ISLAMABAD: Former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani on Monday suggested that Prime Minister Imran Khan should not meet US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo when he visits Pakistan.

“US secretary of state’s meeting with PM Imran will be against protocol,” Rabbani said while speaking to the media.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader further said that the foreign minister should meet the US secretary of state instead of the prime minister.

“The transcript of a telephonic conversation between PM Imran and Pompeo was made public and this is a new way of exerting pressure,” he added.

Raza Rabbani continued, “The US canceled funds to Pakistan for the second time.”

He further said that the US is not paying for the expenses incurred in the war against terror.

“Pakistan is not taking any aid from the US,” he asserted.

Last week, US Defence Secretary James Mattis confirmed Pompeo and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Joseph Dunford will visit Pakistan this week to meet PM Imran.

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Raja Farooq Haider Khan has directed the cabinet members and secretaries to the government to evolve a comprehensive strategy to address the genuine problems of the masses in the state.

Addressing the Cabinet meeting in Muzaffarabad on Monday, he directed the concerned quarters to form an effective transfer policy in their respective departments.

He said heads of the institutions must ensure the attendance of the officers and employees in public services departments.

He also directed to display the quotes of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in all government offices besides re-composition of state anthem.

The Prime Minister said legislation regarding press and publication in Azad Kashmir would be made soon. He said environmental hazards caused by the Neelum Jehlum and Kohala Hydropower Projects would be minimized.

Inspector General Police Azad Kashmir briefed the cabinet about the security arrangements during Moharam ul Haram. He told that 1732 Majalis and 158 processions would be held throughout the state. Inspector General Police said that foolproof security arrangements have been made for the Moharram ul Haram.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir cabinet paid rich tribute to the late leader and former Advisor Sardar Khan Bahadur Khan, Constable Maqbool Hussain and Chaudhry Muhammad Hassan for their matchless services for the motherland.

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman says the government is taking steps to provide jobs to youth in the region.

Addressing a Party gathering in Skardu, the Chief Minister said he has directed the administration to advertise vacant posts in all government departments and ensure appointments on merit.

He said Solid Waste Management Company would be introduced in all districts to keep the area clean. The Chief Minister also inaugurated DC Office building in Shigher.