Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that undemocratic forces would gain strength if the coalition of pro-democracy forces fail to achieve its objective.
Talking to a private television channel, the central PML-N leader however expressed the hope they would continue working together to strengthen democracy despite difference among the two major political parties.
He said the Army was focusing on its professional responsibilities, adding democracy was the only mean to put the country on path of the progress and prosperity.
Shahbaz said it was unfortunate that restoration of deposed judges was being delayed without any reason, and that might be a cause for promoting lawlessness. He said the PML-N was adhering to its commitment with the people and it would keep on pressing its coalition partners to respect the February 18 mandate.
To a question, he alleged the previous government of PML-Q was responsible for corrupt practices in country's history particularly in Punjab. He pointed out that Transparency International had placed the PML-Q government at top of the corrupt governments by placing Punjab at top among the provinces.
He said it was a fact that the country had been pushed back from the point at which it was before October 12 take over. "We have got an opportunity to serve the people after eight and half years and the people will hopefully see the change", the Punjab CM said. To a question, he said both PML-N and PPP were unanimous on the impeachment process and once a signal comes from big party, the job would be done.
He said the PPP was also not negating the restoration of the pre-November 3 judiciary. Shahbaz said that real problem faced by the people was inflation and it was the product of mismanagement of the previous government.
He said the conditions of public service organisations in the province were miserable, particularly in heath sector. About the Ring Road Project, he said the previous provincial government awarded the contracts of the projects for which even the land was not acquired.
He said billions of rupees were paid to the contractors in terms of 10 percent mobilisation money but the work on projects could not commence due to non-availability of the land. The Punjab Chief Minister said the land prices had increased manifold and the new government would have to pay huge amount to get these projects executed. He said the provincial government would never indulge in the practice of political victimisation but the people who looted the public exchequer would not be spared, without any regard for their status.
Responding yet to another question, the central PML-N leader said that undemocratic forces were involved in the conspiracies with regard to disqualification of Nawaz Sharif and himself. He said the PML-N had clear stand that it would not compromise with undemocratic forces and it would keep on struggling for promotion of democracy in the country whatsoever the consequences were.
He said the three top priorities of the new provincial coalition government would be the restoration of rule of law, improvement and promotion of education and provision of appropriate health facilities to the people. Besides, he said the provincial government had also evolved a food stamp scheme worth Rs 22 billion for the people living below the poverty line.
Comments
Comments are closed.