Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said speedy release of funds should be ensured for timely completion of ongoing developmental projects. The prime minister said this while talking to Federal Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The PM said further the coalition government had made unprecedented allocation in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in energy, infrastructure and social sectors. “Benazir Income Support Programme is the internationally acclaimed flagship programme of our government, reaching out to the poor and deprived segment of society. The coalition government attaches the highest priority to the welfare and uplift of the people and equitable distribution of resources to all areas,” said the PM. The finance minister apprised the PM about the overall economic situation in the country. He also congratulated the premier on his successful visit to the United Kingdom. In a separate meeting with Law Minister Farooq Naik, Prime Minister Ashraf said the government was committed to holding free and fair elections in the country. During the meeting Naik briefed Ashraf on several issues including the appointment of the caretaker prime minister and the upcoming general elections. He also updated the PM on the decision of the Supreme Court in the petition of Dr Tahirul Qadri. The prime minister said, “Democracy cannot flourish without free and fair elections. It is our responsibility to ensure that the elections are transparently held and the people of Pakistan choose their representatives in a free environment.”
