JARANWALA – Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who is to face contempt of court charges tomorrow, hinted Saturday he was prepared to forego his office, saying it was time leaders rendered sacrifices.
“Our aim is to serve the people of Pakistan, doesn’t matter we remain in power or not,” Gilani while addressing a public rally here. “Gone are the days when party workers used to sacrifice; now the leaders will render sacrifices… We don’t need government which is not given by masses.”
Citing the example of the former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Gilani said ZAB preferred embracing gallows to compromising people’s right.
The Supreme Court on Monday will frame contempt of court charges against Gilani, bringing his political future on the line. If convicted, he may face disqualification from his office and a jail sentence.
Gilani said while in jail he was asked to join dictatorial regime of Musharraf and told that Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif would not return to Pakistan. “But I didn’t surrender, and said I don’t want such power which is not granted by people… This chair of prime minitership is due to the struggle of Benazir Bhutto and we will defend her ideologies, ideas and vision at all cost.”
He went on, “We are here in the government due to the vision and thought of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto… We promise to remain committed with their vision, thoughts and ideas and carry forward their politics of reconciliation.”
In a clear reference to Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Gilani said that those who have been talking about bringing a change and revolution in the country have not been elected by the people so far. “Those talking about taking three wickets on a single ball had not rendered as much sacrifices as did the PPP.” He claimed the PPP is the only party which rendered sacrifices for the country and for democracy.
Gilani said that no government carried out such a huge development as compared to the PPP incumbent government. The response of the people in the public meetings of the PPP is due to its achievements and measures taken for the welfare of the people, he added.
The prime minister said the PPP workers have rendered many sacrifices and the party is fully aware of their sacrifices and would remember them. “The workers of PPP never compromised and remained committed to the party and loyal to the leadership of the party… I am proud of the devotion of the workers of the party who remained steadfast with the leadership and rendered sacrifices for strengthening of democratic process in the country.”
The prime minister announced to complete the gas supply, roads construction and electricity provision projects at the cost of Rs10 billion. He said the UAE government provided two power plants, which were installed at Faisalabad as it is industrial area and need these plants.
He also mentioned the projects inaugurated by him in the area that included gas supply, Benazir Park, a new road and provision of Broadband facilities at the schools of Jaranawala. The prime minister said the completion of under-construction roads, in the area will bring revolution in the region.
He said the completion of Syed Wala Bridge will also greatly contribute to the development of the area.
The broadband facility, provided at a cost of Rs1.40 billion, will be helpful for whole region of Faisalabad, he said. Appreciating the decision of distribution of computers by the Punjab government to students, he said, infrastructure is also important which was being provided by the federal government.
Regarding the demand to declare Jaranawala a district, he said if all the representatives of the area are agreed then he will ask the provincial government to take the decision on priority basis. He also announced to set up an IT University in Jaranwala. He promised to take steps for establishing Industrial Zone in the area. The Prime Minister also directed the Chairman of Evacuee Trust Board to resolve the issue of tenants. He also asked the provincial government to give big city status to Jaranwala.