In a brief radio address to the nation on Friday, he enumerated his government's achievements during the past two years as well as the problems inherited, but disappointed those who were hoping a timeframe would be given by him for presentation of constitutional package, presently in the final stage of making in the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms before the Parliament for approval soon.
He termed approval of National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Aghaz-e- Haqooq Balochistan Package, successful military operation against extremism and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDP) as big achievements of his government during the past two years.
He said the acts of terrorism have seriously damaged the economy of Pakistan as it deters international investors from investing into the country. After getting rid of the impact of terrorism, efforts are under way to improve the state of economy. Undoubtedly it is a difficult time, but with the support of a united nation, we will pass through this difficult period, with success, he said.
Gilani said that during these two years his government was fighting with the inherited problems of terrorism, inflation, un-employment, political tensions, mistrust in the state institutions, energy crisis and shortage of food items. Besides some worrisome consequences of unexpected events unfolding in neighbourhood, economic instability, decline in the industrial production, unsatisfactory law and order situation and sense of dissatisfaction among masses had been the major challenges for the government.
Priorities were set and operation against terrorists was launched in NWFP, and law enforcement agencies rendered sacrifices in men and material to eliminate the terrorist elements, he said. The terrorism and law and order situation, he added, harmed the economy besides discouraging local as well as foreign investment in the country. Gilani said that government was trying to improve the economic situation by eliminating the curse of terrorism.
At the same time, he said, to provide financial assistance to poor, the government initiated Benazir Income Support Programme and Wasila-e-Haq programme under which Rs 70 billion are being distributed among the poor families and provided Rs 3 billion subsidy during Ramazan on essential items through Utility Stores to control price spiral.
The minimum wage was enhanced from Rs 4600 to Rs 6000 and distributed share of Rs 100 billion among half a million workers of 80 public sector organisations. The government, in an effort to control unemployment, he said, reinstated sacked employees by a previous government, launched Prime Minister Internship Programme, and made arrangements to prevent artificial shortage of sugar.
The Agricultural Development Bank extended loans worth billions of rupees to the farmers besides Benazir Tractor Scheme. People of Gilgit-Baltistan have been given autonomy while Haqooq-e-Balochistan initiative was introduced and consensus NFC was result of the policy of reconciliation "All these achievements are just milestones in our march towards the final destination. The milestones have been crossed with unqualified support of the masses. We have to continue our journey," he said.
APP Adds: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani pledged to restore the 1973 Constitution to its original form and said his government would complete its constitutional term before returning to the masses for accountability. "We are trying to revive the 1973 Constitution to its original form distorted by some adventurists in the past. We are rectifying it and the nation will soon hear good news," Gilani said in his address to the nation broadcast on the state radio.
The Prime Minister's address to the nation is a new initiative that will be aired on first Friday of every month to keep the masses abreast with the government's progress in every sphere of life. The Prime Minister said it was his endeavour to apprise the people of the progress and the measures being taken by the government in resolving their problems.
"We have to continue our journey and make our motherland an Islamic, democratic and welfare state in real terms as visualised by national poet Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam, Quaid-e-Awam and Benazir Bhutto," Gilani said and added the government considered its achievements not as its destination but milestones, accomplished with the support of people.
The Prime Minister said with sincere intent and satisfied conscience, the government took some tough decisions, but only in greater national interest. He said the government welcomed positive criticism by opposition and media to improve its performance, however, he stressed that truth must not be distorted while criticising and ethics must be followed.
"Insha Allah we will again appear before the nation, after completing our constitutional term, as it is the people who have the power to hold us accountable." He said the decision of masses is always reliable, sound and definite, adding that every such decision would be honoured with open heart and mind.
He, however, said there was a need for fulfilling the responsibility of being united and disciplined for the prosperity, development and sovereignty of Pakistan. "Let's keep alive the spirit of reconciliation, strengthen the democratic norms of mutual trust and respect and show the world that the people of Pakistan are capable of confronting and resolving all issues." He urged political parties and experts to utilise their energies for the country's best interest and asked them to present suggestions and recommendations on resolving these problems.
Gilani said the government replaced the concept of political confrontation with the notion of reconciliation and harmony and mentioned that all state institutions were working within the ambit of Constitution. "We are determined to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the parliament. The entire world witnessed that we reinstated the sacked judges and respected the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court," he said.
Gilani said the priority of his government was to eliminate terrorism, improve law and order, cut down unemployment and poverty, restore national pride and prestige in the international community, end political confrontation, and promote stability in national economy.
Today I express gratitude to Almighty Allah for having achieved success to a great extent in our endeavours," he said and added that back of the terrorists had been broken. "The day when we rid our country from these terrorists is not far," Gilani vowed.
Gilani said he formed a coalition government in the centre by pursuing the policy of reconciliation in line with the philosophy of Benazir Bhutto. "In a period of two years we have not only moved forward in fulfilling the promises made by us in our manifesto, but also are endeavouring to resolve the issues that we inherited."
The prime minister said "when we took over the reigns of the government there was no thought or sense of pride that we are the rulers, but the fact that, Almighty Allah has again bestowed us a chance to serve the people. We also had a feeling that whenever Pakistan Peoples Party comes into power the country is passing through very difficult circumstances." "The government for us is more than mere rule, it is more of a chance to serve the masses, who have voted us into power and have high hopes from us."