Announcement

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 25, 2003, 10:49 PM

Jamali kicks off UAE tour. Some good thoughts he shared with Pakistani Community in UAE. National Identity Card's fee has been reduced to $15 from $25, which would be valid for 10 years instead of 3.

Jamali, Nahyan hold talks on Bilateral ties

Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali arrived here yesterday on a fraternal visit to the country.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, last night received Jamali at his palace here. They discussed bilateral relations and means of boosting them for the good of the two peoples.

Earlier, he was greeted on his arrival at the airport by Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of Communications, a number of officials and Pakistani Ambas-sador Salim Ullah.
Our Staff Reporter adds: Jamali told a largely Pakistani expatriate audience here yesterday that there has been a shift in the foreign policy of Pakistan since or before the September 11 incidents.

He said the policies, which are built to protect the interests of the country, have not been weakened.

"We also protect our interests when it comes to our foreign policy," the prime minister maintained while addressing the community which was followed by a question and answer session.

Referring to bilateral relations with UAE, Jamali said the ties are deep-rooted and will further be strengthened.

He advised Pakistani community in the UAE to abide by the law and norms of the country and respect the hospitality they have been getting here.

"The UAE has done a lot for Pakistan and its people. Whether it is the education field, infrastructure or oil, there has always been a good support for us from the UAE. We are also with the UAE its people in every field," he told the audience.

The premier further advised the community to shun their political differences and keep above their backgrounds to be united for the progress of the country.

About his government's domestic policies, Jamali said he will not make promises and announce that may not be fulfilled.

"I'm a practical man. Whatever I can do for my people, I will do. Please forgive me for things that may not be able to do," he told the audience, adding the people of Pakistan are tired of empty promises by politicians and leaders.

The prime minister also announced some packages for the community members. The packages he announced on the demand of the audience included special seats for students from the UAE and other GCC countries in specialised colleges, including medical institutions, in Pakistan.

Jamali also announced the reduction in the fees for the specialised national identity card for the overseas Pakistanis from $25 to $15. He said the cards for the overseas Pakistanis will be issued for ten years instead of the current three years.

The prime minister also informed that his government was working on the resumption international flights between the UAE and Balochistan. "We are already working on it."

Jamali hails from the south western province of Balochistan.

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 27, 2003, 05:05 PM

Pakistan, Kuwait talks on Bilateral relations.
Jamali holds talks with first Dy PM; says efforts on to aver Iraq war

Pakistan, Kuwait to reactivate JMC

KUWAIT: Pakistan and Kuwait on Monday agreed to reactivate Joint Ministerial Commission to boost bilateral relations and ensure closer cooperation between the two friendly Muslim states.

The commission will soon hold its meeting in Islamabad. This was decided in the meeting of Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali with First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah soon after his arrival here from Abu Dhabi.

The focus of Premier Jamali's agenda was to seek fresh Kuwaiti investment in Pakistan, South Asian situation, particularly, Indo-Pak tension on the Kashmir dispute and fast changing situation in the Gulf region, where war clouds are hovering. Briefing journalists, accompanying the prime minister, Pakistan's Ambassador to Kuwait Shafkat Saeed said the entire range of Pak-Kuwait commercial, economic and investment relations were reviewed. He said the prime minister informed the meeting that Pakistan had achieved a considerable degree of economic stability over the past three years. The meeting was told that Pakistan expected to consolidate on these gains and take steps to further open up its economy to foreign investors.

The prime minister invited the Kuwaiti government and the private sector to come forward and examine the excellent opportunities provided by the Pakistan government. The prime minister extended an invitation to Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to visit Pakistan, which the later accepted.

Diplomatic observers, when asked to comment on the meeting, said the two sides reviewed the situation in South Asia and Premier Jamali briefed the participants about the current state of relations between India and Pakistan and the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

They said Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah expressed concern over the current state of tension and hoped that India would respond positively to Pakistan's offer for talks, which alone could lead to negotiated and peaceful settlement of Kashmir dispute.

On the question of Iraq, the two sides agreed that the conflict should be averted in this region as it might have devastating consequences for its countries and peoples. "It is extremely important to maintain and preserve peace, stability and security regionally and internationally, these sources said.

They added that the prime minister on this occasion conveyed to the Kuwaiti leaders that Pakistan supported the territorial integrity, stability and independence of all states in the region.

