MULTAN-JUI-F Secretary General Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri has said that all political parties including the JUI-F have rejected Protection Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) as it will cause chaos in the country.
Talking to the journalists here on Saturday, he added that the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance was in fact ‘Destruction of Pakistan Bill’ and it would usurp basic human rights of citizens. He said that the nation, all democratic parties and politicians needed to get together on the same page to protect democracy. “We demand the government to consult all political parties on this bill and refrain from getting this bill approved from the parliament in its current form,” he demanded.
Referring to Taliban-government talks, he said that the entire process lacked the element of seriousness. He claimed that Taliban’s refusal to extend ceasefire was in fact ratification of JUI-F’s stance. He added that whatever was said after the meeting of National Security Council was no more than jugglery of words.
To a query, he said that his party quit ministries as protest as the government did not address their reservations on Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, National Security Bill, talks with Taliban and recommendations of Council of Islamic Ideology. “But still we’re allies of the government and our doors are open for talks,” he declared. He suggested to the government to carry out serious efforts for holding talks with Taliban, adding that the seriousness of government and Taliban committees could be gauged from nomination of journalists as members of these committees. “If the problems being faced by the country are to be resolved by the journalists, the government should resign,” maintained. He reiterated that Loya Jirga should be held for making the talks a meaningful process.
MCCI, PSIC TEAM UP: In order to promote local small and cottage industry sectors, the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here on Friday. The Managing Director of Punjab Small Industries Corporation Bilal Ahmed Butt and MCCI president Khawaja Muhammad Usman signed the treaty on behalf of their organization.
Speaking on this occasion, Bilal Ahmed Butt said that the PISC had planned to develop “Artisan Villages” and small industrial estates spreading over 10, 15 and 20  acres of land in entire province in general and South Punjab in particular to facilitate and accommodate small businessmen. He said that PSIC was striving to promote mutual trust between the business community and PISC with a sole aim to provide business-friendly atmosphere. The PISC MD added that the Punjab government would introduce a special development scheme worth Rs39 million for the promotion of business activities and boost small industries.