PM avers talks with N league possible

CNews KARACHI: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Sunday said that the Nawaz League was a reality as it had representation in the assemblies and negotiations could be undertaken with its leaders.The prime minister said this while addressing the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Gymkhana here at North Nazimabad.He, however, parried the question about talks with Nawaz Sharif, saying the outcome would be known after reaching political reconciliation with the party. He said the issue of Nawaz Sharif’s return was sub judice and he could not comment on that.He announced Rs 100 million for North Nazimabad Gymkhana to be established at a total cost of Rs 220 million besides CNG buses for the city. The Prime Minister also announced to provide a 25-storey high snorkel to help carry out rescue and fire extinguishing work in the city. Sindh Governor, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan, Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim, Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping, Babar Khan Ghauri, City Nazim, Syed Mustafa Kamal, In Charge Muttahida Qaumi Movement Coordination Committee Anwar Alam and Joint In Charge, Abdul Haseeb Khan were present on the occasion. Earlier, Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat- ul- Ebad Khan, on behalf of City District Government Karachi, announced Rs 50 million while Chief Minister, Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim also announced as much for the project. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said almost the total cost of the project has been met so the work on the project be initiated at the earliest. He appreciated the formation of community in North Nazimabad which, he said, is striving to bring about development in the area of their residence. "I hope such a spirit is seen in other residential areas of the city," he added. The Prime Minister congratulated the people as well as City Nazim, Syed Mustafa Kamal on carrying out revolutionary development in the city. He gave the credit of whole development to the City Nazim. Appreciating the step of construction of a gymkhana in North Nazimabad, the Prime Minister said the idea of embarking on this project came from the Minister for Ports and Shipping, Babar Khan Ghauri. Referring to the completed projects for the uplift of the city, the Prime Minister cited examples of Bagh Ibn-e-Qazim, Beach Park and the largest fountain. He appreciated the efforts of Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan as well as Babar Ghauri in this regard. Shaukat Aziz said an active and energetic middle class can bring about a big positive change in any country and added President General Pervez Musharraf and himself originated from the same class and are striving for the progress of the country. The Prime Minister mentioned his visit to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Headquarters on Saturday where he said he talked to MQM Chief, Altaf Hussain for half an hour. Altaf Hussain came up with some valuable suggestions for maintenance of peace and forging unity among the people, he added. He said the general elections are round the corner and appealed to the people to vote for those who made sincere efforts for development and progress of Pakistan including Karachi. "Your vote should support those who offered their services for you,” he said. Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz reaffirmed his commitment to work in unison for the progress and prosperity of people of the country, particularly the poor and downtrodden lot of the population.