PM Gilani for new, balanced relationship between civil, military institutions

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday stressed the need for a new and balanced relationship between the civil and military institutions of the state.“The modern world of today calls for a new and balanced relationship between the civil and military institutions of the state. A relationship based on mutual respect and dignity,” the Prime Minister stated at a dinner hosted by him in honour of the participants of the 61th Formation Commanders Conference here at the PM House.
President Pervez Musharraf, Chairman Joint Chiefs of the Staff Committee, Services Chiefs, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, a number of Federal Ministers of the ruling alliance and senior officials attended the dinner.
The Prime Minister called for joint effort to achieve the objectives of peace and prosperity in the country. “Let us march together, hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder towards peace, prosperity, and equality within the fold of democracy”, he stressed.
The Prime Minister also expressed the hope that the country will be able to formulate a new social contract despite all odds and constraints.
“Nothing is insurmountable when support of the hundred and sixty million people is behind us. Let’s turn the tide before it wipes us from the surface of history”, he added.
The Prime Minister said the basic objective of the 1973 Constitution, unanimously accepted by all the public representatives, the Judiciary, the Armed Forces and now the Media is the service of the people of Pakistan.
“The ultimate need of time is a coordinated and well thought out joint action plan. Such a plan has not been so strong in the past. We cannot afford to waste time to argue about the reasons for colossal mistakes of the past because not much is left with us.”
The Prime Minister said there was a need to join hands to provide a decent life, a peaceful society and friendly administrative system for the people “who have again provided us with a chance to prove our intentions and the claims we so loudly make.”
The Prime Minister called for moving towards freedom from ignorance, bigotry, disease, and poverty, and “let us build together a democratic republic based on rule of law, justice and fair play, to all the citizens across the board.”
“It is imperative upon us to give up our individual and organizational interests to provide a secure and harmonious country to the future generations where democratic and civil rights of the citizens which conform to the internationally recognized principles,” he added.

Prime Minister Gilani said for most of the people in the present government, and specially for him personally, it has really been an arduous path for the democracy to have reached here.
“A journey painted with sweat and blood; with toils and labours; and with pain and anguish. Yet the journey was worth taking. And the long walk to freedom seems finally to be over”, he remarked.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all those stakeholders of the state who facilitated this process of democratic transition, especially the armed forces of Pakistan for their judicious and prudent approach to the unfolding political realities.
“Unlike other armies of the world, Pakistan Army carries a unique and delicate responsibility. It has to defend the ideological boundaries along with the geographical boundaries of this country”, he added.
The Prime Minister said the nation has welcomed the recent remarks by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and his call regarding the strict adherence to the oath taken under the constitution, in discharging their duty.
“Adherence to the structural command by concentrating strictly on the professional matters alone; has also greatly enhanced the respect of the forces in the eyes of the people at large”, he added.
The Prime Minister also appreciated the COAS decision to withdraw the military personnel serving in the civil and corporate sector.
The Prime Minister recalled the saying of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah during his address at 5th and 6th Ack Ack Regiments in Malir on February 21, 1948 where he stated: “You have fought many a battle on the far-flung battle-fields of the globe to rid the world of the Fascist menace and make it safe for democracy. Now you have to stand guard over the development and maintenance of Islamic democracy, Islamic social justice and the equality of manhood in your own native soil”.
The Prime Minister lauded the professional capabilities of the commanders Pakistan Army and said, “It is the organization, experience and the self confidence of commanders such as you which makes an army superior. And I do believe that you excel in freedom of spirit and in taking decisions.”
“Any self respecting nation will take pride in a strong defence force”, he said and assured that the present government will continue to support, and provide the best for army, with arms, equipment and finances.
“It will help advance your defence capability to guard our frontiers and never to covet any aggressive design”, the Prime Minister added.