Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said that the government of PML and allied parties sincerely desire to improve the political atmosphere in the country, and the National Reconciliation Ordinance was an extension of the same intent. He said this while talking to Minister for Population Welfare Shahbaz Hussain who called on him at the PM House on Saturday afternoon.
He said re-election of President General Pervez Musharraf was victory of all those who want to see Pakistan as a progressive, developed and prosperous country. He said that the ruling coalition would contest the forthcoming elections on the basis of performance over last five years, which has transformed the country, and improved the standard of living of the people.
He said that PML and its allies are committed to ensure that the next general elections are held in a free, fair and transparent manner. "The will of the people will determine the future course of the country," he added.
The Prime Minister said that continuity of policies and leadership was vital to ensure development process to move forward at a consistent pace. The people of Pakistan, who want a better future for themselves, would support the ruling coalition in the upcoming elections, he added.
While appreciating the Minister for Welfare for various initiatives undertaken by his Ministry, Shaukat said that the role of family planning was critical in transferring the benefits of the economic growth and development to the people and also in improving their health and happiness.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the Minister for achieving population growth rate of 1.8 percent and said that considerable increase in the contraception prevalence rate (CPR) from 24 percent to 37 percent would help further to allocate more funds for development and provide basic necessities to the people at their doorsteps.
PML (Q) Secretary General Mushahid Hussain and some other ministers also called on the Prime Minister and discussed party matters and forthcoming general elections. The PM said that the forthcoming general elections would give an opportunity to the nation to express its will. The people, he said, would undoubtedly elect the representatives of those parties, which have served them best.
The Prime Minister said that PML and its allied parties had always worked for national solidarity and promoted open, progressive and democratic culture in Pakistan. These efforts were directed towards establishing peace, enhancing development and ensuring prosperity of the common people.
Mushaid briefed the Prime Minister on the Party's strategy for the forthcoming elections. He also apprised him about the applications received in the federal and provincial party offices of the candidates for the party tickets in various constituencies.
He also discussed the details of the draft manifesto of the party for the upcoming elections. He said that draft has been prepared and will be released after the consultation process is completed.
Dr Amjad, Islamabad PML President also updated the Prime Minister about party matters, enrolment drive and preparations for the next general elections. He said that the PML would field candidates on both seats of the federal capital and said he is confident of the success of party candidates.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azim and Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Commander Khalil-ur-Rehman were also present during the meeting.