The prime minister expressed the hope that Iraq would unconditionally comply with all UN Security Council resolutions, saying that progress would be made in the talks over return of Kuwaiti POWs and missing persons, because Pakistan felt that it was necessary to close this tragic humanitarian chapter of the last conflict in the Gulf.

The meeting discussed the Middle East crisis and expressed the hope that Israel would implement all UNSC resolutions so that Palestinians were able to attain their inalienable right to self-determination and statehood.

Later, the prime minister addressed the Pakistani community living in Kuwait at the Bayan Palace and had free exchange of views on various matters. The prime minister advised the participants of the meeting to avoid indulging in politics being out of the country . "The right place to play politics is at home". he said.

When a questioner asked him as to when President Musharraf would wear civilian dress like him, he said General Musharraf was the head of the state and should be accorded due respect. On the question of gas pipeline blasts, the prime minister said such incidents do take place elsewhere in the world. However, he said law and order was his government's top priority area because if conducive atmosphere was not there, no foreign investment would come.

It was followed by a state banquet hosted by the first deputy prime minister at his Shaab Palace. It may be mentioned here that despite being sick, Sheikh Jabar Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received the prime minister of Pakistan at the airport and then attended the dinner as a host.

Earlier, in Abu Dhabi, Jamali said Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed that every effort should be made to avoid war against Iraq that would spell devastation for the Gulf region.

In his departure statement at the conclusion of his three-day visit, he said Iraq on its part should fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. "Preservation of peace is extremely important for the maintenance of regional and international security", the prime minister remarked.

He said: "Pakistan supports all initiatives that are being taken in an effort to resolve the crisis peacefully and through the United Nations. We also expressed unreserved support for the territorial integrity, stability and independence of all states in the region".

The premier said he has extended a cordial invitation to President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and hoped that he would visit Pakistan at an early date.

He said in the bilateral context, the two sides discussed concrete measures to enhance economic ties. He said Pakistan has achieved a considerable status of economic stability over the past three years. He said Pakistan expected to consolidate these gains and was willing to take steps to further open up country's economy to foreign investment. "We expect investors from UAE to be acquainted with the incentives provided by the Pakistan government and come forward to make investments", he added.

The prime minister said during his meeting with President Zayed he briefed him about the current state of relations between India and Pakistan, particularly with reference to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "We also exchanged views on the Middle East crisis and developments concerning Afghanistan. The role of Pakistan and UAE in combating international terrorism also came up for discussion", he added.

He thanked Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan for the hospitality extended to his delegation. At the Abu Dhabi airport, Premier Jamali was accorded a warm send of. A contingent of royal guard presented guard of honour.

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 30, 2003, 01:20 PM

Pakistan-Qatar ties to grow.

Jamali sees closer ties with Qatar

DOHA, Jan 29: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on Wednesday his useful round of talks with Qatari leadership has re-confirmed the shared perception and convergence of views of Pakistan and Qatar on bilateral and international issues.

"It also reinforced our resolve to work together for strengthening Pakistan-Qatar cooperation and for peace and progress in our regions," the prime minister said at the conclusion of his two-day visit to Qatar.

The prime minister described his talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani as useful and satisfying.

The prime minister said meeting with his Qatari counterpart enabled the two sides to review the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Jamali said he had a satisfying meeting with Emir of Qatar that reinforced shared perception and convergence of views on bilateral and international questions of interest."

The exchange of views also provided the two sides an opportunity to review situation relating to the Iraq question.

On this subject, the prime minister said: "We agreed that every effort should be made to avoid a war, which will spell devastation for the region. Iraq on its part should fully comply with all relevant UN Security Council resolutions."

Jamali termed preservation of peace extremely important for the maintenance of regional and international security.

Pakistan, he said, supported all initiatives, which were being taken in an effort to resolve the crisis peacefully and through the United Nations.

The prime minister said the two sides also expressed unreserved support for the territorial integrity, stability and independence of all states in the region.

Mr Jamali said he briefed the leadership of the brotherly state about the current state of relations between India and Pakistan, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Middle East crisis and developments concerning Afghanistan. "The role of Pakistan and the State of Qatar in combating international terrorism also came up for discussion," said the prime minister.

The two sides, he said, agreed that the bilateral relations had acquired a steady growth and positive direction consistent with the aspirations of the peoples of the two countries.

"The regularity already attained in our consultative process augers well to built relationship in the substantive areas of cooperation, in keeping with the quality of relations in the political field," the prime minister added.

