Country enters sustenance phase as crisis over: Babar.

ISLAMABAD, 27 April, 2009 (Balochistan Times) -- Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Zaheeruddin Babar Awan Monday said that after facing the crisis successfully, the country has entered into the sustenance phase and now peoples efforts, particularly the business community are direly needed to put it on track of progress and stability. The crisis is over and now we are passing through the sustenance phase. It is high time people from all sections of life put their efforts to put the country on track of progress, prosperity and stability, said the minister addressing the business community members during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said the economic recession least affected Pakistan and contrary to that economic giants have bowed before it, and are yet seeking ways and means to steer them out from the crisis. All this happened courtesy to the pro-active role of the Parliament. Pakistans foreign reserves have surged to $12.5 billion which had declined to $4.5 billion in 2008, said the minister in the function in which he also assured the chamber members that he would request the prime minister to grace the silver jubilee celebrations of ICCI in August, when the Chamber President Mian Shaukat Masood said lifetime achievement awards would be conferred on the newsmen and businessmen. After 9/11, he said, around $40 billion were flown to other states but the perpetrators had to repent as soil of Pakistan could have been the only safe haven for their capital. About the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2009-10, he said it would be peoples friendly and would come up to their aspirations, adding that four cabinet meetings have already discussed the matter. He categorically rejected the notion that some forces are trying to take control of Islamabad and assured that the national security institutions of the country are capable enough to safeguard the country. The minister urged the business community to invest capital in agro-farming, power and education sectors and also take steps to save energy by using minimum electric lights and closing shops before night. He assured that he would get the Rent Control Act passed by the National Assembly if the business community provides him consensus draft, taking all stakeholders onboard. Babar Awan reiterated his stance that local government elections should be held in the federal capital also as the Capital Development Authority has remained unable to address the grievances of Islamabadis. Earlier, Mian Shaukat Masood drew the ministers attention towards the problems confronting the capitals business community including development of new Industrial estate in sector I-17, delay in construction of parking plazas and shifting of Melody Food Park to an open space as the existing site lacks parking and space. He also suggested the establishment of medical kiosks in all markets of the city to provide first aid and emergency treatment to the people in wake of prevailing law and order situation.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)