Shaukat urges opposition to join relief work

24 Dec, 2005

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday reiterated the government's commitment to provide best possible assistance to the earthquake affected people and added Rs 17 billion have been distributed among the victims.
Talking to newsmen after sending trucks loaded with relief goods from the Ministry of Women Development here he said, the government has provided winterised tents to the people of the affected areas.
Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Development Nilofar Bakhtiar and Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Division Dr Firdoos Aishaq Awan MNA were also present on the occasion.
He urged the opposition parties to join the reconstruction work beyond their political affiliation, as it was a national and noble cause.
The prime minister regretting the decision of the opposition to reject the offer to join the parliamentary committee for reviewing the reconstruction work said the government would continue its efforts to include opposition in the committee.
He was talking to a Bangladesh Parliamentary delegation, which called on him at the Prime Minister's House this afternoon.
He said Parliament plays a vital role in the socio economic development of the people and stressed the need for promoting relations of the parliamentarians of both the countries for the development of people.
He said permanent exchange of parliamentary delegation was essential for giving new impetus to the existing ties.
He was talking to Alessandro D'Errico, Apostolic Nunicature, Ambassador of Holy See who called on him at the Prime Minister's House.
The Prime Minister said scholars and religious leaders must come forward and raise their voice against the evils of bigotry, narrow mindedness, extremism and terrorism.
Alessandro D'Errico, Apostolic Nunicature said Pakistan and Holy See enjoy excellent bilateral relations.
Addressing a select gathering of Christian community here at Prime Minister House, in connection with Christmas celebrations, the Prime Minister said, "Islam is a faith of peace, unity and projects interfaith harmony."
The Prime Minister who cut the cake on this occasion and congratulated them on the eve of Christmas said the people belonging to different religions living in Pakistan are enjoying full religious freedom.
Wishing 'Merry Christmas' to the Christian community, the Prime Minister expressed the hope that the December 25 would bring peace, harmony and mutual understanding among the people belonging to different religions and strengthen trust and brotherhood.

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