RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said various speculations being made about the future of Pakistan but the military is fully capable to counter any action against the country. Addressing an operational meeting of the Army in Rawalpindi on Friday, Gen. Kayani said the military operation has not been closed in some areas out of weakness but to provide chance to reconciliation process.

“Pakistan is a democratic country of 170 million and the people back democracy,” Gen. Kayani said. The terrorists would not be allowed to get approval of their demands by force, he added.-SANA

The talk in the town these days is all about the in camera briefing to the senators about the current situation in Baluchistan and FATA. After the briefing most of the senators were quiet reserve with their thoughts but a few of them were bold enough to talk to the media and face their questions and speak their mind out on what they thought about the situation.

All the fingers though were pointing out to the present government’s attitude and performance but none of them seemed to have realized that after all it is the beauty of the democracy that they are speaking against the government and criticizing them on an issue that the PPP’s present government has inherited from the past Dictatorial Rule of Musharraf Regime. For eight years the parliament was being surpassed and the public representatives were not consulted on the most happening issues of the nation; but today the present government at least seem to believe in the supremacy and power of parliament and believe in the democratic values and customs and taking everyone in the parliament lodges in to the confidence before any initiative is taken is just a sign of their commitment to the word Democracy is the Best Revenge.

While talking to the news and media, senators looked like having a lot to say and criticise government’s policies but the alternate solution wasn’t given by anyone. Neither did they suggest anything nor did they completely rule out the possibilities of the concerns shown by Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior; Rehman Malik. At a really crunch time like today, when the talk in the town is all about Islamabad falling in the hands of Taliban Extremists, instead of coming together and working jointly, the public representatives are just following the one way lane of the road and that is opposition of the government.

Today is really not the time to point out and grab the collars of each other; instead it’s a time to come together over coming all the conflicts and differences between ourselves. After all our existence our identity and our worth lies in our proud that is Being Pakistani. Even I do not agree with the government on all the fronts in the public administration section but the one thing I admire about them is their commitment an their will at least to call for a national consciences and national government instead of nation splitting on the basis of parties.

The eyes of the world are on Pakistan again, the focus of the world politics is Pakistan again and the target of the foreign lobbies is again Pakistan. Please put back your differences, the nation has given you the mandate. Respect it, fulfill your commitments and don’t let the hopes of the people die as this may very well be the last time, unless you perform dramatically unlike yourselves.

God Bless Pakistan

Pakistan Zindaabad.

(No Hard Words No Harsh Feelings for No one at All.)

An Ordinary Pakistani Man

Islamabad: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said resuming charge by Chief Justice Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry is to bring positive change in the political and business environment of the country.

Stock exchange and financial markets have already welcomed him the day he was reinstated and the disgruntled business community is pinning high hopes on him. Disappointed and disillusioned are looking towards him for resolution of their problems.

“The biggest achievement of CJP is not providing justice to masses but giving hope and direction to the divided people of Pakistan,” said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW adding that we welcome the statement of CJP regarding wiping out corruption in the judiciary.

Now, he will have to keep an eye on executive, working of judiciary, corruption in subordinate courts and excesses by politicians etc. Business environment should be made enabling and the CJP should burn midnight lamp for improving dispute resolution which is a stumbling block in progress.

The present policies have contributed to decline in overall business activities. Two per cent GDP growth is a threat bigger than any we faced in the past.

The procedure of appointment of judges should be changed to clean superior courts of politics and bring them a good name. People deserve to enjoy the fruits of victory of democracy.

Dr. Mughal said reinstatement of CJP is the most positive development in history of Pakistan. He said that failures of two presidents and their ‘capable’ teams played a major role in success of Iftikhar Chaudhry.

Masses started looking towards CJP for relief when Musharraf disappointed them. Zardari proved to be no exception. “We hope he will burst all his cylinders to safeguard the interests of masses who have ensured his return,” he said. People are hoping that he will not only strengthen judiciary but also economy and institutions. He should restyle society and discourage negative trends endangering the country.

