Summary Minister says Opposition should show patience and help govt in strengthening of institutions.
ISLAMABAD (Agencies) Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad has said the government will take along the opposition parties for strengthening of democracy and steering the country out of all the challenges.
Responding to the questions raised by pposition Leader Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah in the National Assembly‚ he appealed the opposition to demonstrate patience and help the government in strengthening the democratic institutions.
He said the government will complete its five year term and fulfill its agenda to transform Pakistan into a developed country. He regretted that the opposition wants to bring the people on the streets and derail the democracy.
He reminded the opposition leader that the PML-N had extended full support to the last government of PPP and faced criticism of friendly opposition just for the welfare of the country.
He said we also supported the previous government in the unanimous passage of constitutional amendments and we expect that the opposition will also support the government in dealing with challenges.
Earlier‚ the opposition leader Khurshid Shah asked the government to brief the House on the situation at Line of Control‚ issue of terrorism‚ talks with Taliban and Pakistan s stance on Syrian situation. He strongly criticized the absence of senior Ministers from the House.
The Speaker said that Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz will brief the House tomorrow on the issues raised by the Leader of the Opposition.
Replying to a call attention notice moved by Sajid Ahmad and others‚ Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique informed the House that all possible measures have been taken for the security and protection of trains.
He said that patrolling on rail tracks is being ensured while the process of installing CCTV cameras has also been initiated. Sniffer dogs are also being deployed in trains to avert any untoward incident. He said latest security equipment is also being procured for Railways police and the number of security personnel in trains has also been enhanced.
Later‚ the house resumed debate on presidential address to the joint sitting of the parliament.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi criticized the previous government for failing to address the issues of energy‚ economy and law and order.
He said the president in his address talked about alleviation of poverty but the policies pursued by his PPP government for five years resulted in price hike and devaluation of currency. He said the country is rich in resources and there is a need to exploit them for the benefit of the people.
Muhammad Ayaz Soomro said President Asif Ali Zardari is the first civilian president who got the distinction to address the parliament for six times. He said the president promoted the politics of tolerance‚ harmony and reconciliation and took along all the political forces on national issues.
Sheikh Rashid Ahmad criticized imposition of ban on government jobs and increase in prices of essential commodities including wheat and flour. He said potential of hydel and wind should be fully explored for production of cheap electricity.
