Newly sworn-in cabinet vows to cope with challenges, serve masses

Islamabad: The members of the newly-appointed interim federal cabinet on Thursday vowed to cope with the challenges confronting the country and serve the masses within the given short stint.

The 16-member interim cabinet members took the oath of office at a swearing-in ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, also attended by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and prominent figures from various sectors.

Talking to the newsmen after his oath, Murtaza Solangi said that the masses would be ready to back the government if it succeeded to create closeness with them.

The minister said, if he was given the portfolio of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, he would strive to modernise the state media institutions including the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Pakistan Television and Radio Pakistan to make them cope with the modern trends.

Talking to Journalists, former Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is also part of the interim cabinet, said the main objective of the foreign policy was to serve the national interest.

He said the caretaker cabinet would strive to serve the country’s interest through national consensus and improve cordial ties with countries like China, the United States, UAE, Iran and South Asia states, among others.

He said Pakistan should further strengthen its relationship with China being a strategic partner with great economic cooperation.

Similarly, he said the success of the Afghan government was also essential that should play its role to eliminate terrorism.

Moreover, Jilani said he also desired that Pakistan’s all longstanding disputes with India should be resolved peacefully including Kashmir, Sir Creek and water issues.

Madad Ali Sindhi told the media that if given the portfolio of education and youth ministry, he, in cooperation with his team would strive for promotion of education in the country.

He said the caretaker government would also address the issue of confrontation in student politics as disputes among the student unions adversely impacted the working of universities.

Renowned actor and director Jamal Shah, who was also sworn in, said if given the portfolio of the culture ministry, he would serve to promote the country’s cultural heritage as coming from the same field, he was cognizant of the potential in the culture sector.