Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
March, 2014
E-NEWSLETTER
PAKISTAN DAY EDITION
From the Ambassador
It gives me immense pleasure to launch the firstever issue of e-Newsletter of the Embassy of
Pakistan on the auspicio
auspicious occasion of the 74th
anniversary of the Pakistan
Pakist Day.
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In this Issue
Issue!
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Pakistan Czech Relationship
Page 4
Kashmir Solidarity Day
Page 5
Grant of GPS Plus to Pakistan
Page 5
Travel Insurance Policy for
visiting Foreign Buyers
Page 5
Prime Minister’s Tax
Incentive Scheme
Page 6
Afghan Pakistan Transit and
Trade Agreement
Page 6
I, on behalf of the President
Presid
of Pakistan H.E. Mr.
Mamnoon Hussain, and H. E. Prime Minister
Tajammul Altaf, Ambassador of
Nawaz Sharif, convey to H.E. Mr. Milos Zeman,
Pakistan to the Czech Republic
R
President of the Czech Republic,
and H.E. Mr.
Bohuslav Sobotka, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, and the
Czech people, the best greetings and wishes on the auspicious
occasion of the Nationa
National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. On
al extend our heartiest greetings and sincere
this joyous occasion, I also
a friends of Pakistan in the Czech Republic.
wishes to all Pakistanis and
Today, while celebrating the National Day, let me remember words of
American historian Professor Stanley Wolpert, who in his biography
titled "Jinnah of Pakistan" paid glowing tributes to the towering
personality and leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in
words:
“Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still
modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with
creating a nation-state. Muhammad Ali Jinnah did all three.”
On 23 March 1940, the Muslims of South Asia, under dynamic
leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, adopted the
Lahore Resolution, which is also known as the Pakistan Resolution. By
doing so, they pledged to work for the creation of an independent
Muslim state where they would lead their lives in accordance with their
aspirations, heritage, culture, civilization, social norms and tenets of
Islam. The valiant struggle for independence culminated on 14 August
1947 when Pakistan emerged as an independent country. 23rd March is
celebrated every year as National Day of Pakistan to cherish memories
of a historic day as well as to renew pledge to serve and build Pakistan
based on teachings and aspirations of the Founder and Father of the
Nation, Quid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
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Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
The day of 23 March is, indeed, a great day when
all Pakistanis back home and abroad are rightfully
expressing their thanks to Almighty Allah for
granting us the greatest blessing of freedom. This
epoch-making and historic day, which served as a
milestone in the history of independence struggle
of the Muslims in South Asia, is also a day of
reckoning and self-assessment. A realistic
reappraisal clearly vindicates that we have
succeeded to live up to the ideals and objectives
of the struggle for independence and the Pakistan
Movement.
The people and the Government of Pakistan have
been facing steadfastly the critical challenges of
militancy, extremism and terrorism for the last 13
years. Pakistan as a frontline state in the struggle
against extremism and terrorism has lost more than
30,000 civilians, more than 6,000 soldiers and
more than 3,000 personnel of law enforcement
agencies. We have rendered these sacrifices for
global peace. Our economic losses have exceeded
US$ 70 billion. If we include lost opportunities and
enormous damage to infrastructure then losses are
more than twice. But the people of Pakistan are
epitome of resilience. We have valiant forces and a
vibrant democracy. Our media is free and judiciary
is independent. These are our national assets in
fight against militancy and terrorism.
Being the worst victim, Pakistan condemns
terrorism in its all forms and manifestations. It is a
common threat to the entire international
community. We have no other option except to
defeat terrorism collectively. We must also address
root causes of terrorism such as poverty, ignorance,
lack of opportunities as well as political, economic
and social aspects of the problem.
Pakistan is resolved to harness its tremendous
natural and human resources. Pakistan, with its
prime location straddling South Asia, Central Asia
and the Middle East, is determined to play key role
to get its due place and share in economic
activities in these three regions for restoring peace,
stability, harmony economic development and
prosperity of our people.
March, 2014
The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the
Czech Republic, formerly Czechoslovakia, were
established on 27 September 1950. Since then,
Pakistan-Czech Republic relations have remained
close, cordial, cooperative and mutually beneficial
during the last 63 years in the fields of energy,
infrastructure, defence, bilateral trade and
economic cooperation. The two countries
celebrated the 60th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations in 2010.
The Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of
Pakistan and the Czech Republic met one another
on several occasions on the sidelines of
international conferences and summits. The Czech
Republic held the first Pakistan-EU Summit during
its EU Presidency in 2009 and supported Pakistan
in the EU for enhanced market access. Former
President Klaus chaired the first EU-Pakistan
Summit as Chairman of the EU Presidency on 17
June 2009 in Brussels. At the summit, Mr. Klaus
appreciated Pakistan’s key role in its effort against
terrorism.
