Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the nation over television and radio networks in Islamabad on August 19, 2013. PHOTO: PID
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was today facing serious challenges such as terrorism that was endangering the very survival of the country and a worst kind of load-shedding that had paralysed its economy.
Nawaz also promised major projects including a housing scheme for the poor, an improved road network. He also pointed towards the trade corridor which will run the entire length of Pakistan and connect the port of Gwadar with Kashgar. "This is a gamechanger, it will change the fate of Pakistan."
Power crises
The first part of the Prime Minister's speech was dedicated to the chronic menace of load-shedding, and promised that his government would overcome it during their constitutional tenure.
Nawaz recounted the measures taken by the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government to overcome the electricity crisis. He said despite financial constraints‚ the government had arranged a retirement of circular debt worth Rs480 billion as a result of which electricity generation had increased by 1700 MW.
The prime minister pointed that massive theft of electricity and gas was costing the country between Rs150-Rs250 billion annually and had exacerbated the load-shedding problem. Which was why, Nawaz said, the present government had launched an aggressive campaign against power and gas theft and the campaign and would continue with full resolve.
Nawaz said that a consensus national energy policy had been approved after incorporating input from all provinces which was an important milestone in efforts to overcome the electricity crisis.
He said long term measures were also being initiated to mitigate the electricity crisis and soon coal-based power plants with an aggregate capacity of 6600 MW would be inaugurated at Gaddani‚ followed by establishment of plants at Thar. The hydro-power project Neelum Jhelum had also been directed to be completed by 2016.
Countering Terrorism
Referring to terrorism‚ the Prime Minister said that the government was determined to tackle the problem either through dialogue or with full might of the state and all state institutions were on the same page on the issue.
He added that Karachi could not be allowed to be lost to terrorism.
The government had more than one option to tackle the problem but wisdom demanded that there was no loss of innocent lives, he said, before inviting those treading the path of terrorism to a dialogue in order to end the vicious cycle of bloodshed.
Kashmir issue
The Prime Minister said that the Kashmir issue was a national issue and the jugular vein of Pakistan and resolution of the problem was as dear to him as it would be for any other Pakistani.
He however said that any target could not be achieved without strengthening the economy of the country. Alongside the issue of Kashmir‚ he said that attention to strengthen the economy‚ resolve the internal and external problems and tackle power crisis and terrorism should also be considered.
He said Pakistan and India would have to join their heads together so that they could address common issues, such as poverty and ignorance.
Healthy relations with neighbouring countries
The progress and development of a nation was deeply linked to cordial relations with neighbours, he said, which was why the current government wanted good relations with all neighbours including India.
Nawaz Sharif said that he had always wanted good relations with India, and people also supported his contention during the recent elections.
He said both countries should realize that instead of wasting energy and resources on wars‚ they should wage wars against poverty‚ ignorance and disease.
Pakistan was fully prepared to defend its land along with its valiant armed forces, he said.
The Prime Minister said that a strategy that highlighted a bright face of the country in the comity of nations on Afghanistan would be pursued.
Mian Nawaz Sharif said that it was time for a bold review of Pakistan’s foreign policy, after which the scant national resources of the country could be exploited for the good of the poor and progress and prosperity of the country.
He stated that this was linked to his dream to make Pakistan an ‘Asian tiger’.
Maladministration
The very foundations of the country had been shaken due to maladministration‚ rampant corruption in every sphere and inefficiency of the last fourteen years that has brought national institutions like PIA‚ Pakistan Steel‚ Railway and WAPDA to the verge of virtual collapse, he said.
These institutions were inflicting huge losses of five billion rupees annually to the national exchequer, he said. The PM said that national debt which stood at just three thousand billion rupees in June 1990 had now soared to Rs14,500 billion.
Nawaz Sharif said that one could gauge the insensitivity of the previous regime and the level of corruption from two instances of Nandipur and Neelum-Jhelum power projects. Their execution was either obstructed or criminally delayed leading to a massive increase in the cost and a delay in their completion at a time when the country badly needed electricity, the prime minister said.
US drone strikes in Pakistan
Nawaz said that the government had a clear cut position on drone attacks which were a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and international law.
He said that the government has raised the issue of the drones with US Secretary of State John Kerry, urging him to stop these attacks.
