'Big goals in little tenure': Asked Pir Pagara to pray, says Ashraf

I hope to do something that solves the problems of the people of Pakistan, says Ashraf.

KARACHI: Newly elected Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that he asked Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) chief and spiritual leader of Hurr community, Pir Pagara Sibghatullah Rashdi, to pray on his behalf that he achieves big goals in his “little tenure”, Express News reported.

Speaking outside Kingri House after meeting with Pir Pagara, Ashraf said, “I hope to do something that solves the problems of the people of Pakistan.”

Ashraf also thanked Pir Pagara for the “delicious food” he offered him during the meeting.

“PML-F, as our coalition partner, played a very positive and strong role in my election as the prime minister, for which I have come to thank Pir Pagara on behalf of my party’s co-chairman President Asif Ali Zardari.”

The prime minister said that Pir Pagara prayed for them and was very hospitable towards him and his party.

“Our motive is – love for all hatred for none,” said Ashraf. “With the help of our coalition partners and with the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and President Zardari, we would like to take Pakistan towards progression.”

He said that the two big challenges faced by his government were energy crisis and security situation, particularly in Karachi. “We are striving to bring peace to Karachi which is the economic hub of Pakistan.”

Responding to a question regarding the Opposition’s resistance in his election, he said, “I am here till the party has confidence in me and till God wills so. Nobody elects themselves as a prime minister. This is all God-willing. He can provide to anyone, anytime.”

Prime minister visits Nine Zero

Ashraf, accompanied by the chief minister and governor of Sindh, later arrived at Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) headquarter, Nine Zero. He is the second PPP prime minister to do so.

Speaking at the headquarter, Ashraf assured that the government will do its best to address the issue of peace in Karachi and power crisis as specifically pointed out by Altaf Hussain.

Ashraf said that he follows the vision of his leader Benazir Bhutto, which dictates solving problems with love and unity.

“Love is the only way out and my message to “Altaf bhai” is of love,” he said.

Stating that issues raised by the MQM chief are 100% valid, Ashraf said his advice and input are very important and the government will solve problems keeping his suggestions in mind.

Describing his journey from an average PPP worker to the prime minister of Pakistan, Ashraf said that he is aware of the issues faced by the people belonging to the middle and lower classes of the society.

“I have been through similar problems as I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth,” he said.

While being thankful to what he has achieved so far, he said he will not let the people down who have trusted him and will solve problems to the best of his abilities.

“I want people to love and respect me because of my work,” he said.