Sustainable development is a priority of govt: Zardari
President Zardari says long-term sustainable socio-economic development remains priority of government.
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.
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.