New budget to focus on poorest of poor: PM

ONBOARD PM’s AIRCRAFT : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reiterating the government’s commitment to improve the lot of common man has stated that the new budget will unveil a relief package for people, with focus on poorest of the poor. “Our fiscal policies are aimed at improving the economic indicators and our focus in the new budget will be to provide relief to poorest of the poor,” he told newsmen onboard his plane on way back home after attending the World Economic Forum on Middle East.
When asked as to what was his greatest worry at this point of time, the Prime Minister said, “My highest worry is to give relief to my people.”
About his meeting with US President George W. Bush on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Gilani said he discussed with him issues of mutual interest, trade and investment, market access, terrorism and extremism as well as matters relating to regional and international situation.
He said the discussion focused on the challenges of food and energy crises faced by Pakistan as well as the cooperation in combating terrorism.
The Prime Minister said he discussed with President Bush the close cooperation, which is being provided by Pakistan, in the war against terror.
“I told President Bush that we have paid a heavy price in this international war against terrorism and even lost our leader Benazir Bhutto”, he said.
Prime Minister said there was a convergence of views on issues of intelligence sharing and cooperation between the security agencies to eliminate terrorism.
To a question about meeting with President Bush, Gilani said, it was not a planned meeting, as the US President and he had come to Sherm El Sheikh to attend the World Economic Forum.
He, however, added, “We want to strengthen bilateral relations with the United States in various fields including defence and energy cooperation.”
Similarly, the Prime Minister said, the two sides also discussed cooperation in other areas such as education, health, social sector and market access for our products in the US.
Prime Minister Gilani, who was looking very confident at the end of his first overseas visit and meeting with President Bush and other leaders after assuming the office, said “The US President was in full mood to assist Pakistan in the areas of energy, defence and market access.”
The Prime Minister said during his meeting with the US President Pakistan’s relations with neighbouring countries including India also came under discussion.
He said there was realization from the US side about the importance of Kashmir issue for improved Pakistan-India relations and President Bush said the time was ripe for solution of Kashmir issue.
The Prime Minister said he asked President Bush that US should play a role in resolving Kashmir dispute, as it was making efforts for peace in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Gilani said he told the US President that unless the core issue of Kashmir is resolved there cannot be good and sustainable relations between Pakistan and India.
About his bilateral meetings with other leaders including Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and Prime Ministers of Egypt and Jordan and the Commerce Minister of Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister said they wanted to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors and were keen to invest in our energy, agriculture and real estate sectors.