Nawaz Sharif warns govt of long march

President PML-N Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has maintained that the nation is

divided into two classes, as one segment puts its signature on files in offices and gets a house from the national exchequer, while another of workers, labourers, cultivators and marginalised persons who do not have even a two-Marla house.
“It is the responsibility of the state to safeguard the rights of the poor. The PML-N has started welfare projects for the poor people in its every tenure, but certain elements always thwarted its efforts,” he said, while addressing the ceremony held on Tuesday at Saroba Atari for the distribution of allotment letters to the lucky recipients of houses allotted to them through transparent balloting in the first Aashiyana Housing Project. Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest on the occasion. Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Senior Advisor to CM Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Muslim League leaders Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, Mushahid Ullah Khan, members of national and provincial assemblies, provincial ministers, columnists, intellectuals and a large number of people were present on the occasion. Earlier, Chairman Punjab Land Development Company Sheikh Alauddin gave a briefing about the Aashiyana Housing Project. Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif inspected houses also. Later they gave allotment letters to the lucky winners.
Nawaz Sharif assured that he would safeguard the rights of the people and would even go to the extent of a long march for this purpose, if needed. “Pakistan is not for only a few but of 180 million people. Rights will be granted to the people at their doorstep. The promise made to the people on August 14 will be honoured and destiny of Pakistan will be changed through collective efforts. Time will come when Pakistan will become a prosperous country and every effort will be made for this purpose,” he assured.
While talking about his last term as prime minister, Nawaz Sharif mentioned that a project was started for the provision of five lakh houses under the Mera Ghar Scheme, and lamented that General Musharraf immediately after coming into power sold all the plots at a throwaway prices, but no one held him accountable. He added that besides Mera Ghar Scheme in the last tenure of the Muslim League, lands were also distributed among landless cultivators in Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while proprietary rights were granted to lakhs of dwellers of kachi Abadies. “The yellow cabs have also been given during this period and the same welfare projects are still continuing in Punjab,” he said, adding that provision of shelter to the shelterless was a big achievement of Shahbaz Sharif and the project started by him for the poor would be extended and the time would come when every Pakistani would have his own house. “Shahbaz Sharif has started the Aashiyana for the poor and lakhs of people will have become owners of houses through these schemes by the next general elections,” he said.

Shahbaz Sharif has said the PML-N had not only realised the dream of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif by providing houses to the poor, labourers, widows and deprived persons under the Aashiyana, but also translated the vision of the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal into reality. “By providing shelter to the shelterless, a feeling has been promoted among them that they are as much Pakistanis as anyone else. The Aashiyana Housing Project is free of corruption and a living proof of the transparent policy of the Punjab government,” he said, while presenting himself for any punishment if any irregularity was proved in the Project.
He cited that in addition to Lahore, work was also in progress expeditiously on the Aashiyana schemes in six other districts, and mentioned that the Schemes would be started in 18 other districts this year and the scope of the project would be extended to the whole province. “Even better civic amenities than the residential colonies of the rich have been provided in the Aashiyana, which is an abode of the common and poor Pakistanis. Had such schemes been started 64 years ago, the situation of the country would have been different,” he wished, while asserting that the Project was closely linked with August 14, and this was the most transparent and corruption-free project in the history of the country. He added that the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah had given the message of hard work and acting upon his principle, this project had been completed by working round-the-clock. “The forefathers of the country had a dream on March 23, 1940 which was realised in 1947 after an epic struggle under the leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam and Pakistan came into existence. They had envisioned such a land where there would be justice and every citizen would have basic rights as well as equal opportunities. However, the 65th independence day of Pakistan poses a big question why this dream of the founding fathers of Pakistan has still not been realised?” he exclaimed.

