Few individuals significantly alter the course of history. Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.

He truly was a person who created a nation state and today we are proud Pakistanis. At the moment, few things are not in order but still we are progressing and will not stop. We need to take inspiration from his sayings and speeches and here, I would like to quote one that is pretty relevant when it comes to Public Service:

Service is backbone of the state. Governments are formed, Government is defeated, Prime Ministers come and go, but you stay on, and, therefore, there is a very great responsibility placed on your shoulders.

He was a visionary and it will not be out of place to remark that his character was legendary. His place in history of our nation is unique and we must seek inspiration from him to make our beloved country ever stronger.

The today’s bomb blasts is something that belongs to a series of such blasts in major cities of Pakistan. The other day, Rawalpindi witnessed one such occasion. In this hour of worry and grief, we need to send a strong signal to those who are involved in such cowardly activities. We as a nation must make it clear to these elements that we are united and will not let anyone mar the name of our nation.

Lastly, I would like to pay homage to all the Shuhada Karam who have accepted martyrdom in these blasts and other such incidences. May Peace Prevail in Pakistan! May Peace Prevail on Earth!

Images Courtesy : Muhammad Ali Jinnah

This is with reference to your investigative report published in ‘The News’ on November 25, 2008, on jacked-up marks, from 640 t0 661 by re-assessing of answer sheets, of Chief Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar’s daughter in FSc Pre-medical exams, which lead to her admission to a private medical college, controversially.

First, I would like to appreciate you, in special, and the whole team of ‘The News Investigation Cell’, in general, for unearthing this story to highlight academic corruption and dacoity by the high-ups of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad. No doubt, this was an excellent piece of investigative work, which not only posed threat to all the corrupt high officials and influential lot of this country, but also set an example and paved way for investigative journalism in the native soil in one or the other way. Now from today, all such people would think one thousand times at least before committing this type of corrupt and ill practices whatsoever.

Secondly, I would like to ask you, Mr Ansar Abbasi, as to how re-assessing of answer books, raise in marks and admission of Farah Hameed Dogar, the daughter of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, to a private medical college on a seat reserved for judges ‘became a mass denial of rights of thousands of students throughout the country’. In fact this jacked-up result hasn’t denied the right of even a single student, or only one, if it has done so, as had Farah not been awarded this set of 21 marks, that seat would have been remained either vacant because this was the seat reserved for judges’ kin, or any other, but only one, daughter or son of any other retired or serving judge would have been given admission to that medical college. So, it will not be unfair to mention here that you exaggerated the facts to create sensationalism and hit your ‘target’ unethically and hence justified those allegations leveled against the media that journalists and anchorpersons create sensationalism in the country by exaggerating the things and distorting the facts altogether. True, the CJ Dogar’s daughter has been given marks illegally, but this was not ‘mass denial of rights of thousands of students’ as you mentioned in your report in anyway in fact.

Secondly, I would like to ask you, Mr Ansar Abbasi, that tens of reporters work under the ‘Editor Reporting’ and the ‘Chief Reporter’ in ‘The News’, but credit of every story does not go to ‘Editor Reporting’ or ‘Chief Reporter’, rather it goes to the reporter who goes out in the field to collect facts and data. But, it is surprising to see that credit of every investigative story by ‘The News Investigation’ goes lonely to you in the byline of the story, despite this fact that scores of journalists work in the ‘Investigation Cell’ of the newspaper and work to unearth stories published. Is not this mass denial of right of scores of journalists by you, the top journalist, in real sense? Yes, it is.

Thirdly, I would suggest you, the noted journalist, to give due coverage to stories demanding abolishment of reserved seats in medical colleges. Had you launched campaign against reserved seats and quota system in medical colleges well in time with such a full strength, as you did in this case, this would have been proved very helpful and advantageous to scores of students regarding admission to medical colleges.

Fourthly, but not finally, I would like to give a few tips to you, Mr Ansar Abbasi, to unearth other stories and facts, which would bring real face of media, the so-called ‘eyes and ears’ of this society before nation. You should investigate as to which group of newspapers purchased land and plazas for their offices for how much money and what was the actual land value at those places at that time. Moreover, you should also investigate which group of newspapers paid how much money as monthly utility bills of their offices in different cities and paid how much income tax yearly for last 30 years. Furthermore, probe into the matter as to which politicians and businessmen pay monthly utility bills of which journalists on ‘give and take’ basis.

