News
Saturday, December 31, 2011
‘Strong democracy can cement institutions, serve people better’* Information minister says rumour mills have stopped working, democracy moving forward
MULTAN: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdaus Ashiq Awan on Friday reiterated the commitment of the government to strengthening institutions, saying a strong democracy could serve the people better.
Talking to media, on her arrival here at the airport, Firdaus said the rumour mills had now stopped working and democracy was moving forward in the country, which was beneficial for the institutions, the parties and the people. She said that a strong democracy could strengthen institutions and bring about political stability. “The people then become the ultimate beneficiary of the mechanism,” she added.
Replying to a question about conspiracies and demand for early elections, she said that since the creation of the world, both positive and negative forces had been there. “Conspirators have to move in their own direction, but we have to perform our duty to strengthen institutions and serve the people in the best way,” she added.
Firdaus said the change should come through the ballot, as the people were the real power, adding that there was no room for any shortcut as it would be detrimental for the country. She said the democratic government should complete its five-year term and no one should target democracy.
Answering another question, she said that some politicians from Multan had joined the “king’s party” but the people and the kings could not move together. When asked about her resignation, which was not accepted by the prime minister, Firdaus said that every PPP member had the right to express opinion on any issue of national importance, while the party leadership welcomed difference of opinion. She said that she had expressed her reservations before the prime minister.
There were problems in some institutions, and the present government did not create those problems. “The government will improve its performance. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is committed to institution building and has to take some tough decisions to improve their performance,” she added. Firdaus said that President Asif Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Gilani and the political allies were working together and moving in the right direction for the betterment of the country.
She said that Saraiki culture had its own identity and sensing the reality, the government had decided to set up a PTV centre in Multan, which was being made operational on Friday to project the cultural heritage of the area, adding that she would hold a meeting with the regional newspapers’ representatives to listen to their problems. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk