PPP's boycott against democratic norms: PM Nawaz
28 July, 2013
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that the PPP's boycott of presidential elections was against the democratic norms.
"The PPP should have shown sportsman spirit and contested this election," the prime minister told a group of parliamentarians from Balochistan.
He said that nomination of Mamnoon Hussain as PML-N's presidential candidate was sign of the party's federal vision through which it had brought smaller province into mainstream.
Nawaz said that according to the previous schedule, the elections were to be held on the 27th of Ramazan which is a religious occasion. The change of date should be acceptable to all as "enough time is still available for campaigning", he added.
He appreciated the PTI for its decision to contest elections, saying that this would help strengthen the democratic culture in the country.
According to the prime minister, construction and development of a "new Balochistan" was his priority and he would introduce a special development package for the region.
He said that Gwadar Port was a key to development of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan. "Gwadar will be connected with China through the Kashgar- Khunjerab-Gwadar Road project," the prime minister added.
Sharing his vision for overcoming power shortage in Balochistan, he said that installing small and affordable solar energy panels was a solution to the problem facing the scattered population of the province. The prime minister ordered the authorities concerned to carry out feasibility of the project so that such it could can be launched accordingly.
Meanwhile, Mamnoon Hussain said the PPP had boycotted the July 30 poll for fear of losing.
In a conversation with a private TV channel, he said the PPP had put forward Senator Raza Rabbani, who was going to be the party's presidential candidate, and Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan for fear of defeat, adding that those who called themselves the flag bearers of democracy in Pakistan were now damaging the democratic process.
Hussain said that although the president had nominal powers following the 18th Amendment, if elected to the office he would dispense his duties in an impartial manner and would take everyone on board on all issues.
He said he had no plans of approaching the PML-Q for votes, adding that he, however, would be meeting the Qaumi Watan Party's Aftab Sherpao today (Sunday).
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