ISLAMABAD: Oil Tankers Association on Wednesday announced to end its countrywide strike and start supply of petroleum products to the petrol stations. Speaking to media here, the representatives of Oil Tankers Association said they held successful negotiations with the government.

A representative of association Yousaf Shahwani told that the oil supply will reach the consumers in the next few hours. He said the government assured that their problems would be resolved. Further talks will be held with the government to overcome issues. He regretted the inconvenience caused to the consumers. The association members said the tragedy in Ahmedpur Sharqia occurred due to ignorance of people, who did not know how inflammable oil could be. They assured that they would work to improve safety standards for their oil tankers. They said they were facing numerous problems due to bad roads, multiple taxes and lack of road safety.

During the negotiations with the Oil Tankers Association, the government has agreed to increase the freight rates and the tankers association will take steps to properly maintain their vehicles. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) officials also consented to change laws to facilitate the tanker owners. A committee will be formed to resolve the issues in 15 days.

Meanwhile, a spokesman of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) told media that PSO was keeping some fuel for ambulances and law enforcement authorities at its pumps to meet their emergency needs. We have special reserves for the ambulances, hospitals and law enforcement authorities,” he told.

ISLAMABAD: Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker National Assembly has said that Pakistan highly values its relations with UK and desire to strengthen the existing relations between the two countries through enhanced economic cooperation and parliamentary ties.

He expressed these views while talking to Mr. Thomas Drew, British High Commissioner in Islamabad who called on the Speaker at Parliament House, today. The Speaker said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with United Kingdom and both the countries have commonalities of views on regional and global issues.

He underscored the need for regular interaction between political leadership, parliamentarians and people of both the countries that would take the existing bilateral relations between both the countries to new heights. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, also stressed the need for frequent exchange of Parliamentary delegations and stressed to re-activate friendship groups between the two Parliaments for better understanding and enhanced cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. He also appreciated the Parliamentary assistance program funded by British Parliament and CPA. The Speaker said that Pakistan is committed to promote durable peace and stability in the region as regional prosperity and development is contingent upon peace in the region. He also added that Pakistan desires good relations with all its neighbors and is keen to promote exchange of parliamentary delegations and talks.

Mr. Thomas Drew, British High Commissioner appreciated the remarks of the Speaker and said that UK considers Pakistan one of its close friend and an important trading partner. He said that UK would expand the scope of its assistance plan and assist Pakistan in diverse fields. High Commissioner assured the Speaker for extending maximum assistance for building of Legislative capacity of the parliamentarians and staff. He valued the efforts made by the parliamentarian regarding the electoral reforms for free, fair and transparent election in Pakistan for future. While discussing the role of Parliamentary Friendship Group, he said that friendship groups in both the parliament could play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan Wednesday appreciated the performance of Sindh Rangers in establishing peace and curbing activities of anti-social elements in Karachi.

Director General Sindh Rangers Major General Muhammad Saeed phoned the minister and briefed him on arrest of accused, having contacts with networks in South Africa and Britain, during last few days, said a press release. Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan directed the DG Rangers to send a detailed reference in this regard so that the matter could be taken up with the governments of South Africa and Britain in its light. He said it was a matter of grave concern that soil of South Africa and Britain was being used for bloodshed and terrorism activities in Karachi. We will take up the matter with the two countries with solid evidence,” he said.