Cabinet meeting: PM confides in allies over 20th amendment

Awan says Gilani held consultations about legal aspects of by-polls. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday took the federal cabinet into confidence regarding his consultations with political parties, especially coalition partners, to present a draft of the 20th amendment in the National Assembly.

Following a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, Information Minister Firdous Ashiq Awan told reporters that the premier took the cabinet and coalition partners into confidence regarding by-polls and their legal and constitutional aspects.

Prime Minister Gilani held consultations with the cabinet members on the overall constitutional requirements of the Election Commission with regard to holding by-polls, she added

Petroleum products

Responding to a question regarding the recent increase in petroleum prices, Awan said, “The government was compelled to increase POL prices as the prices of petroleum products in the international market are rising”.

Approval of MoUs

The minister also said that the federal cabinet has given a nod to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and Qatar’s Ministry of Energy.

The cabinet approved the signing of a MoU between Pakistan and Russia on scientific cooperation. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar was authorised by the cabinet to sign the document during her forthcoming visit to Russia.

Gilani meets PML-Q chief

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Gilani held talks with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) chief Ch Shujjat Hussain over the proposed amendment.

The premier while referring to the seat adjustment in the Senate elections assured the PML-Q that their reservations would be addressed, according to the sources.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2012.