–PM Mulk directs chalking out a comprehensive plan to address water issues
–Reiterates commitment to further enhance Pak-Saudi ties
ISLAMABAD: The chief election commissioner (CEC), retired Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza on Tuesday called on the caretaker prime minister, retired Justice Nasirul Mulk, at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to discuss the arrangements for the upcoming general elections.
A press release issued by the PMO after the meeting said, “The prime minister reiterated that the caretaker government was firmly committed to providing all possible assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) towards holding free, fair and peaceful elections as per the schedule.”
It was also reported that Raza briefed Mulk about the arrangements being made by the ECP to hold elections on July 25.
The meeting took place while the ECP’s scrutiny candidates is underway across the country after the first phase of the election process — the submission of nomination papers — ended on Monday.
PM SEEKS A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADDRESS WATER ISSUES:
Earlier, PM Mulk directed the Ministry of Water Resources to work out a comprehensive plan to address the water-related issues of the country.
The premier issued the directives while chairing a briefing on water resources and highlighted the need for putting in place an efficient water resource management system. He also appreciated the formulation of the first-ever National Water Policy and setting up of strategic priorities for future.
Minister for Water Resources Barrister Ali Zafar, secretary to PM Suhail Aamir, Water Resources Secretary Shamail Ahmed Khawaja, Federal Flood Commission Chairman Ahmed Kamal and other senior officers concerned attended the briefing.
The Water Resources secretary gave a presentation on water resource availability, its utilisation and various issues impacting the effective management of surface as well as groundwater resources.
He also briefed the premier about the key policy objectives and strategic priorities that had been included in the National Water Policy 2018.
The meeting was informed that the availability of water in the country was gradually improving with the rising temperature and melting of the glacial snow in the mountains.
PREMIER FOR FURTHER STRENGTHEN PAK-SAUDI TIES:
Separately, Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk emphasised the caretaker government’s commitment to further strengthen the cooperative relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in all areas of mutual interest.
Speaking to Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed bin Al Malky, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier talked about the electoral process in Pakistan and the caretaker government’s resolve to hold free and fair elections in July followed by the formation of the new government in August.
Both sides reiterated the close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the need to enhance bilateral economic relations with a focus on trade and investment.
The Saudi ambassador conveyed greetings of the Saudi leadership to the prime minister, congratulating him on assumption of his office and said there were excellent opportunities for Saudi businessmen to invest in Pakistan.