Finally, the principled and praiseworthy journalist! You should also report as to how much money press clubs and lands for press clubs in each and every city in every nook and corner of this homeland was acquired right from the day of Independence.

All these stories will be real eye-openers for everyone of us, including journalists, as well.

But I’m sure; you, the honest and truthful reporter, will not touch these stories in the ‘larger interest of the nation’.

Samia,

Kharian Cantt.

Disclaimer: This Letter is neither the representative of Silence’s nor of Dr. Farrukh Malik’s stand on the matter under question.

India and Pakistan are at daggers drawn since beginning, three wars, other limit strikes and counter strikes are something routine by now. Every then and now both countries conflict around and things get back to normal. In many a cases when election are nearby, on either side, politician tend to gain mileage by creating some puppet show and resulting irreparable losses. When we will keep this thing in our mind, we will conclude that this paper is more a cheap propaganda stunt by writer and those behind him for some political motive.

Apart from this, if we will look at the recommendations, we will easily gather that in majority of cases, the author has based his argument on Utopian elements instead of concrete facts and sounds over ambitious. For my readers,  I am publishing the content here:

Economic destabilisation of the Terror Central is imperative for rooting out terror.

I did not anticipate the huge response my inbox received for the article last week (December 2) slamming Pakistan. Many of those who wrote in have sought concrete steps to tackle the Terror Central. The terror attack on world citizens at Mumbai has created revulsion and outrage all over the world. It is imperative that India seize the opportunity provided to destabilise Pakistan.

A stable Pakistan is not in the interest of world peace, leave alone India. Army controls the country and owns its economy. A significant portion of its GDP is due to army-controlled entities (See Military Inc Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy by Ayesha Siddiqa; OUP; 2007). One can easily say that Pakistan Economy and its Army/ISI are synonymous.

Unless this elementary fact is internalised, we are not going anywhere. This implies we should stop talking of a stable Pakistan since a stable Pakistan means multiple attacks on many more cities of India by that rogue organisation ISI, which is the core of the Pakistan Army and the heart of Pakistan’s economy.

Let us not even assume that Zardari is in control. Poor man – he did not trust his own investigators to probe his wife’s assassination – he wanted Scotland Yard to do the job. Now he blabbers that if his investigators are satisfied, then he will initiate action against terrorists sitting inside Pakistan. Periodically, the Pakistan Army likes to present some useful idiots (as Lenin would have called them) as elected representatives and we swoon over such events.

India should take the following steps to destabilise the economy of Pakistan:

Identify the major export items of Pakistan (like Basmati rice, carpets etc) and provide zero export tax or even subsidise them for export from India. Hurt Pakistan on the export front.

Identify the major countries providing arms to Pakistan and arm twist them. Tell Brazil and Germany (currently planning to supply massive defense items to Pakistan) that it will impact their ability to invest in India. Tell Germany that retail license to Metro will be off and other existing projects will be in jeopardy.

Incidentally, after the arrival of Coke and Pepsi in China, the human rights violations of China are not talked about much by US government organs. Think it is a coincidence? Unless we use our markets to arm-twist arms exporters to Pakistan, we will not achieve our objectives.

Tell American companies that for every 5% increase in FDI limit for them, their government needs to reduce equipping Pakistan by $5 billion. That is real politics, not whining. Let us remember that funds are in desperate search of emerging markets and not the other way about. Let us also remember that international economics is politics by another name.

Create assets to print/distribute their currency widely inside their country. To some extent, Telgi types can be used to outsource this activity. Or just drop their notes in remote areas.

Pressurise IMF to add additional conditionality to the loans given to them or at least do not vote for their loans.

Create assets within Pakistan to destabilise Karachi Stock market – it is already in shambles.

Cricket and Bollywood are the opium of the Indian middle classes. Both have been adequately manipulated/ controlled by the D-company since the eighties. Chase the D-company money in cricket/ Bollywood and punish by burning D-assets in India instead of trying to have them auctioned by the IT department when nobody comes to bid for it.

