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English News PML(N)

Nawaz meets Turkish PM

Islamabad, October 26, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Muslim League (N) leader Nawaz Sharif called on Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyap Erdogan here on Monday morning. Nawaz Sharif called for joint cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey to meet the challenges of militancy and extremism. He also thanked Turkish government for its help in reconstruction of the earthquake hit region. Turkish prime minister assured his country’s all out help to Pakistan. PML-N leades Chaudhry Nisar and Ishaq Dar were also present in the meeting.

Nawaz condoles death of Punjab MSF chief Babar Awan

Rawalpindi, October 26, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif reached on Monday the house of Punjab MSF chief Babar Awan and expressed grief and sorrow with his family over the death of Babar Awan. Parliamentary leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Senator Pervez Rashid, Member Punjab Assembly Shehar Riaz, MSF leaders Malik Adnan Yaqub, Anjum Iqbal Mughal, Maqbool Khan and Punjab deputy secretary information Ilyas were also present on this occasion. Nawaz Sharif on the occasion said the death of Babar Awan is a great loss not only for his family but also for the party as he was brave and sincere leader, who faced bravely the dictatorship, adding, he also faced long illness along with political struggle. He said people like Babar Awan are born once in history and he is not among us now but he believes that he is present among workers. Later, Nawaz Sharif offered Fateha for the departed soul.

Punjab is rich in natural resources, says Shahbaz

Lahore, October 26, 2009,(www.pmln.com.pk): A delegation of China State Construction and Engineering Company led by its Vice President of Overseas Department Wang Li called on Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, here today. Matters regarding Lahore Ring Road, Rawalpindi Expressway and cooperation in various projects were discussed in detail in the meeting. Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan and China are bound together in strong ties of friendship. He said that China has played a commendable role in the development and progress of Pakistan and has stood by Pakistan in every hour of need like a true friend. He said that Punjab is rich in natural resources and there is a wide scope of foreign investment and cooperation in different sectors. He said that China is already extending cooperation in different sectors in Punjab. He said that government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the rapid development of the province and prosperity of the masses and special attention is being paid to infrastructure development.He said that Lahore Ring Road and Rawalpindi Expressway projects are of vital importance for the progress of the province and keeping in view this fact he had signed an agreement with the Chinese company regarding these projects. He said that details are being finalized for practical implementation of this agreement. He said that completion of Lahore Ring Road and Rawalpindi Expressway projects will result in provision of better transportation facilities to the masses and will leave a positive impact on the development process of the province. He said that China State Construction Company and Punjab government can form a joint investment company for the implementation of these projects. He said that China State Company should complete the IT Center at Ferozpur Road within timeframe as this project is already delayed and Punjab government is bearing additional expenditure of Rs.one billion on this project. He expressed the desire for cooperation with the Chinese company in various projects in future as well. He said that a clear roadmap should be devised for Lahore Ring Road and Rawalpindi Expressway and it should also be kept in view that Pakistan is a poor country having limited resources. He said that both these projects should be of the best quality with minimum of cost. Vice President China State Construction and Engineering Company Mr. Wang Li said that he has come to Lahore for cooperation in Lahore Ring Road and Rawalpindi Expressway projects and to finalize details in this regard. He said that these projects will prove to be a milestone in the development of the province.

Shahbaz lauds China’s role in Pak progress

Lahore, October 26, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk):- Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif lauding China’s role in Pakistan’s progress, said Pak-China enjoy exemplary relationship of lasting friendship. Shahbaz Sharif expressed these views during his meeting with the delegation of China Estate and Engineering Company. The meeting exchanged views over cooperation for different projects including Lahore Ring Road and Rawalpindi Express Way. The Chinese company and Punjab government can establish a joint investment company, Shahbaz Sharif said. He said the IT tower will be completed in the stipulated time. Lieutenant General (Rtrd) Syed Sabahat Hussein, Chairman Public Service Commission also met with CM Punjab. Shahbaz Sharif ordered the commission to improve its performance and undertake recruitments on merit only

NRO not discussed at Zardari-Nawaz meeting: PML-N

Islamabad, October 26, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq Monday said that PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif has urged President Asif Ali Zardari to take undertake necessary steps towards amendment of the Constitution including repeal of 17th amendment in the light Charter of Democracy. Giving briefing on the meeting between President Zardari and Nawaz Sharif, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said the PML-N Chief proposed formation of a NAB-like organization under the Charter of Democracy. Nawaz Sharif underlined adoption of a self-reliance policy with a view to end Pakistan’s dependence of foreign aid. To a question regarding National Reconciliation Ordinance, Raja Zafar said: “The word ‘NRO’ was not mentioned even for a single time during the meeting which lasted for over 90 minutes.” Nawaz Sharif suggested that leaders of Balochistan be contacted and steps be taken for putting out fire in the province. He underlined adoption of strategy for economic well being and safeguarding political rights of the people of Balochistan. Raja Zafar quoted Nawaz Sharif as saying: “The challenge of terrorism cannot be tackled only through use of force … socio-ecnomic development must also be incorporated in the strategy to fight terrorism effectively.”

