ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have discussed the current political situation prevailing in the country. During their meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister briefed the president about the legislative steps being taken for the implementation of Charter of Democracy.

The president apprised the prime minister of his recent visits to Japan and China, particularly the meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan in Tokyo which pledged over five billion dollars aid to Pakistan.
A statement issued by President’s spokesman, Farhatullah Bahar said the two leaders also discussed to convene a meeting of the PPP parliamentarians from the Punjab this week to work out modalities for withdrawal from the provincial government. The move follows the PML-N’s decision not to rejoin the federal government.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has extended an amount of Japanese Yen 2.5 billion as Non Project Grant Aid to Pakistan for support and contribution to the promotion of the economic structural adjustment efforts by the Government of Pakistan as well as mitigation of Pakistan ’s economic difficulties including indebtedness and balance of payments. The amount is equivalent to approximately US $ 27 Million.

The official Exchange of Notes ( E/N) to this effect were signed by Chihiro Atsumi, the Ambassador of Japan on behalf of the Government of Japan and Farrakh Qayyum, Secretary, Economic Affairs Division on behalf of Pakistan on Friday.

The grant shall be used by the Government of Pakistan for the purchase of products from the eligible source countries to be mutually agreed upon between the authorities of the two Governments and services incidental to such products. The Government of Pakistan and Japan shall consult with each other about the detail of the utilization of the funds.

On the occasion, Farrakh Qayyum said that Pakistan values Government of Japan’s assistance in the fields of education, health, energy, environment, disaster management, water, human uplift and poverty reduction in general and this Non Project Grant Aid in particular. Therefore Japanese economic cooperation has immense role in our socio economic development.

He said that the Japanese Grant & Technical Assistance to Pakistan, with its focus on basic economic and social infrastructure projects, poverty reduction through economic growth and capacity and institution building, provides indispensable underpinning for Pakistan’s economic development.

The GOJ has played a vibrant role in Pakistan’s earthquake reconstruction with a timely assistance of over US$210 million. FATA development has also become a focus area for Japanese cooperation, Qayyum further said.

Secretary EAD said that this Non Project Grant Aid (NPGA) of Japanese Yen 2.5 Billion (US$27million), will support and contribute to the promotion of the economic structural adjustment efforts by the Government of Pakistan as well as mitigation of our economic difficulties including indebtedness and balance of payments. This grant will further deepen and strengthen our bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Japan has granted a financial assistance of US $ 28,787 under the grant assistance for grassroots human security projects to the Rural Community Development Society, an NGO for provision of medical facilities for community health centers in Nankana Sahbi, Punjab.

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Chihiro Atsumi and Executive Director, Rural Community Development Society, Mohammad Murtaza signed the agreement for the project at Japanese Ambassador’s residence here. The grant equivalent to Rs.2.3 million will be utilized for the procurement of six medical equipments including two X Ray Machines, two Ultrasound Machines and two ECG Machines for the existing two community health centers.

Through this project, the function of the community health centers will be enhanced and 11,000 people will be able to access affordable and high quality medical services for better health conditions. At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Atsumi said the Government of Japan gives priority to the health sector and has been extending Japanese Official Development Assistance to help Pakistani people receive affordable and high quality medical services such as the Children Hospital and Mother and Child Health Care Centre at PIMS.

Ambassador Atsumi also expressed hope that this project would contribute to improvement of health conditions of people of Pakistan and further strengthen the already existing friendly ties between Japan and Pakistan.-SANA

NEW YORK: President Asif Ali Zardari forcefully projected Pakistan’s position on global issues and unveiled his vision in a series of meetings with top world leaders on the margins of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly. The President, who spoke of the grave challenges confronting Pakistan, said the new democratic government was committed to bringing about a seachange in all facets of governance, strengthening of state institutions and fully empowering the parliament.

During his six-day stay in New York President Asif Ali Zardari held important meetings with President George W Bush, President Nicholas Sarkozi of France, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, President Abdullah Gul of Turkey, Premier Wen Jiabao of China, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kumar Dahal Prachanda.

The Information Minister described his meetings with President Bush, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Karzai as most important adding the country made significant progress in bilateral ties with these countries. The two sides agreed to further the peace process and open up trade through four points.

In his maiden address to the United Nations, the President sought international community’s moral, political and economic support to help fight terrorism, saying the security of the world lay in Pakistan’s stability. He also called for adopting a multi-faceted approach and socio-economic uplift to tackle the issue of terrorism head-on.

