130412-gilani-660
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.—AFP

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Sunday said job creation, food security and meeting energy shortages will be priorities of the next federal budget.

Addressing a press conference at Prime Minister House, Gilani said more incentives will be given to the farmers to increase production which in turn will ensure food security.

The federal cabinet in its next meeting will discuss the priorities of the federal budget, he informed.

He said the government has controlled the problem of inflation, which remained an international phenomenon. He said the provinces are responsible for controlling price hike and profiteering.

However, the federal government is even sharing the burden of provinces by importing fertilisers worth billions of rupees and then giving it to the farmers as subsidy.

He said PML-Q chief, Chaudhry Shujaat gave him the suggestion that the federal and provincial governments should pool their resources to resolve the issue of circular debt.

To a question, he said Pakistan sees United States as a partner and relations of the two countries should be based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

He said during his meeting with US President Barack Obama during the Security Summit in Seoul, he conveyed his viewpoint that Pakistan and US could not take forward their bilateral ties without support of the people.

President Obama responded that his country respects sovereignty of Pakistan and will also respect the resolution of the parliament but their security needs should also be taken care of.

Gilani also said there is no confrontation with the Supreme Court. However, appointment of officers including Attorney General is prerogative of the government.

The prime minister said if Imran Khan has any formula to get rid of corruption in 19 days, then he should inform him and he will implement suggestions.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.