Kaira rules out change in military high command

ISLAMABAD
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira Wednesday brushed aside speculations of changing the military high command.
There is no such a move or ground realities to change the Chief of Army Staff, he said while talking to mediapersons after seeing off Prince Karim Aga Khan here at Chaklala Airbase.
Prince Karim visited Pakistan to review the development projects being undertaken by Aga Khan Development Foundation across the country.
Replying to a question regarding the visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to United States, Qamar Zaman Kaira said all political parties and their leaders have already given their views on Kerry-Lugar Bill and Qureshi has gone to convey their opinion to US administration.
He said Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has also taken all political parties into confidence on the issue.
He said the recent terrorist attack on GHQ is being probed by military and civil security agencies and their findings would be assessed by the concerned high command.
On a question regarding tabling of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in the parliament, he said when required the ordinance would be presented according to the Supreme Court's verdict.
He said overall law and order situation in Gilgit-Baltistan is satisfactory, however there is some problem in small portion of Gilgit and efforts were being made to normalize the situation in consultation with political forces and elders of the area.
The Minister said the PPP government has given a historic and comprehensive political and economic package for the welfare of people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said people of the area have expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the government.
He said the forthcoming elections of Gilgit-Baltistan legislative assembly would be held in free, fair and transparent manner, adding that it is for the first time that the elections are being held in the area under the supervision of judiciary and an independent election commission.
He said the decision for launching military operation in South Waziristan has been taken in principle and it would be launched after preparations of field commanders. The Minister said the military operation is not against any area or tribe as it is only against the miscreants and terrorists who are challenging writ of the government.
The Minister said the government appreciates the cooperation and contribution of the business community. He particularly referred to the gesture of a renowned Pakistani business icon who has offered to bring more than a billion dollar to Pakistan to help improve the economy.
The Minister said the government has already announced incentives for foreign remittances which would help boost country’s foreign reserve and economy.
He said though the government gets fiscal space through such foreign remittances, these cannot meet development needs.
Answering another question, he said the dialogue is the only way to move forward and resolve issues between Pakistan and India which has also been stated by the Indian Prime Minister.