PM Jamali wants VVIP B-737 for his use

PM Jamali wants VVIP B-737 for his use
By Ansar Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali wants for him a high priced VVIP plane to be exclusively used for his foreign trips, it is learnt.

Sources in the prime minister's secretariat told The News that Zafarullah Khan Jamali had directed to get back from the Pakistan International Airlines the Boeing-737, which was originally purchased for the country's chief executive. A spokesman of the prime minister's secretariat when contacted confirmed that there was a move afoot to get back VVIP plane for the prime minister. A high-level meeting in the prime minister's secretariat held recently to deliberate on the procedures that would help smoothly fulfilling Jamali's desire. The Boeing-737 is currently used by the Pakistan International Airlines for the airlines' routine commercial flights.

The aeroplane was purchased by the PIA management under orders of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in 1992 for VVIP flights. At that time the price of the plane was said to be around $ 28 million for which loan was secured.

The plane's configuration was changed to accommodate VVIP passengers. The aircraft was used by Nawaz Sharif and then by Benazir Bhutto. Interestingly when the government of Nawaz Sharif had purchased the plane, the then opposition leader Benazir Bhutto had raised hue and cry, saying the national exchequer was being plundered on personal whims of the prime minister. Later, during a caretaker government the interim prime minister stopped using it but the plane again came under the used of Nawaz Sharif during his second tenure.

After October 12, 1999 military take-over, General Pervez Musharraf preferred to travel on routine flights instead of retaining the VVIP plane. Musharraf, exercising his authority being the chief executive of the country, rather returned the Boeing-737 to the Pakistan International Airlines.

The aeroplane was handed over to PIA permanently along with its papers. The plane was re-configurated with additional amount to prepare it for routine commercial flights. It added to the PIA fleet of Boeing-737 that rose to seven with its addition. According to a report, at the time of its handing over to the PIA management, in early 2000, the interest and depreciation of this aircraft had reached around $ 21 million since 1992. The estimated cost of the plane assessed at that time was said to be around $ 35 million.

Though the plane is presently earning revenues for the PIA, after its return to the PM for VVIPs use it would cost the national exchequer heavily. The per hour running cost of the Boeing 737 was estimated around Rs 125,000 at least five years back.

Those who distanced themselves from such VVIP planes in the past including General Musharraf failed to understand as to why it was difficult for the government leaders to travel by ordinary planes. Prior to General Musharraf, the Boeing 737 was once returned to PIA by former caretaker prime minister Balakh Sher Mazari. Ironically it was reclaimed as soon as Mazari left office. There is no latest data available about the VVIP's existing fleet of special planes. However, till late 90s the prime minister had three special planes on his disposal including 120 seats Boeing 737, Falcon Jet and Fokker Turbo Prop Jet; Balochistan chief minister had a Lear Jet; Punjab chief minister had two aircraft-Sessna Conquest Prop Jet and Beech Jet; Sindh chief minister had a Cessna Conquest Prop Jet; and NWFP chief minister had Cessna 421 Piston Engine.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2003-d...ain/main18.htm

Mr Jamali's 737
Masood Hasan: The writer is a Lahore-based columnist and a well-known journalist
masood_news@hotmail.com

Obviously those who surround the Prime Minister make sure he gets the worst kind of advice. Because the emperors in Pakistan rarely wear clothes, there has grown a legion of men and women whose mission in life is to refrain from ever pointing out this obvious fact to the emperors they serve. This is the quintessence of loyalty and if you were taught in school that flattery does not pay, return to your alma mater and set it on fire. As for Mr Jamali, he first asked for the entire PIA and having had it less than 24 hours before the Patriot missiles re-possessed it, has now opted for a Boeing 737. Or so the print media tells us. After the Iraq war of freedom, justice, liberation and jubilation, frankly one approaches the printed word with great hesitation.

It is not the first time the ill-fated 737 is the target of lascivious eyes. It is also not the last. Although our rulers emanate from the masses -- and they never tire of proclaiming this at every opportunity, there is little dirt of the same masses that clings to them once they arrive in power in Islamabad. Within minutes of inhaling its marijuana-laden scented avenues and the pomp and glory of ceremonial guards, shimmering dark-tinted limousines that hiss along the roads free of traffic, the heady sounds of sirens that precede their royal entourages and the fawning, grovelling, sycophants that cling to every syllable that escapes their lips and an entire network of men and women ready to do their bidding, the worthies are gone, beyond repair and beyond reason. The transformation is miraculous and awesome. Reason is rapidly replaced as is good sense and a balance, so vital for those in whose hands power ultimately resides, is thrown out without wasting too much time. Thus, freaky mutants, whose vision and comprehension of things extend no further than the edge of their noses, replace well-meaning and good-intentioned people who were speaking perfectly sensibly. This is the perfect illustration of power corrupts and because in Pakistan, power comes without responsibility and is absolute, it corrupts absolutely.

