ISLAMABAD: Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani held meetings with political figures and representative of the business community at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Wednesday and discussed matters of national, regional and international importance, including the security situation and flash floods.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, accompanied by Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) parliamentary leader in the KP Assembly Ahmad Karim Kundi, called on Gilani and apprised him of matters relating to peace and stability in KP.
Security issues, flood situation in various parts of the province and the ongoing efforts for relief and rehabilitation also came under discussion as well as the overall political situation in the country.
In another meeting, former minister Syed Samsam Bukhari called on Gilani and discussed matters relating to his constituency.
Former president of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan also called on the acting president and discussed the political situation in AJK following the recent elections, as well as matters relating to the development and welfare of the people of the region.
He recalled the landmark development initiatives undertaken in AJK during Gilani’s tenure as Pakistan premier, including the establishment of three medical colleges in Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Mirpur in which students from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir were also given a quota.
He mentioned that, as a result of steps taken during that period, more than 16,000 students from various provinces and regions of Pakistan are currently studying in various universities of AJK.
Sardar Yaqub also recalled a bridge over the River Jhelum, constructed during his tenure and named Bab-e-Yousuf. The bridge significantly improved connectivity between AJK and Islamabad and reduced the distance by 125 km, he said.
Gilani said Kashmir had always remained close to the heart of the PPP leadership and reaffirmed the party’s longstanding commitment to the Kashmir cause.
During a meeting with former foreign minister Syed Jalil Abbas Jilani, matters relating to the regional and international situation came under discussion.
Separately, Chairman of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan Faisal Jahangir called on the acting president and informed him about the matters relating to the export of rice.
