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NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 25, 2009
PRESS
RELEASE I wish to compliment the government, the Parliament, all the political parties and the people of Pakistan on the completion of the first year of the democratic government in office. On this occasion my thoughts go to those hundred of martyrs of democracy led by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who laid down their lives in the long and heroic struggle that culminated in February 18, 2008 elections and the ushering in an era of democracy. Without their sacrifices the nation would not have been able to see this day. A very important indicator of the success of any government during its first year is the direction in which it is going to extricate the country out of its various problems and also to ameliorate the lot of its people. In view of the serious economic and national security problems inherited by it the government decided to tread the course of achieving economic stabilization, building national reconciliation, fighting militancy and in taking steps for peace and stability in the region. New initiatives have been taken in all these areas, the results of which have already started showing. The initiative of ‘Friends of Pakistan’ holds great promise for the country’s strategic stability. The beginning of trade across the Line of Control in Kashmir and sincere cooperation in investigating the Mumbai attacks are significant steps for promoting regional peace and stability. An important development towards the end of the first year of the government has been the restoration of all deposed Judges of the superior courts to their pre November 03, 2007 positions. During the last one year the government also initiated a far reaching programme called Benazir Income Support Programme to provide assistance to the poorest of the poor. Never before in the history of Pakistan such an initiative had been launched. The people of Pakistan can look back on the past year with satisfaction on many counts. They can also look to the future with hope as their elected goverment steadily but surely moves on with accommodation, reconciliation and development as its guiding principles. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 25, 2009 SMA/gm. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 25, 2009
PRESS RELEASE I congratulate the nation on the completion of the first year of a democratic government. The travails and tribulations that our people have undergone to achieve this true democratic system were really challenging. The sacrifices rendered by the youth, civil society, party workers and also by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto have finally seen the dawn of democracy in the country. The completion of one year in office by PPP-led government provides an opportunity to review the progress made so far on the whole range of programs and actions, initiated during the year. Upon coming into power, the government was faced with enormous political, economical and security challenges. However, in the spirit of reconciliation and respect for constitutional office, the party began the task of governing. The high expectations held by the nation, having been through nearly a decade of military rule coupled with difficult times, meant that the government was always going to be in for a fair amount of criticism, which was utilized to improve upon the prevalent system to ensure good governance. From the outset, the PPP government pursued a policy of reconciliation and consensus building, both internally and externally. Differences amongst the various coalition partners on issues of governance notwithstanding, the PPP led administration remained committed to resolving these differences through dialogue, and had since encouraged debate in the National Assembly all along. The use of the National Assembly in order to build consensus is unprecedented and is indicative of the government’s dedication to ensuring supremacy of the parliament above all other institutions. The initial days of the PPP government unfortunately coincided with the global financial crisis, which at that time came forth in the form of sky-rocketing oil prices (touching up to $145 a barrel), and later manifested itself into an unprecedented recession which sent the entire world into turmoil. This situation had a direct bearing on price index in Pakistan, compelling the government to take quick and effective action. The recent political crisis generated due to misperceptions about restoration of judiciary, has been managed well due to our continuous reliance on politics of reconciliation. On the external front, I can say that we have foiled attempts to isolate Pakistan from the comity of nations. It is my sincere hope that we will come out victorious, ready to dedicate our energies for the progress of our country. I am confident that a glorious future awaits our country. NOT TO BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST OR TELECAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF MARCH 25, 2009
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