Paksitan National Day 2013

73rd

National Day Supplement

12 Saturday, March 23, 2013

Uphold democratic Let’s adhere to Quaid’s message values, traditions

M

T

HE Pakistan Day this year will go down in history of the country as a memorable day when the democratically elected Parliament and the government completed, for the first time, its constitutionally mandated term and the nation is poised for a democratic transition. It is indeed a watershed mark and a giant leap forward in the nation’s quest for democracy, federalism and constitutionalism for which Pakistan was created.

On this auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day today I wish to greet the entire Pakistani nation and also urge the people to rededicate themselves to upholding these principles.

Seventy-three years ago on this day the Muslims of the subcontinent resolved to achieve a separate homeland for themselves and then set out to actually achieve it within a short span of seven years. It is therefore an auspicious day as it symbolizes the expression of the collective will of the Muslims of the subcontinent and is a reminder of their unity of thought in search of their common destiny.

Pakistan Day, each year, is an occasion to reiterate our commitment to the ideals for which Pakistan was created. It is also an occasion to pay tributes to the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, as well as to all those who struggled, suffered and sacrificed for the cause.

Let us remind to ourselves on this day that Pakistan was created as a result of democratic struggle and its survival and wellbeing also depends on democracy. It is a

manifestation of the democratic ethos of our people that the elected Parliament first purged the Constitution of dictatorial clauses and then completed its full five year term.

I wish to compliment the nation for this.

Let us on this day resolve that we will not permit anyone to trample on democratic aspirations of the people. This requires that we work in the spirit of tolerance, mutual accommodation and respect for dissent. It also requires that the Parliament, the people and all institutions of the state will work in harmony.

My Allah bless us in our efforts to prove ourselves worthy inheritors of the homeland and heritage bequeathed to us by our forefathers.

Asif Ali Zardari President of Pakistan

ARCH 23 is a landmark day in Pakistan movement. On this very day, the Muslims of sub-continent adopted the Lahore Resolution, which heralded the beginning of practical struggle for attainment of Pakistan. Lahore Resolution, which was later named as the Pakistan Resolution was a great demonstration of unity by the Indian Muslims. This Resolution implanted in them an extraordinary courage and zeal for a separate homeland. It also provided a meaningful direction to their struggle.

On March 2, 1941, while addressing the Muslim Students Federation, Quaid-e-Azam said: “The only durable solution to the problems of Indian Muslims is the division of the country so that both the nations could progress economically, socially and politically according to their capability.”

The object of the Muslims’ struggle was to establish such an independent state where they could freely live their individual and collective life according to their traditions. With the blessings of Allah Almighty, today we are living in an independent, sovereign and demo-

cratic country. It is now our duty to put the country on the trajectory of development and prosperity, a dream dreamed by our forefathers and for whose realization they made untiring efforts and rendered exemplary sacrifices.

It is a special favor of Allah Almighty that a democratic government achieved the milestone of completing its constitutional tenure. This represents a giant step forward in our struggle for promotion of democratic values and continuity of democracy.

We are reviving the memory of Pakistan Resolution and celebrating it at a time when the country heads toward parliamentary elections and the people remain eager and passionate for the conduct of fair, free and transparent polls in the country.

This is what the Father of the Nation envisaged. He wanted democracy to flourish in Pakistan and its fruits

delivered to the people. Allah Almighty be thanked that He enabled us to rise to the challenge on this count.

I am confident that people will elect the best leadership in forthcoming polls in the country by using their sound political judgment and awareness. Only a leadership that represents aspirations and enjoys the confidence of the masses can realize the dreams of Quaid-e-Azam and the leaders of freedom movement.

We need to adhere to the Quaid’s message that he delivered to the nation on March 23, 1944: “Let us so move forward in such by equipping ourselves with hope that there is firm faith in our hearts, unity in ranks and discipline in our work. If it so happened, I am fully convinced of success to come our way.”

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Prime Minister of Pakistan

We are proud of our democratic principles

O

N the auspicious occasion of 73rd National Day of Pakistan, I wish to extend my heart-felt felicitations to Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia. On this historic day in 1940, the Muslims of South Asia passed a resolution to establish a separate homeland for themselves where they could lead their lives according to their faith and aspirations.

