Govt’s motto to serve people, not to enjoy power perks: Gilani

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday said his government’s motto was to serve the people rather than enjoying perks and privileges of power. “We assure that we are here to deliver and serve the people... and if we don’t, then there is no question of being in power,” the Prime Minister said in his first public appearance at the launching of documentary film on Pakistan Peoples Party’s leader Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at National Library.
The Prime Minister said his government would follow the principles of PPP that focussed on the rule of people.
“We are taking forward the vision of our leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto who worked for providing strength to the common man,” he said.
Gilani said PPP believed in strengthening of federation and supremacy of 1973 Constitution.
“The two things that kept the country united after Dhaka Fall was PPP and the 1973 Constitution.”
He said his nomination and election as prime minister from Punjab was another example of PPP’s strong belief in making the federation strong by keeping all provinces at par.
Gilani recalled Benazir Bhutto’s last conversation with him few hours prior to her death who urged the need for bringing change in the system and making the Constitution as supreme law.
Prime Minister Gilani said his government was the result of people’s confidence reposed in it, adding that public mandate should be respected.
As protest against disregarding the people’s mandate, he referred to the petition filed in court by Moulvi Tameezudin against the dissolution of National Assembly and another petition by himself when the goverment of Benazir Bhutto was dissolved.
Gilani mentioned his government’s already announced 100-day plan and said the cabinet would review the situation of relevant departments and present report before the nation in a week.
He sought the support of people, all political parties and the world to help them resolve state issues.
“We will have to take evryone along to achieve the targets,” the Prime Minister said.
He also mentioned the sacrifices of PPP workers who suffered a great deal in social and economic terms, but never compromised on principles.
Gilani said media should play the role of “opposition” by pointing out government’s shortcomings through positive criticism.
About the launching of film on Bhutto, the Prime Minister termed the moment a historic event which would be kept as a record of history for the future generations.
Federal Minister for Water and Power Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a great leader who acquainted Pakistani nation with democracy.
He said Bhutto rejected the politics of feudalism and brought it to the doorsteps of common man.
Former minister Aftab Shaban Mirani said Bhutto emerged a leader of masses and changed the landscape of politics in Pakistan.
Javed Malik, maker of the documentary and renowned mediaperson said two years back, Benazir Bhutto asked him to make the film as it was the wish of her late brothers.
He said the film was completed in Benazir’s life, who had watched and appreciated the documentary, but postponed its launching till Bhutto’s death anniversary on April 4.