What is about the 737 that has their majesties enthralled? Ms Bhutto pined for it, Mr Nawaz Sharif drooled for it, and in between, whoever and whatever had half a chance, took it with eyes wide open and the dribble leaving a lake larger than the one at Tarbela Dam. Since the lords and ladies who have lived at the top could not afford to use standard seating, the wretched aircraft was constantly undergoing modifications to make it 'VIP Fit.'. I cannot think of a more disgusting way to announce to the world that you have arrived, but it seems grabbing the 737 is one sure way of marking your territory. I suppose sitting in the plush and luxurious surroundings with waiters scurrying about serving cucumber sandwiches at 30,000 feet has its own kick. Why you can look out of the windows and see your country below, mile after mile and get a high simply thinking that you are, after all, the lord and master of what lies beneath your feet, prostrate and helpless. You can fly over rivers and mountains, cities and farms, deserts and snow-caps and belch in satisfaction, because your writ rules all that you survey. You have arrived. It too must figure high on the achievement barometer that when you have your plane, all to yourself, you can come and go as you like and should you feel an urge to fly to Balochistan for your favourite sajji, who in the wide world is going to tell you it is not possible?

Mr Leghari, who seems to be the last flickering light of democracy in this dark tunnel, had little compunction in hijacking a PAF Boeing to ferry him and his sycophants all the way to the Commonwealth conference in New Zealand. Ironically, his contribution at that gathering was about as much as the flower pots that were arranged in the hall, but here, grovelling supporters and hangers-on told a bored nation that his presence augured well for the free world. When his plane conked out and made an unscheduled landing at Darwin, another jet was commandeered and flown to bring his excellency home! The Queen, the head of the Commonwealth, had refused a customised 747 and chose to fly on a regular commercial flight, but in our part of the world and in the eyes of Mr Leghari and his erstwhile happy revellers, the verdict must have been to dub the Queen the fool for abandoning her VIP status. What this junket cost the country or the time he took another chartered flight to the USA to attend his son's graduation (the trip was thinly disguised as a non-official official visit), is of course not known. Releasing information about such obscene amounts to the people might cause many to die of shock and in any case the system feeds on itself and in turn is fed by the system's master puppeteers. In between, the 737 has returned to PIA where it has earned much needed revenues for the airline, which is always in the same difficulties as the Pakistan Cricket Board. But stays in PIA are short lived and the VIPs win all the time.

What ails Mr. Jamali? Is it that out of an average 30 flights a day out of most major cities of Pakistan, he is hard pressed to make it to any one of them or is his paranoid complete? Even Mr Musharraf, who holds the country by the short and the curly, opts for regular PIA flights. What is Mr Jamali's beef? These are mysteries that surround our pathetic national existence. In another useless and utterly irrelevant column, years ago, I had made the harebrained suggestion that what terrific PR mileage would the PM or the President earn were he to travel economy, mingle with the ordinary folks, pat a few backs, shake a few hands, cuddle a few babies and make solicitous enquiries from the ladies travelling alongside. The USA has a long-standing tradition of what they call 'pumping flesh' but as a contact with the people device, it is great. Why not do that here as well? You can't get shot, you are unlikely to get hijacked and you can't be attacked with a plastic knife and fork. In any event, with Mr Jamali holding a 'jirga' in the economy section, there wouldn't be any traffic any way, but certainly much good will all around.

As for PIA losing millions in revenues and getting tied up in knots fitting in impossible schedules with one plane less, well who gives a damn? Since when was the effect of official policies and personal behaviour on the national exchequer ever a priority with those in power?
http://jang.com.pk/thenews/may2003-d...03/oped/o5.htm

Quote:

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Originally posted by Shah Khan
PM Jamali wants VVIP B-737 for his use
By Ansar Abbasi


Later, during a caretaker government the interim prime minister stopped using it but the plane again came under the used of Nawaz Sharif during his second tenure.

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The above is NOT true.


In 1998 Nawaz S. travelled on the same routine PIA flight from London to Islamabad as I did. (And before you ask, NO I did not suck up to him and did not ask him for any "safarish" for any relatives in Pak!! ;) ). Actually, Nawaz did come across as a decent sort of fellow (and, NO I do not support his politics either :D ).

He may have seemed decent enough but did you check your pockets afterwards??

Aziz

Quote:

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Originally posted by Aziz
He may have seemed decent enough but did you check your pockets afterwards??

Aziz

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Tut, Tut :D :p :D


Coming back to Jamali's VVVVVVVVVIP plane, do not forget Jamali is not Nawabzadah Jamali for nothing ! ;)

May be the "Nawabzadah" can donate a 747 plane from his dad's, the Nawab Sahib's, waelth to the poor nation.