NDI delegation calls on PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif

Islamabad, October 26, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - "Parliament has to be strengthened for the sake to achieve the stability of democracy and all democratic institutions. Furthermore, this is also inevitable to avoid conspiracies against the democracy and undemocractic forces which had been disrupting the democratic system in the country in the past", said Pakistan Muslim League-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif while talking to a delegation of National Demcratic Institute (NDI) headed by the country director Ms. Sheila Frumen, who called on him in Punjab House, Islamabad. Talking to the delegation, he said, "PMLN is going to reorganize its party across the country on the root level and the party will indulge young and new blood through its membership drive which would be started in the near future". He said that the PMLN wanted political stability in the country and we wish that all the democratic forces should join hands to end up political chaos and resolve the problems faced by the people of Pakistan. The main challenge for all of us is to eracate the root cause due to which the dictatorship could find room and sabotage the democratic set ups again and again in the country". He maintained. Ms.Sheila Frumen apprised PMLN Quaid on his political efforts meant for the political stabliity in the country. She also informed PMLN Quaid about the role of NDI which it was playing to strengthen the democracy in the country. The NDI delegation observed that PMLN had tremendous potential for the women and youth.

PML-N would not accept KLB unless objectionable clauses are removed: Nawaz Sharif

Islamabad, October 15, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - PML-N Chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has said that PML-N was ready to accept the bill if all the objectionable clauses were removed from the Kerry Lugar bill. Expressing these views while addressing an emergency press conference after the party’s meeting here in Punjab House on Thursday, Nawaz Sharif said that conditions linked to Kerry Lugar Bill may be correct according to US point of view but US has always looked after the interests of their own."But we have to see what role our leaders are playing for their nation", Nawaz said. Nawaz Sharif said that despite the fact that Pakistan had been taking aid from US since long , this particular bill had clauses that has disturbed and alarmed the Pakistani nation, and whole nation is standing united against this bill. He said that those who were boasting off this bill were now finding ways for amendments. "Getting rid of foreign debts in not all that difficult, we have to find ways to get rid of these debts. For this purpose, nation had to give a big sacrifice and to achieve our goal we will have to make a comprehensive plan", he said. He said that the need of the hour was that all the stake holders should have been taken into confidence on Kerry Lugar Bill. He requested that government should make a national plan to save Pakistan from beggar’s blow. He said that he is satisfied that PML-Q has dispensed its national responsibilities on Kerry Lugar Bill issue effectively. "Nation can benefit from the experiences of the other nations but if some nation thinks that its future can be changed by other nation’s its lives in fools’ paradise, " he said by adding that " had we moved in the right direction in the past, then our present would have been much better". He said that the whole nation is deeply under the burden of foreign debts. Despite heavy debts people are still deprived of health, care education and basic facilities. He said that Pakistan is standing at the cross road. "We have to decide how long we will keep depending on others, how long we will depend on debts", he added. Nawaz Sharif said that the biggest question before the nation was that whether the leadership had the courage to break the beggar’s bowl." Should we accept Kerry Lugar Bill with all its conditions?" he asked. He said that those who were boasting off this bill are now finding ways for amendments. "Getting rid of foreign debts in not all that difficult, we have to find ways to get rid of these debts. For this purpose, nation had to give a big sacrifice and to achieve our goal we will have to make a comprehensive plan", he said. PML-N Chief said that during his two tenures as Prime Minister he gave policies, which brought economic stability and prosperity. "Even the economic policies of PML-N were adopted by neighbors as well", he reminisced. He said that when he removed restrictions on the transaction of foreign currencies, he was told that this decision will harm the economy of Pakistan but instead our foreign reserves started building up. "We managed to build motorway with our own resources. Our economic reforms were much appreciated by India as well, “he said. He said that due to adoption of PML-N’s economic policies rupee was stabilized. He said that PML-N brought revolution in the field of telecommunication. "These projects were proof of my vision of economic development", he held. Similarly, he said that after nuclear explosions Pakistan had to face economic sanctions. "But we gave preference to our national pride and faced economic sanctions with courage", he said. He said that Musharraf should have continued the policy of not taking foreign loans, while PML-N had broken the beggar’s bowls, and Musharraf should not have picked the beggar’s bowl again. "For his personal gains he brought bad name to the country, " he accused. He said, "We must develop a plan of action for the economic stability of the country and our economic experts must make a clear cut policy for our economic development and put Pakistan on the path of self respect". Nawaz Sharif said that a bill was passed in Musharraf’s time as well which should have been objected by political forces and media. But after 9/11 situation changed so dramatically that "one phone call made all the difference". "We need some homework to re-organize PML-N. In the coming days you will see positive change regarding reorganization of PML-N. These attacks by militants are matter of great concern. We condemn them and pray for those who have laid their lives for their motherland", he stated. He said that government has not even taken PML-N , or other coalition allies into confidence. He said that government should have taken all stake holders into confidence. "Had government followed CoD, this situation would not have risen, " he added. While talking about the law and order situation in the country he said that law and order situation in the country is clear to everyone. In response to a question he said that whenever he is on foreign visits, he always avoids discussing national issue. He said that he preferred discussing National issues at National level." PML-N was the first party to raise its voice against Kerry Lugar Bill, " he added. Replying to another question he said that PML-N wanted democracy to flourish. He said that only democracy can bring prosperity. "Dictatorship has given us nothing but shortage of electricity and darkness. What so ever we have learned during the dark period of dictatorship should not go waste, “he added. He said that the people of Pakistan are playing the role which parliament should play. Similarly, he has also termed the reports about sanctions that Saudi Arabia has imposed on him for taking part in election as illogical. He said, "Why Saudi should do it? Saudi Arabia is our friend. We should not drag that country into our National politics".

