ISLAMABAD Dec 9: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the victory of the PML and its allies in the upcoming by-polls for NA-35 (Malakand) will usher in an era of progress and prosperity in the area and the casting of vote in favour of Salim Saifullah Khan will be like reposing confidence in the prime minister.

In a message released by the PML Secretariat here for the people of Malakand, the premier, who chose not to visit the constituency in person for security and other reasons, said the objective of his government was to open new avenues of progress and prosperity.

He also mentioned some of the development activities generated by his government. He admitted that Malakand had been neglected in the past as the people were not provided with even the basic amenities of life despite tall claims during election campaigns.

"The people of the area have again got the opportunity to ameliorate their lot by electing the candidate of their own choice, and their vote for Mr Khan will ensure development of the whole area," he added. Mr Aziz said the government had hectically worked on the principle of public welfare by utilising all available resources.

However, for achieving success, public cooperation on all levels was pivotal and it would further strengthen the confidence between the government and the masses. He lauded what he termed invaluable services rendered by the Saifullah family in the nation building, particularly in the NWFP.