ISLAMABAD, Sept 12: The federal cabinet on Wednesday reiterated its support for President General Pervez Musharraf’s re-election from the present assemblies.

However, a press release issued after a meeting of the cabinet didn’t say if the support was for re-election of the president in uniform.

Asked to comment on the issue, a federal minister said: “He will be re-elected in uniform or without uniform.”

The press release said: “The federal cabinet which met here under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz unanimously endorsed the re-election of President General Pervez Musharraf from the current assemblies.”

When asked if all members of the cabinet had attended the meeting, the minister said: “Shaikh Rashid was not in the city and he didn’t attend the meeting”.

Shaikh Rashid, it may be mentioned, has expressed dismay over delay in the Musharraf-Benazir deal which, he believes, is necessary for the president’s re-election.

In accordance with a directive of the Supreme Court and recommendations of the Federal Shariat Court, the cabinet approved an amendment to the Evacuee Trust Properties (Management and Disposal) Act, 1975, to provide the right of appeal to aggrieved parties in the high court against decisions of the chairman of the Evacuee Trust Properties Board.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz reprimanded the defence ministry for providing misleading information to the cabinet about EU allowing some PIA planes to fly to European cities. He asked the ministry to provide correct information sought by the cabinet.

The cabinet rejected Pakistan Post’s proposal to increase the charges of the services provided by it.

The Pakistan Post was asked to open at least one post office in each union council and run all services on professional lines.

The cabinet reviewed the overall prices of essential goods. It was informed that 3,500 Utility Stores had been set up in various parts of the country before Ramazan and the government was providing a subsidy of Rs1,500 billion on 700 items of daily use.

Taking notice of public complaints, the cabinet asked the directorate of National Savings to improve its service, introduce Islamic products and provide better returns to clients.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Khurshid Kasuri briefed the cabinet on foreign policy issues. The cabinet was informed that the Cuban embassy had been opened in Islamabad and Pakistan was finalising arrangements to open its mission in Havana.

The Civil Aviation Authority and PIA were allowed to enter into preliminary negotiations with the European Commission prior to concluding an agreement on air services.

The cabinet directed the ministry of defence to make a separate presentation on the subject in the next meeting.

A bill for setting up the National Institute of Population Studies was approved. The cabinet was informed that the rate of population growth was gradually coming down and now stood at about 1.8 per cent.

The cabinet approved a draft ordinance granting degree awarding status to the Dawood College of Engineering and Technology in Karachi.