Reiterating his pledge of smooth transition of power, President Asif Ali Zardari has said the country is about to experience a historical moment when after a full term of one democratic regime, power would be transferred to another elected government.

Addressing a gathering at Koobay Chak-Bajwat near Sialkot here Sunday afternoon, he recalled that earlier governments remained under threat by undemocratic elements and were removed from power prematurely, which adversely affected the development of the country.

The president said despite immense difficulties faced by the current democratic dispensation “we have succeeded in planting the sapling of democracy which has strengthened its roots during the last five years” with the active cooperation of allies and trust of the people.

Zardari reiterated his assurance that the 2013 general elections would be held on time and hoped that the next government, whosoever it be, would not have to face the same difficulties as were faced by the PPP-led government and it would be able to focus on the development and prosperity of the country.

He appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the citizens of Sialkot for the defence of country. The city is not only known for its sports industry, but also for its sacrifices in the defence of country, he added. He also said loyal workers were the asset of the PPP, which was striving for betterment of the masses.

Zardari said the PPP adopted successful policies of political reconciliation and performed well which enabled it to successfully complete its constitutional tenure despite all the negative propaganda of the political opponents. He said that the PPP always promoted democratic norms and values in the country.

Earlier, the president inaugurated projects of Safe Mother Home and Old Age Home at a special ceremony here Sunday. The ceremony was attended by Minister for National Services and Regulations Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Evacuee Trust Board Chairman Syed Asif Hashmi, Raja Riaz and notables of the area.

Explaining the salient features of the projects, Dr Firdous and Syed Asif Hashmi said the Old Age Home, with an initial facility to house 50 homeless old women, was built at the cost of Rs20 million on public-private partnership basis.

Zardari also visited LaddaWala area of Gujranwala on Sunday. Sources said that prime purpose of his visit was to redress the grievances of senior PPP leader Imtiaz Safdar Warraich, who is has been unhappy with the party leadership for past some time. During the meeting, Warraich was assured of redress of his grievances and he was in turn assigned the duty to remove the grievances of other party workers.

Zardari also said that Pak-Iran pipeline and Gawadar port project are major achievements of the PPP government which would help strengthen the economy.