Judges’ issue after consensus, long march part of democracy: PM

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday said judges’ issue will be resolved in consensus with coalition partners on legal matters, and termed the call by lawyers for a long march as part of democratic norms. In an interview with a private television channel, Prime Minister dispelled impression that his government was not clear on the issue of judges’ reinstatement.
“Our intention is very clear on the issue, however we are cautious not to get into another crisis in an attempt to resolve the present one,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the issue would be resolved after all concerned parties develop a consensus on modalities and legalities of the issue.
“I am two hundred percent sure that the issue will be resolved by us,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the call for long march given by lawyers fraternity was part of democratic norms, and recalled similar movements launched by his party when in opposition to press for their demands.
“Long marches are part of democracy,” he said and added that Pakistan People’s Party had great contribution to the lawyers’ movement, as majority of lawyers actively supporting the issue belonged to PPP.
Gilani did not agree with the notion that coalition with PML(N) did not work out, and said parting ways by Mian Nawaz Sharif was not due to his annoyance with the government, but because of the commitment made to the nation.
“Their commitment was on timings, ours to resolve the issue,” he said.
“I can tell you one thing that Mian Sahib will not leave us. We are not fielding candidates against each other, even the PML(N) is not fielding its candidate against my son,” Gilani said.
The Prime Minister admitted that his government could not resolve the issue of judges within the deadline and said politics should involve flexibility.
Asked whether the parliament or the street power will determine President’s future, Gilani said, “May be we do not go for either of the two options,” and added the parliament was supreme and could take a decision.
He said many forces including bar associations, ex-armymen and civil society were playing their role as pressure groups on the issue.
He said people had given their decision through polls by electing moderate forces “for the change of system rather than change of persons”.
On relationship with President, Gilani said he had to keep on working within a system to run day-to-day state affairs, rather it was a “tight-roped” situation.
“People come and go. President will go, I will go. But the system has to be there. We want to maintain a balance of power between parliament and the presidency,” he said.
He said the government was working with coalition partners to bring changes in country’s system and strengthening institutions like parliament, judiciary and Election Commission for their smooth functioning.
The Prime Minister said the government would not compromise on the country’s sovereignty.
“On sovereignty, dignity, honour and self-respect, we will never compromise,” he said when asked about involvement of United States in country’s affairs.
Gilani said in his meeting with President George Bush he condemned in strong words the military strike by coalition forces in Damadola, and stressed increased intelligence sharing between Pakistan and the United States.
“I told President Bush to identify those who disturb our peace, and we will take action ourselves,” he said.
On government’s strategy against terrorism, the Prime Minister said his government believed that phenomenon of terrorism could not be rooted out through force only.
He referred to the government’s three-pronged policy based on socio-economic development, economic and job opportunities for the uplift of tribal people, so as to check their involvement in terror activities.
On future of peace accord with tribal clans, the Prime Minister said the pact was signed at provincial level, however the federal government did not enter into any such agreement.
On government’s stance over the Kashmir issue Prime Minister Gilani said Pakistan desires resolution of the core issue, otherwise misunderstandings will continue to hamper ties between the two countries.
“I hope there will be more confidence building between the two countries with a new civilian government in place.”
He said Pakistan desires good relations with all its neighbours, and in particular with India. He pointed that the Confidence Building Measures and the recent round of secretary-level talks were part of this exercise.
Questioned about the scrapping of Kalabagh dam project, Gilani said for the past 60 years the nation was made a fool and no government in the past carried it out.
“We have always stood by the stance that we cannot move forward on Kalabagh dam unless there is consensus,” Gilani said.
He said the present government has not been able to develop consensus on the controversial project but said it may develop at a later stage.
Prime Minister Gilani said the shortage of water was a serious issue and may even lead to future wars and was working on a comprehensive plan to build more dams besides seeking alternative sources for energy. He said the government will soon announce a new energy policy.
About the escalating prices of food, Prime Minister Gilani said the phenomenon was not confined to Pakistan, but was of global nature, with rising oil prices an important factor.
He said Pakistan has the advantage of being an agricultural country and the government will be promoting this sector in a big way to ensure there was no shortage of food in future.
Gilani was critical of previous governments for not increasing price of fuel and passing the heavy burden onto the new government.
“However we have accepted the challenge as the people have reposed confidence in us and we will face these,” he added.
About the 100-day program, he said there were several political issues, but sounded optimist that the government would achieve the targets.
Gilani endorsed the measures taken by the State Bank of Pakistan and said these were aimed at controlling the inflation.
Mentioning the volatility in stock market, the Prime Minister said “let me assure you Pakistan is in safe hands and will put the economy on the right track.”
Gilani also dispelled apprehension that the country will again seek IMF’s assistance and said it will be able to resolve issues on its own.