The Pakistan Day Speech by PM:-
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has urged the nation to stand united to steer the country out of all the challenges by following the vision and philosophy of founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah He was addressing the nation after hoisting the national flag at the main Independence Day ceremony at Convention Centre here in Islamabad on Sunday.Paying rich tributes to the statesmanship and leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, the Prime Minister said that creation of Pakistan is the best example of democratic struggle in the living history. He said that resolution of all the problems faced by the country also lies in democracy. He said only democracy is guarantee of peace, prosperity, tolerance and brotherhood.Referring to the sacrifices rendered by Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto for the rights of people and cause of democracy, the prime minister said that the present government by treading the path of its leaders is working for strengthening of democratic system in the country. He said under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, the process of reconciliation and consultation is underway with all the political forces to find solutions of all the issues. He said our people are pro democracy and the government has always respected the rights of the provinces. Under this spirit, the 18th amendment was passed to give greater provincial autonomy to the provinces. Describing the passage of NFC award as the landmark achievement of the present government, he said it has ensured greater share in financial resources to the provinces.Similarly, Gilgit Baltistan has been given greater autonomy in recognition of their long standing demands. Amendments in the FCR and extension of political parties act in FATA will also usher in a new era there as now all the political parties can operate in the area. The Prime Minister said that implementation on Aaghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan package has also been started to remove the decades old sense of deprivation of the people of the province. He said he is ready to hold dialogue with all the Baloch leaders to bring them into the national mainstream and evolve a joint strategy for the resolution of problems faced by the province. He said the under the 18th amendment, the education department has been devolved to the provinces but the federation will continue to patronize the department for the promotion of education in the country. In this connection, a national education conference will soon be convened in consultation with the provinces so that a uniform education system could be enforced in the entire country. In the light of recommendations emanating from his 'Dialogue with the Nation' process, the Prime Minister announced several initiatives to promote arts, culture and reading habits. April 22 will be observed as national book day with a viewing to promoting the book culture. First national book museum would be established in Islamabad. Cultural Attaches would be appointed in Pakistan's missions abroad where they are not in place yet while writers, artists and poets would form Prime Minister's entourage during his visits abroad. A film studio and a cinema house would be set up in the Federal Capital on fast track basis. Sports festivals would be held at federal and provincial levels.He said the government is striving hard to overcome the energy crisis and soon unscheduled loadshedding will come to an end. He said that work on Bhasha and Munda dams is underway while decision has been taken to release necessary funds for early exploitation of Thar coal. He said the government inherited the problem from the previous government and despite all odds it has been successful in adding three thousand MW of electricity to the national grid. He said a ministerial committee headed by finance minister has been constituted to furnish recommendations to cope with the energy shortfall. He said a strategy in consultation with the provinces will be evolved to check the price hike. He, however, said that under the Ramadan package, the federal government is giving subsidy of two billion rupees through the utility stores to ensure provision of essential commodities to the people at reduced rates. Under the Benazir Income Support Programme, cash grant is being given to six million people while workers of different state owned institutions have been given shares under the stock option scheme. An internship programme has also been launched to provide jobs to the unemployed youth.
