PPP serious in resolving Judicial crisis; Gilani

ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan Peoples Party was serious to resolve the Judicial crisis as it believes in strengthening all institutions of the country. “People have given us the mandate for restoration of democracy, for supremacy of Parliament. We have to strengthen all institutions of the country, including judiciary and we are committed to restore the judges,” Prime Minister Gilani said while addressing columnists and editors from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad here at the PM House.
“This is our commitment with the nation,” Gilani said.
The Prime Minister dispelled the impression that the Pakistan Peoples Party was not serious about resolving the judicial crisis.
“We are far ahead of everybody. We are serious and Inshallah that would be resolved by Pakistan Peoples Party.”
Prime Minister Gilani said even before the general election his party had been advocating for the independence of judiciary and always stressed for supremacy of the parliament and not to make it a mere rubber stamp.
“We accord highest respect to the judges and it is our priority to do a lot for them,” he said.
Gilani recalled that soon after becoming the leader of the house, he announced release of the detained judges.
Prime Minister Gilani said the resolution of the issue had delayed as the legal experts believed in different modus operandi. “As soon as they agree the matter will come to me. Rest assured and do not have any doubt on my sincerity,” Gilani said.
When asked about the balance of power between different institutions he said, “we already have the powers, but if we need more, we have to follow the constitution.”
He said the government already has the full powers.
“If the nation, the parliament, the cabinet feel that there should be a balance of powers, it will be done in consultation with the coalition partners and the people of Pakistan,” he said.
“There should be no doubt that the powers are with the Prime Minister. These are with the Prime Minister,” he emphasized.
When asked about the period spent in jail he said, “for the national interest I am not bitter at all about it.”
Gilani said he did not want to pursue the bitter politics of immaturity of the past and mentioned the Charter of Democracy inked by late Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif. He said the parties had also sought forgiveness from the people of Pakistan for their past mistakes.
When asked whether he sought any change in the existing “system”, Gilani said he will do whatever the constitution permitted him to do.
He said even the opposition was willing to take the country out of the turmoil it was currently experiencing.
He said people attach high hopes with the new government and have given mandate to the major political parties.
“We are bound to honour this mandate,” Gilani said and warned that “neither party can afford to show any immaturity as the people have high hopes from PML-N and PPP.”
The Prime Minister however pointed out that certain forces never wanted the two major parties to unite.
“Despite the differences between the two parties, the efforts to create a wedge between the PPP and PML-N by vested interests will foil,” he added.
He said now the responsibility of maintaining the coalition was with its leadership. “They should lead rather than being led. Leaders should act wisely,” he said.
About indemnifying the actions taken on Nov 3, he said, “I will follow what the parliament tells me to do. Parliament is supreme. It is the responsibility of each and every member to act wisely.”
Asked whether his party would be seeking resignation of the President, he said his party has always spoken about the supremacy of the parliament, of democracy and will do everything in a democratic way.
The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by Minister for Information Sherry Rehman and Information Secretary Akram Shaheedi, spoke at length about the food crisis the country was experiencing. He said he was not blaming the government of the past and was willing to take full responsibility.
“The people rejected those whose policies failed despite their claims of good governance.”
He said since the people have reposed confidence in his government, he would take responsibility and address the issue.
He said in his meetings with the world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Egypt te issue of food shortage was raised. He said the international fuel prices have experienced a sharp increase, and the countries are trying to get out of this shock.
The Prime Minister said the country was also responsible for the around three million Afghan refugees, while a large quantity of wheat was being smuggled into Central Asian Republics and Afghanistan.
About his talks with President George W Bush he said they discussed bilateral matters covering defence, economy, science and technology, health, education, military assistance, energy and food security.
He said the President assured cooperation and support to Pakistan.
About country’s foreign policy he said it will be based on dignity, self respect and national interest. He also dispelled impression that Pakistan was fighting some other country’s war against terrorism.
“It is the responsibility of the government to protect the life and property of the people.”