Pakistan’s Information Minister launches flood appeal on Turkish media

ISTANBUL, 14 October 2011:  Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan here Thursday night launched an appeal to help the 2011 monsoon flood victims of Pakistan. The appeal was launched at Samanyolu television of Turkey in collaboration with Turkey’s leading NGO Kimse Yok Mu. The Minister spoke about the magnitude of the floods and the expectations from the international community. She said we have appealed from US $ 357 million through United Nations and we have great expectations from Turkey.

“Recent floods are huge catastrophe and Pakistan government cannot handle it alone because war against terrorism and consective floods have stretched our capacities and resources” Dr. Awan said.

Dr. Awan said Pakistan is facing difficulty due to recent floods and the ongoing war on terror. “The assistance provided by the Turkish Government and people is reflection of love and solidarity towards Pakistan,” said the Minister. She said the purpose of her visit is to convey the appreciation of the people and Government of Pakistan for the tremendous support that the Turkish nation has continuously provided and to mobilize resources for helping the flood victims.

She expressed the hope that the Turkish public and private sector will come forward and help the victims of the 2011 floods. She stressed on the need for further mobilizing resources to fill the gaps in resources so that respond to the challenges of the post-flood situation.  

Vice Chairman of Kimse Yok Mu Mr. Nedim Irmak later on hosted a dinner in the honour of Dr. Firdous and her delegation. Mr. Iftikhar Durrani, Chief Executive of National Trust for Population Welfare gave a presentation about the gaps that needs civil society and international community support. Mr. Nedim said his organization will assess needs in the affected areas and respond in a best possible way. Chairperson of Bukhari Relief Foundation Khanum Tayyiba Bokhari said her NGO will provide local guidance and support to her Turkish NGO.  

ENDS

Photo Captions:

Photo-1: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan in a group photo with management of Samanyolu Television at Istanbul.

Photo2: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan presenting a commendation certificate to Vice Chairman of Kimse Yok Mu Mr. Nedim Irmak in recognition of the humanitarian services for flood victims of Pakistan.

Pakistan committed to bring peace and stability in the region – Pakistan Information Minister

ANKARA, 13 October 2011:  Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan currently visiting Turkey had a breakfast meeting with senior journalists at Ankara today and briefed them about latest situation in Pakistan and the region.

Dr. Firdous emphasized on the need of media exchange programme in both the public and private sectors which shed said will not only promote bilateral relations between the two countries but also provide an opportunity to learn from each other’s best practices and experiences.

“Pakistani society is very tolerant and enlightened, but unfortunately true image of the country is not depicted in the media” the Minister said. She said Pakistan is committed to bring peace and stability in the region.

Responding to a question regarding the role of Pakistan in war on terror, Dr. Firdous said “Pakistan is and shall remain the part of solution, not part of the problem.”  This is evident from the sacrifices by the people and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, she added.

Regarding creating better understanding between the people of the two brotherly countries, the visiting Minister proposed teaching both Turkish and Urdu languages by the colleges and universities of the respective countries. She proposed this could be achieved by offering incentives such as scholarships, stipends, internship, etc.

The audience were showed a documentary on 2011 floods and the Minister requested them to mobilize the Turkish people and the civil society to help the floods affectees.

Pakistan's information minister meets with Deputy Speaker TGNA, Energy Minister and President Turkish Red Crescent

ANKARA, 12 October 2011:  Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting in a meeting here today with Deputy Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) H.E. Mr. Mehmet Saglam discussed exchange of parliamentary delegations. She also requested him to mobilize Turkish parliamentarians to come forward and help their Pakistani bretheren affected by recent floods in Southern parts of Pakistan.

Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Pakistan is keenly following the current debate in Turkish Parliament regarding legal and constitutional reforms and would like to take benefit from the relevant laws, particularly those promoting freedom of speech and expression. She said that it is gratifying to note that our bilateral relations are reflected in our close parliamentary linkages.

 H.E. Mr. Mehmet Saglam assured the visiting Minister of their full cooperation to provide relief to flood victims. He invited her to witness the proceedings of TGNA. Dr. Firdous and her delegation members were received with applause in the visitor’s gallery by the TGNA members attending the session.

She also met with Turkish Energy Minister Mr. Taner Yildiz and apprised him of recent energy crisis in Pakistan. Dr. Firdous said Pakistan’s energy sector thus provides best opportunities for investors. The Turkish Energy Minister agreed to send a delegation of Turkish investors to Pakistan.

Later on, the Information Minister met with President of Turkish Red Crescent Society (Kizilay) Mr. Ahmet Lutfi Akar and updated him about latest relief and rehabilitation efforts made by Pakistan and international community. She emphasized on deeper collaboration between the Turkish and Pakistani Red Crescent Societies. She solicited Turkish support for building the capacity of Pakistan’s Red Crescent Society.

Mr. Akar on the occasion assured the visiting Minister about sending more medical supplies to Pakistan to help the maternal and neonatal healthcare requirements  in the affected areas.

Photo captions

Deputy Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) H.E. Mr. Mehmet Saglam presenting a memento to Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting at Turkish Grand National Assembly it Ankara on 12 October 2011

Pakistan-Turkey inks media cooperation agreement

ANKARA, 12 October: The Anadolu Agency of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan here today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Director General of Anadolu Agency H.E. Mr. Kemal Ozturk and Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkey H.E. Mr. Muhammad Haroon Shaukat signed the agreement while Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan witnessed the signing ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said Pakistan’s relations with Turkey are based on historical linkages and shared cultural heritage. She termed the agreement as an important step towards information sharing and projecting true image of the two countries.
Dr. Firdous proposed opening up bureau offices of the two agencies in each other countries. Director General Anadolo Agency accepted the proposal and said his agency will soon open a bureau office in Islamabad and would offer full cooperation to Associated Press of Pakistan under the terms of the agreement.
The Minister later on visited different facilities and witnessed a pictorial slide show depicting various aspects of the 2010 floods. The same photos were supplied to all Turkish and international media that helped galvanize Turkish support. Dr. Firdous presented a documentary on 2011 floods and requested all the Turkish media outlets to release the same in order to mobilize the Turkish people and civil society to come forward for the rehabilitation of the affectees.
Director General Mr. Kemal Ozturk said his agency is proud to have the agreement with Pakistan. He said every Turk love Pakistan and every school going child could sing ‘Jeeway Jeeway Pakistan.’

Photo caption:

Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan witnessing the signing ceremony of MoU between Anadolu Agency of Turkey and Associated Press of Pakistan while Ambassador of Pakistan H.E. Mr Muhammad Haroon Shaukat and Director General of Anadolu Agency H.E. Mr. Kemal Ozturk signing the agreement at Ankara on 12 October 2011.

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.

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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.

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