Minister condemns Islamabad blast

Sindh Minister for Women Development (WD) Ms Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto while strongly criticising Saturday's Islamabad blast and termed it an act of terrorism aimed to destabilise the present government so that it could not concentrate on the uplift of the masses and development of the country.
No Muslim can commit such an act, which claimed innocent lives and caused injuries to many others, she said while talking to media men after attending the Eid gifts distribution ceremony, organised by Al-Umeed Lions Club here at Latifabad on Sunday evening.
She said the blast could be the act of anti-democratic forces, which do not want that democracy could flourish in the country. The government has initiated steps to find the clues and the persons behind this tragic incident, she said.
About the address of President Asif Ali Zardari to joint session of the Parliament, Ms Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto termed it as the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said the entire speech of the President reflected his sincerity for strengthening of democracy, peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
The suggestion of the President for formation of a Parliamentary Committee for review of clause 58-2(b) and the 17th Amendment in the has been appreciated by all Parliamentarians and it proved that the President is fully akin to withdrawal of his powers, she said.
Responding to a question, the Minister said the progress, prosperity and integrity of the country along with democracy was the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the present government is working in the same direction.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto desired to provide due status to the women of the country by providing maximum representation in all fields of life, she said and added that the government has started initiating women development programmes and soon the women of the country will get their due status.
The government is actively considering enhancing the job quota of women and disabled persons in government departments from two to five percent, she informed.
The Minister said she has issued directives to Chairperson of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Centre to shift the office to a place which could be approachable for all.