Asalaamo-a-laikum.

He should try walking. He is too fat already and should therefore set an example to the populous of the neccessity of good health.

I think it was the Slovakian PM who recently ran the London Marathon. That is a good example and one that should be followed, not whinging for the need of a personal plane.

Quote:

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Originally posted by zia ul haq
Asalaamo-a-laikum.

He should try walking.

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Zia, you want more earthquakes in Pakistan? :( :p :(


++++++


On a (VERY) serious note though, check this out:



VIP’s of Poor Pakistan Fleet of Aircraft

(Dawn May 5 1995)

THE recent interview by the Chief of the Air Staff to an English-language daily has caused quite a stir. His talk about the gaping disparity between India and Pakistan in the field of hi-tech fighter air-craft has had different levels of reactions and up to a certain extent disappointed certain quarters. This should not dishearten our country-men, because we may be lacking in defense capabilities, but we are far ahead of the Indians in other field of aviation. It should give courage to our nation that we outnumber the Indians in VIP aircrafts which are far costlier and more sophisticated than anything the Indians have.

It is worth noting that democratic regimes starting with Ms Benazir Bhutto's first tenure as Prime Minister gave special attention to this area and most of these luxury aircrafts were purchased during her tenure. The Prime Minister's fleet consists of four VIP aircraft. These include an F-27 Fokker, a DA-20 Falcon, a Boeing 707 and a Boeing 737. These are in addition to many other PIA, PAF and army aircraft that are routinely used for VIP travel. The F-27 Fokker and DA-20 Falcon aircraft were purchased by the PAF for training purposes but are being used for VIP travel. The Boeing-707 has been loaned by PIA after renovation at a cost allegedly of $5 million. The Boeing-737 air-craft which is widely used by the Prime Minister at phenomenal operating cost was said to have been purchased by PIA for $30 million for VIP use and for which PIA, despite its financial crisis, is still said to be paying to Westminster Bank, London.

Ms Benazir Bhutto wanted to buy a Boeing-747 Jumbo Jet for VIP use but this project was shelved by caretaker Prime Minister, Mr Meraj Khalid. Now the government is reportedly planning to buy a Boeing-777 at a cost of $160 million.

Although all provincial capitals are well connected by regular airline fights, still a fleet of most modern executive aircraft is maintained by different provincial heads. These aircraft are used to transport different provincial heads, their families and friends. The Punjab chief minister travels in a Beech-200 aircraft purchased during Mr. Wattoo's tenure at a cost of $12 million. This is in addition to a Cessna-441 that was previously used.

The Balochistan Chief Minister travels in a Learjet purchased a few years ago reportedly for $15 million. The Sindh Chief Minister uses a Cessna-441 and the NWFP Chief Minister travels in a Cessna-421. WAPDA, despite its financial difficulties, is maintaining a Cesstia-441 and a Cessna-402 for its executives. The army chief mostly travels in a Citation jet although the army also maintains a fleet of VIP aircraft. The navy has converted one of its F-27 Fokker aircraft into a VIP aircraft. It is not only that these aircraft are very expensive but also their maintenance cost is phenomenal. Our leaders prefer to travel in these aircrafts instead of regular air-line fights because, apart from privacy, there is no official audit of these flights and friends and relatives of the VIPs can also take advantage of these free rides.

Mr. Nawaz Sharif, after his re-election as Prime Minister had placed the revival of the economy as his first priority and in this connection had introduced various schemes. Numerous departments are being downsized and thousands of people have lost their jobs. But our leaders, on their part, have taken no steps to reduce their expenditure. They live in luxurious houses with battalions of servants, travel in expensive cars and aircraft and they spend lavishly.

So when Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz Mehdi pleads for new fighter aircraft, he should remember that in a poor country like Pakistan, we can either finance our defense needs or the luxurious life-style of our leaders.

ASIF MAHMOOD

Islamabad

PM wants a new fleet of cars

By Ansar Abbasi

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Zafarullah Khan Jamali has desired to have an additional fleet of new official vehicles for his secretariat, as the present armada of cars is either considered inadequate or obsolete.

Sources told The News that the prime minister had already approved re-appropriation of funds from other budgetary allocations so that at least 15 new cars - 1300cc-1600cc - should be purchased for the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Additional Secretary (administration) Asif Hayat Malik and his joint secretary Col Hasnaat were approached to know what pressed the prime minister to go for this purchase. Malik, despite repeated calls, was shy to talk about the issue. However, Col Hasnaat was of the view why should he share any official information. He did not confirm or deny the report.

According to sources, the PM Secretariat has recently sent to the finance ministry a proposal containing the prime minister's approval for re-appropriation of funds for purchasing new cars for the secretariat.

