PESHAWAR, Nov 23: Federal Minister of State for Finance Omar Ayub Khan has said implementation of the Protection of Women’s Rights bill will ensure rights of women in accordance with the tenets of Islam.

Talking to journalists after attending the fourth Foundation Day Celebration of the Gandhara University as chief guest, the minister said that now women would get their rights as enshrined in Islam.

About the Hasaba Bill passed by the NWFP Assembly, Omar Ayub said: “The MMA wants to take political mileage out of it and use it as a political stunt.”

About possible resignations by MMA parliamentarians, the minister said the resignations would not affect government policies.

Replying to a question about foreign investment, he said it had increased from $1 billion to $3.5 billion.

He said people working in Middle East countries were contributing a great chunk to the foreign exchange. The minister said China was becoming an economic giant for which Pakistan would serve as a gateway.

China and Pakistan are expected to sign economic agreements during the Chinese president’s visit to Pakistan.

Speaking at the university function, the minister said the country’s economy had improved during the present government’s tenure. He said professional people contributed 50 per cent of the GDP.

He said knowledge-based economy was a prerequisite for the progress of the country.

Earlier, the minister distributed certificates and cash awards among students who won first, second and third positions in Urdu and English declamation contests.—APP