[Pak-Media] PR--United Nations Secretary-General's Message, on World No Tobacco Day, 31 May 2012

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PRESS RELEASE

 

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

31 May 2012

 

 

ISLAMABAD, 30 May 2012 (UN Information Centre)- The World Health Organization (WHO) has selected "tobacco industry interference" as the theme of the 2012 World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on Thursday, 31 May 2012.

 

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of death. The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are people exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless we act, it will kill up to 8 million people by 2030, of which more than 80% will live in low- and middle-income countries.

 

2012 Theme: Tobacco industry interference

 

The UN Secretary-General issued the following message on this Day:  

 

"This year's World No Tobacco Day comes at a time when the tobacco industry is taking ever more aggressive steps to undermine efforts to reduce the global menace of tobacco.  While governments and the international health community try to implement effective measures to contain tobacco use and protect the health of people, their efforts are being aggressively opposed by an industry whose products kill people.

 

Tobacco kills by causing cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases.  It is one of the leading preventable risk factors for non-communicable diseases.  Every year, about 5 million people die because they use tobacco. Another 600,000 people die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

 

Tobacco takes a pervasive, heavy toll.  It hinders development and worsens poverty.  Tobacco and poverty create a vicious circle since it is the poor who smoke most and bear the brunt of the economic and disease burden of tobacco use.  Money spent on tobacco cannot be used to pay for food, education and health care.  And tobacco use is growing fastest in low-income countries that are least equipped to deal with its consequences. 

 

The world has established effective tools to fight tobacco use and protect public health policies from being diluted by the tobacco industry.  The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control -- with 174 Parties -- became one of the most rapidly embraced treaties in United Nations history after it entered into force in 2005.  In the Political Declaration adopted at the High Level Meeting on Non-communicable Diseases last year, the international community reiterated its determination to reduce tobacco consumption and availability.

 

 Tobacco control is essential to achieving our global development goals.  If we do not step up our efforts to control it, tobacco could kill up to one billion people this century.  The interests of the tobacco industry and of public health are directly opposed.  Since the Framework Convention came into force the tobacco industry has been battling against protective measures with no thought for peoples' health.  But we are making progress.  Some countries have reduced smoking by up to 25 per cent within only three years from implementing strong tobacco control measures in line with the Framework Convention.

 

On this observance of World No Tobacco Day, I urge all governments and civil society to prevent the tobacco industry from derailing the implementation of the Framework Convention.  Let us resist the industry's attacks and pursue our vision of a tobacco-free world."

 

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Recent Activity:
Editor,
Tariq Khattak.
0300-9599007 and 0333-9599007
Tariqgulkhattak@gmail.com
.

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[Pak-Media] Email Addresses of Reporters Needed

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Dear All,
We have been told to avoid wide circulation of Press Releases in media.
We have been asked to send it to beat reporters only.
We have decided to give it a try.
Those who want to receive our PRs should please send their email addresses on below
Mentioned addresses  so that we can make a list.
media.pesa@yahoo.com OR media.pesa@gmail.com
Regards
Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association

__._,_.___
Recent Activity:
Editor,
Tariq Khattak.
0300-9599007 and 0333-9599007
Tariqgulkhattak@gmail.com
.

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PR--FBR attaches PTA accounts in on-going tax recovery drive

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GOVERNMNT OF PAKISTAN
(REVENUE DIVISION)
FEDERAL BOARD OF REVENUE
********

