MUZAFFARGARH - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Saturday creating Seraiki province is solution to the problems confronting the people of South Punjab.
“Seraiki province is the only solution to the problems being faced by locals as you will have your own assembly, chief minister and courts,” Gilani said while addressing a public meeting at Ali Pur after inaugurating a gas supply scheme.
He went on: “I promise you, promise on behalf of President Asif Ali Zardari who is also in Multan today, that your rights will be protected as it is the wish of all people of the area to make this (Seraiki) province.” The Prime Minister said opponents wanted to oust him.
He said in jail, he was offered to change loyalty but he rejected any power that lacked public mandate. “I was offered to become prime minister when I was in jail and told that neither Benazir Bhutto nor Nawaz Sharif would come back but I refused,” the Prime Minister said.
The PPP-led government has buried politics of revenge forever, he said, adding that the government completed its four years with the support of people and would complete its full term.
He said, “There are many allegations on us, such as we forget our friends, but I have removed allegations.”
The Prime Minister said, “I can not violate the mandate given by the people and continue fight for the rights of people.”
Gilani said the upcoming budget would be pro-people. “The government will provide 100,000 jobs in the next budget.”
He said the manifesto given by Benazir Bhutto would be completed and public problems will be resolved. He said farmers will also get more relief in the next budget for improving agriculture production.
He said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto gave identity to people.
He said the government won the Senate elections and President Zardari made history by addressing the fifth consecutive joint sitting of the Parliament.
He said, “Some elements are against us because they knew that if we remain in the government we will take the decision to form Seraiki province.”
Gilani said, “It is my honour that I am the first Prime Minister to address public meeting here in this area.”
He said this area belongs to his forefather as they remained associated with this place and even won the elections with the support of the local people.
“We have very strong relations with you due to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto,” he added.
He assured that the gas project worth Rs1.38 billion will provide benefit to a large number of areas in Southern Punjab which was a long standing demand of the people.
He also announced Rs100 million for the construction of roads and assured to construct bridge in the area.
The Prime Minister said roads, hospitals and educational institutions damaged in the last floods will be completed by the federal government.
He also announced financial assistance for each of the Ali Pur Press Club and Jatoi Press Club. He also announced two buses for the local colleges.
He directed Passco to increase the quota of wheat procurement from the area.
Newly-inducted minister Moazzam Jatoi, former federal minister Qayyum Jatoi and MNA Jamshed Dasti also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the gas supply which will benefit the people of the areas constituencies of NA-78, Na-79 and NA-80 and other adjoining areas.