We today bear witness to an extraordinary event. Seldom does a moment come in history of mankind when the truth stands so clear from the error. The energy that has been released by the People of Pakistan today is reminiscent of the sacrifices, hardship, and dedication which our nation unleashed for the regaining of our sovereignty and our independence in 1947. Just as challenges were before us during our independence struggle, just as threats were abundant following independence; Today, as the clock slowly ticks and the nation is overjoyed with the good news, it is only natural for feelings of euphoria and jubilation to sweep our minds. We must, however, sit back in introspection and ask ourselves some pertinent questions. Because even though there is reason for optimism, danger lurks ahead of us. We must rise to occasion and defeat these threats. The questions I am going to pose and the answers we find for them will help us chalk the future which is needed to meet and satisfy the rising aspirations of a glorious people, namely the People of Pakistan.

Most of us are celebrating the restoration of the judiciary. Some of us are hopeful that this victory will mean the judiciary will remove the politically motivated Dogar Court rulings on the disqualification of the Sharif brothers. Some of us are celebrating the success of the Long March as a genuine step towards realizing the essence of a genuine democracy in Pakistan. Almost all of us, however, recognize that today the audacity of our collective hope has prevailed against overwhelming odds. I, for one, never truly supported the idea of the restoration of the chief justice because I felt a judge who accepted the ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ and became a PCO judge in 1999, which in fact validated Musharraf’s coup, was and is guilty of his part in over-throwing a democratically elected government. This is the same reason why every time in the stormy year of 2007 when Imran Khan spoke of his utter dislike of Pervaiz Musharraf, I would always be nonchalant towards his views because I was aware that Imran Khan had welcomed Pervaiz Musharraf’s coup in 1999. Now that Chaudhry Iftikhar Mohammad has been reinstated, does he not think it would be the right thing for him to stand on national television and apologize to the People of Pakistan for his part in validating Musharraf’s coup a decade ago? Shall we not have the same expectation from Imran Khan and so many other personalities who accepted the validity of the coup? What unfolded in 1999 was not just the toppling of a democratically elected government, it was a direct attack on the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Suddenly activating a conscience in 2007 and standing up to a dictator does not wash away the sins which were cast in the past.

Musharraf may have had intentions to steer the country out of crisis in that dark year of 1999, but the consequences of his actions was the derailment of the constitution. Anyone who supported his actions must apologize to themselves and to the country. Do the Sharif brother’s remember that during their last government, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sajjad Shah, was attacked by supporters of the PML-N while he was in the Supreme Court of Pakistan? Do the Sharif brother’s remember that it was they who placed Sindh under Governor Rule for 11 months? These may be inconvenient facts but they are factual and the truth nonetheless. Redemption is not through tokenisms or mere speak, it is through genuine change in thought and action. The burden of guilt is as fiery as it was the day the transgression was committed as it is today.

Today, Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Justice, Imran Khan, and the people who broke the rule of Musharraf and restored our judiciary, need to cleanse the guilt which rests on their shoulders. Come on the television and tell us that you made mistakes in the past, that you are sorry for not maintaining the correct moral precedent, and that you will now work tirelessly to uphold, defend, and strengthen the Constitution of Pakistan, a task you failed in the past. Right now, I too am euphoric for I feel a vibrant change is in the offing. But I am cautious. How real can this change be if it comes to our knowledge that the political parties which supported the cause of the judiciary only did so because it was expedient to do so and not because it was the right thing to do? We, the people, would be crestfallen. Our rising expectations would be given another blow and the idea of a developed, powerful, democratic, and stable Pakistan would seem further from reach. Do not betray our aspirations, do not betray the tide which has brought a spring of change to our country.

The opportunistic and wilful Zardari realized his political miscalculation and has finally decided to honour, at least in principle, the idea that the judiciary has to be reinstated. This was a commitment which the late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had agreed to. Whether he fulfils his pledge to his country and honours the commitment made by our national leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto will only seen once the Charter of Democracy is enacted in letter and spirit. Zardari has failed to keep up the spirit of reconciliation which the Sharif brothers offered him. The country has lost billions in the past month due to his undemocratic actions and his initial summersault on the restoration of the judiciary. Zardari must decide whether he is occupying the office of the presidency for the interests of the PPP or for the national interest. What would he choose when national interest and PPP interest collided? His pre-meditated actions between 25th February 2009 and reluctance to take the national interest on board are a clear indication for all those who wish to see it.