PRESS RELEASE

FBR ATTACHES PTA ACCOUNTS IN ITS ONGOING TAX RECOVERY DRIVE
Islamabad the 29th May, 2012
Recovery action on PTA
FBR in its ongoing campaign to recover outstanding tax liabilities against various companies, the Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU), Islamabad has attached all Bank Accounts of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) which owed Rs.3.6 billion to the exchequer on account of Income Tax.
The PTA was served with recovery notice under Section 138(10 of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, to deposit the outstanding liabilities by 28th of May 2012 which it failed to do so. Accordingly, various teams were formed by Chief Commissioner, LTU, Islamabad to recover the amount from PTA through attachment of bank accounts and its receivables from mobile operators, wireless local loop (WLL) operators, Long Distance & International (LDI) operators, land line (LL) operators and Ministry of Information Technology.
Recovery action on Mobilink
Earlier this week, LTU Islamabad had attached bank accounts of Pakistan Mobile Communications' (Mobilink) and blocked its imports to recover through suppliers of the company, which included other telecom companies as well. Consequent upon Mobilink's decision to avail Tax Surcharge and Penalty Waiver Scheme by FBR, the LTU Islamabad has agreed to resolve the issue of recovery of outstanding tax dues amicably. Revenue of Rs. 2.5 billion will be paid by Mobilink by 30th May, 2012 due to prompt recovery action by LTU, Islamabad.   
(Riffat Shaheen Qazi)
Member (FATE) /
Official Spokesperson, FBR



--
Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Talpur
Second Secretary (Public Relations)
FATE Wing, Federal Board of Revenue,
Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5,
Islamabad, Pakistan

PR--Malaysians develop taste buds for Biryani as Pak rice gains popularity

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                                      PRESS SECTION
                     HIGH COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN
                                      132 Jalan Ampang,
                                Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
                        Tel (603) 2161-1370, Fax (603) 2161-0384

Press Release

Malaysians develop taste buds for Biryani as Pak rice gains popularity

From being served merely at weddings and special events until recently, Biryani has increasingly found its way into the ordinary restaurants across Malaysia due to the richness of taste and aroma it offers to the rice-loving Malays.
Yet another reason that has popularized the Biryani dish in Malaysia is a growing realization among the locals who see Basmati rice as containing less starch than regular white rice, making it a healthier option for them, says a feature report by Bernama on the popularity of Biryani dish in Malaysia.
Speaking to the news agency, Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia Masood Khalid says his country is aware of the potential of Pakistani Basmati rice and its high demand in Malaysia and to increase rice exports to Malaysia, Pakistan is looking at a joint venture with Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas). "Our discussion with Bernas is being done in stages. To date, Bernas has sent two groups of representatives to Pakistan to sign agreements with Pakistani exporters, following the floods in Thailand and Vietnam that affected rice imports to Malaysia," he said, adding "we are soon expecting to see Bernas in Pakistan again ... I hope the joint venture will benefit both parties".
Masood Khalid said the Pakistani government was also planning visits from and consistent contacts with Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, apart from asking Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP) to consider exporting rice to Malaysia. "Pakistan's domestic use of rice is about 2.5 million tonnes, so there is actually enough excess for exporting to Malaysia.
"However, the last word is still with the Malaysian government," Masood stated, adding that rice exports from Pakistan to Malaysia last year increased by 20.3 percent or 148,000 tonnes.
Currently, rice is the third biggest crop in Pakistan, after wheat and cotton. According to the Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP), Pakistan cultivates various types of rice, including Super Basmati, Basmati PK-385, Irri-6, Irri-9 and KS-282. However, Pakistan is better known for its aromatic types of Basmati, namely, Super Basmati and Basmati PK-385.
According to the Pakistan High Commissioner Masood Khalid, the type of Basmati used is the most important element in the preparation of a Biryani dish. "I personally believe that the main thing in the preparation of a delicious Biryani dish is quality rice, followed by a combination of spices that makes for a unique taste. Besides that, the quality of meat used and a classic recipe will contribute to the tastiness of the dish," said Masood, who is very fond of Biryani himself.
"Spices play an important role in making a Biryani. You can smell the aroma of a tasty Biryani from far away," he added.
The right type of rice is essential for preparing the different types of Biryani. Chef Mustafa Hamud Badar, 37, who is the head chef of the Al-Rawsha Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, attests to this. The restaurant specializes in the traditional dishes of Yemen and Lebanon.
According to Mustafa, Yemenites use different types of rice for different dishes such as Mandy, Kebsa or Madghut. "For Mandy, we use the Triple A (Grade 3) type of rice. For Kebsa or Madghut, the same rice is used but of a different grade, Grade 2," Mustafa told Bernama with the help of the translator Sharifah Zainab Syed Ahmed, who is also the managing director of the restaurant.
Mustafa asserted that different types of rice require different cooking methods, which help maintain the quality and taste of the Biryani. "To prepare Mandy rice, for example, we need to use better quality rice (Grade 3) because it will be cooked over a period of four hours.
"The Mandy rice will be cooked for that period in a charcoal-filled oven that is six to seven feet deep. This will prevent the rice grains from sticking to one another. To heighten the aroma and taste, coarse and fine salt are added to a concrete and steel ring situated around the oven," added Mustafa, who has 11 yeas of cooking experience.
The Kebsa and Madghut dishes, however, are not as complicated to prepare, and their rice takes only an hour to cook.
Mustafa pointed out that rice is such an integral element in a Biryani dish that regular customers to Al-Rawsha – be they locals or Arabs – can identify a Mandy dish by its rice, as soon as it is served.
"Before cooking, the Basmati rice has to be soaked for at least half an hour before it is washed.
"This intricate process determines the tastiness of a Biryani rice dish," remarked Mustafa, who also revealed his amazement at how well received Arab food is in Malaysia.
Some distinguished diners have become regulars at the restaurant since it opened in the city centre two years ago. These include local celebrities, politicians, dignitaries and members of the royalty.
Biryani rice is believed to have originated from Iran. While Iranian merchants and travelers indirectly introduced the Biryani to several continents during their travels, its popularity reached its peak in India.
According to the Malay Chef at Prince Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur, Shahrom Saari, the difference in Biryani dishes across the continents lies in the concoction of herbs and spices that are unique to a region.
"For example, in Arab countries and Pakistan, the concoction of spices sold under the brand names Shaan, Mehran and National are used. The concoction is placed in a spice bag and boiled with the rice to enhance the flavour. Meanwhile, in India, the flavours are attained by frying the grama Masala (blend of ground spices) first," explained Shahrom.
In Malaysia, lemongrass and pandan (screwpine) leaves are easily attainable, and thus locals prefer to use them in preparing Biryani dishes.
"The usage of cooking oils also differs. Cooks in Arab countries prefer to use olive oil, while those in the Indian sub-continent are partial to ghee," he added.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29th May, 2012

