Condemning the attempt on Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, the minister said it is responsibility of the government to provide safety and security to every citizen.
“The government strongly condemns the attacks on JUI-F chief and it always condemns any attempt on life and property of any Pakistani,” the minister added.
Dr. Firdous maintained that some 86,000 Watan Cards have been distributed among the deserving in Dera adding that the government is fully aware of the fact that Rs. 20,000 is not enough to reconstruct houses and there is need to do more in this regard.
Appreciating the dynamic leadership of Faisal Karim Kundi, the minister remarked, “Your commander (Kundi) is a brave leader who is all time busy in conveying your voice to Islamabad and you all must be proud to have such leader”.
She expressed the confidence that the area would develop if their leader keeps following Bhutto’s philosophy.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the government, Dr. Firdous maintained that the government is facing dual challenges in shape of law enforcement operation and price hike.“Due to unrest in Gulf countries, the petroleum prices have surged in the international market which compelled us to take this difficult decision to increase the prices even though we were not in its favor,” she added.
She explained “if the petroleum prices were not increased, the burden would have shifted to the country and the government does not want to see the country’s perception under such burdens”.Commenting on the demand ‘Saraiki province’, the minister said that the Prime Minister has already announced to include this demand in their next election manifesto during his speech at Jalalpur Pirwala.The minister greatly appreciated the work done by Khanum Tayyaba Bukhari for the welfare of the people and said that it is our political, moral and religious responsibility to work for their welfare.Addressing the public meeting, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi said that efforts were being made to overcome the problems being faced by the area.He said that a 220 KV grid station has also been sanctioned for overcoming the voltage problem in the area.
NA Deputy Speaker informed that a sum of Rs 20 million has also been approved for extension of Dera Airport and efforts are being made for laying Railway line.
Regarding the restoration of mobile phone service in the area, he said that mobile service would be restored after the inauguration of Animal Fair.
Faisal Karim Kundi said that formation of Saraiki province would be the part of PPP’s manifesto in the next general election.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan on Saturday said that country is passing through a critical juncture and there is dire need to create unity and solidarity among our ranks. Speaking at a reception hosted by Dera Ismail Khan Press Club, the minister urged the media to play its pro-active role in not only highlighting the problems faced by the people but also help the government to search for their solution. “I would like to assure media from this forum that the government owns media’s right of freedom of speech and would not leave any stone unturned for providing this right to this important pillar of the society,” she remarked.
The minister maintained that the government wanted to engage media as a marketing tool.
“Media highlights problems but it must also become part of solution and join hands with the government in solving them,” she urged.
Dr. Firdous was of the view that the government wanted to strengthen institutions as strong institutions are a guarantee to stable democracy.
She said that majority of population wanted to carry forward the true Islamic philosophy for the progress of the country.
The minister assured full support of the government in mitigating the sense of depriveness from the people of Dera Ismail Khan.
She also announced a grant of Rs. 300,000 for Dera Ismail Khan Press Club and re-opening of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) office at Dera.
Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan informed that Radio Pakistan is being developed in the area and the capacity of a Radio booster is also being enhanced
