Pak leaders hail passage of 'historic' constitutional amendment bill in National Assembly

Islamabad, Apr.9 (ANI): Pakistan's political leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif have hailed the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment bill in the National Assembly.

In his message, Zardari said the approval of the bill showed the 'wisdom' and commitment of all towards democracy.

"The approval of the 18th Amendment bill is a vindication of the struggle for democracy, and I hope that the Senate would also pass the bill very soon," The News quoted Zardari, as saying.

Former Prime Minister and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, while supporting the bill which would see some of the key powers of Zardari being clipped, said the responsibilities of the government would increase manifold towards the masses after 18th amendment is approved.

Sharif said the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led government should immediately focus on addressing public grievances and resolving basic problems, such as price hike, unemployment, poverty, energy crisis and others.

Describing the passage of the bill as a 'historic' moment in country's politics, Informatuion Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said : "The president himself requested for amendments to the constitution and now spirit of the 1973 Constitution has been restored and the pledge of Benazir Bhutto has been fulfilled."

"President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have adopted the policy of reconciliation and consensus according to the vision of Benazir Bhutto," The News quoted Kaira, as saying.

Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) chairperson Farzana Raja described the passage of the bill as a 'victory of democratic forces,' and pointed out that the government would now be able to take on extremists with more intent.

"After this great achievement of the restoration of the 1973 Constitution to its original form, the government would be able to focus fully on war against terrorism, and economic and power issues," she said. (ANI)