Premier Ashraf basks in reflected glory

Hails democracy; calls on people to participate in 2013 elections.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf hailed Parliament’s historic completion of a full term in office as a victory for democracy ‘despite all odds’ as he gave his farewell address to the nation on Saturday.

The National Assembly became the first in Pakistan’s parliamentary history to complete its constitutional term, its dissolution a milestone in a country where the military has seized power three times in coups and ruled for around half the country’s existence.

“It is matter of pleasure for me that an ordinary person like me is today prime minister of Pakistan and giving a hope of continuation of democracy to the nation,” Premier Ashraf said in a nationwide televised address.

“There is a long history of tussle between the democratic and undemocratic forces in Pakistan, but the democratic forces have finally achieved a victory.”

He appealed for people to participate in the upcoming elections, assuring voters that they would be fair.

“In the presence of political parties, independent election commission, effective media, civil society and judiciary, there is no chance of rigging in elections now,” he said.

“I appeal to all political parties, national institutions, civil society and mass media to complete the election process in an independent, peaceful and pleasant environment.”

Prime Minister Ashraf said key achievements in his party’s rule included the devolution of power to the provinces, but admitted the government had been unable to solve the energy crisis.

“It is true that we have not been able to turn Pakistan into a land of honey and milk in the past five years, but we have lessened the inherited problems and strengthened democracy so much, that no one will be able to derail it in future.”

He said it was unfortunate that the Pakistan Peoples Party has been surrounded by innumerable problems whenever it comes to power. In 2008, Pakistan was in a state of turmoil with a weak federation; isolated at the international level, its economy was in a shambles, energy shortages were acute, foreign exchange reserves had depleted to an alarming level, and its sovereignty was at stake due to terrorism.

He further said the Constitution was distorted, the media was under immense pressure, the superior judiciary was under house arrest, Balochistan was simmering and the country in a state of chaos and uncertainty. To get Pakistan out of this state, the premier said, a policy of reconciliation was adopted at the national level and efforts were made to improve the performance of the institutions.

“We put in place an independent foreign policy and with the support of the masses, our brave army achieved success in Swat, where Pakistan’s flag once again flutter.”

He also congratulated the nation on the momentous occasion, as well as all political parties and institutions that played their part in strengthening democracy.

He said Pakistan’s interests were supreme over all other things. “I salute all the institutions and armed forces of Pakistan that have rendered innumerable sacrifices for the security and sovereignty of the country.”

The prime minister also praised President Asif Ali Zardari, whom, he said, had faced great ordeals in jails but his policies of reconciliation took politics in Pakistan to new heights. He pointed out that no other prime minister, including Nawaz Sharif, was unable to complete their Constitutional term.


Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2013.