Masses, mily one to rid Pak of militancy: PM
Tariq Saeed
Peshawar—Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has reiterated that law and order and economy topped the priority list of his government from day one and the entire nation stood firmly against the terrorism and the militancy.
“Today the political spectrum, the people of Pakistan as well as the military stood together to rid the country of the curse of militancy and terrorism and were determined not to bow before the terrorists and the saboteurs”. The prime Minster said at a special ceremony here at Chief Minister House Monday to award Hilal-e-Eisaar to five cities of the province acknowledging their contribution in hosting millions of IDPs. He, however, said Pakistan had to pay a heavy price in the war against terror adding there was no way out but to go for such sacrifices for the sake of country’s survival.
Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani paid glowing tribute to the people of NWFP for their courage and valour to be a part of the frontline province in the war against terror despite being exposed to series of deadly bomb blast which have eaten up hundreds of innocent lives.
He handed over flags to five children each from Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera and Swabi districts adding the entire nation is proud of you for standing upto the threats valiantly.
Premier Gilani said people were witnessed to the way things were happening before the Malakand military action was conducted. It was the people of Pakistan who vowed to say no to militancy and fight those who challenged the writ of the government. He said the best part was the message that this conveyed to the enemies of Pakistan that the entire nation stood as one.
The prime minister said despite the serious resource constraint the government decided to enhance the salaries of its armed forces and civil law enforcement agencies in recognition of their valiant struggle.
Gilani recalled that the migrants from Afghanistan still were in Pakistan after over 30 years, while the 2.5 million Internally Displaced Persons were able to return to their homes in only 3 months time.
The prime minister said the government had announced a Rs 24 billion fund for strengthening of the law enforcement agencies, of which one instalment of Rs six billion had already been disbursed, while the next would be released soon.
He opined it was vital that capacity building of law enforcement personnel and the government functionaries was done on priority to ensure that the militants do not make a come back. Gilani said the government was also trying to convince the foreign donors to help the country begin reconstruction in the militancy affected areas.
He said the government has already allocated Rs 50 billion for the province which would be expedited.
Prime Minister Gilani on the occasion announced new modern bus terminal for Peshawar city and directed expedition of work on Chashma link canal. He said the incentives announced for traders and business community would also be implemented without further delay.
Chief Minister NWFP Amir Haider Khan Hoti spoke of the sacrifices of the people of the province; including the law enforcement personnel, the common man and the government servants who reached out to help their displaced brethren from Swat, Malakand and other areas.
Earlier addressing the inaugurating ceremony of the Jalozai Campus of the NWFP University of Engineering & Technology (UET), here at Governor House, Peshawar, the Prime Minister Gilani has said that job creation was a priority of the PPP government, saying professional engineers with adequate education and experience can play an important role in establishing new enterprises, restructuring existing industrials and developing new products and services.
He said that Jalozai Project of the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar would have tremendous multiplier effect in every sphere of economic activity and appreciated the hard work and untiring efforts made by management of the university and the officials of the provincial government converting the vision into reality.
Prime Minister Gilani said that NWFP University of Engineering and Technology is the only Public Sector University entrusted with the gigantic assignment of providing engineering education and training to the entire province.
The task given, he said has become more challenging when HEC fixed the target to double the students strength in UET Peshawar from 4000 to 8000 in a period of five years.
He said that it is heartening to note that the progress on the establishment of the university is according to schedule and most of the preliminary formalities have been completed. On completion, the students enrolment will be doubled up to 8000, the faculty five times up to 250 and introduction of state of the art laboratories would definitely make a huge difference in the academic ambience.
Complimenting the contribution of all who have put in their minds and souls for this project, he said that such institutions are rarely established and seldom can the country afford to divert its resources.
Therefore, he said it is incumbent upon all to ensure that this institution pay back to the people who are awaiting progress and prosperity.
Governor NWFP Owais Ahmad Ghani, Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti and Vice Chancellor, UET, Syed Imtiaz Hussein Gilani were also present on the occasion.
