Information Minister of Pakistan meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister - Turkey to offer scholarships for Pakistani media professionals

ANKARA, 11 October 2011:  Pakistan highly values its relations with Turkey which are rooted in history and common culture. We consider ourselves as the same nation living in two different geographical regions. Love for Turkey and its people is in every Pakistani’s blood. Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said this in a meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bulent Arinc in Ankara here today.

Turkey has always come forward to assist Pakistan in difficult times and expressed hope that Turkey will help their Pakistani brethren to mitigate the sufferings caused by the 2011 floods as the Turkish nation did in 2010 floods and 2005 earthquake, she said.

Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan emphasised that media is an important tool to give further boost to our existing brotherly relations. For that purpose she proposed that Turkish government may offer scholarships to Pakistani media personnel in order to build their professional capacity.  

The Minister also proposed that public televisions of both Pakistan and Turkey may enter into joint production for documentaries, films, dramas, and technical trainin programmesg. This, she said, would help us in promoting our cultures and creating further understanding of our shared history. She said both countries could learn from each other experiences and best practices in the field of media as a vibrant media is a catalyst for strengthening democratic values in both the countries.

Information Minister said that Pakistan believes in ‘trade not aid’ and emphasized on the need for more market access for Pakistani products to European markets via Turkey. She referred to cargo goods train project,  ‘Gul Train,’ that will link Pakistan via Iran and Turkey to EU markets and urged for early completion of this mega connectivity project.

The Turkish Deputy Prime Minister agreed to Information Minister’s proposal for reviving Iqbal and Rumi’s philosophy and message. Dr. Awan invited H.E. Mr Bulent Arinc to visit Pakistan and inaugurate the first event regarding the promotion of the philosophies of the great thinkers.

The Turkish dignitary said both Turkey and Pakistan should make joint efforts for development of infrastructure, promotion of culture, communication, education, and health. He emphasized on the need for closer cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. 

Later, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan met with Turkish Deputy Minister for Family & Social Policy Prof. Dr. Ashkin Asan and apprised her of the steps taken by the democratic government of Pakistan regarding women empowerment. She said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had a vision of women empowerment and the Pakistan Peoples Party government is committed to convert this into reality. “In this regard, the government has empowered women legally, socially, politically and economically,” she said. Our parliament has passed a number of laws in this respect.

 Dr. Ashkin Asan agreed to consider possibility of setting up technical and vocational training institutes on pilot basis in Pakistan. She informed that Turkish NGOs will soon soon undertake a project to provide transportation facilities for girls students in remote areas of Pakistan.

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Minister for Mining & Technical Education Mr. Mehmood Zeb offered full cooperation to the Turkish NGOs in this regard.

Ambassador of Pakistan Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat, Chairperson of Bokhari Relief Foundation Syeda Khanum  Tayyaba Bokhari were also present during the meetings.

ENDS

Pakistani leadership condoles with Turkish Prime Minister over death of his mother

ANKARA, 10 October:  President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari has expressed his deepest condolences on the demise of the mother of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The President prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved Turkish Prime Minister and his family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani telephoned Prime Minister Erdogan and expressed his deepest condolences on the tragedy.  Prime Minister Gilani said, “the people of Pakistan and my family join me in extending our heartfelt condolences on the passing away of your beloved mother.”

The Prime Minister said that he received this sad news when he was on a tour to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister added we pray Almighty Allah may shower his blessings on the departed soul and grant you the courage and forbearance to overcome this personal tragedy.

DR. FIRDOUS ASHIQ AWAN LEAVES FOR TURKEY ON FIVE DAY OFFICIAL VISIT

Islamabad: 10^th October, 2011

“Pakistan & Turkey enjoy warm and cordial relations based on common faith, shared traditions and mutual goodwill”, said Federal Minister for Information and & Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan in a statement today before leaving for Turkey on a 5 day official visit. She said that both countries not only maintain cultural, commercial, and strategic cooperation but have geopolitical understandings as well.

Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan reiterated that regular exchange of high level visits between the two countries is a reflection of our close brotherly ties. She said thatPakistan values highly its relations with the brethren Muslim country and would welcome Turkish investment in energy, social sector, infrastructure, agriculture, rail & road network connectivity and particularly in the field of media.

Information Minister emphasized on the need to enhance cooperation in media sector so that both countries could learn from each other’s best practices and experiences. She added that mutual cooperation in the field of media should be further enhanced for mutual benefit of both the countries. She also lauded the help provided by Turkey to provide relief to the victims of earthquake and flood in Pakistan and expressed her gratitude to the Turkish government.

During her official visit, the Minister will offer condolences with the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on the sad demise of his mother.  She will also meet with Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Bulent Anince and other Ministers. She is also scheduled to meet with senior news editors and Bureau Chiefs including various media groups like Zaman and Hurriat groups of media.

