Political
stability is imperative for development of the country and the achievements in
this regard during the last few years are the dividends of the continuation of
democracy. This was stated by the minister of state for Information,
Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb
while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Rawal Expo International organized
by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today.
The MOS prayed for the continuation and
strengthening of democracy. She said that the continuation of the democratic
system was absolutely necessary for development of the country and prosperity
of the people. She said that in 2013 people were talking about economic
bankruptcy of the country but today Pakistan was being acknowledged as one of
the emerging economies. The change that occurred in the economic profile of the
country was before the eyes of everybody. The MOS said that the PML (N)
government had taken concrete measures to tide over the energy crisis and the
electricity produced during the last four years was unprecedented in the
history of Pakistan. She observed that the power projects initiated by the
government would add 11000MW electricity to the system. The minister said that
load-shedding for the industrial sector had ended in December 2014 and
presently the country was producing more electricity than the current demand
for it.
Marriyum said that due to checking terrorism
in its tracks and tiding over the energy crisis, foreign investors were showing
keen interest in the expo and the participation of the foreign industrial
concerns in it was a ranting testimony of the fact that due to the restoration
of peace in the country the confidence of the foreign investors had been
revived. She said that people from all walks of life would have to work for
reinforcing the image of peaceful Pakistan. The minister said that the country
was now fighting the war of perception which had to be fought with impregnable
unity.
Marriyum
asserted that the people of Pakistan would vote on the basis of performance in
the 2018 elections and expose the reality of those who had been raising hollow
slogans.
The
minister claimed that there had been 88% reduction in the incidents of
terrorism in the country which was a sequel to the steps taken in consonance
with the vision of the former Prime minister and the unmatched sacrifices
offered by the armed forces, law enforcing agencies and Police. Marriyum said
that Pakistan had sacrificed seventy thousand lives in the war against
terrorism and the present situation was far better than 2013. She said that all
the state institutions and segments of society contributed in restoring peace
in the country.She said the peace in the country boosts national trade and
industry.
She
said that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi was carrying forward the vision
of the former Prime Minister ensuring continuity of the development projects.
Marriyum said that record foreign investment had been made in Pakistan due to
CPEC adding that One Belt One Road was not only a mega project but also a
corridor to prosperity and development of Pakistan for which the entire nation
was grateful to its great friend China. She said that the PML (N) government
revived the development projects which were pending for the last 55 years
including the Lowari Tunnel venture. Marriyum said that the women had played a
very significant role in the national development and promotion of the
industry.
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