People of Pakistan, there are challenges before us. The colossal size of these threats is vast. But we do have the capacity to turn the tide in our favour. We must take a principled stand. We must be ready to die for our constitution. We must be prepared to offer sacrifices for the cause of our national struggle. Pakistan is bigger than the PML-N, PPP, MQM, etc. Pakistan is not about a Bhutto dynasty or a Sharif clan. Pakistan is not about the feudal-minded establishment which has for far too long held back the flames of hope we carry in our hearts and our minds. Pakistan is about the 170 million dreams, aspirations, expectations, values, collective sense of appropriation, harmony of our civilization’s ethos and shared desire for success, strengthening of our territorial integrity, the growth and strength of our national economy and trade, the power of our ideas to ameliorate our appalling state of affairs, the test of our patriotism; the ideal of Pakistan is one of hope and one of building a great Pakistan which is a light in the comity of nations. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is the only true vanguard we possess to propel the cradle of our dreams to reality. The expressions in our constitution are bigger than any temporal authority.

I would like to be the first citizen who practices my own advice to our esteemed political and apolitical leaders. I apologize for supporting the coup of General Musharraf in 1999 but I was of tender age and naive thought. His system was neither sustainable nor ultimately beneficial in the ultimate sense. Our constitution, if we are to follow it in letter and spirit, it will give us the capacity, the courage, the strength, the inspiration, and the sense of commitment we need to manifest the glory, stability, scientific prowess which Pakistan and her glorious people rightfully deserve. Now that the wreaths and garlands have been placed for the success our nation has achieved, it is now time to use the collective energy of our people to address the economic crisis, to ensure food security, to provide water and job security, and to build a modern, democratic, progressive, and enlightened Pakistan. These are the real challenges which the audacity of our collective hope must address. This ideal can only be realized once we accept that the truth stands clear from the error, and anything which is ultra-vire of our Constitution is not just unacceptable, it is unbearable.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari said that the democracy had no threat by the current political crisis and country enemies were spreading rumors about this. According to a statement issued here, the President said that all the political parties were united to make democratic system successful.

President Zardari said that He said that in past he had countered the challenges of terrorism and extremism and further had courage to fight against it. He said that the government ensured the freedom of press and the citizens’ rights-SANA

Heads of Country’s two popular Political parties; PPP and PML-N are confronting since Sharif Brothers were declared disqualified according to one of Supreme Court decision. This decision left them unqualified for contesting in Elections and bringing them down from their existing status vis-à-vis removing Shahbaz Sharif from position of Chief Minister of Punjab. Government imposed Governor Rule same day just to fill the interregnum caused by disqualification case. Political workers of PML-N resentment increased with this decision. With reconciliation PML-N formulated government in Punjab after gaining majority vote in said province and in alliance with PPP. Political pundits denoted this alliance as an un-natural bonding. But everyone was optimistic about the newly resumed democratic system in country.

Despite the fact Asif Ali Zardari was not very popular among masses of Pakistan; his step of becoming Co-Chairman of PPP bared his lust for power. Ever since he resumed office of President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan; people of Pakistan started realizing their position from Scylla to Charybdis. One year’s finagling proved only a change of name contextualizing dictatorship of Musharraf’s era. His denial from restoring judiciary and abrogating 17th amendment in accordance with Charter of Democracy corroborated his gargantuan appetite for power. These issues structured bone of contention between PPP and PML-N.
Controlled hue and cry was appearing against the government by PML-N but an open and all-out attack against the government was launched when PML-N leadership started character assassination of President Asif Ali Zardari revealing their plans of destabilizing government. Nawaz Sharif has asked people to get ready to be on the streets to change their destiny. Adding fuel to fire PPP; depriving PML-N – majority party from its right to govern Punjab reached yesterday definitive confronting when Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf announced that time for reconciliation was over.

