Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani dispelled the impression of any threat to democracy in Pakistan, saying that there could be difference of opinion over interpretation of the Constitution and law, but there was no threat to democracy.
"There can be wrong decisions but it doesn't mean these small issues pose threat to democracy, to the country, or the institutions", he said while talking to media after his visit to SOS Village, Rawalpindi on Sunday.
The Prime Minister said: "We have sacrificed, and have faced jails and torture for democracy and independent judiciary; how can we confront with the judiciary and derail the democracy?"
He rejected the rumours of any confrontation, or threat to country, or institutions, saying that "all institutions of the country are strong and are working within their ambit and limits". The Prime Minister said the matter of appointment of judges was not decided by an individual, as the summary was forwarded to him. "It was not a move against the judiciary, or to create confrontation between institutions", he added.
"Judges' appointment issue is not Kashmir dispute, and the government will settle this issue," Gilani said, adding that the matter was sub judice and it is the Supreme Court that would decide on the judges' appointments. "Pakistan People's Party and its government is not against the judiciary, as we waged the movements in its favour", he said.
If some one says that the President and the Prime Minister can become ineligible for their decision on the appointment of the judges then it is the work of the judiciary and the judges and let the judiciary decide about the issue, Gilani opined. He said that decisions sometimes hit the mark, and sometimes they would go wrong.
He said that the people may have different opinions in connection with the law and the Constitution. "According to some experts, our decision is all right. The summary on the judges' appointment was sent to the Supreme Court; however, the apex court did not change its standpoint", he added.
Regarding the meeting with Nawaz Sharif, he said that a host of issues were discussed and given thought in the meeting. But, the issue related to judges' appointment did not come under discussion during the meeting.
Talking on nullified National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Gilani said that NRO had been sent to Parliament by the judiciary. If the parliament did not agree to vote on NRO, it was returned to the court for the final decision on its fate.
Gilani said that regarding extension to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani, the government will not hold back its decision. Commenting on upcoming Indo-Pak parleys, he said that the government wants meaningful and result-oriented dialogue with India on all outstanding issues. "We are fully capable to cope with the internal and external challenges", he added.
"We are quite sure that we will be successful in resolving the outstanding issues with India, if Indian leadership came forward with an open heart and with positive mind", he said, adding that the core issues like Kashmir dispute and water issue would be discussed in the Secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan.
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