He hinted at initiate dialogues with disheartened Baloch leaders. Zardari assured that parliament accepts all the demands of Balochistan. President Zardari said, "Don't consider our democratic government weak. We are amongst you. We would empower the people of Balochistan though it would take time."
APP adds: President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday urged the annoyed Baloch leaders not to resort to violence as the government acknowledged their rights and was doing all within its means to help them. Addressing a large gathering at the fifth draw of Waseela-e-Haq programme at the Governor's House here, the President said the demands of the people of Balochistan were acceptable to the government.
"There is not a single one that is not acceptable to us," he said and urged them "not to resort to violence." "We know there is a feeling of sadness in Balochistan. The people here do not weep, and prefer to pick up weapons." The President, who in his speech dwelt at length over the series of measures being taken for the development of the province, said "first we will show how sincere we are in helping our Baloch brothers." "We will give you your rights first and than talk to those annoyed with the government," the President said.
He said there was no cut on the development funds for Balochistan despite severe financial constraints as the government believed in ending their years of deprivation. President Zardari said the Huqooq-e-Balochistan package was unanimously passed from the National Assembly and was a success of democracy and political process.
"There might not be immediate gratification and relief, but over a period of time, you will witness the significant change that it brings about in your lives," the President said. He said the resolutions passed by the National Assembly were not insignificant as the people of Pakistan fully understand and realise their problems and would definitely stand by them in their thick and thin.
The President said the people of Balochistan would get their due rights, but added that it would take time. He said the world was undergoing a recession, but in Pakistan the government was endeavouring to provide the people of Balochistan all facilities at their doorsteps.
The President said more projects of National Highway Authority would be initiated to enhance connectivity in the province, Gwadar would be developed to bring in global investors. "We would develop the province on modern lines," he said and added modern means of agriculture would be employed to boost agricultural yield, income of the farmers, while utilising minimum amount of water and other inputs," he said.
The president said women would be provided state-land that can bring them additional means of income. President Zardari said dams in the province were being constructed on modern lines and the progress would be monitored through satellites. President Zardari said, "We want to assure you that we have the same love, respect and regard for the people of Balochistan as we have for those of any other part of the country."
He said at times the nations have to undergo critical periods due to natural calamities and other challenges. Referring to the sacrifices of the PPP, the President said Pakistan Peoples Party had undergone difficult times and learnt lessons. Pakistan, he said, was confronting troubles all around it.
"The country is also facing internal strife and even the party itself was a victim and suffered as its leader was lost in an act of terror, while thousands of its workers have laid down their lives," he said. "No other party can understand the deep impact of terrorism," he said adding: "Our leader has always thought of non-violent means to respond to acts of violence."
The President recalled the speeches of Benazir Bhutto who had always asked for unearthing the hand behind the trigger and not the person holding it. "To create chaos is easy, but to bring peace, prosperity and happiness is far difficult", he said. Earlier, President performed the fifth draw of the Waseela-e-Haq Programme, under which the successful families get Rs 300,000 loan to help them start or augment their existing business.
The families are selected through a computer draw, out of 2.24 million families registered under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He distributed cheques among women hailing from different parts of the province. He also handed over compensation cheques among the women whose close relatives were injured or died in acts of terror and the earthquake victims. He said the cards given to the deserving women would provide their families the facilities of health insurance and vocational training.
Chairperson of BISP Farzana Raja said the programme was an integral part of the manifesto of Pakistan Peoples Party and was successfully functioning across the country. She said the programme provides across the board support to families, without any party or any other affiliation, with the basic criteria being people having limited means. Farzana Raja said the idea of Benazir Card was initiated by President Asif Ali Zardari and it would help the people use it where they cannot get easy access to postal services and with the help of mobile phones the shopkeepers can provide them items of everyday use against their account.