Zardari Vows To Steer Pakistan out oF Hot Waters

This news updete by www.thearynews.com



ABU DHABI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday expressed his resolve to steer the country out of numerous challenges with the help and cooperation of people including the expatriate Pakistanis as well as the political and democratic forces.

“The countries and nations have difficult times, but there was no need to worry as the PPP government will Inshallah steer the country out of challenges it was facing,” the President said while addressing a large gathering of Pakistani community here at Pakistan embassy.

The President said despite the fact that the whole world was facing economic recession, he was confident that the future of Pakistan and its people was bright.

He said Pakistan with its best geostrategic location, a strong human capital as well as the trade and economic potential was poised to develop and grow.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik, Pakistan’s Ambassador to UAE Khurshid Ahmed Junejo, Ambassador at Large Javed Malik and local PPP representatives were also present on the occasion.

President Asif Ali Zardari assured the Overseas Pakistanis that the government would soon announce a programme to promote their welfare and provide them better incentives for home remittances.

The President directed Advisors on Finance and Interior to prepare the programme and said steps would be taken for liberalization of transactions for home remittances.

He urged expatriate Pakistanis to work hard and send their remittances through legal and banking channels for their own benefit and as well as for the country.

The President said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had the credit of initiating the programme for manpower export in keeping with the regional situation and needs of the country. He provided necessary facilities and for the first time removed restrictions on issuance of passports to people.

Responding to the demand of the overseas Pakistanis, the President announced that the validity of the passport would be extended from prevalent five to ten years to protect those who proceeded abroad from facing problems.

He directed Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik to take immediate steps for this purpose.

The President also assured Pakistani expatriates in the UAE that steps would be taken to resolve their problems. He asked Advisor on Interior Rehman Malik to approach the UAE authorities for transfer of those prisoners to Pakistan who are undergoing sentences owing to some mistake or misunderstanding. They should be allowed to complete the remaining term of the sentence in Pakistan.

The President told overseas Pakistanis that their country was back on democratic track because of sacrifices of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said the democratic Government within two months after assuming power had forced the dictator to doff uniform and quit the office.

President Zardari said rarely did dictators leave through the process of negotiations. He said the Government had compelled the dictator to resign with the support of the democratic forces and democratic nations.

He said the government was pursuing the policy of reconciliation as initiated by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said 75 percent of the democratic forces backed the government and efforts were being made to get support of the remaining 25% as well.

Pakistan ‘s Ambassador to UAE Khursheed Ahmad Junejo in his welcome address said the current visit of President Zardari would help strengthen ties with the Emirates and resolve problems of over 850,000 Pakistanis living and working in UAE.

Earlier, the President before addressing the community people also had a separate meeting with the local PPP leaders and office bearers and discussed party affairs with them.



News Via