August 29, 2007	Wednesday	Sha’aban 15, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Aug 28: The acting chairman of the Senate, Jan Muhammad Jamali, on Monday said the government will soon table the Provincial Autonomy Bill in parliament.

Talking to a group of students from various institutions in Balochistan, he said the bill would not only help remove grievances of people from smaller provinces but also pave the way for resolving many issues confronting them.

He observed that Balochistan had remained neglected in the past but said the government had not only initiated developmental projects but was also taking steps to ensure basic services like health, education and other civic facilities to far-flung areas, a news release issued here said.

Responding to various questions, Mr Jamali assured that Balochistan’s development ranked on top of the government’s priorities. He said elected representatives were vocally highlighting the problems of the people at all levels and impressed upon the relevant federal and provincial government authorities the need to allocate enough funds for improving people’s socio-economic conditions.

He informed the students that in the Senate equal representation had been given to all provinces, irrespective of their population basis in the lower house.

He told the students that passage of the national budget was the prerogative of the National Assembly and the Senate only gives its recommendations to the National Assembly for consideration and incorporation.

The students were also taken on a round to the Parliament House and were given a comprehensive briefing on the role and working of the National Assembly and the Senate by secretary Senate, Raja Muhammad Amin.