President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday praised the patience, perseverance and skillful handling of the Pakistan-US negotiations by Ambassador Sherry Rehman which led to the ending of the stalemate between the two countries over the Salala incident.
In a letter to Sherry, President Zardari said the US’ apology over the loss of brave Pakistani soldiers’ lives was a vindication of Pakistan’s rightful stand and an acknowledgement of the inviolability of the country’s sovereignty.
The president said he was aware of her relentless efforts in putting Pakistan’s point of view across to the Obama administration and Congress and in the process she had to face many unpleasant situations with her interlocutors.
The president, however, said the job was not over yet and there were many challenges ahead including resumption of the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the US and taking it forward to a level which might pave the way for greater economic interaction and regional stability.
He said the “Pakistani-US partnership should be one that is based on trust and respect and constant efforts need to be made from both sides to make sure that for the greater good of the region this trust never wavers”.
Zardari expressed confidence that Sherry will continue the good work to achieve these objectives.
Declare
your assets,
ECP tells MPs
Islamabad
Online
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday issued a directive to members of parliament and provincial assembles to submit their annual statements of assets and liabilities by December 30.
In a press release, ECP said that it was a mandatory requirement for parliamentarians under Section 42A of the Representation of the People Act, 1976 and Section 25A of the Senate (Election) Act, 1975.
The statement of assets and liabilities will be published in the official gazette and copies will be obtainable by payment of a prescribed fee.
ECP shall, by October 15 of every year, notify the names of members who fail to file their statements within the specified period. Such member will cease to function at their position until the statement is submitted.
If a member provides false statements, he may be tried for committing the offence of corrupt practice.
