KARACHI, March 24: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has emphasized the need of forging unity to enable the country to make rapid headway in the comity of nations. He was speaking at a Pakistan Day function at Clifton beach here on Thursday night. The event was held under the auspices of Ministry of Ports and Shipping and the Karachi Port Trust.

Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro, Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, federal and provincial ministers, city nazim, senior civil and military officials attended the celebrations which included fireworks and display of Waterjet, the world’s tallest foundation built by Ministry of Ports and Shipping and the Karachi Port Trust.

Felicitating the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day, the premier declared that our people were second to none in the world and that the country possessed human capital and skilled manpower, and what required was unity.

He pointed out that in the past six years there had been an unprecedented transition in the country which had made progress and would make further headway. Mr Aziz declared that the future of Pakistan was sound, the economy of the country had improved and the defence had also been strengthened.

He made it very clear that Pakistan was a peaceful country and with no aggressive designs. “However if an evil eye is cast then we are capable to defend ourselves,” he added.

He said Pakistan had potential which must be exploited for the welfare of the people and development of the country.

Pakistan is the citadel of Islam that must be made stronger as the entire Muslim Ummah attached great importance to Pakistan, he said.

The prime minister said that all available resources would be utilized for making the defence of the country invincible.

The premier also pointed out that peace was achieved through strength. He said that President Musharraf, he himself and the federal cabinet were making every possible effort to make Pakistan strong and prosperous in accordance with the wishes of the Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

He made it clear that our intentions were clear and that every decision was being taken very much in the interest of the country and its people.

Mr Aziz said that with unity and good governance, the process of reforms would also be carried forward. He also spoke of the steps being taken to make available the items of daily use such as sugar, ghee and atta at reasonable prices.

The prime minister said that basic facilities like education, health, communication network, electricity and gas etc. were being made available in the rural areas as well.

He said that Pakistan’s future was very bright and it was in our hands. We have human capital, skills and resources, he added.

The prime minister said that the capital was being generated and commercial activities were flourishing.

He emphasized that equity in growth and income was very essential. The premier, however, reminded that profit and capital generation was necessary for growth.

Mr Aziz said that the continuity of economic reforms in the country had helped in generating job opportunities for the common man. He said during the last year 100,000 air conditioners and two million TV sets were assembled in the country.

He said that Karachi with a population 15 million was the financial capital and hub of economic activity of the country.

Mr Aziz suggested setting up of one or two more wholesale vegetable markets in Karachi to eliminate monopoly of the existing one, which would bring down prices for the benefit of the masses. The government is striving to provide essential items to the people at reasonable prices, he added.

Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Khan Ghauri in his remarks said the government would complete its five-year tenure and the general elections would be held by the end of the next year.—APP/PPI