Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, dispelling the impression of any possible change in the government, contended that "we are here to stay", and advised the people talking about unconstitutional change and spreading rumours to stop wasting their time.
He was speaking at the LCCI Achievement Award-2010 ceremony here at the Expo Centre. Federal Commerce Minister Amin Fahim, Federal Minister for Education Assef Ahmad Ali, Punjab Governor Salmaan Taseer, and Gilgit Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Ali Shah were also present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for political stability in the country and said that this was imperative for the economic stability, as politics and trade are inter-dependent. "The PPP government never compromised on principles and would not do in future. Democracy was restored in the country after a long struggle by politicians, including Benazir Bhutto, Nasruallah Khan and Nawaz Sharif," he said.
"We are not afraid of criticism of the undemocratic forces, and the government would complete its tenure," he added. "As soon as I assumed charge of Prime Minister, the undemocratic forces started making predictions, saying that the government is to go within three months. Later, they extended it for another six months, and they kept on extending the period," the Prime Minister said.
Gilani said the PPP government, as a result of its policy of reconciliation got elected Speaker, Senate Chairman, senators in all provinces unanimously for the first time in the history of Pakistan. "We would also take all political forces on board to overcome damage of the devastating floods across the country. We also took all parties along for the passage of the 18th Amendment, 7th NFC Award, and providing provincial autonomy.
The PPP has routes in all the provinces and thus cornering of this federal party would be tantamount to break-up of the country. The people who lost byelections have not stopped talking about mid-term elections because PPP is winning majority of seats everywhere," he said. The Prime Minister said that the government is ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity to the industry. "Our government has inaugurated a number of IPP projects during two and half years but no one questioned the past regime that failed to launch a single project during nine years period."
He said that consensus has been achieved on construction of Bhasha Dam and work has now been started on it. "We have pressure from donor countries to generate additional income and we are taking steps in this regard," he said, adding that "we would not back out the tax reforms." Gilani said the floods have affected more than 20 million people in the country and the government would give Rs 100,000 to each family.
An amount of Rs 350 billion, to be provided to the flood affectees, would generate economic activities and would boost the country's economy. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Zafar Iqbal briefed about 'LCCI Achievement Award'. He highlighted different issues including inflation, gas and power shortage, frequent increases in utility tariffs, and law and order.
He urged the government to provide relief in utility bills to make the country's products competitive in the international market. Earlier, the PM distributed achievement awards among the winners. It is pertinent to mention that Prime Minister Trophy was awarded to National Bank of Pakistan President Ali Raza for his bank's outstanding performance that resulted in substantial increase in the bank's profit.
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