Prime Minister’s address to the Nation

In his first address to the nation since taking office as Prime Minister, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has reiterated that foreign troops will not be allowed to operate within Pakistan's borders.

He also pledged that his government would steer the country out of the numerous domestic and international challenges facing it.

His speech was full of details of how the PPP is going to take on the numerous problems plaguing the country, including inflation, terrorism and the electricity crisis. Detailing his economic battle plan, the PM announced loans worth 30 billion rupees for farmers, and a substantial increase in subsidies for the agricultural sector.

He also promised to halve load shedding by next year, with the help of short-term power-generation plans. On the security situation within the country, the PM said Pakistan was itself a victim of the terrorism, but promised that foreign troops will not be allowed to operate within its borders.

The Prime Minister said under Benazir Income Support Programme, targeted support of Rs 1,000 each will be provided to the poor families to help them overcome poverty and inflation. He said initially, 3.4 million families would benefit from the scheme, which would be expanded later. For this scheme, he added, special Benazir Cards will be issued and the scheme will be formally launched on August 14.

The pressure is now on the government to back up its talk with results. Your comments are welcome – let us know your opinion about Prime Minister’s address.