Provide for capital punishment to those who fund terror and help in that. We have the division in the finance ministry to monitor money laundering, etc. It is important that terror financing is taken seriously and fully integrated into money laundering monitoring systems and this division is provided with much larger budget and human resources. And it should coordinate with RAW.

Encourage and allow scientists/ academicians/ elites of Pakistan to opt for Indian passport and widely publicise that fact since it will hurt their self-respect and dignity. There will be a long queue to get Indian passports — many will jump to get our passport — since they will not be stopped at international airports. It is rumoured that Adnan Sami wants one. Do not give passports to all — make it a prized possession. Let it hurt the army and ISI controlled country. This one step will destroy their identity and self-confidence.

Discourage companies from India from investing in Pakistan, particularly IT companies, till Pakistan stops exporting its own IT (international terrorism).

In all these, it is important that we do not bring in the domestic religious issues. The target is the terror central, namely Pakistan, and if there are elements helping them here then they also should be punished-irrespective of religious labels. If Pakistan is dismantled and the idea of Pakistan is gone, many of our domestic issues will also be sorted out.

Will the Indian elite go for the jugular or just light more candles and scream at the formless/ nameless political class before TV cameras? It is going to be a long haul and may be in a decade or so, we can find a solution to our existential crisis of being attacked by barbarians from the West. We need to combine strategy and patience and completely throw to the dustbin the ‘Gujral Doctrine’ by that mumbling Prime Minister about treating younger brothers with equanimity.

The doctrine essentially suggests that if we are slapped on both the cheeks we should feel bad that we do not have a third cheek to show. He, according to security experts, seems to have dismantled our human intelligent assets inside Pakistan, which has resulted in the gory death of thousands of Indian citizens in the last few years. Such is our strategic thinking in this complex world since our political class is not adequately briefed and the elite don’t think through issues. Better to be simple in our talks and vicious in our actions rather than the other way.

Hopefully, this November attack will create a new vibrant India capable of taking care of its own interests.

The writer is professor of finance and control, Indian Institute of Management – Bangalore, and can be reached at vaidya@iimb.ernet.in. Views are personal.

Share This ]]> http://drfarrukhmalik.com/blog/2008/12/10/twelve-steps-to-shock-and-awe-pakistan%e2%80%99s-economy/feed/ 0 http://drfarrukhmalik.com/blog/2008/11/29/pakistani-youth-and-css-pakistan/ http://drfarrukhmalik.com/blog/2008/11/29/pakistani-youth-and-css-pakistan/#comments Fri, 28 Nov 2008 20:55:43 +0000 Dr Farrukh Malik http://drfarrukhmalik.com/blog/?p=628 Few moments back, when I happened to check comments by my readers, I came accross a very strong piece about Civil Services of Pakistan. This comment by a reader of mine named Sanna left me thinking. The concern resonated by her…

Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase of its history. BBC reports that Pakistan is facing fiscal pressure due to wider trade deficit in wake of transport strike. The New York Times writes that Foreign exchange reserves have shrunk to $5.7 billion, with only about $3 billion available to cover payments for oil and food. Moreover the foreign exchange has decreased to record. Consequently, Moody’s, the international credit rating agency, cut Pakistan’s credit outlook from “stable” to “negative” on Tuesday, citing dwindling foreign exchange reserves, risks from extremists and high inflation. This situation is increasingly worrisome for political leadership and intelligentsia. In this sorry state of affairs, the formation of Friends of Pakistan by President Asif Ali Zardari is under discussion.

It is being reported that, Friends of Pakistan is a brain child of President Asif Ali Zardari that got materialized on September 26, 2008 with its inaugural ceremony held on the occasion of 63^rd General Assembly Meeting of United Nations Organization.

The idea initially was floated by President Zardari and was finalized in a meeting at 10 Downing Street London between President and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. In this meeting both the leader agreed upon its launch on the auspicious occasion of UN General Assembly meeting at New York, US and Prime Minister Gordon Brown assured his full support to Pakistan.

It is being quoted by media that inspiration of formation of friends of Pakistan Group came from a similar group named Friends of Afghanistan (FOA) locally named as ‘Dostan Afghanistan’ that is affiliated with National Peace Crops association (NPCA) based in Washington DC, US. National Peace Corps Association was established in 1961 and was incorporated in 1983 and it has 130 affiliate groups working in 134 developing countries. Apart from this two other groups with similar name, ‘Friends of Pakistan’ are functional. One of them is part of Association of Pakistani Professionals and has 40 chapters in US, Canada, Europe and Pakistan. The second group with the name Friends of Pakistan is an affiliate of NPCA like FOA. Here, it is important to note that none of these groups have backing of Government.

