Omar’s trial preferably in Pakistan: Musharraf | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Omar’s trial preferably in Pakistan: Musharraf

ISLAMABAD- President General Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday directed the National Reconstruction Bureau to expedite the work on constitutional amendments as the government was determined to hold elections on time.

“The process of amendments in the Constitution be accelerated so that the election plan is implemented in accordance with the roadmap for democracy,” sources quoted the President as saying while chairing the federal cabinet meeting here.

The President also informed the federal cabinet that US had asked for extradition of Omar Shaikh. However, he said Omar’s trial would “preferably” be held in Pakistan.

“The President has directed to expedite the trial of Omar Shaikh and said, if proved, the accused will get capital punishment under the law,” sources said.

Referring to his meeting with US ambassador, the President said she had raised the issue of Omar Shaikh’s extradition to US. “I told her that we will consider the request,” the President was quoted as saying.

The sources said the President informed the cabinet that it would be ensured that all those involved in Daniel Pearl case would be given exemplary punishment.

On working of ministries, the President directed all the ministers to ensure implementation of the decisions taken by the cabinet within the prescribed time frame in letter and spirit.

He said issues should be addressed promptly and bottlenecks in implementation should be brought to his immediate notice for decision and resolution.

The implementation status of the decisions, the President said, will be monitored by the cabinet every week.

The President directed the Finance Ministry to help the provinces in getting out of the debt trap.

The provinces, he said, could only undertake development projects and plans for socio-economic uplift of the general masses if they are financially strong and have fewer liabilities.

“The Federal government should help them in getting out of the financial problems,” the President said.
Source: The Nation
Date:2/28/2002