The following achievements, which were unprecedented at the time and were made in the face of extreme internal and external challenges difficulties, truly helped in mapping out a strong and vibrant future for Pakistan. These are also an indication of the sufferings of the people of Pakistan at the time and how Shaheed Benazir Bhutto made historic and comprehensive policy measures and initiatives to set the country and the people on the path of development and a brighter future.
International Serat Conference
Ulema Conventions in all provinces
Re-organization of Council of Islamic Ideology
Appointment of a renowned Islamic scholar, Maulana Siraj Din Puri as Advisor to the Prime Minister on religious affairs
Initiation of Haj flights from Lahore
Establishment of a Nuclear Power Plant under a bilateral agreement with China
Agreements with Russia for more steel mills in Pakistan
Re-admission of Pakistan to the Commonwealth nations
Organization of SAARC conference in Pakistan
Re-establishment of bilateral relations with India. Historic Non--Nuclear Aggression Agreement between the two countries under which the two neighbors could neither attack nor assist other countries in attacking each others nuclear facilities signed in 1988
Successful negotiations with IMF for easier lending terms
Withdrawal of Russian army and peace initiatives in Afghanistan
Several awards by international bodies for restoration of democracy in Pakistan
Moral support to all ongoing worldwide movements for the rights of suppressed nations
Campaigning for and successfully acquiring joint support from Islamic countries for the Kashmir cause
Improved Pakistan's image and standing internationally
Self-reliance in defence technologies
Induction of two US-made frigates in Pakistan Navy
Initiated airplane manufacturing within Pakistan
Re-enforced the defence of Siachen, paid a personal visit to Siachen Glacier
Zarb-e-Momin army exercises initiated during her tenure as the PM
Lifted all black laws against press freedom in Pakistan
Ended the Newsprint Quota System which was a tool for blackmail and suppression the media by previous governments
Did away with all Black Lists for TV and Radio journalists allowing journalists and writers of all ideologies and thoughts equal access to TV and Radio. Opposition was allowed a voice and access to the national media for the first time in Pakistan
National Press Trust was given to the private sector after securing the rights of the journalists associated with it, thereby ending Government control on the print media.
Lifted the abusive prerequisite of an NOC for journalists intending to visit foreign countries
Re-instated TV and Radio employees fired for political motives by earlier governments
Adopted the policy of Press Freedom and allocated government advertisements to all newspapers regardless of their political leanings
Inauguration of new TV channels under the Peoples Network programme
Established the new Ministry for Anti-Narcotics
Eradication of poppy plantation in the country
Established country-wide clinics for the recovery of drug addicts
Closing down of 12 heroine labs
Unprecedented decrease in narcotics smuggling
Discovery of 10 new oil fields within one year
22% increase in oil and gas production
Gas supply to millions of consumers nationwide
Encouraged 3 mega industrial projects including a Petrochemical project at a cost of Rs 3.88 Billion at the time. Toyota Corolla plant was established with an investment of Rs 580 Million for an annual production of 10,000 vehicles including 6000 Hilux vehicles and 2000 Jeeps
Decrease in non-developmental expenditure
Historic rise in the Karachi Stock Exchange
22% increase in foreign aid for restoration of democracy
Lifting of ban on gold imports to discourage corruption
Decrease in inflation rate in prices from 9% annually to 5%
Eased rules and regulations for investment and doing business in Pakistan. Balanced the import-export policy and facilitated industries and exporters in every possible way
Establishment of the Investment Board with PM as its Chairperson
Tangible development in the telecom sector of Pakistan despite meager resources with 64400 new telephone exchange lines, 99391 telephone connections and linking 14 additional cities via telephone. These were huge and unprecedented achievements at the time
Introduction of Direct Dialing System between various cities of Pakistan
Electrification of more than 4000 villages in a single year for the first time in Pakistan's history, brightening the lives of millions and removing the darkness of centuries
Connected 5,90,000 households all over the country with electricity within a single year
Electricity providing departments were made legally bound to provide new connections within 30 days in cities and 45 days in rural areas to end the massive prevailing corruption in the sector at the time
Any person applying for an electricity connection could get one in 35 days or less. These were unprecedented public friendly measures at the time
Computerization of electricity supply and billing system for more transparency and end of corruption
Encouragement of the private sector in the power sector
Drastic decrease in power theft through various measures
Comprehensive flood control measures in far-flung areas to prevent recurring damages to crops and farmers properties
Comprehensive and far-sighted schemes for land de-salination
Strategy for complete end of load-shedding within 3 years
Construction of Micro-channel for connecting Karachi with Peshawar. Over 4200 employment opportunities for labor and mid-level professionals.
Opening of 445 Postal Offices countrywide
Expansion of Port Qasim at Karachi
Karachi Steel Mills was made profitable for the first time in 1989 thanks to better management and policies
Reopening of Balochistan Textile Mills which was closed down in 1983 to secure the employment of 5000 workers
Heavy Mechanical Complex made profitable from a loss- making entity
Reinitiation of Suzuki Motorcycles in the country which was a major source of conveyance in small cities, towns and urban areas
Distribution of free bicycles under the People's Programme
Distribution of free sewing machines among widows/needy women to enable them to earn their own livelihood
Construction of modern roads in every city and town of the country
Construction and renovation of many mosques under the People's Programme
Monthly stipends for widows and orphans
Establishment of a separate Ministry for Youth Affairs for the first time in the country to address issues and offer opportunities to the youth of Pakistan
Establishment of 60,000 new literacy centers
Employment opportunities for Pakistanis in overseas markets
Induction of 50,000 youth as school teachers to help in promotion of education and provide employment to unemployed educated youth
Youth Loan scheme made easy and effective
Establishment of Federal Youth Council
Comprehensive planning for youth development
Establishment of a Women's Ministry for the first for gender development and to address women specific issues
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