Those who wasted the nation’s time will have learnt a lesson: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the comprehensive report of the Judicial Commission is not only an endorsement of the government's point of view on the issue of...

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Those who wasted the nation’s time will have learnt a lesson: PM
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that the comprehensive report of the Judicial Commission (JC) is not only an endorsement of the government's point of view on the issue of electoral rigging but also authentication of the people's mandate.

Addressing the nation this evening, the PM said the verdict of the JC is also validation of the concept that issues can be resolved through constitutional forums and not on roads or through sit-ins.

The PM went on to say that after the historic verdict of the Inquiry Commission, Pakistan has entered into a new era. “The highest and most credible forum has authenticated the 2013 General Elections as transparent and free from rigging; and therefore, the chapter of allegations and false accusations should come to a close forever.”

He further said they are ready to forget what happened after the elections till now but it was unfortunate that the country was defamed by making fair and spotless elections disputed.

He also pointed out that ever since the general elections, his government pursued constructive policy of mutual consultations, reconciliation and consensus building.

He said establishment of governments as per mandate of the people, National Action Plan, Constitutional Amendments and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are some of the major decisions that were taken with consensus.

The prime minister said he has declared his resolve to pursue value based politics rather than that of power and he is sticking to this commitment, adding that he would give preference to national interests over personal or party interests.

He went on to say that despite provocations the government demonstrated extreme restraint to pave the way for resolution of the issue of rigging through democratic spirit.

He further said he intends to pursue this principle in future as well and expressed the hope that those who wasted precious time of the nation would also learn the lesson and desist from negative politics.

The PM said, “We should consider the verdict of the Inquiry Commission as a milestone and embark on a new journey on the road to progress and prosperity and get rid of chaos, uncertainty and instability.”

The prime minister said as per its election manifesto, PML-N is committed to bring about electoral reforms to ensure fair and transparent elections.

He added that Pakistan has embarked upon the journey of progress and prosperity and today's Pakistan is much better than that of two years back. He said the economy is gaining strength and Pakistan's global image is improving and the country would be still better after three years than it is today.

He also said that the government is fully resolved to eliminate terrorism and results of operation Zarb-e-Azb are before the nation, adding, “We are committed to restore peace in the country.”

PM Nawaz referred to the havoc caused by flash floods in different parts of the country and said the government would do everything for compensation of losses of the affected people and their rehabilitation.

He said provincial governments and all relevant institutions will leave no stone unturned in relief and rehabilitation task, adding that he himself was overseeing the entire process.