PML-N along with those political parties which decided not to contest elections has announced their active participation in Long March and sit-in; drew up as Fabian Tactics by the Lawyers who are wrestling with government for restoration of Independent Judiciary. The lawyers movement now is more dedicated to the restoration of disposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry; the man who stood by principals and did not let contravening Musharraf in constitution. Memory of the masses is considered to be short term but not to that extent that they could forget he was one of the PCO judges who substantiated Musharraf’s rule legitimate. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jammat Islami boycotted Elections 2008 and stayed away from the mainstream political course of action thus Midterm elections is like Hobson’s choice to enter in Parliament at the cost of democratic system whatever would have been the principals for their boycott-it becomes incumbent upon politicians to be in mainstream if they want to be heard . Thus Imran and Qazi are standing in queue to support disposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry; [earlier popular now a little bit notorious] and keeping PML-N leadership away from reconciliation.

Leader of Awami National Party Asfand Yar wali, Jamiat Ullimah Islam Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman have endeavored for reconciliation between PPP and PML-N. Unfortunately their efforts are not seeing the face of the sun because of the obdurate and egoist attitude of Political leaders.

On return from India Former Army Chief and president of Pakistan Gen. (r) Pervaiz Musharraf addressed a press conference; where he deliberately stressed on favoring Army and ISI. He tried to gesticulate somehow that if the internal political situation in Pakistan sustain instable; Military intervention can be possible option. His body language was giving impression as if he was on Olympian heights. Musharraf’s visit to India on pretext of addressing a Seminar and being interviewed by Indian TV Channel supporting the role of ISI against RAW or CIA endorses that military intervention is doable option in political arena of Pakistan once again. He even said if he would be offered a significant role he would be please to be president once again. His visit is measured as pressure tactic upon PPP government by those foreign components that intervened a deal between Musharraf and PPP; to resolve the internal political matter. Millions of brows were raised over the coverage given by media to him but Pecksniffian like Muharraf; most abhorred by his own people; anything said by him would end in null and void. Thus concerns for these foreign components are merely to prove Musharraf as a patriotic and large hearted Pakistani who could be a part of track II diplomacy but to make Lilliputian Pakistani politicians unmistakable for their so-called Herculean power. Who dare to think that drones should b given them to abolish militancy from Tribal areas of Pakistan.

Government has burnt its own fingers by imposing first governor rule; then ordering mobile courts and taking the decision back; now this open confrontation with a partially uncontrollable ally PML-N. To form a government in Punjab; game of MEMBERS cum NUMBERS is commenced after clear picture of hostility appeared between PPP and PML-N. Government is indeed frightened over the intensity of politically charged environment in which Long March and Sit-in is going to be held. Government or more appropriately Asif Ali Zardari is reluctant to offer the same sauce to PML-N leadership he has enjoyed in shape of NRO. He does not want to wash his dirty linen in public so he is unenthusiastic towards the restoration of disposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry. Disposed Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry after being in the van; as per expectations of masses will grind everyone including President Asif Ali Zardari. Who had corruption charges against him, and many political leaders either released from detention or returned Pakistan from exile in wake of National Reconstruction Order-its authenticity is still questionable. Furthermore resuming of November 2, 2007 Judiciary is major demand from Opposition and political parties. A monarch never wants to come under the thumb of independent judiciary.

This hydra headed problem has made situation hermetically sealed and suffocated where hundreds of conspiracy theories are echoing. One famous and popular one “Pakistan will disintegrate” based on the analogy derived from the 1971; when winning political party was kept away from formulating government resulting in disintegration of Pakistan forming Bangladesh. Masses of Pakistan; in this regard; had no option even of appealing to Philip sober when decision was made by Philip drunk. Masses certainly will not want to have same night mare. God forbid if such precedent is repeated; Politicians unquestionably are aware of the fact; masses will crush them; for East Pakistan is yet an uncovered bleeding wound.

Every leader is Chimera in today’s politics; trying to corrode democratic process in Pakistan. Leaders aspire and acquire powers but big leaders are those who comprehend utilization in right direction. No one can steal the march upon others. Considering the operation in running governance with success; PPP and PML-N both are Tweedledum and Tweedledee. All doors are not closed yet; Instead of a turn tail a glorious retreat can make political leaders unforgettable entities in history. That is possible only if these leaders are flexible towards each other forgetting their personal grudges. A sad demise of democratic system will be inevitable; otherwise.

