PML-N took oath for restoration of judiciary: Ch. Nisar
'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Wearing black bands, nine ministers belonging to Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz Monday took oath of office from President Pervez Musharraf at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, saying it was a sacrifice for the restoration of judiciary.

Senior Minister of the Nawaz League Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said soon after the swearing-in ceremony that they “took oath of office to achieve the larger objective of restoration of judiciary.”

Ch Nisar who has the portfolio of Communication in the newly sworn-in 24 member coalition cabinet said their ally Pakistan Peoples Party was of the view that PML-N should be part of the cabinet in the first phase.

He said the co-chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari had asked PML N to “sacrifice for the larger cause” and join the first phase of the cabinet.

Nisar said the PML-N however had proposed to extend its support, without being in the forefront by not being a part of the cabinet.

About future working relationship, Ch Nisar said “we will work on legal, constitution and democratic path and anyone who agrees will have no difficulty in working with us.”

However the working will be difficult with those who have violated the constitution, Ch Nisar added.

Defence Minister Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar said his priority would be to strengthen country’s defence, while keeping in view the economic constraints.

“Like every Pakistani I believe in strong defence of the country,” Mukhtar said and added that Pakistan was a peaceful country and wanted good ties with all the countries.

Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Education, said he opted for the portfolio as he believed that the country seriously lagged behind. He said the 21st century has ushered in knowledge revolution and recalled his Vision 2010 that was aimed at meeting the future challenges.

He said Pakistan still ranked 135 on the global human index even after eight years and said that this situation needs to be addressed and changed.

Despite the claims, the poor still cannot get quality education as there are wide disparities that need to be removed.

He said the teachers need to play a key role to bridge the gap between various segments of the society and to make education more accessible to everyone.●