November 24, 2002	Sunday	Ramazan 18, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: The newly-appointed federal ministers have pledged to work for the betterment of the people by doing every thing on merit.

Minister for Defence Rao Skindar Iqbal told reporters after the oath-taking ceremony here on Saturday that the Pakistan’s defence was in safe hands. “We will keep receiving instructions from the president, especially, on defence matters”, he said.

Generally, he said, he would make sure that all matters pertaining to his ministry were dealt on merit.

Minister for Commerce Humayon Akhtar vowed to have frequent inter-action with the businessman to enhance trade and economic activities.

He said that all efforts would be made to increase Pakistan’s exports by exploring new international markets.

Minister for Information Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the Press would be allowed to have healthy criticism and assured that there would be no press advice, and that both print and electronic media would enjoy complete freedom.

“My important assignment would further improve the country’s image in the world”, he said, adding that the private sector of the county should come forward to establish more television and radio stations. “I think, I have been given a difficult ministry”, he observed.

Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said that all the ongoing uplift projects, which the Musharraf government had undertaken in the water and power sector, would be completed on priority.

“About the new development projects, we will work out a new strategy”, the minister for water and power said.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Kurshid Mehmood Kasuri told newsmen that efforts would be made to make more friends in the world.

He said Pakistan did not have any enmity with anyone, and that the new government would like to have cordial relations with all countries, including those of the region.