AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, May 16, 2013 (PPI-OT): A Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Justice (Retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso today reviewed in detail, the conduct of general elections 2013 and other agenda items.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister thanked all members of the cabinet for their commitment and cooperation in the holding of elections. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Caretaker Government, felicitated the nation for their overwhelming participation in the election process.
The Prime Minister said that the nation’s fearless participation in general elections had proved that it could defeat militancy and sectarianism with the spirit of collective well being of the people.
He said the Cabinet appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, civil society, media and other institutions for their role and cooperation with the Government for achieving its objective of holding general elections.
The Prime Minister stated that the Caretaker Government took all constitutional and legal steps, in collaboration with the Election Commission and Government institutions to ensure peaceful election process. He added that the elections were held on time as promised by the Caretaker Government and the Election Commission.
The Prime Minister remarked that the transfer of power to the newly elected Government would be completed in accordance with the Constitution and the will of the people of Pakistan within the stipulated time.
The Cabinet approved finalization/signing of MoU on long-term plan on Pakistan-China economic corridor. The signing of the MoU would enable the planning authorities of the two countries to comprehensively plan the long-term development of the economic corridor that would effectively and efficiently catalyze economic growth and create employment opportunities for the region.
The Cabinet also approved signing of the MoU for cooperation in the field of marine science and technology between State Oceanic Administration (SOA) of Peoples Republic of China and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The proposed MoU between the two governments provides for broader guidelines; with its objectives, priority areas, modes and modalities of cooperation for both sides to follow for implementation of specific programmes of cooperation.
The Cabinet considered and gave its approval, in principle, to enter into negotiations on Code of Practice for Cooperation in Return of Pakistanis to their Country between the Government of Pakistan and Republic of Austria.
The Cabinet also considered and gave its approval, in principle, for initiating negotiations on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors.
The Cabinet considered and agreed in principle to the national policy for overseas Pakistanis, which aims to protect, conserve and provide sustainable tools to improve the quality of life of overseas Pakistanis working in different countries of the world. It also aims to create opportunities and an environment for safe investment and facilitate/ motivate foreign remittances through legal channels and to provide protection to their assets.
Another important objective of the policy is to facilitate Pakistani Diaspora to contribute in the development of their country. The policy was referred to the Law Division for detailed examination and would be brought before the Cabinet for final approval.
The Finance Division gave a detailed presentation to the Cabinet on Consumer Price Index in the country to oversee/discuss the trend of prices of essential commodities. The Cabinet expressed its satisfaction on the price situation of essential commodities prevailing in the country.
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