Gilani addresses Congress of the AKP in Ankara, met with Erdoğan and Dr. Nauman


ANKARA, 30 September 2012: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) here today addressed the 4th party congress of the Justice Development Party (AK Party). This was a unique honour for the Pakistani dignitary to speak to a gathering of about 40,000 members/delegates of the AK Party and over 200 foreign dignitaries who attended the event at Ankara Arena.

Following is the complete text of his speech:

“H.E Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey,
Distinguished Presidents, Prime Ministers
Honourable Leaders
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me a great pleasure to be in Ankara once again to attend this 4th Party Congress of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) on the kind invitation of my brother, Prime Minister Erdoğan.

As a politician and a practitioner of democracy, I am overwhelmed by the pulse of this arena, the energy and the enthusiasm of the thousands of people present here today.
I wish to congratulate each one of you for making this event a great success.  
  
Mr. Prime Minister,
This Congress represents your party’s culture of pluralism and consensus. It reflects AKP’s enduring appeal with the Turkish people.
It is indeed no surprise that this Congress has decided to repose its unanimous confidence in your dynamic leadership.
The Turkey of tomorrow has chosen to entrust its destiny to the same pair of hands that have so successfully charted its path to growth and prosperity since 2002.
I congratulate Your Excellency on this great accomplishment.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, the progressive rule of the AKP serves as a source of inspiration to many in the region.

The people-centric, development oriented policies pursued by your government has brought a qualitative change in the lives of the common man.
Today, I see in the twinkling eyes of every man and woman, young and old, present in this arena, a fulfillment of the very ideals that all democratic movements have stood for - ideals of free conscience and willful choice.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
The journey of democracy in Pakistan has also been a persistent endeavour towards these ideals.
On the way, we have fought many battles and rendered many sacrifices.

Yet, today, as the longest serving democratically elected Prime Minister in Pakistan’s history, I stand before you as a triumph of these democratic convictions for which Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto laid down their lives.

Mr. Prime Minister,
The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is very rightly described as “special”, for this relationship is alive in the hearts of our two peoples.
It is this natural affinity which impelled our mothers and sisters to donate all their precious belongings to the cause of Turkish war of independence.  My great grandfather Syed Zain ul Abideen, with many others, went to prison in support of this cause.
It is the same bond that drives Madam Emine Erdoğan to donate her jewelry for the flood victims of Pakistan.

Mr. Prime Minister,
The establishment of the High Level Cooperation Council (HLCC) was indeed a milestone in the history Pakistan-Turkey relations.
I feel honoured to have worked closely with Your Excellency in transforming this special relationship into an enhanced twenty-first century partnership in the political, security, economic and cultural domains.
I am confident that our succeeding generations will carry forward this “sacred trust” with equal zeal and enthusiasm.

Excellency,
It is therefore, but natural that we rejoice with you today on this grand “fest of democracy,” for your accomplishments are ours.
I take this opportunity to extend on behalf of President Zardari, on behalf of the Pakistan Peoples Party, and on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, our sincerest best wishes to you and your team in the fulfillment of your future vision.

Teşukerler (Thank you)
Yaşasın Pakistan- Türkiye Dostoğlu (Long live Pakistan-Turkey friendship) 
Pakistan Türkiye çok seviyor (Pakistan loves Turkey very much).”

After Gilani’s speech, the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with Mr. Gilani and congratulated him on his speech at the Congress. Mr. Gilani also met with Dr. Nauman Kurtulmuş, the newly appointed member of Central Executive and Steering Committee (MKYK) of the AK Party.

ENDS

Turkish President receives Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister of Pakistan


ANKARA, 29 September 2012: Turkish President Mr. Abdullah Gul here today warmly received Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Mr. Gilani conveyed the greetings of President Zardari to H.E. Abdullah Gül. Both Mr. Gul and Mr. Gilani strongly condemned the recent release of the blasphemous video “Innocence of Muslims” and caricatures of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as sheer acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination and hostility towards Muslims, their peaceful religion Islam and the Holy Prophet. They agreed that reaction of the Muslim world should be measured, disciplined and should not be violent.