From the Czech side, important visits to Pakistan
included that of Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek
(8-10 May 2007), Mr. Martin Bartak the Deputy
Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence (March
2010), Mr. Tomas Dub, Deputy Minister of Foreign
Affairs (20-21 June 2011) for participation in the
Annual Bilateral Consultations, Mr. Jiri Nestaval,
President of CSOK (Czech Chamber of Commerce),
at the head of a delegation of Czech businessmen
(2012), and Mr. Pavel Kavina, Director of Raw
Material & Energy Security Division (12-14
November 2012). The Czech business delegations
visited EXPO 2011, EXPO 2012 and EXPO 2013
held in Karachi. These visits provided ample
opportunities to the two sides to discuss matters of
mutual interest for the promotion of bilateral
relations in diverse fields.
The important visits in the last three years from
Pakistan to the Czech Republic included that of
Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister of State
for Commerce, Textile Industry & Privatization (21
to 24 November 2013), Senator Haji Muhammad
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Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
March, 2014
treatment, water management; Road making and
Adeel, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on
building machinery; Airport equipment; Hospital
Foreign Affairs, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan
equipment; Complete industrial plants; Machine
(7-11 November 2013), Lt General (Retd.) Shahid
tools; Textile machines; and tourism.
Iqbal, Secretary Ministry of Defence Production,
Brig. Khurshid Ahmed
The two countries have
Zafar, MD National Radio
signed MoU on
Telecommunication
Cooperation between
Corporation (NRTC) and
Pakistan Academy of
Rear Admiral Mukhtar
Sciences and Academy of
Khan, Additional
Sciences of the Czech
Secretary III, Ministry of
Republic; MoU on
Defence (from 21 to 25
Cooperation between the
May 2013), Mir Shahjahan
Foreign Service Academy
Khetran, Managing
and Czech Diplomatic
Director/Chief Executive
Academy; MoU on
of PTDC (6-10 February
Cooperation between the
2013) to attend the 22nd
Federation of Pakistan
Minister of State with Czech MEP Jan Zahradil
Central European tourism
during dinner at Ambassador's residence
Chambers of Commerce & Industry
trade fair titled “Holiday World
(FPCCI) and the Economic
2013,” Director General OPF Mr.
Chamber of the Czech Republic (ECCR); MoU on
Azhar Hashmi (22-27 May 2012), Mr. Saleem H.
Establishment of Bilateral Cooperation between
Mandviwalla, Minister of State/Chairman Board of
Health Institutions of the Czech Republic and
Investment (6-10 October 2012), Additional
Pakistan. Secretary (Europe & FODP) Ms. Ayesha Riyaz
(26-27 November 2012) for participation in the 5th
Agreements have been initiated for the Promotion
round of Annual Bilateral Consultations between
& Reciprocal Protection of Investments; Agreement
the Foreign Ministries of the Czech Republic and
on Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Pakistan, and Secretary Thar Coal Mr. Ajaz Ali Khan
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes
(February 2011). on Income; MoU for establishment of Joint
Business Council; and Agreement on the
A number of business delegations under the aegis
Establishment of Joint Economic Commission. The
of the Pakistani Chambers of Commerce including
signing of these agreements and MoU will further
Secretary General FPCCI (2011), KCCI, FPCCI,
consolidate bilateral relations.
RCCI, ICCI (2012) and JCCI, SCCI (2013) visited the
Czech Republic and explored ways and means for
promotion of trade ties and economic relations.
The Embassy, in cooperation with Pakistani
businessmen, organized two mango festivals in
September 2012 and July 2013 with the objective
to open the door for export of Pakistani fruits and
vegetables to the Czech Republic.
The Embassy is focusing on the following
perspective areas of cooperation with the Czech
Republic: Power generation equipment and
technologies; Mining (including Thar Coal); Water
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Ambassador Tajammul Altaf
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Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
March, 2014
Pakistan-Czech Republic
Relationship
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the Minister of State called on
H.E. Milan Hovorka, Deputy
Minister of Industry and Trade
and Jan Kohout, Foreign Minister
of the Czech Republic on 22nd
November 2013. The Minister of
State thanked the Government of
Minister of State with Mr. Milan Hovorka, Deputy
Czech Republic for its invaluable
Minister of Industry and Trade
support extended to Pakistan on
The diplomatic relations between
GSP Plus status in
Pakistan and the
the European
Czech Republic,
Parliament and INTA
formerly
Committee and
Czechoslovakia,
sought further
were established on
support of the
27 September 1950.
Czech Republic and
The two countries
the Czech MEPs in
celebrated the 60th Presentation of Credentials to His Excellency the final vote in the
Milos Zeman, President of the Czech Republic,
anniversary of the
by Ambassador Tajammul Altaf at the Prague
establishment of
Castle on 09 January 2014
diplomatic relations
European
in 2010. Pakistan-Czech Republic
Parliament in
relations have remained close,
December 2013.
cordial, cooperative and mutually
beneficial during the last 63
Ambassador of
years.
