LAHORE: Governor Chaudhry Sarwar says neither anyone has been given assurance (regarding resignation) nor Prime Minister Imran Khan will tender resignation. “Those dreaming of the dissolution of assemblies and toppling of the PTI government will need to wait till 2023, when the government completes its five-year term,” he said at Pastor and Church Leaders Conference at Aiwan-i-Iqbal on Saturday. He said the same thing at the 11th Interior Pakistan Exhibition at Expo Centre and media talks.

He advised the opposition to cooperate with the government in the legislation process, adding that the government withdrew ordinances from the National Assembly on opposition’s demand. Now, he said, the government expected a reciprocal action from the opposition.

He said minorities were enjoying complete protection but India had become a slaughterhouse for its minority communities. “We are formulating a policy for allocation of minorities’ quota in all public welfare projects, including Ehsas Programme,” he said.

Through its effective economic policies, he said, the government saved the country from bankruptcy and now the government was also taking tough decisions to strengthen the economy.

He said minorities had surely played an important role in the formation of Pakistan and at difficult times.

Christian leaders always supported Pakistan’s standpoint at international level. As per vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he said, the present government was ensuring provision of rights to minority communities. Despite happening of many unfortunate incidents, including in Gojra and Joseph Colony, he said, the minority communities were standing with Pakistan. He said minorities, including Christians, would have special quota in the public-welfare programme to be initiated by federal and provincial government.

At Pakistan Furniture Council’s exhibition, the governor said the Pakistani hand-made furniture was in great demand in the world. Owing to its unique designs, he said, Pakistan furniture had the potential to get an ample place in the international markets. He assured that government would extend all possible support and cooperation to furniture industry so as to increase its exports. “The PTI government will maintain a constant liaison with furniture industry in accordance with the market situation and industrial needs,” he said.

The governor said growth of Pakistan’s economic sector was unprecedented in country’s history as foreign investors were making vibrant economic activities in Lahore and other cities of Pakistan. When the PTI came into power, he said, everyone was talking of Pakistan going bankrupt but under the leadership of Mr Khan, the government rescued the country from economic crisis through tough decisions and viable policies. Saying the country still facing several challenges, he said, effective steps were being taken to overcome the crisis.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2019