News
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Public investments, banking system safe: Zardari
* President, PM say terrorists will not be allowed to succeed
* Zardari vows to deal with load shedding on war footingISLAMABAD: Public investments are safe and the banking system in the country is functioning normally, President Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday. The president was meeting Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani at the President’s House. Zardari said the economic difficulties faced by the country were temporary. Both leaders stated that terrorists will not be allowed to succeed and would be brought to justice and those providing financial assistance to them would also be exposed, sources said. According to the sources, the president and the prime minister also discussed expansion of the federal cabinet. War footing: Separately, Zardari directed the Water and Power Ministry to deal with load shedding and power shortage on war footing. He said the solution of the power and energy crises was critical for economic development. He said this after being given a detailed presentation on “International Competitive Bidding for New IPP and Rental Power Projects on Fast Track”. The president showed keen interest in the measures being taken to resolve the power crisis in Karachi. Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervez Ashraf told Zardari about the steps taken to end load shedding by the end of next year. Zardari also met Federal Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Ghulam Ahmad Bilour. He said the ministry should come up with proposals to bridge urban-rural disparity in the country. He stressed the need to study and benefit from practices followed in other countries with regard to rural development and local government. staff report/agencies
Courtesy DailyTimes