Gilani seeks media, civil society’s help to fight terror
Islamabad: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked journalists and members of civil society to help the government fight terrorism.
Inaugurating the 4th sessions of PM’s Dialogue with the Nation here Wednesday, he thanked journalists and members of civil society for participating in the consultative talk. He stressed the need for promoting moral values in the society and urged journalists to uphold national interests while covering events.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted to see Afghanistan as an independent, stable and prosperous nation and Islamabad did not want to interfere in Kabul’s internal affairs.
He maintained that 3.5million Afghan refugees were still residing in Pakistan. He said the government made it clear to the United States that reconciliation process in Afghanistan should be made through Afghan leadership.
Gilani said Pakistan wanted to be part to the reconciliation and political settlement in Afghanistan as it had suffered a lot in the past due to instability in the neighboring country.
Talking about relations with India, he said Pakistan wanted better ties with India, laying stress on dialogue to resolve issues. He said India accepted that all issues should be resolved on the table and this was a step forwarded.
The prime minister said that the federal government agreed to transfer 10 per cent of its share to provinces in the NFC. He said it is the responsibility of the government to provide basic amenities of life to people and remove their sense of deprivation.
He stressed the need for promoting regional languages and said he would convene a national educational conference to form a uniform educational policy.
Gilani said the government was committed to empower women and an independent commission would also be set up for the purpose.
He said the present government decided to hold talks with all political forces, including MQM, to find solution to the Karachi problem.
He said a committee, comprising the Balochistan governor and chief minister, has been mandated to talk to enraged Balochs.
The prime minister said he was ready to go to Baloch leaders for the sake of the province and the country.
The participants of the dialogue urged more jobs for youth, resources for health and education, dialogue for resolution of Karachi and Balochistan problems, improvement of relations with Afghanistan and India, police reforms, local bodies elections, population control, empowerment of women and minorities, elimination of child labour and promotion of sports.
The prime minister promised their proposals would be given due consideration while drafting his speech for the coming Independence Day.
Source: Daily Times
Date:8/4/2011
” 
” 
” 
” 
