Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani today said he will announce a programme to provide economic relief to people and initiate a long-term strategy for sustainable growth and development after obtaining a vote of confidence from parliament.

The new government is facing various challenges, including a shortage of electricity, unemployment, price hike and the law and order situation, and it is determined to address these issues on a priority basis, Gillani said during a meeting with former caretaker prime minister and Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro.

Gillani will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly or lower house of parliament tomorrow morning. He will then announce the policies and programmes for the first 100 days of the new Pakistan People's Party-led government.

Soomro congratulated Gillani on assuming office and expressed confidence that the new democratic set-up will come up to the expectations of the people and work to strengthen institutions.

In a separate meeting with a delegation from his hometown of Multan in Punjab province, Gillani said his government will prioritise the provision of basic necessities to the people at their doorstep.

The delegation included members of the minority community.

Gillani said the government will soon launch a programme to give immediate relief to people by increasing income generation and employment opportunities. He said minorities are an important segment of Pakistan's socio-cultural fabric and the government will take steps to bring them into mainstream of society.

Source : PTI