He said that the Un Secretary General had also expressed concern over the killing of peaceful civilians in these attacks.
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Same old words with same voice from 1990 and 1997, the only difference was the change in voice with age. Keep dreaming and deceiving yourselves - Pakis
SIR ,you need chains of five star hotels and other cultural activities to make the gawader and pasni por attrractive for investers and tourist , thankyou.
@sterry: Alsalamoalaikum
Please try to understand, I have no political affiliation, I just , like all other decent pakistani's want that poor people can also love with integrity and instead of becoming poorer and poorer, they can sustain their lives. If, PML N delivers sincerely, I would be of view that , PML N may carry for another 5 years and if they do what they and others did for last decades then I wish to get rid of them at once.
you will acknowledge that, our all the leaders are well off and continously improving their wealth and always showing the gesture that they are worried for the nation but from their act, it cant be percieved.
One who never faced problems like Load shedding, out of cash at month end, no seat available in busses while returning home, Gas load shedding, School fee submission last date , queing in the line for submission of utility bill..etc etc...how could he undertsand the problems of majority people of Pakistan.
For instance take the example of flood , its a routine on yearly basis and just because of interest lackness of our Government, whose ever government it is. we never cater for or taken steps to stop ot cut it down this flood by making DAMS etc.
So, please take me positive, I m a poor citizen of Pakistan and like all poor citizen, we dont need faces we need improvement. Take care
@Raza: At Nawaz Sharif could make something in Pakistan which is more than you can say for other politicians. As for your comment about Musharraf, you need to remind yourself that Musharraf did nothing to improve energy in 10 years of rule. I would say all of the problems in Pakistan are due to Musharraf so let's give Nawaz Sharif a fair chance.
@Falcon: Unfortunately that depiction, though propagated by media, is not accurate. the gdp growth in the fiscal year ending on june 30, 2007 remained very strong and above 7%. in terms of the other reason that you cite - loan rescheduling in 2001, there is no way that can account for 5 years of robust growth. by this argument, 7.5 billion was given to the last govt by the imf aside from other funding through Kerry-lugar etc and did we grow? in fact, we in practical terms contracted
We have never true public representative through elections. We are ruled by the people who have no commonality with us. Nawaz Sharif has no idea what is hunger, load shedding and pains of the diseases incurable due to poverty. They are making fool to the people but as a matter of fact they are themselves void of wisdom. They have no idea that when the masses get up no powers can stop them. The wealth of richer dumped in or outside the country provides no help. We are dying with hunger and NS is talking about motorways and Shingai. Some revolutionary actions are required setting examples of personal sacrifices.So far his every word is contrary to his actions. 1) Economic revival but decisions made including payment of Circular Debt . . . bad 2) Appointment of people for top slot . . . not on merit. Advisor on Foreign Affairs - OGDCL Chief, Chairman PCB are obvious example 3) Energy Policy ? ? ? results shall prove that it is fake. Load Shedding reduced due to recent heavy rains not because of any increase in power generation 4) Terrorism . . . What to expect from those who could not handle single Skinder.5) Intension . . . doubtful why to hold local bodies elections on non party basis. God save us from those who are in the ring and also from those who taking breath to replace them.
The core issue of theft in electricity was laso noticed in Elelction campaigns (JALSAA) of PML N.....and the same has been highlighted by Media as well.....so PM saheb, please start the change from your own home.
wish you good luck, if you are really serious and sincere this time.
Amazing country and amazing PM.....great ..................During the previous tenure of Mr 100% Asif Ali Zardari, PML (N) was dying to get rid of them and take the charge of Pakistan and Nawaz Shareef as PM. At that time Mr Nawaz was unaware of all the crises and issues and he and his party has not done any single homework in settling these issues, rather just trying to fetch the government by hook or by crook. If they had done home work, the PM SAHEB will never deliver such a disgusting and hopeless speech, just to ful fill his desire of speeching the nation.
We were supposing that in his speech , he will give suggestions, ideas backup public to help the government in this cruicial time to get rid of these. But sorry to say that they all are same , only faces are changed.
