Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. PHOTO: FILE PHOTO
Addressing those present, the premier said there was a disappointing tradition in Pakistan of dragging to court those striving for people's welfare. "A nation that does not respect its politicians never prospers," he stated.
The premier criticised previous governments for wasting time instead of working for the people, saying the current regime could not possibly solve long-standing problems in just five years. PM Abbasi praised party leader Nawaz Sharif for his leadership, telling those present that if there was anyone who could solve the problems of Pakistan, it was the former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief.
The premier also complained that the incumbent government had not been allowed to work for the past five years due to the political instability caused by sit-ins and court cases. "The country cannot progress until there is political stability," he remarked.
Commenting on the recent political crisis, PM Abbasi noted that his party had always respected the judiciary. "Political decisions are made by voters, and not through courts," he said.
Taking an apparent jibe at the judiciary, he advised judges to leave political decisions to the people citing how they voted the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) into power in 2008, but rejected the party in 2013 as it failed to deliver.
"We have never used derogatory words to intimidate individuals. The people will respond to people who take recourse to such language," Abbasi told the gathering.
PM Abbasi arrives in Turkmenistan for ground-breaking ceremony of TAPI project
The prime minister also addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remarks regarding the Senate vote, observing that the Senate Chairman should clarify whether horse-trading played a part in the elections. "Should our lawmakers be people who get to the Upper House by buying a seat? How can a corrupt body ever work for the well-being of the state?" he asked.
PM Abbasi also reiterated that he would fight the menace to its conclusion. This, he said, was a sacred duty.
The Northern Bypass is expected to help facilitate flow of traffic in the city. The structure is strategically located at the confluence of the nation's the four provinces. Similarly, the Rakhi Gajj-Bewata section is pivotal, connecting as it does the Punjab with Balochistan besides constituting the shortest route between the provinces.
Senate body gives directives for KCR groundbreaking by Dec 25
The city of Dera Ghazi Khan witnesses heavy traffic on its roads with two major national highways and four provincial ones passing through the urban centre. The creation of a bypass will divert some of the heavy traffic that passes through the heart of the city and reduce travel time and traffic accidents.
The 18km-long project, costing around Rs4 billion, is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete and will benefit an estimated 2.5 million people. The bypass will cater to around 5,000 vehicles daily.
Commercial traffic originating from Balochistan travels through the N-70 highway to reach various Punjab destinations. Revamping the major thoroughfare will help facilitate timely movement of goods and people between the two provinces, a statement said.
COMMENTS (5)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