ISLAMABAD, Jan 14: A five-member cabinet committee set up on Thursday for holding talks with politicians was asked by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday to immediately contact the leaders of all parliamentary parties to ascertain their availability for consultation on economic challenges faced by the nation.

At a mid-term review meeting, the prime minister said the leaders of all parties in parliament would be briefed on the challenges and their proposals would be sought for overcoming financial difficulties.

He said the objective of holding consultations was to evolve consensus on steps to be taken in national interest.

Since the budget was approved unanimously by parliament, the financial challenges also needed to be met through collective wisdom, the prime minister said.

He said people should be informed of the challenges and measures to be taken to confront them.—Staff Reporter