October 20, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 7, 1428

LAHORE, Oct 19: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said the government would continue to enhance and consolidate the existing atmosphere of cooperation and cordiality with the opposition to strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

He was talking to PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi at their residence here. Governor Khalid Maqbool was also present.

The prime minister said the government recognised and respected the legitimate role of the opposition in a democratic dispensation and appreciated its contributions in furthering and cementing the process of democratisation in the country.

He said the ruling collation encouraged different points of view, but at the same time it was committed to promoting the process of democracy and development in order to ensure continuity of policies which had benefited the country.

Mr Aziz said that due to economic policies of the government more resources had been allocated to the provinces than ever before. He expressed satisfaction over the pace of implementation of development projects all over the country.

He said the reform agenda introduced by the government focused on transferring the benefits of high economic growth to people.

Chaudhry Shujaat condemned the attack on PPP’s rally in Karachi and stressed that culprits be put to justice.

The chief minister briefed the prime minister on the party affairs in the province. He said the enrolment drive was in full swing and the party’s popularity was rapidly increasing due to government policies.

He also briefed the prime minister on the law and order situation in the province.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Information Tariq Azim, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Commander (retd) Khalilur Rehman and Punjab Communication Minister Chaudhry Zaheeruddin.