In aftermath of dialogue between President Zardari of Pakistan and British PM Brown, the launching ceremony of FOP took place on Friday September 26, 2008 at New York. The ceremony was attended the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, representatives of China, the European Union, the United Nations, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. This launch was co-chaired by President Zardari.

Hours latter, a statement from US state department was issued from Chairman of Friends of Pakistan Group. This statement gives the details of agreements that Friends of Pakistan will help Government of Pakistan in five sectors namely, stability, development, border areas, energy and institution building. Further, it was told that the group will meet in month’s time at Abu Dhabi to discuss the measure required to achieve the goal.

Soon after launch, President Zardari, Secretary Rice, Secretary Miliband and UAE Foreign Minister Abdallah bin Zayid Al Nuhayyan spoke with media. “I hope that the President and the Pakistani people were assured today that the international community will be by their side as they take difficult decisions and move toward a more stable and prosperous Pakistan”, Said Secretary Rice. When a question was asked about financial assistance to Pakistan She pointed out the US is engaged with Pakistan through Financial Institution (IMF, WB and ADP). “Every single one of our countries stands shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Pakistan, the democratically elected Government of Pakistan, and the people of Pakistan in their struggle against terrorism which is a threat to them as well as a threat to us.”, remarked Secretary Miliband. “We fully back Pakistan. The UAE has been a very close ally, friend in Pakistan. But we want to further our relationship with Pakistan. We want to show our Pakistani friends and brothers our commitment towards them.” said Foreign Minister Al Nuhayyan. President Zardari thanked the dignitaries, “I look at U.S. support as a blessing. I look at the world support as a blessing to Pakistan.” remarked President Zardari.

‘Friends of Pakistan group’ is under discussion among political analyst at the moment. Questions are being raised about its success. In the first meeting no pledge of grant in aid was promised though Secretary Rice gave a clue that US will not engage with Pakistan directly but will work through international financial institution but this support was conditional too. The conditions Secretary Rice was talking will not be new. Pressure on Pakistan is mounting and it is multicentric. In such a situation I wonder if Pakistan has any other option left except to succumb to the demands of so called ‘Friends of Pakistan’. As President Zardari said that he is not asking them to give us fish but want to learn how to fish but leaning fishing from US and fishing for them can cost a lot because at times they hunt for big Fishes like Laden and Saddam! At the moment, the things are not yet clear and it is no time for prediction. The sky will get cleared once the first meeting is takes place as scheduled in Abu Dhabi.

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan. It is told that the this area is sensitive since many high profile figures use to live in the area. Apart from this Marriot Hotel is the five star hotel and it is a routine that many foreigners use to stay there. It is reported further that at this moment, the hotel was a hosting a World Bank delegatation.

The attacks follow the speech of President Asif Ali Zardari to joint session of Pakistani Parliament where he reaffirmed his resolve to continue war against terror.

Analysts believe that War on Terror is without ownership that is why Pakistani government is not able to mobilize the public opinion in their favour. Apart from this, attacks by US drones in Pakistani areas bordering Afghanistan has raised strong sentiments amongst Pakistani against US. President Zardari is set to visit US so it is being expected that he should carry a strong message to US where he should make it clear that Pakistan is face enemy on both sides.

It is reported that Marriot Hotel is an old structure and it can collapse any time. For rescue operation in wake of collapse of building, Army Engineering Core is on standby.

It is reported by GEO TV that around one ton of explosive was used by the suicide attackers. Most of the dead and injured are security men and other by standers. Fours German Citizens are among injured.

I being Pakistani National condemn this terrorist activity.

