ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that his government was exploring all options to mitigate the sufferings of the masses and provide them basic amenities of life. He said the government has made substantial budget allocation for the uplift of the people of the backward areas.
The prime minister was talking to PML-Q President Chaudry Shujaat Hussain and Deputy Prime Minister Chaudry Pervez Elahi who called on him at the PM House here Monday and discussed with him the current political situation of the country.
The prime minister thanked the PML-Q Chief for extending their support to the government. The PML (Q) president appreciated the PPP’s policy of reconciliation and consulting coalition partners on matters of national importance.
MNAs, Dewan Ashiq Hussain Bokhari, Ms Belum Hasnain, Haji Rozud Din, Abul Malik Wazir and Senator Wali Muhammad Badini also called on the prime minister in the afternoon. Bokhari apprised the prime minister about the village electrification schemes in his constituency, requesting him for releases of funds for the gas and electricity schemes in his area.
The prime minister directed the authorities for expeditious release of funds for electricity, water and gas projects, saying these were vital for improving the standard of life of the people. He also advised the MNA to identify projects that are near completion and prioritise them.
Ms Belum Hasnain also briefed the PM about the status of the ongoing development projects in her area. On her request, the PM directed the authorities concerned to identify deserving women in her area to provide them assistance through the government schemes. Raja mentioned the excellent work done by the Benazir Income Support Programme in empowering the women and providing them the opportunity to earn their livelihood with dignity and honour.
Haji Rozud-Din informed the prime minister about the progress on the project of installation of LPG plant and the electrification projects in his area. The PM assured him that government would ensure provision of funds to the projects that are near completion.
In his meeting with Abudl Malik Wazir, the prime minister said that government has prioritised the tribal region for its development schemes and record funds have been allocated for it. He hoped this would bring a positive change in the life of the people. He said that with social change, minds and hearts could be easily won. The MNA thanked the PM for generous allocation of funds and apprised him about the current situation in South Waziristan.
Senator Wali also apprised the PM about the status of ongoing development schemes in his area. The prime minister said that bringing development in Balochistan through sustained provision of funds has been the policy of the government. He assured the senator of the continuation of this policy.