The Cabinet on Wednesday approved amendments in Delimitation of Constituencies Act 1974, allowing the Election Commission to divide each province into as many separate territorial constituencies as the number of general seats is allocated to the concerned province.
According to Cabinet decision, "All constituencies for general seats shall, as far as practicable, be delimited with regard to the distribution of population in geographically compact areas, existing boundaries of administrative units, facilities of communication and public convenience and other cognate factors to ensure homogeneity in the creation of constituencies," sources said.
Presided over by the Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the Cabinet meeting also discussed issues related to Jamia Hafsa. According to insiders, some ministers said that the people viewed it as government's own drama. After the Cabinet meeting, Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani told journalists that more than 20 agreements and MoUs would be signed during the five-day visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to China, starting from April 16.
He said that Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Atta ur Rehman made a presentation about the initiatives taken to improve the higher education sector. The presentation was followed by in-depth discussions by Cabinet members, and the Prime Minister decided that all PhD degree holders, working in colleges and universities, would get uniform PhD allowance at the rate of Rs 5000 per month from July 1, 2007.
At present, PhD allowance for the college teachers is Rs 1500 per month. The Prime Minister said that universities should be set up in the areas where faculty and other facilities are available. The Cabinet also decided that fully-funded scholarships for university education would be given to students belonging to less developed areas and the areas where no university exists.
Durrani said that the Prime Minister stressed need for maintaining balance between primary, secondary and higher education to make a strong pyramid of education in the country. The Prime Minister directed the HEC for ranking all public and private sector universities, which should be published so as to bring the standard of Pakistan's universities at par with international universities.
The Cabinet approved proposal to get HEC accounts audited by auditors of international repute, saying that a lot more needed to be done and the government would continue its endeavours to provide high quality education to students.
The Prime Minister appreciated the contributions of private sector educational institutions in providing higher quality education. Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao briefed the Cabinet on the situation relating to Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa.
The Cabinet was informed that the government was aware of its responsibility, but would like to exhaust all peaceful means to avoid any damage to life. Efforts by Shujaat Hussain were underway and any decision would be taken on the conclusion of these efforts. The government is following a peaceful track which is based on principles. However, the writ of the State and the government would be established at all costs, he said.
The Interior Minister appreciated the fact that all religious scholars of standing, representing different schools, had roundly criticised the action by Lal Masjid and Jamia Hafsa administration and the people of Pakistan "are solidly behind the government" on this issue. He assured the meeting that the matter would be resolved in harmony with sentiments of the people.
The Minister for Religious Affairs presented the background to the situation and the efforts he had been making for its resolution. The Prime Minister reiterated that anybody trying to take the law into his own hands would be dealt with sternly. "The law enforcing authorities have clear instructions to that effect. We have many options to deal with the Lal Masjid and Madrasa Hafsa issue. However, our objective is to settle it peacefully, but firmly, with prudence and patience," the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet about his visit to India to attend the Saarc summit and exchange of views with the Indian leadership. He also informed the Cabinet about his meetings with the Afghan President and APHC leaders from the Indian held Kashmir. About the visit of Russian Prime Minister to Pakistan, Shaukat Aziz said it would be the first visit by a Russian Prime Minister in 38 years. He said he was confident tat it would mark a new beginning in Pakistan-Russia relations.
He also informed the Cabinet about his forthcoming visit to China. The Cabinet noted the change in supply of electric power to Karachi and decided that the city would be provided electricity to the maximum extent possible from total power generated.
The Minister for Water and Power informed the Cabinet that 1000 megawatts electricity would be available from Iran within the next few years. Both countries will erect transmission lines within their own boundaries. This would help meet power shortages in the country, especially in Balochistan and Sindh. The Cabinet was informed that water for irrigation was available in the required quantity for the Kharif crop.
The Cabinet noted with satisfaction the record estimated wheat crop of 23 million metric tons and also the 76 percent increase in production of gram this year. The Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Sikandar Hayat Bosan also informed the Cabinet about the substantial increase in the lentil, potato and sugarcane crops. He said that growth in maize production was 6.4 percent above last year's level.
There has also been substantial increase in livestock growth, all of which would increase agricultural income and help reduce poverty in the rural areas. This has been due to higher yield and productivity as a result of a series of measures taken by the government in the past year to facilitate the agriculture sector, he said.
The Cabinet noted the situation in Parachinar with concern. The Prime Minister said that sectarian violence was very condemnable and would be dealt with firmly. He, however, hoped that better sense would prevail and the local community leaders would join hands with law enforcement agencies in crushing such trends.
The Prime Minister complimented members of the Cabinet on the manner in which they acted with confidence and grace in handling the recent issues. He said that the government had greatest respect for judiciary and would abide fully by the judgement of the Supreme Judicial Council. He discouraged any discussion on the subject, as it was a sub judice matter.
The Cabinet approved MOU in the field of sports between Pakistan and Argentina and authorised the Ministry of Interior to start negotiations with Bahrain and Qatar on an agreement on transfer of offenders. The Cabinet also accorded approval, in principle, to Pakistan Health Research Council Bill 2007.
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