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ENGLISH
TRANSLATION OF SPEECH
BY
H.E. SYED YOUSAF RAZA GILANI,
PRIME
MINISTER OF
Madam Speaker!
I am grateful to God Almighty for
having been honored in the sacred month of Eid Milad-un-Nabi for addressing this
house.
I firstly pay tribute to father of
the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah who got
I express my gratitude to party
Chairman, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,
and co-Chairman Mr. Asif Ali
Zardari who reposed trust in me towards fulfillment
of national obligations. Besides, I am grateful to Pakistan Democratic Alliance
and all other allied Political Parties’ leaders Mian
Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Mr. Asfand Yar Wali
and Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman who reposed confidence in me. I am also
grateful to MQM’s Qaid, Mr.
Altaf Hussain and FATA MNA, Mr. Orakzai,
Pir Pagara of Functional
Muslim League, minority and independent
members – who reposed trust in me.
I am also grateful to opposition
members of National Assembly who have reposed confidence in me, besides being
grateful to the Parliamentary Parties’ Members and workers. I pray to Allah
Almighty for enabling me to measure up to the trust and expectations of all the
leaders, workers and finally the entire nation, Ameen.
Madam Speaker!
I assure you on this occasion that
we will never forget our friends who remained supportive to us during difficult
times. This in view, we will take along all APDM political parties with us who
went with us during our struggle for restoration of democracy. Today is another
important step towards restoration of democracy. Today we have to start our
journey towards that particular destination which was fixed by our Quaid Mohtarma Benezir Bhutto Shaheed. Today we
make a solemn commitment to complete her mission.
Madam Speaker!
Pakistan Peoples Party has the
distinction of having its two great leaders shed their blood in the way of
democracy. One of our great leaders was removed through judicial murder. The
other great leader was martyred by those forces which never wanted rule of law
and justice in this country. I pay tribute and compliments to these great
souls.
Madam Speaker!
Today this house has honoured me as well as burdened me with heavy responsibilities.
I shall Inshallah remain steadfast in the fulfillment
of these responsibilities. I firmly believe that Pakistan Peoples Party workers
along with all democratic forces would strengthen my hands.
Madam Speaker!
I through this august house want
to tell the people of
Madam Speaker!
Our message is hope, our message
is unity, and we are torchbearer of peace, freedom, progress and enlightenment.
Inshallah, we will make our country stronger. But
remember that a country cannot assume strength unless its national institutions
assume strength, and the people repose full trust in these institutions. Our
determination is to strengthen all the institutions so as to attain stability
in state’s affairs. Peace in the country will open the doors of progress,
employment and, finally the prosperity. I do not hesitate in stating that
Madam Speaker!
Now I present before you the
elected governments' priorities. Inshallah,
implementation of these will end suffocation in the country.
Madam Speaker!
Terrorism and extremism are our
serious issues which have endangered national security. Therefore, our first
priority is to restore peace, eliminate terrorism. War against terrorism is our
own battle, since we have lost countless innocent children and youth who
attained Shahadat. Unfortunately, some people have
opted terror to express their opinion. Now when the country is back on track of
democracy, I appeal to all the people to shun violence and join us in the
journey of democracy. We are ready to talk to all those people who will give up
their weapons and opt for peace.
Madam Speaker!
Our tribal areas for long have
been victim of backwardness. These areas badly need integrated socio-economic
and political reforms because poverty and illiteracy have promoted terrorism in
these areas. We will give special package to combat these social ills, which
shall form a special pillar of our strategy against terrorism.
Madam Speaker!
Our second biggest problem is
un-employment, price hike and poverty. We are fully aware of these problems of
the masses. Inshallah, we will provide employment to
the unemployed, shelter to the shelterless and
literacy to the illiterates. Our government shall never tolerate unjust
distribution of wealth. We are determined to maintain social justice in the
state, and our government shall open new opportunities of progress and
prosperity for the people of
Madam Speaker!
It is our bad luck that the train
of democracy continued to move on and off the track. Because of this we were
deprived of the fruits of democracy, and progress and prosperity always
remained a dream. National Institutions could not foster. It now is imperative
to establish real democracy in the country and create a balance amongst state
institutions. We welcome the announcement by Chief of Army Staff that all
serving military officers shall be recalled from civil institutions. This
announcement has enhanced Pak Army's stature. We understand that the civil
officers should assume responsibilities in civil institutions instead of
military ones. However, the institutions needing services of Army officers may
continue to use their services, and this announcement could be deferred to that
extent. It is imperative that every institution should discharge its specified
responsibilities for country's sustenance and progress. It is the right of the
people to rule.
Madam Speaker!
Today's
Madam Speaker!
I am proud to state that the ever
biggest investment from the day of establishment of
Madam Speaker!
Through your offices I assure the
nation that we again shall install new power units by virtue of our positive
and well-suited electricity generation policies. Inshallah,
the day is not far when Pakistani people again will move out from darkness to
light. I announce on the floor of the house that during this year we shall
install 2200 mega watt power generation units. Meanwhile we shall save 500 mega
watt of electricity through special load management campaigns, thereby scaling
down load shedding. In this regard, we have directed PEPCO to ensure provision
of 10 million energy saver bulbs at a very appropriate price.
