WE are addressing the grievances of our Baloch brothers and sisters through comprehensive reforms in administrative, constitutional, political and economic sectors.,Gilani
SPEECH OF
SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI
PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
AT PASSING-OUT OF 39TH CTP
CIVIL SERVICES ACADEMY
(LAHORE, JUNE 16, 2012)
Acting Rector
National School of Public Policy
Director General
Civil Services Academy,
Members of faculty,
Probationary officers,
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Asalam-o-Alykum
I am immensely pleased to address the passing-out ceremony of probationary officers of 39th Common Training Programme in Civil Services Academy Lahore today. I wish to thank the acting Rector NSPP, Director General CSA and members of his team for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts with the probationary officers.
Undoubtedly, these intelligent and self-assured young men and women, seated in a disciplined manner, are the ones who are catalyst for its cohesion, progress and prosperity in the country.
Today marks the beginning of a challenging career for these graduating probationers. These young men and women nurtured dreams during their college days and worked hard to materialize the dream of joining the civil service of Pakistan.
My dear probationers,
This day not only marks the beginning of your career but also reminds you of the huge responsibilities which lie ahead of you. The challenges of your official career demand the ultimate from you. Service to the downtrodden and under privileged sections of society in most difficult circumstances, establishment of writ of law, ensuring economic progress within available resources, fostering social harmony among a populace and nurturing of hope for a bright future are some of the significant challenges before you.
Undoubtedly it is a daunting task but I trust that your Academy has been successful in instilling the qualities of head and heart, necessary for successful undertaking of such demanding tasks.
I believe that your training has not only equipped you with necessary tools to run administrations at both micro and macro levels but that your faculty has also strived hard to build your character as good human beings.
You are not only the best in terms of merit from what our educational institutions have to offer but you also hail from all regions of our homeland. This diversity enables you to holistically comprehend the multifarious problems confronting our nation. Moreover, having gone through the rigours of a comprehensive training programme, you have acquired the art of public administration.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Being the Chief Executive of this country, I would now like to throw light on the present state of national affairs.
A paradigm shift has been introduced in the political landscape of the country with introduction of ‘consensus politics’ based on tolerance for diversity. Remember that nations are built when diversity is accepted as a way of public life leading to peaceful co-existence.
I believe that to a great extent, we have been successful in transforming political divide into a culture of political harmony and accommodation. Our mission for achieving consensus on all issues of national interest will continue despite differences, which are usual in a democratic dispensation.
The federation has been strengthened by restoration of 1973 Constitution. The 18th, 19thand 20th Amendments have brought Pakistan back to a Parliamentary democracy. The provinces have been empowered in the real sense through greater provincial autonomy and devolution of powers to them. Today they enjoy unprecedented freedom in the decision-making, administrative operations as well as financial matters.
For decades, National Finance Commission could not be agreed to because of lingering mistrust among the federating units. After months of painstaking negotiations, the 7th new NFC Award was adopted, which allocated major chunk of economic resources to the provinces.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Aagaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan is a sincere effort of the present government to address the socio-economic deprivations of people of Balochistan and to meaningfully integrate them into the mainstream. Under this initiative, we are addressing the grievances of our Baloch brothers and sisters through comprehensive reforms in administrative, constitutional, political and economic sectors.
Under the 7th NFC Award, the share of Balochistan in the national divisible pool has been increased from 5.1% to 9.09%, which means that Balochistan will now be getting Rs. 120 billion instead of Rs. 40 billion. 5,000 youth of Balochistan have been recruited in the armed forces.
The government is also ensuring the full representation of Balochistan in the federal jobs. Arrangements have also been made to get the talented students from Balochistan admitted to the best educational institutions in the country. Generous scholarships are being offered under the Prime Minister’s programme.
FC would now report to the Chief Minister of Balochistan to deal with law and order situation in the province.
Gilgit-Baltistan was given self governance and empowerment, which was a long-standing demand of the people of the region.
Ever since the birth of Pakistan, people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had been demanding a change of name of their province. The British named it according to its geographical location. Under the 18th Amendment, the people were given their identity.