Beside above, she would also participate in Fund Raising telethon for flood affectees of Sindh on Samanvolu TV and attend a Fund Raising dinner hosted by kimse yok mu solidarity, a local charity organization. Moreover, she will visit Faith University to meet with the Rector and to address the faculty and students.

The visit is significant in a sense that MOUs will be signed between state news agencies and televisions, APP and Anadalou News agencies, TRT and PTV. It will not only boost cooperation between the two countries in the field of Media but also devise programmes to exchange news, dramas and other technical cooperation between state televisions.

Pakistan’s Social Safety Net head urges Turkish Business Community to invest in Pakistan; Turkish NGOs keen to help flood affected beneficiaries of Pakistan; Turkish Business and Industrial Associations Express Willingness to collaborate for Poverty Alleviation

ANKARA: Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Madame Farzana Raja along with a high level delegation met here with senior management of 10 top level Turkish NGOs working in different sectors like health, education and social development. Presidents and members of Board of directors of various umbrella organizations representing multiple NGOs were also present.

Ms Farzana Raja briefed the officials in detail about various initiatives of BISP and urged for an increased cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in social sector. The NGOs displayed keen interest in the working of BISP especially Vocational and Technical Training initiative and were appreciative of the success of the Programme. Meeting was followed by a long Q & A session in which participant showed their keenness in the operational working of BISP. There was a willingness to help flood affected beneficiaries of the BISP and various ways and means in this regard were discussed. Many NGOs expressed desire of collaborating with BISP and channelizing their assistance through BISP. Madame Farzana Raja pledged full support of BISP and Government of Pakistan for this venture.

In a meeting with Mr Faik Yavuz, Vice President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) at Ankara, Madame Farzana Raja urged the business community of Turkey to help vulnerable sections of society. She said "We should move from global village of inequalities to the universal family of equalities". She referred to corporate social responsibility and said businessmen and investors should share the burden of providing social services and ensure welfare of people in their area of operations. Benazir Bhutto lived for the people of Pakistan and she sacrificed her life their cause. She believed in women empowerment and BISP is reflective of present Government’s commitment to her vision. She quoted Turkish President who in a meeting with her also termed BISP as best tribute to Benazir Bhutto Shaheed’s legacy. She said no country could achieve equitable economic development unless and until the poor sections of society are also focused.

Vice President TOBB while appreciating BISP welcomed the proposal of partnership with Pakistan in the vocational and technical training sector initiative of BISP. He also briefed Federal Minister about "Gul Train" which is a project that could gear up economic activities in our region. The project is a result of the efforts of President Zardari and President Abdullah Gul. Madame Farzana Raja took keen interest in GUL train project and suggested various measures for effective and efficient implementation of the project as it will help in improving the socio-economic condition of the region.

In Istanbul, Chairperson BISP along with the delegation met Mr. Omer Cihad Vardan, President of the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (MUSIAD) and the senior management. President MUSIAD was deeply impressed by BISP’s Poverty Survey and the extent of databank of BISP. President MUSIAD promised to share the information about BISP with the members of his association so that the platform of BISP could be used to help deprived segments of society in Pakistan. During the meeting Madame Farzana Raja’s proposal of hiring BISP trained labor force in projects of MUSIAD in Pakistan and abroad was also discussed. Secretary BISP Mr Sher Khan and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Haroon Shaukat also accompanied Chairperson BISP in these meetings. ENDS

Photo captions:

Photo-1:   Heads of leading Turkish NGOs in a a group photo with Chairperson of BISP Ms Farzana Raja meeting with heads of leading Turkish NGOs at Ankara.

Photo-2: Chairperson BISP Ms Farzana Raja presenting a commemorative shield to Mr. Faik Yavuz, Vice President, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) at Ankara on 4 October. Pakistan's Ambassador to Turkey Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat is also seen in the picture.

More photos: http://www.facebook.com/PakTurkey

Turkey offers Support in BISP’s Education Programme for Children of Beneficiary Families; Turkish Housing Development Administration to provide homes to BISP Flood Affectees Madame Farzana Raja proposed employing BISP trained labor ın Turkish Projects in Pakistan; Meets Turkish Ministers and high level officials in Ankara

ANKARA, 4 October 2011: Turkey has offered its support to Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) in starting pilot project of Conditional Cash Transfer for Education for the children of its beneficiary families. The proposal came from Ms. Fatima Shaheen, Turkish Minister for Family & Social Policy during her meeting with Federal Minister and Chairperson BISP, Madame Farzana Raja here on Tuesday.

