Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif chaired the meeting. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who directed the Interior Minister to "fast track" the process of signing.
The signing will enable Pakistan to request the US Government for the repatriation of Aafia Siddiqui under the relevant provisions.
The Cabinet was apprised of how numerous Pakistani nationals sentenced to imprisonment by US Courts in the past could not be brought back due to absence of any bilateral agreement between the two nations on the matter.
Under US law‚ a person sentenced under federal law to a term of years may only be repatriated/transferred to country of origin/citizenship if the country in question is a signatory to a prisoner transfer treaty to which the United States is also a signatory.
The United States is a signatory to the Convention and Pakistan currently isn't.
The Prime Minister took serious notice of the law and order situation in Karachi and directed the Interior Minister to make a comprehensive presentation in the next Cabinet meeting on the issue.
Approval for CASA-1000 Transmission Project
The Cabinet also submitted its approval for the signing of Inter Governmental Council Resolution to CASA-1000 Transmission Project between Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Kyrgyz Republic.
The Joint Working Group has prepared recommendations for development of the Project on the basis of a Contractual Joint Venture and started negotiations on the standard terms and conditions in accordance with agreed commercial principles.
The Inter-Governmental Council (IGC) consists of Ministers/Deputy Ministers of the four countries.
Security Protocol between Pakistan and Turkey
The Cabinet also sanctioned a security Protocol between Pakistan and Turkey.
The objective of the Protocol is to increase the current security cooperation between the police organizations of the countries, which will include capacity building and police training activities. Both sides will aim to strengthen their organizational capacity in counter-terrorism; information technologies and telecommunication; training and train-the-trainer programmes; crime scene investigation and forensics; organized crimes; intelligence; operational, tactical and strategic level police management training; police aviation; police behavior training and contemporary approaches in policing; defence tactics, sniper and operational shooting; criminal investigations; traffic management and traffic control system; riot policing; crisis management systems; MOBESE systems; and prevention of radicalization.
LJCP decisions to be implemented
The Cabinet approved the implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting of Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) held on June 4, 2011.
In 2011, the Commission approved certain amendments in the Law and Justice Commission Ordinance 1979, National Judicial Committee Ordinance 2002 and the repeal of Federal Court Act 1937.
The Cabinet has now given a go-ahead for introduction of the amendments in either House of Parliament.
Amendments in Employees Fund
The Cabinet considered and gave its approval to the Amendment in the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance Act, 1969 (Act-II of 1969). The amendment envisages incorporation of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development in the composition of the Board in place of Ministry of Labour and Manpower.
Islamabad Bar Council to be established
The Cabinet stamped its approval for the Amendments in the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973. The draft bill will provide for establishment of Islamabad Bar Council which is a statutory requirement under the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils Act, 1973.
International agreement on transfer of offenders
The Cabinet considered and gave its approval in principle to enter into negotiations on an agreement on transfer of offenders between Pakistan and Maldives, Pakistan and Korea and Pakistan and China.
The Cabinet also thumbed up the agreement on Transfer of Offenders between Pakistan and Yemen, Pakistan and Azerbaijan and Pakistan and Republic of Turkey.
Defence Cooperation with Spain
The Cabinet endorsed the officiating of a Protocol between Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Spain and the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Defence Cooperation. The Protocol envisages cooperation in military, defence industry and scientific-technological fields between both countries.
Financial Cooperation with Germany
The Cabinet signing of Financial Cooperation Agreement 2011 with Germany. The agreement will strengthen and intensify friendly relations through financial cooperation in a spirit of partnership and it will contribute to social and economic development in Pakistan. The agreement will also facilitate loans and financial contributions totaling Euro 67 million for developmental projects in Pakistan.
Cooperation with Saudia Arabia on sports
The Cabinet considered and gave its approval for signing of Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the field of sports. The proposed agreement would provide an opportunity to share the experience, skills and techniques of sports between the two countries.
Approval for MoU with Sri Lanka on sports
The Cabinet also announced its approval in principle to initiate negotiations with the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri-Lanka for signing of an MoU on cooperation in the field of sports.
Protocol for export of mangoes to China
The Cabinet considered and gave its ex-post facto approval, in principle, for the negotiations and signing of Protocol between the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of National Food Security & Research of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on phytosanitary requirements for exporting mangoes from Pakistan to China.
The Cabinet was informed that the export of Pakistani mangoes to China will not only accrue significant economic returns but will also attribute an authenticity to the Pakistani mangoes being complaint by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of People’s Republic of China with respect to Plant Quarantine and WTO-SPS compliance.
Amendments in Service Tribunals Act 1973
The Cabinet considered Amendments in Service Tribunals Act, 1973, and formed a Committee to review and present its recommendations before the Cabinet. The Committee comprises Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization, Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Dar; Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Zahid Hamid; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Mr. Khawaja Zaheer and Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mr. Nasir Khosa.
Convention with Czech Republic to improve taxation matters
The Cabinet considered and gave its approval for signing of the draft Convention between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Czech Republic for the avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.
COMMENTS (32)
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@Raj - USA: Can the havoc anybody creates be worse than the havoc Pakistani people are experiencing now as a result of US/Pakistan so-called cooperation. The havoc has been ongoing for 13 years now, and really if one thinks about it much longer. The Pakistan Government is a slow learner, and quite obviously, desperately need new people if it is going to lift its game.
