“I’ll announce a special package for the development of Balochistan,” says PM Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Deploring Pakistan Peoples Party’s decision to boycott the presidential elections, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that the move was against democratic norms.
“The PPP should not have boycotted the election … sportsman spirit demands they contest the presidential elections,” he said while talking to a delegation of parliamentarians from Balochistan.
At the same time, the prime minister appreciated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s decision not to pull out of the race, saying that the party’s “participation in the [presidential] election will strengthen democracy in the country”.
Defending the rescheduling of the election, he said the previous date coincided with 27th of Ramazan – a date which holds religious significance. He added that July 30 should still be acceptable to all quarters since there was still enough time for campaigning.
About PML-N’s candidate, the premier said Mamnoon Hussain’s nomination was a “sign of the party’s vision for the federation, which calls for bringing smaller provinces into the mainstream”.
Talking about Balochistan, the prime minister said the development of the restive province was a priority for his administration. “I’ll announce a special package for the development of Balochistan,” he added.
Premier Nawaz termed Gwadar deep seaport the key to both the development of Balochistan and the rest of the country. He added that the proposed Kashgar-Gwadar highway project, which would connect the port to China, and the Khunjerab-Gwadar road project would also usher Balochistan into a new era of development and prosperity. He added that the Chinese government has shown particular interest in the two road projects.
The prime minister said his government would establish special trade zones along the Kashgar-Gwadar and Khunjerab-Gwadar highways, which could prompt Chinese companies in the country to relocate their businesses. “This will provide more job opportunities to the youth [of Balochistan],” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 27th, 2013.
COMMENTS (24)
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Why Punjabis angerly react when u call them PUJABI.I could never solved this psyco problem with any punjabi., when call him punjabi??while if u call any pukhtoon as khan .....he feel pruod !!can any punjabi help me to understand the hidden facts behind ???
@Khurram: 58-59% not 50%
negativity is the only trait corruuption party can be expected of
boycott of election is petty gimmickry to divert people's attention from faive years of ugly corruption
Pakistan could become a free state in Ramazan but a small election which has only under 800 voters cannot be held in this month! The elections should be fair and should appear to be fair. PPP has never boycotted the elections before and it is the first time and NS with the help of PCO CJ is going back to his old tricks. Of course the SC has all the time in the world for Sharif but would never implement its own order in Asghar Khan's case or would never reply to the president's questions on ZAB case till a new president takes over and the matter is buried for ever.
PPP makes yet another attempt to become political martyr (SIYASI SHAHEED). Throughout the past 1-2 years the PPP tried to play Victimhood Card to gain sympathies of the masses it has been looting. It is definitely a good riddance for the people of Pakistan when the PPP dies its natural death completely.
RiP PPP.The only thing ppp can show is its greed for boundless corruption and spectacles like boycotting election to divert people's attention from its corruption
@Shahzad: Selection? Its not PML N's fault that PTI failed to "sweep" the elections as was being dreamed by some.
NS never lern from his past mistakes........????
@Khan: Where were you when Non Punjabis were in Power for the last 5 years?. Did Punjabis who are 50 percent of Pakistan whined like that?Why You are proving that you are power hungry individuals who are not in any mood to lose power despite the fact that you destroyed Pakistani economy and everything in the last 5 years. This time if PMLN is power then give them time to settle and stop whining and crying.
The PPP is wrong in its decision and, if there is time, it should join the race for the President of Pakistan if it wants to give democracy a real boost. For five years the PMLN showed sufferance for the PPP's unproductive policies. These gave nothing to the nation but 'cut' and 'chop' of prime ministers, mounting domestic debt, wholesale corruption, disobedience to the Supreme Court, and incessant violence. In short, a national and economic disaster. Being in the opposition, PMLN overtly displayed a cooperative and contributory character that was conducive to blossom democracy and there was no opposition for the sake of opposition. The PPP can consider itself lucky to have had a smooth opposition in its term and the national, legal, terrorists, and economic problems the country is facing today, are of its own aimlessness and lack of vigor policies. A GOLDEN chance to become a household name to be taken with honor and dignity has been simply thrown out of the window. Is Democracy really the best revenge. Is it? Salams
To cut one's nose to spite the face. Mr PM, you are not punishing Asif Zardari; you are punishing yourself! The chickens will come home to roost very soon!
Why are ML-N and the SC in such a hurry?
PMLN should have some sense, Zardari is still their President.
Fixed match! Just because the Emperor of Pakistan wanted to go to Saudi Arab, the election date has to be changed. Now the emperor is advising others to sew their lips as well.
@khan who's pretending to be khan let me tell you something which I think you should know before you make further comments like this ,the presidential candidate from "punjabi Muslim league" is Urdu speaking resident from Karachi" not so punjabi is it ?
@Khan: For your kind information, PML(N)'s presidential candidate is not a Punjabi.
You are talking about 'sportsman spirit'; how about a level playing field, Mr Sharif?
And PMLN should learn to contest elections rather than rigging the through Courts and Election Commission.
I think PTI should also have boycotted this 'selection'. Specially after N league joining hands with MQM, there is no point giving any legitimacy to this episode. MQM may not be the final but it surely is first nail in N league's coffin. I mean how could you people......
As if PPP's pulling out makes any difference
PM appreciates PTI. Who is friendly opposition now.....
PMLN started the wrong way. Election should have been held on schedule not in advance. NS is back to his old form, playing cricket in which he ain't too good. PPP is going to bowl a bouncer to knock him off.
PMLN should have shown little maturity. Pakistan is not just for punjabis