The President reiterated these views through an opinion piece in the Boston Globe. “We must fight this epic battle together as allies and as partners. But just as we will not let our territory be used by terrorism for attacks on our people and neighbours, we cannot allow our territory and sovereignty to be violated by friends,” he wrote.

The White House in return said it respects Pakistan’s democracy and sovereignty. The President also warned against any unilateral actions against Pakistan, saying such acts can inflame the passions. “Violating our nation’s sovereignty is not helpful in eliminating the terrorist menace. Indeed, this could have the opposite effect,” he said. The President also spoke of the heavy casualties that the country suffered in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The President also succeeded in getting the support from the World Bank following is meeting with President Robert Zoellick. He assured President Zardari of the financial institution commitment to Pakistan’s development and informed him that $ 1.337 billion new programmes were in pipeline for the current year.

These programmes include investments in energy, water, infrastructure besides support for development in FATA as well as pro-poor programmes in Pakistan. On Kashmir he said Pakistan completely shares the sentiments of the Kashmiri people and stands by their struggle for legitimate right of self-determination. He also spoke of the need of resolving the issue bilaterally for bringing lasting peace to the region.

Another major success of the visit was the the Friends of Pakistan (FoP) initiatve in which Pakistan was assured support in its fight against terrorism and well-coordinated international cooperation to help the country face the formidable challenges it was facing.

The Group comprising representatives from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Turkey, representatives of the European Union and the United Nations under the chairmanship of President Zardari and Foreign Ministers of United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States vowed to work in strategic partnership with the Pakistan and other partners in areas of stability, development, border areas, energy and institution-building.

The Friends of Pakistan (FOP) initiative reflects the belief of major power centers that Pakistan’s political stability and development were essential for global security. The group also made clear their determination to support the government in its efforts to consolidate democracy and to enable the people to benefit from this historic opportunity.

The President also had meetings with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, British Foreign Secretary David Milliband, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Madalene Albright, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, philanthropist George Soros.

President Zardari also unveiled the Bhutto Doctrine of Reconciliation and described it as an ultimate solution to bring in an era of peace and cooperation between East and West, avoid clash of civilizations and religions.

He said the doctrine focuses on the dual mission to combat dictatorship and terrorism, while promoting social and economic reform and justice for the people of Pakistan. President Zardari also described the Doctrine as the new century’s equivalent of the Marshall Plan that saved Europe after World War II. “Bhutto Doctrine’s pillar is that of an economically viable Pakistan that will be the centerpiece of the victory of pluralism over terrorism.”

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Joseph Biden had a telephonic talk with President Asif Ali Zardari and discussed US-Pakistan relations including his commitment to socio-economic development of the Pakistani people. Biden is architect of landmark legislation pending before Congress on enhancing socio-economic assistance for Pakistan to $ 1.5 billion annually over a period of ten years.

Input from Agencies

World leaders have condemned the suicide bombing in Pakistan that killed at least 60 people and several dozens injured.

EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, condemned Sunday in the “strongest possible terms the despicable bomb attack” in which 60 people were killed and dozens more injured in front of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad yesterday. “I wish to convey my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and to the Pakistani government. My thoughts are also with those who were injured, to whom I wish a prompt recovery,” said Solana in a statement.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul sent his condolences to Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari following a terrorist bombing in Islamabad and strongly condemned the attack. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan also strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed his government’s support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.

A statement by the Presidential Press Center said on Sunday said that President Gul sent a message expressing his condolences to Pakistani President Zardari regarding the terrorist bombing at a hotel in Islamabad which killed several on Sept. 20. “I strongly condemn this appalling attack which aimed at spoiling domestic peace. I believe that those who waged this attack will be defeated by the national unity and communal compromise,” he said.

OTTAWA: Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada has condemned the bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad which killed at least 60 people on Saturday, and offered its support for the Pakistani government. According to statement, Canada “condemns the bomb attack and the appalling loss of life and injuries it has caused to so many innocent people.” “The use of violence and terror against innocent civilians must never be tolerated and we condemn those who have perpetrated this terrible act,” read the statement. It added that Canada “continues to stand beside the government and people of Pakistan in their fight against extremism and terror.

Indian premier condemns Islamabad bomb attack
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad and condemned the act of terrorism. In his message to Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani he said, “I write to express our deep shock and sorrow at yesterday’s attack at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad that has claimed so many innocent lives and injured many others.”

“We strongly condemn this act of terrorism. Such attacks are a grim reminder of the challenges we face from destructive forces which have pitted themselves against the values of democracy and pluralism and the voices of moderation.They threaten the peace, stability and development of each of us individually and all of us collectively. We must not allow such forces to succeed. They must be dealt with and brought to justice,” the Prime Minister said.

