ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Friday reiterated the importance of democracy for a stable and prosperous Pakistan, assuring the government’s resolve to hold fair, free and impartial elections.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Premier Ashraf said that only a democratic government could provide strength to all state institutions.
In words that were apparently directed at the judiciary, he said that “the situation in the country can only be improved if the parliament and democracy are strengthened and there are no threats to the elected representatives of the people.”
He remarked that the people’s court [their will and voice] would distinguish between right and wrong and this would be done through their votes, not by ‘unconstitutional ways’. “We are not against any one and we will go to the court of the masses to seek a fresh mandate.” The prime minister reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would take all necessary measures to ensure that the next general elections were free and fair, as it believed in the power of the masses and always came to power through the power of votes.
“Free and fair elections is our government’s commitment for which we are taking all possible steps and the appointment of a unanimously chosen Chief Election Commissioner proves our intent and sincerity in this regard,” Ashraf remarked.
Praising BISP’s role
Later, he distributed Waseela-e-Rozgar certificates, life insurance certificates and the Benazir Debt Card among a select group of people.
Lauding the BISP, the premier said it had set a precedent for the entire world, as a number of countries had approached its officials to replicate similar projects in their countries, recognising the success of the programme in Pakistan. He said the BISP had proved itself as a mode of fulfilling the promise of God of providing food and basic needs to the deserving and those living below the poverty line.
He hoped that the BISP would continue to operate successfully in the future, as many such welfare programmes were initiated in the past by various governments, but due to several reasons, they subsequently failed.
Presiding over an important meeting on the Balochistan crisis prior to his arrival at the ceremony, the premier said that he wanted to convey a message to the Baloch from the BISP forum that resolving the province’s crisis was a top priority of his government. Ashraf claimed that more than 50% of Baloch were getting benefits from BISP and similarly, over 1 million people in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas have benefited from the programme. He added that after the completion of a poverty survey in September 2012, the number of beneficiaries will be increased. Ashraf also stated that a new programme of providing education to over 3 million students will be started by the BISP, in collaboration with Britain and other countries.
He proudly stated that more than 6 million families have been provided cash grants, insurance, Waseela-e-Sehhat, education and other basic needs of life by the programme.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 18th, 2012.
COMMENTS (5)
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We do not accept this pseudo parliament who can not even check their so called president doling out our money,tax payers money of a poor country while on a private visit to Bharat.Any parliament worth its name should have created hue & cry to have our money recovered.Even US president can not dole out tax payers money like him.We want the so called parliament to recover our money spent & given in the name of charity on a private visit .
Banzir income support is a drama. It's just an way of doing corruption and making PPP's vote bank
Human made system is not perfect Mr. PM. There has to be a continuous check on each and every action taken by the selected representative. The decision taken by key persons ultimately impact the whole country, its image and its integrity. What i fail to understand is why PPP is neglecting the important things. The focus should be shifted towards eradication of corruption then the energy crisis. When you want to solve a problem you should direct all the efforts towards it. Get rid of problem 1 then move to problem 2. Take one step at a time.
Premier Ashraf said that only a democratic government could provide strength to all state institutions. You are wrong Mr.PM. You and your governing body does not have a blank check you can sign any time and whatever you want on it. In democratic and civilized societies there is always check and balance in between Judiciary, Government and Parliament. Who will correct if government or a member of government makes mistake?. We don't have monarchic in Pakistan and don't forget there are other strong and powerefull institutions in Pakistan who is watching you for your wrong decisions that impacts on them or whole community. So please I remind you that days are gone when a single person or entity used to decide the fate of all people of Pakistan.
Judiciary is one who interpret laws and constitution. By the way, you can make every hour a new law but you can not change Constitution by the blink of the eyes.
Also, recently Mr. Gillani Ex-PM statement is also wrong when he said that PPP will come out on the street to resist the new decision of Supreme court. Well, it is also a wishfull thinking, as all people of Pakistan are not PPP. Do you remember the long march of people has forced you to change PPP government's mind and PPP knows well that in that matter people are not with PPP. So please Mr. EX think before you speak in public.