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Hamid Raza Khan
Press Attache
High Commission for Pakistan
132 Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: hamidwattoo@gmail.com

Office: +603-21611370
Cell: +6-0102441963
Fax: +603-21610384
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Footballer “Chicharito” named UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico

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Dear all,

Please find attached our latest news note, about footballer Chicharito named UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico. Please do not hesitate to contact us, for any additional information about this topic and about UNICEF’s work in Mexico. You may also follow us on facebook and twitter. To be removed from this list, please click “darse de baja” below.

UNICEF Mexico
mexico@unicef.org

Footballer “Chicharito” named UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico



México City, 26 May 2012: Mr. Javier Hernández, also known as “Chicharito” or “Little Pea”, was named a UNICEF National Ambassador for Mexico today. Mr. Hernández is a football player in Mexico’s national team and also plays for the British team Manchester United.

“Mr. Hernández is a young man who, through his own life, has demonstrated a clear ability to set and achieve his goals”, said Susana Sottoli, UNICEF’s Representative in the Latin American country. “He has been faithful to his principles, and keenly focused on his objectives. I trust that he will be able to pass his approach to the children and adolescents of Mexico. It is therefore a great pleasure for me to name him as our National Ambassador, and welcome him as he joins our efforts for Mexico’s children”.

Mr. Hernández’s talent has enabled him to play in one of the United Kingdom’s best-known football teams, and to become one of his own country’s most important footballers. But beyond his sports achievements, he has displayed keen interest and determination to contribute to the present and future of Mexico’s youths, especially those most in need – which led to his designation as National Ambassador.

“When I heard that UNICEF wished to invite me to become a National Ambassador, immediately I thought: if it’s about doing something for the kids of my country, I am in”, said Mr. Hernández during the designation ceremony. “And now that this day has come, I want to express my excitement and my commitment. We have a lot of work ahead of us, so that all the children and adolescents of Mexico may fully exercise their rights and enjoy all that they are entitled to”. “Being a UNICEF National Ambassador is a significant responsibility. I am now a spokesperson for this great organization, and must call people to action in order to help millions of children and adolescents have access to the same opportunities and to a better life”, he added.

