Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Saturday said the constitutional transfer of power by an elected government is a victory of democratic forces.
In his farewell address to the nation over Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television network tonight, he thanked all democratic forces and institutions that played their role in strengthening democracy.
Ashraf pointed out that going by the fact that the current government remained a victim of negative propaganda and concocted allegations, completion of term by his government is an extraordinary and historic event.
He said the democratic process went through various difficulties, challenges and trials in its journey.
Ashraf said the government faced bitter criticism during the last five years but it upheld the freedom of media and cooperated with it so that media could play its role in the development of the democratic traditions.
Referring to the situation of the country in 2008 when the Pakistan People’s Party-led government took over, he said the country was facing dreaded crises and was almost isolated at the international level. The economy was in a bad shape, there was an energy crisis, foreign exchange reserves had depleted to dangerous levels, the country was facing food shortages and its survival was threatened by terrorism.
He said that the government promoted national harmony, improved performance of institutions, laid foundations of an independent foreign policy and national flag was hoisted once again in Swat after an insurgency by the Taliban.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the government could not do enough during the last five years. However, it lessened the problems it inherited and strengthened roots of democracy so that no one could ambush it in future.
Recounting the achievements of the government, he said by pursuing vision of reconciliation of former premier Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari initiated the policy of consensus and reconciliation and as a consequence country’s first woman Speaker was unanimously elected beside unanimous election of the Prime Minister. The 1973 constitution was restored in its original form through unanimous amendments while almost all legislation was done through consensus.
ہونٹوں سے دعا ہاتھ سے کاسہ بھی لے گئے
روٹی مکان غرباء سے کپڑا بھی لے گئے
Is this joker talking about the same Pakistan that we all have seen go downhill since Musharraf left? I don't know what world these politicians live in but they are far removed from the realities on the ground.
When Musharaf left Forex reserves were 8 billion and they increased to 19 billion in 2012, even now they r 13 billion. Inflation was 25% which decreased to 10% and export rose from 17 billion to 25 billion and salaries were increased double. What more you want?
ہونٹوں سے دعا ہاتھ سے کاسہ بھی لے گئے
روٹی مکان غرباء سے کپڑا بھی لے گئے
Does this democracy keep you from sitting in the dark? make Pakistan a safe place? educate the people? create jobs? I didn't think so.PPP needs to stop acting like they have done great service in the last lonnnnnnnnng 5 years.The worset 5 years in the history of Pakistan.If you beg to differ,explain me where I;m wrong,just look around,you'll get the picture you have managed to over look.
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Last 5 was way better only if Pakistan can shake off the dark 60 before and it’s cumulative effect on the present …
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Still a long road ahead …
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rightly said.
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