FAISALABAD, Nov 16: Punjab Communication and Works Minister Muhammad Zaheeruddin Khan has said a comprehensive strategy has been chalked out to field the candidates for the local bodies and win the next election by a thumping margin with the support of the masses.

Speaking to the delegations of elected representatives, office-holders of the party's different wings and public at his outhouse on Eid Day, he said the next tenure of the local bodies' election would not only replace the basic infrastructure with modern facilities but also open an era of progress in the country.

Mr Khan, who is also the Punjab PML secretary-general, said the dedicated and loyal workers of the party would be fielded in the union, tehsil and district council elections so that they could serve the people with the direct coordination of the provincial and federal governments.

The coming years of the present regime, he said, would be a milestone in the national history as the longstanding Kashmir dispute would be resolved under the sagacious leadership of President Gen Pervez Musharraf. The decision to construct Kalabagh and Bhasha dams would be taken after reaching a consensus.

Mr Khan claimed that the government had an open policy and broad vision, which could be judged from the fact that opposition parties had been invited for dialogues at all stages.

DIES: Renowned religious figure Maulana Mufti Ziaul Haq died here on Saturday night after protracted illness. He was 70.

The late Mufti Ziaul Haq was Khateeb of the Jamia Masjid, Kutchery Bazaar, and administrator of several seminaries.

He was laid to rest at the graveyard of People's Colony amid hundreds of mourners.

He is survived by four sons - Muhammad Zia Madni, Ahmad Zia Madni, Hamid Zia Madni and Zia Madni.