ISLAMABAD April 4: The Qaumi Jamhoori Party (QJP) has opposed the setting up of National Security Council (NSC) terming it unnecessary in the presence of Defence Committee of the Cabinet.

QJP President Air Marshal Asghar Khan presided over the party meeting which observed that the institution created by an act of Parliament cannot be superimposed within the framework of the Constitution.

The meeting also demanded of the government to place all the ordinances issued previously before the Parliament for consideration. The ordinances should be treated as repealed until passed by the Parliament, it observed. The party made a mention of Hudood Ordinances in particular which in its view were in conflict with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and not in conformity with the accepted principles of equality.

The meeting also expressed concern over the rising poverty in the country and demanded a drastic reduction in utility bills. It also demanded that wasteful government expenditure must be brought under control.

The meeting observed that the large number of cabinet ministers at the centre and in the provinces placed enormous burden on the national exchequer. Such expenditure must be curtailed and resources diverted to other important sectors like health and education, it added.