PM asks bureaucracy to play role in nation-building 
By Fatima Raza 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Monday that rule of law, primacy of merit and transparent governance would be the guiding principles of his government, and urged the bureaucracy play its role in the country’s development.

Addressing federal secretaries at the PM house, he said bureaucracy has a heavy responsibility to meticulously plan, diligently coordinate and zealously implement policies for the good of poor masses.

“I am of the firm opinion that a competent, hardworking, efficient and upright bureaucracy plays a pivotal role in the development of the country,” he said.

Prime Minister Gilani expressed his confidence in the potential of the country’s top policy-makers, but urged them to look for innovative approaches to serve the people in the best possible manners.

“Find out-of-the box solutions, and adopt and adapt to international best practices.”

He said as a developing nation, Pakistan was pitted against heavy odds like poverty, un-employment and inflation.

Our economy may have to sustain in the shape of food crisis, energy deficiencies and water scarcity, he said.

However, the Prime Minister pointed out that such a critical situation does not develop in a day or two, but has its roots in the past.

“We must have committed serious blunders either in making the relevant policies or during implementation stages,” he added.

While State is responsible for creating a conducive political, legal and economic environment for building individual’s capabilities and encouraging private initiative, Gilani said, the bureaucracy was responsible for their implementation through good governance.

Gilani said social indictors needed considerable improvement, economic benchmarking required further upgradation and the people deserve better living standards.

“Towards that end, all the echelons of the government are required to work with honesty, diligence and dedication to realize the dream of making Pakistan a progressive, prosperous and economically viable state.”

Gilani described good governance as a critical factor in social and economic development of the country.

“The People of Pakistan also expect good governance for redressal of their problems and issues, and for the progress and prosperity of the country.”

Gilani said Pakistan has a great potential to rise as a regional economic power.
However, he added, it was extremely important that all the organs of State work in complete harmony, complementing each other’s role, so that all institutions of the country function smoothly and efficiently.

The Prime Minister expressed the optimism that the bureaucracy would play a proactive role in facilitating the government to attain its objectives, set for the first hundred days and beyond.

Gilani said the government was making a paradigm shift encompassing policy making, regulation and implementation in accordance with the requirement of national development and international best practices.

“If we follow these guiding principles, if we think constructively, if we rise above personal temptations and make public service our goal post, I am confident that we will earn the respect and confidence of the people and greatly contribute to nation building.”

Prime Minister Gilani stressed to make it a point that the political process continues and not get derailed and the forces inimical to Pakistan are not given the slightest chance of vitiating the country’s atmosphere.

He underlined the urgent need of ensuring maintenance and enhancement of economic growth and passing on its benefits uniformly across all groups and regions.

“This in turn, will lead to harmony and cohesion.”

Gilani described the menace of extremism and terrorism a gigantic challenge for the new government which, he said, is to be addressed by all keeping in view the ground realities.

“We have to quickly negate and nullify the propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of our country in the comity of nations.”

For this, the Prime Minister called on the officials to provide, the quickest possible time, whatever authentic information was available to enable the official spokesmen to do their job in an effective manner.●