August 01, 2008	Friday	Rajab 28, 1429

QUETTA, July 31: Speakers at a seminar held here on Thursday called upon the government to take effective measures to overcome the growing economic crisis.

They expressed concern over the rising prices of petroleum products and stressed the need for providing immediate relief for the poor.

The seminar “Current Economic Crisis and People’s Issues” was organised by the Centre for Peace and Development.

Provincial Minister for Special Education Jan Ali Changezi said that people had pinned high hopes on the government but their problems had not been addressed.

He said coalition governments in Balochistan always had a large number of ministers which was huge financial burden.

The minister said that despite financial constrains, 50 new vehicles had been purchased for the provincial cabinet.

He said the opposition played an important role in a democratic set-up, but there was no opposition in the Balochistan assembly.

Mr Changezi said that in today’s global village international markets had direct effect on every country.

He called for people-friendly policies to overcome the economic crisis.

Prof Syed Mohammad Arif said developed countries had the means to initiate food stamp schemes and tax exemptions programmes for the people.

But developing countries like Pakistan were not in a position to give relief to the poor.