–Abbasi says PML-N continues to be criticised despite carrying out massive development in country
–Says Sialkot airport is ‘world’ first successful greenfield airport’
SIALKOT: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said that unruly elements had spread chaos in the country over the last four years to stop the development agenda of the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the international terminal at Sialkot airport, Abbasi said that attempts are being made to spread disorder in the country for the last four years.
He said that the PML-N continues to be criticised despite working for the benefit of the people, adding that all the development work across the country is reflective of the vision of PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif.
Abbasi said the government had been able to overcome the shortage of electricity for next 15 years besides addressing the gas crisis for consumers across the country.
Terming the Sialkot airport the “first successful greenfield airport” in the world, Abbasi said unlike other unsuccessful greenfield airports in the world, the Sialkot International Airport was continuously being expanded with favourable outcomes.
The PM said the opening of international terminal at the airport would prove a significant milestone not only for the city, but for entire country.
A greenfield airport is a new airport constructed at an undeveloped site in contrast to the brownfield project where the already operational infrastructure is modified or upgraded.
The PM lauded the funding and patience of the business community of Sialkot that made this project a reality.
He mentioned that the businessmen of Faisalabad also showed keen interest in establishment of a similar airport in their locality, to which he assured them full support of the government.
Abbasi expressed satisfaction over the completion of several development projects in Sialkot and adjoining areas.
He said the National Highway Authority was completing projects worth Rs 200 billion in the area. He said the PML-N was the only political party of the country which unprecedentedly launched and completed projects.
The PM said the government completed the power generation projects of 10,000 megawatts, and added that reduction in rates of electricity and gas was also under consideration.
Later on, the prime minister while addressing a gathering of PML-N workers at the residence of Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, said that the PML-N, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, has always pursued the policy of decency and politeness with the sole objective of resolving the problems being faced by the masses.
The prime minister said that the people would ultimately decide their future in the 2018 general elections, while adding that he was very optimistic that the PML-N would again sweep the next polls.
He said that after the July 28 verdict of the Supreme Court, the PML-N took a smooth decision to appoint the next prime minister. He said Nawaz Sharif was and is still the leader of the people as he had made a special place in their hearts.
Abbasi said that the decisions regarding politics need to be taken at polling stations and not in the courts, adding that such decisions had never stood the test of time. He regretted the kind of politics being pursued by the opponents, saying that the opposition was engaged in abusive politics which was full of contradictions and baseless allegations.
PM Abbasi said that the overwhelming support of the masses for Nawaz was a clear indication of their mood for the next general elections. “Nawaz Sharif was our leader yesterday, today and will remain so in the future as well,” he said.
The prime minister also said there was no doubt in his mind that Nawaz had the ability to resolve all issues being currently faced by Pakistan. He also said that the Nawaz government took difficult decisions which allowed the country to move forward, despite sit-ins and other related problems.
Abbasi also said that a few years back, the people were terrified even to go to the mosque for Friday prayers due to terrorist activities, but today the situation is totally different. “Terrorists have been wiped out and the number of deadly attacks on civilians has been reduced,” he added.
The PM also said that over 6,500 security personnel have laid down their lives for the protection of the masses.
The PM said the PML-N government had ended the electricity and gas loadshedding in Pakistan, adding that his government had spent a record number of funds for the development of provinces. He said even the Benazir Income Support Programme had been expanded to Rs 120 billion from Rs 50 billion during the tenure of the present government.
Moreover, Abbasi said that hundreds of development projects were underway from Gwadar to Khunjrab. Minister for Planning and Interior Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Safron Lieutenant General (r) Qadir Baloch and members of provincial assemblies also attended the event.
On the occasion, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said that Nawaz was still the esteemed leader of PML-N who had fulfilled all promises made with the nation. He said the opponents had speculated the downfall of PML-N following July 28 verdict of the apex court, however by the grace of Allah, the party had gained more strength.
He further said that the PML-N completed several projects of national importance which were earlier dumped by previous governments, including Lowari Tunnel project and Neelum-Jhelum Hydro Plant project.