Pakistan to Czech
Minister of State meeting with Dr. Jan Kohout,
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan,
Minister of State for Commerce,
Textile Industry & Privatization
visited Prague from 21 to 24
November 2013. During the visit,
2014, Dr. Hynek Kmonicek,
Director of Foreign Affairs
department, Office of the
Meeting with the Czech Foreign Minister H.E. Mr.
Lubomir Zaoralek at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on
21.02.2014
President of the Czech Republic
on 5 February 2014, H.E. Jan
Hamacek, Speaker of the
Chamber of Deputies of the
Czech Parliament on
13 February 2014.
Ambassador
Tajammul Altaf also
called on the
Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Czech
Republic Lubomír
Meeting with H.E. Mr. Jan Hamacek, Speaker of the Zaorálek on 21
Republic
Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) of the
February 2014 and
Tajammul Altaf
Parliament of the Czech Republic on 13. 02. 2014
the President of
presented his
the Czech Senate H.E. Milan
credentials and letter to the
Stech on 26 February 2014. Czech President Milos Zeman on
9 January 2014. Ambassador
Tajammul Altaf called on H.E. Jiri
Schneider, First Deputy Minister
of Foreign Affairs on 22 January
2014, H.E. Tomas Dub, Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs on 29
January 2014, H.E. Milan
Hovorka, Deputy Minister of
Ambassador's Meeting with Czech Deputy Minister
of Industry and Trade Milan Hovorka (03.02.2014)
Industry and Trade on 3 February
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Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
March, 2014
During these meetings, the Ambassador discussed with the Czech dignitaries the entire gamut of bilateral
relations and explored ways and means to further promote and consolidate relations in diverse fields with
special focus on economic cooperation, bilateral trade and investment. Kashmir Solidarity Day
The Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed at
the Embassy of Pakistan in Prague on 5
February 2014 in a befitting manner.
Professor Jan Marek of Charles University
was invited as Guest Speaker. In addition,
students from universities and cross section
of Pakistani community attended the event. Observance of the Kashmir Solidarity Day at the Embassy of Pakistan in Prague Guest Speaker Dr.
Jan Marek, Retired Czech Prof. Urdu & Persian
Grant of GPS Plus to Pakistan
The Government of the Czech Republic extended its invaluable and unstinting support to Pakistan for its
graduation to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Plus Status. The grant of GSP Plus Status w.e.f.
01 January 2014 will go a long way in the promotion of bilateral trade, economic cooperation and Pakistan’s
engagement with the EU. It will supplement efforts of the Government of Pakistan to promote exports
especially textile sector to the EU, provide jobs and improve security situation in Pakistan. It is expected that
as a result of grant of GSP+ status, Pakistan’s exports to European Union (EU) will increase by around one
billion US dollars in 2014. The sectors that are likely to benefit from the withdrawal of import tariffs include
textile fabrics, yarn, textile garments including hosiery; bed, kitchen and toilet linen; footwear, protective
gloves of leather, sports gloves of leather, ethanol and plastics. Many products like footballs, fruits including
mangoes and pine nuts, animal products, cutlery products, surgical instruments, basmati rice already have
zero rated duty for imports in European Union from Pakistan.
Travel Insurance Policy (Including Terrorism Cover) for visiting
Foreign Buyers or Their Foreign Agents
On the request of Ministry of Commerce, National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) has developed a
scheme through which foreign buyers or their foreign agents can get insurance coverage from US$
200,000/- to US$ 500,000/- on payment of nominal premium by the inviting local exporter. Foreign Buyers
or their Foreign Agents may benefit from the scheme. Complete Policy rules and application form can be
provided on request.
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Embassy of Pakistan, Prague
March, 2014
Prime Minister’s Tax Incentive Scheme (For Investors and Businesses)
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has announced a multi-pronged tax incentive package aimed at
promoting investment, creating jobs, and simultaneously enhancing tax collection, increasing the number of
income tax payers and acknowledging leading taxpayers. In order to promote investment in industrial
undertakings and generate employment, the source of investment shall not be probed by the tax authorities
in respect of persons, who set up an industrial undertaking/expansion project on or after the 1st day of
January, 2014.
The priority areas include Green Field Industrial Projects, captive power plants established under such
projects, low cost housing construction, livestock, and mining and quarrying in Thar coal and investment in
Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Afghan Pakistan Transit and Trade Agreement (APTTA)
APTTA encourages the export of Afghan goods to foreign markets including access to some of the world’s
largest markets, India with 1.1 billion people and China at 1.2 billion.APTTA will increase Afghan exports and
reduce delays at borders. It makes Afghan products more competitive, attractive, and affordable abroad.
APTTA modernizes business and customs practices in both countries by simplifying and standardizing
procedures at the borders. Pakistan will be able to access the markets of Central Asia and Iran. APTTA will
stimulate employment and business inside Pakistan as service and logistical businesses support Afghan
trucks.
Embassy of Pakistan, Czech Republic
Střešovická 56/854, 162 00 Prague 6 – Střešovice, Czech Republic
(+420) 233 312868, (+420) 233 312884
http://www.mofa.gov.pk/czechrepublic
[email protected]
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