2007 emergency: Court to rule on Nov 3 actions, says PM

Shares his dream for youth through loan programme.

ISLAMABAD/ OKARA:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif drew a clear boundary for his government on Saturday, arguing that it is up to the court to decide whether General (retd) Pervez Musharraf abrogated the Constitution or not with his actions on November 3, 2007.

“It is up to the court to decide whether he is innocent or guilty,” he said, adding that if every citizen was equal before the law, he should also be answerable to the court. His remarks came during an interview with a private television channel on Saturday.

“The court will also decide whether the November 3 action falls under the purview of Article 6 or not,” he added.



PM Nawaz observed that the case was not that of an individual.

“Since the matter is sub judice, so any comment from my side may be unfair. However, other than the case’s merit, I do say that the real petitioners in this case are the state and the Constitution of Pakistan.”

He said the country is going through a critical period in its history, when it is trying to establish itself as a civilised, democratic state with its own Constitution, law and judicial system.

Business loan programme in Okara

PM Nawaz pledged to ensure fairness and transparency in the youth loan scheme as he inaugurated the business loan programme for the people of Okara district.

“There will be no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, sect and political parties in this scheme and we will welcome open criticism to ensure transparency and to execute the scheme with fairness and devotion of the concerned officials,” the premier said.

The scheme, according to the premier, is hardly new. In fact it was planned at least a decade ago by the PML-N-led government to empower the youth of Pakistan.

He voiced confidence that five million families receiving the loan would become five million exporting units for the country in the next five years. “This is my dream for the youth of Pakistan,” he added.

He said the youth of Pakistan should not waste this great opportunity, adding that the government assured that the scheme was transparent.

He said a united and economically invincible Pakistan was the need of the hour. “If we have a growing economy, then we do not need any aid,” he said, as he urged the youth to help him with their talents.

“I have heard the criticism on news channels that these loans will not be returned but I believe in the integrity of the youth of Pakistan, their patriotism and their devotion for the country,” he said, adding that the loan scheme would put a stop to brain drain from the country.

The PM gave special instructions to National Bank officials to resolve the problems of the applicants.

“I will go in person to all the provinces and backward areas of Pakistan to hear the problems and challenges of the youth in this prime minister youth loan scheme.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2014.