Opposition parties lack vision to serve people: PM Gilani
22 January, 2012
SARGODHA: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Saturday slammed opposition parties for what he termed their lack of a vision to work for the welfare of people. Addressing a public meeting, the prime minister accused opposition parties of misguiding people, adding that new political parties did not have a manifesto. He said the government is committed to providing basic needs of life to people at their doorsteps. All available resources are being utilised for the welfare of people "who are the real strength in the democratic process", he said Gilani said that being an "ideological" party, the Pakistan People's Party has its roots among the masses. He said former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto gave respect, honour and dignity to people. "We will remain committed to people. Every party needs workers but PPP workers are priceless," the prime minister said. Gilani said he had come to Sargodha to fulfil a promise made by Benazir Bhutto. He said that although dictators had been trying to finish the PPP, the party was intact and enjoyed support of people. About the political parties calling for 'revolutions', the prime minister said a revolution is only possible with the support of people, adding, "These new entrants in politics do not have support of people." The prime minister said all political parties, except the PPP, remain in a conflict with each other. He, however, praised the PML-Q, ANP and MQM for cooperating with the PPP. "It is our strength that we are going along with all the parties through reconciliation," he added. Gilani said a number of projects have been launched in Sargodha which, he said, would play an important role in improving the living standard of people. He also assured local representatives that their demands would also be fulfilled and all development projects would be completed in time. The prime minister said gas and power projects worth Rs 3.5 billion have been completed in Sargodha. He said 1,123 villages have been provided electricity, adding that more than 100,000 people will have access to electricity in these villages. He also announced the medical college in the city would be upgraded to the status of teaching hospital. He said regional offices of gas and Income Tax Department would also be opened in Sargodha. Gilani also announced that unemployed youth would be imparted technical training by NAVTEC, adding that Rs 250 million has been earmarked for this project. He said each union council would soon have an IT centre. He said the government has also abolished duty on export of oranges to Indonesia. The prime minister also announced schemes to supply potable water to various union councils in the city. He said he did not come to Sargodha to seek votes but "I am here to fulfil the promises I had made with the people of the area". Gilani said the government had also announced reduction in duty on tractors so that the price of the tractors could be reduced for the benefit of farmers. The prime minister said Baitul Maal has been directed to give sewing machines to the deserving women so that they might earn their living with dignity. He said he has been monitoring the progress on the development projects from Karachi to Khyber. The public meeting was also addressed by Qamarul Zaman Kaira, Nazar Muhammad Gondal, Safdar Waraich, Chaudhry Nadeem Afzal and Tasneem Ahmad Qureshi. End.
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