ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira on Thursday said the sustainable development in the country can be achieved through sustainable institutions of democracy.
Addressing the participants of the SDPI Conference here he said, "our government has tried to correct distortions through constitutional and regulatory frameworks because sustainable development can only be achieved through sustainable institutions of democracy."
The minister said 18th constitutional amendment has indeed brought about comprehensive structural changes to guide and redefined the nature of governance in the country.
It has not only revived but also re-oriented radically the democratic and federalist fundamentals of the state of the Pakistan, he added.
He said 18th amendment, NFC award was achieved in 2009 and the award is the reflection of fiscal federalism in Pakistan, and added the renewed NFC addresses the fiscal imbalance among provinces.
Kaira said that PPP has worked hard in providing a nation-wide system of social safety nets in order to protect the poorest of the poor.
He said, "We have in all sincerity engaged with India and have relaxed the trade terms and also liberalized the visa policy for our neighbors."
Kaira said India has also reciprocated and has now allowed foreign direct investment from Pakistan.
He said the theme of the conference was relevant to the current situation from which South Asia as a region is passing through.
"Most of these countries have embraced democracy; they are trying hard to bring down not only barriers to trade and investment in the region, but are also striving for deeper integration through people to people interaction," Kaira said.
He said the past few years have shown us that cross border security issues, threats posed by natural disasters and regional deficit in resources such as energy and water can efficiently be solved through a regional solution where all countries respect each other's right and all assume their responsibilities.
He said Pakistan and India can ensure successful implementation of SAARC Chapter.
Furthermore, he said under the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari, the government has engaged with Afghanistan and Central Asia on a broad-based agenda.
"Our government has now extended the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement to Tajikistan and with this, strengthened our connectivity with Central Asian countries. We believe such transit trade arrangements will be beneficial for all members of SAARC as well as China," he said.
The Information Minister said another opportunity under the umbrella of regional cooperation is being envisioned for energy sector. India's renewed interest in gas pipeline through Iran, Pakistan and Pakistan, and Bangladesh?s interests to become part of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline is an endorsement of this fact.
The Information Minister said the government has tried to give power to the people of Pakistan.
"Measures such as the enhanced NFC Award, 18th amendment and several other actions are examples of how we tried to strengthen democracy in the country,? he added.
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