Both the leaders were unanimous in their views that the people of Pakistan and Turkey have made enormous sacrifices for democracy. Mr. Gilani appreciated the special role played by President Gul in hosting the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Trilateral summits. Lauding Turkey’s efforts for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan, Mr. Gilani stated that a strong and prosperous Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s national interest.

On the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Gilani is leading a three member PPP delegation to the Justice & Development Party’s (AK Party) Congress to be held in Ankara on 30 September. Pakistan delegation comprises Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce & Senior Vice Chairman of PPP and Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
Mr. Gilani has been accorded a very warm reception in Turkey. He has had fruitful meetings with the Turkish leadership including Turkish President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, and Deputy Prime Minister. He will address the Justice & Development Congress, a unique honour for a visiting dignitary. This demonstrates special nature of Pakistan-Turkey relations and the high esteem for Pakistani leadership.

Bozdağ-Gilani görüşmesi haberi

Bozdağ-Gilani görüşmesi

Başbakan Yardımcısı Bekir Bozdağ, ''Türkiye geçmişte yaşanan sayfaları kapatan, milletin iradesiyle her tür değişimin olduğu bir yola girmiştir'' dedi.

Bozdağ, eski Pakistan Başbakanı Yusuf Rıza Gilani ve beraberindeki heyetle, Yurtdışı Türkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Başkanlığı'nda bir araya geldi.Bekir Bozdağ, basına kapalı görüşmenin ardından yaptığı açıklamada, yarın AK Parti'nin 4. Olağan Kongresi'nin yapılacağını, Pakistanheyetinin de kongreye katılmak üzere Türkiye'ye geldiğini söyledi.
Bozdağ-Gilani görüşmesiGilani'yle Türkiye-Pakistan arasındaki ilişkileri görüşme fırsatı bulduklarını dile getiren Bozdağ,''Türkiye ile Pakistan arasındaki kadim dostluğa ve kardeşliğe vurgu yaptık. İki ülke arasında bundan sonraki süreçlerde siyasi, ekonomik, sosyal, kültürel, her alanda işbirliğinin geliştirilmesi ve güçlendirilmesinin yararına vurgu yaptık'' diye konuştu.
Bozdağ, Türkiye ile Pakistan arasında Yüksek Düzeyli Stratejik İşbirliği Konseyi Toplantısı yapıldığı dönemde Pakistan Başbakanı olan Gilani'nin, Başbakan Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ile iki ülke arasındaki ilişkilerin stratejik anlamda daha ileriye götürülmesi konusundaki anlaşmalara imza attığını bildirdi.
Bu ilişkilerin bundan sonraki süreçte de devam etmesini dileyen Bozdağ, şunları kaydetti:
''Demokrasi olarak baktığınızda, geçmişte zikzaklar ve birtakım ara dönemler hem Türkiye hem Pakistan'da oldu. Bu yönüyle de benzerlikleri olan iki ülkeyiz. Türkiye bugün itibarıyla geçmişte yaşanan sayfaları kapatan, milletin iradesiyle her tür değişimin olduğu bir yola girmiştir. Pakistan'da da bu noktada geçmişten beri büyük mücadeleler verilmiştir. Bundan sonraki süreçte Pakistan'da da milletin dediği olacaktır, bundan yana hiçbir şüphemiz yoktur. Zira dünyanın her yerinde, her zaman son sözü millet söylemiştir. Bunu duymayanlara da vatandaş sandıkta veya başka yollarla sesini duyurmayı başarmıştır.''