Pakistan has made great strides as an independent and strong Islamic state. Today, we are proud to have a

democratic government, independent judiciary, free media, and vibrant civil society. Our large pool of trained and experienced engineers, bankers, lawyers and other professionals with substantial international experience is an asset not only for Pakistan but also for the entire world.

Pakistan is an important member of the world community today. Its contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in the world can hardly be matched by any other state.

As a frontline state in the fight against terror, we have paid a heavy price in terms of loss of precious lives and billions of dollars to the economy. Thousands of our innocent people and valiant soldiers have laid down their lives for the noble cause.

But this has only made us more determined and resolute. Pakistan is also one of the largest contributors to the United Nations’ Peacekeeping Force for maintenance of peace and

security around the globe.

Pakistan enjoys a special relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on the solid foundations of Islamic identity, common historical experiences, and shared perceptions on all national and international issues. As keeper of the Holy Lands, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is looked at with deep love by

the people of Pakistan. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz and the entire royal family are held in high esteem in Pakistan.

The government and the people of Pakistan take great pride in the enormous contributions made by the Pakistan community in the Kingdom toward the progress and prosperity of both countries. Through its dedication, professionalism and hard work, the Pakistani expatriate community has cemented the bonds between the people of the two brotherly countries.

I am confident that the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to grow in the coming years.

Long live Pakistan! Long live Pakistan-Saudi Arabia friendship!

Muhammad Naeem Khan Ambassador of Pakistan

73rd

National Day Supplement

Pak-Saudi Arabia relations instrumental in regional peace

O

N the auspicious occasion of the National Day of Pakistan, I wish to convey my deepest felicitations to all Pakistanis particularly those residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Seventy-three years ago, the Muslims of South Asia resolved to establish an independent state where they could lead their lives in accordance with the Islamic ideals of freedom, sovereignty, democracy, equality, justice, tolerance and non-discrimination. These founding principles were faithfully upheld by our forefathers under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah during the glorious struggle which led to the establishment of Pakistan. After independence, these principles formed the legal and political foundation of Pakistan.

Since its establishment, Pakistan has faced several challenges. And each time it emerged more resilient and stronger after successfully dealing with these challenges.

As in the past, our nation is determined to tackle the challenges we face today with an unwavering sense of obligation to the founding principles of Pakistan. We must seek inspiration from numerous sacrifices rendered by our nation in the making of Pakistan, in protecting our sovereignty and independence and in sustaining social and economic development of our country.

On this occasion, I also wish to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the vibrant and dynamic Pakistan community in Saudi Arabia. Our community has served both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with characteristic fervor, loyalty, commitment, diligence and dedication. It is, in fact, the most unmistakable link between our two countries. It is my hope that members of the Pakistan community will continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and to Pakistan's brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia, which is their second home.

The Consulate General of Pakistan, Jeddah, has always striven to provide the best possible consular and welfare services to all members of our industrious community. We are planning several initiatives to further improve these and other services at the consulate. I am sure that the cooperation and support of Pakistanis in the Kingdom will remain available to us in this endeavor.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share common political, strategic and economic objectives. We have jointly worked to achieve durable peace and security for our region and beyond. We are also determined to promote sustainable socio-economic development not only for our respective peoples but also for the Islamic Ummah at large.

Let us pledge to redouble our efforts to further deepen the existing all weather and time tested relationship between Pakistan and brotherly Saudi Arabia.

Let us pray for the security and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Long live Pakistan! Long live PakistanSaudi Arabia friendship!

Aftab A. Khokhar Consul General of Pakistan

Investment opportunities galore

Hafsa Khaled

F

OREIGN direct investment (FDI) is generally seen as bringing growth, jobs, technology, skills, market access and development.

Currently more than 90 percent of the government policies in the third world are FDI-driven; as they view it as the engine of development, and that without FDI there will be no growth.

It is widely believed that FDI brings inter alia efficient management of resources, technology, a culture of competition, and access to global markets. FDI is the best source of development finance, on the grounds, among others, that it is self-liquidating since foreign investors have to show profits for the host country as well as for themselves.

Pakistan is amongst the important emerging economies of the South Asian region, with a population of 180 million plus, presenting the ideal location for access to all the growing markets of the world, with liberal and investor friendly policies. In Pakistan, foreign and domestic investors can directly invest in every sector. There are no limitations on even bringing in or taking out capital.

