Consensus: Democracy is the future of Pakistan, says Ashraf

Prime Minister says that delay of even a day for holding the next general elections will not be tolerated.


January 05, 2013
Ashraf said only those would rule the country who would get the support of the masses through the ballot. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD/ CHAKWAL: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Saturday reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) as well as other parties agreed that democracy was the way forward and that the next general elections will be held on time, and not a day's delay will be accepted.

Addressing a public meeting in his native area of Chakwal, Ashraf said that democracy is the voice of nation and that there is no alternative to this system and is the future of the country. “It will be further strengthened after the next five years and no-one will be able to derail or harm the democratic system.”

The Prime Minister said holding elections is a national obligation and the government will complete the electoral process on time. The coalition government is due to complete its term in a few months, after which polls will be held, he assured.

In a veiled reference to Tahirul Qadri whipping up a crowd for this long march for change, Ashraf said only those people would rule the country who would obtain the support of the masses through the ballot.

Referring to his talks with other political leaders, Ashraf said all politicians unanimously backed the continuity of the democratic process in the country. He said that all pillars of state, including media and judiciary, are supportive of democracy. “The people enjoy democracy and no one can snatch this right from the masses,” he added.

Development in Chakwal

The Prime Minister, who hails from Chakwal, said he knew the area and was well abreast of its problems. He said work on the development projects would be done at fast pace for the welfare of the people of Chakwal and other areas.

Ashraf, who had inaugurated a number of development projects, including supply lines for Sui gas, assured the people that they would get gas supply without delay.

He also inaugurated the Neela Interchange which connects the area with the Motorway.

COMMENTS (3)

Clear Black Bag | 11 years ago | Reply "consensus-all-parties-agree-on-democracy-for-pakistan-says-ashraf" Raja Pervez Ashraf is absolutely right on his this stance
Siddique Malik | 11 years ago | Reply

@Iqbal: An excellent point, dear Iqbal. One has to be completely oblivious of reality to say that Pakistan is democracy, when non-Muslim Pakistanis are forbidden by Pakistan's constitution to take part in certain activities. Pakistan is an oligarchy dominated by religious fanatics, tribal lords, forefathers of the most of whom were British colonialists' puppets, corrupt judiciary and power-hungry army generals. People like, Mr. Ashraf, the so-called prime minister, are just pawns with no practical powers and a lot of pomp and show. I guess it works for him and worked for most of his predecessors. Siddique Malik, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

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