Mr Jamali said the two sides also explored ways and means to enhance bilateral economic relationship and to encourage the private sector to closely interact in taking up opportunities which were mutually rewarding.

The prime minister said he expressed and the Qatari leadership noted the readiness of the Pakistani business to participate in the construction activities in Qatar's infrastructure and industrial projects.

"It was also agreed that joint business council between the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry will convene soon and take up its role in providing umbrella to promote activities in the trading, contracting, services and investments," he added.-APP

**HSK** · Jan 30, 2003, 01:23 PM

Im not sure, but didnt Jamali call students of UofKarachi Terrorists?

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 30, 2003, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by hskhan:
Im not sure, but didnt Jamali call students of UofKarachi Terrorists?

Did he talk about Students of Karachi at all?

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 31, 2003, 11:25 AM

PM returns home.

Jamali back home

ISLAMABAD, Jan 30: Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali described on Thursday his bilateral discussions with the Gulf countries as "highly satisfying" , and hoped the visit would lead to further consolidation of fraternal ties with the brotherly countries.

"It is my hope that in the follow-up of my visit, we would soon witness greater contact at the policy and technical levels, resulting in further consolidation of our relations," he told reporters while addressing a press conference at PAF Chaklala base after his return from the six-day visit of the five Gulf countries.-APP

**Imdad Ali** · Jan 31, 2003, 01:01 PM

His balochi tiribes are fighting and he is in gulf?

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 31, 2003, 02:10 PM

Tribes started fight when Jamali was in Gulf. Getta grip.

**Imdad Ali** · Jan 31, 2003, 04:55 PM

Originally posted by Pakistani Tiger:
Tribes started fight when Jamali was in Gulf. Getta grip.

So will Jamali go talk to them or like his predessocer send in the army? Force will solve nothing.

**Pakistani Tiger** · Jan 31, 2003, 04:59 PM

What bull.

Who told that forces will be used against Tribes? In fact, the idea did brought up in Federal Govt. , which in the end rejected by Govts. of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

I think Jamali will go there. After all, he paid his visit to the tribes in Oct-Nov 2002; and he's respected among the tribes.

**Pakistani Tiger** · Feb 4, 2003, 08:51 PM

Salim Bokhari concludes Mir Sahib's visit to the Gulf States.

On a peace mission in a 'war zone'

LAHORE: In the wake of serious war threats by the United States and given Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein's steadfastness, the task of any peace-maker could be enormously difficult in the prevailing situation. Yet, Pakistan's elected Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali assigned this difficult role to himself and embarked upon a peace journey to four states of the Gulf region, comprising Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

If war breaks out, Gulf States are likely to suffer disaster in one form or the other. The leaderships of these countries fully realise and anticipate how any future armed conflict is going to have lasting impact on their territories, peoples and economies. But it can do only very little to avert the war that seems so imminent.

Jamali's mission was first aimed at making last-ditch efforts to avert war, urging Baghdad to respect the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 and secondly stressing the US to explore all diplomatic options before opting for military strikes against a Muslim country.

In addition to this, Jamali thought he would also be able to update Gulf leaders on latest developments in South Asia largely due to Indian leaders' harsh statements against Pakistan, its series of missile tests and arms build-up on its borders. He also tried to remove the impression being created by BJP hawks that Pakistan was indulging in cross-border infiltration despite all assurances.

Seen in this light, Premier Jamali's visit can be termed "very successful" mainly because the Gulf leaders listened to his point of view and announced their support. For instance, all the leaders agreed that the oldest item on the United Nations agenda, the Kashmir conflict, should be resolved in accordance with the world body's resolutions, calling for holding a plebiscite there so that the Kashmir people could decide about their future.

These leaders also assured their continued economic assistance and expressed willingness to invest in Pakistan in line with relief measures taken by the Pakistan government for protecting foreign investment.

At the first leg of his tour, Prime Minister Jamali's entourage landed in Abu Dhabi where he met with United Arab Emirates President, Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan at his Al-Ain palace. The meeting was very cordial as well as fruitful. The two sides shared perception in case war breaks out in Iraq.

Although there was hardly any love lost for Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein, there was a visible concern for Iraqi nation. While Jamali said he would not like people of Iraq to become refugees, President Zayed bin Sultan also expressed his concern about war devastation to which people of that country would be subjected.

The UAE president being an old friend of Pakistan fully endorsed the country's position on the Kashmir conflict. He also pledged continuing economic assistance, expressing willingness to invest in new projects. Experts of the two sides would identify areas where such an investment would be made.