He also said workers and labourers were asking when the rule of oppression and injustice would come to an end, and though various dictatorial and autocratic governments ruled the country during the last 64 years, but no one has addressed this issue. “The common man is still living in miseries and is running from pillar to post for justice and basic facilities. The dictators and politicians made politics a business and indulged in loot and corruption and deprived the people of their basic rights. However, time has come to grant basic rights to the masses. The PML-N government has started revolutionary projects for the welfare and betterment of the people and Aashiyana Housing Project is such a welfare scheme which has realised the dream of the common man of having his own house,” he said, adding that balloting was conducted in a highly transparent manner for the Scheme and houses had been given to the applicants after complete scrutiny and verification of their particulars.

Benazir Bhutto... Computer trick?

On December 2, 2007, about 25 days prior to one of the national tragedies of the recent history of Pakistan, I published a picture on http://www.awgc5.blogspot.com/2007/12/benazir-bhuttocomputer-trick.html of a great leader of the Sub-Continent late Benazir Bhutto. To keep a tap on emotions of BB's followers, it was 'maintained' that a computer-tricked picture has been released of the great lady. As per certain pundits, the religious-cum-political parties and politicians wanted to use the image for gaining political mileage out of it for general elections scheduled to be held on January 7 2008 (then delayed to February 18 after her very unfortunate assassination), like they did in 1988.
However, people from different walks of life commented on the above-mentioned picture, from being very nasty to hugely appreciative. However, bad-ones were digested though bitterly.
Recently I stumbled across another picture of Benazir Bhutto, which substantiated

the fact that the ex-premier of Pakistan was a modern lady, but she kept it to her private life, while she never try to be so both socially in and political arena. Those object must question either themselves about their doings in private or of their leaders.

Here are more pictures of the late leader, who contributed immensely, but history is to still to judge her to the maximum extent.

Great leader, mother and person no more in this world, but she continues to live in our minds and hearts, though yet to be seen for how many more years, decades and...
Now the question is: Why are we as a nation more interested in turning our leaders into the biggest of conservatives, and religious-minded? So far we have already done it by disguising the true personalities under multiple covers, and this process is continuing sans any hindrance. Can we just let them be whatever they are and just judge them on the bar of contribution they make to this nation?
To me she is...A liberal leader marginalised in divergent perspectives!
Lets be true!

Present democracy fails to deliver: Nawaz

PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has said the present form of democracy has given nothing to the nation, but disrespect and disrepute, and vowed to continue his struggle for the prosperity of Pakistan.
In his address at a ceremony held in connection with the Independence Day at Hazoori Bagh on Saturday, the former prime minister said, “We got democracy, but what the present ruling coterie has given to us. Every Pakistani should be concerned at this (state of affairs).”
Speaking to a huge crowd of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leaders and workers, he said no doubt that democracy was essential for the progress of the country, and “we will sacrifice everything for it, but we are sick of sham democracy.” He also said they would not let the sacrifices of the forefathers to go in vain, as he vowed to leave no stone unturned for the development of the country and fight against all the odds with the help of the people, and overcome all the internal and external challenges with the force of the masses.
“I remain concerned about my country and seeing your (workers’) enthusiasm I have a feeling in my heart that Pakistanis still have the same passion and spirit as was demonstrated in 1947. This can take the country forward, and is a must for saving Pakistan,” he hoped, adding that it pained him seeing today’s country. “I want to warn that it would be dangerous for us and if it continued, then what will be the future of Pakistan?” he questioned.
Nawaz Sharif came hard on the present rulers, and said the wrong policies of the present rulers had landed the country in an abyss, defaced it and derailed it from the path of progress, but his party would do whatever it took to realise the dream of a prosperous and progressive Pakistan. He vowed to end corruption, illiteracy, poverty and terrorism “since the PML-N had a track record of actualising its promises.” He substantiated his claim by mentioning 2008 general elections to get the judiciary restored after getting elected, and was done later on. “We struggled against Musharraf, but this democracy did not give us anything. They (implicitly referring to the PPP leaders) blackened their faces, and brought democracy ignominy,” he averred. He said he would not have come to the venue if Pakistan and democracy would have been progressing. “But I am here to change Pakistan’s destiny,” he vowed.
Nawaz Sharif was of the opinion that Pakistan was not created to remain under-developed and stay so, but as a prosperous nation. “We must reverse this trend of negativities. It is difficult but possible provided people are with us,” he said.
On this, he took oath from the present on the occasion, and party-workers across the country. He mentioned that he was seeking pledge for changing the destiny of Pakistan. He read out that he was making the Quaid and all people witness in front the Mazar-e-Iqbal under the shadow of the Badshahi Mosque that securing peace, justice, stability and prosperity was not impossible if impregnable 180 million people of Pakistan decided to unite, work hard, honestly and diligently and bravely. “We can put Pakistan on the road of prosperity, solidarity and self reliance,” he said, while asking the people to pledge on the 65th Independence Day that all would continue their efforts for protecting Pakistan’s ideology, materialise dreams of the martyrs and founders of Pakistan, counter corruption, nepotism, injustice and extremism with determination, ensure supremacy of law and the Constitution at any cost. “We will struggle for the elimination of poverty, ignorance, nepotism and terrorism besides actualising out duties towards defending our integrity. We will ensure equal rights among Pakistanis sans considering their cast, creed and colour. Also, we will not desist from giving sacrifices for protecting Pakistan against military dictators,” he took oath, while praying to the Almighty Allah to provide strength and perseverance.
MNA Khawaja Saad Rafique conducted the proceedings. A large of number parliamentarians and party office bearers including Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Malik Riaz, Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Arifa Khalid Pervaiz, Hafiz Noman and Dr Asif Kirmani.
On this occasion, Fateha was offered for the departed souls, who rendered services during the Pakistan movement.

