We've left behind the politics of 80s, 90s: Nawaz

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said no political party had boycotted the May 11 general elections and the PPP should not have boycotted Tuesday's presidential election on "flimsy" grounds. Presiding over a PML-N Parliamentary Party meeting at the Parliament House, the Prime Minister said the May 11 elections were held on time in spite of the extremely dismal security situation in the country.
He said that successful transition of power from one civilian government to another had been effected in the wake of May 11 general elections in the country that manifested the upholding of democratic principles and must be taken forward by all political parties. He further said that his party had left behind the politics of the late 1980s and 90s which was largely based on "personal vendetta."
The Prime Minister said that presidential nominee of PML-N, Mamnoon Hussain was a man of integrity and commitment and was fully capable of holding the exalted office of President of Pakistan. His election would add to the respect and dignity of the party, its allies and Pakistan, the Prime Minister observed. Alluding to presidential nominee's unblemished democratic credentials, Sharif hoped that Mamnoon Hussain, after being elected President, would come up to the nation's trust and exhorted the Parliamentary Party members to come on time on Tuesday for the presidential voting. On this occasion, Mamnoon also canvassed parliamentarians to vote in his favour. Describing the office of President as the symbol of federation, he pledged to serve the country and its people in his capacity as President.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that democracy was taking root in the country with the upholding of rule of law and supremacy of the constitution. "With tomorrow's presidential election, President will be stepping into the shoes of his predecessor and this should have been taken in the right stride by the opposition parties. A democratic-era has ushered in the country and we have to move on this democratic path steadfastly and with courage by upholding the sanctity of the ballot box," the Prime Minister commented.
He also briefed the Parliamentary Party meeting about his recent visit to China. Enumerating the agreements and accords signed between the two neighbouring countries during his visit, he said their implementation would turn out to be a game-changer for Pakistan and the region. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of improving the security situation in the country. He said that with improved security situation, the country would achieve economic growth, foreign direct investment and overall development. During the meeting, Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif briefed in detail about the current energy situation in the country and also outlined the broad contours of the National Energy Policy ready to see the light of the day in the coming days.