This fleet will add to the present pool of official vehicles that are already in use of PM Secretariat's pool or have been provided to it by the Cabinet Division. It is said that mainly the prime minister's close aides and his staff members are not happy with the available official transport, which they consider obsolete.

A personal staff officer of the prime minister has reportedly complained to one of his colleagues that he was challaned by the traffic police as his car was emitting black smoke. Some others are of the view that they are using cars condemned by other government agencies.

But according to an insider, as it happens in most of the federal ministries and divisions, the Prime Minister's Secretariat has also offered official conveyance to joint secretaries and even in selected cases to other non-entitled government servants.

The rules allow full time official transportation only to secretaries and additional secretaries, BS-22 and BS-21 officers, respectively, in the federal secretariat but this facility is grossly and glaringly violated by the PM Secretariat and other ministries and divisions.

Interestingly the Prime Minister Secretariat has offered full time official vehicles to its joint secretaries besides some other selected non-entitled officials. The fact that the joint secretaries in almost all the federal ministries and divisions are illegally using the car facility is known, the government is neither amending the rules to legalise this practice nor checking this violation.

It was even admitted by the last Pay and Pension Committee that this facility was massively misused. To check this wastage of taxpayers' money, the committee had discussed a financially viable proposal to monetise car facility for its senior officials but the idea was never approved.

Before desiring to have an additional fleet of new cars, the prime minister had ordered for him a high priced VVIP plane to be exclusively used for his foreign trips, it is learnt. He had directed the authorities to get back from the Pakistan International Airlines the Boeing-737, which was originally purchased for the country's chief executive but later handed over to PIA for commercial use.

Anyone who we may be able to write to to get some feedback on this?

I can tell you that I certainly write to my British MP on any matter (relating to UK not Pakistan !!) and get a reply. Inaddition I (as any other citizen) can even write to a ministry and get a response. What is more, as a constituent, I can even ask my MP to raise a matter in the House of Commons.


By contrast last year at the height of tension (the long summer weekend in June) with India I and a group of ther expats sat around a row of PC terminals and and about 10-12 telephones here in London.

We tired to get the e-mail addresses of anyone from the "GLORIOUS" OIC - we found that OIC web-site talks at length about the "glorious" achivements yet it has NO active feedback system for the citizens of its member nations.

We also tried to get some telephone numbers - no success. Our objective was to get at least some e-mail or verbal support for Pakistan from these scoundrels who get together regulalry, stuff themselves with food & luxuries and come out with bland "declarations".

To cut a long story short, despite 4 days of effort & research over half a dozen grads, MBAs and PhDs were unable to get ANY response by any staff member from ANY Muslim country's government or embassy anywhere in the world about the Pak-Ind war that seemed only hours away. And these are the "glorious" Muslim governments that Pakistani people overseas are asked to defend from "re-organisation" by the West!!!!!!!

SO (so !!) anyone prepared to volunteer an e-mail address for a Pak government office that we could test for its open-ness towards the great Pak "awaam"?

BTW, I have no objections to Pak govt acquiring state-of-the-art aircraft and cars for the visiting foreign VIPs- that is a matter of national dignity. But there is something as bad as the smell of rotten eggs when politicos & their hangers-on see the national Treasury as a lottery-winning.

MILLIONS of ORDINARY Pakistani people will have to pay for these excesses though they (at least most of them) are too busy surving to make the economic connection between a new 747 for the PM and the state of their plough and the cows/bulls that have to drag it through the muddy fields on cold freezing mornings up & down the country.

helloooo what exactly these so called muslim governments did to support their own Arab brothers in Iraq or Palestine? .. Their rulers have their own version of "Pakistan First" in place and hence the demise of the Ummah during the later half of the last century i.e. the first 50 years of "independence" from the colonial powers. They don't even accept their own citizens back when they are caught in Pakistan under one pretext or another. Not even the women or children so it would be really naeve to expect any thing from these governments. An individual on the street is a different story, example of Turkey is quite clear in this expect. While its military junta still wants to hold on to the so called secular ideology the street stands some where else. Same goes for most of the Arab countries, specially the Gulf countries. If some one has a doubt about the general people there then start digging the mountains of Tora Bora and you will see the evidence.

Quote:

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Originally posted by Ammar Bhutta
helloooo what exactly these so called muslim governments did to support their own Arab brothers in Iraq or Palestine? .. Their rulers have their own version of "Pakistan First" in place and hence the demise of the Ummah during the later half of the last century i.e. the first 50 years of "independence" from the colonial powers. They don't even accept their own citizens back when they are caught in Pakistan under one pretext or another. Not even the women or children so it would be really naeve to expect any thing from these governments. An individual on the street is a different story, example of Turkey is quite clear in this expect. While its military junta still wants to hold on to the so called secular ideology the street stands some where else. Same goes for most of the Arab countries, specially the Gulf countries. If some one has a doubt about the general people there then start digging the mountains of Tora Bora and you will see the evidence.

