Federal cabinet discusses Kashmir issue, situation in region

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The federal cabinet discussed in detail the Kashmir issue and the situation in the region. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi briefed the cabinet about the situation in Kashmir. According to the sources, the prime minister took the cabinet into confidence regarding his discussion with the world leaders. The cabinet decided that Pakistan will not leave the Kashmiris alone during this time. “Pakistan will continue moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris,” it decided. The forum lauded the steps taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying such effective stance has not been presented before. It was also informed about the results through the United Nations Security Council meeting. The cabinet directed the authorities to review the NAB laws regarding businessmen and bureaucrats. The prime minister directed all ministries to introduce the e-billing and e-bidding system. He directed to make the billing and contract bidding online. The cabinet approved Pak-Turk Framework and amendments to the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. It was also briefed about the new public welfare projects. Moreover, the cabinet approved loans amounting to Rs5 billion for the construction of houses. It was also briefed about one-year performance of the Communications Ministry.

Cabinet discusses Kashmir situation, endorses decision to close trade with India

On August 9, Prime Minister Imran Khan had presided over a meeting of the federal cabinet. Briefing the media about the decisions taken by the federal cabinet, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan took the cabinet into confidence on regional situation emerging after revocation of independent status of Kashmir by India. “Focal groups have been formed on Kashmir in the context of parliamentary resolution that will work under their mandate and give concrete recommendations to the government.” The cabinet appreciated the statement of UN Secretary General on Kashmir in which he expressed concern on the situation and also recalled that under Simla Agreement the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be settled by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations. “The cabinet reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment that it will not budge from its principled stand on Kashmir. It emphasized not to show any flexibility on this position and national interests of the country,” she added. Referring to other decisions of the cabinet, she said a briefing was given by Frontier Works Organization (FWO) to the meeting regarding development projects in Karachi. She said that 10 initiatives were put before cabinet under Ehsaas program. “The PM told the cabinet that our country is rich with resources, capital and talent and challenges are due to inequitable distribution of resources. The Ehsaas initiatives will help reduce unemployment, besides provision of quality food and employment to marginalized segments of society.” Firdous Ashiq Awan said that all the ministries have been directed to bring proposals providing relief to the common man to the cabinet. She said that unjustified distribution of resources is root cause of all problems. “The government is taking special steps to empower the woman. A special mechanism has been devised for women at railway stations,” she said. The special assistant said that special benefits would be given to the youth and labourer. “We are taking steps to ameliorate the problems of the common man.” She said that the Aviation Division had been passed directions for the construction of skyscrapers in Lahore, Multan, Peshawar and Karachi. Meanwhile, the cabinet also endorsed the decision of shutting Samjhota and Thar Express. The federal cabinet has approved the reforms to restructure the Pakistan Cricket Board. It also endorsed the decisions made by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC). It also approved ax lungar program to provide free meals to the destitute and poor in major cities of the country. The cabinet also accorded approval to restructuring of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to promote regional cricket and groom new talent. It also gave approval to the decisions of ECC taken in its last meeting. The cabinet also directed the relevant authorities to make adequate arrangements for coping with the flood situation in various parts of the country during rainy season. It also accorded approval to bill of University of Engineering and Emerging Technology. It re-endorsed current charge of MD of Tourism Board.