February 5, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 6, 1427

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ISLAMABAD Feb 4: The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi on Saturday called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and discussed with him the overall political scenario in the country.

During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s House the three men discussed among other things issues ranging from economic development to building of water reservoirs and Senate elections (with reference to the allotment of party tickets) to party policies.

According to official sources, Mr Aziz briefed the two leaders on the outcome of the recently concluded visit of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah.

He observed that the expression of solidarity and support by the Saudi monarch for the country’ stand on regional issues and the Kingdom’s unflinching support on several issues and challenges faced by the Ummah was a source of strength for Pakistan.

He expressed the hope that the visit would contribute greatly in strengthening of an already existing strategic partnership as well as diplomatic, political, economic, trade and defence ties between the two countries.

The three also pondered over the government’s efforts to construct big water reservoirs in order to meet the future irrigation water and energy needs.

The issue was discussed in line with the government’s announcement of taking Bhasha dam first and putting the controversial Kalabagh dam on the backburner at least for the time being till a consensus was achieved among the provinces.

While discussing the government’s position on the building of water reservoirs, the prime minister said that necessary formalities were in progress before construction work was undertaken on Bhasha dam.

By completing work on water reservoirs and providing better irrigation facilities and uninterrupted electricity supply to industries, the prime minister said, a social change could be brought about in the country as it would boost industrial and agricultural output.

According to the prime minister, “the impact of each dam on the GDP will be between 3 and 4 percent and these dams will bring a major change in the lives of the people”.

Chaudhry Pervez on this occasion apprised the prime minister about the ongoing development schemes and the law and order situation in the province.

Mr Aziz said it was the government’s top priority to improve the living standard of its people and ensure that justice, education and health facilities were provided at the grassroots level.