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Ammar Bhutta,

So any ideas on how we might be able to find out (get a response from the DEMOCRATIC govt of Pak) whether Pak govt officials (who should be getting no more than Rs.700/month travel allowance) are OBSCENELY ripping off the nation by keeping a fleet of aircraft ala a well know crook, Marcos?

If we agree to listen to your "tableegh" we should get some info in return; No? ;) :D ;)

Tableeghi..who..me ? :cool: hahaha Run miles away from them..

It would be really hard to get a response from the government via email or regular mail, i think the only option would be to ask the FO guy in his daily press briefing as people do ask him quite a bit of questions from across the spectrum or maybe to write an email to GEO to ask Mr. Sheikh Rashid during one of their encounters every day. I heard GEO is quite impressive in asking probing questions. If the story presists for a few days in the press i am quite sure that it would make it harder for Jamali to pursue this as he is already facing lot of pressure from all the sides including his Boss

Come on people, Seriously: this whole business about the aircraft fleet for the use of Pak govt officials is so VERY VERY bad that it makes places like Haiti, Nigeria and Marcos rule in Philis. look like perfect examples of honesty and transparency.

If this news is true then Pak people really have problems, big time.

If Pakistan is a democracy why is it not possible to get CLEAR answers?

I do live in a great (though far from perfect) democracy and I can tell you pretty much everything (from start to finish) on why we got rid of the Royal yacht, Britania. Everyone here is fully aware of who said what why and to whom and when.

More and more Mr. Jamali is turning the FO into a bad joke and turning himself into Dan Quayle.......

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Confusion persists over high commissioner's appointment


By Qudssia Akhlaque

ISLAMABAD, May 19: The confusion created over the appointment of Pakistan's high commissioner to India after Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's interview with the Doordarshan still persists.

It all began with Mr Jamali's interview with Indian state-run Doordarshan Television network on Saturday. The prime minister disclosed that he had just approved the name of Pakistani high commissioner to New Delhi. When pressed by the interviewer to give the name of the nominee, the Prime Minister told him it was Riaz Mohammad Khan.

PTV cameras also recorded the interview given to Doordarshan. After the interview was over, Information Secretary Anwer Mehmood asked the interviewer, Saeed Naqvi, if he could run the interview. However, Mr Naqvi told him that his television network would not run the interview until Monday night and therefore PTV should not telecast it till then.

Meanwhile, the information secretary consulted the Foreign Office (FO) to check if PTV should run the news about the approval of Pakistan's high commissioner as disclosed by the prime minister during his interview.

The FO advised him against it, pointing to the protocol that had to be observed in such matters. Also, by that time the FO had no indication that a decision had been taken at the highest level. However, contrary to the FO advice the PTV went ahead and made the announcement about the nomination of the high commissioner in its evening news bulletin, quoting Mr Jamali's interview with Doordarshan.

It is not known who gave the green light for Pakistan Television to make the announcement. On learning that the PTV had telecast the news about Riaz Mohammad Khan's nomination, the FO contacted the Prime Minister's Secretariat for its verification.

Interestingly, the prime minister's key aides including his principal secretary, Naseeruddin Ahmed, told the FO that Mr Jamali, to that time, had not taken a final decision on the appointment of the high commissioner.

In view of the conflicting statements emanating from the Information Ministry and the PM's Secretariat, the acting foreign secretary on Sunday night contacted Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar in a European capital to seek his counsel on the matter.

Subsequently the FO issued a clarification saying that the prime minister had not been quoted accurately and that he had not made a final decision. The statement was made past midnight.

On Monday afternoon FO Spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan echoed the same line at the weekly news briefing. "The prime minister has not been quoted accurately, at this moment no decision has been made," he categorically stated.

Mr Khan faced a volley of questions on the controversy that seemed to be a classic case of the lack of coordination between the relevant government ministries.

The spokesman was not ready to pin responsibility of the confusion on anyone. "I'll have to check," he said when asked if he would put the responsibility on the PTV, Doordarshan, Foreign Office or the prime minister.

Till Monday evening the FO had not received any communication from the PM's Secretariat on the decision regarding the appointment of high commissioner to India, Dawn learnt through senior officials.

"The question of seeking the agreement does not arise till we have been conveyed the approved name by the PM's Secretariat," said a senior FO staffer. "Pakistan would seek a formal agreement through the diplomatic channels, which means it has to go through the Foreign Office," he added.

