ISLAMABAD, June 23: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said it is disappointing that the Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, has decided not to attend Thursday's meeting of the National Security Council.

However, he said on Wednesday, the government was making contacts to persuade him to review his decision. Responding to newsmen's questions at the conclusion of a memorial meeting for journalist Zamir Niazi at the National Press Club here, Sheikh Rashid said that Maulana Fazl should attend the NSC meeting and discuss his grievances in the august forum.

Earlier, speaking as chief guest at the function, he said efforts were being made for implementation of the 7th Wage Board award by the newspaper industry. Paying tribute to the late Zamir Niazi, he said that his services for the promotion of journalism would be long remembered. -APP