Pervaiz Ashraf hails Pakistan diplomatic successes

ISLAMABAD, Jun 19 (APP):Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) senior leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Friday hailed Pakistan’s diplomatic successes, calling them a source of pride for the entire nation.

Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly, Pervaiz Ashraf said members of parliament and the people of Pakistan had rightly celebrated the country’s diplomatic achievements, particularly its role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Referring to tensions between Iran and the United States, he said the situation had posed a serious threat to regional and global peace and created fears of widespread destruction and economic disruption.

He said Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, worked with wisdom, patience and coordination to advance diplomatic efforts.

He said Pakistan had demonstrated to the world that it was a peace-loving country capable of playing a key role in maintaining international peace.

Congratulating the country’s leadership, he said the honour and recognition earned through these efforts belonged not only to individuals but to all 250 million Pakistanis.

Regarding the federal budget, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said every government sought to present a budget aimed at providing relief to the public and improving living standards.

However, he added that Pakistan’s economy continued to face pressure from global and regional developments, including the war in Ukraine and security challenges in the region.

He emphasized the importance of constructive opposition, saying criticism should be accompanied by practical suggestions and alternatives.

Highlighting the plight of government employees, pensioners and the agricultural community, he said these groups were among the most directly affected by inflation and budgetary decisions.

While acknowledging the government’s decision to increase salaries by seven percent, he argued that the raise was insufficient in view of rising inflation and called for an increase of at least 10 percent.

Recalling the PPP government’s tenure from 2008 to 2013, he said salaries and pensions had been doubled over five years despite difficult economic conditions to protect citizens from inflationary pressures.

He maintained that salaried employees, labourers and small farmers lacked the means to offset rising costs and therefore required greater government support.

The former prime minister said overcoming economic challenges required collective thinking and national unity.

Comparing the country’s economy to a household budget, he said all stakeholders needed to work together, listen to one another and devise solutions for increasing national resources.

He stressed that economic progress depended on political stability, law and order and a conducive environment for business and investment.

He urged political parties to avoid confrontational politics and instead focus on national interests and economic development.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also called for encouraging overseas Pakistanis and investors to invest in the country, saying they should be given respect, confidence and incentives so they could contribute to economic growth and job creation.

Discussing the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), he said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him and several colleagues to engage with stakeholders and address public grievances.

He said the delegation held detailed discussions with representatives and succeeded in resolving many issues through dialogue.

He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had supported efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue.

Referring to the government’s decision to reduce electricity tariffs in AJK, he said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded immediately when the issue was brought before them.

He said the leadership regarded the people of Kashmir as their own brothers and sisters and was committed to addressing their concerns.

He added that support for the Kashmir cause and Pakistan’s nuclear programme remained issues of complete national consensus, adding that every Pakistani, regardless of political affiliation, stood united in support of the Kashmiri people.

He appealed to the people of Kashmir to maintain peace and assured them that efforts would continue to resolve their concerns through discussions.

He said every life was precious and called on community leaders to help defuse tensions and promote dialogue.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf also welcomed the government’s decision to extend tax exemptions for residents of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA).

He said a delegation from the region had raised concerns regarding the continuation of tax relief and that he had discussed the matter with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

He thanked the finance minister, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for supporting the extension of tax exemptions.