-''Pakistan da cumhuriyet için büyük çaba harcadı''-

Gilani ise Türkiye-Pakistan ilişkilerinin daha da canlandırılması ve güçlendirilmesi gerektiğini söyledi.ABD'de İslamiyet'e karşı yapılan filmi kınama konusunda da iki ülkenin beraber hareket etmesini isteyen Gilani, İslam'ın barışçı bir din olduğunu ve buna uygun davranılması gerektiğini ifade etti.
Türkiye'de cumhuriyet rejiminin olduğunu belirten Gilani, şöyle devam etti:
''Pakistan da cumhuriyet için büyük bir çaba harcadı. Yüz binlerce insan şehit oldu.Pakistan'ın eski başbakanlarından Zülfikar Ali Butto da cumhuriyet yolunda idam oldu. Aynı zamanda Benazir Butto da cumhuriyet çabaları için kendini feda etti, o da şehit oldu. Ancak cumhuriyetle her şey değişebilir, halkın oyuyla her şey değişebilir, başka kimse zorla bir şey yapamaz.''
Yusuf Rıza Gilani, iki ülke halkı arasındaki ilişkileri çok daha ileriye götüreceklerini de sözlerine ekledi.Bozdağ, daha sonra Pakistan heyeti için yemek verdi.
Courtesy: http://www.haberdar.com/bozdag-gilani-gorusmesi-3620918-haberi#.UGchl1rwkJ5.blogger

Gilani meets Turkish Parliament Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister


ANKARA, 29 September 2012: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was warmly received by the Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Mr. Cemil Çiçek here today.

Mr. Gilani said Parliaments, as true representatives of the popular will, have a central role to play in nation building. He added that all state institutions need to work in harmony and in accordance with their constitutional mandates. TGNA Speaker agreed with Mr. Gilani on the supremacy of the Parliament and the free will of the electorate to choose their representatives.  Mr. Gilani said that Pakistan and Turkey have suffered alike in their quest for democracy. Both the leaders agreed that respect of democratic institutions, rule of law and will of the electorate was essential for peace and stability in the country.
 
The former Prime Minister briefed his host about the constitutional amendments adopted with consensus in Pakistan. He expressed the hope that the important work on the Constitutional Commission formed under the leadership of Mr. Cemil Çiçek (pronounced as Jamil Chichek) for drafting a new constitution for Turkey would complete its work successfully.

Mr. Gilani fondly recalled his address to TGNA during his Turkey visit in December 2010. He mentioned that Turkish Prime Minister is the only foreign dignitary who had twice addressed the Parliament of Pakistan. He underlined the need for regular parliamentary exchanges that will further strengthen the exemplary friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Cemil Çiçek mentioned that Pakistan-Turkey Friendship Group was the single largest group in TGNA. Mr. Gilani specifically noted the contributions of Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, President of the Pakistan-Turkey Friendship Group in TGNA who was also decorated with Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his meritorious services.

On the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Gilani is leading a three member Pakistan Peoples Party delegation to the Justice & Development Party’s (AK Party) Congress to be held in Ankara on 30 September. Pakistan delegation comprises Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce & Senior Vice Chairman of PPP and Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Later on, Mr. Bakir Bozdağ, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of Mr. Gilani and his delegation. Mr. Gilani said it was a matter of pride for Pakistan and members of his delegation to participate in the AK Party Congress. Recalling Mr. Bozdağ’s visit to Pakistan in connection with the second meeting of High Level Cooperation Council, Mr. Gilani said that the MoUs signed during HLCC should be implemented effectively for tangible results.

On the economic situation in Pakistan, Mr. Gilani said that Pakistan has diversified its economic sector with focus on agriculture. Despite the global recession and the problems of terrorism, floods and power shortages, Pakistan has achieved self-sufficiency in food items. Pakistan is now able to export wheat, rice and sugur, he added.

Mr. Bozdağ agreed with Mr. Gilani that there was greater scope for improving commercial ties between the two countries. He assured full support of Turkey for initiating projects according to the development needs of Pakistan.

Free use of video clip: http://youtu.be/mxRtYTwQz0s
Further photos on our facebook page: http://goo.gl/jGGGe

Turkish Prime Minister meeting with Former Premier of Pakistan Syed Yusu...

