PPP has long history of struggle for democracy: Gilani

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

LAHORE : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Saturday that the Pakistan Peoples Party had a long history of struggle and sacrifice for the cause of democracy in the country. Talking to media persons at the State Guest House here, the Prime Minister said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto waged a long hard struggle for democracy in the country, which was unmatched in the world.
He said that the credit for introducing the 1973 Constitution goes to late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a constitution which is practicable, effective and enjoys wide acceptability.
“The constitution introduced the bicameral system of parliament under which the Senate was constituted with the aim to safeguard the interests of the smaller provinces,” he said, adding that any constitutional amendment requires two-third joint majority of the parliament.
Responding to a query about restoration of judiciary, Prime Minister Gilani said an amicable solution for the revival of the judiciary is highly desirable and it is one of the top priorities of the PPP.
“We are committed to the revival of judiciary but we won’t take any step which is unconstitutional or illegal, or which may trigger a clash of institutions,” he observed.
Gilani emphatically stated that the PPP wants to resolve the issue in a manner that reflects high political maturity.
Regarding difference of opinion on the issue with its main coalition partner PML-N, he said that both parties had the same objective, and differed only on the “modalities” for restoration of the judiciary.
He reiterated that PPP wants to prevent any clash of interests among the top institutions of the country.
Responding to a question about the coalition prospects, he said PML-N chief Mian Nawaz Sharif has also struggled and sacrificed for the cause of democracy and is sincerely committed to pulling the country out of the multiple crises confronting the nation.
Prime Minister Gilani said the government’s main objectives are supremacy of the parliament, revival of the Constitution, restoration of judiciary, solution of unemployment problem and energy crisis, improvement of law and order and strengthening of economy.
The Prime Minister said that the government had been formed with coalition of parties who had won the public mandate and together “we will address the serious crises faced by the country.”
He said his government desires good relations with all neighbouring countries and seeks robust trade and cultural relations with India, while resolution of the Kashmir issue remains a high priority.