The democratic government is well aware of the aspirations of people of South Punjab and is committed to this cause. We are working on ways and means to materialise this demand into reality in accordance aspirations of people of the area.
On the economic front, PPP government has achieved many milestones. The economic policies of the government will further maintain macro-economic stability. For the first time in the country’s history, our Foreign Exchange Reserves went up to US$18 billion and our exports crossed US$25 billion benchmark. Under the Pakistan Remittances Initiative Scheme our remittances registered a phenomenal growth from a mere US$4 billion to US$12 billion and our per capita income rose from US$990 to US$1152.
Despite global recession, Euro-zone crisis, and two unprecedented floods in the country’s history, the government still managed to achieve economic growth of 3.7% and reduced inflation to 10.8 % from 25% in 2008.
The democratic government has presented tax free and growth oriented budget for next financial year in spite of these challenges to economy.
In the budget 2012-13, GDP target has been set at 4.3%; inflation to be reduced to 9.5%; and fiscal deficit to be reduced to 4.7% of GDP from the present 5.5%. The government will increase tax revenue collection to Rs. 2381 billion. Likewise, remittances are likely to increase to $14 billion. The allocation for Benazir Income Support Programme has been raised from Rs. 50 to Rs. 70 billion to support the poorest of the poor.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In the agricultural sector we can be proud of transforming Pakistan from a wheat importing country to wheat exporting one. Despite two devastating floods, agricultural production is on the rise. This clearly is the result of our government’s farmer-friendly policies like highest ever commodity support prices, subsidies on various processes of agriculture and dissemination of modern farming technology amongst the rural people.
Benazir Income Support Program, a major socio-economic initiative of our government, provides financial support to 6 million destitute families. Provision of Rs.1000 per month at the doorsteps of the poorest of the poor not only enhances income of a poor family but also instills hope amongst them by giving them a clear message that their government cares for them.
In addition to this initiative, measures have been taken to alleviate poverty through targeted subsidies and a persistent effort to create employment opportunities in public sectors. One hundred thousand job opportunities have been created in the Budget 20112-13.
Coming to the energy crisis, it would be a mistake to label it as a failure of PPP government. Electricity crisis began in the previous regime where hardly any major energy project was initiated. So far, we have added 3400 Megawatt of power to the national grid. The present democratic government has initiated a number of projects in short-, medium- and long-terms to overcome this crisis on permanent basis.
These include Thar Coal, Diamir Basha (4500 MW), Dasu (4320 MW), Bunji (7100 MW), Munda (740 MW), dams, Neelum Jehlum hydropower project, and Tarbela extension Project. We are also pursing Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, CASA-100 and TAPI gas project as well.
Thar Coal Project holds the key to ensure energy security of the country for 300 years. The government is working on fast-track basis to exploit one of the largest coal reserves, which is a source of cheat power generation.
Thermal Power Plants with a capacity of 1675 MW are being installed, which include Nandipur (425MW) and Guddu (750 MW). Chichoki Mallian (525 MW) will come into the national grid by year 2014.
On completion, these projects will not only bridge the gap between demand and supply but also make Pakistan power-exporting country.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would not hesitate to admit that current situation is not absolutely ideal and the reforms are essentially required in all spheres of our society. However the reform processes are arduous and time consuming and results cannot be achieved in haste. Reforms require vision, analytical skills, hard work and patience. We, as a nation, are lucky to have institutions, which can brace up to these challenges.
Undoubtedly some of these reforms were not absolutely perfect and have consequently faltered. Reform processes require an environment free of anger, suspicion and rhetoric. Institutional behaviour is distinct from individual acts and incidental failures in governmental sectors do not reflect organisational paralysis. Moreover, alternative policy options cannot be exercised through empty slogans and rowdy agitation.
Today, an unprecedented close public scrutiny awaits your performance and actions. We are witnessing a massive transformation in the concept and style of governance and public service delivery. New and fresh ideas have taken over age-old practices.
