Era of past leaders should not come back in Pakistan: PM
'By Sarah Kamal 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said the government would continue the programmes of progress and prosperity in the New Year for the welfare of the people and to further improve the living standard of the common man.

Talking to newsmen here at Prime Minister House after exchanging Eid greetings with the people, he said, with the success of the policies and measures taken by the government in the last seven years, the country has been making rapid progress and entering into developed state.

He said the year 2006, remained very successful for Pakistan and the country made progress in various fields.

He said 2007 would be an important year in Pakistan’s history, as it would ensure more progress, prosperity and improvement of living standard of the people with more job opportunities.

The Prime Minister said the government would continue its mission of development with dignity and growth with equity for over all welfare of the masses and progress and prosperity of the country in 2007.

The Prime Minister said economic conditions of the country improved while there was stability in other fields and the image of Pakistan was enhanced in the comity of the nation.

Shaukat Aziz said the political process was also strengthened in the country and the performance of the assemblies was remarkable. He said the most important achievement was passage of Women Protection Act by the parliament for the empowerment of women.

The Prime Minister said development funds were increased during 2006 and record development projects were initiated during this year for the welfare and prosperity of the people.

He said the PML and its allied parties jointly made efforts for the strengthening of the democratic process. He said there could be no compromise on Pakistan’s interest.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan was achieved after numerous sacrifices, therefore, the government would ensure its protection and safety. He said defence capability was also increased during the year 2006 and the defence of the country is now very strong to defend its boundaries.

He said Pakistan is peaceful country, but giving due attention to its defence as peace can be ensured through strength not weakness.

Shaukat Aziz said the government also took measures to help the people affected due to October 2005 earthquake. He said due to the measures taken by the government, the life is returning to normal in the quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP.

Targets in 2007

Referring to the targets in 2007, the Prime Minister said the process of progress and prosperity would continue in this year.

He said 2007 is very important year in the national politics, as the present assemblies willcomplete their tenure for the first time in Pakistan’s parliamentary history.

The Prime Minister said the political atmosphere was improving and PML along with its allies are working well. He said the policies would continue and vowed that the government would work with more dedication, integrity and honesty.

He said in the last seven years, the country has been blessed with honest, true and hardworking leadership who is working earnestly and honestly only for the welfare of the people and taking decisions for national interests.

Pakistan's image in the world was improved and during 2006, a large number of heads of states, foreign dignitaries and ministers from various countries visited Pakistan, which was record in Pakistan’s history.

The Prime Minister said due to the policies of President General Pervez Musharraf, the image and respect of Pakistan has been improved in the world.

The increase in the foreign investment during the last couple of years, especially in 2006 is the indication of confidence of foreign investors in Pakistan’s policies, he added.

The Prime Minister said the government has given equal attention to micro and macro projects, so that the living standard of the people could be improved, prices of the products could be decreased, job opportunities could be increased and health facilities could be promoted.

About Afghanistan, the Prime Minister said, Pakistan made sincere efforts to ensure peace in Afghanistan, as a strong, stable and secure Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and a symbol of stability in the region.

He said Pakistan and Afghanistan have very close and historical relations and cooperating each other in all fields. He said Pakistan wants that the law and order situation in Afghanistan would be improved and the Afghan refugees would go back to their homes.