ISLAMABAD, April 5: The Northern Areas Cabinet on Monday reviewed the decisions taken in its last meeting held on December 24, 2003. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas (KANA) Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao , who is also the chief executive of Northern Areas, presided over the meeting.

The minister expressed concern over the slow process of implementation of previous decisions of the Northern Areas Cabinet. He directed the cabinet members and officials concerned to take interest in the matters of the Northern Areas and work with dedication and abide by the government policies to provide relief to the people of the area.

The law and order situation in the Northern Areas also came under discussion. Inspector General of the Northern Areas Police, Ahsan Mukhtar Ashraf, briefed the cabinet on the law and order situation in the area.

The cabinet expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation during the month of Muharram. The minister asked the advisors of the Northern Areas Cabinet and administration to poll their resources jointly for maintaining the law and order and resolve the problems of the area on priority basis.

The NA cabinet was also briefed on the problems facing by the Northern Areas Police due to lack of transport. The cabinet decided to equip the police with all facilities and directed the Northern Areas administration to submit its requirements to the ministry in this regard.

The Golden Jubilee celebration of K-2 also came under review in the meeting. Advisor health of the Northern Areas briefed the cabinet on the K-2 Golden Jubilee celebrations. The cabinet decided that a separate summary to this effect be submitted to the ministry with the justification of expenditure so that a proper approval could be granted from the quarters concerned.

A detailed presentation on Northern Areas strategy for sustainable development was given to the cabinet which was appreciated by the cabinet. It directed the planning and development department to submit its proposals to the ministry for examination.

KANA secretary Asfaque Mehmood, Northern Areas Deputy Chief Executive Fida Mohammad Nashad, advisors to the N. Areas Council Cabinet, chief secretary and senior officers of the ministry and Northern Areas were also attended the meeting.