Civil servants have been transformed from being providers and regulators of goods and services to being catalysts, enablers and facilitators. Public now expects an efficient and responsive civil service that serves them well, if not better, than the private sector. Administrative machinery, which does not respond positively to this change, is liable to be made redundant.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Public service is a challenging duty which needs to be performed with passion and commitment. Mind you it is easier said than done. However having chosen this passion, on your own will, you are expected to deliver effectively in serving the cause of the people of this country. Public service essentially entails commitment, integrity, hard work, discipline, impartiality, humility and extreme sensitivity towards public needs and the sentiments.
Here I would like to refer to Malaysian government’s stance towards governance which essentially means that a complaint from the citizen is a gift from the citizen to the State. Try to emulate this model. You are required to pursue the cause of the down-trodden and ensure that people get fair and just treatment. It is very unfortunate that public perception about civil servants is not positive as people believe that all civil servants are arrogant, inefficient and corrupt. You must make sincere efforts through your work and conduct to dispel this image once and for all.
Political pressures have always been a part of official working in all developing countries. Civil servants need to foster courage to stand up to these pressures.
Remember the words of Quaid in his address to civil servants in1948: He said and I quote:
‘You should have no hand in supporting this political party or that political party, this political leader or that political leader – this is not your business.’ Unquote
Another important issue I want to impress upon you is integrity. We must take all measures to purge the menace of corruption from the civil services which has tarnished its image and repute and also done extreme disservice to the nation
I would now like to address the needs of CSA. The Director General has placed before me a few demands. I am of the strong view that an institution like CSA needs to be strengthened in the best possible way. I would like to make the following announcements:
Probationary officers
I would now like to give you a parting advice. You are the symbol of the federation. You will get opportunities to serve in many parts of the country and beyond. Let your nation-wide mobility be a potent source for national integration.
Let your services develop this country and make it prosperous. Always strive hard to achieve a better tomorrow for Pakistan and its people. Your motherland demands this and I trust you shall deliver accordingly.
Pakistan Paindabad
SPEECH OF
SYED YUSUF RAZA GILANI
PRIME MINISTER OF PAKISTAN
AT PASSING-OUT OF 39TH CTP
CIVIL SERVICES ACADEMY
(LAHORE, JUNE 16, 2012)
Acting Rector
National School of Public Policy
Director General
Civil Services Academy,
Members of faculty,
Probationary officers,
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Asalam-o-Alykum
I am immensely pleased to address the passing-out ceremony of probationary officers of 39th Common Training Programme in Civil Services Academy Lahore today. I wish to thank the acting Rector NSPP, Director General CSA and members of his team for giving me this opportunity to share my thoughts with the probationary officers.
Undoubtedly, these intelligent and self-assured young men and women, seated in a disciplined manner, are the ones who are catalyst for its cohesion, progress and prosperity in the country.
Today marks the beginning of a challenging career for these graduating probationers. These young men and women nurtured dreams during their college days and worked hard to materialize the dream of joining the civil service of Pakistan.
My dear probationers,
This day not only marks the beginning of your career but also reminds you of the huge responsibilities which lie ahead of you. The challenges of your official career demand the ultimate from you. Service to the downtrodden and under privileged sections of society in most difficult circumstances, establishment of writ of law, ensuring economic progress within available resources, fostering social harmony among a populace and nurturing of hope for a bright future are some of the significant challenges before you.
Undoubtedly it is a daunting task but I trust that your Academy has been successful in instilling the qualities of head and heart, necessary for successful undertaking of such demanding tasks.
I believe that your training has not only equipped you with necessary tools to run administrations at both micro and macro levels but that your faculty has also strived hard to build your character as good human beings.
You are not only the best in terms of merit from what our educational institutions have to offer but you also hail from all regions of our homeland. This diversity enables you to holistically comprehend the multifarious problems confronting our nation. Moreover, having gone through the rigours of a comprehensive training programme, you have acquired the art of public administration.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Being the Chief Executive of this country, I would now like to throw light on the present state of national affairs.
