Cabinet endorses operation in 9 Karachi areas

A meeting of the Federal Cabinet was held here at Prime Minister’s Secretariat Wednesday. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.The Cabinet announced to observe “Youm-e-Dua” on Jumma tul Wida for Karachi.The Prime Minister took the Cabinet into confidence over Karachi situation and the steps being taken to alleviate the situation.The Prime Minister said that the government was aware of the Karachi situation and stated that all political forces should support the Government on this issue.The Prime Minister said “we had no option except to take action to eliminate gangsters and target killers in Karachi”. He said that action will be across the board as we are only concerned with the wellbeing of Pakistan.The Prime Minister said that 9 areas have been identified where action has either been started or will be started soon. He said that a handful of people cannot be allowed to take the country hostage.The Cabinet appealed Ulema and religious scholars for offering special prayers for peace and stability in Karachi and for the whole country.The Prime Minister also took the Cabinet into confidence on the steps being taken by the Government to end load shedding in the country. He also mentioned the formation of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Minister for Finance which has been meeting regularly.The Prime Minister directed the Finance Minister to hammer out some out of box solution to end the load shedding at the earliest so that people should heave a sigh of relief. He hoped that Committee would come up with solid recommendations after Eid-ul Fitr.Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan said handing over Karachi to Army directly was not in the ambit of the federal government. “Bringing Army in the affairs of the city is not need of the hour.”She told media men cabinet discussed 12-point agenda and Karachi situation figured top of the agenda. “Karachi issue was not a new issue. Situation in Karachi had remained worst in the past as well,” she said.She said Karachi was economic hub of the country and miscreants and anti-state elements were making efforts to fulfill their nefarious designs.She went on to say that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has informed Cabinet about his reservations on handing over city to Army. “Involving Army in every matter was not correct. Giving irresponsible statements on Karachi issue should be avoided,” she added.She said MQM chief Altaf Hussain’s statement about Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani was presented out of context.A handful of miscreants have hijacked majority in Karachi while the government will restore peace at every cost, she vowed.The Cabinet also gave approval to the Financial Document for 425 Megawatt power project at Checho Ki Malian and Nandi Pur.The Secretary Finance apprised the Cabinet of the latest tends/prices of the commodities of essential use. He also informed the cabinet that further 200,000 tons of fertilizers are being imported for Khareef crops. 150,000 tons of fertilizers have already been imported. A subsidy of Rs 5 billion have been given on fertilizers.The Cabinet directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to revisit the draft bill for Regulating Hajj, Umrah and Ziarat and also incorporate the points in the bill raised by the Cabinet members.The Cabinet gave approval for the confirmation of the decisions taken by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its meeting held on 16th August, 2011.The Cabinet decided to form a committee consisting of Ministers of Petroleum, Financer and Industry to thrash out matter with regard to OGRA.The Cabinet accorded approval to enter into formal negotiations on Air Services Agreement between Pakistan and Latvia.The Cabinet also accorded approval to Pak-French Joint Declaration on Economic and Commercial Partnership.The cabinet meeting reviewed the implementation status of cabinet decisions pertaining to Overseas Pakistani, Railways, Religious Affairs and Revenue Divisions.