Pakistan economically stable owing to govt Efforts: PM
By Khawaja Ahsan Paul 'Pakistan Times' Punjab Bureau Chief

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that the country before seven years was on the verge of being bankrupt, but now it is economically strong and stable owing to the efforts by the present government.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a new block of Aitchison College here on Saturday, the Prime Minister said, “We are allowing women all those rights to which they are entitled within the spectrum of our norms and traditions.”

He said, "Present is the era of competition and there is no room for the mediocre."

"It is the strength of knowledge on the basis of which nations and individuals can excel in different fields," he said.

The premier said the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the promotion and upgradation of education to ensure educated youth of the country are fully equipped to play their role effectively in the knowledge-driven world.

Punjab Governor Lt. Gen (R) Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minsiter Chaudhery Pervaiz Elahi, Principal of the College Shamim Saifullah Khan, parents and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Shaukat Aziz said that globalization is not limited to any particular field but it is an all-encompassing phenomenon. "We take it as opportunity and all out efforts are being made to fully benefit from it through human resource development."

He said under the strategy to raise standard of education in the country different aspects like revision of curricula, improvement of teaching skills and provision of best facilities are being given equal attention.

Of Petrol Prices

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday said that if the opposition walks on the path of negative politics, the same negative results are bound to come its way, adding that the opposition waged an anti-government drive, but the consequences of the drive are quite clear.

“Had the national economy not been in good condition, the petrol prices would have been doubled,” he said while talking to newsmen at Governor’s House here this afternoon, adding he said that the prices of petroleum products in Pakistan are still lower by 23 to 26 per cent than those in India.

Pakistan Muslim League and its allied parties would contest next general elections on the basis of government’s performance especially in term of development in the country.

“Due to policies of the present government, the economy has experienced a turnaround; Yet we have to do a lot more for the betterment of country and the people,” he said.

Punjab Governor, Lt. Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, Chief Minister Chaudhary Pervaiz Elahi and Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Commander (rtd) Khalilur Rehman were also present on the occasion.

Shaukat Aziz said that PML and its allied parties, after their re-election, would continue the consistency in policies so that the country could sustain a high rate of economic growth.

He said that consistent policies had always been helpful in achieving high rate of growth in the economy. Prime Minister said that people have the ability to judge who worked for their development.

He said that rise in the country’s foreign exchange reserves to the level US $ 13.5 billion had helped country do well in fields of foreign policy and defence.

“Be it JF-17 fighter planes or new Naval ships, we are improving every sector of country’s defence,” Shaukat Aziz said.

He said that Pakistan would never compromise on its defence needs as only strength helps maintain peace.

Responding to a question about foreign policy, he said that President’s recent visits to Middle East, Turkey, Iran, Indonesia and Malaysia for the resolution of Palestine issue were internationally appreciated.

He said Pakistan was holding talks with India for the just and peaceful solution of the long-standing Kashmir issue.●