Federal Cabinet endorses stance of NSC on US statements

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday at PM Office Islamabad.

At the outset, Foreign Minister briefed the Cabinet regarding the background of the recent statements of the American leadership and the discussion held during the 17th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) of the Cabinet held yesterday.

The Federal Cabinet unanimously endorsed the stance of National Security Committee of the Cabinet, which in its 17th meeting on 2nd January, 2018 expressed deep disappointment over recent statements of the American leadership.

The Cabinet viewed that the American statements are detrimental to the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and USA, a relationship that has developed over generations.

Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices, both in terms of loss of precious human lives and substantial damage to the economy. Achievements made by Pakistan in curbing the menace of terrorism have been acknowledged throughout the world, reiterated the Cabinet.

The Cabinet considered a proposal for granting extension in the Proof of Registration (POR) Cards and Tripartite Agreement (Pakistan – Afghanistan – UNHCR) for Afghan Refugees beyond 31st December, 2017.

After detailed discussion, the Cabinet agreed to grant only 30 Days extension for POR and also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan Refugees shall be raised with UNHCR and with the international community.

Pakistan’s economy has carried the burden of hosting Afghan Refugees since long and in the present circumstances cannot sustain it further, emphasized the Cabinet.

The Federal Cabinet accorded approval for publication of Block Level Provisional results of Census 2017.

The agenda item of approval of Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of Additional Pack Sizes of already registered Drugs, approval of increase in Maximum Retail Prices of Drugs under Para 8 of the Drug Pricing Policy-2015 and Threshold Limits of Lower Priced Drugs under para 11 of the Drug Pricing Policy-2015 were discussed at length and the Cabinet accorded approval as per Drug Pricing Policy 2015.

Placement of “Institute for Arts and Culture Bill, 2017” before the Parliament and Permission to allow transit of 01×40 Feet Container STC containing 51 Package of Spare Parts for Vehicles of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) from Karachi to Kabul were also approved by the Federal Cabinet.