China visit mostly focused on getting businees for Hussain Nawaz, What is the need of Hussain Nawaz a business man doing his business in London to sit in the Government High profile meeting ?.....its actually FAMILY government , Family Business and thats it
Pakistani awam cant do any thing more, those who are in tax net are burdened more and those who are hiding taxes are hiding more, and governmenet can never enhance the tax net, because they dont want to lose their voters.LOL.....PML N has also talked to Qaum parast , just for PML N benifits.
I wish, Musaharrf come back and cme back more strongly, he is the man of principles and determinations.
May Allah help us.
Now no one should have a doubt why this nation is down the drain.
no need to live up to your election symbol. you have been a PM twice before and that makes your govt third hand! as an example, your CM bro by now should have made punjab a cub if not a tiger. you dreamt before and keep dreaming while we live through nightmares!
@Waseem Sarwar: They also know where their former general is!! When military acted against lal Masjid terrorists, the whole nation had problems with it. Since Musharraf, the military is now showing a will to act after political consensus, so now you have problem why they aren't acting at all. I can handle military's ego problems but not the problem of terrorism. All major politicians are worthless, they can't make the unpopular decision, which is unfortunately the right decision. Only military has the courage to make unpopular decisions.
Its a jungle out there...targeted shootings, guys armed to the teeth and the Lion of Punjab wanting the country to be a Tiger! Not to forget the hyenas nibbling away at the wealth of the country.
Mr PM sir, we have been hammered with enough of such speeches. if this is one them then sorry it will be only filling the tummy of bins. To prove that it is not one of them then your action should support your words. Lets hope you will.
Mr. Shareef should have done it in his first Government, instead of P.M House (Islamabad) to Jaati Umra Raiwind (Lahore) Motorway, as it serves no purpose as economical or trade n commerce point of view, but rather feels like facilitating and decreasing distance from their Raiwind Palace to P.M. House Islamabad. But if finally, Mr.Shareef has realised that Karachi-Lahore Motorway is a need then we should really appreciate his Shareefana stand. Keep it up Mr. Shareef.
@Karachite: If our army was fully against terrorism and these militia gangs, i certainly hope they know where Malik ishaq, Hafiz Saeed and LeJ leaders live.
I think we need to take bold steps which was missing in PM speech. The people who were crupt in last gevenment then he must took strickt action against them.
Historic address by the PM. LOL!
@azam:
Dear Azam, Please be patient....it takes ages to turn a cat in to a tiger.
Just 2 days before you chose to address awam ? ......I sometimes feel that the nation is literally dumb and blind.
and what kind of speech is that, without any announcement of new projects, just same old promises to fool. 1 year later you will be doing the same speech telling everyone that we'll deal with terrorism and all, and then 4 years later the same. !
Why do I get the feeling these are just hollow words. All politicians are the same, regardless of party affiliation. They just say what the masses want to hear as doing is a totally different thing. There is a big difference between theory and practice.
@Ali Tipu: I am sure you'll see the electricity shortage tackled in a few years and yes you will not only see the bullet train but the economic corridor too. But not in 3 months! The difference between Nawaz Sharif and other politicians is that he gets things done. Yes he blundered when he appointed Musharraf as army chief only to see dictatorship ruin the country but no one denies that he did a great job creating the motorway. Let's give him time to build the things he can make to improve the country. Pakistan is not Egypt where people cannot wait more than a few months to fix a decade of misrule under Musharraf and 5 years poor rule under Zardari.
Not a single word of comfort for the fallen! Have some shame Mr. Prime Minister, you are the elected leader of the people called Pakistan, not Taliban.
It's not 1990, please change the slogan and make this nation Asian Lions not tigers..after all its your symbol as well, please play some new tape..your previous movie " Asian tiger was flopped badly.
When he said ' I never realised it was THIS bad '..............I stopped listening, because he must be the only person in Pakistan who was so bady informed.
Enough of complaints prime minister, Pakistanis want action now.
@Ali Tipu: There is a saying / advice for you in Punjabi language: Churri thullay dum la. Give the man at least a year before asking where is everything that was promised.
How can you fight terrorism and still take your dictation and have vested interests in from Saudi Arabia?
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the nation over television and radio networks in Islamabad on August 6, 2013
Really??? 6th August
Good speech delivered by PM. We should support our government for resolution of problems of Pakistan. Comments of baseless criticism are astonishing. My full support for NS.