Pakistan can progress despite all hurdles

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said only those nations survive in the world which face all challenges and problems courageously and accept their faults and mistakes and meet success through indiscriminate accountability.
“History is replete with such examples when the ruined nations adopted honesty and hard work and changed their failures and despairs into successes and achieved the goal of national progress and prosperity. In order to put the country on the road to development and prosperity and regain its lost status, there is a need to follow Quran and Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) and show commitment and dedication. He said that all the four provinces will have to move ahead with a national thinking and steer the country out of the quagmire of problems. It is the time to promote national solidarity, remove economic disparities, check plunder of national resources and eliminate corruption,” he said, while addressing flag-hoisting ceremony in connection with Independence Day at the Hazoori Bagh here on Sunday. Senior Advisor Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Provincial Ministers, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, diplomats, government officers and a large number of people of various walks of life were present on the occasion.
Felicitating the people on the 64th Independence Day of the country, the CM said it was the day to salute the founders of Pakistan and martyrs of Pakistan Movement on their heroic struggle and supreme sacrifices, and it was the day to pay tributes to those mothers and sisters as well as lakhs of Muslims, who were forced to leave their hearths and homes and migrate with the hopes of a better tomorrow. “The forefathers of the nation rendered sacrifices for such a homeland where there will be justice, equal rights and opportunities of progress and the new country will be a land of love, brotherhood and sacrifice. But, unfortunately despite a lapse of 63 years, Pakistan has not become such a country as had been envisioned by its founders. Though Pakistan met some successes during the last 64 years the biggest of which is its becoming a nuclear power due to the efforts of its scientists and determination of various governments but the list of its failures is very long,” he said, adding that no doubt Pakistan was facing such serious issues as energy crisis, price-hike, lawlessness, terrorism and corruption but history was witness to the fact that some nations faced even worst situation but achieved the pinnacle of progress though honesty and hard work. “The Pakistani nation by adopting Uswa-e-Hasna (SAW) can also achieve the goal of progress and development and materialise the dreams of the founders of the country. Begging bowl and nuclear capability cannot go together and in order to achieve respect and move forward it is necessary to get rid of the begging bowl,” he maintained.
Earlier, the CM visited the Mazar of the Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal and laid a floral wreath. He also offered Fateha at the Mazar as well as recorded his impressions in the visitors’ book.
A smartly turned-out contingent of scouts presented salute to the CM who also hoisted the national flag at the Hazoori Bagh. Children presented national songs which were highly appreciated by the participants of the ceremony. The CM went to the children who presented national songs, encouraged them and also got photographed with them.

