Karachi (Web Desk): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has emphatically stated that Pakistan will not surrender to radicalisation, extremism and intolerance under any circumstances.
"Pakistan is our homeland and we will take it forward as per our own plan," the premier said while talking to newsmen in Karachi during his maiden visit to the metropolis.
Alluding to the martyrdom of the security personnel in Waziristan on Tuesday, the caretaker prime minister said that the acts of terrorism cannot weaken our resolve in the fight against terrorism.
"Those behind such acts mistakenly believe that the war on terrorism will exhaust us," PM Kakar said, asserting that wars are not fought by individuals but by the nations.
"We will neither forget the sacrifices of our martyrs nor refrain from making further sacrifices in the war on terrorism," the premier vowed.
Expressing the nation's firm resolve, the PM Kakar said that we will relentlessly pursue the terrorists.
PM Kakar also clarified that the war on terrorism is not being fought from the money of any donation but by the taxes being paid by the people of Pakistan.
He said those sacrificing their lives on the Line of Control (LoC), Waziristan and other areas are our sons and they are playing a commendable role in meeting internal and external challenges.
While assuring to meet the requirements of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, the premier said that the security personnel do not offer their services or sacrifices for the sake of any remuneration. He emphasised that respect and honour for their service constitute their true reward.
PM Kakar strongly abhorred the terrorist acts and suicide attacks, saying we are not scared of them. He said we will continue to fight against these misguided elements and they will be taken to task as per the law.
The prime minister expressed great satisfaction over the successful rescuing of eight people in Battagram chairlift operation.
He commended the armed forces, the district administration and the local people for their efforts in this regard.
"The defense institutions are not only taking care of the external aggression but are also at the forefront in coping with disasters and internal rescue challenges,". PM Kakar said, adding that this has further reinforced our fate on them.
Separately, in a meeting with the prominent entrepreneurs in Karachi, PM Kakar assured to try to address the problems of business community including those relating to power and gas.
Heacknowledged the contributions of the businessmen saying they are the engine of economy and agents of economic sustenance.
The premier said given our limited mandate with regards to assisting the electoral process, we will try to do whatever is possible to facilitate the business community.
PM Kakar asked the entrepreneurs to give practical suggestions for the revival of the economy.
He said a mechanism will be designed after consultations with the entrepreneurs for the feasible actions that the caretaker government can undertake in its brief period.
"If possible, we will also leave a blue print for the incoming government,". PM Kakar said, adding that the caretaker government's aim is to move towards a smooth transition.
"It is through collective efforts we can embark upon the journey of transforming and improving the country's economy," he said.
PM Kakar expressed the confidence to transform and bring positive change together.
"The government's responsibility is to facilitate the business community and then collect taxes from them so that these could be spent for the uplift of deprived segments of the society," he said.
The premier also asked the business community to embrace best business practices for better branding of Pakistan in the outside world.
Recognising the fact that industrialisation is not possible without ensuring supply of consistent cheap energy, PM Kakar said Pakistan is blessed with immense natural resources and there is no need for despondency.