Mr. Hernández asked his compatriots to help overcome the deep inequalities that affect children and adolescents in Mexico. “Let’s unite for children, let’s keep up our score in achieving a better present for Mexico’s children and adolescents”, he said. Before the designation ceremony, the new National Ambassador had a conversation with a group of children and adolescents, to exchange opinions about the issues that concern them and affect their development. Children and adolescents were able to express their concerns, in the hope that Mr. Hernández will be able to play a key role in supporting UNICEF address them.

UNICEF Mexico intends to capitalize on Mr. Hernández’s designation in order to create increased awareness around the need to give a better present and future to hundreds of thousands of children who live in poverty, who leave school and are obliged to work – thereby infringing children’s rights while also inhibiting Mexico’s development prospects. Although Mexico is a prosperous and modern middle-upper-income country, disparities are astounding.

For more than half a century, UNICEF National Ambassadors have helped improve the lives of children worldwide, by mobilizing public opinion around their situation and appealing for resources to support UNICEF’s programmes. Mr. Hernández is hence joining a long list of UNICEF celebrity spokespersons, who use their talent and fame for the cause of children’s rights. In Mexico, Mr. Hernández joins two existing National Ambassador: singer and actor César Costa (since 2004) and singer Julieta Venegas (since 2009).

Note to media: Photos of the event may be downloaded at http://www.flickr.com/photos/unicefmexico

About UNICEF UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For more information about UNICEF and its work in Mexico visit: www.unicef.org/mexico
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

For more information, please contact:

Maurizio Giuliano
Chief of Communication
UNICEF Mexico
Tel +5255 52849555

Media Advisory: Press Conference - "Independence of judiciary: UN expert mission to Pakistan"

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MEDIA ADVISORY


Independence of judiciary: UN expert mission to Pakistan

Islamabad (28 May 2012) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul,  is on a visit to Pakistan from 19 to 29 May 2012, to gather first-hand information and identify general trends in respect of the independence of judges and lawyers in the country.

Ms. Knaul visited Pakistan at the invitation of the Government. During her 11-day mission, she met with Government representatives, UN agencies, international and regional organizations, national judicial and human rights institutions and law professionals, as well as non-governmental, civil society and community organizations, in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore.

At the end of the visit on Tuesday 29 May, a press conference will be held at the Sheesh Mahal, Serena Hotel in Islamabad from 3-4 pm.

You are kindly requested to attend the press conference.


For more information and media requests, please contact:

Amanda Flores (+4179 752 0485/aflores@ohchr.org) or write toSRindependencejl@ohchr.org
Alice Harding Shackelford (+923008542243 /alice.shackelford@unwomen.org)

Inviation for Afghan Peace Jirga- May 29-30, 2012 at Peshawar

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Invitation for Afghan Peace Jirga on May 29, 30, 210 at Peshawar
You are invited to attend the Afghan Peace Jirga on May 29 and 30 at Nishtar Hall Peshawar. The Jirga is organized by Pushtoon Nationalist Leader Afzal Khan Lala, supported by provincial chapters of JUI-F, PPP, ANP, PML-N, PML-Q , NP, APP, and other literary, cultural and Pushtoon civil society organizations. The Jirga will deliberate on the prospect of peace and related challenges/issues faced by the Pushtoon living on both sides of Pak-Afghan border besides finding ways and means for achieving durable peace in the region.  The Jirga is expected to be attended by tribal elders, intellectuals from Sindh, Baluchistan and FATA besides representatives from Pushtoon Diaspora from western countries. A delegation from Afghanistan is also expected to attend it.  
Member Jirga Media Committee
Aimal Khan
0300-8599340

Wake Up Pakistan!

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No doubt, Honourable Mr. Muzaffar Jamali Sahib, has proved that greatest and most patriotic Pakistanis, are found in Baluchistan.

Government of Pakistan, MUST announce the highest Civilian Award of Nishan-e-Pakistan, to the School Principal, Mr. Muzaffar Jamali, whose 10-year-old Son was killed while the Principle and his two daughters Amira and Arifa and a passerby sustained ...bullet injuries, for singing national anthem in the school, despite a warning.

