|
Today's News
Today is:
Wednesday, March 10, 2010, Rabiul Awwal 23, 1431 A.H. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| President hopeful of reforms package by end of March |
|
| F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday expressed the hope that with the finalisation of Constitutional reforms package by the end of current month, the 1973 Constitution would be restored to its original shape.
Addressing the award distribution ceremony of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) at the Aiwan-e-Sadr the President said it was basically for Mian Raza Rabbani led constitutional reforms committee as to when it submits its report; he however hoped it would be within this month.
Besides a large number of APNS representatives, newspaper owners, journalists, columnists, writers, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Qamar Zaman Kaira, the ceremony was also attended by federal ministers, parliamentarians and senior officers of the Ministry of Information. The President hoped that the task of constitutional reforms would be carried out unanimously in a spirit of reconciliation.
He said they were determined to rid the Constitution of all undemocratic articles introduced into it by successive dictator. The President noted that during his address to the parliament last year he himself had asked the the Peopls'representives to reform the Constitution.
This was followed by a letter to the Prime Minister and the Speaker asking them to work towards elimination of provisions which strengthen the Presidency and weaken the parliament and democracy, he added.
The President said it was a wrong perception that he can return the powers of the parliament and the Prime minister on his own; only the parliament has such authority The President said he had voluntarily transferred his powers as head of the Command and Control Authority to the parliament.
The President said the Government firmly believes in freedom of the media and has taken a number of measures for the purpose.
He said he welcomes constructive criticism as it helps improve government's performance to serve people in a better manner. The President said independent media has a crucial role to play in keeping a check on the executive and the strengthening of democratic institutions. He said it was PPP government of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto which allowed free import of newsprint, and that the employees of radio and television were reinstated.
He said the PPP Government also lifted restrictions on TV channels imposed by the dictatorship.
Referring to achievements of the Government he said only three days ago he signed into law two bills to protect rights of the workers.
"We also have plans to distribute free the state-owned agricultural land in the command areas of the new dams among the poor women", he added. The President said the government also gave Aghaz Haqooq-e-Balochistan package, introduced far reaching social and political reforms in Gilgit-Baltistan and addressed the issue of net hydel profit.
He said for the first time the criterion of the NFC Awards has been changed on the demand of the provinces.
President Zardari said those who martyred Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto not only wanted to eliminate her but also scuttle democracy and that is why he opposed the proposition of boycott of the general elections.
He said it was because of his decision to participate in the elections that "today we have democracy in the country and different parties are represented in the parliament".
About UN inquiry commission into assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the President said the commission had completed its task to a great extent.
The President said when he talked about the murderers of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto he meant the mind-set that eliminated her "we have to change this mind-set and strengthen democracy".
The President said his sister was a covering candidate when he contested elections for the office of the President.
"As her nomination papers were also accepted, there are now two opinions whether a woman can contest the presidential elections and hoped that one day we could also have a woman president".
Referring to the demands of the APNS, the President directed the Government to look into them.
The President also gave away 19th and 20th APNS awards to writers, columnists, reporters, cartoonists and photographers. He also gave away advertising awards.
Earlier, President APNS Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Shami in his welcome remarks said leaving aside the issue of praise or criticism about President Zardari one thing is very much clear that he (President Zardari) entered the Presidency in the broad daylight as an elected President.
He said during the election process of President Zardari, even his opponents or rival candidates did not raise any objection against him.
"Today's APNS award winners will get their awards from a democratic President", he remarked. |
|
|
|
|