Our correspondent from New Delhi adds: The text of the interview aired by Doordarshan on Monday revealed that Mr Jamali was reminded in the interview that India had already posted Mr Shiv Shankar Menon, "one of our best officers in the foreign ministry" to Islamabad. What about Pakistan?

Mr Jamali responded by saying that Pakistan would not be far behind and that it would be sending a fine officer to New Delhi. Can you name him? He was asked." Probably it will be Riaz Mohammed Khan, our ambassador in Beijing," Mr Jamali said, adding: "It is just a strange coincidence that Mr Menon was your ambassador in Beijing and he has come to Pakistan and Riaz Mohammed Khan is my ambassador in Beijing and Insha Allah I'll send him to New Delhi."

Meanwhile, Indian official sources were quoted as saying that New Delhi had not received any name from Islamabad for consideration as the new envoy.

VIP movement causes traffic jams
By our correspondent

KARACHI: The city on Tuesday witnessed one of its worst traffic jams as the traffic police closed the busiest artery, I I Chundrigar Road in order to provide a clear route to Prime Minister Zafarullah Jamali during his visit to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Since Tuesday morning, the traffic police, without any prior information, started diverting vehicular traffic from I I Chundrigar Road to alternative routes causing traffic jams on the adjoining roads.

The I I Chundrigar Road was partially opened in the afternoon but the officials concerned did not allow heavy traffic including public buses to pass through it. Traffic jams also occurred at Sharae Liaqat and Moulvi Tameezuddin Roads as the traffic was diverted from I I Chundrigar Road towards these arteries. Owing to the unannounced closure of the roads, commuters suffered great mental agony.

A similar situation also occurred in the Gulshan-i-Iqbal area, where the PM House is located, when PM Jamali returned to his house after visiting SBP. The traffic police personnel blocked the roads to give a clear passage to the PM's cavalcade. The officials also lifted a number of vehicles parked along side roads, falling within the route of the Prime Minister. According to area people, the security personnel also blocked roads and streets leading to the PM House owing to security reasons.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/may2003-d...3/metro/k7.htm

PM raises uplift schemes fund for MPs
By Tariq Butt, The News

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has committed additional funds of Rs 600 million to the development projects in the constituencies of several MNAs over and above their actual allocation.

These funds are in addition to Rs 5 million allocated for undertaking development activities in the constituency of every MNA as well as senator that the prime minister announced a few weeks after assuming office following a federal cabinet meeting, an official told The News.

Jamali has crossed the fixed allocation after receiving individual demands from several MNAs during their meetings with him over the past few months. In some cases, the prime minister made additional allocations during his visits to various cities of the country.

However, the Finance Ministry is unable to spare the additional funds for financial constraints, the official said. The ministry is of the view that since in several cases, the projects for which additional funds have been announced will ultimately require more funding than earmarked, it is not in a position to provide the money.

While making the announcement for allocating Rs 5 million to each constituency, it was stated that these funds would were meant for half of the current financial year, and from next fiscal, the annual allocation would be Rs 10 million for every MNA as well as senator.

It was also announced that the government would not discriminate against the opposition MPs in earmarking these funds and every member regardless of his or her political affiliation would be treated equally.

The massive development programme was launched on the pattern of Prime Minister Muhammad Khan Junejo's plan of 1985, which had come under severe criticism although it had produced results. As the current financial year is about to close, the impact of even start of Jamali's development programme is yet to be felt.

MPs have 'consumed Rs160m for nothing'
By Our Staff Reporter

LAHORE, May 20: A sum of Rs160 million has so far been spent on salaries and other benefits of MNAs and senators who, however, have not been able to come up with any significant piece of legislation for the good of the masses.

Punjab Millat Party information secretary Imran Riaz, Millat Labour Bureau chief Chaudhry Zaheer and others made this statement at a press conference they had arranged here on Tuesday to "expose the Opposition's performance" during the last six months.

They regretted that members of the Opposition had enjoyed all perks and benefits for attending National Assembly sessions during the last six months but did not allow smooth proceedings of the house.

The PPP and the PML-N want to put an end to the incumbent democratic system so that ground could be levelled for the return of their exiled leadership, they alleged. Both the parties were exploiting the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) for their own agenda, they added.

Criticizing the Opposition's protest at the LFO and uniform issues, they said had these parties raised such a strong voice for elimination of poverty and unemployment, the government would have been forced to take practical steps to solve these problems.

They said people's confidence in politics and politicians, democracy and democratic institutions would be restored only when they were able to play their respective roles for the betterment of the common man in accordance with the democratic norms. "Only then the day will come when people take to streets for the survival of democracy and democratic institutions and not to distribute sweets on the ouster of a democratic government."

The biggest achievement of the Opposition during the last six months was that it could not elect even their leaders of opposition in the Senate and the National Assembly, they said.