ANKARA, 28 September 2012: Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister and Senior Vice President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was warmly received by the Turkish Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan here today.

 Mr. Gilani is leading a three member Pakistan Peoples Party delegation to the Justice & Development Party’s (AK Party) Congress to be held in Ankara on 30 September on the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister. Pakistan delegation includes Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce & Senior Vice Chairman of PPP and Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Mr. Erdogan during the meeting said Turkey was keenly observing world scenario and developments in Pakistan.  Showing his concern, Mr. Erdogan said Pakistan needs political stability and consistency in policies to confront  the challenges it was facing today. Mr. Gilani responded that completion of the two terms of the Parliament will bring the needed stability and consistency in the country.

The Turkish Prime Minister recognized the sacrifices made by people of Pakistan due to terrorism. Both the dignitaries agreed that force was not the solution to counter the menace of terrorism. Reconciliation and dialogue is the only way forward. Mr. Gilani stated that we must address the root causes of terrorism which breed on ignorance and poverty. He stated that during his term he adopted the 3Ds strategy in Pakistan focusing on dialogue, development and deterrence.

The visiting dignitary also informed the hosts about constitutional amendments made by the PPP and its coalition partners. Mr. Gilani informed that under the 20th constitutional amendment, a consensus caretaker government will be formed on the completion of the five year term of the present Parliamen. He assured that the next elections in Pakistan will be held on time and in a free, fair and transparent manner.

Mr. Gilani thanked the Turkish Premier and his spouse for spearheading a campaign for Turkey’s unprecedented assistance during the 2005 earthquake and 2010 floods. He invited the Turkish Prime Minister to visit Pakistan. Mr. Erdogan replied that he was closely monitoring the reconstruction work being undertaken by the Turkish Development Agency (TIKA) and would visit Pakistan once these projectes are completed.

Mr. Gilani also appreciated Turkish role in the Afghanistan-Pakistan-Turkey trilateral process for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

Mr. Gilani will be one of the honourable guest speakers to speak from amongst the 36 foreign delegations attending the mega political event in the history of modern Tukey. About 30,000 AK Party delegates will attend the Congress and the event will be telecast live to be watched by millions.

Earlier, Mr. Gilani and his delegation, was warmly received at the Ankara airport by Mr. Burhan Kayaturk, Member Parliament and President of Pakistan-Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Turkish Parliament.

During his stay in Turkey, Mr. Gilani will also be meeting with the Turkish President, Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and Deputy Prime Minister.



President Zardari address to UN General Assembly on 25 September 2012


President Asif Ali Zardari Address to the 67th session of UNGA
H.E.President Asif Ali Zardari
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
General Debate 67th Session
United Nations General Assembly
September 25, 2012

Mr. President

Bismilla hirrahmaan irrahim --

Assalam-o-Alaikum -- Peace be upon you.

Before I take up my speech, I want to express the strongest condemnation for the acts of incitement of hate against the faith of billions of Muslims of the world and our beloved prophet, Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The International community must not become silent observers and should criminalize such acts that destroy the peace of the world and endanger world security by misusing freedom of expression.
Pakistan moves the United Nations to immediately address in earnest this alarming concern and the widening rift to enable the comity of nations to be one again.

Mr. President,

I want to congratulate you on your election to this important post.
I want to convey our appreciation of the previous President, His Excellency Nassir Abdul Aziz Al Nasser, from our brotherly state of Qatar, who skillfully preceded you.
I would like to further express our appreciation for the laudable work of the honorable Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. We greatly appreciate his leadership in guiding the work of this organization.
It is a special privilege to be with you today, representing the brave and courageous people of Pakistan.
Globally, we face enormous challenges.
But with collective efforts and commitment we can provide a better future to our people.
We must work to end poverty.
We must work to protect the planet, and mitigate climate change.
We must ensure equal rights to all peoples, and protect the weak & vulnerable.
We must pursue justice and fairness for all people.
We must pursue the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
We must save our current and future generations from the horrors of war.
I think of my own three children and the generations of children yet unborn.
They, and all the children of the world, deserve safety, stability, and security.
These goals have guided me throughout my four years in office as President of Pakistan.
These are the goals and principles about which I want to talk to you today.

