Kaira praises Nawaz, slams Shahbaz
16 February, 2013
LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira Friday said political approach of Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif was different from that of his brother and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif. Speaking in meet the press programme of the Lahore Press Club, he said Nawaz Sharif's policies could bring about a positive change in politics and stabilise the country. "However, his brother Shahbaz Sharif is following the policy of opposition leader in the National Assembly Ch Nisar Ali Khan that can only destabilise the institutions," he said. Commenting on the Supreme Court decision in Dr Tahirul Qadri's petition, he said the verdict had disappointed overseas Pakistanis, adding several people had telephoned him about the verdict. He said the PPP did not believe in surveys about popularity as people cast their votes on the basis of performance. The minister said the PPP-led government has tried its best to deliver during the past five years. Recounting achievements of the PPP government, Kaira said thousands of contract workers were regularised, salaries were doubled, powers were devolved to provinces and 1973 constitution was restored to its original form. He said, " The PPP government did not spend all government funds in only one city like the Punjab government and provided equal funds to the province." Criticising Punjab CM for spending huge funds on projects like Sasti Roti, metro bus service and Sasta Ata schemes, he said he would have to be accountable for it. The minister said corruption was rampant in Punjab and those trying to deceive public would face public wrath in the next general elections. About caretaker set-up, the minister said a procedure was laid down in the constitution that would be followed. Kaira said, " It was insult of democracy to say that the office of president is non-political and questioned how a president could be non-political when he is elected through a political process. However he should be impartial." To a question, he expressed his satisfaction on the dialogue with the PML-Q for joint strategy for next election. He also supported the dialogue with the Taliban and said the PPP believed in talks. To another question, he said life of every Pakistani soldier was precious and Pakistan would lodge protest at the proper forum on the martyrdom of its soldier by Indian forces. He told the media that a notification regarding constitution of a commission for wage award for journalists would be issued on Monday. End.
|
