Critical challenges: PM wants politics of allegations shunned

Says unfounded allegations force foreign investors to lose confidence.


December 06, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said on Wednesday that there is a strong need to shun the ‘politics of allegations’ as it was portraying a negative image of the country. He shared his thoughts while speaking to the employees of the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL). 


“The ongoing practice of putting allegations on someone without proof has distorted the country’s image in  the eyes of outsiders,” he said.

The premier criticised those who use television shows to accuse and dishonour others without investigating the facts.

“If you call somebody wrong, bring proof, otherwise be good to yourself,” he said, making a Quranic reference.

According to the prime minister, unfounded allegations mar the confidence of foreign investors. Several mega projects, including the Diamer Bhasha Dam, Neelum-Jhelum Dam and the Thar coal project, require billions of dollars to reach completion and nothing should hamper the investors’ confidence, he said.

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He expressed satisfaction that the democratic government was nearing completion of its five-year tenure and said Pakistani people deserve free and fair elections.

Food security

During the function, Prime Minister Ashraf also shared his thoughts on the importance of a strong agriculture sector. He said the government is pursuing agricultural policies that would not only ensure food security in the country but also improve the living standard of small farmers. The prosperity of farmers is among the government’s top priorities, he said.

The premier stressed on the need to provide incentives to small farmers and noted that about 45% of the population is associated with this sector. He mentioned several incentives that have already been administered, such as the Insurance Scheme that covers five major crops (wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane, and corn).

The PM lauded the ZTBL for providing assistance to farmers, particularly through the introduction of hybrid seeds and the training provided. He directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to discuss with the ZTBL management the issue of land in Sector G-7 allocated to the bank by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He also announced a one-month bonus to all the employees of the bank.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2012.

COMMENTS (2)

PTI Mardan | 11 years ago | Reply Mr Pm can you please leave HEC alone after your performance at WAPDA
Asad | 11 years ago | Reply

Mr. Ashraf will be the first Pakistani Prime Minister (or President) who will leave office according to the law.

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