Madam Speaker!
We have chalked out, in the first
phase, a Thar Coal Power Generation Project for 5,000
mega watt of electricity. By increasing its capacity we shall upgrade it to
20,000 mega watt power production. We have directed WAPDA to complete every
kind of feasibility study in connection with construction of big dams. We shall
finalize all the future water and power projects, enabling us to produce more
electricity through increase water reservoirs. Additionally, investment is
being invited / encouraged for keti bandar project. Inshallah, in
days to come more projects of energy conservation shall be announced.
Madam Speaker!
Water problem has assumed state of
crises. Water like patrol is a precious asset. Next wars in world shall happen
because of water, and the countries of the globe shall enter into social and
political conflict because of water.
Madam Speaker!
We know that only those nations
progress which exploit their resources sensibly. Our government shall not let
these resources go waste. We have decided in this regard that a national saving
campaign shall be started right from my office. It is hoped that other
institutions will also follow the suit. The
budget of Prime Minister’s House is being reduced by 40%. The members of the
Cabinet will not use cars above 1600 CC. The Ministers will travel in economy
class during their inland journey.
Unnecessary illuminations on
government buildings will not be allowed. No amount from the (treasury) will be
spent on furnishing official buildings and accommodations.
Madam Speaker!
We are taking basic steps for the
promotion of democratic values along with simplicity. Like other democratic
countries we shall also introduce Prime Minister's Question Hour in the
National Assembly where Prime Minister will respond to the people’s questions
through their elected representatives.
Madam Speaker!
Poverty is one of our biggest
national problems. Due to poverty we are the victim of unemployment, illiteracy
and extremism. Therefore we shall concentrate on those sectors of economy which
are capable of generating employment.
We shall establish an Employment
Commission after approval from the Cabinet, which will plan for creation of
jobs in both private and public sectors. A Literacy and Health Corporation will
be established under this Commission to provide employment to youth for two
years after their graduation.
National Employment Scheme will be
introduced throughout the country. Under this scheme at least one member of
every poor family living in 50% districts of the country will surely get
employment.
Social Sector, especially health
and education will be promoted throughout the country to create thousands of
jobs. Madarassah Welfare Authority will be
established for children's education and training. With the help of all
stakeholders a system of uniform syllabi, registration of foreign students and
the audit of the funds will be introduced.
Madam Speaker!
Another important problem of our
people is housing. In existing circumstances not only the poor but the middle
class is also unable to build a house for themselves. Therefore, it is our responsibility
to help every Pakistani citizen to construct his own house. In this respect, we
shall try to build one million housing units every year in the country. In this
regard, a new scheme will be introduced.
We have decided to introduce five marla scheme for shelterless people in rural areas where government land is
available. In urban areas we shall introduce the schemes of flats and 80 square
yard plots for homeless people.
A new policy will be framed to
regularize Kachi Abadis
because the poor people of
Madam Speaker!
We are also aware of the importance
of clean environment for the good health and progress of the nation. Therefore
special attention will be given to improve the environments. For improvement of
environment our government will encourage CNG busses. It will provide
economical traveling to the poor people besides improving environment.
Madam Speaker!
Agriculture is an important
sector. It is backbone of national economy but requires special attention and
revolutionary steps for its development.
We spent more than One billion
dollars annually on the import of edible oil. 70% of our needs of edible oil
are met through imports. We will promote and encourage the cultivation of sun
flower in suitable areas to save valuable foreign exchange in order to attain
self sufficiency in the production of edible oil.
Our farmer is facing acute
economic hardships in this age of price hike. Our farmer is a self-respecting
man and we are well aware of his sufferings. Our government will take every
step for their welfare and prosperity because prosperous farmer will bring
prosperity to
Madam Speaker!
I announce in this august house
that the support price of wheat is being enhanced from Rs.
510/- to Rs. 625/- per 40 KG. We shall also ensure
the sufficient availability of wheat stock in the country so that people get
rid of standing in long queues for hours and hours, and people get flour
easily. We shall crush hoarding and smuggling with iron hands.
A scheme for the insurance of
crops will be introduced for small farmers. Supply of cheap and good quality
seeds to farmers will be ensured. Supply of cheap fertilizer in every area will
be made possible. Special steps will be taken in livestock sector to increase
the income of farmers.
System of supply of milk from
rural to urban sector will be integrated.
Madam Speaker!
Our government shall play its due
role in the light of Charters of Democracy and Murree
Declaration for the freedom of judiciary and restoration of deposed judges. We
have already taken first step in this direction.
Madam Speaker!
I also want to assure the nation
that self accountability and transparency will be an important pillar of our
policies. In the past, the accountability was used for political victimization.
Some individuals and institutions were kept out of ambit of accountability. So much so that the word ‘accountability’ was reduced to a joke.
We want to see the system of justice free and independent. We want to introduce
a justice system under which no individual or institution is exempted from
accountability. The dispensation of justice is the responsibility of a free and
independent judiciary. No extra judicial system can be kept free of political
and administrative pressures. We came to know this fact in the light of
performance of institutions like NAB.