PML-N opposed NRO at all forums: Pervez Rashid

Islamabad, October 13, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Central Leader PML-N Senator Pervez Rasheed has clarified that PML-N had opposed NRO in the past and PML-N would not consider it in the future too. Talking in a media program here Tuesday, he stated that PML-N has an explicit stance and the PPPP's led incumbent Government should present it in the Parliament and the parliament would take the final decision over it adding that why did the incumbents have been hesitating to present it in the House. Meanwhile PPPP' s Leader of the House in Senate Senator Nayyar Bukhari informed that NRO could be tabled in the ongoing session of the House adding that NRO has been ordinance of Federal and four provinces of the country. Responding to a query, he stated that if PML-N has been so much of an opponent of NRO, they why did NRO was not tabled in the provincial assembly of Punjab

Pak-army proved that it could face any challenge: Sheikh Kaiser

Lahore, October 13, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Pakistan Muslim League (N) Overseas' central secretary general Sheikh Kaiser Mehmood has said that the Pak-army proved that it could face any challenge. He said the military officers and officials embraced martyrdom but did not allow inflicting loss to solidarity of Pakistan. In a statement here Tuesday he said that the people would not ignore the sacrifices of their heroes, adding that the names of terrorists combating with Pak-armed forces would vanish, while those sacrificing their lives defending the country would be remembered forever as heroes of the nation. He said the extremists playing with lives of innocent citizens were misled people and they would not be tolerated further, nor the Indian intrusion would be allowed in the country. He said the extremists limited in number could not fight against Pak-army and 170-million people of Pakistan and their defeat was written on the wall. Kaiser Mehmood said the country's leadership and nation were determined to weed out menace of terrorism and they would certainly achieve success in this regard. He said that the terrorists had become danger for another country and Pakistan broke their network for which it suffered a lot. He said US should provide unconditional aid to Pakistan considering its requirements and glaring problems and pressurizing India to stop interference into its affairs

Pakistan Muslim League (N) observes Black Day throughout the country

Lahore, October 12, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Pakistan Muslim League (N) observed Black Day throughout the country including Lahore to condemn the former dictator Pervez Musharraf’s move to topple the democratic and constitutional government of Nawaz Sharif on October 12, 1999. The leaders, members of assemblies and workers of PML (N) held protest camps, rallies and processions in the city. They were chanting slogans against former dictator condemning his action to remove a democratic government and putting the country into the black era of unconstitutional and undemocratic rule. The participants of the protest rallies were demanding for the trial of Pervez Musharraf. MNA and a leader of PML (N) Hamza Shahbaz visited the camps and boosted the moral of the workers who were wearing black strips on their shoulders having black flags in their hands. All the main roads of the city e displayed the banners portraying anti-Musharraf and Pro Nawaz Sharif slogans and write ups. The main camps held in connection with the observance of Black Day were organized by the workers of PML (N) at Lohari, Gulberg, Kot Lakhpat, Shadman, Chuburji and inside the walled city. PML (N) leaders Mian Marghub Ahmad, Dr. Saeed Elahi, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Ramzan Sidduqe Bhatti, Naseer Bhutta and other organized these camps. Later, the participants departed in form of rallies for Aiwan-e-Iqbal where a function well-attended by the PML leaders and workers was organized.

