Major political parties including the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), PML-Q and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) expressed disappointment on the first televised address of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani to the nation. PML-N spokesman Siddiqul Farooq said the prime minister did not give any specific date for the restoration of the deposed judges nor did he mention the plan to oust President Pervez Musharraf. “The speech was overall good but we are a bit disappointed why the main issues were ignored.” Gilani appealed to the investors for investment but the investments don't come through appeals, he said. “We have to resolve issues first and make room for investors' attraction.” PML-Q information secretary Tariq Azeem said that the speech proved the inefficiency of the government. “It looked as if we were watching a drama on television. The prime minister was first speaking directly and then after a break, he was reading his speech. We always thought the speech had ended at the break. It was a joke.” The PML-Q was seriously disappointed with the address, Azeem said, adding it was just a repeat of the budget speech. He said that the prime minister thanked all parties for supporting him in his election for the top slot but did not mention the name of the PML-Q. “This is something strange. This was the first time in our history that opposition voted for house leader. Gilani must have thanked us too.” PML-Q secretary general Syed Mushahid Hussain said that the speech was like a PPP ‘jiyala' (diehard worker) prime minister not the premier of Pakistan. “He must have amused PPP activists but did not say anything new. The speech started three hours late. I thought the text from Asif Ali Zardari was not received on time.” He said that the government has failed to control terrorism or announced anything for the general public. “Gilani just repeated what he has been saying at public rallies. The opposition would not start any movement against the government because it wants to give time to the ruling party to fulfill the promises it made with the masses during the elections.” MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi said that the government has so many issues and challenges to face. The prime minister has vowed to bring about prosperity but practical steps need to be taken, he said. __
