Premier steps-in to placate PML dissidents
By Uzma Zafar

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that he is ready to play his role for addressing the reservations of the dissident members of Pakistan Muslim League (PML) through negotiations.
“I along with Chaudhry Shujat, the PML President are ready to meet dissident members of the party to settle the matters through talks”, the Prime Minister said while addressing a press conference in PML House here on Tuesday.
PML President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain, PML secretary general Mushahid Hussain, law minister Wasi Zafar, health minister Nasir Khan, Minister of State for Interior Shahzad Wasim, State Minister Tariq Azim and other PML leaders were also present on the occasion.
He noted that differences in political parties are the spirit of democracy but unity among PML members is utmost necessary.
Mr Aziz said that he has not seen the list of 35 members forwarded by the forward bloc.
He said that he is in constant contact with opposition parties to form Parliamentary Committee for quake-affectees rehabilitation.
Parliamentary Committee will be autonomous and if the opposition does not participate in it then it will also be formed, the Prime Minister maintained.
He went on to say that we want to convene the meeting of Parliamentary Committee after November 19 international donors conference that has great importance.
The Prime Minister observed that $5.1 billion have been estimated for rehabilitation process.
$6 billion earlier submitted in President Relief Fund (PRF) are being spent on relief work, he added.
Mr Aziz noted that Rs 25,000 are being given to each quake-stricken family.
He also expressed satisfaction over relief activities underway in quake-hit areas.
There is no shortage of blankets, quilts and food items but relief workers are confronting difficulties to supply relief goods in affected areas, he said.
The Prime Minister added that there was dire need of artificial limbs.
Besides Islamabad, artificial limbs centers will also be opened in Manshera and Abbotabad, he said.
He said that a colony has also been taken for disabled persons in Ghazi Brotha.
The Prime Minister also appreciated volunteer doctors and entire nations for participating in relief activities with eagerness in critical time.
To a question, he said Pak-India talks are heading way on all bilateral disputes including the core issue of Kashmir.
About Karachi bomb blast, the Prime Minister said that investigation is being launched to arrest the culprits of Karachi bomb blasts.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Tuesday said that the peace process between Pakistan and India was in the interest of both the countries and the people in the region.
Talking to reporters here at the PML House along with PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General PML Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed and other leaders of the party, the Prime Minister said, “there has been progress in the peace process between the two countries in the recent years”. He said Pakistan wanted to resolve all the issues with India including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir through negotiation and dialogue to ensure peace in the region.
Referring to his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Dhaka on the sidelines of the 13th SAARC Summit, he said it was very useful meeting and he discussed all the bilateral matters with his Indian counterpart.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan wanted to carry forward the peace process and was looking for comprehensive movement in the dialogue. He said the atmosphere in the region and in the relations between Pakistan and India had improved as a result of the confidence building measures between the two countries.
He said the number of visitors between Pakistan and India had increased while the number of flights and other two-way activities were also being enhanced amid the dialogue process.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan wanted to ensure progress and prosperity in the region through the peace process.