Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Wednesday urged the Afghanistan government to refrain from unfounded accusations against Pakistan. Terming as “baseless” the allegations levelled by Afghanistan regarding Pakistan’s involvement in the attack on the head of National Directorate of Security, the Prime Minister said the Afghan government should provide solid proofs about the incident. Prime Minister Ashraf in his opening remarks at the cabinet’s weekly meeting said Pakistan is a peaceful country and gives value to its relations with neighbouring states in particular. He said the world and the neighbouring countries must realize that Pakistan considers terrorism and extremism as major challenges.
“Instead of blame game, we should join hands to defeat the nefarious designs of terrorists,” he said and assured that the Pakistan government would fight extremists at all fronts.
The Prime Minister strongly condemned the terrorist attack at a police station in Bannu, killing three policemen, an army personnel and two citizens.
He also expressed sorrow over the attack on a rally of Awami National Party that injured eight persons.
The Prime Minister vowed to fight terrorism and said such cowardly attacks could not deter the government’s resolve to eradicate militancy.
Prime Minister Ashraf paid tribute to President Asif Ali Zardari on his initiative to set up ‘Malala Fund’ with a seed money of 10 million dollars, aimed at educating girls all over the world by year 2015.
He expressed hoped that the step would help foil the designs of the elements who fan hatred, violence and ignorance.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was heading towards general election and added that free, fair and transparent polls were vital for the continuity of democracy, and for national progress and prosperity.
He said only elected leadership could determine the direction for sustainable economic, social and political progress in the country.
“Insha Allah, Pakistan Peoples Party and its allies will sweep the forthcoming polls,” he said.
He mentioned the recent judgement of Supreme Court that exposed the manipulation of election results done in the past.
He said the government in accordance with the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was taking steps to ensure free election in the country and to check any possibility of maneuvering the polls.
He said the government would provide all out support to the Election Commission in this regard.
Later, Prime Minister Ashraf prayed for the departed souls of Senator Malik Salahuddin Dogar and Senator Wali Muhammad Badeeni who passed away recently. He
acknowledged their services for the country and nation. The Prime Minister congratulated Jam Yusuf for assuming the charge of Privatization Minister.