Just one year-when country’s political arena returned to democratic process; acute political turbulence has created chaotic situation. Political analysts can foresee coming few days more troubled because reconciliatory efforts by the small coalition parties including Asfand Yaar Wali’s ANPO and Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s Jamiat Ullema Islam and repeated commitments shown by the leaders of Pakistan People’s Party and Prime Minster seem to be futile. Press Conference conducted by Salman Taseer sounded more a personal attack on Disqualified Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif rather than bringing some development project for the betterment of 9 karor people of Punjab.

A total patch of 1990 reveals history of confrontation and hostility between PML and PPP. During this decade Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League served country each in two terms. Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif became the premiers of country twice but neither could accomplish single term. General Pervaiz Musharraf ouster Nawaz Sharif in wake of hijacking the plane; flying Musharraf back home from an overseas trip; he came in power in 1999. This is the same crime in which Supreme Court of Pakistan convicted Sharif Brothers illegible that restrained them to participate in Elections. Disqualification forced Shahbaz Sharif’s to leave Chief Minster’s position despite the fact PML-N enjoyed the majority in Punjab province in last elections.

Politics of agitation:
There are several reasons for their disqualification including politics of agitation waged by both the political parties that has hampered the chances of growth of an embryonic democracy. In last elections; after the death of Former Premier Benazir Bhutto; Asif Zaardari enticed PML-N into a coalition government. Seasoned politicians termed it an unnatural alliance that lacked potentials to sustain for long. Even then masses yearned to see political process go on; they envisioned this coalition as a lesson from 40 years long history of military rule that left Pakistan in dogs. I may sound biased but President Asif Ali Zardari being unfair imposed a Governor Rule in Punjab soon after the court’s decision came.

Sharifs along with others decided to join hands in Lawyers movement and moreover in Long March being held on March 12 for the restoration of independent Judiciary. Asif Zaradari promised to restore judges and remove the 17th amendment from constitution as soon as his party would resume office but he did not keep his words even after one year rather protected judges from Musharraf era. Sharifs being irked found it incumbent upon them to fight against these political scams; so they actively participated in movement.

In last term; Nawaz Sharif opened corruption cases against Asif Ali Zaradri; He was imprisoned for eight years and Benazir Bhutto was banished out of country. Her reconciliatory efforts brought both the parties together and Musharraf doffed off and resigned from Presidency. Earlier National Reconciliation Order was approved by Musharraf to bring both the exiled leaders back in Pakistan awarding them amnesty.

Zaradari’s reservations on restoration of Independent Judiciary:
Before Zardari resumed office of President of Islamic republic of Pakistan in September 2008; he was already enraged over why judges including Ch. Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudry did not try to release him despite the fact he was never convicted for any of his crimes he was accused of. Political analysts foresee his decision of not restoring judges as a part of his apprehensions and may be avenge. He has premonitions that these suspended judges by Musharraf in November 2007 may open his cases and convict him. He is forewarned that NRO may nullify if these judges be restored and if lawyer’s movement is successful. Nawaz Sharif has clearly uttered that his disqualification was not a legal order but a presidential order to Supreme Court. One can easily find it logical in circumstances when PML-N has announced its loyalties for Lawyers Movement till the judges are restored.

West is cautious of the Sharifs:
West is wary of Nawaz Sharif and does not find him a reliable person as he was the man who disobeyed and playd role in giving a Nuclear Status to Pakistan; many critics find this very reason for Musharraf’s coup ejecting Nawaz Sharif out of his elected Government. Furthermore America strongly believes that Nawaz Sharif inclination towards the religious and nationalist groups that opposes the war on terrorism. However for USA and West recent political crisis is a challenge as their media is saying the ongoing political battle between two major political parties could be so debilitating that nuclear-armed Pakistan could end up in the ranks of failed states, alongside Somalia and Zimbabwe. Foreign Media is giving hints for Military interventions once again.

