News
Monday, February 08, 2010
‘Govt wants to settle issues with India through dialogue’* PM says policy of national reconciliation to be followed
* Announces Rs 2bn for development projects in SindhKARACHI: The government wants to settle all unresolved issues with India through meaningful dialogue, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday.
Speaking about the achievements of the government while addressing leaders, office-bearers and senior workers of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) from Sindh at the Chief Minister’s House, the PM said the unanimous approval of the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, the return of 2.5 million internally displaced persons to their respective areas within three months, restoration of sacked employees and autonomy for Gilgit-Baltistan were among the successes of the government.
Reconciliation: He said the policy of reconciliation would be continued in accordance with former premier Benazir Bhutto’s vision, as this brings stability to the government and strengthens institutions. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and federal and provincial ministers from the PPP were also present on the occasion.
Development projects: He also announced to give Rs 2 billion to the Sindh CM for development projects in Sindh. Gilani assured division and district office bearers and senior workers of the PPP that their problems would be addressed, saying that he would also meet with members of the provincial assembly. The PM said the loss suffered from Benazir’s death could not be compensated for, adding that the party was trying to live to her example. He highlighted the significance of holding the party convention, announcing that such conventions would be organised more often.
Gilani said that strengthening the party meant strengthening the government, adding that pursuing Benazir’s philosophy would be beneficial for the entire country. Speaking on the occasion, the Sindh CM said the meeting had been held so that party members and office bearers could inform the PM of their problems. The CM said that party workers believed they had not been provided with the employment opportunities that they deserved.
He praised the policies adopted by President Asif Ali Zardari, saying that the president had contributed to strengthening democracy in the country. Also present on the occasion, PPP Secretary General Raza Rabbani said the party workers were the real strength of the PPP.
Briefed: Separately, after arriving in Karachi, the PM was given a detailed briefing, on the recent terrorist activities in Karachi, during a meeting at the Governor’s House. The meeting also discussed the prevailing political situation in the province in the wake of differences between the PPP and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement – on the fate of the local government system.
Peace: Regarding political reconciliation between the PPP and Muttahida Qaumi Movement, the Sindh governor and CM informed the PM that the dialogue process between the two parties had helped in bringing peace to Karachi. Gilani hoped that those responsible for the killings in Karachi would soon be apprehended and brought to book. He said that Karachi was the country’s commercial hub, adding that it was essential that law and order was maintained in the provincial capital. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk