GUJRAT, July 11: Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival here on Sunday evening for the first time after assuming the office of the prime minister.

The city was decorated with buntings, mini flags of the PML and banners inscribed with welcome slogans. The PML local leaders and workers who had gathered in large number at the Zahoor Elahi Palace here showered petals on their leader.

Briefly addressing the people at the palace, he said, "I will discharge my responsibility in consultation with the people honestly." He said the PML government had been working for the downtrodden and would continue to carry out the projects of public welfare on a priority basis.

The prime minister said, "We are thankful to President Pervez Musharraf whose sagacious policies are aimed at strengthening economy of the country." He said President Musharraf also deserved credit for introducing a culture of decency, patience and accommodation in politics.

Mr Hussain said the government would continue to give due importance to women and strive to resolve their problems. He was talking to a delegation of women, led by PML Women Wing President Shahana Farooqi, which called on him at the Zahoor Elahi Palace.

The prime minister said the government had already given them due representation in all the elected bodies from union council to provincial and national assembly level for enabling them to play their role in national development.

He said various steps were also being taken for their economic empowerment and for this purpose various schemes are under way, including provision of small loans to them for starting their own business.

The women delegation thanked the prime minister for giving them a patient hearing and the assurance to resolve their problems. Shujaat Hussain also thanked the people who had come to the Zahoor Elahi Place in large number to welcome him on his visit to the city after assuming the office of the prime minister.

While on way to Gujrat from Islamabad, the premier was accorded rousing welcome at different cities, including Jhelum where he inaugurated a hotel. Before leaving for Islamabad, he visited the grave of his father Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi and offered fateha. -APP