ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday stressed that Pakistan’s issues can only be resolved by a government elected by the people. Addressing the last National Assembly session, Prime Minister Abbasi said, “Pakistan’s issues can only be resolved through a government which comes through the will of the people.”
Stating that many undemocratic governments assumed power in the country but none of them ‘delivered’, the premier asserted, “The need of democracy and Pakistan today is free and fair elections.”
The premier reiterated, “We will not tolerate even a day’s delay in the upcoming elections.”
“A big part in ensuring transparent elections is the freedom of media,” the premier further said.
The premier also appreciated the opposition’s role as the PML-N-led government became the second democratically elected government to complete its tenure in the history of Pakistan.
“The assembly would not have completed its term today, had it not been for the leader of the opposition,” the premier said.
Praising Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, the premier said, “He served as an exemplary opposition leader and did not leave anything in his struggle to take forward the democratic process.”
Highlighting the achievements of his government, PM Abbasi said, “Despite internal and external challenges, economic growth was recorded.”
“Economy improved considerably in the last five years and Pakistan is a top investment destination today,” he upheld.
Stating that Karachi used to be the fifth most dangerous city in the world and is no more ranked in the top 50 most dangerous cities, the premier said, “Thanks to all parties law and order was established in Karachi.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government completed its five year term at midnight on Thursday. The National Assembly now stands dissolved paving way for establishment of a caretaker setup that will conduct general elections.
Secretary Election Commission Babar Yaqoob on Thursday announced schedule. Speaking to reporters, Yaqoob said the elections for national and provincial assemblies will be held on July 25. The period of filing of nomination papers is set from June 2 to 6. The process of scrutiny of candidates will be completed by June 14. INP/NNI