BERLIN (Germany): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday asked the Pakistanis working in Germany to work hard with commitment and strive for excellence in their fields to bring laurels to their homeland.

Addressing the leaders and workers of Pakistan Peoples Party here, the Prime Minister urged them to make a significant contribution for the country in all fields.

The Prime Minister said PPP always followed the manifesto of upholding democracy in the country and appreciated the contribution of its workers who stood strong in all circumstances.

He said the government was continuing the policies of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who laid down their lives for the country.

He urged the PPP workers to play their role in promoting the ideology of two Shaheeds that was based on protecting the rights of a commonman.

Gilani said the government was taking prudent steps to overcome the economic challenges faced by the country, and mentioned that Pakistan had abundant resources, but there was a need to work with commitment to take the country forward.

He also presented an overview of Pakistan economy, political situation, achievements in different areas, country’s relations with its neighbours and the challenges it was currently facing.

The Prime Minister said in Pakistan, all elements of democracy were functioning with a sovereign parliament, free press and an independent judiciary.

He said there were no restrictions whatsoever in the political field, as a result of which the democratic institutions were taking roots and were evolving to maturity.

The Prime Minister said the country faced numerous challenges especially in shape of terrorism and extremism besides the economic crisis, but added that the government was striving to tackle them with due courage.

He said the government had successfully conducted counter terrorism operations and was also getting success in Waziristan. He said the nation stands united on the issue and will foil the attempts of terrorists to cause any problem.

Gilani said the government would work on starting direct flights from Pakistan to the major German cities to facilitate the Pakistanis living there.

The meeting was attended by local PPP leaders based in Germany. Pakistan ambassador to Germany Shahid Kamal later hosted a dinner in honour of Prime Minister Gilani and his entourage.