Madam Speaker!
Our government will put an end to
VIP culture. This campaign shall be started by people’s representatives. In
this regard, special counters for members of Parliament established at airports
are being dispensed with.
Madam Speaker!
We shall provide access to the
people to Parliament and Parliamentary Committees through the media for an
effective accountability system. More over, we shall allow the people to watch
the Public Accounts Committee proceedings. We believe that the country will
gain strength when all its constituent units will be strong. Our
Constitution guarantees strengthening of federation’s constituent units.
What we need is that provincial autonomy be ensured through what has been
provided in the constitution itself. We shall do away with the concurrent list
provided in the constitution within one year. We shall ensure provision of due
legal and constitution all rights to the provinces.
We understand that the Balochistan People of Balochistan
had to suffer a lot. We already have sought apologies from Balochistan
people. In order to progress and attain stability and progress, it is necessary
that the atrocities wrought on the people of Balochistan
and the rest of the country be compensated, and the people be provided quick
and cheap justice so that they could feel themselves safe in their country. Our
government shall establish Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote
tolerance amongst various segments and areas of the country that could comfort
the wounds of those who faced state repression.
Madam Speaker!
Our foreign policy is hinged on
peaceful co-existence and good will. We believe in live and let live-based principles.
We want to promote relations with all nations on the basis of equality. We hold
in high esteem all the nations of the world, and expect from the rest of the
world to hold in respect the people of
Madam Speaker!
I take this opportunity to assure
our Kashmiri brothers and sisters that their sacrifices will never go waste. We
shall support and promote negotiations to resolve
Madam Speaker!
We understand that a democratic
system is based on individual’s liberty. Freedom of press ensures individual’s
liberty. After due deliberation, we shall do away with all the laws which
negate freedom of the media. We shall legislate on freedom of information which
could in real essence provide such information to the masses which would put an
end to corruption and malpractices through public pressure. The existing law is
defective one, and therefore merits far-reaching changes and modifications. We have
available with us a blue print of Freedom of Information law and we shall
implemented. We shall provide respect and service based security to media
workers and journalists. We will do our maximum to implement Wage Board Award.
We shall improve the working conditions and existing legal framework focusing
the remuneration of working journalists. We shall change PEMRA laws and this
institution shall be made an attached body of Ministry of Information which
shall ensure provision of improved facilities and environment to the electronic
media.
Madam Speaker!
Our Government is determined to
amend and alter the laws impervious to laborer’s interest. All such laws shall
be brought in line with ILO legal framework. In this regard, we shall put an
end to IRO – 2002. On this historical occasion I announce restoration of all
Trade and Students Unions. We shall review all retrenchment cases of government
servants and laborers’ of the previous regime. We shall ensure justice to all,
and shall bring minimum wages of the laborers to Rs.
6,000/- per month.
Madam Speaker!
Minorities are an important
segment of the society and in the eyes of constitution hold equal civil rights.
I express my determination to safeguard the social, legal, religious and other
rights of the minorities. It is our determination that every institution of the
country should have representation of minorities. Inshallah,
we shall see our determination through.
Madam Speaker!
We shall review all cases of
political prisoners, and the first priority of our government is to respectful
release of all these prisoners.
Madam Speaker!
I want to make it clear on this
occasion that we shall compensate in every possible manner to all those and
their heirs who have lost their lives or suffered financially for the
restoration of democracy. The financial assistance provided by previous
government to the members of the families of Shohada
is not sufficient at all. We shall remember them in such a manner that they
remain the beacons of light for future generations. Therefore, I announce
scholarships to the widows of Shohada for education,
health and livelihood of their children. We also announce to abolish redundant
laws like FCR in tribal areas. Senate has already passed a unanimous resolution
in this respect. I also announce all pension benefits for those government
servants who are incapacitated due to illness, accidents, earthquake or
terrorism. The condition of 10 year service applicable to them is hereby
withdrawn. I instruct concerned departments to frame generous policies and
avoid screwing of poor government servants.
Madam Speaker!
The promotion of the principles of
equality, brotherhood and tolerance in the society is our social and religious
duty. We shall continue our struggle to uphold these principles and traditions
and also protect human rights and dignity.
Madam Speaker!
By the grace of God our resolve is
firm and unbreakable and our faith is strong. We fully believe in the
benevolence of Allah, the faith in truthfulness and commitment of our leaders
and workers. I am sure that we shall come up to the expectations of the Nation.
May Allah help us (Ameen).
Follow up Statement on the floor
of the House
Later in a statement on the floor
of the house the Prime Minister announced to withdraw black laws regarding
PEMRA issued on November 03, 2007. The Prime Minister explained that he had not
only announced to withdraw PEMRA laws issued on November 03, 2007 but had
ordered to implement his announcement. He further said that he wanted to remove
the doubts about what he said in reference to political victimization. He said
that he had ordered for providing the details of case registered against MNA
from Sindh, Mr. Ghous Bux Mehr. He told that so far the
Provincial Governments are not in place and the Sindh
province is being run by caretaker setup and that he will order inquiry of this
case as soon as the process of formation of Government in Sindh
is completed.