As reported by a newspaper of Sunday 27 May, 2012, the DCO Kharan, told journalists on Saturday that the Principal had been threatened by the Baloch separatists, for singing national anthem, in his school.

Now, the government must move swiftly, to provide the best medical aid possible, not only in Pakistan but, anywhere in the world, to save the lives of all the injured persons in this dastardly attack, on Honouable Mr. Muzaffar Jamali sahib and his family.

Moreover, now since the water has passed over the head, the government must wake up from the deep slumber and as suggested by the Honourable Chief Justice of Supreme Court of Pakistan, either impose Martial law or emergency (as permissible under the provisions of the constitution of Pakistan), to immediately stem the rot, created by the inept and thoroughly incompetent, provincial government of the Baluchistan.

We salute all those Patriotic Pakistanis, who are holding the national flag high, in the turbulent province of Baluchistan, notwithstanding extremely real threat to their lives and property.

Syed Nayyar Uddin Ahmad
Lahore - Pakistan

Journalist Arshad Malik's mother passes away, Soyam tomorrow

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Staffer-Aggrieved

APP staffer's mother dies, Soyam to be held tomorrow (Monday)

Mother of APP staffer and renowned journalist,
Arshad Malik, breathed her last at a local hospital on early Sunday morning
after a protracted illness.

Her namaz-e-janaza was offered here at Darbar Saain Bhaag Sarkar, Sohan
village. Former minister information Mohammad Ali Durrani, Managing
Director APP Rao Tehsin Ali Khan, senior officer ministry of information
Zahoor Ahmed Barlas, political leaders and members of the journalist
fraternity attended the funeral.

Her soyam would be held at Darbar Saain Bhaag Sarkar, Sohan village at
10:00a.m. on Monday.

PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, secretary general Senator
Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Secretary Finance Imtiaz Ranjha, Deputy Secretary
Information Ghulam Mustafa Malik, PPP leader Farhatullah Babar have
condoled the sad demise of Arshad Malik's mother. They prayed for solace of
the departed soul and strength to the members of the bereaved family to
bear the irreparable loss.

--
With profound regards,


Mian Abrar Hussain,
Journalist, Islamabad.
Cell No. 03332372222

PR--Failed invasion of Afghanistan made US, allies desperate

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Reduced, Changed and Repeated

Futility of Afghan invasion drives US, allies desperate
Pakistan's participation in NATO Summit a blunder


Rawalpindi: [May 27]
The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) has said President Asif Ali Zardari should not have attended Chicago Summit which offered nothing but disappointment and extended pressure to do more.

Obama and leaders of other major NATO countries couldn't spare time for formal meetings with President Zardari, it said.

 This Executive Council meeting of PESA observed that Pakistan served US interests for six decades but its sacrifices and contributions have been forgotten which is evident from the anti-Pakistan attitude of the US.

 NATO cannot have a free ride after 11 years of supply operations which caused damage and tax evasion worth billions of dollars.

America has planned to contain China by transforming India as a regional super power for which it wants Balkanization of Pakistan, it was observed.

The invasion of Afghanistan has not served US agenda therefore they are now acting in desperation.

Many Americans have been fed with wrong information who are now calling Pakistan their biggest enemy and persuading their government for nuclear strikes

Former military leaders said that America has punished renowned Kashmiri leader Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai on charges of working for ISI. How can she claim that Shakil Afridi is innocent who they admit has worked for CIA.

 Aid cut and other threats over Dr Afridi's conviction are sheer blackmailing which will make relations more problematic.

It is now for the people to decide whether they would like to keep standing as a free nation or go down on their knees begging for mercy.

ENDS
======================================================

General Secretary: Brig. Syed Masud ul Hassan, 29, Khurshid Alam Road,West Ridge, Rawalpindi. Phone: 0321-5176050 http://www.pesapk.com

Patron in Chief: Air Marshal Asghar Khan, Patron:  Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat,
President: Lt. Gen Ali Kuli Khan, SVP:  Admiral Ahmad Tasnim.
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