A paradigm shift has been introduced in the political landscape of the country with introduction of ‘consensus politics’ based on tolerance for diversity. Remember that nations are built when diversity is accepted as a way of public life leading to peaceful co-existence.
I believe that to a great extent, we have been successful in transforming political divide into a culture of political harmony and accommodation. Our mission for achieving consensus on all issues of national interest will continue despite differences, which are usual in a democratic dispensation.
The federation has been strengthened by restoration of 1973 Constitution. The 18th, 19thand 20th Amendments have brought Pakistan back to a Parliamentary democracy. The provinces have been empowered in the real sense through greater provincial autonomy and devolution of powers to them. Today they enjoy unprecedented freedom in the decision-making, administrative operations as well as financial matters.
For decades, National Finance Commission could not be agreed to because of lingering mistrust among the federating units. After months of painstaking negotiations, the 7th new NFC Award was adopted, which allocated major chunk of economic resources to the provinces.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Aagaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan is a sincere effort of the present government to address the socio-economic deprivations of people of Balochistan and to meaningfully integrate them into the mainstream. Under this initiative, we are addressing the grievances of our Baloch brothers and sisters through comprehensive reforms in administrative, constitutional, political and economic sectors.
Under the 7th NFC Award, the share of Balochistan in the national divisible pool has been increased from 5.1% to 9.09%, which means that Balochistan will now be getting Rs. 120 billion instead of Rs. 40 billion. 5,000 youth of Balochistan have been recruited in the armed forces.
The government is also ensuring the full representation of Balochistan in the federal jobs. Arrangements have also been made to get the talented students from Balochistan admitted to the best educational institutions in the country. Generous scholarships are being offered under the Prime Minister’s programme.
FC would now report to the Chief Minister of Balochistan to deal with law and order situation in the province.
Gilgit-Baltistan was given self governance and empowerment, which was a long-standing demand of the people of the region.
Ever since the birth of Pakistan, people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had been demanding a change of name of their province. The British named it according to its geographical location. Under the 18th Amendment, the people were given their identity.
The democratic government is well aware of the aspirations of people of South Punjab and is committed to this cause. We are working on ways and means to materialise this demand into reality in accordance aspirations of people of the area.
On the economic front, PPP government has achieved many milestones. The economic policies of the government will further maintain macro-economic stability. For the first time in the country’s history, our Foreign Exchange Reserves went up to US$18 billion and our exports crossed US$25 billion benchmark. Under the Pakistan Remittances Initiative Scheme our remittances registered a phenomenal growth from a mere US$4 billion to US$12 billion and our per capita income rose from US$990 to US$1152.
Despite global recession, Euro-zone crisis, and two unprecedented floods in the country’s history, the government still managed to achieve economic growth of 3.7% and reduced inflation to 10.8 % from 25% in 2008.
The democratic government has presented tax free and growth oriented budget for next financial year in spite of these challenges to economy.
In the budget 2012-13, GDP target has been set at 4.3%; inflation to be reduced to 9.5%; and fiscal deficit to be reduced to 4.7% of GDP from the present 5.5%. The government will increase tax revenue collection to Rs. 2381 billion. Likewise, remittances are likely to increase to $14 billion. The allocation for Benazir Income Support Programme has been raised from Rs. 50 to Rs. 70 billion to support the poorest of the poor.
Ladies and Gentlemen
In the agricultural sector we can be proud of transforming Pakistan from a wheat importing country to wheat exporting one. Despite two devastating floods, agricultural production is on the rise. This clearly is the result of our government’s farmer-friendly policies like highest ever commodity support prices, subsidies on various processes of agriculture and dissemination of modern farming technology amongst the rural people.
Benazir Income Support Program, a major socio-economic initiative of our government, provides financial support to 6 million destitute families. Provision of Rs.1000 per month at the doorsteps of the poorest of the poor not only enhances income of a poor family but also instills hope amongst them by giving them a clear message that their government cares for them.
