PM praises MMA for shelving resignations
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said Pakistan Muslim League would contest the next general elections with its allied parties, with an aim to continue the culture of development in the country.
He was talking to media men after attending a ceremony on touism here at PM House. The prime minister said the policies of PML with its allies were proving beneficial for all the provinces and therefore the party would continue to contest the general elections with same spirit.
He said for the first time, assemblies would complete their terms, which was a positive sign in country’s politics. He appreciated MMA’s move for holding their resignations, saying it was a step in right direction.
“We want more support from the opposition. This step would contribute to the development of democratic norms and parliamentary politics,” he said. Replying to a question, Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz said the draft bill on women’s rights as presented by Ch Shujaat Hussain will be discussed in National Assembly’s next session. He said the bill would be in addition to the government’s already initiated drive to empower women in the country. About the construction process on islands near Karachi, the prime minister said the initiation of project was in country’s best interest and would make the place a strong technological site.
On Afghanistan, the premier said the government was in favour of strong Afghanistan in terms of economy and law and order situation.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said Saturday Pakistan welcomes any assistance in promoting country’s primary and secondary education and improving healthcare system.The Prime Minister was talking to George Soros, a renowned global financier, known for his philanthropic efforts, who met him here at the PM House this afternoon. George Soros, who is on his first visit to Pakistan, is the founder and chairman of a network of foundations including Open Society Institute, a private operating and grant making foundation, that works towards promoting the creation of open, democratic societies based upon rule of law, market economies, transparent and accountable governance, freedom of the press and respect for human rights.
The Prime Minister said that comprehensive and institutional reforms introduced by the government have put the economy on a high growth trajectory which “we are determined to sustain.”
He said the government has provided an investor-friendly environment as all sectors of economy are open for business. With a population of 160 million and a growing middle class Pakistan is fast turning into a major market economy and a manufacturing and servicing destination in the region, he said. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has vast potential in housing and real estate, electricity production and distribution, oil and gas development, IT and telecom, agribusiness including dairy development, petrochemicals and engineering sectors.