Young generation could ensure bright future for the country: Shahbaz

Lahore, October 11, 2009, (www.pmln.com.pk): - Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that all the four provinces will have to work jointly for the welfare of 16 crore people and progress of Pakistan. He said that our joys and sorrows are common and prosperity of any one province cannot be called prosperity of the whole country, therefore, national resources will have to be utilized equitably. He said that such projects should be launched which have consensus of the four provinces and could result in promotion of mutual brotherhood and harmony. He said that young generation could ensure a bright future for the country by equipping itself with the latest knowledge. He expressed the confidence that youth will spare no effort in fulfilling its responsibility; however, there is a need to utilize maximum resources on the education and training of young generation. He expressed these views while talking to a 20-member delegation of position-holder students of different examinations from Sindh province which is on a visit to Punjab at his invitation at Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The delegation during his visit to Punjab also went to Murree, Nathiagali, historical places of Lahore and different educational institutions. The students were also presented guard of honour in Murree in acknowledgement of their hard work. The Chief Minister while talking to the delegation said that Sindh province has deep-rooted tradions of love, brotherhood and amity and it has played an important role in the creation of Pakistan. He said that Sindh is the land of poets, Sufis and folk artists and it has a unique culture. He said that the city of Quaid (Karachi) is the gateway of Pakistan and a hub of economic activities while Larkana , Hyderabad and other cities also have a distinctive importance. He said that Punjab government is inviting position holder students of different examinations from all the three provinces for their encouragement and in addition to arranging their visit to historical places of Lahore, Nathiagali and Murree, they are also being presented guard of honour. He said that guard of honour is the right of talented girl and boy students of the country and they are being given the protocol of VVIPs. He said that Government House Murree which was reserved for the President, Prime Minister and other prominent personalities is now being made available for the stay of talented students. He said that inter provincial visits of students will result in promotion of mutual harmony and brotherhood among the provinces and removal of misunderstandings. He said that Pakistan is a federation and all the four provinces are its units. He said that there is a need to make collective efforts for ensuring a bright future for the country. The Chief Minister said that due to wrong policies of the last 62 years, the country could not achieve the aim of progress and prosperity as was envisioned by Quaid e Azam and Alama Muhammad Iqbal. He said that we developed the habit of depending on others instead of relying on our own resources due to which our freedom and dignity is being undermined today and it is a matter of concern for the whole nation. He said that instead of begging from others we will have to live within our own resources. He said that we imported oil worth billions of rupees for the generation of energy but did not benefit from the coal reserve in Sindh and Punjab which are the best source of power generation.

Democracy to bring prosperity: Zafar-ul-Haq

Islamabad, October 12, 2009,(www.pmln.com.pk): - Pakistan Muslim League (N) Central Leader Raja Zafar-ul-Haq Monday said that democracy was the only way to progress and prosperity of the country and his party would keep on its struggle for strengthening the democratic process. Addressing the Democracy Protection Day gathering here on Monday at PML-N central office, he said that General (R) Musharraf had hijacked the government illegally on October 12 and due to his mistakes, the nation was facing different problems including the menace of terrorism. Terming the past eight years as "the worst time for nation", the PML-N leader further said, "We need to evolve proper strategy to top this kind of a situation in future". He said that some people were labeling the PML-N as "friendly opposition", but said that his party did not want to "disrupt" the democratic system which was still not so strong. Paying rich tributes to the Pakistan Army's high ranking officials and Jawans for rendering sacrifices in the war against terrorism, the PML-N leader said "the soldiers laid down their lives for a nobel cause". Another PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that General (R) Musharraf was the main cause for all the ills being faced by the country today. He said that the former dictator pushed the country into numerous problems and it was the need of hour to bring him to the justice to stop this kind of action in future. He said that PML-N will continue its efforts for the improvement of the democratic institutions in the country. MNA Anjum Aqeel, MNA Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, local leadership and a large number of PML-N workers also addressed the public meeting.