FAISALABAD, Dec 6: The construction of big water reservoirs had become the need of the hour and the government would try its best to remove the objections to the projects, Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro stressed. Talking to newsmen here after attending a meeting with local industrialists on Tuesday night, he said the construction of the Kalabagh dam had become all the more important in the wake of water shortage, and the government was taking the issue seriously.

He said if any of the parties or individuals raised objections to the construction of the water reservoirs, the government would eliminate these through dialogues.

Answering a question, Mr Soomro, the acting president, said the issue of the European Union’s anti-dumping duty imposed on Pakistani textiles was a ticklish one and the federal commerce minister had recently met the top brass of the EU for its resolution. “We are trying our best to resolve the matter by giving it top priority.”

Earlier, the Senate chairman told the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry members that the government was committed to providing the job opportunities to all youths. He said priority was being accorded to improve the living standard of the people for which the private sector would have to play a positive role.

He said in the WTO regime the exporters and industrialists had been facing a tough competition in the international markets. He asked the trade leaders and industrialists to send their proposals on the financial and industrial policies so that these could be given due attention in policy making.

Mr Soomro claimed that the government had met a number of longstanding demands of the exporters like complete abolition of refund and rebate system as well as introduction of the zero rate scheme. A number of export-oriented policies were in the pipeline, which would be announced after completing the codal requirements, he added.

He assured that the direct Haj flights from the Faisalabad airport would start next year. He assured that the amount of Rs1 billion package announced by President Pervez Musharraf during his visit to the city would also be released soon.

He appreciated the efforts made by the business community in taking active part in the relief activities for the quake victims.

FCCI President Mian Muhammad Hanif briefed him on the trade body’s performance as well as relief activities. He said 500 families would be adopted by the people of this city.