GEO 436 Gilani vows to restructure white elephants eating Rs.220 bn a yearPrime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said that government would restructure eight organizations that had become white elephants and were eating up to Rs. 220 billion of public resources annually. Addressing course participants here at the National Defence University (NDU) he said, I assure and commit to the nation that these organizations will be restructured and run on economically viable basis. Responding to questions of the course participants, he mentioned Pakistan Steel Mills, Railways, PIA and WAPDA among the organizations which have to resort to government assistance to keep on functioning despite incurring huge losses. Good governance could be ensured when federal, provincial and local governments work in tandem to implement policies, he added. The Prime Minister said the government would not allow anybody to challenge its writ and the whole nation was united behind the armed forces to get rid of terrorism and extremism. He stated that Pakistan did not need certificate from anybody in US or UK about the ongoing war on terrorism. The armed forces offered sacrifices in the fight against terrorists who targetted politicians and members of civil society, so this was Pakistans war and the international community should help to ensure continuation of peace and prosperity, he added. He said the government was implementing Supreme Court decisions.We respect Supreme Court and always worked for restoration of judiciary. I released judges on the first day of assuming office, he said adding, We want independence of judiciary, free media and a vibrant civil society. Earlier Prime Minister in his address at the National Defence University said the survival of the nation lies in democracy and participatory system of governance.It is our duty to further the cause of democracy irrespective of wherever we are and whatever positions we hold, he said and added he has great faith in the destiny of this nation. Our people have proven more than once that they have the determination and commitment to steer the ship of the state out of uncharted waters. Gilani said it was his vision that the salvation of the nation lies in democracy as it provides solution to the complex problems confronting the country. He said to address the deprivation of the people of Balochistan, the government has launched Aghaz-e-Huqooq -e-Balochistan initiative. He said the government believes that political empowerment of masses sans economic well-being was meaningless. To lend a helping hand to the down trodden sections of society, Benazir Income Support Programme and Waseela-e-Haq scheme have been launched to mitigate their sufferings and to provide an opportunity for self employment by setting up small businesses. He mentioned Pakistans ties with neighbouring countries, China, the US and the EU.Pakistan is a peaceful nation. We are against territorial aggrandizement and seek negotiated and peaceful resolution of all disputes with India. The Indian leaderships willingness to resume stalled dialogue is a step in the right direction for regional peace and progress.
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