Turkish Minister, on the occasion, promised to take up the issue in the Turkish Cabinet meeting and said that the Turkish assistance in this regard will be channelized through TIKA. Both sides emphasized on enhanced mutual cooperation in social sector projects and it was agreed that a technical team from Pakistan will visit Turkey to explore opportunities in technical cooperation in BISP programmes.

Turkish Minister emphasized on decreasing infant mortality rate in Pakistan and also offered help as policies adopted by Turkey in this regard meet European standards. Madame Farzana Raja expressed her gratitude for Turkish Government and its people for feeling the pain of Pakistani people especially during the natural disasters such as 2010 and 2011 floods and 2005 earthquake.

Madame Farzana Raja briefed the Turkish Minister for Family & Social Policy about the BISP’s nationwide poverty survey and transparency in BISP initiatives as well as the inherent qualities of BISP for women empowerment and poverty alleviation which has turned the programme into a comprehensive social safety net.  

Earlier, Madame Farzana Raja had a meeting with Mr. Mehmet Murat, Vıce President of Housing Development Administration (TOKI). On the proposal of Madame Farzana Raja, Mr. Murat showed willingness to consider allocating 4620 houses being built by TOKI for last years’ flood victims ın Pakistan to BISP’s flood affected beneficiaries.

Madame Farzana Raja also suggested that TOKI may hire BISP trained labor for their building projects in Pakistan and abroad. Vice President of TOKI appreciated the proposal and suggested that with orders from Turkish Prime Minister, his organization can assist BISP beneficiaries. Proposal for collaboration between TOKI Islamabad office and BISP also came under discussion while Madame Farzana Raja invited the President TOKI to visit BISP office in Pakistan.

Chairperson BISP also met Mr. Fatih Acar, President Social Security Institution of Turkey (SGK). She took great interest in the working of SGK especially its Health Insurance programme under which 100 % population is covered while President admired the nation-wide poverty survey conducted by BISP.

Mutual collaboration was principally agreed, especially regarding Health Insurance and Vocational Training Programme of BISP.
ENDS

International support for BISP is reflective of Programme’s transparency; says Turkish President Abdullah Gul; Promises Turkey’s contribution for BISP on continuous basis; Madame Farzana Raja meets Turkish President, hands over special letter of President Zardari

ANKARA, 3 October 2011: Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Madame Farzana Raja met here today with Turkish President H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul at the presidential palace in Ankara and handed over a special letter of the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. Madame Farzana Raja was leading a high level delegation comprising Secretary BISP Mr. Sher Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkey Muhammad Haroon Shaukat and senior officials of BISP and Pakistan Embassy.

On the occasion, President Gul congratulated the Pakistani leadership on launching a programme like BISP and said that the programme was a role model for the international community for poverty alleviatio. He said that the BISP was the best homage to the name and legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.

“International support that BISP is receiving from top financial institutions and world donors is reflective of the transparency of BISP, said President Gul. He referred to pledges made during FoDP conference in Tokyo and ensured that Turkey would fulfill all its commitment.  He also promised that Turkey would contribute positively towards BISP on a continuous basis.

Abdullah Gul on the occasion also requested Madame Farzana Raja to convey his warm greetings to President Asif Ali Zardari.

Madame Farzana Raja said Pakistan is facing many challenges including poverty and terrorism which are interlinked. The best response was through targeted social safety net in the shape of Benazir Income Support Programme, she said.

The Chairperson gave a detailed briefing about BISP. She informed that under the programme, over 5 million families are being provided cash grant and this figure will reach to 7 million with the completion of ongoing Poverty Survey. She also briefed the Turkish President about the poverty survey, which is the first of its kind in South Asia. 

In addition, these families are being provided life and health insurance, microfinance and technical and vocational training.  “With the support of World Bank and DFID, BISP is soon launching a conditional cash transfer to encourage poor families to send their children to school,” informed Madame Farzana Raja.

ENDS

Photo caption: Turkish President H.E. Mr. Abdullah Gul welcoming Federal Minister and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme Ms Farzana Raja at Presidential Palace in Ankara on 3^rd October 2011.

More Pictures: http://www.facebook.com/PakTurkey

BISP Chairperson to visit Turkey / BISP Başkanı Türkiye’yi ziyaret edecek

ANKARA, 29 September 2011: In order to generate support for Pakistan’s largest public sector social safety net initiative, Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Ms Farzana Raja, will be visiting Turkey from 3-6 October as Special Envoy of the President of Pakistan.

Leading a 5-member delegation, Ms Farzana Raja will be meeting with the Turkish leadership including H.E. President Abdullah Gul, Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Ali Babacan, Minister for Family & Social Welfare H.E. Mrs. Fatima Sahin, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) H.E. Mr. Rifat Hisarciklioglu and President of Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI) Mr. Ahmet Haluk Karabet.

