DAMS CANNOT BE BUILT ON CHARITY
Former prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday said that the ongoing clash between civil and military leadership may further weaken the country.
Clash is not in favour of anybody, Civil and Military leadership both need to understand that if country will become weak, all the institutions would become weaker, Abbasi said.
He said an enabling environment is a must and all the institutions including army and spy agencies need to remain in constitution.
Shuttling between his constituency in NA- 53 during his election campaign the PML-N stalwart seemed tired.
Either it was due to hectic schedule of his campaign or it was the ongoing political developments, that he avoided any direct reply to a pointed question that what would be circumstances for PML-N, if Nawaz sharif returns to Pakistan or if he do not.
Nawaz Sharif is not coming to contest elections, but he is coming to Pakistan for the country, for the supremacy of constitution, only he knows what is the condition of his wife- the circumstances, Abbasi said.
Around two weeks prior to general elections - scheduled on July 25, the country is going through a turmoil. After the recent announcement of 10 years imprisonment- on corruption charges, former elected Prime Minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz are expected to land in Pakistan on Friday (today).
The overall political atmosphere is stormy against PML-N where many old associates has left the party and some from top slot are facing court trials.
It is not a tough time for PML-N, but it is tough time on country, he said.
The former minister Petroleum said dams cannot be constructed on charity money.
Funds for the construction of new dam is not the an issue, enough funding is available, the most difficult task was creating census among the provinces, in our last tenure, we did that, Abbasi said.
He said his government added 100 billion rupees to national kitty, through amnesty scheme, more money can be allocated from PSDP for the project worth 800-900 billion.
To meet ongoing severe water crisis the Supreme Court has appealed nation to donate funds for the construction of two water reservoirs- Daimer Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
PML-N is facing strong criticism for not making new construction reservoirs. but the supporters of Nawaz Sharif are indifferent to all anti PML-N campaign. They believe in next tenure it will concentrate on water issues.
No wonder, the rally saw an overwhelming welcome on its first stop at Barakahu, on Murree road.
supporters gathered at a famous eating place of lower middle class- Abbasi hotel, showered petals on their leader.
The businessman were overwhelmed to find former Prime minister so close and everyone was keen to take selfies with him, amid tight security.
The area was surrounded by police and Superintendent of Police along with a young assistant commissioner - deployed to provide protocol to the former Prime Minister.
One of the hosts, Mr. Rauf and his brothers were running to serve the visitors with cold drinks and tea. after a brief stay and tea the rally left for I-09.
The charge sheet against Abbasi government also include the declaration regarding the finality of Prophethood and religious parties are exploiting it to get vote for themselves.
It is a lie, I will not comment on what happened but it is on record when senator Hamdullah, a senator from JUI raised the objections regarding the amendment, only PML-N supported it, while PPP and PTI opposed it.
The opponents blame the amendment was initiated by PML-N parliamentarian on reserved seat Anusha Rehman and on a PTI lawmaker Shafqat Mehmood.
Miss Rehman has not applied for party ticket nor she has been considered for a reserved seat, Abbasi said carefully. He advised former Interior minister chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to remain in PML-N. He has been in party for last 35 years, I hope he would remain in party, he said.
Abbasi's government is also criticized for failing to streamline energy sector and the piling circular debt of power sector, which has crossed whopping Rs.1000 billion. the PML-N government after coming into power in 2013, reportedly printed more currency to pay clear circular debt of over 500 billion. in last five years it again jumped to double.
The previous government is also criticized for expensive LNG deal with Qatar.
LNG was the only option to overcome energy crisis, we have pulled the country out of dark, Abbasi said.
In 2013 the price of home used natural gas and CNG has almost been doubled, despite the import of LNG but former PM believe it was due to increase in global prices.
Energy is costly everywhere in the world. If the prices of oil goes up in international market, the prices of fuel and gas will also up, Abbasi said.
He insisted that Pakistan have lowest government taxes on petroleum products.
Responding to water crisis of Islamabad he said transporting water from Ghazi Barotha was only feasible project and it would cost 30 billion rupees.
He rejected that all provinces has agreed on providing water share to Islamabad from Ghazi Barotha and said it would at least three years to complete the project from the day it started.
Only PML-N government can deliver. Only PML-N can complete mega projects, Abbasi said firmly.
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