Nawaz Sharif for bold steps against terrorism

President Pakistan Muslim League-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said we have to make collective efforts for restoring the lost image of the country throughout the world, and we will have to take bold stance for eliminating terrorism by leaving apathy so that the true image of Pakistan could be revived.
Nawaz Sharif pledged that we would play our role for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan sincerely and would not hesitate for rendering any sacrifice. He said Pakistan was the best gift of the Quaid-e-Azam and we had to come forward for changing its destination. “The present government has spared no effort for maligning the image of the country and the outsiders “aghyar” took full benefit of it and imposed wrong policies on Pakistan. Time has come that the dignity of the country could be enhanced. It is only possible if we respect the judiciary, abide by the law, through national unity and the outsiders should not be allowed to become the part our foreign policy,” he said, adding that the country was very beautiful and we had to eliminate the blot of terrorism through the beautiful colours of photographs.

Nawaz disinterested in making Shaheed out of PPP

President Pakistan Muslim League-N has said long march cannot be carried out on every issue, and the present government has utterly failed to deliver, but the N-League will not make a martyr out of the PPP once more.
"The bad governance of the PPP government has destroyed the image of democracy, and if the situation called for a long march, I will not resist doing so,” he vowed, while addressing a function to mark international youth day.
Nawaz asserted that his party was playing a very effective role in the parliament and given another chance, it would put the country on the right track. Continuing his charge on the PPP-led government, the PML-N chief said it had put the country's sovereignty at stake, and he knew well that the people wanted to get rid of this corrupt government, but he did not want to make a ‘Shaheed’ out of the PPP one more time and let it bag sympathy vote as it had done always.
Referring to the celebrated Long March for the restoration of the judiciary, he averred that long marches could not be carried out for every issue. Nawaz Sharif claimed that in 1999, before his government was toppled by Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's currency was the strongest among the SAARC countries. “There was no crisis and the country was on the march to development,” he added, while lamenting that the dictator overthrew the elected government that damaged the development process.
PML-N president said every Pakistani was worried about the country's future due to wrong policies of the government, and the PML-N had given the present government a 10-point agenda and if that had been implemented, the country would have been out of the crises. “The younger generation must play its due role for the development of the country. In fact, it is the duty of the youth to lead the country. I will make the future of the country bright with the help of youth,” he pledged.
On the rise in terrorism and militancy, the PML-N chief said if the country would have been progressing under democracy, then this would not have been the scenario. Former premier also said his partnership with youth was need of the hour for resolution of problems, and he was not disappointed with the future of Pakistan. “I faced torture of imprisonment and exile. Even I was not allowed to attend the funeral of my father, but I adhered to the principled politics. Despite this, if I have to do the politics of selfishness, greed and vested interests, then it is better to quit politics,” he maintained, while expressing his confidence that time would come when, like other sectors of the life, the discrimination of class-based education system would be eliminated and equal opportunities of progress would be available to everyone.
Mentioning the economic policies and other development projects of his tenure, Nawaz Sharif said at that time, India was following Pakistan’s policy for the restoration of economy. “Had our two governments given opportunity to complete tenures and not toppled, Pakistan would have become an economic tiger today. Load-shedding, unemployment, price hike, terrorism and extremism are gifts of dictatorship which is not answerable to anyone. But the government came into power through elections also did not deliver. Bad governance is spoiling the image of democracy,” he maintained, while adding that today some people were declaring Pakistan a failed and isolated state, sovereignty of Pakistan was being mutilated, decisions and orders of the Supreme Court were not being obeyed. “Long march for restoration of judiciary was not politics, but it was for the rule of law in the country. Zardari and Gillani were not ready to restore the judiciary, but it was due to the pressure of the people that judiciary was restored. If we had continued long march after restoration of judiciary, then it was a politics,” he maintained.
Nawaz Sharif asserted that his party did not let the government of becoming ‘Shaheed’ but gave full opportunity so that it should be completely exposed. He said the PML-N was playing its due role in the assembly against the corruption and other anti-people policies of present government. “If need be, we will not hesitate to take any political step,” he added, while saying that if the youth were not satisfied with the present politics, then they should come forward and play their role. “The youth of 18 years has the right of vote and track record of all the parties is known to them. Their right decision can change the destiny of the country and the nation,” he said.
He also mentioned, “Today over 70 per cent of Pakistanis are under age 35. Pakistani youth represents a youth boom that has the potential to transform Pakistani nation into a developed & a progressive nation of the world. Young Pakistani people are gifted with open minds and keen awareness of emerging trends; they are bringing their energy, ideas and courage to some of the most complex and important challenges facing the Pakistan. Pakistani youth have strong will power and patience, they often understand better than older generations that we can transcend our religion, politics, and cultural differences in order to reach our shared goals. They are standing up for the rights of oppressed peoples, including those who suffer discrimination based on gender and race. They are confronting complex challenges and they are often the leading proponents of sustainability and green lifestyle.”
He also said the PMLN was committed to working together with youth to expand horizons of opportunity for our young women and men, and answer their legitimate demand for dignity, development and decent work. “If we failed to invest in our youth, then we will fail to realise our true potential. Investing in our young people is the only guarantee for a prosperous future,” he said, while urging the youth to commit themselves for excellence in education and rise above divisions of ethnicity, language, and religion to create a peaceful, united, and developed Pakistan based on the vision of Quaid e Azam.
He lauded the efforts of the Chief Minister Punjab with regard to setting up Daanish Schools and other reforms in education sector and added that the budget allocated during his tenure was unprecedented. He said beside Daanish Schools, attention should also be paid to the standard of other educational institutions.
Nawaz Sharif said he would ask Shahbaz Sharif to also pay attention to the educational problems of blind and other special children.