Mr. President,

Pakistan's engagement with the United Nations lies at the heart of these goals.
We are proud of going above and beyond the call of duty in fulfilling our international responsibilities.
Pakistan has consistently been among the top UN peacekeeping troop contributors for many years.
Today, over 10,000 Pakistani troops proudly wear the UN Blue Helmets in the service of our brothers and sisters around the world.

Mr. President,

Our election to the Security Council reflects our commitment to world peace.
It is also a vote of confidence by the international community for Pakistan and Ambassador Haroon.
The UN represents our common aspirations for peace and development.
However, it needs reform.
The UN system must become more democratic and more accountable.
Reform should be based on consensus and democratic principles.

Mr. President,

In the last several years, Pakistan has repeatedly suffered from natural calamities.
The people of Pakistan appreciate the support of the United Nations and the international community.

Mr. President,

Being a democratic country, we believe that legitimate aspirations of any people should be accommodated peacefully. and in a manner consistent with sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
We support the rights of the Palestinian people and an independent Palestinian State.
We also favor the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.

Mr. President,

There are a lot of questions that are asked of Pakistan these days.
I am not here to answer questions about Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan have already answered them.
The politicians of Pakistan have answered them.
The soldiers of Pakistan have answered them.
We have lost over seven thousand Pakistani soldiers and policemen, and over 37,000 civilians.
We have lost our Minister for Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti and my friend Salmaan Taseer, the Governor of our most populous province of Punjab, to the mindset of extremism.
And I need not remind my friends here today, that I bear a personal scar.
On December 27, 2007 knowing her life was under threat from the mindset she had warned the world against, Pakistan’s first elected woman leader and my wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was martyred through the bullets and bombs of terrorists.
Terrorism and extremism have destroyed human lives, torn social fabric, and devastated the economy.
Our economy, our lives, our ability to live in the shadow of our Sufi saints and our freedom-loving forefathers have been challenged.
We have responded.
Our soldiers have responded.
So I am not here to answer questions about Pakistan.
I am here to ask some questions on behalf of my people.
On behalf the two year old baby who was killed in the bombing at Lahore’s Moon Market on December 7, 2009.
On behalf of Pervaiz Masih, a Christian Pakistani, who was killed with six others, trying to protect Muslim Pakistanis during a bomb attack on the Islamic University in Islamabad on October 20, 2009.
On behalf of Mr. GHA-YOOR, the Commandant of the Frontier Constabulary police force in Peshawar, who was assassinated by militants on August 4, 2010.
On behalf of the traders and entrepreneurs in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore and Karachi, of the dozens of marketplaces that have been ravaged by multiple bombings. Over and over and over again.
And perhaps most of all, on behalf of my three children, whose mother Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was also martyred by terrorists.

Mr. President,

For more than thirty years, our doors have been open to my Afghan brothers and sisters.
For many years, we were left to fend for ourselves and our Afghan guests.

Mr. President,

I remember the red carpet that was rolled out for all the dictators in our country - dictators who promised the international community the moon - while Pakistan was kept in the dark.
These dictators and their regimes are responsible for suffocating and throttling Pakistan, Pakistan’s institutions, and Pakistani democracy.
I remember the judicial execution of Pakistan's first elected leader, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
I remember the jailing of Pakistan’s elected leaders.
I remember the twelve years I, myself spent in prison.
And I remember the billions provided by the international community to support those dictatorships.
My country, its social fabric, its very character has been altered.
Our condition today is a product of dictatorships.


