The fusion of PPP into PML has strengthened PML and it is well poised for victory in the future elections, said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The prime minister was talking to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi, and Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Raza Hayat Hiraj, who called on him at the PM House on Saturday.
Shaukat Aziz welcomed the two ministers in PML ranks and said the expansion of PML is a manifestation of the fact that all democratic elements are getting united under one platform and democracy has gained strength in the country. He said the PML is the only national party having representation in the four provinces and its expansion will strengthen the federation.
The prime minister said that political instability of the past led to economic instability and the country was facing a daunting array of problems when President Musharraf took over. He said: "We have done away with policies of confrontation and an atmosphere of congeniality has been promoted which is symbol of the political maturity gained by the country."
The broad-based reforms agenda, consistency and continuity of policies and leadership has put the country on track of sustainable development internally, while externally the confidence of the international community in the stature of our leadership has enabled Pakistan to play a role for regional and global peace and stability at the regional and global levels.
Shaukat Aziz said the PML and its allies will contest the next general elections on the basis of the success of their policies and performance in office and we are confident of our success. The prime minister said the government feels that the ultimate criteria of the success of any reforms process are its impact on the quality and standard of life of people.
He said the government is now transferring the benefits of growth at the grassroots level and focusing on providing better facilities of health, education, sanitation, drinking water, and infrastructure to every corner of the country.
Dr Sher Afghan and Hayat Hiraj said the country is achieving high growth and development under the leadership of President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and PML President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and only the consistency and continuity of policies will take the country forward. The two ministers expressed full confidence in the PML leadership, saying they will continue to serve the people with full commitment and devotion.