PM says people, govt to work together to bolster democracy.
LAHORE – Following the severe devastation caused by excessive rains and flash floods across the country, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a special relief package for flood-affected communities including the waiver of electricity bills of domestic consumers for the month of August. “The electricity bills of the month of August for all domestic consumers in flood-affected areas will be completely waived,” said the prime minister in his address to the nation on Sunday evening.
He said that due to the recent heavy rains and flooding, severe devastation has occurred in various parts of Pakistan. He said that in addition to the loss of human lives, the floods have caused extensive damage to the livestock, livelihoods, and homes of the affected population. For the provision of food supplies and healthcare facilities in the affected areas, the federal government, provincial governments, the people, and the army are collectively carrying out rescue and relief operations.
The Prime Minister said that in this context, he has made the final decision that the electricity bills of all domestic consumers in the flood-affected areas for one month, i.e., for the month of August, are being waived, and thus domestic consumers will not have to pay their August bills.
“My brothers and sisters, we fully understand your hardships, and in this difficult time the federal government will pay your electricity bills. This is the rightful due of the flood victims,” he said. He added that those domestic consumers in the affected areas who have already paid their bills will be refunded this amount in their next month’s electricity bill. Clear instructions in this regard have already been issued.
The Prime Minister further stated that a detailed assessment of the losses incurred by electricity consumers in the agricultural, commercial, and industrial sectors of the affected areas is being conducted. Therefore, the collection of their August electricity bills is being deferred. He assured that if the assessment shows significant losses, further relief measures will also be taken for them. He said necessary directions in this regard have been issued immediately to the concerned electricity distribution companies.
Shehbaz Sharif said he is fully aware of the devastation caused by the floods, the losses suffered, and the hardships being faced by elders, mothers, sisters, and daughters in the affected areas. He termed the waiver a humble effort on behalf of ‘Khadim-e-Pakistan’, expressing hope that it would help reduce the difficulties of the flood victims.
The PM reaffirmed his commitment to the complete rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas and assured the people that he would not rest until every person affected by the floods is resettled in their home.
Meanwhile, the prime minister said Pakistan reiterates its resolve that the people, institutions, and government will work together to protect democratic principles and fundamental rights and build a prosperous future.
In a message of the International Day of Democracy, he said, “Democracy is basically the voice of the people and the participation of the people in the system of government.”
He said, “The 1973 Constitution has a key and prominent status in the development of a democratic system of government in Pakistan.”
He said, “International Day of Democracy is celebrated every year on September 15th around the world under the auspices of the United Nations. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the diversity and effectiveness of democracy as a system of government at the global level.”
The Prime Minister said, “Parliament has a fundamental position in democratic institutions because this institution is authorized to make all kinds of legislation to protect the public and national interest.”
“Under the Constitution of Pakistan, Parliament passes laws of public utility according to collective wisdom, which are then implemented by the government,” he remarked adding according to the article 25 of the 1973 Constitution, fundamental rights of every citizen of Pakistan are protected and everyone has equality before the law.
“Besides the rights of citizens, the Constitution of Pakistan lays the foundation for all provinces to play an effective role in the federation by giving equal status to all provinces,” he continued.
He said, “The Constitution of Pakistan not only defines fundamental rights but also protects them. The Constitution of Pakistan also ensures the participation of women in all walks of life, especially in Parliament, and special measures are also included in our constitution for the representation of minorities in Parliament and protection of their rights and religious freedom.”
“Under the Constitution, any country can solve its problems with the protection of fundamental rights, freedom, social equality, rule of law and national unity,” he stressed adding, “Any country in the world can effectively deal with the challenges and difficulties of the present era by following basic democratic principles.”
He mentioned that at the global level, Pakistan always worked to uphold and promote democratic values, according to the United Nations’ principles and international agreements.
The Prime Minister said, “Pakistan’s support for the promotion of democratic principles is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which include the protection of peace, justice and strong institutions.”
