Relief body, new dams
Premier offers olive branch to Opposition
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday highlighted that the government would be keen to seek opposition’s suggestions in any strategic plans at national level. The Prime Minister said while talking to reporters in an inauguration ceremony of a published book that the government was sincere in its intention of taking the opposition parties along in making the process of rehabilitation and rebuilding transparent. He said the government’s seriousness was evident from the fact that it had responded to the proposals made by the opposition in writing.
He informed that he invited the opposition for talks to build consensus on the construction of a major water reservoir and other issues. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said forward bloc within the folds of PML is part of democracy adding that he is in contact with members of this bloc and all the differences will be settled with them amicably.
“Presence of forward bloc within the party is part of democracy. I remain in contact with the members of bloc. It is our endeavour that internal affairs of the party are sorted out amicably. Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain is discharging the obligations of party presidentship in a befitting manner”, he said this while talking to the journalists on the eve of book launching of pictorial book entitled “Loss of paradise in the aftermath of quake in Pakistan”, here Friday. Earlier the author presented book to the Prime Minister who appreciated his efforts. Deputy chairman planning commission, Akram Sheikh and chairman National Book Foundation, Iftikhar Arif were also present on the occasion.
Prime Minister reiterated that government wanted to take along the opposition in every matter so that the atmosphere of reconciliation and accommodation prevails. “We are not daunted by constructive criticism. It is part and parcel of democratic process. During my meeting with opposition leaders I asked them to give reply as soon as possible on the formation of parliamentary committee so that this move may be taken forward and a consensus strategy is worked out on important national issues”, he underlined. Reply from opposition will be received till Sunday in this connection , he indicated.
Citing to October 8 devastating quake, he said it was a major tragedy for the whole country and its repercussions will be felt over the long years. The entire families and cities were eliminated in this quake. About reconstruction and rehabilitation of quake affectees, government is pursuing policy in transparent manner, he asserted. Massive relief aid was received from within and outside the country, he indicated. It is reflective of confidence on the policies of government, he underscored. Relief commissioner and reconstruction authority are working for rehabilitation of quake victims. It is a long term project.
“We need support of the opposition to further improve the relief activities. The entire process will be made transparent. The services of foreign auditors will be hired. Accounts of all the relief funds and president relief fund will be put to website, he announced. Replying to a question on construction of dams he said talks were underway in this regard. Government is maintaining contacts with all the provinces on this issue. There is representation of the all the parts of the country in national assembly. Decision on dams will be taken with the spirit of reconciliation and accommodation, he hoped. He informed the report compiled by the technical committee on Kalabagh and Bhasha dams will be published in Urdu, Sindhi and all other languages for the nation.