‘If not for me, let there be peace for Pakistan’s sake’

• PM inaugurates renovated Ziarat Residency, says Pakistan can prosper if no one meddles in democracy for 10 years
• Criticises PTI and PAT for anti-govt protests, says there’s a need of positive politics to strengthen democracy
• Says PML-N acknowledges other parties’ mandate and is willing to extend maximum cooperation to their govts
• Says Balochistan will be brought at par with other provinces

ZIARAT

STAFF REPORT

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Thursday said Pakistan would be a prosperous and economically sound country if the country is given 10 more years of peace without any kind of interruption in the democratic set up.

Sharif was addressing a ceremony after inaugurating the Quaid-e-Azam’s Ziarat Residency, which was destroyed by suspected Baloch militants on June 15, 2013. The prime minister hoisted the national flag, as Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Balochistan Governor Mohammed Khan Achakzai, Commander Southern Command Lt General Naseer Hussain Janjua and other civil and military leadership stood behind in unison.

The Residency project executed by prominent architect Nayyar Ali Dada has cost around Rs 140 million and completed in a record time of five months.

“A year ago terrorists targeted the house of the founder of Pakistan which was a tragedy. I appreciate the Balochistan government and all those people who worked hard to restore the Residency in months. The hard work and passion show the love and patriotism of Balochistan,” Sharif said.

“The restoration of residency in few months is a classic example for us. We will make Pakistan a developed and prosperous country, if we work the way people did with the Residency,” he said, adding that Balochistan will be developed as par with other regions of the country.

The premier said there is a need of positive politics to strengthen democracy in Pakistan.

“Negative politics should end now. Pakistan is not ready for any kind of adventure. We are focusing on the future of Pakistan. We will build a better Pakistan, even if do not manage to win the next general elections,” said Sharif.

Taking a jibe at the long marches of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Prime Minister Sharif said, “The genuine Azadi march is taking place in Balochistan, where the civilian and military leadership are jointly celebrating the 68th Independence Day of the country.”

He further said that the marches are diverting the government’s attention from national issues such as the operation against terrorists in North Waziristan. “Those who have announced to march should focus on establishment of peace and development of the country,” he added.

ACKNOWLEDGES MANDATE:

Claiming that the PML-N acknowledged the mandates of other political parties, the prime minister said the federal government was making utmost efforts to maintain peace in Karachi.

“The city used to witness targeted killings and lawlessness on a daily basis. One can tell the improvement in law and order situation in Karachi,” he said. “We have really good intentions for everyone and want to maintain good relationship with every political party. We have never discriminated against anyone. Balochistan is a good example where nationalists were allowed to rule and federal government is cooperating with them,” he said.

Nawaz reiterated that Gwadar will be the best port city of the region in few years and will strengthen the economy of Pakistan. He said that the economic corridors from Khunjrab to Gwadar will prove to be a game changer for the area.

Lauding the role of civil and military leadership of Balochistan for retaining peace in the region, Nawaz said “Everyone can feel that law and order situation in the province has improved.”

“Pakistan needs 10 more years of peace and stability to attain the goals of better economy and improved infrastructure.”

BALOCH ASSURES SUPPORT:

Assuring that the coalition government in Balochistan will stand by the “democratically-elected federal government”, Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Qadri Baloch said, “We will not let the conspirators succeed.”

Acknowledging that there was a rapid decline in the incidents of kidnappings, targeted killings and sectarian violence in Balochistan, Baloch said, “Quetta used to plunge into darkness after sunset but now people roam on the streets until 3am.”

Claiming that in some areas of the province the ground water level has declined to as low as 1,200 feet, Baloch requested the prime minister to launch a project for providing clean water to Quetta and other districts of Balochistan. The premier said that the case needs to be studied to determine what could be the best way to address the water crisis.