The government of Pakistan desires to encourage investors in order to support investment activities in Pakistan, which is a gateway of foreign investors into Central Asia through which the volume of external trade can be expanded.

Almost 70 percent of FDIs has come into power sector, telecommunications, chemicals, pharmaceutical and fertilizer, oil and gas and banking and finance. Large size of market, more domestic investment, trade liberalization, little indirect taxes, low inflation, and low external debt are encouraging FDI inflows into Pakistan.

Significant improvements in the country’s overall macroeconomic environment backed by sound policies have helped attract relatively large inflows of FDI in Pakistan.

The investment policy of Pakistan offers proactive facilitation, guarantees of equal treatment to both local and foreign investors, easy tariff structures and a liberal

regime on repatriation of profits. These strategies have borne results with a record inflow of foreign investment of US $ 23 billion during the last 10 years. Pakistan in the recent past was no exception to global financial crisis coupled with domestic difficulties but the economy has shown resilience to the shocks and has maintained global and regional patterns and has performed better than some of the neighboring countries. The World Bank Report of 2013 confirms that Pakistan ranks ahead of Russia, Indonesia, Brazil, India and Philippines.

Recently, Pakistan showed an increase in the FDI by 6 percent in the first six months of the current fiscal year. Pakistan attracted a total of $ 562.8 million FDI during JulyDecember, 2012, as against $ 531.1 million

Pakistan is amongst the important emerging economies of the South Asian region, presenting the ideal location for access to all the growing markets of the world. received during the corresponding period last year. An improvement in the foreign direct inflows is mainly driven by the investment in the oil and gas exploration and financial sectors by the global companies in the country.

Foreign investment in Pakistan is fully protected through Foreign Private Investment (Promotion & Protection) Act, 1976, and Protection of Economic Reforms Act, 1992. Pakistan has a very liberal policy on repatriation for foreign direct investors.

Therefore, investing in Pakistan may give foreign direct investors the following added advantages:

• Remittance of royalty, technology and franchise fee is allowed in projects in social service, infrastructure, agriculture and international chains food franchise.

• Minimum share of the local (Pakistani) partner in a joint venture will be 60:40 for the service sector. However, 100 percent foreign equity can be owned for the first 5 years.

• The FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) will not question as to the source of investment. However, the FBR will only like to know whether the investor has paid requisite income tax on that specific investment. The FBR will not inquire into the source of the funds.

• Foreign investors are allowed to invest in industrial project on 100 percent equity basis without any permission from the government.

• There is no requirement for a noobjection certificate (NOC) from the provincial government.

• In addition to manufacturing sector, foreign investment on a repatriate-able basis is allowed in services, infrastructure and social sectors.

• Full repatriation of capital gains, dividends and profits • The facility for contracting foreign private loans is available to all those foreign investors who make investment in the approved sectors.

• Foreign controlled manufacturing concerns are allowed to borrow on the domestic market according to their requirements.

• Foreign controlled semi-manufacturing and non-manufacturing concerns can access loans equal to @ 75 percent and 50 percent, respectively, of their paid up capital including reserves.

The Board of Investment being fully conscious of global economic competitiveness has introduced the Special Economic Zones Act 2012 (SEZ), which will allow to create industrial cluster with liberal incentives, infrastructure, investor facilitation services to enhance productivity and reduce cost of doing business for economic development and poverty reduction. The law further envisages reducing processes through SEZ in Pakistan.

Continued on Page 14

13

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Youths need to work hard for progress and prosperity

I

take immense pleasure in expressing my heartfelt felicitations to the Pakistani nationals on the occasion of the 73rd Pakistan National Day today.

As we celebrate Pakistan Day, let’s renew our pledges to make Pakistan a prosperous, strong and a developed country. This is only possible when we fulfill our national obligations to work diligently toward the betterment of our beloved country and strive to make a prosperous and sovereign state. Let’s not forget and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed and struggled for the creation of our beloved homeland. We ought to be proud of our heritage and identity.

I would also advise the students (future architects of Pakistan): Never deny your identity as citizens of Pakistan. We have to try within ourselves to make Pakistan progress and we should leave no stone unturned. We need to change our attitudes. We have to take on our own responsibilities and work on them.

You are not acquiring education for yourselves but also for your country.

Any nation can only progress when the young generation is educated… when the people are ready to take on the challenges of the world. You should have faith and hope to step forward.

