Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said Friday that democracy is the way to govern any country and a strong parliament will lead to strong institutions. “The survival of this country only lies in democracy, free and fair elections and in respecting the aspirations of the people” Raja Pervez Ashraf remarked. Addressing a ceremony for the Benazir Income Support Programme, here Friday Prime Minister Ashraf said democracy was the solution to all problems. He added that the situation in the country could only be improved if parliament and democracy were strengthened. The prime minister emphasised that the country also belonged to expats and the opposition and the government were not against anyone. Prime Minister Ashraf further said the people’s court would decide on what was right or wrong and this would be done via the ballot box. He reiterated that the PPP would take all necessary measure to ensure that the elections were free and fair. He said the decision of the future government will only be made by the people through their votes. Prime Minister Pervez Ashraf said consensus election of the Chief Election Commissioner was the first step towards the holding of free elections. Other phases will also be completed with the same spirit and intent. He said nobody should have any confusion or concerns on the matter. Turning to the different initiatives launched by Benazir Income Support Programme, the Prime Minister said programmes like Waseela Haq Waseela-e-Sehat and insursance scheme have been launched to help the oppressed segments of the society stand on their own feet. He said the programme launched on the name of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has become a role model for the entire world as it is providing financial assistance to the deserving people on merit irrespective of their party affiliation. He expressed the confidence that the future governments will continue with this programme for the betterment of the poor families. He said currently six million people are benefiting from this programme and it will be further expanded with completion of poverty survey. Under this programme, an education programme is being launched with the financial assistance of the UK for the education of three million poor children. He was confident the program will bring revolution in the lives of the people. The Prime Minister further said that almost half of the population of Balochistan is benefiting from various schemes of Benazir Income Support Programme. He said Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan as far as its geography is concerned and future of the country lies in that province. Pervez Ashraf said around one hundred thousand families are getting help from this prgramme. Later the Prime Minister distributed checks of one hundred and fifty thousand rupees among women selected under Waseela Rozgar Programme. He also distributed debit cards and Life Insurance Certificates among various participants.