News
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
PPP should not have boycotted poll on flimsy grounds: Nawaz* PM hopes Mamnoon Hussain after being elected as president will come up to the nation’s trust
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) should not have boycotted the presidential election on flimsy grounds.
The PML-N Parliamentary Party meeting on Monday made it mandatory for all PML-N members of parliament to ensure their presence in the Parliament House for the presidential election today (Tuesday). Those who remain absent from the Parliament House would face stern action. The parliamentary party meeting was presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The prime minister said that a successful transition of power from one civilian government to another has been effected in the wake of May 11 general elections in the country. This, he said, symbolises the upholding of democratic principles and must be taken forward by all political parties. He further said that we have left behind the politics of late 1980s and 90s which was largely based on personal vendetta.
Speaking at the parliamentary party meeting, the prime minister said that presidential nominee of PML-N, Mamnoon Hussain, is a man of integrity and commitment and is fully capable of holding the exalted office of the president of Pakistan. His election will add to the respect and dignity of the party, its allies and Pakistan, Nawaz observed. Alluding to the presidential nominee’s unblemished democratic credentials, the prime minister expressed the hope that Mamnoon Hussain, after being elected as president, will come up to the nation’s trust. He further exhorted the parliamentary party members to come on time on Tuesday (today) for the presidential voting. On this occasion, Mamnoon Hussain also canvassed parliamentarians for voting in his favour. Describing the office of the president as the symbol of federation, the presidential candidate pledged to serve the country and its people in his capacity as president.
The prime minister expressed his satisfaction that democracy is taking root in the country with the upholding of rule of law and supremacy of the constitution. He said that the May 11 elections were held on time in spite of the extremely dismal security situation prevailing in the country at the time. He said no political party boycotted the general elections and the presidential election should not have been boycotted by the PPP.
Nawaz said a democratic era has ushered in the country and we have to move on this democratic path steadfastly and with courage by upholding the sanctity of the ballot box. He also briefed the parliamentary party meeting about his recent visit to China. Enumerating the agreements and accords signed between the two neighbouring countries during his visit, he said their implementation will turn out to be a game changer for Pakistan and the region. Prime Minister Nawaz also underlined the importance of improving the security situation in the country, saying economic growth and improved law and order go hand in hand.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk