister and China Ambassador endorsed the idea that the scientists of both of countries should promote the exchange of information on key wildlife species and their habitats in the border region and that they should also explore the possibilities of promoting eco-tourism in areas between Kashghar and Gilgit as a tool for economic development of the poor communities.

Guest Post: Zardari in search of financial aid for Pakistan

Dr Mian Ihsan Bari.

Zardari visits Kingdom for assistance in midst of Pakistan crisis While the United States elections were the talk of the town, the visit of Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari was of interest only for those who are concerned with Pakistan and its issues. No doubt Pakistan has become the center of global attention since the scenario of international politics changed after 9/11.

Now when Pakistan is in midst of a serious economic crisis, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud invited the President to visit the Kingdom. Zardari's purpose is to seek Saudi Arabia's assistance for the deferred payment for oil facility to help the country deal with the balance of payments crisis. He visited Saudi Arabia before his election as president in July as part of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's delegation for this purpose. Pakistan with 170 million people needs billions in assistance to avoid defaulting on its international loans. It is hampered by high inflation, chronic power outages and a sinking currency, as well as a violent Islamist insurgency. Some analysts have warned that Pakistan should prepare for International Monetary Fund (IMF) assistance.Though it is not the best way to solve the problem.

Effort is important. But knowing where to make an effort makes the difference. So Zardari is taking efforts in the right direction. Some friends are as valuable as brothers. They hold you up, allow you to lean on them, and sometimes, it's sufficient to know they are standing by you. The relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stand on a similar note. Zardari and King Abdullah exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international pssues. In his talks with the Saudi leadership, Zardari discussed ways to attract more investments into Pakistan in areas like energy, infrastructure development, agriculture and industry. Saudi businessmen are taking great interest to invest in Pakistan's agriculture sector. The delegation of Saudi traders would visit Pakistan in March 2009 to explore business opportunities in Pakistan. Since, Pakistan is a great agricultural economy and also has one of the biggest canal systems in the world, it can re-build itself if proper collaboration and investment are made. Agricultural collaboration with Pakistan will be beneficial for both countries.

Firstly, it will be the great step for Saudi Arabia to reach agreements in agricultural sector with Pakistan, as the Kingdom depends on other countries for food production. The Kingdom is the biggest food importer in the Gulf region and the world's largest importer of barley, as well as the fifth largest importer of rice.

Food prices on the world market have risen, particularly those of rice rose over 90 percent last year. Pakistan can be right choice for Saudi Arabia to collaborate and invest in agricultural sector where investment can be made to ensure food security. Pakistan has ample and vast fertile land and people with know-how and with the induction of capital and technology, it can provide food to Mid-east region.

On the other hand, the collaboration of Saudi Arabia in Pakistan's agricultural area can solve its disputes involving neighbors as well. There have been complaints in Pakistan that India has allegedly diverted water to fill up the reservoir of the Baglihar hydel power station in Jammu and Kashmir. The investment activities in Pakistan by Saudis in agricultural sector would be leading to tackle the problems of the decrease in the supply of water from the Chenab River by India. India would be reckless to act against its largest supplier of oil, Saudi Arabia.

In the last financial year, India bought 539,780 bpd Saudi Arabia crude oil. Earlier in the middle of this year, India has raised the petrol price by Rs 5.00 a liter, diesel by Rs 3.00 a liter and domestic LPG by Rs 50.00 per cylinder fuelling inflation rate to 13th year-high. India's economic ties with Saudi Arabia received a significant boost with the signing of the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. Since its independence in 1947, India has sought to maintain strong ties with Saudi Arabia, an important state and trading base in West Asia. The opportunities of investment exist both in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In Pakistan, due to its geo-strategic location since it is the gateway to the landlocked Central Asian countries and as such is the biggest market of the region.

Meanwhile, Saudi market is the largest market of the region and a gateway to the African countries. Six million people are expected to perform Umrah and Haj in the new year and all investment in the services sectors will be of immense benefit to the investors.

