Govt, opposition in contact: Sh Rashid
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said talks are in progress with PPP-P and some other political parties adding deal is in pipeline with certain parties and the results will soon follow.
He said this while talking to the journalists after attending annual certificate award and parents day ceremony of Pine Hills Public School and College here Wednesday. Minister for political affairs Amir Muqam presided over the ceremony.
Citing to MMA resignations, Sheikh Rashid said the religious alliance is out to undermine democratic process by enacting drama of resignations. However, it is MMA which will be at receiving end. MMA is wasting its time and energies by indulging in the politics of resignations. This will neither benefit them nor the democratic norms.
He reiterated that democratic government will complete its term for the first time in the history of Pakistan.
To a question, he told work will soon begin on railway track project between Beijing and Hawelian. The preliminary survey has been completed in this regard. The services of Chinese engineers and German experts are being hired for this project, he informed. This project will be of historical importance, he added.
Earlier addressing parents day ceremony, he said the present government is concentrating on the promotion of education. Education development is at the top of priorities of this government, he added. A better educated society can guarantee for strong and stable Pakistan, he remarked.
Private sector is also playing eminent role side by side the public sector for the promotion of education sector, he underscored.
Speaking on the occasion minister for political affairs, Amir Muqam said no one can be allowed to become champion of Islam. Every person and political party loves Islam. Therefore, MMA needs not to become champion of Islam.
He went on to say that the present government has enhanced the dignity of women by getting the Women Protection Bill passed from assembly. President General Pervez Musharraf has boosted the confidence of the women by giving them representation in the assemblies.
Later talking to the journalists at the residence of PML parliamentary leader Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani, he said if MMA resigns, bye-elections will be held on the seats to be vacated by them.