Asif Ali Zardari: Start with the name of Allah, the merciful the beneficent. Madam Speaker, honorable members of Parliament Aslam-o-Alaikum! I bow my head in gratitude before Allah for standing here today to address the joint session of the parliament. I thank the members of the parliament and of all the provincial assemblies for imposing confidence in me and electing me to this high officer. I have been given this singular honor and the privilege in the name of Shaheed (Martyr) Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto [clapping]

I am humble to be standing there in front of the seat of democratic power in Pakistan. On this important day our thoughts go to the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto the first woman Prime Minister of the Muslim world and twice elected Prime Minister of Pakistan whose personal sacrifice and courage has made democracy possible. We are here; this parliament is here because of the historic choices she made. It is indeed her day; I wish she was addressing this parliament today and not me. Our thoughts also go out to the Shuhada (martyrs) of Karsaz, to the martyrs of Liaquat Bagh tragedy of December 27 (2007) and those martyred on July 17 (2007) in Islamabad and on May 12 (2007) in Karachi and indeed to all those martyrs and injured for the cause. At this moment in time I also to pay homage to the brave soldiers who have embraced martyrdom on our borders and mountains as well as to those who gave their lives. Today I ask this August house to join me in a prayer for all the Shaheeds (martyrs) including Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and specially Mir Murtaza Bhutto whose death anniversary is mark of today [Silence and Prayer]. They are the real heroes. For myself that I stand here after crossing a river of blood and tears, I have been a prisoner of conscience, but will never let that make me prisoner of history. This means that while I will learn from history, I will never allow my decision to be dictated by politics of vengeance and bitter memories. It is time for us to move on God has given us a unique opportunity and we must not waste it. I wish to congratulate the elected members of the parliament; I also congratulate the Prime Minister, the Federal, Provincial governments on assuming their responsibilities. The mandate you have is both an honor and a great responsibility.

Madam Speaker, to address this joint session of Parliament in less than to weeks of my election as the President shows that we hold the parliament in its highest esteem and accord highest priorities to fulfillment of its obligations under the constitution and the law. Under the dictatorship, the parliament was tipped of its powers and not given due respect the constitution requires that the President address the joint sitting of the parliament after election and the beginning of every parliamentary year yet in the last 8 years the head of state only once addressed the joint sitting of the parliament but let me assure you that days of constitutional deviation and bypassing the parliament while taking the decisions of national importance are over. As head of state I wish to make it clear that the President and the government must and always seek guidance from the parliament in carrying out our duties. We are committed to upholding the supremacy of constitution, the supremacy of the parliament and the rule of law. The cardinal principle of the governance is respect of the mandate of the people as manifested in February 18^th (2008) election.

Madam Speaker, honorable members of the parliament, I have dream for Pakistan. My dream is to free this great country from the shackles of poverty, hunger, terrorism and disunity and I know that as law makers you too share the dream. For every hope we need a plan and for every plan we need an agenda, without doubt, a heavy national agenda challenges your government. This is the agenda of moving quickly to heal the wounds of past, to restore the trust in the federation, trendy an apology to the people of Balochistan was a long overdue step. The release from the captivity of the former chief minister of Baluchistan is also a positive move. The resolution recently of the long standing dispute and payments of billions of rupees to Balochistan is a step in the right direction but much more needs to be done. Successive bellows have weaken the federation, it needs to be strengthen for this the bitterness of the past must give way to reconciliation and harmony. I believe that the 1973 constitution is the only consensus document that can freshen such a social contract. I also request the government to start the consensus building process on the provincial autonomy and allotment of resources through a new formula that meets the needs of a united federation [clapping]. We must root out terrorism and extremism where and whenever they may rear their ugly heads. Reforming the tribal areas, bringing them into the mainstream of national life can no longer be delayed they must be treated at par with the rest of Pakistan‘s brethren. The people of Northern Areas must also get their basic rights representative rule and an independent judiciary. We believe in the independence of judiciary and all matters concerning the judiciary that shall be resolved in accordance with the constitution and the law and other great responsibility rests on your shoulders, this the removal of the distortions in the constitution made by successive dictators to prolong their rule. As a democratically elected President of Pakistan, I call upon the parliament to form an all party’s committee to revisit the 17^th Amendment and article 58-2(b) [clapping]. Never before in the history of this country has a President stood here and given away his powers [clapping].