BISP is Pakistan’s national social safety net initiative, aimed at providing financial assistance to the poorest in order to promote human development and alleviate poverty through providing access to income generating activities. The programme has received praise and recognition in the international community.
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Pakistan kamu sektörünün en büyük sosyal güvenlik ağı girişimine destek sağlamak amacıyla, Benazir Gelir Desteği Programı (BISP) Başkanı Bayan Farzana Raja, Pakistan Cumhurbaşkanı’nın Özel Temsilcisi olarak 3-6 Ekim tarihleri ​​arasında Türkiye'yi ziyaret edecek.

Sn.Farzana Raja beraberindeki 5 kişilik heyet ile Cumhurbaşkanı Sn.Abdullah Gül, Başbakan Yardımcısı Sn.Ali Babacan, Aile ve Sosyal Politikalar Bakanı Sn.Fatma Şahin, TOBB Başkanı Sn.Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu ve TOKİ Başkanı Sn.Ahmet Haluk Karabel ile görüşecek.

Pakistan’ın ulusal sosyal güvenlik ağı girişimi olan BISP, insan gelişimini teşvik etmek ve fakirliği azaltmak amacıyla insanların gelir getirici faaliyetlere erişimlerini sağlayarak yoksul insanlara mali yardım sağlamayı amaçlıyor. Program, uluslararası toplumun övgüsünü ve takdirini kazanmıştır.

Kimse Yok Mu establishes tent city in South Pakistan flood affected areas, Pakistan's Minister for Information inaugurages

MIRPURKHAS, Pakistan, Sept 23: Pakistan’s Federal Information Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan here Friday evening inaugurated the Tent-City established by ‘KIMSE YOKMU’ - a Turkish NGO for the flood affectees.“Government of Pakistan is grateful to the Turkish Government, the NGO and the people for helping in the setting up of the relief camp,” she said in her remarks after inauguration of the relief camp. She said the people of Mirpurkhas will never forget the gesture of goodwill and support extended by the people of Turkey to the calamity hit district.

The Information Minister, who was on a whirlwind tour of worst affected districts of the province along with the representatives of international media, said that the Federal Government has taken relief measures in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the provincial and district governments, besides, the assistance of NGOs.
“International media team has been brought here so that they could themselves see the magnitude of the disaster and plight of people due to rains and floods,” she pointed out. She said that the international media could also help the government in highlighting the plight and miseries of people at international level so that they could extend their assistance to Pakistan through the platform of the United Nations.
In addition, she said that the NGOs are also being encouraged to run the relief camps and may also seek and manage relief work through international community in an effective manner. Federal Information Minister said that President Asif Ali Zardari was himself in touch with the district governments and elected representatives to ensure full monitoring of the relief work in the affected districts.
On the occasion, MNAs from Mirpurkhas Mir Munawar Talpur and Aftab Hussain Jilani briefed the Minister and the media team about the gravity of the situation and destruction caused by floods in Mirpurkhas and adjoining areas. They said that floods have completely destroyed the whole infrastructure and agriculture besides causing loss of human lives, livestock and destruction of houses.

Turkey - Pakistan joint military exercise "Ataturk-VII" begins at Cherat, Pakistan

Lieutenant General Waheed Arshad, Chief of General Staff performed the opening ceremony of Pakistan - Turkey Joint Training Exercise ATTATURK-VII-2011 at Cherat, in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on 21st September 2011, says a press release of Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations directorate.

While addressing the participating troops, the Pakistani General said that Pakistan and Turkey are joined together with deep and abiding bonds of friendship and brotherhood which have withstood the test of times. The special relationship between the two Armed Forces will be further strengthened by this Joint Exercise, he said. Urging the troops to excel in their field, he said that troops of both countries must benefit from each other’s combat experiences.
It may be noted that Special Forces of Pakistan and Turkey conduct joint training exercises each year, held alternately in Pakistan and Turkey. The exercise held in Pakistan is named as ATTATURK and that held in Turkey is called JINNAH.
ENDS
Photo caption: Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Waheed Arshad, addressing Special Forces of Pakistan and Turkey during opening ceremony of Joint Exercise ATTATURK-VII / 2011 at Cherat (21-09-2011)

Pakistancondemns terrorists attack at Ankara, Turkey

ANKARA, 22 September: The Government of Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack in Ankaraon 20th September 2011 which killed three innocent civilians while injuring many others.The people and government of Pakistan fully share the grief of the brotherly people and the Government of Turkey and convey its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for speedyrecovery of the injured.
Pakistanand Turkey are both victims of terrorism. We stand by Turkey in the fight against terrorism. With determination and peoples’ support, we will defeat the evil forces of terrorism from our region – Inshallah.
ENDS