KARACHI, April 22: The US Ambassador in Pakistan, Ryan C, Crocker, accompanied by Consul General Marry H. Witt, met the Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan at Governor’s House here on Saturday evening.
On the occasion, various matters of importance, including education, health and economic came under the discussion.
The US Ambassador expressed condolence on behalf of his government and people on Nishtar Park tragedy. He appreciated the governor and government for their efforts in handling the situation in a better way.
Dr Ibad said that people on this tragic occasion exhibited great patience and tolerance and their courage and cooperation greatly helped the government in bringing the situation under control.
He highlighted the ongoing steps taken in the health, education and economic sectors in detail and said a coordinated line of action had been adopted to exploit the investment opportunities in the province.
He pointed out that Karachi is the economic hub of the country and an important centre of the region where development projects are being carried out with full speed for streamlining the infrastructure on modern lines.
A delegation, led by the President of International Soroptimist Club Mrs Ann Dawson, also called on the governor. The delegation included Justice (Retd) Majida Rizvi, Shirin Rehmatullah, Dr Laila Hashwani, Dr Tahira Naqvi, Dr Talat Pasha and Batool Siddiq.
Talking to the visitors, the governor stressed on working for the rehabilitation and welfare of streetchildren in Karachi.
He informed that according to a survey there are nearly 12,000 streetchildren in Karachi, with a large number having come here from outside the city.
Showing interest in this issue, the delegation members announced to start a pilot project for welfare of such children and said that in case of success, it would be further expanded.
The Governor apprised the delegation about government efforts against Karo Kari and said coordinated steps have been taken through legislation and creating awareness.
As a result of these efforts, he informed, legislation was carried out at the federal level and awareness organised at every level.
He said that women are being given effective representation in every field in the government of President Pervez Musharraf. They have been given representation from local governments to National Assembly.
US ambassador: US Ambassador in Pakistan Ryan C Crocker and US Consul- General Ms Marry H. Witt visited Port Qasim here on Saturday and discussed trade related issues with officials of Port Qasim Authority.
PQA chairman Vice Admiral Asad Qureshi briefed them about the development plans of the PQA that included deepening and widening the navigation channel for mother ships, direct foreign investment in the construction of new terminals — liquified petroleum gas terminal and liquid cargo terminal - and in various other industrial and commercial units at Port Qasim, says PQA statement.
Pakistan and US have signed the declaration of principles on Integrated Cargo Container Control (IC3) Programme, a trade security agreement.
The IC3 programme envisaged joint screening of US-bound containerized cargo from Pakistan via a live video link by customs authorities of Pakistan and US. The US customs would not re-examine the screened cargo on its arrival at US ports.
The Federal Cabinet had already approved the implementation of IC3 programme and allotted five acres of land at Port Qasim to Central Board of Revenue for this purpose.
Under the declaration of the IC3 programme, the Government of Pakistan would safeguard its export interest to US markets by ensuring the security arrangements of cargo containers at Pakistan ports.
The programme would serve the purpose of container security initiative (CSI) and mega port initiative (MPI) of the US Government to ensure secure cargo supply chain to the US here in Pakistan.—APP
