Rs 1.5 trillion spent on Development Projects so far: PM Gilani
KARACHI, Nov 30 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday said focus of government had been on development regardless of war against terrorism, floods, energy crisis and other challenges. He said so far it spent a huge amount of Rs 1.5 trillion on this count. The Prime Minister was chairing a meeting on the occasion of 45th Youm-e-Tasees of Pakistan Peoples Party at Sindh Chief Minister House here. Addressing the occasion, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani felicitated the workers and well-wishers of the PPP on party’s Foundation Day and lauded the struggle of all activists of the party. Prime Minister Gilani appreciated the untiring spirit of every worker in the party and said that “it was only because of their commitment that we achieved this democratic environment.”
“PPP is the only party where not only the workers, but the leaders too have given great sacrifices” he added.
 Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani reiterated the commitment to the process of reconciliation that was initiated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
He said PPP Co-chairman President Asif Ali Zardari and his team have sincerely followed the path of reconciliation and continue to do so.
 “The PPP is an ideological party, it is a philosophy and we all continue to work as per its vision”, he said.
 On the memo issue, PM Gillani, reiterated his commitment to the sovereignty of Pakistan and said that “we will wait for the investigation by the Parliamentary Committee on National Security.”
 He said as the head of Nuclear Command Authority, he is looking into the matter himself and as the Chief Executive, will ensure that the issue is properly dealt with.
 Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said “we must all remain united and not allow enemies of Pakistan to take advantage of our political differences.”
 The Prime Minister said people opposing the PPP must realize that the country comes first and not their opposition against the party or government.
“As a democratic nation we must respect all our institutions and have faith in the Parliament where elected representatives from various parties are sitting today,” he added.
 He said the NATO attack was a tragedy and Pakistan strongly protested over it. “We cannot allow our people to feel insecure and no one can take us for granted”, he added.
Gilani reiterated that Pakistan’s sovereignty will always be the utmost priority for the governemnt and “we are implementing decisions of the Parliament.”
 The Prime Minister said “The world must respect our sacrifices against terrorism and honor the role that Pakistan continues to play”.
 Prime Minister Gillani said that today “there is political activity and people are busy doing ‘jalsas’.”
He said “Pakistan Peoples Party has sacrificed leadership and workers for this democracy and we truly value the environment today.”
 He said the people who only want personal welfare are opportunists and can go to any degree for their personal interest,
 Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani appreciated the role of President Asif Ali Zardari and commended his efforts during the challenging situations.
 Chief Minster Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah welcomed the Prime Minister and thanked him for his regular visits to the province which provided guidance, both political and administrative.
 The CM Sindh apprised the Prime Minister on the recent developments in the province and appreciated his efforts as an elected Prime Minster who worked untiringly for almost four years.
 The meeting was attended by CM Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Senior Minster, Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq, Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly, Shahla Raza, Sindh Ministers Agha Siraj Durrani, Manzoor Hussain Wassan, Haji Muzzafar Shujra, Ms. Shazia Marri, Rafiq Engineer, Nadeem Bhutto, Sajjid Jokhio, Akhtar Jadoon, Nargis N.D Khan, MNAs Abdul Qadir Patel, Nabeel Ahmed Gabol, MPAs Farzana Baloch, Saleem Hingoro, Ms. Shama Mithani, Special Assistants to CM Waqar Mehdi and Rashid Rabbani, President, PPP Karachi Division Senator, Syed Faisal Raza Abidi, General Secretary PPP Karachi Division, Muhammad Ismail Brohi and other notables.
 Earlier, the meeting commenced with Tilawat and Fateha for Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Madar-e-Jamhoriat, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and martyred party workers and those who lost their lives in the recent NATO forces attack on two posts in Pakistan border area.