PM says fair and transparent elections ‘need of the hour’

ISLAMABAD: Recounting achievements of the ruling PML-N in his farewell speech, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday ‘bragged’ that the country made a lot of gains on economic and development front during last five years.

Speaking in the last session of the National Assembly, Mr Abbasi said neither the government nor the opposition would accept any suggestion for delaying general elections.

He said the cause of the democracy demands free, fair and transparent elections.

The Prime Minister was of the view that timely holding of elections is constitutional requirement and we would not allow even a day’s delay in the conduct of polls.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi proposed national dialogue to define relationship among institutions and forge consensus on critical issues.

Highlighting government performance in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said security situation has greatly improved as our valiant armed forces have successfully defeated the menace of terrorism and restored peace in the country.

He said peace was also established in Karachi which is result of consensus among the political parties and a success story of democracy.

The Prime Minister said economy of the country has been revamped and a growth rate of about six percent has been achieved. He said today Pakistan has become an investment destination of all foreign and local investors. He said radical tax reforms have been introduced while energy crisis overcame due to prudent policies of the government.

He said government initiated projects will ensure sufficient availability of electricity by 2030. He said one hundred and fourteen new gas discoveries were recorded in our tenure. He said today gas is available to every consumer in Pakistan.

He said supply of gas will be made available by 2020 through Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government has brought a revolution in internal and regional connectivity. He said 1700 kilometers long motorways have either been completed or in completion phase across Pakistan. He said western corridor will open up Balochistan.