The Federal Cabinet has approved to sign agreement on transfer of offenders
between Pakistan and Uzbekistan; meanwhile the Prime Minister Syed
Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed the federal ministers to keep close
contact with the masses and should visit any province every week.
The prime minister also has reiterated the government stance that it would allow victimization of any media institution.
The cabinet meeting was held in Islamabad Thursday with Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani in the chair.
The Cabinet also approved to start negotiations for signing
inter-governmental agreement between governments of Pakistan and Italy
for 57.75 million Euros support for Citizen Damage Compensation
Programme (CDCP-II). It approved to start negotiations and signing of
agreement between SAARC Disaster Management Authority and NDMA about
South Asia Disaster knowledge network.
Cabinet also approved in principle to start negotiations with an NGO
EV-K2-CNR on Memorandum of Understanding on climate change and
adaptation measures.
Briefing newsmen about the decisions of the cabinet, Information
Minister Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the meeting reviewed the
decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee and gave its formal
approval. She said the cabinet reviewed the implementation percentage of
its decisions regarding ministries of privatization, production and
railways.
The Chairman Benazir Income Support Programme Farzana Briefed the
meeting about the achievements of the programme and its recognition at
the international level.
The Information Minister said the Cabinet was informed during the
presentation on Consumer Price Index that during the week ending on 15th
of this month there was a trend of rise in price of 25 items including
Tomatoes, Rice, Gram pulse, Vegetable Ghee. Prices of Tomatoes will
decrease when the fresh crop will come in the next month. The prices of 5
items decreased during the same period. The items include Garlic,
Chicken, Eggs, Onion and Potatoes. The prices of 23 kitchen items remain
unchanged. The items include Mutton, Oil, Electricity and Fuel Charges.
Answering a question, the Information Minister said that the case
regarding assassination of Benazir Bhutto is being heard by judiciary as
well as the court of general public. She said that the best revenge for
the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto is democracy which has weakened the
militant mindset.
To another question, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the new Chief
Election Commissioner would be appointed in consultation with the
opposition as envisaged in the 20th amendment.
She said that the Prime Minister has directed the federal ministers
to visit each province and monitor development projects so that they
could be completed in time.
Replying a question she said that the expanses of the journalists who
go abroad with the prime minister are paid by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting, adding that the ministry has reservations
over the lists of blue eyed journalists, adding that the ministry is
neglected while preparing the lists.
He said that the reservations of the media are correct and I will
inform the leadership about this issue, adding that no media
organization will be allowed to victimize by any party, official
organization or other group, adding that the government considers media
as its strength.
He said that no one could make as his own subordinate, adding that the government has abolished all black laws regarding the media.
He said that no one could make as his own subordinate, adding that the government has abolished all black laws regarding the media.
Chairman Benazir Income Support Programme Farzana Raja who was also
present on the occasion said that four hundred thousand people have been
registered with the BISP in Balochistan. She said that survey is being
carried out in the remaining areas of Balochistan and FATA.
Farzana Raja said that the cabinet has commended the work done by the
BISP besides obtaining appreciation from international community. SANA
