Graduation criteria for becoming an MP in Pakistan removed

Islamabad, Aug 6 (ANI): The Pakistan Government has decided to do away with the condition of a bachelor's degree for candidates for the Senate, the national and provincial assemblies, in line with the Supreme Court judgment of April 21 last year.

Briefing reporters after a cabinet meeting, Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said Pakistan was the only country to have such a condition in a democratic dispensation.

The cabinet also condemned the Gojra incident and expressed solidarity with the Christian community over the loss of life and property. It praised the efforts of the minorities minister for easing the crisis.

It stressed the need for promoting inter-faith harmony and asked the interior ministry to take steps to avoid such incidents in future.

The cabinet expressed concerns over reports of corruption and decided to come up with an effective response through the media after investigations.

It set up a committee headed by Finance Adviser Shaukat Tarin to formulate a report for ensuring merit and transparency in appointments.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani briefed the cabinet on his meeting with the four chief ministers, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the chief executive of the Northern Areas on law and order situation and austerity measures. (ANI)