He is the most, mature, suffisticated, polite, humble and well-mannered politician. He always uses good words in his speeches when he talks about other politicians. He does not abuses others like Imran Khan does. I personally believe that he will do his best for Pakistan.
Qadam Barhao Nawaz Sharif. Hum Tumhare Saath Hain. LONG LIVE NAWAZ SHARIF.
NS is a true pakistani. Insha Allah, he will prove to be a great PM with the grace of Allah. My full support for PM.
Good speech. Decrease in load shedding in just 2 months is enough to shut mouths of opponents. I request opponents to be realistic. Say right what is right. Say wrong what is wrong. You should criticize if there is something to criticize. You are jealous from the success of PMLn. May give Nawaz Sharif health and success.
@ABKhan: Do you have any doubt about this? Even Talibans declare them their enemy. As a PTI diehard supporter, one should believe Talibans.
PM at least is realizing the problems facing the country,which is the first step in handling the problems.It is not like PTI and IK who refuse to acknowlege that their are problems ,and problematic people.They take half a step forward and then take three steps backwards.
Bravo NAWAZ SHARIF. NS should not worry when youth of the nation is supporting him.
Oh I get Mian ji talking about his own tiger I mean one he got in home.
Dear PM, I am not a part of your family. But can you keep me in your party???
Impressive joshe khitabat
Where is bullet train? Where is an airport in every village? Where is electricity? Gas? Employement? Where is the end of corrupton by the so called experiences team? Where is the decrease in inflation?
All these were promised during electon compaign. Just like those were lies, this address is also full of lies and gimmicks. Pakistan has certiany no future under this tried and tested corrupt buisinessman
@Faisal: I fear we might be giving too much credit to Musharraf for high GDP growth rate in early years of his Govt. The fact is he was able to do this because of higher fiscal space that was created because of loan re-scheduling post 9/11 due to Pakistan's cooperation in war on terror. However, it was the same Musharraf who didn't add a single MW to the electricity grid in 10 years and load shedding is now draining 2 - 3% of our annual GDP. Furthermore, he made some very costly national security miscalculations that continue to haunt us. Because of these very reasons, the GDP growth had started to stumble towards last few years of his tenure. In essence, the current state of country can be partially traced to cascading affect from Musharraf + PPP Govt mistakes.
not Arabic???
Good speech by a great man.
During his last stint, he also wanted to make Pakistan as "Asian Tiger", but he was ousted by General Pervez Musharraf.
He has again come up with the same slogan of making Pakistan an Asian Tiger.
This time "Allah Raham Karey".
Ameen.
:His speech reminded me "Punishment of the Khippel". Bullet train, underground metro etc.
Tiger is a wild animal who wanna rules the whole jungle may be NS want it too,,......
On May 11th he swept the elections and today he won over the hearts of millions!! Great going NS we are with ya and proud to be led by you.
As for trolls and sheep herd followers of Deen-e-Ilzami, get a life!
So this is Nawaz's dream? My question to PTI idiots? What is changing the country in 90 days? Is it not a dream?
Pakistanis gave him mandate and he is PM of the country. We should give him time to deliver despite making false criticism. I appreciate his determination.
Good Speech and brave words to end terrorism in the Country, My best wishes are with you Mr, Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif is the most matured politician. He always uses polite and decent words for other politicians. I pray for his long life, health and prosperity. I beleieve that all his promises will come true.
@Karachite:
" I say only the army, ANP and MQM are genuinely against terrorism!!
Thanks for making me laugh
GREAT SPEECH BY A GREAT LEADER. I like this person from the core of my heart. All my prayers for his success.
The first 9 weeks of his duty were utter and complete failure. I highly doubt he has enough care for this nation to actually make a difference. Its not the first time he has been in this position, what difference will he make this time?
Long Live Pakistan. Long Live Nawaz Sharif.
mr pm now the country need serious action not in words but in practical thanks
PTI supporters are criticizing without having valid argument. They are crying and they will continue crying because they are getting jealous from pml-n victory. PML(n) will do all the good for Pakistan with the help of youth force who voted for them. ALL MY BEST WISHES FOR PAKISTAN.