PML-N for no political pointing scoring on new units

The Pakistan Muslim League-N has reiterated its stance that new provincial units should not be carved out on linguistic basis, and there should be only one objective of providing good governance to the masses, and constitution of national commission should be done for this.
It was decided at the provincial parliamentary meeting of the party on the eve of the Punjab Assembly session, which was held on Thursday. The parliamentary meeting was chaired by Senior Advisor to Chief Minister, Sirdar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, while ministers, MPAs and other senior leaders were also present on the occasion.
The MPAs have been asked to turn up at the Assembly at 9am sharp, an hour prior to the start of the session.
Source confided that CM Punjab Shahbaz Sharif could not head the meeting since he had to leave to meet Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Sources further mentioned that the PML-N has asserted that new provincial units should be created on administrative grounds, not on political and linguistic basis, while other political forces should be allowed to secure political points. “The political forces should not be allowed to indulge in point scoring,” the party leaders observed.
Khosa has said despite transfer of departments to the provincial government, the federal government did not provide funds for these departments, and Shahbaz Sharif, during his meeting with Gilani, will discuss the matter of provision of funds.
Law Minister Rana Sana said the PPP had hatched a conspiracy to mislead the people by raising the issue of setting up of new provinces without any planning so that it could hide its corruption and misdeeds in its garb. He added that the leadership of PML-N was desirous of constituting national commission with regard to establishment of new provinces so that wherever was the need of setting up new provinces in the country on administrative basis, new provinces could be established there. He also said the setting up of provinces should be made on administrative basis in accordance with the constitution, but not on the linguistic basis. He observed that only one province should not be selected for setting up new provinces but new provinces should be established throughout the country. “By setting up new provinces, we have to face various legal complications, for which setting up a national commission is utmost necessary for this purpose,” he added.