ISLAMABAD

Pakistan and Sudan enjoy good relations: Raja

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed provincial governments to ensure foolproof security to Christians and release innocent members of the community who were arrested after Badami Bagh tragic incident. He was talking to a delegation of Christians from Joseph Colony at Prime Minister’s House‚ on Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Paul Bhatti‚ Minister in-Charge‚ Ministry of National Harmony and Akram Masih Gill‚ Minister of State for National Harmony were also present. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the unfortunate incident and assured the Christian community that those responsible will be brought to book. He said the entire nation has been shocked and saddened on the incident. The Prime Minister lauded Christian community for showing restraint and tolerance and playing its role sensibly to the keep the situation under control. The Prime Minister announced a grant of 1 million rupees for a woman who was killed in the incident.

Meanwhile, Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistan and Sudan enjoy good relations but their current trade volume needs to be enhanced commensurate with their political ties.

He was talking to Sudanese Minister for Petroleum Awad Ahmed Algaaz in Islamabad on Tuesday. The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the visit of the minister and meetings with his Pakistani counterparts would pave the way for further expanding the relations.

Dr. Awad Ahmed Algaaz said his visit is aimed at finding ways and means to strengthen the bilateral relations. He said Sudan is keen to benefit from Pakistan’s experience‚ technology and expertise to develop its infrastructure and exploit its mineral resources. It also wants to benefit from Pakistan’s knowledge in agriculture so that it can utilize its vast agricultural land.