Strong government key to overcoming all challenges: Nawaz

06 May, 2013

The country needs a strong government with a clear majority and not a coalition to deal with challenges of terrorism and economic crisis, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif said on Sunday. He predicted a 'revolution' in the wake of May 11 elections.
Addressing a mammoth rally in the federal capital, the PML chief also promised that if voted to power, his government will introduce a metro bus between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, adding that his government would also launch "an underground metro service".
Referring to challenges faced by the country, Nawaz Sharif said: "If you want to get rid of load shedding, terrorism and economic crisis...cast maximum votes for PML-N to form a strong government...the country does not need a split mandate, but a strong government with a strong writ to eradicate terrorism," he added.
"We have to make a mature decision on 11th of May for the development and prosperity of the country", he said, adding others were considering the May 11 as a joke and for him it is the day which will determine the country's fate.
He said that the people should vote for PML-N if they considered that Nawaz Sharif "is cable enough of steering the country out of prevailing problems". He said he is not seeking votes for himself but for the sake of the country.
"This is the right time for a revolution and not a simple change (as a result of the elections)," Nawaz Sharif said, apparently in response to PTI chief Imran Khan's criticism on his party.
He said that he would refrain from using disrespectful language.
The PML-N chief said that he not just played cricket but also gave Pakistan the status of a nuclear state and for the first time, built motorways in the country.
He said that he fervently desired Pakistan to become an "Asian Tiger" (economy) but regretted that his government was toppled on October 12, 1999 by a military dictator.
He said that he wanted to spur Pakistan's economy just as he had done back in 1999, adding that Pakistan's currency was stronger than India's and Central Asian countries, but the situation now was opposite.
He pointed out that he refused an offer by former US President Bill Clinton of $5 billion for not conducting nuclear tests and decided to give a tit-for-tat response to Indian nuclear tests on May 28, 1998.
He maintained that he was punished for elevating Pakistan to the status of a nuclear state and was forcibly sent in exile for seven years. Referring to PPP's advertisement campaign against his party, the PML-N chief said that PPP had nothing to present before the people except advertisements.
"Zardari Sahib! What have you done to flaunt proudly before the people...while sitting in the Presidency, can't you see 18-hour-long load shedding in the country?", he asked.
He promised to introduce a scheme for youth, skilled persons and unemployed to provide them loans on merit after coming into power. He said that if voted into power‚ his party would work to improve the living standard of the people.
He said that if PML-N was elected to power, it would turnaround Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) finances, rendering it among the best airlines of the world. Promising to make Pakistan Railways a profitable entity again, he said that his party also had plans to start a "bullet train" between Karachi and Peshawar. He said we would resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue.

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