ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said on completion of his five years term, he desired to see Pakistan as a welfare state and a country with rule of law where mafias would be accountable.
The prime minister, while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of 103-kilometer Naukundi-Mashkhel Road of Balochistan held here, the prime minister said he desired to establish rule of law across the country just like the one ensured by State of Madina as the first ever measure.
Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri, Communications Minister Murad Saeed, Science and Technology Minister Senator Shibli Faraz, Defence Production Minister Zubaida Jalal, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Haider Zaidi and Sindh Governor Imran Ismail attended the event.
The prime minister recalled that during the 90s Asif Zardari used to be put behind bar for corruption cases but he always came out whenever the Pakistan Peoples Party came into power which showed that the cases were closed just by using the influence.
He said more than desiring the government’s failure, the opposition was scared of its success.
Exemplifying the PTI’s victory with two-third majority in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite propaganda, the prime minister said for the opposition, the PTI’s victory was tantamount to end of their politics.
Imran Khan appreciated Murad Saeed and the National Highway Authority for launching the road project which had been the demand of the people since last seven decades.
He said the area was the remotest one of the country and was never got attention of the governments in the past.
The prime minister said Balochistan province was rich with immense potential which could be exploited by providing connectivity.
He said the province faced neglect because of lower vote bank than the one required to elect a prime minister.
He said the Naukundi-Mashkhel road project was part of the government’s desire to uplift the neglected areas as well as the deprived people. He said if developed, the province could give the fastest return besides guaranteeing country’s safe future as well as strong federation.
The prime minister, who earlier unveiled the plaque to launch construction work of Rs 5.7 billion road project, said having inherited the biggest ever debt burden and fiscal deficit, the first year of his government was passed to ensure country’s financial survival and avert default.
During the second year, it faced the COVID-19 crisis, through the country was lucky to sail through it successfully by maintaining a balance between the lives and the livelihood, unlike the neighboring country India. He hoped the country would also overcome the third wave provided the people observed precautions particularly the use of masks.
Reiterating his government’s vision of uplifting the neglected areas, the prime minister committed that they would develop record number of roads in Balochistan during their five years term.
He said a nation aspiring to make progress must achieve the uplift of its poor population and ensure rule of law just like China which steered 700 million people out of poverty and jailed over 400 ministerial level people for corruption.
The prime minister recounted his government’s welfare schemes and reforms like Sehat Insaf Card for entire population of Punjab and KP provinces, shelter homes, mobile kitchens to serve the residents of poor localities, uniform education curriculum and legal reforms to ensure disposal of property cases within a year.
He said following the incentives by the government, the industrial sector was witnessing boom after five years. Similarly the farmers have earned additional Rs 1100 billion after they got reasonable support prices for wheat, sugarcane and rice. The increased income of farmers was also evidenced in form of record sale of tractors and motorcycles.
The prime minister told the gathering that after compilation of data, the government would provide direct subsidy to the deserving population in case of any price hike of wheat, sugar or electricity.
Communications Minister Murad Saeed also addressed the event and highlighted the his ministry’s achievements and future road projects to be launched during this year.
Earlier, in his briefing, NHA Chairman Khurram Agha said the 103-kilometer road would cost Rs5.7 billion and take two years to complete. It would create around 3,600 jobs besides improving connectivity to Iran and improving socio-economic condition of the area.