PM Gilani Pledges: Govt Committed to People Welfare
By Aziz Malik ‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday the government is committed to provide basic necessities of life to people at their doorstep.

The measure is being ensured to be in line with the manifesto of PPP and the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

The Prime Minister was chairing a high-level meeting to review the compliance status of government’s 100-Day Agenda at the PM’s House.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister was briefed on the main actions taken by various ministries to accomplish the people’s welfare oriented task – set by the government.

Prime Minister Gilani said the people of Pakistan voted for democratic and progressive forces in the February 18 elections and the government would live up to their expectations.

The Prime Minister said that despite facing many challenges the government has taken numerous steps for providing food and energy security to every citizen in both short and long term perspective in addition to restoring the confidence of the investors.

He said the government has also launched conservation drive including reducing the budget of PM’s House and PM Secretariat by 40%.

In addition, he said the government has also taken steps for strengthening democratic institutions in the country and ensuring supremacy of parliament, independence of judiciary and freedom of media.

Federal Minister for Finance Naveed Qamar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Farooq H. Naik, Special Assistant to the PM on social sector, Ms. Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue, Secretary Interior, Secretary Law and Justice, Secretary Information and Chairman NADRA also attended the meeting.

Development of Balochistan: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said that Balochistan’s development and progress is the top priority of the government.

Talking to the Chief Minister Balochistan Nawab Mohammad Aslam Raisani at the PM House, he said increased funds are being provided for bringing the province at par with developed parts of the country.

Prime Minister Gilani said that he has provided extra budgetary funds of Rs. 3 billion from his own funds to facilitate the development process in Balochistan.

In addition, he said, Rs. 3 billion have been provided to Balochistan as arrears of gas royalty.

The Prime Minister said that directives have been issued that action will be taken against all those federal government employees who are not willing to join posting in Balochistan.

The Prime Minister assured the Chief Minister that steps would be taken for safeguarding the interests of the ship-breaking industry at Gadani.

The Prime Minister said that alternate sources of energy, particularly solar energy should be utilised to meet power shortage in the country.

He asked the provincial government to take measures for using solar energy in all government buildings in Balochistan.

The Prime Minister said that one third quantity of imported wheat will be channelled through Gwadar Port to make the port functional.

Nawab Mohammad Raisani thanked the Prime Minister for taking personal interest in the development of the under developed province. Chief Secretary Balochistan also attended the meeting. ●