Firdous raps coalition partners for media shift on terrorism

Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has reportedly lashed out at the coalition partners for taking a different line on terrorism in the media, well-informed sources told Business Recorder, here on Monday. She gave these remarks during the federal cabinet meeting on May 27, 2011, when the "terrorist attack on PNS Mehran" was under discussion. The meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.
"Members of the coalition partners are seen on a different page while responding to anchorpersons on different TV channels and there was a need to develop harmony in perception and expression on this account," the sources quoted information minister as saying in the meeting.
Interior Minister Rehman Malik who briefed the cabinet about the recent terrorist attacks, maintained that there was a strong need to sensitise people, equip security forces properly, remove the mistrust amongst the coalition partners of the government and implement the resolution of the parliament in its letter and spirit.
According to sources, the members of the cabinet expressed their anxiety on deteriorating law and order situation in the country and underlined the need for more concerted efforts to counter the menace of terrorism and the factors leading to the current precarious law and order situation. The Prime Minister while concluding the discussion stated that as a result of his recent interactions, the United States, United Kingdom and France appreciated Pakistan's problems, acknowledged the magnitude of sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation in the war against terror and have consequently extended full support.
Gilani said China is the most trusted friend of Pakistan and has always stood by us in all situations at the international level. He called upon the coalition partners to educate and convince people not to give space to extremists in their ranks and files. After detailed discussion, the Prime Minister decided that an exclusive meeting of the cabinet will be held shortly to discuss law and order situation in the country.