Army devoid of backing Sharifs:
Army has no reason to back Sharif despite the fact that Asif Ali Zardari has a pro-American and Pro-Indian approach and his party has invited enough hatred among the people of Pakistan and become unpopular in just one year. After coup by Musharraf; Sharifs were charged for denying the landing rights to plane carrying Musharraf and 200 other people. Further more charges also alleged that Sharif had attempt to collect men and arms in preparation for a counter coup and had sought to kill Musharraf. He was also convicted of corruption an banned for life from political activites. But an alleged deal, reputedly brokered by the Saudi Government saved him and other family members from being put behind the bars. In December 2000, Sharif went into self-imposed exile in Saudi Arabia.

He had bad relations with Army during his both terms; in 1998, he was confronted by another stand-off after army head said army should formally have a say in running of the government. Tensions increased with the Army in 1999 when Nawaz Sharif was alleged to used his influence to withdraw Pakistani forces from the Indian side of the Line of Control in Kahmir in 1999.

Furthermore Gen. Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayyani Army Chief of Staff has reiterated his wish to keep the army out from politics. Therefore army would seldom back Sharifs.

Politics of Principals:
Since it is widely believed that politics in Pakistan has become a filthy game; and Nawaz Sharif along with his party workers denied to be a part of this. Even PML-N has rsigned from Federal Ministerial status when Zardari was not ready to fulfil his promises. It is also perceived by PML-N that PPP government has violated the understanding called Charter of Democracy reached between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif under which they agreed to respect each other’s mandate, restore 1973 constitution to its original shape and would not allow undemocratic forces to destabilize the system.

PML-N demanded politics of principals and clear-cut policy on war against terrorism, setting up of Truth and Reconciliation Commission and relief for the people from PPP government moreover Asif Ali Zaradri; who has yet not restored1973 constitution and kept avoiding issue of 17th amendment and it is still part of Constitution awarding him dictatorial powers. Sharifs along with party leadership kept criticizing Asif Ali Zardari for following the footsteps of Musharraf with a wish he should not. And the coalition should bear positive result in shape of workability of system.

I might sound biased despite the fact that my father had political affiliations with Pakistan People’s Party; Sharifs along with their party still are more popular and majority has right to formulate government. We can not afford another 1971. I can concede with Supreme Court’s decision of disqualifying Sharifs if the characters of Judges are above the suspicions but like every other concerned Pakistani i am staunch believer that Governor Rule is unjustified in presence of fully elected assembly and it could have been the last option.

BURLIN: Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that strong democracy and rule of law hold key to stabilize Pakistani society. Addressing the seminar “Pakistan – One Year After The Parliamentary Elections” organized by leading economic think tank WZB here, he said that extremism and militancy are bi-products of military regimes, which tried to crush moderate mainstream parties in order to perpetuate their rule but by doing so created void that was filled by extremist groups.

Talking about the challenges which the democratic government needed to address on priority basis, Ahsan said, “The first challenge is restoration Pre-Nov 3rd judiciary similarly, the second challenge is the eligibility case of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, who is under trial in hands of Musharraf’s hand picked judges and Thirdly, to acknowledge the mandate of PMLN in the Punjab”

He said that the government should make serious effort to repeal constitutional amendment introduced by former president Musharraf to take away the powers of the Parliament and the Prime Minister and implement Charter of Democracy to ensure transparent appointments of judges and other constitutional offices”.

Ahsan said, “Pakistan has suffered heavily due to wrong policies of Bush administration in Afghanistan and Musharraf in Pakistan. There is a need to take stock of the situation with broad based ownership of all stake holders to tackle the situation. Bringing peace to the region requires a new policy primarily focused on political and economic option”. “The drone attacks are further complicating the situation by antagonizing the local population and creating a strong backlash in public opinion”, he added.

He said that Pakistan sought good relations with India but Indian response after Mumbai attacks was not helpful in promoting peace process. “Pakistan is committed to policy of non-proliferation and has an effective command and control structure in place”, he stated.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said the government is committed to institutionalize the democracy and revive democratic values in order to ensure the country’s march towards a progressive welfare Muslim state. He was addressing a seminar on Democracy in Pakistan: new challenges and opportunities in Islamabad on Friday.

The Prime Minister democracy in Pakistan is not a new phenomenon but it has passed through many difficult phases. The process was halted many times; three martial laws served to weaken democratic institutions and obstructed the march towards sustained economic development.

