Protesting parties limiting country's development, says PM Nawaz

Published September 17, 2014
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. — File photo
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. — File photo

ATTOCK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said that protesting parties are creating impediments in the way of development of the country.

Inaugurating a well of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) at Soghri, Attock, he said Chinese president Xi Jinping had to visit Pakistan to sign a number of agreements, especially on electricity production, but that his trip was postponed due to the acts of a few thousand protesters.

He said the government has demonstrated patience and tolerance in the current political crisis. "It is not difficult to get roads cleared from protesters," he said. Nawaz added that the protesting parties should also demonstrate the same spirit and refrain from creating obstacles in the country's development as the entire nation wants improvement.

The postponement of the official visit of the Chinese president has disappointed the Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), which was hoping to get funds for different projects after inaugurating the first solar tubewell of the federal capital during his visit.

Also read: Postponement of Chinese president’s visit disappoints energy council

China had also announced $32 billion to be invested in next seven years in various Pakistani projects of infrastructure building and power sector.

Regarding the energy crisis in the country, the premier said the government is giving foremost priority to elimination of load shedding from the country.

"We have chalked out programs which will end load shedding in the next three to four years. He pointed out that the elimination of load shedding is necessary in order to promote industrial growth and alleviate poverty and unemployment."

Separately, Nawaz said he had been elected by 180 million people and the whole Parliament stands united for continuation of the present system.

The premier has stated in unequivocal terms that he will not resign on the desire of merely a few thousand people.

About the discovery of oil and gas well in Soghri, the PM said it will help save millions of dollars in foreign exchange besides mitigating the energy crisis.

Opinion

Editorial

Approaching budget
Updated 10 Jun, 2024

Approaching budget

Many are sceptical of the premier and finmin of translating their words into well-defined actions in the budget. Will they prove their doubters wrong?
A fresh start?
10 Jun, 2024

A fresh start?

After a decade of acrimony and mistrust, it is natural to tread carefully. But the ball is in India’s court. Backchannel and Track II diplomacy can be revived.
Hidden cams
10 Jun, 2024

Hidden cams

THE Digital Rights Foundation has drawn attention to a disturbing trend that seems to only be ballooning instead of...
Enduring friendship
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Enduring friendship

Pakistan will have to deliver on its promises to China of fool-proof security, and crack down on corruption.
Silencing dissent
Updated 09 Jun, 2024

Silencing dissent

Reports of an internet firewall, which reportedly aims to replicate the Great Firewall deployed by China to police internet traffic, are alarming.
Minors for sale
09 Jun, 2024

Minors for sale

THE curse of human trade has a doubly odious form — child trafficking. Pakistan, too, is haunted by this ugly...