AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, November 29, 2012 (PPI-OT): A six members delegation of the International Committee of the UK’s House of Commons led by Rt. Hon Sir. Malcolm Bruce called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf at PM House this evening.
While talking to the delegation, the Prime Minister said we appreciate the help being extended by the United Kingdom. Pakistan is grateful to UK as it is one of the largest recipient of its development assistance.
The Prime Minister said that though elections are around the corner, tackling poverty, education and social sector remain our top most priority. “We have done a lot but still have a long way to go”, said the Prime Minister.
Rt. Hon Sir. Malcolm Bruce said that the purpose of the visit of the delegation was to exchange views and discuss ways and means to make the assistance being extended to Pakistan more meaningful.
The Prime Minister appreciated the help extended by the UK in the education sector. “Assistance coming from anywhere should be utilized for the needy and they should see a visible difference”, said the Prime Minister.
During the discussion with the members of the delegation, the Prime Minister said that our top most priority is girls education. “Malala Yousafzai, our daughter, stood up for the rights of the girls and their education. She is the true face of Pakistan”, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that there is a consensus in Pakistan that we have to strengthen the parliament. For this we have to hold free and fair elections. The agreement on an independent Election Commission and a Chief Election Commissioner is augurs well for democracy in the country. People of Pakistan have realized that their future lies in democracy. In this connection all political parties have shown maturity and are contributing towards the continuity of the political system in the country, he observed.
Talking about the development strategy of his government, the Prime Minister said that the country can only progress if all sections, societies and regions of the country develop simultaneously. The government has, therefore, focused on the agricultural sector. Resultantly, the rural economy has faired better than the urban economy.
Sheikh Waqas Akram Minister for Professional and Technical Training, Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Secretaries Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs Division, Education and Training and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
For more information, contact:
Haji Ahmed Malik
Principal Information Officer
Press Information Department (PID)
Tel: +9251 925 2323 and +9251 925 2324
Fax: +9251 925 2325 and +9251 925 2326
Email: piopid@gmail.com