Pakistan People's Party (PPP) would support the initiatives of the incumbent government for restoration of peace in the country. "It is premature to comment on the government's move to reinitiate dialogue process with the Taliban, but PPP would support the initiatives taken by government or any political party in the interest of the country," said former prime minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani while talking to newsmen during his visit to Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap) House here on Thursday.
Terming Karachi as economic and industrial hub of the country, Gilani said that the ongoing law and order situation had disturbed the masses and without restoration of peace in Karachi, the economy of the country could not be boosted. "It is the first and foremost responsibility of the provincial government to provide peaceful environment to the citizens," Gilani said.
Gilani demanded that an inquiry be initiated into Thar situation, saying that those responsible for the tragedy should be brought to the justice. He said that it was necessary to provide conducive environment to businesses, as economic development of the country is directly associated with business community. Gilani said that Businessman to Businessman (B to B) interactions play key role in boosting trade and the federal government should send business delegations to different countries with a view to boost country's exports.
To a query he said that the PPP during its tenure implemented 85 percent of Chartered of Democracy (CoD) and the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government should implement the remaining 15 percent. To another query regarding the government's efforts to recover his kidnapped son, Gilani said that the government was as helpless as he was.
Ambassador of Uganda Dr Muhammad Ahmed Kisuule, Abdul Rahim Janoo, Ex-Chairman Reap, Senior Vice Chairman Chella Ram, and other Reap members were present on the occasion. Kisuule said that both the countries had much agriculture resources to boost bilateral trade. In his welcome speech, Chella Ram appreciated Yousuf Raza Gilani's support for rice industry during his tenure. He said that whenever the industry faced issues, Gilani came forward and resolved them.