ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: The federal cabinet endorsed on Wednesday Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s decision to dissolve the employment task force and his directive to ministers to ensure that recruitments were made in a transparent manner and on merit.

A meeting of the cabinet presided over by the prime minister also approved the Protection against Harassment at Workplaces Bill and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill.

According to a handout, the cabinet had a broad agenda for discussion, including parameters of good governance.

It was informed that the prime minister’s decision to lift the ban on recruitment was aimed at providing jobs to deserving people.

“The government has been asked to strictly observe the provincial, regional, women’s and disabled people’s quotas during recruitment. All ministers have been asked to personally supervise the recruitment exercise to ensure the supremacy of merit,” the handout said.

The cabinet was informed that the protection against harassment bill was aimed at curbing violation of the fundamental human right to live with dignity. The legislation was based on the PPP government’s commitment to high international labour and human rights standards and equality of opportunity, the handout said.

The bill requires public and private organisations to adopt a code of conduct that provides guidelines for behaviour of all employees and owners to ensure a work environment free of harassment and intimidation.

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2008 envisages amendments to the provisions of the Penal Code 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 to facilitate a safe environment for women at workplace and in public spaces.

The cabinet approved negotiations for and signing of the framework agreement among G-11 countries on economic, trade and agricultural cooperation.

“The agreement contains measures to enhance cooperation in tourism, information technology, culture, education, trade and investment promotion and the member countries are: Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Croatia, Georgia, Honduras, Indonesia, Ecuador and Paraguay.”

The cabinet approved a proposal to start negotiations for signing a visa abolition agreement with South Africa for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Currently, diplomatic and official passports holders of the two countries have to obtain entry visas.