On the eve of 66th Independence Day of Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari has announced introduction of local government system in tribal areas in the coming year as yet another step forward for bringing the people of tribal areas into the mainstream of national life.
The President declared that the coming year will see the beginning of local self governance in tribal areas, in accordance with the wishes, customs and traditions of its people. We owe it to the people and to the peace and stability of the country, and the region, to bring these areas into the mainstream of national life, he said. The President made this announcement while addressing a special ceremony here to celebrate 66th Independence Day of the country attended by the Prime Minister, federal ministers, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, service chiefs, provincial governors, members of parliament, diplomats, senior government functionaries and people drawn from all walks of life.
The President greeted 'all Pakistanis living within the country and abroad' on the eve of Independence Day. Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the introduction of local government system in tribal areas will be gradual and the provision has been incorporated in the draft Regulation which states, "It shall come into force on such date as the Governor may by notification determine, and different dates may be notified for different provisions of this Regulation."
Farhatullah Babar recalled that on eve of Independence Day last year, the President had announced amendments in the century old FCR that set into motion far reaching administrative, judicial and political reforms in those areas. The President then had also announced extension of Political Parties Order 2002 to the tribal areas enabling for the first time all political parties to hold public meetings and take their political message to the people of tribal areas, he said.
The President in his address on the eve of 66th Independence Day also called for safeguarding the dignity and honour of the elected Parliament and for protecting it from new forms of assaults. The President said the Parliament was the voice of the people and can not be silenced and will never be. The President said that the independence anniversary this year was of special significance as it was taking place in the month of Ramazan. He said that Pakistan came into being on the 27th of Ramazan, the night of Lailatul Qadar which is the most auspicious and special occasion for the Muslims.
It is being celebrated at a time, when a democratically elected government, is about to complete its mandated term in office, which is a historic milestone. It augurs well for democracy and democratic traditions in the country, the President said. The President said that it was natural to rejoice and celebrate the occasion of independence day, but it was also an occasion, to pause and ponder over, whether we have moved towards, or away, from the ideals, for which Pakistan was created.
He said that the founding fathers of Pakistan, saw Pakistan as a country, where democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law would reign supreme. It was envisaged to be a country, where ballot would determine the political choices of the people. He said that countless lives were sacrificed for the achievement of these ideals. Those who laid down their lives, the President said, for these ideals, included the country's first directly elected Prime Minister, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It also included Muslim world's first elected woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he said.
The President said that unfortunately for most part of our independent existence, the people were often denied right to rule, and the Constitution was repeatedly abrogated. It is re-assuring, he said that the present Parliament unanimously restored, to a large extent, the democratic Constitution of 1973. He said that the restoration of the Constitution, by all political forces, and provinces, raises our hope. It shows that despite setbacks, we will restore to Pakistan, the values and ideals, for which it was created. Let us on this day, re-dedicate ourselves, to the democratic ideals and principles, of the Quaid, the President asked the nation.
He said that this quest demands that we banish all forms of bigotry, extremism and militancy. On this occasion, the President said, I wish to call upon everyone, to work together, for the strengthening of democracy, and empowerment of the people. He urged everyone to work for a progressive, tolerant, moderate and modern Pakistan. Pakistan was envisaged to be a tolerant, modern and democratic country, the President emphasised.
The President said that today Pakistanis have reasons to celebrate, as they were an independent, and a strong nation. But, he continued, there are dangers and threats also. He said that the militants pose the greatest threat to the country. A great challenge that we are faced with, is defeating the militant mindset. For this, the President said, we must defend democracy and promote tolerance, discussion and debate.
On the occasion, the President urged the nation to seize the opportunities, to make Pakistan more prosperous and stronger. Let us rise above self and let us rise above petty considerations, he said. The President said that we must work together for the benefit of all. Let our collective strength be used for collective good, he said concluding his speech and wished good luck to all.-PR
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