You are not only making your career but future of Pakistan and you will surely accomplish success.

Your priorities should be faith, loyalty, unity and discipline. If you take a responsibility today things will be brighter tomorrow for a brighter Pakistan.

I also call upon the Pakistani community to work with dedication and

I would also advise the students (future architects of Pakistan): Never deny your identity as citizens of Pakistan. devotion for the growth and development of not only Pakistan but also Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have strong brotherly ties based on love, affection, mutual respect and care for each other. People of Pakistan have always felt a special reverence for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the land where Islam originated. Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a leading Muslim state. Close geographical proximity, religious affinity, historic trade ties, defense cooperation and economic facilitation have developed trustworthy relations between the two countries.

More than 1.5 million Pakistanis are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has always been a second home for Pakistanis, who feel blessed to contribute to the progress a n d pros-

perity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

We want to see the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strong and stable, as the strength and stability of the Kingdom are our own strength and stability. And here I would say with pride and conviction that a strong and stable Pakistan is the strength of Saudi Arabia.

I have expressed my sincere gratitude to the HRH King Abdullah, Custodian of the two Holy Mosques through my book, 'King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud — Rationalism and Wisdom.' I hope the book would be a new addition and awareness for the development and further strengthening of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia relations.

I pray for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. May Allah SWT bestow His choicest blessings and protect Pakistan and Muslim Umah from all disaster and enemies!

(Ameen) Long live Pakistan!

Long live PakistanSaudi Arabia friendship!

Mrs. Sehar Kamran SenatorPakistan; PISJ-ES Principal

73rd

National Day Supplement

14

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Ties with Kingdom touch new heights Muhammad Naeem Khan

O

N the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, I consider it appropriate to give a brief account of the significant momentum that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have gained in developing relations since Pakistan Day last year.

During the period, we have tried to provide impetus to the process of improvement in bilateral relations through two tracks. The first track is through further institutionalization of our bilateral cooperation, while the second track is that of increased contacts at the leadership level.

On the first track, we have focused on breathing life into the bilateral Joint Ministerial Commission. It is a forum in which all the important economic and commercial organs in both countries get together and work on increasing cooperation through coordinated action. The two countries' officials held a highly productive meeting of the Commission in September last year in Islamabad. The process set in motion by the meeting will result in increased coordination and cooperation between the concerned officials in a wide range of departments and ministries.

The Joint Ministerial Commission was led by the energetic and dynamic Commerce and Industry Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabiah, who takes a personal interest in enhancing economic cooperation with Pakistan.

During his visit to Pakistan, he led a large and important business delegation which was able to witness first-hand the vast opportunities that exist for cooperation between the two countries.

Likewise, a delegation of Saudi Food and Drug Authorities undertook a visit to Pakistan in March 2012 initiating a process which will soon result in the licensing of 14 Pakistani food companies in the Kingdom. In line with the strategy to enhance high-level contacts, several visits have been exchanged between the two sides in recent months. Abdul Aziz Khoja, minister of information and culture, visited Islamabad on April 3 last year and held fruitful meetings there. During the visit, we were able to work out several proposals on increasing collaboration between the media houses in our

two brotherly countries. Another significant visit was that of Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, vice foreign minister, who visited Pakistan on April 10, 2012. During the visit, he called on the president and prime minister of Pakistan and held talks with the foreign minister.

The visit was also significant because the two sides agreed to work out a road map for bilateral relations with special emphasis on institutionalizing the partnership.

From Pakistani side, the prime minister visited the Kingdom twice. During the first visit on July 16, 2012, he was received warmly by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah. Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani also visited the Kingdom on April 3, 2012. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar was accorded warm welcome in the Kingdom when she visited Saudi Arabia on Jan. 1-2, 2013 at the invitation of her Saudi counterpart Prince Saud Al Faisal. She also called on Crown Prince Salman. During the bilateral consultations between the two dignitaries, attended by Vice Foreign Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah, Prince Saud termed the bilateral relationship as "solid and historic" and said that the two countries saw "eye to eye" on all issues. The two dignitaries agreed on further steps to institutionalize bilateral cooperation and to translate the brotherly sentiments existing between the two countries into practical cooperation. These visits ensured the continuity of high level of consultations between the leadership of the two sides on matters of mutual interest.