Mr. President,

No country and no people have suffered more in the epic struggle against terrorism, than Pakistan.
Drone strikes and civilian casualties on our territory add to the complexity of our battle for hearts and minds through this epic struggle.
To those who say we have not done enough, I say in all humility:
Please do not insult the memory of our dead, and the pain of our living.
Do not ask of my people, what no one has ever asked of any other peoples.
Do not demonize the innocent women, and children of Pakistan.
And please, stop this refrain to do more.
The simplest question of all is:
How much more suffering can Pakistan endure?

Mr. President,

I am sure the international community does not want any suffering anywhere, least of all in Pakistan.
We believe in fact, that the international community is a partner.
This is because it is the common interest of all nations to work together.
In Pakistan, democracy has helped bring about a major strategic shift in how we view working together.
Within Pakistan, our democracy has brought about major changes.
InshaAllah, this will be the first civilian government in Pakistan’s sixty-six year history to complete its full, five year term.
In this time, Parliament has passed unprecedented reforms.
We have restored the consensus 1973 Constitution.
The National Assembly has enacted wide ranging social reforms.
We have established a National Commission on Women and a National Commission on Human Rights.
We have established for the very first time a truly Independent Election Commission, to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.
Our media is free, uncensored and thriving.
Our civil society is flourishing under the protection of democracy.
We have created the first social safety net through the women of Pakistan for the weak and less privileged. Millions of families have benefitted.
We have aided the poor and at the same time empowered the women of our households.
This safety net is called the Benazir Income Support Program.
These are the gifts of democracy.
This is the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Mr. President,

The growing regional pivot in Pakistan’s foreign policy is a reflection of our democratic policy-making.
In engaging with our region, we are changing the future.
In China our strategic partnership is growing from strength to strength.
In Afghanistan, we have begun to engage and deepen our friendship with the entire range of the Afghan political spectrum.
We believe that a sovereign, stable and secure Afghanistan is good for the Afghan people.
And what is good for the Afghan people is good for Pakistan.
While our hearts and homes remain open to our Afghan brothers, it is imperative that the international community support the three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan in their quest to return home with dignity.
A brighter Afghan future will only be possible when the search for peace is Afghan-owned, Afghan-driven and Afghan-led.
We respect and support the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan for reconciliation and peace.
Pakistan will support in every way possible, any process that reflects Afghan national consensus.
Similarly, we approach our relations with India on mutual trust.
The contacts between our leadership are expanding.
I was encouraged by my discussions with the Prime Minister of India last month in Tehran, who I met for the fifth time in four years.

Mr. President,

Our principled position on territorial disputes remains a bedrock of our foreign policy.
We will continue to support the right of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to peacefully choose their destiny in accordance with the UN Security Council's long-standing resolutions on this matter.
Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures, rather than strengths of the UN system.
We feel that resolution of these issues can only be arrived in an environment of cooperation.
By normalizing trade relations we want to create a regional South Asian narrative.
This narrative will provide an environment that will mutually benefit the countries of our region.

Mr. President,

Along this road, there are pitfalls.
One of them is the tendency to respond to failure through blame.
Pakistan does not blame others for the challenges it faces.
We believe we should look for win-win solutions.
Regional cooperation and connectivity will bring us closer and bind us together.
It will make us stakeholders in each other’s futures.
Our hosting of a quadrilateral summit next month and our signing of the Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement are proof of this commitment to regional connectivity.
The lesson we learnt in Pakistan from the last thirty years is that history cannot be changed.
But the future can -- a future that is brighter, more prosperous and more secure,
not only for Pakistanis, but for all people of the region, and indeed the world.
I must thank the member states of the European Union for recognizing the value of trade to Pakistan.
We seek trade, rather than aid.
By granting trade concession to Pakistan, the EU has sent a positive message.
The trade concessions will help us revive the economy and fight terrorism.