President Zardari had several core issues to discuss with Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. The two leaders exchanged views on challenges facing Muslims around the world, the inter-faith initiative launched by the Saudi monarch and efforts to curb terrorism and extremism. Moreover, president Zardari sought to seek Saudi Arabia's assistance for the newly formed Friends of Pakistan group as well as on the issue of negotiating with the Taleban.

However, there was another potential topic which should be addressed so far and indeed, Saudi Arabia is the only country with whose help, the issue can be solved. This issue is none other than 'the dilemma of stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh'. They have been living under indescribable conditions in Bangladesh for over a quarter of a century for no reason other than their pride in calling themselves Pakistanis. The reactivation of 'Rabita Trust' can play the key role for the rehabilitation of those stranded Pakistanis. It was frozen in October 2001 due to some embezzlement charges which proved to be wrong by the auditors M/S Fergusson.

Saudi Arabia in general, always supported the cause to help those ill-fated stranded Pakistanis. For example, King Abdullah sent 200 tons of dates to their camps last year. Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz authorized treatment of late Nasim Khan, head of Stranded Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee (SPGRC). Dr Abdullah Omar Naseef, President of World Muslim Congress (a recipient of Hilal-e-Pakistan) visited the camps last year. International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) maintains several health clinics and schools in camps. The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) sends every year 5,000 carcasses of sacrificial goats to them.

Indeed, all this shows the desire to support stranded Pakistanis. The only need is the attention of Pakistani Government to this forgotten issue in such meetings with Saudi Arabia for promoting bilateral relations. It should be noticed that one step forward to fulfill this forgotten pledge can be beneficial for Pakistan's own economy. As for the Pakistan Repatriation Council's (PRC) proposal for the settlement on self-finance basis , it recommends the employment in Saudi Arabia and Middle East for the male members of stranded Pakistanis.

According to Sa'ad Al Badah, chairman of the National Recruitment Committee at the Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, "Saudi Arabia, which has an expatriate workforce of an estimated six million workers, is facing an acute shortage of foreign manpower." Some analysts say that the country need over million foreign manual labor for the current development programs. Hence, according to the proposal of PRC, if Saudi Arabia as well as the other Gulf countries are approached to issue 37,000 visas for employment for which Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka would have to issue passport to them, this would ultimately help to increase the foreign exchange reserves which have fallen by three-quarters this year. When their families would be settled in Pakistan with the help of 'Rabita Trust', they would send remittances to them in Pakistan. Pakistan is facing grave challenges but, many neglected issues can be the pathway to resolve or at least reduce some major hurdles. It just needs to plan and to realize that the small obstacles may lead to big impediments, if ignored. A good leader is needed in motivating the country in toughest times. He prepares the country for future succession. Currently, Zardari seems to be optimistic and deferential by saying that Pakistan needs trade, not aid. His allies should prove themselves by doing their best to save Pakistan. If we are basically positive in attitude, we will attract and create people, situations and events which confirms to our positive expectations. Falling down is not defeat. Defeat is when you refuse to get up.All pakistanies should come forwards and gird up their lions for prosperity of their home land on this critical juncture.We are really in hot waters these days and there seems no way to get rid of this awkward situation in presence of unluckily a corrupt and coward leadership which seems to be taking pakistan towards its disintegration by their so called"finest policies". Zardari also needs to prove himself honest and not as his ill repute of MR.TEN PERCENT in his past life.Now his tour to turkey but till today not a single penny as ready money could be achieved as aid. May GOD ALMIGHTY bestow on us his blessings.

DR MIAN IHSAN BARI (m.b.b.s,r.m.p,phs(1)
CHAIRMAN ANJUMAN FALAH-E-MAZLOOMAN PAKISTAN

Guinness World Record: MORE THAN 116 MILLION PEOPLE – STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY

MORE THAN 116 MILLION PEOPLE – NEARLY 2% OF THE WORLD'S POPULATION including more than 73 million from Asia - STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR MASS MOBILIZATION

CITIZENS DEMAND THAT WORLD LEADERS KEEP THEIR PROMISES TO ACHIEVE THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND REDUCE INEQUALITY

Bangkok, Thailand: Over 116 million people, nearly two percent of the world's population, in 110 countries, have broken the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people to "STAND AGAINST POVERTY".

