Bowing out: Ashraf makes way for interim prime minister

Says he carried out his responsibilities to the best of his abilities.

ISLAMABAD:

With the appointment of Justice (retd) Mir Hazar Khan Khoso as caretaker prime minister, outgoing premier Raja Pervaiz Ashraf bid farewell to the office on Sunday and said that he was blessed with the opportunity to serve the people of Pakistan.

“I have been touched by the warmth, affection and support extended to me while I was in office,” said Ashraf in his parting statement.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf had assumed the office on June 22, 2012, when his predecessor Yousaf Raza Gilani was disqualified over contempt of court charges.

In his statement, the former premier said that he carried out his responsibilities to the best of his abilities as the chief executive of the country. “We ensured that appointments, recruitments, postings and transfers of public servants are made on merit,” he said.

Ashraf conceded that his government had failed to tackle the ballooning energy crisis in the country.

“No other nation is exposed to as many challenges as Pakistan. Still our people are determined to move on,” he said. “Our people are ready to render every sacrifice to protect the values of pluralism, diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness.”



Speaking about internal politics, Ashraf said he maintained good relations with leaders of all political hues both within and outside Parliament.  “I have ensured that there is a smooth transition of power following the completion of constitutional term by the PPP-led democratic government,” he said.

The outgoing prime minister said that there can be criticism of the policies he pursued, “however, no one can blame or point out any financial scandals during my government.”

On the external frontier, Ashraf said that the government spearheaded a broad-based and diversified foreign policy in line with the directions of Parliament and aspirations of the people.

The outgoing premier also received guard of honour which was presented to him at the Prime Minister’s House on Sunday by a contingent representing three armed forces. In his remarks on the occasion, Ashraf said the event marked the fulfillment of Benazir Bhutto’s vision and her commitment to see Pakistan as a democratic polity.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2013.