Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has dispelled the impression that People's Party government was on a collision course with any of the state institutions including the Judiciary. Presiding over a Cabinet meeting here on Monday, the Prime Minster said that his government was committed to the ideas of democracy and constitutionalism and believed in sovereignty of the Parliament and independence of Judiciary.
He said that the government was functioning within the domain defined by the Constitution and fully respected the decisions of superior judiciary. He regretted that an atmosphere of uncertainty was being created by certain quarters about the possibility of confrontation between state's institutions.
Prime Minister claimed that PPP in its 40 years of struggle always stood for protection of state's institutions and would not in any way entangle and make intrusion in the ambit of any other institution of the state. Speaking about the Punjab, the Prime Minister said that despite PPP's serious reservations on issues of governance there, his government tried to maintain a working relationship with the PML(N),
But, he regretted, this did not go through and "we had to part ways". History will bear testimony to the fact that PPP always stood for principles of fair play and did not compromise on issues of national importance even at the cost of lives of its leaders, Prime Minister said.
"We introduced politics of tolerance, magnanimity and democratic norms. We have been in opposition before and are not scared to sit on opposition benches again. However, let me emphatically declare that the PPP will not be part of any conspiracy which aims at derailing the system and will never buy loyalties of opposition members through horse trading," he concluded.
According to the text of his opening statement made available to the media, the Prime Minister said: "At the very out set, I would refer to the massive earthquake followed by Tsunami in Japan in which more than 10,000 people have been reported dead, thousands injured and rendered homeless. Numerous private and government properties have been damaged and washed away. We are aware of the fact that Japan is a very generous friendly country and one of the main donors which has funded extensively in economic and social development projects of Pakistan.
It provided around US $20 million for relief & rescue operation last year when Pakistan was confronted with similar natural catastrophe. " In the wake of this tragedy, the government as well as the people of Pakistan share grief, agony and sorrows faced by the government and peoples of Japan. We are assessing the situation and will provide any assistance that is possible within our means. " An atmosphere of uncertainty is being created by certain quarters about the possibility of confrontation between state institutions. Let me say that our government is committed to the ideals of democracy and constitutionalism and believes in sovereignty of the parliament and independence of judiciary. The government is functioning within the domain defined by the Constitution and fully respects decisions of the superior judiciary, a fact substantiated by no less than the person of the Chief Justice of Pakistan in his remarks made during the hearing of a case where the Government was a party.
"This Cabinet unanimously dispels the impression that our Government is in any mood of confrontation with any state institution. Pakistan " Peoples Party in its 40 years of struggle has stood for protection of state institutions and will not in any way entangle and make intrusion in the ambit of any other state institution.
"As you know two weeks ago, the nation was horrified and shocked to hear the tragic news of the broad day light murder of one of our Cabinet colleagues, Mr Shahbaz Bhatti. This brutal act of terror has not only tarnished the soft image of Pakistan but has seriously dented our agenda of creating interfaith harmony. Let me stress, it has been a national loss.
"Investigation of the case will look into all aspects including the security lapses and those held responsible will not go unpunished. Since this is the second targeted murder of a high profile colleague, therefore, I expect the Interior Minister to identify loopholes in the security arrangements and suggest corrective measures. Lapses should not be ignored & those held responsible for any slackness on their part will be taken to task. " Former federal minister and MNA Chaudhry Khalid Javed Ghurki, husband of one of our colleagues Ms Samina Khalid Ghurki also passed away. May Allah grant him forgiveness and an eternal abode in Jannat-ul-Firdous.
"I would also bring it to the notice of my colleagues that Mr Marc Grossman, US Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan called on me and the issues of mutual interest were discussed. He was reminded that long term Pak-US relations cannot be adversely affected by isolated acts of individuals and the two countries should remain focused on eliminating the bane of extremism from this region. " Coming back to the agenda, we have before us a number of agreements and MoUs with our friendly countries. I have always taken my colleagues in confidence about various initiatives in governance and schemes of public welfare. These include co-operation in technical, educational, economic trade, defence and other disciplines with international agencies & foreign governments.
"During the last three years numerous MoUs and agreements have been signed but the ministries have been sending routine responses which do not reflect the true spirit behind signing of these agreements. " I feel that had these agreements been properly executed our economy, social sector as a whole and physical infrastructure would have significantly improved the enabling environment required for development in all spheres of life."
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