The Guinness citation reads:

"The record for most people to 'Stand Up Against Poverty' in one week was set from 17 to 19 October 2008 for the United Nation's Millennium Campaign during the Stand Up Take Action events and involved a massive total of 116,993,629 participants in 7,777 events around the globe."

This is the largest single coordinated movement of people to 'Stand Against Poverty and for Millennium Development Goals' and was coordinated by the United Nations Millennium Campaign and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

"In what was undoubtedly the largest mobilization since Guinness began keeping records, citizens around the globe put their leaders at the national and global level on notice that their commitments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 have to be met – no more delays or excuses are acceptable," said Salil Shetty, Director of the United Nations Millennium Campaign. "Already, world leaders are responding. Mass mobilizations have the power to change the course of history, and we will not stop mobilizing and advocating for action until the Millennium Development Goals are achieved for the poorest people in the world."

"World citizens have acted and committed to keep the pressure on governments to achieve and exceed Millennium Development Goals. Asia has seen the biggest mobilization, and now it is time for Governments to act to deal with the development emergency that we are faced with and honor their commitments," Said Minar Pimple, Deputy Director, Asia, of the United Nations Millennium Campaign.

Key "Stand Up" events from South Asia and Asia:

In the Philippines, more than 35 million people (1/3 of the population) stood against Poverty at events across the country. The campaign was a result of concerted efforts of the UN agencies in the Philippines, local government units, civil society organizations including GCAP, Universities and government agencies, including the National Anti-Poverty Commission and the Department of Education. Thousands of fishermen also took to the streets with GCAP Philippines on the morning of October 17 to demand a government programme for food sovereignty and sustainability.

In India, more than 14 million people all over the country stood up to demand an end to poverty and for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Art of Living Foundation (AOL), under the guidance of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji mobilized over 6 million people to stand up in 26 states in India under the 'Mission Green Earth Stand Up Take Action' campaign, in partnership with the UN Millennium Campaign and the Ministry of Environment & Forests (Government of India). In one of the events organized by the Art of Living Foundation in New Delhi, more than 6,000 people Stood Up on the perimeter of Parliament on 18^th October, including some of the richest and poorest families in the country.

In Nepal, over 1.5 million people expressed their solidarity through the Stand Up and Take Action Campaign including at a convention of women members of the Constituent Assembly and other events focusing on deepening participatory democracy as part of building a poverty and hunger-free Nepal by the Citizen's Campaign for Democracy and Social Transformation and other civil society partners. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, 'Pranchanda', issued a public statement on October 17, committing the government to the achievement of the MDGs and encouraging the Nepali people to join the movement of building a new nation.

In Bangladesh, over 13. 3 million people stood up and arranged unprecedented campaign events and innovative programmes across the country with a wide range of partners, including the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the National Federation of Youth Organisation, and Dhaka City Cooperation. The events included an MDG Road Show and a policy seminar to engage key political leaders in the upcoming national elections.

In Pakistan, 390,000 people were mobilised through the network of civil society organizations and local governments with the active involvement of youth groups and members of district, provincial and national assemblies.

In Indonesia, over 7.3 million people Stood Up; in Jakarta and other cities of Indonesia, more than 450,000 Muslims in 1,500 mosques joined the Stand Up after the Friday prayers on October 17. Khatibs (preachers) explained the responsibilities of Muslims in accordance with the Islamic values to fight against poverty and call for more effective actions by governments and the people.

In Thailand, over 290,000 people Stood Up; the Royal Thai Government represented by the Ministry of Interior and the United Nations jointly pledged their commitment to stamp out poverty and inequality by launching a 180-day Roadmap for Poverty Eradication.