I have a dream ............ It is a good dream and shows roadmap for his next five tenure. Talk is cheap. Those who are critical of him should stop criticizing just for the sake of it unless they know someone who has "delivered".
very good speach addressing the nation for the first time
i belong to karachi. politicians of karachi have given nothing to this city except dead bodies. If nawaz sharif wants to do something for karachi, we should support and encourage him. I am hopeful from Nawaz Sharif.
NS, we love you. We trust you. True Pakistanis should not worry from negative comments from narrow-minded PTI supporters. They always use abusive language against others as trained by their leader.
Entire youth voted for PML-N. We fully support our PM. Load shedding has decreased in the country. Other problems will also be solved. I request Pakistanis to be optimistic.
Good The prime minister point out while addressing to the nation today that massive theft of electricity Rs150-Rs250 billion annually and had exacerbated the load-shedding problem.
As Electrical Charge Hand (E&M) I think Installation of MDI Electric Meter on every type KV Transformers can come out from this problem.
Dear PM, we love you. We voted for you and we have lot of hopes from you. You are the best choice among the available politicians. You please ignore the criticism and continue your hardwork for Pakistan.
The prime minister point out while addressing to the nation today that massive theft of electricity Rs150-Rs250 billion annually and had exacerbated the load-shedding problem. As Electrical Charge Hand (E&M) I think Installation of MDI Electric Meter on every type KV Transformers can come out from this problem.
Dreams...... Dreams......... And more dreams.......!!!!!!
@AluChat: Good for yoy Mr. Prime Minister! Not only will Nawaz Sharif turn Pakistan's economy around but he will automatically make Pakistanis better citizens when they have jobs and a stable future. Pakistan can be a beacon for all of the Muslim countries who are in much worst state than Pakistan.
"we will end terrorism, be it through negotiations.. or USE OF STATE POWER" bravo !
It was a very good speech. Baseless criticism by people having pessimistic approach. ALLAH bless Pakistan. ALLAH bless Nawaz Sharif.
Spoken like a Leader ........let us hope this not one more act of politicking politicking....PML-N Style.
i see Pakistan as a Asian tiger.
Regarding Counter terrorism: "all state institutions were on the same page on the issue"
Yes, to neglect it and avoid any action!!! I say only the army, ANP and MQM are genuinely against terrorism!!
it felt as if zia ul haq was giving a speech
Empty Promises by him. Nothing solid on counter terrorism. NS will destroy Pakistan the way he's going.
We know the background. Time to act now.
We wish completion of all these projects.
Just a suplimentary election speech.
I don't know what is wrong with Mr. Nawaz Sharif. He says Pakistan would have been Asian Tiger had he not been removed in 99? Oh really, Pakistan was begging then and its begging now, it was only Musharraf who made our economy grow at 8 pc. And you must remember, 70 pc of Pakistanis welcome your ouster.
NS forget the days of his government during which corruption did not reduce. The sad state of Pakistan is due to last 50 years of corruption that prevailed in society. The previous generation of youth did not help but made money by whatever means. This generation include all the older Statemen like NS, SS, and Maulana FUR.
As long as you are PM.... in your dreams....."Asian Tiger"
MR PM please stop dreaming. This country need practical steps not more of "Josh-e-khtabat"
Mian sahib was dreaming the same dream in 1990 and then again in 1997. Long sleep I guess as a result of too much of lassi and parathas. High time he wakes up to real life.
mr.prime minister,during speech,looks like tiger of the nation,,,, he pointed out burning issues of our nation to be eliminated as soon as possible,,,,, he adressed followong points,,,,, 1.terrorism,,,,,bad 2.corruption,,,,bad 3.foreign affairs,,,,,bad 4.energy crisis,,,, worse 5.kashmir issue,,,, bad,,, question to our PM is who is responsible for such embarrasing situation? you pointed out curruption,,,, but where are those corrupt ppl? they migh be in pakistan,,,, then why they have not been cought yat?!!!! u r the supreme power,,,,, if u want then u can do for the nation,,, for ur people,,,,,
PM is doing good job.
Good luck Mr. PM. Hope you do what you claim to do.
Nothing new...! For counter terrorism...what's new...? No solid action announced! Just waste of time...!
Why do they not try to make us humans?