Without democracy development not possible, says PM Abbasi

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while underscoring the significance of a democratic polity said the country cannot progress without democracy.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of dirty cargo terminal on Saturday, the premier said there will be flaws in the democratic setup, but it should be allowed to flourish.

He inaugurated the country’s first coal, clinker and cement terminal at Port Qasim in Karachi.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said it is the prerogative of people to evaluate the performance of public office holders and decide who should govern and who should go home. Like many countries, Pakistan too facing challenges, but the way out lay in the continuity of democracy, he emphasized.

Highlighting the PMLN government’s achievements, he said it not only launched development projects but completed them within its tenure. The government even completed the projects left unfinished by the previous governments, he added.

“When I was studying in class ten, former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto inaugurated the work on Lowari Tunnel, but it couldn’t be completed by the successive governments, he said adding that it was his party’s government that completed the project. This is the difference between those who make tall claims and those who make good on their promises, he added.

He said when this government catapulted into power in 2013 the county was facing a number of crisis, including energy crisis, adding the government took quick steps towards resolving it.

The government laid network of roads, highways, and motorways, PM Abbasi further said.

He resolved that the federal government in coordination with provincial governments will undertake projects for the welfare of people.