ISLAMABAD, April 20: Acting President Mohammadmian Soomro has assured senior executives belonging to various occupational groups that substantial increase would be made in their salaries to make them competitive with the private sector. He was talking to the participants of the advances course in public sector management for higher policy makers at the National Institute of Public Administration, Quetta, who called on him here on Wednesday.

Mr Soomro said the government was taking keen interest in promoting education and health sectors to improve the quality of life of the common man.

He referred to numerous steps taken by the government to increase employment opportunities and accelerate the pace of development in rural areas. He said proper environment, good management techniques and training enhanced the skills and capabilities of officers for good and effective administration of an organization.

Referring to a question regarding pace of legislation in parliament, he said the upper house was playing an important role in the legislation process.

He said Senate standing committees were working effectively and monitoring the performance of the government departments.

Earlier, Director (studies) NIPA, Quetta, Mohammad Yahya, gave a brief overview of the objectives of the course.

Meanwhile, talking to the participants, Speaker National Assembly Chaudhary Amir Hussain said civil servants should broaden and widen their vision for public service.

He asked them to keep themselves updated on modern concepts of public administration. He said prominent characteristics of the parliament were the representation of educated youth, empowerment of women, special status given to religious minorities and strengthening of local governments system.

Later, additional secretary (legislation) gave a briefing on the structure and functioning of the National Assembly Secretariat and the rules and procedure of the standing committees of the lower house.