ISLAMABAD, Feb 5: State Minister for Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Tariq Azeem has said 1.1 million Pakistanis are rendering services in Saudi Arabia.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of Picture Exhibition at Arts Council here on Sunday.

He said Shah Abdullah had assured that priority would be given to Pakistani manpower in Saudi Arabia. He said the government had decided to establish vocational training institute for overseas Pakistanis to equip them with skills so that they could find jobs abroad.

Mr Azeem said only skilled manpower in the construction sector was in demand.

About the Kashmir dispute, he said despite passing of 58 years the issue could not be solved. However, now the dispute will be settled once and for all through talks according to Kashmiris’ wishes, he added.

The state minister said the October 8 incident had shown Pakistan’s sincerity to the Kashmiris.

He said President Gen Pervez Musharraf had repeatedly talked about ways that could be helpful for solving the Kashmir issue.

He said Pakistan wished peaceful relations with India and by starting the bus service, this process had been started.—PPI