Is it just because Aafia is a Muslim? Why don't you have the same commitment to Asia Bibi who is currently being discussed by the western media as reported here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2403773/Christian-woman-Asia-Bibi-jailed-Pakistan-using-Muslim-womens-cup-drink-water.html When I read the story I understand why we muslims are the most hated people in the West. I fail to understand why Christian countries are even giving aid to Pakistan.
Yes the govt should stop doing everything and bring this single terrorist to safe haven. This is what Pakistan needs more and more like fish needs a bicycle.
No concern for hundreds imprisoned in gulf jails or dozens getting beheaded withuot due process in Saudi Arabia. No concern for qaum ki beti Aasia bibi in Pakistani jail on trunped up blasphemy charges No concern for all the qaum ki betis struggling in IDP camps for no fault of their own
But this woman who has been sentenced for terrorism, she is the one that everyone is worked up about.
Amazing priorities..
I don't suppose anyone has asked Aafia if she wants to sit in a Pakistani prison vs USA prison? Most tend to forget that her activities make it obvious that she has no love for the govt/establishment of Pakistan. I would also point out that it's unlikely that Pakistan will meet the basic human rights requirements outlined in the European Convention making it subject to criticism from day one - something apparently overlooked by the Cabinet. Lastly -any prisoner transfer requires the consent of both the USA and Aafia making the chances of transfer close to zero.
This is not about Aafia Siddiqui. The whole thing is about Dr. Shakil Afridi. US wants to take Dr. Shakil Afridi at any cost. They are just keeping Aafia at the front to create a smokescreen for what is transpiring behind the scenes.
Although Pointless however, if shakeel Afridi is the cost then please do it immediately. We shouldn't let our economy slip further.
Do you remember what US did for one Raymond Davis
Good decision by the Govt..
Why is there no "transfer of sentenced persons" with India.
Good Decision Mian Saab you rock. IK supporters will burn themselves
I wonder how would that agreement benefit Americans, as they do get back their citizens in Pakistani jails whenever they want. However, it seems that PML (N) is setting another trap to sell few of its citizen "officially" to America under the garb of this new pact. Question is, would Americans get their agent Dr shakeel afridi as result of this pact? They dont need any agreement to get back their citizens like raymond davis, anyway!
"Cooperation with Saudi Arabia on sports"
Exactly what type of sports will Pakistan play with Saudi Arabia?
I am sure non of you above and including myself are either experts in politics, international negotiations, anti-terrorism etc. it on issues of such nature, we can debate the past governments and the present on what good or bad they did or doing. However what is important here thaw we should all think like One Single Nation I.e. PAKISTAN. Just for a moment read the article again and ask your self the measure most of them that were taken were actually supposed to be implemented by the previous governments.
I truly wish and pray that may peace, prosperity and faith be our Destiny and not stupid and sick comments that really doesn't help anybody.
God bless PAKISTAN, BECAUSE IF IT IS THERE WE ARE THERE.
PML-N bending over backwards to win further approval of the terrorist organizations that provided security to them during the elections and did not attack their assets or workers. Afia should be left wherever she is as she is no longer a Pakistani citizen. She divorced her ex and married a known terrorist. What about the thousands of Pakistanis in Indian jails, jails in the arab countries as well as those in refugee camps in Bangladesh? The problems is that any of those people are not being promoted as heroes by the TTP, ASSP and JI etc.
Lets hope for the best with good intentions of NS government in this regard.
If we sign this convention, we have to transfer many of our strategic assets to Afghanistan, China, India, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and US. Aafia is US citizen who abandoned her children and husband and honeymooning with a terrorist in Afghanistan. Are there no other good things to our politicians to do?
This government slowly shifting on trek of populace politics while silent majority siting with finger crossed
TTP says: Jo wadha kiya Wo Nibhana Padega.
Don't worry. US will release Afia to Pakistan as soon as they withdraw their forces from Afghanistan. Then Afia can form the woman's wing of TTP and create havoc in Pakistan.
@unbelievable: Dear unbelievable, You keep reiterating the US version of events, and nearly everybody is aware that Americans are rarely truthful, or at best obfuscate what really happened.
Signing this treaty will NOT bring her back because her transfer cannot happen without US consent. Stop wasting this nation's time and tackle the all too apparent issues that abound everywhere.
It is a good news but still it can be said that Treaties are treaties for us only not for American. Even signing the treaty doesn't ensure any action on our behalf but on their behalf using this treaty they would take a lot of such prisoners of their interest.
@Paindu:
Aafia was arrested in Afghanistan by Afghan police. She attacked American interrogators and was subsequently extradited to America where she was found guilty in a public trial.
Nawaz Sharif you are not only greatest leader of Pakistan but the greatest leader of the world! May Allah bless you.
What about the thousands of PAKISTANIS languishing in Middle Eastern jails???? They use to send all their hard earned DOLLARS back to PAKISTAN.
Some men just want to see the seculars burn
Really? And who sold aymal kansi to US then let's recallemphasized text
Does the convention requires the Jails to be Secure?
So much for just one person, who might actually be a terrorist.
Bravo! PMLN is the only hope for Pakistan. Aafia was sold to USA by former Dictator Musharraf but is being brought back by the most-popular democratic government in Pakistan.
An American is at home in America, I would think; unless you guys are talking about reverse immigration and that especially for terrorists here. Well, what can one say to those chasing populism at any cost, who cares if a terrorist is benefitting from this.