ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that formation of the Government with less numbers, forging of consensus on important issues and successful completion of its mandated term is the major achievement of the PPP.
He was addressing the launching ceremony of the book "Reconciliation, Reforms and Revival: Four Years of Democratic Government" here Friday. The book is a comprehensive presentation of policies and achivements of the present government in its four and a half years.
The Prime Minister said the litmus test of the success of the PPP Government is improvement in the lives of the people before and after assumption of power by the party.
He said criticism of the opposition notwithstanding people realize that their conditions have improved over these years.
He recalled that in 2008 elections, the PPP got 124 seats in the National Assembly, less than the simple majority of 172, but it succeeded in formation of the Government through accommodation and reconciliation.
In line with the declaration of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto that no political party alone can address the challenges confronting Pakistan, the PPP took other parties along to overcome the difficulties.
The Prime Minister said the powers of the parliament that were usurped by a dictator were restored.
He said the PPP Government has been able to complete its tenure despite frequent deadlines that were being given for its fall with a view to creating uncertainty.
Raja Pervez Ashraf also recalled that the menace of terrorism had assumed serious dimensions with apprehensions being expressed that terrorists could cross over Margalla towards Islamabad any time.
Similarly, he said, the country was importing 2.6 million tonnes of wheat but now it is not only surplus but a wheat exporting country.
The Prime Minister said it was for the first time that the salaries of the government employees went up by 150pc in the term of the present Government besides increase in pensions.
He said people are today politically much aware and hoped that they would make a better choice on the basis of performance of the PPP Government. He said the very fact that the PPP has documented its achievement is proof of its success as anyone can challenge if there is any hollow claim.
The Prime Minister said despite political and other differences, Pakistan belongs to us all and we should work together to put the country on the path of progress and prosperity. He said a handful of people are bringing bad name both to the country and religion through their narrow-minded approach.
He said Pakistan is a country of 180 million, a nuclear power and has every potential to grow and prosper. He said there was no cause for despondency and media should also discourage those presenting doomsday scenario.
The Prime Minister complimented the Ministry of Information for compilation of the book and said it has important role to play in disseminating successes, achievements and policies on matters of national and international importance.
He emphasized the need for a holistic media strategy and capacity building to undertake publicity work in an effective manner.
The Prime Minister said during its tenure the Government has in no way tried to influence or restrict media freedom.
He advised media not to compromise accuracy for the sake of immediacy.
Speaking on the occasion,Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said that the PPP led coalition government has implemented the policy of reconciliation as envisioned by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He said that the PPP has always taken government at the most critical hour.
He said that the PPP introduced a new system of government by accommodating point of view of opposition in the legislation.
The Information Minister, by following the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari declared democracy as the best revenge.
He said through devolution process, power and resources were transferred to the federating units and now there is no mistrust between the federal government and provinces.
He said one thousand billion rupees have been given to provinces under 7th NFC award.
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