ISLAMABAD, OCT 7, SPA -- British Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development Gareth Thomas has met Dr Salman Shah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and discussed matters relating to rehabilitation and reconstruction in the earthquake-affected areas. The performance of Pakistan's economy was also discussed, an official statement said. Shah acknowledged the timely assistance of the British Government for providing relief for the affectees of the earthquake. He said the assessment process was moving smoothly and the initial problems have been overcome and the whole process was being closely monitored. The Adviser said that the sectors of health and education have already become functional in most of the affected areas. He assured the British Minister that best efforts were being made and a well-organized activity for rehabilitation and reconstruction, involving all stakeholders, was in progress. Shah told the British minister that the Pakistan economy was showing a remarkable progress. More jobs are being created, and poverty is reducing. Direct investment in education and health especially in higher education is improving and the government's main objective is to equip the individual with the necessary education, health, training and finance to become a viable entity in the economy. He said that the government was laying much emphasis on building both urban and rural infrastructure. As 54 percent of the population is under nineteen, most of the investment would be made on this section of the population, which would lead to economic growth, national development and reduction in poverty, he said.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/394582