AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani termed the approval of recommendations of the Implementation Commission on 18th Amendment by the Cabinet as “an unprecedented and historic step to strengthen democracy”. He congratulated the Cabinet, the Implementation Commission, political leadership of the country and the people of Pakistan for the implementation of the 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments in true spirit. He also complimented all the political parties and stakeholders for their inputs to complete the devolution process.
The Prime Minister paid tributes to the President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari for transferring his powers to the Parliament which was done through a smooth transition. It was his commitment, he said, to restore the Constitution as well as his vision for the future of the country. All the political parties, he mentioned, had expressed resolve to restore the Constitution and strengthen the democratic institutions. It is the privilege of the present government, he said, to have accomplished the task of restoring the 1973 Constitution which given by the Pakistan Peoples’ Party.
The Prime Minister said that he considered restoration of Constitution and completion of devolution process as much bigger an achievement than formation of the government. He praised the contributions and struggle of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed for the restoration of democracy and the 1973 Constitution.
The Prime Minister said that the provincial autonomy was ensured in the 1973 Constitution which was to be done within ten years, however, this process was disrupted and instead certain amendments were made to delay the process. The completion of devolution process, he added, has removed the feelings of deprivation among smaller provinces since now they have achieved the provincial autonomy.
The devolution and 7th NFC Award has posed great responsibility on the provinces to work for the welfare of their people. It has not only given provinces more power, he said, but more resources and the provincial governments can now create miracles to bring about development and prosperity for the people. In the same context, he added, that local government system can be improved and introduced to function for the socio-economic development at grass root level.
The Prime Minister declared 1st of July as the Provincial Autonomy Day. It was the same date, he said, when One Unit was dissolved in 1970 and the four provinces were restored.
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