News
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
All institutions should function in their domains: PM* Gilani says democracy guarantees dynamic stability
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that all institutions should perform their functions in their respective domains, efficiently and effectively.
Speaking on Tuesday at a presentation on “National Security Papers” at the National Defence University (NDU), the prime minister said that a stable domestic environment was a pre-requisite for investment and trade. “Democracy guarantees dynamic stability. It enables the creative forces of our people to find expression for the socio-economic transformation of our country,” the prime minister told the audience that included Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Asif Sandila and senior officials of the three services.
Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar, Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar also attended the event.
The prime minister said “our institutions are stable and have rich history and tradition,” and pointed that the media, the civil service, the armed forces, the judiciary, and above all, parliament, were all anchored in constitution, law, rules and traditions.
He vowed that while prioritising economic development to aggregate national strength, “we will continue to endeavour to create a stable external environment that is conducive to economic growth. The prime minister said that Pakistan was undergoing a swift and profound societal transformation. “Democracy and democratic institutions continue to foster change, impelled also by information revolution, the Internet and the micro-chip.”
He said it was indeed remarkable that the people of Pakistan and institutions had not only been able to cope with the pace of change, but also demonstrated immense resilience to the challenges the country faced, adding that, on the social and economic front, there was a legitimate rise in expectations for a better life and for equal opportunity.
Gilani commended the NDU and the participants for the high quality of presentations and noted the NDU was a premier national institution, excelling both in training and research. The prime minister asked pertinent questions from the panelists about national security. He noted that both topics- Non-kinetic Warfare and Strategic Relations with China- were important for Pakistan in the fast-changing world.
Gilani said the concept of “Non-kinetic Warfare” was indicative of the need for innovative thinking. He said the NDU presentation had brought forth multiple dimensions of this concept, which undoubtedly would contribute to better planning and more effective utilisation of our national resources.
Prime Minister Gilani said the presentation on strategic relations with China was also extremely important and useful. He described China as the closest friend and the most reliable partner, adding, the trust and confidence between the two countries had no parallel. “Our time-tested friendship and robust partnership with China is not only a source of strength but also an important factor of stability and peace in our region,” Gilani said.
He said both Pakistan and China were committed to further strengthening their relations, in all domains, and to give greater content to mutually-beneficial economic and technological cooperation. He appreciated the work of the NDU on issues of national importance. “I would encourage you to continue to make your valuable inputs in formulating policies,” the prime minister said.
Gilani, on his arrival, was received by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shamim Wyne and the NDU President Lt General Agha Umar Farooq. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk