Pakistan

Sustainable development is a priority of govt: Zardari

President Zardari says long-term sustainable socio-economic development remains priority of government.

November 16, 2010

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that long-term sustainable socio-economic development of Pakistan remained the priority of the government.

The president said this while addressing delegates of the Pakistan Development Forum (PDF) at the President’s House.

Referring to the floods, the president said that they have affected the country’s economic priorities and shifted the focus to short and medium-term requirements. He added that the government has developed a forward plan to reconstruct the destroyed infrastructure and rebuild the economy after the devastating floods.

Pakistan arranged PDF to let the world know that it has withstood the crises and is moving forward with determination, Zardari said, while thanking the international community for its financial support. He said Pakistan needs more meaningful help to carry forward its socio-economic agenda.

"Not just your financial assistance, but real meaningful support. A support that recognizes the unique position Pakistan is in, and the unique role that Pakistan is playing amongst the comity of nations today."

The president said that Pakistan deserves preferential market access more than any other country while recognizing the support of European leaders for moving in the direction of giving Pakistan access to its markets. He said he hoped that other countries would follow in the footsteps of the European Union.

The President said Pakistan has been suffering from multiple crises. "But I am also the President of a country that has unfortunately right from the turn of the century, been confronted with one crisis after another… our soldiers, our police, our citizens lose their lives every day to protect you and me".

Despite all the difficulties, the President said, Pakistan has its success stories. "This country has suffered very heavily due to natural and man-made events. Yet, with the strength of its people and the warmth and support of our friends… here we are."

The President said the government was nowhere near finished with the task of alleviating poverty, saying "we have not resolved all the problems nor achieved the true potential of our development, " adding that Pakistanis are ready to face any adversity and challenge to rebuild their lives and their country for a more prosperous future.

COMMENTS (2)

Muhammad Ali Shahid | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. President, whatever you promise with the citizens of Pakistan, we are more eager to see the practical outcomes, rather than discussing in big forums, and non-implemented speeches. Sir, the time is running out, the people of Pakistan is getting more below to the poverty line. We do not have much time to keep listening and reading those materials delivered by you, we are more interested to hear the good news, that you have done something real this time. We are lacking from honesty, and patriotism this time. If you have the spirit, please show it to us with your good doings, or else, give somebody else a chance to strike for the relief. Disasters are the part of life, but blaming everytime to the disaster, is not a good practice. Change is made by actions, not on blaming the things and circumstances. As a part of Pakistan, I want the real drama, not the fairy tales. I still believe in my brothers, and sisters living and serving for Pakistan, but what we need more about is the pure "JUSTICE". I love Pakistan, and I want to rescue my country with great professionalism.

Ahmer Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.If the PPPP corrupt and NRO certified leaders want to increase expensiveness by saying these words that sustainable and long-term socio-economic development is their priority of Pakistan then President Zradari should keep it in his mind that all these things can be gotten in the corruption-free atmosphere from grass-root levels in every department and the nations of the world who advanced and developed their countries first remove corruption from all the department and their leaders shown honesty and sincerity for their nations and their countries and then created truly and practically justice and equality between the people and the leaders.Corruption always drives the countries towards failure and you are doing so on top priority basis.

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