The number of people who "Stood Up and Took Action" in each Asia is as follows:

Afghanistan - 87,200
Bangladesh - 13,389,059
Cambodia - 145
China - 1,168
Hong Kong - 685
India - 14,295,849
Indonesia - 7,386,624
Iran - 309,059
Japan - 22,505
Laos - 9
Malaysia - 13,636
Mongolia - 1,040
Nepal - 1,573,608
Pakistan - 389,259
Philippines - 35,264,652
Republic of Korea - 18,797
Singapore - 14,514
Sri Lanka - 84,376
Taiwan - 5,000
Thailand - 290,462
Viet Nam - 4,200

Total Asia 73,151,847

Key "Stand Up" Global events:

In New York, H.E. Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, President of the UN General Assembly, and Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro joined 837 people who Stood Against Poverty after performances by the cast of the Broadway production "A Tale of Two Cities."

In Milan, Italy, more than 400,000 people Stood Against Poverty in the Italian Parliament and at an event attended by Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and Letizia Moratti, Mayor of Milan. In Germany, Development Minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul joined the Stand Up event in Berlin, encouraging civil society to increase pressure on the government to stick to their promises. With hundreds of events across the country, more than 100,000 people demanded more and better aid and the implementation of fair world trade rules to realize the MDGs.In Egypt, millions of people visited two sailboats which made stops along the Nile to educate Egyptians about the Millennium Development Goals.

In Madrid, Spain, 40,000 people gathered to march against poverty on October 17 under the "Rebélate contra la Pobreza" initiative. Simultaneous anti-poverty protests occurred on October 17 and 18 in 50 other Spanish cities, including Palma de Mallorca, Sevilla, Zaragoza, Donosti, Bilbao, A Coruña, Badajoz, Cuenca and Valencia.

In Jigawa, Nigeria's poorest state, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa'ad Abubakar III -- the most powerful and respected traditional ruler in West Africa -- joined 20,000 people who Stood Against Poverty on October 18, in a Summit where they called on the government to empower women and other marginalized groups through skill acquisition programs, empowerment schemes and access to micro-financing.

In Rwanda, President Kagame joined 10,000 people to Stand Against Poverty at the Rubavu Stadium, in the Western Province. The President called on Rwandans to use their hard-won peace and stability as the foundation to fight poverty, create wealth and drive development for the well being of the entire population. In Uganda, the entire Parliament stood on October 17, and members of the Parliamentary Committee on the Millennium Development Goals helped to clean the Kisenyi slum outside Kampala.


The number of people who "Stood Up and Took Action" in each region is as follows:

Africa - 24,496,151
Arab States - 17,847,870
Asia - 73,151,847
Europe - 951,788
Latin America - 211,250
North America - 123,920
Oceania - 210,803
Total - 116,993,629

To view activities arranged in Pakistan visit http://standagainstpoverty.org/en/events/map/172
To download photos, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/standagainstpoverty/.
To download footage, visit http://video.un-kampagne.de/ and enter the username "video" and password "uploads."

Asia
Minar Pimple, Deputy Director, Asia,
United Nations Millennium Campaign
Email: minar.pimple@undp.org
Cell No. : +66 84700 2265 or +91 9967 656590

For further information:
Fatimah, UNIC Islamabad
Tel: 92 51 2270610/ 2821012 Ext 16
Cell No: 03315378343
Fax: 92 51 2271856

Asia Press Note

22^nd October, 08

Economy: Challenges and Threats

"The regime ought to consider the fact that with slower growth in industryand weak global demand conditions, projected import growth will stillresult in a large trade deficit. Despite possible reduced oil consumption,as a result of scrapping domestic subsidies, the oil import bill willremain bloated. The present power shortages are a result of chronic underinvestment in new generation capacity, high operational inefficiencies dueto the lack of expansion of the power transmission and distributioninfrastructure, and delayed institutional reforms."

