Today, the present PPP-led democratic government has completed three of its five years term. The people's government came into power at a time when the negative effects of the myopic decision making of the last decade had started to appear on the national economy, internal security, and even the sovereignty of the country.
Yes, a lot has still to be done in the line with the manifesto of the PPP and in the pursuit of the vision of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. However, the achievements of the democratic government during this short span of time are not only of high significance but are also instrumental to set the future course of the development and progress of the country and the wellbeing and prosperity of the masses.
While entering into the fourth year of its constitutional term, the government can be proud of the numerous landmark achievements, like 18th and 19th constitutional amendments, 7th NFC award, social, political, legal as well as development reforms packages for Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan and Fata.
To strengthen the federation of Pakistan, the democratic government focused on inter-provincial harmony. In this regard, reconstitution of the Council of Common Interests, increase in gas development surcharge for Balochistan, allocation of 120 billion rupees to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as net hydel profit were the forward-looking steps to redress the grievances of the federating units.
The democratic government has also ensured the rights of workers. The government brought all back to work who were thrown out of their work and ensured continuation of work for others. These measures also include the decision to offer 10 percent share in public sector organisations.
Besides poverty alleviation, the programme is also instrumental in uplifting women in society. Women have been made sole proprietor of businesses initiated with the financial assistance of the BISP and vocational/technical training is also being provided to women of a beneficiary family or her nominee. Moreover, monthly cash grant is also being provided to the women of deserving families.
The fact that almost 10 million women have obtained their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) during the last two years is an apt reflection of the importance of various measures of the BISP; as having a CNIC is a prerequisite to being a beneficiary of the programme. The holding of CNIC has ushered a new era of women social emancipation besides giving them identity. It has enabled them to open and run their personal bank accounts, get property registered in their names and obtain their passports etc.
In addition to monthly cash grant, under the Waseela-e-Haq and Waseela-e-Rozgaar initiatives, small entrepreneurship and skill development among under privileged segments of the society are also being promoted enabling them to live a financially self-sustained life.