Madam Speaker, Pakistan is at a critical security juncture today. In order to meet the challenges posed to (by) the extremist and terrorist elements in the tribal areas and adjoining regions, the government has devised a comprehensive three pronged strategy. First to make peace with those who are willing to keep the peace and renounce violence, second, to invest in development and social uplift of the local people and third to use force only as the last resort against those who refuse to surrender their arms, take the law into their hands, challenge the writ of government and attack the security forces. For all the stake holder to have ownership of this policy, I will request the government to hold a national security briefing for an in camera joint session of Parliament. Let every [clapping] have an opportunity to make an independent informed judgment about the risks to our beloved country and about how we should move forward with responsibility, clarity of vision. I ask of the government that it should be firm in its resolve to not allow the use of its soil carrying out terrorist activities against any foreign country. We will not tolerate the violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity by any power in the name of combating terrorism (clapping).

Madam Speaker and honorable members of the parliament, I believe that world has become a dangerous place for nations with conflicts on their borders so we need peace not only within Pakistan but also in our neighborhood at all times, we must keep our national interest in mind this means understanding the limits of confrontation, under this strategy President of Afghanistan Hamid Kirzai was specially invited to my oath taking ceremony as a mark of Pakistan’s sincere desire and consistence effort to promote close relations and strengthen cooperation with the brotherly country of Afghanistan. On the other side, we India, the government believes that the relationship between two countries can and should be creatively reinvented as Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto said it is and I quote, “It is time for new ideas, it is time for bold commitments and it is time for honesty both among people and between people there has been enough pain. It is time for reconciliation”. For these ideas and for seeking peaceful in the region, we were once called a security risk by our critics but ideas can not be killed by oppression. The charter of democracy binds the government to a framework of peace and justice for the people of Pakistan and peace and friendship with idea, Pakistan has decided to resume composite dialogue process with India driving our relations through enhanced trade, we express our complete commitment to Kashmiri people in their just struggle for restoration of fundamental rights. We will continue to seek settlement (clapping) of all outstanding disputes including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir so that the main hurdle in the way of towards peace and full normalization of relations between Pakistan and India is removed. As a new initiative, we will start cross LOC (Line of Control) trade a pioneering CBM (confidence building measure). We will also propose a more liberal visa regime to further expand people to people contacts and friendly exchange and establish new facilities for visiting Sikhs and Hindu pilgrims. As another initiative to our relationships with India, I will urge the parliament to form a bi-partisan caucus for the propose of resolving outstanding disputes relating to Kashmir and the Indus Water head works. All parties must be represented on this caucus so that the nation is united on this key issue and draw strength by speaking in one voice [clapping].

Madam Speaker, the greatest challenge this government faces is an economic one. No elected government can survive the prospect of its people going hungry. The immediate and the most urgent task before the government is to provide food security to the common man burdened with the rising prices of food items but we must realize that given the global oil and food shocks we face today and the neglect of the agricultural sector for the past nine years this will not be enough to take the edge off growing poverty of our people’s face, to provide immediate relief to the poorest of the poor, the government has introduced a welfare scheme across the board with no political strings attached like the Benazir income support scheme for which a budgetary allocation of 34 billion has been made in the current financial year. The ban on trade union has been removed and the minimum wage of an un-skilled worker has been increased.

Madam Speaker, I do realize that all of this is not enough undoubtedly, your government inherited an economy that was driven by pure consumption and as such was saddled with huge liabilities of unpaid subsidy claims on account of petroleum products, power tariffs and luxury imports. The subsidies on oil and gas that we have removed is something no political government wants to shift but this is a bitter pill we had to swallow because our balance of payment accounts could not sustain the expenditures of last regime. I see a new beginning of our economy marked by the program of restoring investor’s confidence, resumption of foreign investment, gradual buildup of reserves, exchange rate stability and above all revival of sustainable——(one word missing).

Madam Speaker, I am aware of the harsh reality that Pakistan is passing through, an acute energy crisis due to the serious shortfall of electricity unlike the last government that did not install the single new megawatt in seven years, our government has taken immediate short and medium term measures to address the issue. We can not take Pakistan out of darkness in one month but we can certainly do it by the end of next year.

Madam Speaker, the government needs to set core priorities. I believe the vast and rapidly changing agriculture sector offers enormous opportunities hundreds and thousands of rural poor to break the vicious cycle of poverty. Agriculture land growth will rise farm income, lower food prices and generate surplus for exports that we are so urgently need therefore agriculture needs to be placed at the top of the agenda for ensuring food security on a long term basis generating jobs and income for a vast majority of people living in the rural areas of the country, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, the government looking at crop insurance schemes [clapping].

