* Bukhari says Karachi is the city of all the people

* Announces Rs 500,000 donation for KPC

KARACHI: Minister of State for Information Syed Sumsam Ali Shah Bukhari has called for forging unity and oneness to successfully confront the challenges faced by the country.

He was talking to reporters at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Monday.

The minister said that Karachi is the business hub and gateway of Pakistan and contributing towards its development, progress and the law and order is tantamount to contribution towards the betterment and stability of the country.

For this, he added, concerted efforts would have to be made by all those who live here irrespective of their background and affiliations.

Bukhari further pointed out that Karachi is the city of all the people. He emphasised the need for fostering the spirit of unity, tolerance and brotherhood.

The minister pointed out that there are some elements who want to divide people on the basis of language, regions and sects etc, but this would not be beneficial for the country.

He asked all, including men of letters, intellectuals to play their role towards promoting the spirit of unity and brotherhood and for the progress and prosperity of the country and thus complement the government’s efforts in this regard.

Bukhari said that the political leadership, civil society, intellectuals should tackle the problems and put the country on the path of progress and development.

Replying to a question regarding the Raymond Davis case, he said that the court in accordance with the law in this regard would make the decision.

To a question about the case of Dr Afia, the minister said that we have taken steps in this regard at the diplomatic level.

About a question pertaining to the 10 points of the PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, the minister said that concrete steps would be taken for resolving these issues and that some would be solved in 45 days’ time and some would take more time.

He further stated that the steps in the right direction are being taken. “We are determined to move forward”, Bhukhari remarked, adding that the present government is also pursuing the policy of reconciliation. He said that we would take all the parties along including the PML-N.

KPC president Tahir Hassan Khan welcomed the minister on the occasion.

Donation to KPC: Bukhari has announced a donation of Rs 500,000 for the KPC and felicitated the recently elected office-bearers. He also had an interaction with the journalists at the premises of the KPC.

KPC president thanked the minister for visiting the KPC. He also apprised him of the problems of the KPC as well as the journalists’ community.

The minister gave a patient hearing and assured his cooperation for the resolution of the same.
Source: Daily Times
Date:2/1/2011