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LAHORE: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Friday, terming July 1, a historic day, said Pakistan People’s Party had fulfilled its pledge and commitment of granting provincial autonomy to federating units for devolution of powers.
Addressing “Meet the Press” programme at Lahore Press Club, she said the PPP government had restored the 1973 Constitution to its original form by enacting the 18th Amendment after taking all political parties on board.
She congratulated all political and democratic forces for their role in the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, and said President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had fulfilled the commitment of Benazir Bhutto with the masses by empowering the provinces of the country.
She credited President Asif Ali Zardari with the landmark achievement, who took all political parties along during the passage of the 18th Amendment in the Parliament despite the fact that PPP lacked simple majority on the issue.
“The devolution of powers to the provinces will help eradicate the sense of deprivation among the federating units and resolve problems of the masses,” she said.
The PPP government had already delegated financial powers to the provinces under the NFC Award, she added.
Dr Firdous said the PPP was committed to strengthening the federating units of the country and urged all political parties to extend support to the government on this issue.
She said the devolution would also help resolve different challenges being faced by the country like price hike, unemployment, poor law and order and extremism.
Referring to 'political actors', she asked them to avoid unjustified criticism of national institutions and use their energies for the benefit of the people.
She said introduction of the 18th Amendment had strengthened national institutions and asked the provincial governments to ensure resolution of public problems at local level.
About AJK elections, she said the historic victory of the PPP had brushed aside the rumours of mid-term polls in the country.
Citing PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif's criticism of AJK elections, Firdous Ashiq Awan said that his recent statements could harm the Kashmir cause.
She said the PPP had always opposed confrontation and believed in the politics of reconciliation.
She appreciated Kashmiris for reposing confidence in Pakistan Peoples Party's policies by voting for it in the AJK elections. “Fair and free elections were held in AJK but the Punjab government was involved in rigging at various polling stations in the province,” she added.
To a query on apprehensions about the devolution plan, she said all issues arising out after the devolution, would be assessed and resolved through the Council of Common Interest (CCI). The Punjab government should submit its reservations in black and white to the CCI, she added.
To a question on coalition with the MQM, the minister said that nothing was final and ultimate in politics and the government wanted to sit with the MQM to resolve differences.
She said issues with MQM would be settled through consultation soon after President Asif Ali Zardari's return from abroad.
On a question about new provinces, Firdous Ashiq Awan said the matter should be settled as per the rules and regulations as the provinces had the powers to decide on the issue.
“The PPP will adopt a stance on the issue of creation of new provinces as per aspirations of the people,” she added.
