ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said political stability and smooth transition of power after the next general elections were essential for turning Pakistan into a mature democracy and achieving sustainable development.
Talking to a select group of journalists from print and electronic media in Islamabad, the minister said Pakistan was heading towards smooth transition and would become a mature democratic Country after next elections.
Ahsan Iqbal said it was for the first time in 66 years history of the Country that the previous democratic government completed its tenure which had sent a positive message to the world that Pakistan was becoming a democratic state.
Similarly, he said, the government wanted that the next elections in 2018 should be held in a free, fair and transparent manner, adding Election law was passed and now work was continuing for delimitation of constituencies according to the latest census.
The minister said the present government has completed more than four years and emphasized the need to further strengthen democratic culture, so that it could be shown that second time a democratic government completed its five-year term.
The interior minister said the journey to progress would continue and efforts were being made to make Pakistan economically strong and stable, describing politically stability as “oxygen for development and prosperity”.
Ahsan Iqbal said good economic policies were like seeds which only grow and germinate in a suitable environment.
The minister lamented that a particular segment of opposition parties was in the habit of finding faults with the progress which the government made during last four years and was spreading disappointment in the Country.
The interior minister said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) won the general election of 2013 on the promise of development and it fulfilled its commitment, ending terrorism and energy shortages to a larger extent.
The minister said that in 2013 Pakistan was considered the most dangerous Country of the world due to terrorism and deteriorating law and order, but with Nawaz Sharif’s efforts the Country has become safe and secure. He said Nawaz Sharif fulfilled his promises which he made with public in 2013 and put Pakistan on the road to peace and prosperity.
Replying to a question, he said former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was the most popular leader among masses, and PML-N was united under his dynamic leadership.
“There was no rift in party and people had always voted for Nawaz Sharif,” he said adding PML-N had become a “stainless steel” and people of Pakistan and their representatives had complete confidence in the leadership on Nawaz Sharif.
Ahsan Iqbal said that the 2018 general elections would actually be a referendum on efforts of the government to develop Pakistan.
The minister said the incumbent government had initiated lot of mega projects from Gilgit-Baltistan to Karachi to lead the Country towards progress and development.
The interior minister aid that due to the policies of Nawaz Sharif, peace has been restored in the Country including Karachi and Balochistan, adding Nawaz Sharif launched first-ever mega projects in Balochistan and built motorway from Gwadar to Karachi. The roads built in Balochistan have shortened the distance between Gwadar and Karachi from 24 hours to only 8 hours.
“Our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is rising and electricity shortages have been brought under control. The world’s key investors were eyeing Pakistan as a potential investment market.
In the bracket of low and middle income countries, the World Bank in its recent report, ranked Pakistan as the 5th top Country for its private investment in infrastructure,” Ahsan continued.
Furthermore, he said 5.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth was achieved while 6 percent target of GDP growth was set for this fiscal year.
The minister said had the political circumstances remained stable the government would have managed to achieve 6.5 percent GDP growth; however, 6 percent target would be achieved positively.
Ahsan Iqbal said the incumbent government added around 10,000 MW electricity to national grid in last four years as compared to 16,000 MW which were added in the last 66 years.
The minister said unprecedented investment was made in power sector, adding further 15,000 MW electricity would be added to the system by 2025 to meet growing energy needs.
Source: APP/DND