Mr. President,

As we embark on this ambitious transformative experience, we are aware that there are threats and pitfalls.
One of them is the spread and illegal trade of heroin.
Despite the presence of international forces in Afghanistan, the size of the heroin trade has increased by 3000% in the last decade.
The heroin industry is eroding the social fabric of our societies.
Terrorist activities within our region and indeed all over the world are funded and fueled by the unrestricted production and sale of illegal drugs.
Pakistan has pursued an ambitious agenda to control this menace.
We are coordinating with our neighbors and will hold a conference later this year to develop a unified approach to stamping out this drug trade.
I call upon this august body, and especially those nations represented here who are actively engaged in the region.
In this great hall of international collective action, let us begin this process —
here, today, together.
Mr. President, Excellencies, delegates, fellow citizens of the world:
I have committed my Presidency and my nation’s future to a paradigm shift.
A permanent democratic future for Pakistan.
It has not been easy.
But nothing worth fighting for is easy.
We long ago stopped thinking of doing what is easy.
Instead, we have committed ourselves to doing what is right.
In that regard, I recall the powerful words of my beloved martyred wife and my leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto when she appeared before this august body sixteen years ago.
Her words ring out and can guide us into a new future.
She said in 1996:
"I dream of a third millennium in which the gap between rich and poor evaporates; in which illiteracy, hunger, malnutrition and disease are at long last conquered"
I dream of a third millennium in which every child is planned, wanted, nurtured and supported; and in which the birth of a girl is welcomed with the same joy as that of a boy.
I dream of a millennium of tolerance and pluralism, in which people respect other people, nations respect other nations, and religions respect other religions.
That is the third millennium I see for my country and all of yours."
We have made some progress towards achieving these goals.
But so much remains to be done.
In her memory and in the name of God Almighty, Pakistan commits to that path again today.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen, and may peace be upon you, and your countries, and the people of your countries.

Pakistan Zindabad.

Source: http://www.president.gov.pk/index.php?lang=en&opc=3&sel=2&pId=1245#.UGVyrQhrgZY.blogger

Pakistan Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanı'ndan Orgeneral Özel'e ziyaret

Pakistan Hava Kuvvetleri Komutanı Orgeneral Tahir Rafique BUTT, 06 Eylül 2012 Perşembe günü saat 17:45'te Genelkurmay Başkanı Orgeneral Necdet ÖZEL'i ziyaret etmişlerdir.
Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt met with Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Necdet Ozel at Ankara on 6 September 2012.

Pakistan'dan Türkiye'ye başsağlığı mesajı

Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı Asıf Ali Zerdari, Afyon'daki kazanın ardından Cumhurbaşkanı Abdullah Gül'e başsağlığı mesajı gönderdi.

Zerdari mesajında, "Bu yiğit askerler, kutsal vatan savunmasında canı feda etme şerefine nail olmuşlardır. Büyük milli zamanında kederli ailelere en derin taziyelerimi sunarım." ifadelerine yer verdi.Pakistan Başbakanı Raca Pervez Eşref de Başbakan Recep Tayyip Erdoğan'a gönderdiği başsağlığı mesajında, canlarını feda eden bu cesur askerlerin unutulmayacağını ifade etti. 


Courtesy: Samanyolu Haber: http://www.samanyoluhaber.com.tr/haber/pakistandan-turkiyeye-bassagligi-mesaji-15223.html#.UEmzbYDt00A.blogger

Pakistani leadership condoles with Turkey over loss of lives in Afyon accident


ANKARA, 6 September 2012:  The President and Prime Minister of Pakistan in their separate messages to their Turkish counterparts have condoled over the loss of lives as a result of accident in military installation at Afyonkarahisar.

The Preisdent of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari in his message addressed to President Mr. Abdullah Gul said:

“I have learnt with great sadness that an accident yesterday at a military installation in Afyon has resulted in a tragic loss of many Turkish soldiers. By laying down their lives, these valiant soldiers have upleld Turkish Military’s glorious traditions of sacrifice in the sacred defence of the motherland. I wish to extend my deep condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of great national grief. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Prime Minister of Pakistan Raja Pervez Ashraf in his message to Prime Minister Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said:

“It is with profound sadness that I have learnt the loss of precious lives of Turkish military personnel in a tragic accident in Afyon. Crowned by the glory of martyrdom, the supreme sacrifice of these brave soldiers will not be forgotten. On behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan, we wish to extend our deep condolences to the bereaved families and their un-abounded personal grief. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Currency swap arrangement between Pakistan and Turkey becomes operational


4 September 2012: The three-year bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement (CSA) between the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and the Central Bank of Republic of Turkey ( TCMB ) amounting to US$ 1 billion in equivalent local currencies is being implemented from 4 September 2012 and SBP has issued necessary instructions to banks for its implementation after due consultations with various stakeholders and completion of operational formalities with  TCMB .
A landmark bilateral CSA was signed between SBP and  TCMB  by SBP Governor, Mr. Yaseen Anwar and  TCMB  Governor, Mr. Erdem Baþçý in presence of the Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of Turkey in November last year.

Objectives & Structure of CSA
1) promote bilateral trade between the two countries in the respective local currencies and
2) any ‘Other’ purpose as mutually agreed between the two central banks. Since the CSA is a bi-lateral financial transaction, all terms & conditions apply equally to both countries and the pricing is based on standard market benchmarks which are widely acceptable in the respective domestic markets.

Implementation Guidelines from SBP
Currency Swap Agreement between the two Central Banks gives a positive signal to the market on the availability of liquidity of other country’s currency in the onshore market. The arrangement will augment the pool of liquidity available to finance bilateral trade
between the two countries, supplementing the already available sources of liquidity.

By virtue of this arrangement, SBP will have the ability to draw on the swap line and provide Turkish Lira (TRY) to banks in Pakistan. Banks will on-lend this liquidity to importers/ exporters involved in trade denominated in TRY. At maturity, the importer/exporter will repay the foreign currency to the lending bank, which in turn will repay to the respective central bank.

In order to ensure transparency in determination of market interest rates, the State Bank of Pakistan has decided to conduct competitive auctions of Turkish Lira (TRY) Loan Facility as under:

  • All commercial banks will be allowed to take FE-25 deposits and extend FE-25 loans in Turkish Lira (TRY) for financing of Imports / Exports in accordance with SBP’s prevailing instructions on FE-25 loans / deposits. Necessary instructions to that effect have been issued vide FE Circular No. 4 dated 04Sep2012.
  • In order to provide TRY funding to scheduled banks, so that they can on-lend the TRY to importers / exporters with underlying Trade documents in TRY, SBP will conduct competitive auctions of Turkish Lira (TRY) Loan Facility using proceeds drawn under the Currency Swap Arrangement with CBRT.
  • Participation in auctions will be dependent on the submission of documentary evidence of Export or Import bills denominated in TRY, SBP will conduct ‘uniform price’ competitive TRY auctions in 3 and 6 month tenors. All scheduled banks will be eligible to participate in such auctions.
Further details on the utilization of TRY in Pakistan on account of PKR/TRY swap are as follows:
  1. Importers with underlying trade documents denominated in TRY: On the maturity date of the letter of credit (LC), the importer will pay off the overseas supplier by borrowing in TRY. Assuming borrowing is for 6 months, the importer will save on the rupee cost and after six months the importer will buy TRY against PKR and pay off the TRY loan. Availability of onshore TRY financing will encourage importers to open TRY denominated LCs.
  2. Exporters with underlying trade documents denominated in TRY: Once the contract is established, the exporter will borrow in TRY, sell TRY against PKR and utilize PKR for its local operations. On the maturity date of the contract, the exporter will receive TRY from the overseas buyer and payoff the TRY loan locally.
All participating banks are expected to educate their customers on the additional option of denominating their Trade documents in TRY. SBP encourages banks to hold sessions with local Trade bodies. All importers/ exporters are also requested to contact their respective banks for more details on how they can borrow Turkish Lira (TRY) liquidity to finance bilateral trade.

Courtesy: State Bank of Pakistan http://www.sbp.org.pk/press/2012/CurrencySwap-04-Sep-2012.pdf