Cabinet concerned over public problems caused by sit-in

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet Thursday expressed grave concern over the prolonged sit-in staged by the Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) at the Faizabad Interchange.
In a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the cabinet had a candid discussion on the difficulties caused to the twin city residents by the sit-in in addition to discussing the agenda items. The meeting continued for around three hours during which the members expressed satisfaction over the administration’s desire to sort out the sit-in issue through peaceful means.
The members were hopeful that sense will prevail and the protesters would realise that their sit-in was causing huge problems to the twin-cities and visitors from other areas. The cabinet discussed the law and order situation in the country and political developments. It expressed satisfaction over the victory of the ruling alliance in the vote on legislation in the National Assembly on Tuesday last.
It has been officially stated after the meeting that the Cabinet approved appointment of Murtaza Khan (Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service BS-20) as Financial Advisor in Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Board.
The cabinet also approved the signing of an MoU on bilateral political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of Denmark and Pakistan. The cabinet approved the signing of an MoU on bilateral consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs of Pakistan and the Slovak Republic.
Approvals were accorded for an MoU between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP/APCICT) and the National School of Public Policy (NSPP); and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) and the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Pakistan.
The cabinet approved appointment of Rehmatullah as Member Nepra from Balochistan. Ex-post facto approval was accorded for the acceptance of awards “King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence” and “Honorary Award of Malaysian Armed Forces Order of Valour-gallant Commander of Malaysian Armed Forces, First Degree” Medal by the Governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia respectively to Admiral (R) Muhammad Zakaullah, former Chief of the Naval Staff, Foreign Affairs Division.
Appointment of Nasim A. Virk as Judge Special Court (Central), Faisalabad was approved. The cabinet approved appointment of Nasir Hussain, District and Sessions Judge, as Judge Banking Court, Bahawalpur and Naveed Ahmad, District and Sessions Judge, as Judge Banking Court-II, Gujranwala.
Ex-post facto approval was accorded for the Acceptance of “Star of Merit” to Zamir Akram, former ambassador of Pakistan by the Government of the State of Palestine, Foreign Affairs Division. Constitution of Board of Directors of National Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (NEECA) was also approved by the cabinet.
The cabinet approved a proposal moved by the National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Division to implement Inter-Ministerial Committee recommendations regarding enhancement of pictorial health warning on cigarette packets. The cabinet lauded the services of Nadeem Hassan Asif, former secretary Cabinet Division.