MULTAN: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Sunday that lawyers played very important role against a dictator and in restoration of democracy in the country.

Talking to a delegation of the Multan District Bar Association, led by President Arbab Ahmed Syed, Yusuf Raza Gilani said that the 18th and 19th amendments to the Constitution had clearly defined the role of every institution and minimised any chance of a clash among institutions. "Now, is the time to further strengthen institutions, “he added.

The prime minister said the government had opened doors of dialogue with other political parties to find solutions to national issues. He added the coalition government was formed to resolve public problems jointly.

He termed terrorism the biggest challenge confronting the country and said it was damaging the national economy and hampering foreign investment. He said some elements were distorting the soft image of Islam and the country.

He said it was unfortunate that corruption allegations were levelled against only democratically elected governments. "Do not weaken the system by levelling baseless allegations," he asked critics of the government.

He, however, added that corruption could be eliminated by strengthening institutions. Gilani said that PAC, NAB and other institutions were working independently in the country. "It is the first government in the country's history that ministers are appearing before FIA," he added.

He urged the lawyers to play their due role in dispensation of justice to the common man. He said societies which established a proper legal system for dispensation of justice had great prospects to flourish and prosper. Gilani said lawyers could serve as a bridge between the people and judiciary and help improve legal procedures and the system to facilitate the common man.

The prime minister also assured the delegation that the government would resolve their problems at the earliest.