ISLAMABAD, May 24: The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposed purchase of an airborne warning and control system (Awacs).

According to APP, defence production representatives informed the cabinet that Pakistan currently lacked a reliable early warning and surveillance system for its airspace.

It said the cabinet gave the go-ahead to the ministry of defence production for the proposed purchase of Awacs aircraft from Sweden.

The cabinet was informed by the ministry of water and power that the current level of water storage in the country was about three million acre feet, which was sufficient for meeting irrigation needs during the upcoming Kharif season. The ministry said that the country had enough water to cater to the high demand of electricity during the summer season.

The cabinet, which met under Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, also approved the proposed national plan of action for children, aimed at making Pakistan a child-friendly state by implementing child related international and regional commitments.

The cabinet’s approval will usher in an era of greater sensitivity and government commitment in child health, education and protection.

The federal cabinet was provided briefing on the latest developments on Afghanistan.

During discussions, Prime Minister Aziz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to support stability and peace in the neighbouring country, saying it was in the interest of Pakistan.

The cabinet expressed concern over drug trafficking and illicit gun-running from Pakistan side and the cabinet called for a better understanding with the Afghanistan government to manage the problem.

The cabinet was briefed about the status of construction of Gwadar and Islamabad airports. Mr Aziz remarked that Gwadar would be an ‘open sky port’. He directed authorities concerned to accelerate the pace of work on Islamabad airport.

Referring to complaints of long wait on immigration counters and inadequate facilities, the prime minister directed civil aviation authorities to improve its performance to facilitate overseas Pakistanis.

The cabinet also set up a three-member inter-ministerial committee to firm up recommendations for boosting fruit export from Pakistan.

The cabinet ratified conventions for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

A similar agreement existing between Pakistan and Ireland was also revised.

The cabinet approved initiation of negotiations with Syria to enhance trade volume.

The cabinet also accorded approval to an MoU signed with China on upgrading the Karakoram Highway.

The cabinet also approved initiation of the process of establishing sister-city relations between Bishkek, capital of Kyrghyzystan, and Quetta. Ex-post facto approval for establishment of Pak-Brunei joint investment company with capital of $25 million was also given by the cabinet.