PARIS, July 21 (APP): Ministry of Interior has made all arrangements for issuance of Machine Readable Passports to the Pakistani community living in France from August, 2009. This was stated here by the Minister for Interior, Senator Rehman Malik during a meeting here with the members of Pakistani Community based is Paris. The Minister had promised for it during his last visit to Paris in May this year.
During the meeting the Minister also informed the community about the current situation in Pakistan especially Pakistan?s war against Talibans which he referred to as ?Zaliman?. He said that maintenance of Law and Order was the first priority of the government.
The Military operation in Swat and other areas was successful this time because the democratic government has the support of the people, he said. All sections of the society were supporting the Government?s policy, he added.
The Minister also appreciated the courage and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and people of the terror-effected areas.
He also highlighted the steps taken by the Government to facilitate the return of IDPs. The focus was now on Baitullah Mehsud?s network and expressed Government?s determination to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.
The Minister also updated the Community about the economic situation in the country as Pakistan has suffered a lot economically. He expressed hope that with improved law and order, growth rate increasing and inflation getting under control, Pakistanis would be looking forward to a bright future in the coming years. The Minister also urged the community to send their remittances through proper legal channels.
Regarding the demand from the Community for establishment of a Community Centre and a school for Pakistanis, the Minister said that it was a good project and could be materialized if the Pakistani community contributes fifty percent of the expenditure and the rest fifty percent would be shared by the Government.
Answering a question regarding shortage of electricity the Minister said the Government was conscious of the problems being faced by the public and a number of measures are being taken to get over with this issue by increasing electricity generation utilizing hydel and coal power and a better supply system to control losses.
Later, the Minister also held a meeting with the Pakistani Community members belonging to Pakistan Peoples Party. During the meeting the Minister highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of Pakistan Peoples Party for strengthening democracy in Pakistan and ameliorating the lives of the general public. He also referred to Mohterma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto?s who became a victim of terrorism and sacrificed her life for the people of Pakistan.
The Minister urged the member of PPP to come forward with welfare projects in Pakistan and assured of all government support. He also assured them of facilitating transfer of their money to Pakistan through National Bank of Pakistan in Paris.
