Govt following the policy of restraint: PM Nawaz

ATTOCK: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, on Wednesday said the country’s 180 million people had elected him as prime minister and he will not resign on the wishes of a few thousand. The prime minister added that it was not difficult for the government to get the roads vacated of protesters.

Prime Minister Sharif said the entire nation had a consolidated view on pursuing a democratic path, however, a few people were pursuing negative politics that posed a serious threat to national development.

“Why should Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif resign on the demand of five thousand people,” the prime minister asked, adding that he was sure the nation would stand by them.



“The entire parliament is on one side and a single party stands alone on the other [demanding resignation],” he said at the inaugural ceremony of exploration of gas in Sagri village of Tehsil Jand in Attock district.

Nawaz Sharif said the Chief Election Commissioner for general polls 2013 was appointed after consensus of all political parties and thus the results should be accepted. He said he was not responsible for the so called allegations of rigging in election 2013 as the interim government in place did not belong to PML-N.

He recalled that PML-N despite having some reservations about the election in 2008, accepted the results for the sake of continuation of democracy in the country. The prime minister urged those advancing the politics of sit-ins to not hinder the country’s development plan.

He said it was not difficult to get the roads vacated of protesters however the government was adopting the policy of restraint. He mentioned that the postponement of visit of Chinese president to Islamabad delayed signing of several power projects that aimed at reducing shortage of electricity in the country.

He termed ending the load shedding of electricity as the government's top priority. “With abundant electricity the issues of poverty and unemployment can be effectively addressed and smooth running of industries can be ensured,” he said. He vowed to end load shedding within three to four years.

Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the exploration of gas and oil in Sagri 1 well by Oil and Gas Development Corporation Limited (OGDCL) and said it would be another boost to national economy. He said a major chunk of foreign exchange was being spent on import of oil and gas and stressed that more digging activities should be carried out to explore natural resources.

He complimented OGDCL for its 100th discovery at Sagri and hoped that the profit earning Company would generate more revenue for the government.

Nawaz Sharif hoped that the country would soon be self reliant in the production of oil and gas.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that Sagri 1 well would produce 17.5 million cubic feet and 220 barrel oil on daily basis. He said the gas well will add 15 billion rupees to the monthly revenue and will reduce the imports up to 117 million dollar.

He said the government would get a dividend of three billion rupees by the OGDCL annually. The Minister said the OGDCL board had recently been reconstituted on merit with a sole objective to decide steps for strengthening national economy.

State Minister Jam Kamal and Chairman OGDCL Zahid Muzaffar were also presented.