The President maintained economy is of vital importance for a country, and if a country's economy is robust it can handle other issues, including 'ticklish' one effectively. "We have put our economy on right track; all economic indicators are positive and encouraging with GDP growth rate of 8.4 percent achieved during last year.
This year also it would be around 7 percent with per capita income having increased from 460 to 700 dollars during the last five years," ha said.
Other economic indicators like foreign exchange reserves, performance of stock exchange, exports and GDP debt ratio are all showing positive indicators, he said, adding expansion of cellular phone service and phenomenal sale of about 14 million mobile phones during the last couple of years speak volume of economic prosperity of the people.
This indicates that our economy is rapidly growing. On inflation, the President said, it should be understood that it is because of increased purchasing power of the people. "It is because of good economic health of the country that we have been able to launch 15 mega projects like Gwadar port, Gomal Zam dam, Kachi canal, Rannie canal, Mirani dam and a number of highway projects across the country."
Regarding National Finance Commission (NFC) award, the President said it was an important issue and all the four provinces had given authority to him to take a decision on it.
Highlighting the dire need of construction of new water reservoirs, he called upon intelligentsia to play its due role to mould the public opinion in favour of dams. He gave assurance that he would not allow the nation to become hostage of drought and poverty due to water scarcity in future. He further said Pakistan will be able to have 20,000mw of electricity if three dams were built.
He mentioned the havoc wrought on poor people in 1994 when the then government signed agreements with IPPs for purchase of electricity at exorbitant rates.
The President, who dwelt at length on number of core issues including dams, law and order situation, Balochistan, national economy, Kashmir, freedom of the press and national politics in his address, said sometime leaders have to take tough decisions in larger national interest.
"We faced tough situation following 9/11 incident. In the beginning, people's response to our decisions was not positive but time proved that the same were in the national interest. We are again facing difficult situation regarding construction of dams and it was imperative that public opinion should be changed in the national interest."
Condemning ransacking of a newspaper office at Sukkur and killing of a journalist, Hidayatullah, in Fata area, he said discarded and rejected elements of the society are resorting to killing and ransacking of newspaper offices. He said freedom of the press in Pakistan could be compared with any advanced nation in the world. He stated he is not against healthy criticism by the press.
"I believe the press is a watchdog and responsible press provides guidance to the government on various important issues. However, I get irritated when someone misguides me deliberately," he said.
Appreciating the Punjab government for showing remarkable progress in various sectors, he said he would also look after projects like water filtration plant, brick lining of watercourses, education, provision of health facilities at the level of basic health units, primary health care to bring about radical changes in the rural network of the country.
About political reforms, the President said authority has been devolved at the grassroots level while due representation has been ensured for minorities and women to bring them in the mainstream of national politics.
He said the government conducted local government elections after a period of four years and assured elections of Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies would be held as per schedule.
Talking about the law and order situation in Balochistan, he observed: "I knew the "source" of trouble very well and you also know that." He said the Frontier Constabulary is taking action in Balochistan in self-defence.
He further said people of Balochistan wanted development and progress in their areas and warned any one obstructing development in Balochistan would be dealt with accordingly.
He said development projects amounting to Rs 130 billion were under way in Balochistan and added the present government was taking every measure to remove the sense of frustration among people of Balochistan.
Lauding the co-operation of international community in the wake of devastating earthquake, he praised Pakistan army, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and above all unique spirit demonstrated by the Pakistan people in the hour of trial and tribulation.
About relations with India, the President said they were good but conceded progress on Kashmir is slow and added back channel diplomacy was still going on to sort out the issue. CPNE president Arif Nizami presented address of welcome.