Islamabad, Nov.19 Pakistan's Awami National Party (ANP) has proposed to change the country's name from the 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan' to the 'People's Republic of Pakistan'.

According to a private television channel, the ANP proposed the change in the country's name during a meeting of the Parliamentary Reforms Committee, which was supported by both the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM).

"The MQM along with PPP members of the committee supported the idea of renaming Islamic Republic of Pakistan as Peoples Republic of Pakistan," The Nation quoted MQM Deputy Convener Dr. Farooq Sattar, as saying.

However, ANP leader Haji Adeel denied having proposed the name change.

Interacting with media persons, Dr. Sattar also asked the government to give Gilgit-Baltistan the status of a province.

"The government should take appropriate steps in this regard to remove the constitutional and international hurdles," he said. (ANI)