They demanded of the opposition MPs to resign from seats they had won in elections held under the LFO if they did not accept the law. They should also refund the dues received from the assembly secretariat for attending its sessions as they did not allow the house to function properly, the Millat Party leader said.

The governments of the Opposition in the NWFP and Balochistan should also resign as these were working under the LFO which was not acceptable to them, they said.The Opposition should inform the masses about the number of bills presented by them in the house so far, they added.

http://www.dawn.com/2003/05/21/nat7.htm

Politicians and cars

Why our politicians, when they come to power, become so anxious to have luxurious cars with public money? Why the governor and the chief minister of Balochistan need most expensive cars with TV, fridge, etc. fixed into it? If they are so fond of such luxuries, they are rich enough to afford them with their own money.

Mr Nawaz Sharif bought Mercedes Benz fleet of over 50 cars for his secretariat with public money. Ms Benazir Bhutto made a mockery of it and exhibited those cars to show the wasteful expenditure of public money. Unfortunately, instead of disposing of those cars, she too had joy rides in those very cars.

It appears that our politicians cannot perform their official duties without very luxurious and very expensive cars bought with public money. Don't we need another Mr Junejo to fix a ceiling of all official cars to 1000cc and 1300cc, and that too locally made, like in India?

I. A. RASOOL
Islamabad
http://www.dawn.com/2003/06/30/letted.htm#8

President, PM's US trip to cost Rs60m ($1 mil)
By Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Sept 19: Two supplementary budgetary grants of over Rs25 million have been approved by the prime minister for a 15-day trip by three delegations of around 50 parliamentarians to the United States as the "non-official component" of the delegation to the United Nations General Assembly session.

Finance ministry sources said on Friday that the delegations would be in addition to the official entourage of the president and the prime minister.

Sources said that number of delegation members would cross 100 when those accompanying the president and the prime minister with media teams were taken into consideration, making it the country's largest delegation visiting a foreign country. The trip was estimated to cost over Rs60 million, the sources said.

According to documents made available to Dawn, the prime minister has approved the names of the parliamentarians, mostly belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League, who would go to the US.

An amount of $196,000 would be spent as minimum accommodation charges at the peak rates of $400 per night for the delegates for 14 days in New York, $84,590 would be paid as daily allowance at the rate of $102 per night per head to 35 members and $204 per night to six. Another $15,000 would be paid as transportation charges for which two cars and a mini-van have been hired for two months with drivers.

Expenditure on entertainment by the heads of delegations and permanent representatives is estimated at $10,000. The total expenditure on daily allowance, accommodation, transportation and entertainment is estimated at $305,590. Another Rs7.5 million has been approved for the purchase of 41 business class Islamabad-New York-Islamabad air tickets.

One delegation comprises: ministers Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and Mohammad Raza Hayat Hiraj; senators S.M. Zafar, Nisar Ahmed Memon and Roshan Khurshid Bharucha; MNAs Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain, Ishaq Khan Khakwani and Mehnaz Rafi of the PML; Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada of the National Alliance; MPA Dr Sameen Mahmood Jan of the PML; Syed Naveed Qamar of the PPP; M. Akram Zaki and the prime minister's former special assistant, Mansoor Hamid.

The members of another delegation are: Ministers Zubaida Jalal and Mohammad Nasir Khan; Senator Babar Ghori of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement; MNAs Ali Asjad Malhi, Wasi Zafar, Prof Mushtaq Victor, Malik Amid Aslam Khan, Kashmala Tariq and MPA Dr Rukia Saeed of the PML; Senator Asfandyar Wali of the ANP; MNA Sumaira Malik of the National Alliance; economist Dr Akmal Hussain and former National Council of Arts principal Saleema Hashmi.

Ministers Liaqat Ali Jatoi, Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari and Syed Safwanullah; MNAs Ejazul Haq, Umar Ahmed Ghuman, Haroon Qaiser, Zahid Hamid Khan, Dr Noor Jehan Panezai, Zeb Gohar Ayub Khan and Dr Attiya Enayatullah of the PML; Sardar Saleem Jan Mazari of the National Alliance; former Export Promotion Bureau chairman Wajid Jawad and Kabir Ali Wasti comprise the third delegation.

http://www.dawn.com/2003/09/20/top10.htm

Utter waste of money on these useless idiots. Its basically their free annual get-away. I am sure most of them are simply going to chill on government expenses and not work on one productive issue.

Reaches New York

says Pakistan trying to bring Ummah on a single platform

No recognition of Israel until decision on Palestine

New York—President General Pervez Musharraf will discuss with US President George W Bush the issue of purchase of massive weapons by India which has created conventional imbalance in the continent.

Talking to newsmen soon after his arrival here, on Sunday the President said he will discuss the matter which is creating unconventional imbalance in the region.