Japanese govt shocked over suicide attack
ISLAMABAD: The Japanese government expressed its deep shock over the suicide attack on Marriott Hotel in Islamabad which resulted in a large number of casualties. In a message of condolence on Sunday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said, “We express sympathy for the victims and send condolences to their bereaved families. We also pray for the early recovery of injured.”

“The government of Japan firmly condemns these bombings as inexcusable acts. We pay our respect to and have supported the government of Pakistan which has tackled with war on terror while making enormous sacrifices,” the statement said. “We are resolved to continue our support to President Asif Ali Zardari and the government of Pakistan that declared their strong determination not to give way to this act of terrorism,” it added.

British Government condemns Islamabad bombing
LONDON:The British Government has condemned the bomb attack at Islamabad’s Marriott Hotel and termed the act as a “disgraceful attack without justification”. The British Foreign Secretary David Miliband commenting on the incident said, “This latest bombing attack in Islamabad is yet another shocking and disgraceful attack without justification. Such an indiscriminate and brutal act of terror deserves the condemnation of the entire international community”.

Expressing his deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have suffered as a result of this atrocity, the Foreign Secretary assured Pakistan of his Government’s continued support against terrorism and extremism. “We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Government of Pakistan against the violent extremists who have no answers but only offer death and mayhem. This horrific attack reinforces our shared determination to tackle violent extremism”.

China condemns hotel suicide bombing in Pakistan
BEIJING: China on Sunday condemned the terrorist attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan. “China opposes terrorism of any kind. As the friendly neighbor and all-weather friend of Pakistan, China will continue to support the unremitting efforts of Pakistan’s government and people to maintain stability,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu.

She was responding to a question on the bomb laden truck that exploded outside the Marriott Hotel in central Islamabad that killed at least 60 people and injured more than 200 on Saturday. She said China expressed heartfelt condolences to the victims of the attack and extended sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the wounded.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the secretary-general of the Saudi-based Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) described the attacks as “despicable terrorist actions completely contradict the praiseworthy precepts of Islam.” He called the perpetrators “the enemies of peace whom the international community must fight with all possible means.”

Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who has long been at odds with Pakistan on the policing of the two countries’ shared border, called for an “honest struggle” to beat terrorism. “As long as this evil phenomenon is active in the region, terror, horror and explosions will continue,” he said in a statement.

Yemen has condemned Attacks
An officials source at the Foreign Ministry said that Yemen condemns seriously this terrorist attack. The source considered that this act as a confirmation that the terrorist network still forming critical evil threat to security and stability of a number of world countries, the matter which requires to boost security and intelligence cooperation at the regional and international level to confront and end its criminal acts. The source expressed Yemen and its leadership, government and people’s condolences to the Pakistani leadership, government and people, and for the victims’ families, confirming Yemen’s solidarity and its stand with Pakistani government in combating terrorism.

Input from Agencies

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmed hosted on Thursday a farewell reception in honour of out-going ambassador of Japan Seiji Kojima. Qazi Hussain Ahmed paid tribute to him, and said that the ambassador worked hard to deepen Pak-Japan relations and finally won admirations for his untiring efforts to improve economic, political and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Read the full story

Bush to work with Pakistan
CRAWFORD US President George W. Bush will keep working with Pakistan on counter-terrorism and other issues after President Pervez Musharraf’s resignation, the White House said Monday. “President Bush is committed to a strong Pakistan that continues its efforts to strengthen democracy and fight terror,” US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said in a statement. Read the full story

Change in technology is divided into three parts, i.e.
1. Pre-World war 1. A period of rapid growth lasting from approximately the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868) until the end of World War I.
2. Interwar .A period of rapid growth lasting from approximately the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868) until the end of World War I.
3. Post-World War 2. A new period of rapid growth, starting almost immediately after the end of World War II and continuing to the mid 1960s Read the full story

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is strategically located at a regional hub with abundant land and natural resources, strong human resources, large and growing domestic market which offer tremendous investment opportunities to countries like Japan. This was said by Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo, Advisor to the Prime Minister/Minister for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives in a meeting with Ambassador of Japan Mr. Seiji Kojima who called on him on Wednesday. Read the full story

ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Syed Naveed Qamar has said Pakistan currently is passing through the most challenging time since the democratic government took over. He was talking to Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan Mr. Seiji Kojima who called on him on Tuesday. Finance Minister apprised the Japanese Ambassador about Pre-Budget preparations along with other development related economic initiatives. Both the sides discussed institutional economic framework of their countries. Read the full story