By Munawar Iqbal

The new democratic set up has completed almost its first six month of itsgovernment. Expecting miracles and big changes in such short span of timecan not be expected but the disturbing fact is that we are yet to see anyagenda of the government that may at least be termed as a ray of hope forall the stake-holders. We have witnessed that the economy has beendeteriorating quickly during past couple of years. Foreign and even localinvestors are fleeing out of the country. Besides other factors, analarming security situation threatens to accelerate a vicious cycle ofeconomic decline, dealing a devastating blow to a country.

A general perception among the business and industrial circles has beendeveloped that "Today in Pakistan, there's no way to make money becausethere's no law and order". The Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark index haslost 42% since an April high despite officials fixing a floor for themarket late last month. During second week of September, the index fell13.92 points to 9202.31 in thin trade, fewer than 60 points above thefloor set at 9,144. About $180 million has left Pakistan through marketchannels, and analysts say that figure is a fraction of what has fledunofficially. Pakistan's BMA Capital Management estimates as much as $1.5billion has exited since April.

After entering into deregulated era, Pakistan has been riding a wave offoreign investment and consumer-driven growth. Until the last fiscal year,when growth slowed to 5.8%, Pakistan's economy had grown an average of 7%annually for the last five years. In the current year, Pakistan's economyis expected to slow to about 4.6%. The government already confronts a wideassortment of challenges. In August, consumer-price inflation hit anannual rate of 25%, hammering the poor. Automobile sales in July skidded43% from a year earlier, highlighting slackening consumer demand among anew middle class. Pakistan's farm sector -- accounting for about onequarter of the nation's economic output grew just 1.5% in the past fiscalyear.

The IT sector which is backbone for all modern economies has also facingthe same torment and its growth has been slowed down alarmingly. Theirrational taxation, being inherited from previous regime, decline ofrupee and unprecedented inflation has destabilized this fragile sector andthe current democratic regime must come forward to rescue this vitalsector of the economy.

Pakistan's textile industry, the biggest provider of factory jobs, also isseeking government relief from mounting losses. Pakistani textileexecutives complain that security concerns have scared away foreigncustomers, many of whom refuse to travel to Pakistan. When Pakistaniexecutives visit Europe and the U.S., clients typically buy half a normalorder, while the rest goes elsewhere as a hedge against instability. Theother sectors are facing several problems as well. According to afertilizer producer, the weak rupee has inflated the price tag of theirnew fertilizer plant to $850 million from an earlier estimate of $600million. The stock-market crash has squeezed his brokerage operations,depriving his company of needed cash.To confront the economic challenges, Pakistan is seeking loans from theWorld Bank and the Asia Development Bank. It is asking Saudi Arabia -- thenation's largest supplier of oil to defer, or forgive, up to $6 billion indebt this year. And it is counting on more aid from the U.S., on top ofthe $10 billion-plus in assistance since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.Obviously these are important steps but no foreign assistance could makeany tangible difference till the confidence of investor and businesscommunity is not being revived. Hence, the regime must introduce businessfriendly policies and undoubtedly, time is tickling away rapidly.

The regime ought to consider the fact that with slower growth in industryand weak global demand conditions, projected import growth will stillresult in a large trade deficit. Despite possible reduced oil consumption,as a result of scrapping domestic subsidies, the oil import bill willremain bloated. The present power shortages are a result of chronic underinvestment in new generation capacity, high operational inefficiencies dueto the lack of expansion of the power transmission and distributioninfrastructure, and delayed institutional reforms.

The experts are of opinion that Pakistan should develop a home grownstrategy for production-led development and growth in coming years so thatthe country could be able to cope with the mounting challenges of recordhigh inflation, unprecedented unemployment and poverty reduction. Thegovernment should also involve the private sector in formulation andimplementation of production-led growth strategy to upgrade agricultureand manufacturing sectors. These steps would ultimately contribute tobetter growth, generate employment, enhance revenue and strengthen socialsecurity nets, ultimately proving beneficial to the business & industry,strengthening the economy and providing much needed relief to the poormasses.

* The writer is the Senior Vice President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerceand Industry (ICCI) and the President of Pakistan Computer Association(PCA).