Stern action to be taken against banned outfits: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday while reiterating government's commitment to eradicate terrorism and militancy said orders have been issued for carrying out a stern action against all the banned outfits without any discrimination.

Addressing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet the Prime Minister also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in a blast in Abbas Town, Karachi. "I offer heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their dear ones in this incident," he said.

The Cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs of Abbas Town and prayed for early recovery of those injured in this tragic incident.

He said provincial government has been directed to ensure best medical treatment to the injured of the blast.

The Prime Minister said those perpetrating the heinous acts were not only attempting to weaken Pakistan's social fabric and democratic culture, but were also bringing a bad name to Pakistan and Islam.

He said the government was determined not to let the designs of such miscreants come true.

"No effort will be spared to bring the perpetrators to justice and exemplary punishment will be given to those found involved in these cowardly attacks," he said.

The Prime Minister said blame game will not serve the common goal of defeating terrorism. He said the situation calls for collective will and efforts on the part of all political stakeholders and the civil society to eradicate it.

"Our government has endeavored to utilize all available resources to serve the masses, because it was elected by the people of Pakistan to serve them."

He said the coalition government was trying its level best to come-up to the expectations of the masses. He said after successful completion of five years term, the party was presenting itself before the people of Pakistan.

"I am confident that the masses would acknowledge the service rendered by this government despite financial constraints and adverse regional situation."

He said the National Assembly was going to complete its term on March 16 and added the government has always been committed to holding elections on time and create history by ensuring the transfer of power by a political government as required under the Constitution.

"We can take pride that we are delivering on this commitment. I am sure that this would go a long way in strengthening democracy in this country," he said.

"Let me say that our Government never betrayed the people because our roots are in the masses. The Government has been in office since 2008 and has introduced many wide ranging structural reforms in political, economic, constitutional and social disciplines," the Prime Minister said.

He said during its tenure, the Government undertook record development schemes worth billions of rupees throughout the country which was unprecedented in the last 65 years. Not only the Constitution of 1973 was restored in its original form, rather we went a step further by devolving powers to the provinces.

He said institutions were strengthened and their independence and impartially ensured with the help and consensus of all democratic forces.

He said the credit of free judiciary, independent Election Commission and a vibrant media goes to the government, due to which rigging of elections can not be imagined.

"By the Grace of Allah and the sincere efforts of the government a strong national support was gathered against terrorism and extremism. Morale of the Pakistani Armed Forces was raised due to which the Pakistani Flag is flying in Swat."

He said the writ of the Government was established in the areas where the terrorists were operating.

The Prime Minister said country was made self sufficient in food through prudent input - output cost vis-a-vis price mechanism in agricultural sector and now wheat is being exported as a result of consecutive bumper crops.

"I appeal to the democratic and political forces to shun their differences and assist the Government to help eradicate poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, militancy and terrorism so that we may put our beloved country on the path of progress and prosperity, getting benefits of the structural reforms," he said.

"We are very much optimistic about winning next elections on the basis of the selfless services rendered to the masses despite difficulties. The blood of the martyrs of the Pakistan People's Party and its coalition partners will bring us back in power to serve the country and its people."

Prime Minister Ashraf said Asfand Yar Wali Khan and Maulana Fazal ur Rehman separately convened All-Parties Conferences (APC) in Peshawar and Islamabad on Feb 14 and Feb 28, respectively. Pakistan Peoples' Party also participated in these APCs as a leading political party.

He said any political initiative that aims to achieve peace and stability in the country is welcome.

The people of Pakistan, law enforcement agencies and valiant armed forces have rendered heroic sacrifices in fighting these challenges posed to the nation, Prime Minister added.

"We can benefit from the efforts made by the APCs. However, such an exercise can only be meaningful, productive and sustainable if the supremacy of the Parliament, Constitution, law of the land and writ of the state is upheld," he said.