Right to vote for ex-patriots under consideration: Awan

OSLO: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdos Ashiq Awan Thursday has said that the government was considering legislation to grant right of vote to Pakistanis living abroad.

She was speaking at an award ceremony organised by the 14th of August Committee of Pakistani Community in Norway which had announced a "Bridge Building Award" for Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Dr. Firdos received the award on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Award was announced in recognition of prime minister's services for strengthening of democracy, promotion of human rights and his efforts for normalization of Indo-Pak relations.

Acknowledging the role of millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad Dr Awan said they were an asset to Pakistan contributing to the national economy.

The information minister elaborated the sacrifices offered and the role played by Pakistan against extremists and terrorists, steps for protection of rights of minorities in Pakistan, incentives for increased investment, efforts for the uplift of less developed areas, efforts for strengthening economic ties with EU, Pakistan's relations with China and the US and measures for promoting inter-faith harmony.

She said Pakistan attaches great importance to its trade and economic relations with Norway. She paid glowing tributes to the 14th of August Committee of Oslo for building bridges between the Pakistani Community and the people of Norway.

Earlier, the information minister met Vice Chairman of Norwegian parliament Per Kristian Foss, Dy. Foreign Minister of Norway and Conservative party opposition leader in Norwegian parliament Ms. Erna Solberg.

She discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to bilateral relations and also had a meeting with a representative group of businessmen from federation of chambers of commerce of Oslo.

She briefed them about the investment friendly incentives being given by the government to the foreign investors. She emphasized that the losses suffered by Pakistani economy due to its role in war on terror demanded the international business community to invest liberally in Pakistan.

She also attended a colourful evening arranged by Pakistani community in Oslo aimed at introducing Pakistani culture, music and fashion. The members of Pakistani community and the citizens of Oslo largely attended and appreciated the ceremony.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011