Prime Minister urges political parties to strengthen democracy

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday urged all political parties to strengthen democracy by tackling real issues and shun the politics of allegations. He was addressing a huge public gathering, attended by the workers and supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) from adjoining areas that was also attended by a number of federal, provincial ministers and parliamentarians.
He said the era of fake voting and politics of "Jhurlo" - a common Punjabi term referring to manipulation in the polls, has come to an end. "This time there will be no manipulation and the voters will be able to exercise their free will," he added. He said politics of allegations was not far reaching as it defied the basic rules of justice and service to the people. The Prime Minister said every one has a right to pursue their own mandate and the people have a right to vote for the leader of their choice, according to their free conscience and will.
Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf announced that Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will address the gathering at the death anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux on December 27. He recalled that Bilawal had rightly said democracy was the best revenge, when he spoke for the first time soon after the leader was martyred, and added that his words have proven to be true.
Prime Minister said it was for the first time in the country's history that a civilian government was to complete its five-year term, under the dynamic vision of its Shaheed leaders. He paid rich tributes to all the allies that stood along with the Pakistan Peoples Party, despite very challenging times, and said now every Tom, Dick and Harry was out in the streets, with little to offer. He regretted the politics of allegations and said the people were sick and tired of such things and preferred to see some solid work.
Interspersing his speech in his native Potohwari, the Prime Minister said the PPP has restored the 1973 Constitution in its real form, and said the opponents at least must have the courage to speak out the truth and acknowledge that President Asif Ali Zardari handed over all his powers to the Prime Minister. He mentioned the several constitutional amendments, the NFC award and said a series of other measures taken by the government that would have a far reaching impact. Prime Minister Ashraf said country's future was in democracy and the Pakistan Peoples Party has rendered unending sacrifices to come this far.