In addition to this initiative, measures have been taken to alleviate poverty through targeted subsidies and a persistent effort to create employment opportunities in public sectors. One hundred thousand job opportunities have been created in the Budget 20112-13.
Coming to the energy crisis, it would be a mistake to label it as a failure of PPP government. Electricity crisis began in the previous regime where hardly any major energy project was initiated. So far, we have added 3400 Megawatt of power to the national grid. The present democratic government has initiated a number of projects in short-, medium- and long-terms to overcome this crisis on permanent basis.
These include Thar Coal, Diamir Basha (4500 MW), Dasu (4320 MW), Bunji (7100 MW), Munda (740 MW), dams, Neelum Jehlum hydropower project, and Tarbela extension Project. We are also pursing Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, CASA-100 and TAPI gas project as well.
Thar Coal Project holds the key to ensure energy security of the country for 300 years. The government is working on fast-track basis to exploit one of the largest coal reserves, which is a source of cheat power generation.
Thermal Power Plants with a capacity of 1675 MW are being installed, which include Nandipur (425MW) and Guddu (750 MW). Chichoki Mallian (525 MW) will come into the national grid by year 2014.
On completion, these projects will not only bridge the gap between demand and supply but also make Pakistan power-exporting country.
Ladies and Gentlemen
I would not hesitate to admit that current situation is not absolutely ideal and the reforms are essentially required in all spheres of our society. However the reform processes are arduous and time consuming and results cannot be achieved in haste. Reforms require vision, analytical skills, hard work and patience. We, as a nation, are lucky to have institutions, which can brace up to these challenges.
Undoubtedly some of these reforms were not absolutely perfect and have consequently faltered. Reform processes require an environment free of anger, suspicion and rhetoric. Institutional behaviour is distinct from individual acts and incidental failures in governmental sectors do not reflect organisational paralysis. Moreover, alternative policy options cannot be exercised through empty slogans and rowdy agitation.
Today, an unprecedented close public scrutiny awaits your performance and actions. We are witnessing a massive transformation in the concept and style of governance and public service delivery. New and fresh ideas have taken over age-old practices.
Civil servants have been transformed from being providers and regulators of goods and services to being catalysts, enablers and facilitators. Public now expects an efficient and responsive civil service that serves them well, if not better, than the private sector. Administrative machinery, which does not respond positively to this change, is liable to be made redundant.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Public service is a challenging duty which needs to be performed with passion and commitment. Mind you it is easier said than done. However having chosen this passion, on your own will, you are expected to deliver effectively in serving the cause of the people of this country. Public service essentially entails commitment, integrity, hard work, discipline, impartiality, humility and extreme sensitivity towards public needs and the sentiments.
Here I would like to refer to Malaysian government’s stance towards governance which essentially means that a complaint from the citizen is a gift from the citizen to the State. Try to emulate this model. You are required to pursue the cause of the down-trodden and ensure that people get fair and just treatment. It is very unfortunate that public perception about civil servants is not positive as people believe that all civil servants are arrogant, inefficient and corrupt. You must make sincere efforts through your work and conduct to dispel this image once and for all.
Political pressures have always been a part of official working in all developing countries. Civil servants need to foster courage to stand up to these pressures.
Remember the words of Quaid in his address to civil servants in1948: He said and I quote:
‘You should have no hand in supporting this political party or that political party, this political leader or that political leader – this is not your business.’ Unquote
Another important issue I want to impress upon you is integrity. We must take all measures to purge the menace of corruption from the civil services which has tarnished its image and repute and also done extreme disservice to the nation
I would now like to address the needs of CSA. The Director General has placed before me a few demands. I am of the strong view that an institution like CSA needs to be strengthened in the best possible way. I would like to make the following announcements:
Probationary officers
I would now like to give you a parting advice. You are the symbol of the federation. You will get opportunities to serve in many parts of the country and beyond. Let your nation-wide mobility be a potent source for national integration.
Let your services develop this country and make it prosperous. Always strive hard to achieve a better tomorrow for Pakistan and its people. Your motherland demands this and I trust you shall deliver accordingly.
Pakistan Paindabad
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