Close collaboration exists between the defense ministries of the two

countries. Scores of visits have taken place items on offer. Musical events were held between different organs of defense establish- with renowned Pakistani flute player Ustad ment during the period under review.

Salamat Hussain and sarangi player Ustad The Haj officials of the two countries also Akhtar Hussain which were widely appreciwork in close cooperation. Pakistan has one of ated as was the qawwali performance by the largest Haj contingents consisting of Farid Ayaz and Abu Muhammad. Similar 180,000 persons. Haj Minister Dr. Bandar bin events presenting renowned poets Amjad Mohammed Al-Hajar and his Islam Amjad and Anwar Pakistani counterpart have Masood were held. held several meetings in the I am very proud of the role past year to better facilitate of the Pakistani community pilgrims from Pakistan. The in Saudi Arabia. Pakistanis two countries took a major are playing a significant part step last year when they Close collaboration in building the physical and introduced a new scheme institutional infrastructure of offering cell phone connec- exists between this country. Whoever I meet, tivity to pilgrims during the the defense whether members of the Haj 2012. royal family, Saudi officials or ministries of the Pakistan Embassy realbusinessmen, I hear an izes that there is vast scope two countries. acknowledgment of this fact for introducing the rich Scores of visits and good things about the and colorful Pakistani her- have taken place contribution made by the itage and culture to the Pakistani community.

Saudi brethren. With this in between different Whether it is in the field of mind, we have arranged a organs of defense finance, commerce, medinumber of activities which establishment cine, construction or busiwere equally appreciated by ness, our community memthe Saudi and Pakistani during the period bers have contributed to this communities in the coun- under review. country's development with try. A calligraphy exhibition passion and devotion which at the embassy was inauguflow from their commitment rated by Prince Sultan bin Salman, chair- to Islam and the Holy Land. man of SCTA. The exhibition featured dozThe bilateral process thus continues to ens of leading Pakistani calligraphers intensify. The bilateral cooperation will regisincluding Ustad Shafiquzzaman, the chief ter further growth in the coming years since calligrapher at the Prophet's Mosque in the relationship between the two brotherly Madinah. The week-long Pakistani Food countries — Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — is Festival, inaugurated in June last year by based on the lasting bonds between the peoples Abdur Rahman Al Jeraisy, then chairman of of the two countries. the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muhammad Naeem Khan is the Riyadh, was visited by locals who relished ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia the wide variety and delicious taste of the

Investment opportunities galore Continued from Page 13 Investment Attractions for Global Investors: Energy: The current supply shortage in Pakistan has been estimated at 6,500 megawatts with frequent electricity outages experienced country-wide in FY2012 whereas demand of electricity growing at over 10 percent per annum. Sixty-seven percent of Pakistan’s electricity generation is tilted toward thermal power generation with power plants operating at a reduced capacity utilization of 34 percent presenting opportunities for investment in plant machinery.

Agriculture/Agro-based Industries: Agriculture has been the main stay of Pakistan’s economy with a contribution of 20.9 percent to GDP. The value of livestock is 6.1 percent more than the combined value of major and minor crops. Poultry meat contributes 19 percent to the total meat production in the country.

Pakistan earned US $ 964 million from leather exports and a meager USD188 million from meat exports.

Mineral Development: Mineral potential of Pakistan though, recognized to be excellent is inadequately developed as its contribution to GNP in FY2011.

The Mining and Quarrying sector had a GNP total value worth USD 4.8 billion in FY2011. The mining and quarrying sector has contributed 2.4 percent of GDP and has growth rate of 0.4 percent.

Transportation Sector: Although the quality of roads generally improved in 2008 due to facilitation by National Highway Authority’s (NHA) planned to invest USD5.36 billion in the sector. This plan benefited from a USD 900 million multi-tranche loan from the ADB. However, in FY2011 10 percent of roads were destroyed due to floods.

So, it may be said, that due to the paucity of capital, finance and lack of appropriate technology, Pakistan actively seeks to enhance more foreign investment. FDI is very much crucial for economic

development because it provides tangible and intangible assets to the recipient countries. The tangible assets like finance, capital and increase in revenue etc., while the intangible assets are managerial skills, creation of job opportunities, provision of different lifestyles and tastes and healthy competition among domestic investors etc.

A comparison of the inflows of FDI with other Central Asian countries shows that the inflow in the case of Pakistan is comparatively high.