- PM says those talking of revolution should contest elections and come to parliament if they want to bring about change
- Expresses willingness to talk to PTI chief to resolve issues amicably
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday said the only way forward for Pakistan is through democracy, reaffirming his resolve that no one will be allowed to sabotage the government’s development agenda.
Addressing the launch of Pakistan Vision-2025 at the Convention Centre, Prime Minister Sharif said, “We have been given a mandate by the people of Pakistan to end lawlessness, protect fundamental rights, end energy crisis and take the country forward in all areas, and we will not disappoint them.”
He said that the nation must decide that the only way out for Pakistan is through democracy.
“Dictatorship has only brought us misery and trouble,” he said.
Referring to Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and Tehreek Minhajul Quran (TMQ) Chairman Tahirul Qadri, the PM questioned how anyone who bags only 200 votes can make claims of bringing a revolution.
“They should have contested the election and come to parliament if they wanted to bring about a change,” he said.
“We are talking of ending poverty, creating employment, eliminating power shortages, while they are planning how to beat policemen and how to attack police stations and kill a sitting prime minister if anything happens to them,” said the PM.
Sharif, however, expressed his willingness to talk to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and resolve all matters amicably.
“I have gone to Imran Khan’s residence once and I’m ready to go there again for the resolution of his issues,” he said.
LAUDS VISION-2025:
Lauding Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal for Vision-2025, Sharif said it was in contrast to Qadri’s “Vision August 14” presented in Lahore on Sunday.
He said those talking of revolution are pursuing their vested interests.
The event was attended by Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Speaker National Assembly besides members of Cabinet, parliamentarians, senior officials and large number of youth.
The PM said that Pakistan that over 10,400 megawatts power generation projects are in the pipeline. He said his government is committed to building country’s third largest water reservoir at Diamir Bhasha to help meet water and energy needs.
The PM launched Rs 10 billion National Human Development Endowment Fund to provide scholarship to 50,000 students, creation of a Rs 5 billion Technology Innovation Fund for the 8,000 Ph.Ds; Rs one billion Science Talent Farming Scheme for grooming students who will be given scholarships from Matriculation till advanced studies and a Rs 14 billion project in collaboration with UNDP for modernisation of public sector.
Sharif said Rs 55 billion have been released for acquisition of land for a motorway from Lahore to Karachi and promised to turn Gwadar into an international port besides up-grading railways.
He urged the youth to stand together for Vision-2025 and support government’s efforts with the slogan, “Let’s work harder, better and smarter.”
Minister Iqbal said the government under Vision-2025 would enhance exports from current $25 billion to $150 billion to create job opportunities, reduce poverty and help industrial growth.
Finance Minister Dar mentioned the up-gradation of economic ratings of Pakistan to stable by Moody’s, terming it the “real revolution”.