Madam Speaker, just development is not possible without justice for women. I note with pain that despite the legislation that protects women, the women of this great nation continue to suffer crimes against them [in] disturbing frequencies, I will request the government to do utmost, to not just provide protection to women but to empower them at every step of the long round to their just entitlement as full citizens of this state. We can not reverse the decades of social backwardness [clapping] by one stoke of pen but we can and we will turn this tide slowly but surely. For the first time ever all state allotments both in income support or land will be made in the name of women of this country as my late wife Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto would have wanted [clapping]. This is a first step in the long journey but let me assure you the women of Pakistan will stand with me in this venture. I also note that the minorities of Pakistan have played a crucial role in the development of the country but have not received the social and political due, we will further draw them into mainstream of national life and make full use of their potentials.

Madam Speaker, members of the parliament, media has come a long way from the first day the PPP (Pakistan Peoples Part Government) opened air ways to private networks. Our government lost no time into the dismantle the infrastructure of violence that last regime left behind replacing the PEMRA (Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority) and print media ordinance which hung over the media’s head like a sword. We will soon be bringing other fundamental laws such as the freedom of information bill and work with the stake holders towards an open atmosphere of self regulation with no interference from the state. I have requested the government of day to look into providing wage support housing colonies in every province at low cost basis for journalists [clapping].

Madam Speaker, under the new set up the parliament is asserting its role as a sovereign body. For the first time in more than 44 years the defense budget was discussed in the National Assembly (NA). Also, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, we have a appointed the chairman of Public Accounts committee, from the opposition as per our commitment in the charter of democracy [clapping]. And we all know that across the board, the transparent accountability from the key pillar of a good government, unfortunately, accountability has been grossly misused as an instrument of Political witch hunting. I believe the government has decided to repeal the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) ordinance and replace it with a system that is across the board, transparent and with in the accepted norms of mainstream judicial system. The hard provisions in the FCR are being done away with, a committee of FATA and another committee of FCR are setup by the government are finalizing the recommendations, I have recommended to the government that they change the name of NWFP to Pakhtunkhwa [clapping] in response to long standing demand of people of the province.

Madam Speaker, members of the parliament, in the realm of the foreign policy, it will be our endeavor to promote regional and international peace and security as well as the economic and social development of our people. The world has changed to market (may be marked) democracy, our foreign policy would be geared to not only defense of territorial integrity and sovereignty but also promotion of commercial and economic interest. Pakistan can position itself as a trade and energy hub for South and Central Asia. We will strengthen our brotherly relations with Iran; take our time test and all weather friendship and strategic partnership with China to greater heights. We the United States and our European partners, we will endeavor to build a long term partnership that is broad based and mutually beneficial. Pakistan will continue to extend full support to the Palestinian cause of self determination. We value our ties with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Libya. We will rejuvenate our relation with the Arab League, the OIC, the ASEAN to promote the bilateral trade and investment. With the Islamic and the Arab countries we enjoy excellent relations, we will further develop our friendship with the countries of Asia, Latin America and Africa. We underscore our commitment to principles of UN Charter, international law and the values of common humanity.

Madam Speaker, honorable parliamentarians, Democracy in Pakistan has finally being restored but still a tender sapling which needs nurturing before it becomes a great sheltering tree. There are still elements who want to derail it yet once again, with faith in democracy and the national reconciliation as envisioned by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, we must remain vigilant against such elements, the people of Pakistan have great hope, expectation from this parliament, to help them realize their dreams, we need to join hands and work together in harmony and not discord. The politics of this… (Some text missing spread over 5-10 seconds) envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Quaid-e-Awan Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto… (Some text missing spread over 5-10 seconds) and live and that is the Pakistan for which I as a president will lead you all with support as someone who has walked from the death cell to Presidency. Let me assure you, nothing is impossible, I can stare the country out of darkness with the help of this government. I am confident that you will rise to their expectations and not disappoint our people. Let us pledge to help built together a secure strong and prosperous Pakistan. May Allah help us in this noble mission Pakistan Khapay (want), Khapay, Khapay, Pakistan Paindabad!