PM satisfied over handling of Lal Masjid demonstration

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has expressed satisfaction over the manner in which Lal Masjid demonstration was handled today. Talking to the Federal Minister for Water and Power, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Advisor to PM on Interior, Rehman Malik and Advisor to PM on Religious Affairs Maulana Hamid Saeed Kazmi, he appreciated the authorities who facilitated the people gathered there and looked after their welfare.
The Prime Minister said the government believes in resolving all issues through dialogue and negotiations and force should be used only as a last resort. Rahman Malik told the Prime Minister that concerned authorities had been asked to ensure availability of drinking water for the people gathered at the Lal Masjid and he himself visited the place to see if everything was in place.
He said that on the directions of the Prime Minister, police was not kept visible and were given instructions to avoid the use of force.
Advisor Interior also updated the Prime Minister on overall law and order situation in the country including Bara, Khyber Agency.
He said after disbanding of the three organizations which were running parallel government in the area the situation is now calm and under complete control of civilian forces.
The Prime Minister said that it should be ensured that people have the confidence that every step taken by the government is in their best interest as well as the interest of the country.
Maulana Hamid Saeed Kazmi briefed the Prime Minister on the main features of next year’s Hajj policy and said that some changes in previous policy might be made to facilitate the Hujjaj.
The Prime Minister said the entire process should be kept totally transparent and directed the Ministry of Religious Affairs to provide better facilities to the Hujjaj during their stay in the Holy Land.
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf updated the Prime Minister on the steps being taken by the Ministry of Water and Power as part of PM’s 100-day programme for meeting energy shortage in the country. He also briefed him about his recent visit to Sindh.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and directed the Ministry to gear up efforts to end loadshedding by the end of next year as already announced by the government.