RAWALPINDI, June 5: Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal has dispelled the impression that there was any plan to cut defence spending in the forthcoming budget.

Talking to newsmen at the Shah Baloth Park after attending a function in connection with the Environment Day, the minister said defence would be given as much share as it needed.

About the administrative changes in the NWFP, he said these were routine matters and did not create any alarming situation. The district Nazims, he added, would take their resignations back as this was what desired by the people.

He said the government had been trying to develop some understanding with PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto.

In response to a question, he dispelled the impression that the PPP-Patriots had created hurdles in the way of a compromise between the MMA and the government. He said the Patriots were the only group which had shown exemplary magnanimity for the sake of national interests and strengthening of democracy.

“The functioning of democracy in the country today is due to the sacrifices of the Patriots,” he maintained.

To a question about funds for cantonment, he said he would discuss the matter with the concerned authorities.

Earlier, speaking at the function, Mr Iqbal stressed on keeping environment clean. “We have been blessed with enormous gifts like good environment, greenery, open spaces and mountains and it is our responsibility to take care of them,” he said.

He said it was the duty of civic agencies to provide better facilities to the citizens. It is not the government which is supposed to do everything. The welfare associations, social workers, philanthropists and people as a whole need to work for a better environment, he added.