LAHORE: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has congratulated the provincial legislators of Pakistan Peoples Party and its coalition partners in Punjab for upholding the best parliamentary practices during the budget speech in Punjab Assembly on Saturday.
Talking to Associated Press of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that the conduct of PPP’s provincial legislators was in marked contrast to what PML-N did in the National Assembly during the budget speech of the Federal Finance Minister on June 1.
The prime minister advised the provincial legislators in the Punjab Assembly to take part in the budget debate in a constructive manner, as their voters in their respective constituencies expected them to ensure their effective representation at the legislative forums. He said that speeches of the PPP legislators in the Punjab Assembly should promote vision of PPP’s manifesto, which is a major policy statement of the party for social development of less privileged sections of people.
The prime minister said that hooliganism and un-parliamentary behaviour demonstrated by the main opposition party cut the roots of democracy for which the people of Pakistan had rendered innumerable sacrifices, adding that they would reject those who resort to undermine the symbol of their empowerment.
The prime minister advised the PML-N leadership not to let its political frustrations and fear overtake them and instead focus on winning people’s support by presenting programmes because democracy is all about rallying people on political manifesto and not about scuffle and intimidation.
The prime minister said that obsession of PML-N leadership with grabbing power at any cost was self-defeating and indeed mockery of Charter of Democracy in which it committed itself to adhere to principles of democracy and not to stand by undemocratic forces.
Replying to a question about upcoming talks between Defence Secretaries of India and Pakistan on Siachen issue, the prime minister said that Pakistan was desirous of resolution of all outstanding issues between both countries through dialogue and peaceful means. He said that Pakistan expected positive outcome of talks on Siachen issue. The Prime Minister welcomed decision of the Supreme Court regarding submission of accounts of expenses by the contesting candidates, use of transport, and the checking of voters’ list by the Army and the FC.
He said that the Supreme Court’s judgment was in line with the policy of the government as was amply reflected in the form of empowerment of the Election Commission of Pakistan through the 20th Constitutional Amendment to hold free, fair and transparent elections in a manner that its credibility is not questioned.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Ch Allah Daad: Yeah well I dont understand one thing.....PML-N doesnt wanna quit National Assembly but still they boycott and walkout of every session. Initially Punjab Government had issues with energy conference and that federation was treating them like a step son and now they announce just 10 billion for energy and lot of money is wasted on some silly schemes of which people like you would be fooled only. The so called Khadim-e-Aala opens up offices in Minar e Pakistan just to show off. What is PML-N trying to do here bro?
Just a fruit of thought.............
By & large all political parties have some support of public barring the incumbent government.
PPP Punjab had no other choice. The Budget was so good.
At last a good shot from PPP.