The President said that during his talks with President Bush he would also raise the issue of restrictions imposed on Pakistan.

Talking about his address in UN General Assembly session the President said, he will concentrate on eradication of terrorism and its fallout on Pakistan.

The President said the main focus of his speech to the General Assembly will be to suggest ways and means to fight terrorism at global level.

Earlier, talking to newsmen on board the PIA flight President Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan has been playing a key role in the fight against global and state terrorism and emphasised Pakistan’s main focus during the 58th UN General Assembly session would be to further unite the international community to root out this scourge.

The President said Pakistan was trying to bring the Muslim Ummah on a single platform to achieve the goal of effective elimination of global terrorism, besides other issues confronting the Muslim fraternity.

General Pervez Musharraf emphasized that Kashmir and Palestinian issues have been on the U.N. agenda for a long time and were still outstanding. “It is imperative that the United Nations addressed these major issues, which bedevil world peace,” he stressed.

He said there was no question of recognition of Israel unless and until the Palestinian issue was settled, adding it had been Pakistan’s principled position.

He further said that the debate on this matter had been Initiated only in view of the prospects of peace which have since received a setback due to the recent adverse moves by Israel.

Pakistan would take a decision on sending troops to Iraq only after a mandate from the people of Pakistan., he said.

He said Pakistan’s decision could only be in accordance with the will and opinion of the Islamic Ummah.

In response to a question, he said India has been venturing on massive arms purchases which have badly affected the balance in conventional weapons. We will further highlight our concern in our meetings with our friends, he added.

About relations with Canada, the President affirmed that he wanted to improve relations with Canada, particularly in economic and trade fields. He said there was a great scope for it. There was sufficient commitment and will on both the sides to expand economic relations between the two countries.

Discussing the internal political situation, the President asserted that the government elected by the people is functioning very well. Mr Jamali has a free hand and his government is devoting its energies for the welfare and well-being of the people, the President observed.

“The system has to continue and will continue”, he asserted.

President Musharraf said that he expected the opposition to cooperate so that the government may function in the best interest of the country.

Musharraf said Pakistan was no longer isolated in world politics and was, on the contrary, playing its due role in promoting world peace and harmony.

The President travelled by a commercial flight of the national Airline and it was a great surprise for everyone on board when he walked through the aisles and exchanged greetings with other passengers.

In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Gen. Musharraf is likely to focus on global, regional and state terrorism and other issues of international concern.

Apart from addressing the UN General Assembly, President Musharraf is also scheduled to hold one-on-one meeting with President George Bush on Sept. 24 and the two leaders are expected to discuss Pak-US relations, regional and international issues and matters of bilateral interest.

Earlier on Sept. 23, President Musharraf has been invited to attend a reception being hosted by President Bush for delegates attending the 58th session of the UN General Assembly.

A meeting between President Musharraf and UN Secretary General Kofi Anan is also likely but the dates have not been firmed up, according to the official sources.

President Musharraf is also expected to meet various heads of state and government attending the annual UN General Assembly session, besides meeting heads of the World Bank and IMF.

He will also hold meetings with the members of the Pakistani community, leading businessmen and industrialists.

The President is scheduled to leave New York for Canada on Sept. 24 for a two-day official hectic tour.

In Canada, he is scheduled to hold talks with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

According to sources, the talks will focus on expanding trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and Canada.

President Musharraf is also scheduled to address the members of the Pakistani community at a dinner.

He will be interviewed by national dailies and electronic media there.

He will return to New York on Sept. 26 and will leave for home the same day

Fleecing of Pakistan by MMA!!

MMA's Fazl, Hashmi fly in NWFP CM’s aircraft on state's Expenditure

Staff Report
*Hashimi was then carried to Lahore for a wedding :(

ISLAMABAD: Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders on Sunday travelled in the North West Frontier Province chief minister’s (NWFP CM) aircraft from Islamabad to Dera Ismail Khan to Peshawar and then to Lahore, sources told Daily Times on Monday.

“Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Javed Hashmi, who are opposing the government and boycotting the National Assembly proceedings, travelled to DI Khan at the state’s expense to attend a peace conference,” sources said.

“They went to Peshawar after the conference and then the aircraft carried Mr Hashmi to Lahore for a marriage ceremony,” sources said, adding Mr Rehman often used the NWFP CM’s aircraft because the CM belongs to his party, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam. When contacted, Mr Hashmi told Daily Times, “I was invited by them to participate in the conference so I went with them and it is not a crime to travel in a CM’s aircraft.”

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...10-2003_pg7_11

they should be hung by their balls in sadar:mad:

Quote:

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Originally posted by SyedA
they should be hung by their balls in sadar:mad:

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and don't forget the 10 lashes for each mile they traveled.