ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Thursday invited leadership of all the political parties to accompany him to the hospital in Rawalpindi today (Friday) to inquire about the health of Malala Yousafzai.
Shortly after a federal cabinet meeting, Federal Information Minister Qamar zaman Kaira told a press briefing that prime minister took this decision to express solidarity and give collective response to the situation emerging out of the attack on Malala.
The minister said that the cabinet strongly condemned the attack and all the members were unanimous that the incident demands complete unity in the ranks of the nation to face the challenge and foil the designs of the extremist elements. To a question, he said the political leadership would be approached through letters or telephone, expressing the hope that they all would respond positively as “this is not a political issue”.
The cabinet members condemned terrorist attack on Malala and other girls, and vowed to root out terrorism. They also prayed for early recovery of all the injured girls. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that he has instructed the relevant authorities for providing best treatment to them at government expense. He said the nation has the will and determination to protect its values and the future of its children.
Raja Pervaiz said the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led government fully respects the courts. Commenting on the Supreme Court’s approval of the Swiss letter draft, the premier said it clearly shows that government fully respects the courts, adding that it also silences those who have been propagating that there was a clash between the executive and the judiciary.
Kaira told that in the second session of the cabinet‚ the Sub-Committee of the Cabinet on Balochistan presented its report. All members of the cabinet and other stakeholders were asked to give their proposals so that the recommendations could be finalised in the next meeting to be held exclusively on this issue and implementation process is started.
Kaira said the committee in its report has recommended for giving political reconciliation top priority and starting dialogue with all the concerned quarters with the involvement of notables and elders who can easily communicate with them. He said the prime minister has already made it clear that dialogue would be initiated with all those who are willing to talk.
The report also recommends that interference in prevalent cultural regime and tribal system should be avoided. The committee emphasised that next elections should be free‚ fair and transparent, and reservations of political parties‚ if any‚ should be addressed. Whosoever gets majority in the election should be handed over power, it suggested. It also recommended diplomatic efforts to counter and expose foreign interference in the province.
The committee proposed formation of an apex committee comprising the provincial governor‚ the chief minister and the Corps Commander for coordination. All law enforcing agencies and intelligence agencies would be accountable to the committee. It will also look into the prospects of any change in A and B areas of the province in consultation with all stakeholders.
An additional secretary level officer of BS-20 would be entrusted responsibility for coordination of law and order issues. All federal ministries and departments would be asked to provide details of vacancies against Balochistan quota and these would be filled in within one month through transparent mechanism from amongst those having genuine domicile of the province. Relaxation in rules, if needed, would also be given for the recruitment.
The committee recommended that FIR in respect of all those perceived to be missing should be lodged for proper investigation. A standing committee of religious leaders would be set up to ensure religious harmony in the province. The committee categorically stated that all armed person‚ organisations and groups should be identified and eliminated.
The committee also recommended release of funds on priority basis for Ratto-Dero-Gwadar Road and KatchhiC. The minister said funds for the canal have already been released and these would be released soon for the road. The cabinet approved extension in the lease of the Saindak Project after consent for the purpose by the provincial government. It also approved policy guidelines for Ogra and start of negotiations with Equador for signing of agreement for export of skilled manpower.