June 14, 2003	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 13, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, June 13: The National Assembly on Friday paid rich tributes to the services of former caretaker prime minister and speaker Malik Meraj Khalid who died in Lahore.

The members termed the former speaker a great man who lived a simple life.

The moment the house adopted 158 budgetary demands for grants, Petroleum Minister Noraiz Shakoor broke the news about the sad demise of Malik Meraj Khalid and sought speaker’s permission to move a resolution in this regard.

Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain, while granting him the permission, asked the members to say a few words about his life. He said the resolution would be adopted when the lower house will meet again on Saturday.

Some of the PPP members, however, criticized the speaker for continuing proceedings of the house after receiving the news. Secretary ARD parliamentary group Izhar Amrohvi told Dawn that it had been a tradition that the proceedings of the house adjourned whenever a former speaker, former president or prime minister, died.

A number of federal ministers and members participated in the discussion in which they highlighted different aspects of Mr Khalid’s life.

Reading out the resolution, the petroleum minister said Mr Khalid had served the country as a caretaker prime minister, speaker National Assembly and rector of the International Islamic University. His performance remained outstanding in all spheres of his responsibilities.

Musharraf: President General Pervez Musharraf on Friday expressed grief and sorrow over the death of Malik Meraj Khalid, former caretaker prime minister.

“Meraj Khalid was known for his human values, balanced approach, honesty and integrity of character,” the president said.