LAHORE, Jun 26 (APP):Caretaker Minister for Information,
Broadcasting and Law Affairs Barrister Ali Zafar said on Tuesday
that free, fair and transparent general elections would be held
on time and there was no truth in rumours about delay.
Talking to media after distributing cheques among various
Bar Councils and Associations at the Lahore High Court Bar, he
assured that all-out efforts were being made for holding
elections on time and there was no chance of delay.
He said that Fata merger was a historical decision and now
same fundamental laws would be applicable in the area which were
enjoyed by citizens in rest of the country.
Barrister Ali Zafar said that at present, there were no courts
and other administrative facilities in the area. He said that the
interim government had formed an implementation committee besides
various sub-committees to expedite process of Fata merger with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
To a question about elections of provincial assembly in Fata
area, he said that the elections would be held within one year as
provided in the constitution. The matter was also being reviewed
by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, he added.
To another question about facility of casting vote to
overseas Pakistanis, he said that the Election Commission was
empowered to take steps for the purpose, adding that steps
should be taken for the purpose and modern technology could
also be used in this regard.
Responding to a question about Kalabagh Dam construction,
he said that Pakistan ranked top among the countries who
waste water.
He said that Kalabagh Dam should be constructed in his
personal opinion but it could not be done without agreement of
all the provinces. He said that other dams and reservoirs
should also be constructed besides focusing on Kalabagh Dam
issue.
Barrister Ali Zafar said that he met with chairman WAPDA
and it transpired that the dams could not be constructed due
to negligence of previous governments. He said that caretaker
government would take all possible steps for the purpose and
also made recommendations for the next government.
To a question about loadshedding, he said that there was
dire need of enhancing power transmission capacity besides
generation. Besides traditional means, we must also develop
electricity from solar, wind and other resources but it could
not be done at once, he added. He said that next government
should take steps for the purpose.
He maintained that law would be followed in Ishaq Dar
issue while replying to a question about issuance of red
warrants for him.
Earlier, the minister addressed a gathering of lawyers at
Javed Iqbal Auditorium of the LHC bar.He said that he was a
representative of the lawyers community in the interim
government and all possible steps would be taken for their
welfare.
He said that the bars could not function independently if
they did not have sufficient funds. He said that the interim
government was aware of its responsibility and it had given
aid to 150-200 bars so far.
He further said that all legal documents and transactions
should be carried out through lawyers and legislation should
also be done for the purpose. He said that the step would not
only create opportunities for the lawyers but also helpful to
the masses.
The minister distributed cheques among representatives of
various bar associations at this occasion.
President Lahore High Court Bar Anwaar ul Haq Panu also
addressed the gathering.