News
Nawaz seeks unity to fight ‘anti-democracy’ elements
* PM resolves to continue with democratic journey in country * Invites parliament to hold govt accountable for its wrongdoings
By Tanveer Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that all the political forces would jointly fight those bent upon derailing the system as he took the lawmakers in the National Assembly into confidence over the ongoing political crisis in the country.
He resolved to continue with the democratic journey in the country by declaring that no hurdle would deter the development agenda by upholding the constitution and supremacy of parliament. Breaking his silence finally after showing up in the National Assembly in the last many sessions, Nawaz said, “The journey towards progress and development will continue and the government will complete all ongoing mega development projects initiated by it.”
This was met with strong desk-thumping from the legislators. Praising parliament for its unflinching support to the democratic system, Prime Minister Nawaz thanked all the parties for showing their determination to what he said was “cause of democracy” and noted that they had written a bright chapter in the history of the country. He also assured the House that he would never break the trust of parliamentarians and would honour his oath for the supremacy of constitution and parliament. Speaking on parliament’s unwavering support, Nawaz said that it is not specific for any particular government or prime minister but for the sake of continuity of democracy.
“Governments and prime ministers come and go. Democracy is to stay,” he noted. He even dubbed it as the victory of ideology i.e. democracy on which all of us believe and added that demonstration in the ranks of parliament is reflection of voice of 200 million people of the country. He also talked about the support extended by all segments of society, particularly civil society, traders, lawyers, media, intellectuals and minorities for supporting the democratic system. “I assure you that I will never let you down and will not deter my resolve for the supremacy of the constitution,” he told the members of parliament.
Nawaz also invited parliament to hold the government accountable on its wrongdoings while emphasising at the same time that the positive achievements should also be highlighted. Showing all-out support for reforms, the prime minister asked all the political parties to come forward and give the proposals of reforms to 33-member committee set up to work out these reforms. He also mentioned his meeting with a delegation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement in which the same agenda of reforms was discussed.
Nawaz claimed that he was not disturbed by the political situation because he has gone through such situations many times in the past and faced them courageously. He also recalled rejection of his nomination papers for 2008 general elections that were won by Pakistan People’s Party and said despite hurdles created by the then dictator, he accepted the results for the sake of democracy. Recalling his meetings with Imran Khan in hospital after he was injured during election campaign and later in his Bani Gala residence, Nawaz said that he even congratulated him on winning the election. “Khan Sahab even assured his full support by playing the role of a positive opposition”, he said. Nawaz especially showed concern over the deterioration in the economic indicators triggered by political disturbance and said that it caused severe loss to national economy.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk