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KARACHI Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the government can cut its development budget for meeting the requirements of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
'The government is fully cognizant of the needs of IDPs and will look after them,' he said while speaking at the 14th PTV Awards ceremony held at the PAF Museum on Thursday night. Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira were also present.
The prime minister said the government would take care of the people who were displaced due to the ongoing war in the northern parts of the country. 'The (displaced) people of Malakand and Swat districts are our guests and we are ready to give every sacrifice for them because they are our benefactors,' he added.
He said Pakistan would emerge a strong nation after going through this period. 'There will be time when every child will have education and health facilities... they will be provided these facilities at their doorstep,' he declared.
He appealed to the masses to donate generously for their brethren. 'I appeal to you to feel about your sisters, brothers, sons and daughters; and contribute your share through donations,' he said.
The prime minister said that extreme action had become inevitable against the militants and terrorists who had challenged the writ of the government in the northern areas by slaughtering people, blowing up schools, disgracing women and forming a parallel government.
'We had no option but to take the extreme action against these elements who had created a state within the state,' he maintained, remarking 'These evil elements were eating the country's vitals like termites.'
Criticism of govt on state TV welcomed
Prime Minister Gilani said the government believed in the freedom of the press, adding 'We will welcome constructive and positive criticism. I allow PTV to pinpoint the government's shortcomings and make constructive criticism of the government so that we can rectify mistakes.'
Earlier, the prime minister, along with the information minister, presented the PTV awards to winners.—APP