After his three-day visit of the UAE, Premier Jamali landed in Kuwait, where he was received with great enthusiasm. On all major buildings, roadsides, overhead bridges and crossings, Pakistani flags were fluttering. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, received the Pakistani delegation at the airport. Amir Kuwait Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah also received Premier Jamali.

Both sides tackled the latest developments concerning the Iraqi issue and stressed the need to achieve a peaceful solution in order to avoid war and its devastation.

They also affirmed the importance and necessity of Iraq's full compliance with relevant Security Council resolutions and above all those related to the release of the Kuwaiti and other prisoners of war.

Kashmir issue also figured in the talks prominently underlining the need for finding a peaceful solution to this conflict through direct dialogue in line with United Nations Resolutions. Jamali pointed out that Islamabad had offered un-conditional dialogue to New Delhi on several occasions but India always found lame excuses to keep itself away from the negotiating table.

Decision to reactivate the joint ministerial commission and holding its next session In Islamabad soon was another achievement of this visit. The commission will review entire range of Pak-Kuwait commercial, economic and investment relations and will look into investment opportunities.

From Kuwait, the next stop was Qatar followed by Bahrain. At both these states, Premier Jamali's delegation was warmly received. Qatari leadership termed Pakistan even closer to it than Mecca and Jeddah.

At all these destinations, Prime Minister Jamali made it a point, despite his heavy engagements, to address Pakistani community to have a direct contact with them to find out their problems and take on the spot decision.

Reducing identity card fees from US $35 to $25 to extending its expiry period from three to 10 years, he directed the embassy staff to take bare-minimum time in issuing passports and ID cards.

Another good thing was that at each gathering Premier Jamali made it clear that he would only make such promises that his government would be able to fulfil. "I don't want to keep on making hollow promises and doing nothing like the past leaderships have been doing," he stated categorically.

Yet another positive aspect of his visit was that he did not allow his team mates, Federal Minister for Information and Media Development, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and Labour Minister, Abdul Sattar Lalika have a free ride. They were found either assisting the prime minister or holding talks with their counterparts. So much so that none of the two could find an hour free to go shopping. On the whole, his hectic trip to the Gulf countries can be termed "successful" by any standard. It was a working visit and not a free ride.

**Pakistani Tiger** · Feb 14, 2003, 02:09 AM

Delightful Pakistanis livin' in Bahrain shared their moment with Mir Jamali.

Jamali visit a boon for expatriates

PAKISTANI community members were delighted by the visit to Bahrain by their Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali.

He came bearing gifts in the shape of concessions for overseas Pakistanis (OPs) and was also full of praise for the community here in Bahrain.

"Hats off to you all living in Bahrain. You are the only community from which I have not received even a single complaint," said Mr Jamali.

He was speaking at a community lunch hosted by Pakistani Ambassador Major General (retired) Sabih Uddin Bokhari, at the Sheraton Hotel.

Mr Jamali arrived in Bahrain after visiting the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar, where he also met community members.

He declared a number of immediate steps to meet long-time demands of overseas Pakistanis.
Firstly, he announced that PIA flights to and from Bahrain would increase from one to two a week.

Currently, PIA has a weekly flight from Karachi on Thursdays only. The second flight will be from Islamabad.

Secondly, registration fees for Pakistanis going for the first time to work abroad, have been slashed from Pakistan rupees 4,150 to Rs 2,500.

OPs' children studying abroad will be granted a specific number of seats in colleges and universities of Pakistan imparting professional education in engineering, medicine and commerce.

Though Mr Jamali did not mention the number of seats, he promised that a policy would soon be announced by his government.

Special monitoring teams will be formed at Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar airports to help OPs returning from abroad and gold and silver remittance card holders will be granted full priveleges, under the Customs concessions scheme.

A special Grievances Cell for Overseas Pakistanis has been established in the Prime Minister's secretariat, Islamabad and anyone facing any problem will be able to write to him.

Mr Jamali urged Pakistanis to set up investment companies by pooling their savings and reassured them that the government would do everything possible to promote their projects in Pakistan.

He also praised the Pakistan Club for its community role and suggested it launch special education programmes to preserve Pakistani values and traditions.

Club chairman Mr Mohammed Usman assured him that such arrangements are already in place.

Mr Usman presented Mr Jamali with a Pakistan Club memento at the end of the gathering.

Announcement

Prime Minister Jamali in Gulf States

Prime Minister Jamali in Gulf States

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