MULTAN, Oct 28 Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday the democratic government would fulfill all the promises made with the masses.

“This is a people's government. You have elected us and we are duty-bound to address your problems,” Gilani said at the inauguration of the 'Sweet Home' project and the distribution of wheelchairs and cash among physically-challenged people and the poor, organised by the Pakistan Baitul Maal.

The prime minister said the restoration of democracy was a big challenge, which was achieved with the support of the masses, adding the democratic institutions including the parliament were gaining strength.

He said his coalition government had restored the 1973 Constitution, ensuring supremacy of parliament and giving enhanced autonomy and funds to provinces through 18th Amendment and the consensus approval of the 7th NFC Award. He said the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) would help low income groups resolve their problems.

He said a poverty survey was being conducted under the BISP and after the completion of the survey, the poor would be offered facilities such as the waiver of utility bills, health insurance and life insurance.

He also announced construction of a road from Khad Factory to Pul Khadal. He praised the social welfare ministry for helping the poor and destitute.

He said the orphans to be given shelter in Sweet Home would be imparted quality education through the best institutions.

PROJECTS Mr Gilani opened a flyover at Chungi No 9, completed under the Prime Minister's Development Package.

National Highway Authority Chairman Chaudhry Altaf Ahmed said eight flyovers were being built in the city which would cost Rs3.9 billion.

Work on flyovers at Chungi No 8, Kalma Chowk and Double Phatik would be completed by April 2011.

Gilani also performed the ground breaking of two grid stations that would be built in Kabirwala at a cost of Rs630 million. One of these would be constructed at Maan Kot while the other one would be built in Bati-Bangla.

Federal Minister for Education Sardar Aseff Ahmed Ali, Federal Minister for Communications Arbab Alamgir, State Minister for Communications Imtiaz Safdar Warriach, Federal Minister for Social Welfare Sameena Ghurki, NHA Chairman Chaudhry Altaf, Senator Salahuddin Dogar, MPA Abdul Qadir Gilani and Malik Aamir Dogar were also present. —APP