09 August 2004	Monday	22 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that uplift of underdeveloped areas of the country tops the government's agenda.

The prime minister was talking to Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad , Health Minister Naseer Khan and PML additional secretary-general Senator Mir Mohammad Naseer Mengal, who jointly called on him at the Prime Minister House on Sunday.

The premier said: "We have allocated Rs202 billion for development projects in this year's budget, which shows our commitment." During the meeting, the latest political situation in the country was discussed.

Senator Mengal briefed the meeting about the political situation in Balochistan. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing development projects in the province. The information minister discussed matters related to his portfolio. The meeting also discussed ways and means to further develop the media and ensure more press freedom.

While reiterating the government's commitment to uphold freedom of expression in the country, the prime minister said the national press had a dual role to play. It has to project the policies and programmes of the government, besides highlighting the feedback so that the government could modify its policies, he added.