Gilani says Pakistan facing 'serious' problems

The problems confronting Pakistan are 'serious' and the new coalition government will have to deliver by forging solutions in order to live up to the expectations of the people, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday.
"The problems before the country are serious," Gillani told a ceremony here to mark the launch of a documentary of Pakistan People's Party founder and former premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. "We assure the nation and the party that we are not in the government for perks and privileges. We have come to deliver and we will deliver."
Gilani pointed out that there was a 'split mandate' and this had resulted in the formation of a coalition government by the PPP, PML-N and other parties. "We will have to take along all the political forces," he added.
He said the constitution of 1973 framed under the guidance of Zulfiqar Bhutto remained a vital document for the country's polity. "If we want to strengthen and develop the country, we have to follow the constitution of Pakistan," he added. Gilani called on the media to play the role of the opposition. "It should correct us if we make mistakes. We want media to be free and there should be constructive criticism," he said.
Dismissing allegations that the PPP is not a 'democratic party', Gillani said he had been made the Prime Minister even the PPP had emerged the largest party and a member of the Bhutto family could have become premier.
"The PPP and the Bhuttos are the symbols of federation. We have to strengthen the federation and work for Pakistan. The documentary on Zulfiqar Bhutto, commissioned by Benazir Bhutto, was launched to mark the beginning of a weeklong observance of the death anniversary of the PPP's founder.
The film, directed by media personality Javed Malik, features personalities who worked with Zulfiqar Bhutto and his contemporaries, including Hafeez Pirzada, Mustafa Khar and others. It also features his family members, including his slain daughter Benazir, and judges, lawyers, army generals and those who arrested and imprisoned ZAB.