UK’s PM visit to result in regional stability, prosperity

UK’s PM visit to result in regional stability, prosperity

July 01

Two-day visit of British Prime Minister David Cameron will push the efforts if international community for regional peace, stability and economic prosperity, a religious leader said Monday.

Positive efforts of the UK’s leadership for a stable, prosperous, peaceful, and democratic Pakistan are acknowledged by people, said Prof. Ajaz Mehmood Qadri, Chairman International Peace Council for Interfaith Harmony.

Cameron’s visit as first foreign head of government since PM Nawaz Sharif took office in June will help Pakistan implement economic development agenda, he said while speaking at a forum organised by Pakistan Economy Watch.

It is encouraging to know that UK, a close friend and genuine development partner having a strong voice in the EU, will continue advocating Pakistan's access to EU market.

Qadri said that realisation of the GSP Plus would trigger economic activity and promote cherished goal of creating gainful employment opportunities for Pakistani youth.

Pakistan and the UK have strong historic and cultural affinities; both have shared objectives of peace and stability in our region and beyond. We greatly appreciate the UK's economic, education and social development assistance, he added.

He tanked UK for supporting on-going Pakistan-India peace process and pledge to boost investment in Pakistan.

Ajaz Mehmood Qadri said that people and government of UK love peace, democracy, interfaith harmony, and justice therefore we hope that Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief, Altaf Hussain will be provided justice.

Relationship between Pakistan and UK in all spheres including trade, investment, energy, and culture will grow with the passage of time, said Qadri.

Read More

PM’s decision to ban CNG for 1000cc cars declared illegal

PM’s decision to ban CNG for 1000cc cars declared illegal

Conspiracy hatched by petroleum minister, CPP owners; Paracha

Dated May 24

The Federal Law Ministry on Friday declared the recent decision of the caretaker PM Minister Hazar Khan Khoso to ban vehicles of over 1000cc capacity from utilising CNG as illegal.

Caretakers cannot make key changes, the decision was against the Constitution and that every citizen has right over hydrocarbon resources, the law ministry observed during a critical meeting help here today.

The PM on May 21^st issued executive orders after which the petroleum ministry asked Ogra to implement the decision and slap fine from 50 to 100 thousand rupees on the CNG filling stations violating the orders.

It also asked Orga to suspend licences of CNG outlets if found violating orders and that the CNG pump shall be sealed for a minimum period of six months.

However, the law ministry took a firm and just stand that caretakers are exceeding their authority by taking such important policy decisions.

Meanwhile, Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha, Chairman Supreme Council APCNGA welcomed the decision of the law ministry.

He said that decision was discriminatory which was result of collusion between the Petroleum Minister Sohail Wajahat Siddiqui and all powerful captive power lobby.

Paracha said that Mr Siddiqui followed footsteps of former advisor petroleum Dr Asim who also tried a ban on 1000 cc cars but the them law minister Farooq Naek frustrated his efforts.

Caretaker minister has been bulldozing all rules, regulations and gas priority provision list to please certain lobbies, he alleged.

He said that law ministry has taken decision based on merit which calls for a decision by the authorities regarding just distribution of natural gas among all stakeholders.

The leader of CNG sector said that following merit will not only issue of unjust distribution of natural resources but can tame loadshedding.

Read More