Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the Govt. is considering legislation to grant right of vote to Pakistanis living abroad.
Speaking at an award ceremony, she said that millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad were asset of Pakistan, they were remarkably contributing to National Economy and their role needs to be acknowledged.
The 14th of August Committee of Pakistani Community in Norway had announced Bridge Building Award for Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.
Dr. Firdos received the award on behalf of the Prime Minister. The Award had been announced in recognition of Prime Minister’s services for strengthening of democracy, promotion of human rights and his efforts for normalization of Indo-Pak relations.
Speaking on the occasion, she elaborated the sacrifices offered and role played by Pakistan in war on terror, steps being taken by the government for the protection of rights of minorities in Pakistan, incentives being given for investment, efforts of the government for the uplift of less developed areas, Pakistan’s efforts for strengthening its economic relations with EU, Pakistan’s relations with China and the US and its steps for promoting inter-faith harmony. She said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its trade and economic relations with Norway. She paid glowing tributes to 14th of August Committee of Oslo for building the bridges between Pakistani Community and the people of Norway.
Earlier, she met Vice Chairman of Norwegian parliament Per Kristian Foss, Dy. Foreign Minister of Norway and Conservative party opposition leader in Norwegian parliament Ms. Erna Solberg.
She discussed with them matters of mutual interest pertaining to bi-lateral relations. She also had a meeting with a representative group of businessmen from Federation of chambers of commerce of Oslo. She explained to them invest-friendly incentives being given to foreign investors by Pakistan. She emphasized that the losses suffered by Pakistani economy due to its role in war on terror demanded the international business community to invest liberally in Pakistan.
She also attended a colourful evening arranged by Pakistani community in Oslo aimed at introducing Pakistani culture, music and fashion. The members of Pakistani community and the citizens of Oslo largely attended and appreciated the ceremony.
Right to vote for overseas Pakistanis under consideration