Referring to the struggle of Pakistan Peoples Party for restoration of democracy, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the party since its inception has been in the guard for strengthening and fostering democracy and has made unprecedented sacrifices for attaining the goal.

The Prime Minister also mentioned the sacrifices of party founder Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for the cause of democracy. He said thousands of party workers went under human torture and prolongs incarceration for restoration of democracy. He said he himself was sent to prison for not bowing before the dictator.

He said our government after taking over had to face a couple of serious problems including severe food and energy crisis, fiscal deficit and depleting foreign exchange reserves. He said the government has embarked upon a short, medium and long term policies to put the economy on sound footing. In this connection, the agriculture sector has been given the priority and expressed the confidence that the country will overcome the food shortages.

The Prime Minister said that in order to protect the poor segments of the society, we introduced Benazir Income Support programme, which is first in the country’s history. He said initiatives have also been taken to address gas and electricity shortages on emergent basis. Special focus is being laid on the exploration of gas and oil in the country to cope with the energy crisis. He said measures have been taken to enhance the thermal and hydel electric generation.

He said the gas pipeline project with Iran is also being fast tracked to meet the future needs of energy. Referring to the IMF programme, the Prime Minister successfully negotiated the package with the International fund for the stabilization of economy and reduces the economic crunch.

The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that the establishment of friends of Pakistan forum will help open new vistas of cooperation and bring new investment into the country. The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unflinching commitment in the fight against terrorism and extremism saying it is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to effectively deal with the menaces.

He said in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan is the most affected state and has borne both human and economic loss. He, therefore, urged the international community to support the efforts of Pakistan in combating the menaces.

He expressed concern over the cross border drone attacks in the tribal belt saying these are counter productive to our strategy for the normalization of situation in the area. The Prime Minister said Pakistan wants to build strong relations with all its neighbouring countries including Afghanistan and India.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that peace and stability in Afghanistan of vital for Pakistan, and our government has constantly strived for improvement in ties with Afghanistan. It has been our endeavour to adopt common approach to deal with common challenge.

He said due to the effort of the democratic government, relations between both the countries have improved significantly He, in this regard mentioned the increased high level contacts at the political and people to people levels have brought the two countries closer. Referring to the relations with India, he said situation on our eastern border has become fragile in the wake of Mumbai incident. However, he said our effort for peace and stability remains steadfast and sincere.

Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the government extended full cooperation into the investigation of Mumbai attacks but regretted the Indian government unfortunately refused to accept our offer.

He said Pakistan has done a lot to improve relations with India and demonstrated unwavering commitment for dialogue with the neighbouring country. However, India unfortunately froze the composite dialogue process which is not the solution to solve the problem.

He said Kashmir is the core dispute between India and Pakistan and its resolution according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people is imperative for peace in the region.

He urged the international community to play its role in de-escalating the situation. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani was of the view that the improved relations are necessary for resolution of problems between the two countries in particularly the unresolved Kashmir issue.

Dilating upon the bilateral relations with the U.K, Prime Minister said Pakistan and the United Kingdom have long history of relations based on mutual trust and expressed the confidence that the cooperation will further consolidate in the future.-SANA

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have expressed their resolve to give Pakistan a strong democratic foundation, peace, progress and prosperity. In his message on the occasion of forty-second founding day of Pakistan Peoples Party, President said party workers are determined to build a modern, progressive, egalitarian and democratic Pakistan in which the poor and the downtrodden will also live with honour and dignity.

He said this is the first anniversary of the founding day of the party after the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He said let this anniversary be a day of reawakening of the people to their destiny of democratic empowerment, end of militancy and economic opportunity for all as envisioned by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and for which she laid down her life.

The Prime Minister in his message called for continuing the mission of Late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto for socio-economic revival of downtrodden segment of the society and for justice, democratic tradition and social development. He said PPP gave the nation a consensus constitution, nuclear capability, freedom of press, rights to the labour class and rights to minorities, agricultural reforms and big industrial projects like Steel Mills.

A number of events are being organized at the Divisional, District and Tehsil levels throughout the country to mark the day.-SANA