Pakistan has become hub of problems: Nawaz

Mian M. Nawaz Sharif

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that all the parties needed to be taken along for the development process as the country had become a hub of problems.

Extending a hand to both the PPP and MQM for the ‘sake of national unity’, the prime minister said unity among democratic parties was crucial to resolve various problems being faced by the county.The prime minister was in Karachi on a day-long visit for the first time since being elected as the prime minister.

Speaking to media persons outside the Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum where he paid his regards, the prime minister said he respected the mandate of the PPP, MQM and all other parties and vowed to take along all the parties while making major national and provincial decisions.

The prime minister pointed towards Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, who is from the PPP, and Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, who is from the MQM, who flanked him, and said: “Both are very dear to me and we respect their mandate.”

“Pakistan will move forward on the path of prosperity if we all (political parties) remain together,” he stressed.

“I see the future of Pakistan very bright and prosperous,” he said, adding that the problems would be resolved through commitment, patience and hard work.

Reiterating his party’s commitment to the democratic process, Nawaz said he was satisfied with the democratic transition in the country, adding the fact that the change came through ballot and not with bullet, agitation and street protest was an omen that Pakistan was stronger today. He said by holding of general and presidential elections, the country had embarked upon the democratic pathway.

Later, dismissing the rumours of the governor’s rule in Sindh at a press briefing at Gadani, the prime minister said the country was facing numerous problems and it was vital that all stakeholders stand together to confront the challenges. He said his government was committed to serving the masses and vowed that it would not hide anything from the people.The chief ministers of Sindh and Balochistan accompanied the prime minister.

Nawaz said a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy would be devised based on the feedback of provinces.“I have directed all the four chief ministers to work out the issue of terrorism within the domain of their provinces,” he said.

The chief ministers of all the provinces were also asked to form necessary committees and prepare draft of reforms, which he said would be taken up later at a federal-level meeting on security.

The prime minister said it would take some time to arrive at a solid strategy against terrorism that would aim at raising a counter-terrorism force, fighting the militancy and ensuring effective policing.

The prime minister termed his meeting with the US Secretary of State John Kerry as “positive” that focused on diverse issues, including bilateral relations, trade ties and joint efforts against terrorism.

To a question on improving the relations with India, Nawaz said the government wanted to enhance trade and investment ties with its neighbour. “The link initiated from the Lahore Declaration will be rejoined,” the premier said while referring to the popular agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and India back in 1999.

On the resignation of Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the prime minister said he wished he continued working in this capacity. He lauded the contribution of Fakhru Bhai in holding free, fair and transparent elections. He added that the resignation had been sent to the president for approval.